The Chauffeur Read online

  “Emily. She called to thank me for recommending her to your mother. She starts tomorrow.” I inhale deeply to capture his scent.

  “What are you doing?” he chuckles.

  “Smelling you.”

  He smells so damned good.

  My eyes boldly roam over his body, resting on his lips and I feel the tingling in the pit of my stomach. He projects an energy and power that is undeniable. Surely he can hear my heartbeat.

  “April …” he murmurs, pushing himself away from the door, taking a step toward me.

  “Hmm?” I reply, licking my lips in anticipation.

  “You’re making this very difficult,” he says, taking another step, his eyes dark and hooded.

  “Hmm,” I reply, getting up from my chair.

  I move toward him, my gaze meeting his. The attraction between us is undeniable … palpable.

  “April,” he says again, in a threatening tone.

  “Jason,” I whisper my answer in return.

  “I’m going to kiss you now.”

  I nod and sigh at feeling his warm palms cup my face. Our eyes focus on each other as his mouth slowly covers mine. It’s just a sweet, gentle kiss, really—his lips barely touching mine. It’s surprisingly tender. He makes me want more, though. When he pulls away, my eyes flutter open only to see his searching mine—his eyes tell me everything I need to know. When his lips recapture mine, and when my tongue barely touches his, he crushes me to him, and all logic leaves my muddled mind.

  I take a step back needing both of us to calm down. “Jason, we can’t do that here again. We got caught once, and I need to keep things on a professional level while at the office, all right?” I plead with him as I begin to gain control over my breathing.

  “Yes. I agree.” He stuffs his hands deep inside his pockets. “I’m sorry. I won’t put you in that position again. I just came to see if you wanted to have lunch with me because I’ll be in meetings the rest of the day.”

  “I’d like that, but let me double check your parents’ schedules first to make sure I’m not needed.” I could use the rest of the day to work on my grant application.

  “Okay, do you want to go out, or stay here in the dining room?” he asks, taking my hand in his, circling his thumb over my knuckles.

  “How about the dining room? That way, we won’t have to rush back to make your meeting on time,” I suggest, squeezing his hand in mine.

  “Sounds good. I’ll meet you here at twelve-thirty?”

  “All right,” I say before he kisses my forehead, pulling me closer to him.

  “I’ll see you then.”

  “Oh, April?” he says over his shoulder before he leaves. “So that you know, my office has a lock on the door.”

  It doesn’t take a genius to understand what he means by that.

  I burst out in a giggle when he leaves, and I feel a light blush reach my cheeks. When I walk him out of my office, Sue’s at her desk, typing away on her laptop.

  “Hey, Sue,” I say, interrupting her.

  “Hey, April. I, um, heard about Robin.”

  “Yeah, that whole thing was humiliating. A friend of mine will be taking over her position with Mrs. Rowe tomorrow. Her name is Emily Hanson. I know you’ll like her. You can’t help but like her, really,” I ramble. “Anyway, the reason I stopped by is that I’m having a small pool party on Saturday. Kyle and Nicole with be there along with Emily and her brother, Adam. It’s just a small gathering, but I think it will be fun. Jason will be there too, so you’ll know almost everyone anyway, will you come?”

  “I’d love to.” Her eyes shine large and bright. “Thanks for inviting me. Let me bring a dessert, all right?”

  “Perfect. You know where I live. About eleven o’clock?”

  “I’ll be there. Thanks, April.” She sounds excited, so I think she doesn’t get many invitations. Then I remember Roger and make my way down to his desk.

  “Hello, April. Don’t say a word, girl, I heard it all. Ding dong, that bitch is dead! Thank goodness and all that’s holy,” he says, crossing himself. I giggle at his antics. “You were the water that was thrown on her, and we heard her melting all the way down the elevator.” I laugh when he gets up from behind his desk and starts slithering his body. “I’m melting.”

  “Roger, you crack me up. Now stop before we get in trouble for gossiping.” I snicker behind my hand, dying to laugh louder, but don’t want to lure Carl out to see what Roger is shrieking about.

