Читать книгу A Perfect Distraction - Anna Sugden - Страница 12

CHAPTER FOUR

“I DON’T care how much money Adam owed you, I won’t let you cash in on his death.”

Jake’s grip on his cell phone tightened as he pounded his other fist on his thigh. Nick’s plan disgusted him.

“Come on, man,” Adam’s former roommate whined. “Fans pay crazy money on eBay for hockey memorabilia. His stuff is just lying around the apartment in boxes.”

“Give it all to charity, like the Stewarts wanted.”

“That was only a suggestion. Adam’s parents said I could do what I wanted with it.”

“I don’t think an online yard sale was what they had in mind.” Jake pinched the bridge of his nose, trying not to lose what little remained of his temper. “If you don’t want to take the boxes with you to L.A., have them sent to me.”

“So you can keep all the money for yourself.”

“No, damn it. I’ve told you, I don’t want any part of your sick scheme.”

“Your loss. I only offered you a chance to get in on the deal because I felt sorry for you.”

There was no reasoning with the guy. Though Jake hated to resort to threats, he knew it was the only language Nick would understand. “You touch anything in those boxes and I’ll tell the Hawks and the Kings what you’re doing.”

“You wouldn’t dare.” Despite the bravado in Nick’s voice, there was an underlying thread of nervousness. “Besides, they wouldn’t believe you. Not when I tell them you’re having a breakdown because of your guilt over Adam’s death.”

The malicious jab stole Jake’s breath as effectively as if Nick had speared him in the gut with his stick. He rode the pain for a few moments, then used it to fuel his determination. No way he’d let Nick auction off Adam’s memory for a few lousy bucks.

“I’m warning you, if you try to sell even one item, I will personally see to it your career is over. You won’t even be able to ride a bus in the minors.”

Nick’s laugh had a desperate ring. “You don’t have that kind of influence.”

“You’d be surprised how quickly I could spread the word. Guys get mad when they think someone is taking advantage. Do you really want to be the target of their anger?”

Jake’s words hung menacingly in the air.

Nick swore. “Fine. You want his stuff so badly, you come and collect it. You’ve got one week. After that, everything goes in the nearest Dumpster.”

The last thing Jake wanted was to have to deal with Adam’s things. He didn’t need to be reminded that he was a pale shadow of the man his friend had been. He sure as hell didn’t need to be reminded of how he’d let Adam down.

It had been bad enough living in Chicago, surrounded by memories of coming up from the minors together, being drafted together, winning and losing together. Since he’d moved home, he’d finally begun to come to terms with what had happened. Not a day passed that he didn’t remember and regret, but he’d managed some semblance of peace.

Nick’s demand had shattered that fragile peace and ripped open still-raw wounds.

Jake had no choice. He owed Adam that much. “You make damn sure everything is still there—every last sock, button and scrap of paper. Screw with me and you’ll regret it.”

He hung up and jammed his cell into the front pocket of his jeans, then smacked the flat of his hand against his M-Class.

Damn Nick. Jake had never understood why Nick and Adam had been so close. Adam was a good, honest, hardworking guy. Nick took shortcuts, looked for the easy way. This was a new low.

Jake scrubbed his hand over his jaw and tried to calm his anger.

A flutter of pink reminded him Maggie was here. He forced himself to shove the problem to the back of his mind—he didn’t want to spoil the afternoon.

The thought of huddling around Mimi’s computer, the warmth of Maggie’s soft skin so close, was enough to make his pulse pound with frustration of a different kind.

Where would the buttons be today? His groin tightened as he recalled yesterday’s Chinese-style gray dress. The knotted silk buttons had started at the base of her throat and trailed their way across her left breast. Enough!

He turned toward Maggie.

What the hell...?

She stood by the door to the building, staring at him, her hand across her mouth. Her ashen skin made her brown eyes look even darker.

She looked scared.

Confused, he stepped toward her.

He halted abruptly when she pressed herself against the door.

“Maggie?”

Her lips trembled, even as her chin tilted defiantly.

What was her problem? Like a slow-mo replay, he reviewed the past few minutes—his anger, his threats, his actions—then swore silently, as he realized Maggie was scared.

Of him.

She probably believed that clichéd crap about hockey players being violent because they played a physical game. Sure, he’d fought off the ice in the past, but only because some knucklehead had thrown a punch to prove how tough he was. Jake hadn’t fought in anger since he was a kid. And he’d never, ever, hit a woman.

Maggie wouldn’t know that. He had to put her at ease. Slowly, he raised his hands, palm out, to show he meant no harm.

“Are you okay?” He kept his voice calm and low.

She stilled, nodding sharply. Her dark brown eyes never left him.

Perhaps he should explain. “That was a former teammate on the Blackhawks—Nick. He used to share an apartment with Adam. I guess you