  “I’m here to see if you want to come to my place on Saturday for a pool party. Sue will be there too.” His face has the same look as Sue’s, and he already has tears in his eyes.

  “Are you all right, Roger?”

  “Um, you know I’m gay, right? I mean, really gay.” I smile at him, not knowing there were levels of gaydom. It makes me love him even more.

  “Yes, Roger, I know. Do you want to come?” I hope he won’t feel uncomfortable hanging around a group of heterosexuals. “You can bring a plus one if you want.”

  “I’d love to. I’ve never been invited to any of the staff social events in this office.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I mean, Robin always invited everyone except Sue and me.” I almost step up to hug him but resist.

  “Well, consider yourself invited. Who are you bringing?” I ask, making a mental note.

  “Um, he’s my new boyfriend. We’ve only been together for a few weeks, but I think he’ll come. I’ll let you know as soon as I can. Thanks for inviting me. It means a lot,” he says, his lip quivering.

  Good lord, Robin was a rotten co-worker.

  “Okay, see you at the estate at eleven o’clock.” I wave and head back to my office.

  “I’ll bring a salad,” he yells down the hall.

  I think about how many people are coming to the party and determine that maybe Jason’s suggestion about using the bigger pool might be a good idea.

  “Knock, knock …” I lean into Grace’s office.

  “Hello, April. Come in,” she calls out from her desk waving for me to enter. “Come in. Thank you so much for recommending Emily. I can’t go a day without help.” She sounds almost frantic while she shuffles the papers on her desk.

  “Is there something I can assist you with today, Grace? I’m just having lunch with Jason, and then he’ll be tied up the rest of the afternoon and won’t need me after that. I could help you.” Her eyes brighten.

  “Oh, would you? I need some phone calls made, and that’s something Robin did for me.” She collects her pile of papers to hand to me.

  “Sure. I’d love to help, but the reason I stopped by is that the guest list for my little pool party this weekend has grown. I was wondering since your children will be there if it would be all right to use the big pool. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve invited Sue and Roger, as well.”

  Again with the startled look.

  “April, you’re such a kind person. Sue and Roger were always left out of any of the social functions. They’re an important part of our family here. Thank you so much for including them. You’re very welcome to use the pool.”

  “Thank you, Grace. I appreciate it, and I’ll get on these phone calls for you.” I smile at her before I take the pile of papers and head toward Robin’s old desk to use the phone.

  ~.~

  The following day, I get up earlier than usual for my run because there are a few things I need to do before driving the family to the office. I see the lights on and head over hoping to get a glimpse of Jason.

  “Good morning, Rita,” I say, taking a banana and looking around for him. “Is Jason up?”

  “He hasn’t come down yet. Would you like me to let him know you stopped by?” she asks, smiling over her shoulder.

  “Yes, please. See you in a bit,” I say, stuffing a bite of the banana in my mouth. Grabbing a bottle of water, I head outside to stretch, put my ear buds in, set my iPod to my running list, and take off down the drive.

  I think about Ja
son pulling me into that empty office. That was by far the hottest thing I’ve experienced—despite the resulting humiliation. Jason can set my blood on fire like no one else. Last week, the Literary Guild honored me and this week I’m being told I stink of sex. I laugh at the absurdity of it.

  After setting my pace, I get my mindset in the zone and listen to my music. After the last track begins, I drop the buds from my ears and pull my water from my pocket. When I see a car out of my peripheral vision, I jump when it heads right toward me. Hearing the power of the engine increase, I know that they intend to hit me. In shock, I throw myself into the ditch and pain explodes inside my head at the same time I feel warm liquid run through my hair. I try to raise my hand to touch where it hurts and fail. I can’t move. Funny how the mind works at a time like this because the last thing I think of before falling into total blackness is Jason.

  ~.~

  “Baby? Please, baby. Please wake up.” I feel his lips against mine. “April, please,” he cries.

  “J-Ja … Jason.”

  “Oh, thank god!” he sobs at hearing my voice. “Oh, thank fucking god.”

  His forehead touches mine, and his arms tighten around me, rocking me. I feel his tears falling onto my cheeks. Then he runs his hands over me checking for more injuries.

  “What … what’s going on?”

  “Dad, I found her. Bring the SUV. We’re about fifteen hundred feet east of the estate entrance, in the ditch on the left side of the road … no, she’s awake and trying to come around. No, let’s get her inside where it’s safe first, and then we’ll call Sully. There was another calling card left for her. I want you to see it before he gets here, so hurry.” He wipes his eyes on the sleeve of his clean dress shirt.

  “Who’s Sully? What calling card? What happened?” I ask, trying to sit up.

  “No, you don’t, April. Don’t move. You have a nasty bump and cut on your head. You may have a concussion, so just lie still until my dad gets here. Let him look you over, all right? Sully is Dr. Sullivan, our family doctor.”

  “Okay,” I say before car tires squeal against the asphalt.

  “I’m going to lift you and put you in the car, all right, baby?”

  “Yeah.” He wraps my arms around his neck before he stands, taking me with him.

  “Can you hold this against your cut?” I look at it and see his initials on a crisp, white handkerchief. I frown knowing it will be ruined but do what I’m asked anyway.

  “You don’t go out by yourself anymore, do you hear me?” He gently strokes my hair, and it feels nice, especially when he kisses my forehead.

  “Yeah.” My head hurts.

  He carries me through the house into Carl’s office, and everyone—and I mean everyone—gathers around me.

  Rita begins to assess me with the skill of a doctor. What’s even stranger is that everyone gives her room to work.

  “There, on her stomach,” Jason says as my shirt is pulled up. I lift my head and see WHORE, in bold red lipstick, written on my torso.

  It finally hits me. Someone wants to hurt me. I immediately throw my hands over my face and start sobbing.

  “I’m so, so sorry, baby,” Jason says as he holds me close. “I brought all this upon you, and I’m so sorry.”

  When he lays me back down onto the pillow, he jerks away from me. I lower my hands and wipe my face so I can see him clearly. He’s dialing his phone, and he’s angry.

  “You know exactly why I’m calling, Kathryn,” he shouts. “You have gone too far this time.”

  I listen as he paces the floor while Rita takes pictures of my stomach. Carl breaks my interest in Jason when he takes an enormous piece of clear plastic tape and places it over my stomach, rubbing it over the message. He slowly pulls the tape away, lifting the lipstick off my skin. There’s a small amount left, but he removes it with alcohol and a cotton ball. My eyes go back to Jason, who continues to yell.

  “Don’t fucking tell me you didn’t do this, Kathryn. I know it was you. I’ve sat still long enough while you made your threats.” His voice gets louder with each word, “but you have gone too far in hurting her, and I’m fucking done with your games!”

  “You want to play that way? Fine! Game on. You’ve gone too fucking far!” I flinch when he slams his phone down on his father’s desk.

  “Jason,” Garret says, coming into the room. “Sully’s here.”

  That’s the last thing I remember.

  ~.~

  “She has a concussion, and the cut required eight stitches. I can release her if you can assure me someone will be with her twenty-four-seven. No driving, at least for the rest of the week, and then I want to see her again before she gets behind the wheel,” Dr. Sullivan says when he comes into April’s private recovery room.

  “Thanks, Sully,” Carl says.

  “Hey,” I say, barely able to speak.

  “Hey, baby. How do you feel?” Jason is by my side in two steps, rubbing his hand across my forehead.

  “Tired. A headache,” I whisper.

  “I bet you do.”

  “I hate this, Jason,” I say, touching my head where it hurts.

  “I know. I’m so sorry. Kate claims she had nothing to do with this. She said she had nothing to do with anything as far as you are concerned.”

  “What does she want? Does she expect me to quit? To leave town? To leave you?” I feel the panic setting in.

  “Shhh … don’t get yourself upset, baby.” He strokes my cheek with the back of his fingers.

  “I need to call my parents. I haven’t told them about anything. My dad’s a cop, and he’s going to go ballistic.”

  “You can do that when you’re feeling a little better, okay?”

  “When can I leave?” I ask, looking around the room. Everyone is here.

  “Emily!” I call to her, reaching out.

  “Hey, sweetie. You had us so worried.” She cups my hand in both of hers.

  “You’re supposed to start your new job today!”

  “Don’t you worry about that, April,” Grace says, running her hand up my arm. “You just focus on yourself.”

  Emily wipes away her tears. “I wish I knew who is doing this to you.”

  “You and me both,” I say, closing my eyes. “My head hurts … really bad.”

  “We’re taking you home, baby.” Jason sits down next to me.

  “I’ll come and stay with you, April,” Emily suggests.

  “No, I’m going to stay with her until she’s safe to be alone,” Jason says in a tone that brooks no argument.

  “Jason, I think it’s best that Emily—”

  “No, Emily will stay with April at night and Rita will watch her during the day,” Grace instructs, quashing all arguments.

  I can’t help but grin at Jason’s brooding. “It’s for the best, Jason. You can babysit my next injury, how’s that?” I love to hear his contagious chuckle.

  “There won’t be any more injuries.”

  “Promise?”

  “Until all of this is over, you run with me, okay?”

  “Agreed.” That was a close call.

  ~.~

  “Jason, please, put me down. I can walk by myself.” After insisting he carry me up the stairs, I look over his shoulder and see his entire family traipsing up the stairs behind. I smile seeing Emily and Adam among the group. Sam is the only one missing.

  “No way, José. You’re not walking these stairs alone,” he says. “Plus, I like the feel of you in my arms, next to me.” He discreetly kisses me so no one can see.

  “I’m taking April to her room. If you give us just a few minutes, I need to talk to her. Dad?” I look from Jason to Carl, wondering what’s going on.

  When he places me on my bed, Carl comes in and shuts the door behind him.

  “Go ahead,” Jason says to his father.

  “April, I don’t think you should tell anyone about the message on your stomach. I’m keeping that information from the police while I conduct my own i
nvestigation.” How utterly mysterious that sounds.

  “What? Are you a cop or something?”

  “No, not a cop, but I have a little experience in this type of investigation, and Jason’s asked me to look into who might be doing this. I have a few leads, but I need you to help us out by not saying anything to anyone—including your father.”

  His request dumbfounds me. How could they ask such a thing?

  “That’s my father you’re asking me to hide information from, Carl. He’s my family. If something were to happen to me, he’d have a right to know.” Infuriated, I stand up and fall back onto the bed.

  “April, I’m not asking you to keep your injuries from him. You can tell him you fell and hit your head, but what I’m asking you to keep to yourself are the messages. We need to keep that quiet while we look into this.” He takes a seat next to me. “If your father uses his resources to conduct an investigation, everything we’ve accomplished to date will be moot. I’ve tracked information as far as outside the country, and if your father becomes overly curious, then what we have will be useless, can you understand?”

  I consider his request and look at Jason. I can tell he agrees with his father.

  “Yes, I can understand, but if anything else happens to me that’s sinister, I won’t be able to keep it from him. He’s my family, Jason. He’s all I have. You have this big supportive family around you, and I only have my parents. I hope you can understand my side.”

  “Okay, but so that you know, my family’s here for you too. They’re all out there in your living room, ready to support you with anything you need.”

  “I know, and I love them for that. But I don’t like keeping things from my parents. You wouldn’t like it if Jason kept things from you, Carl.” Neither man is moved. “Okay, I won’t say anything about the messages. Did you warn Emily and Adam, as well?”

  “Yes. Come, let’s go out and get you something in your stomach so that you can take your meds,” Jason suggests, helping me up. “I think Rita has brought you some of my favorite chicken soup.”

  As soon as I stand up, my knees give out. Before I hit the floor, Jason catches me, lifting me into his arms.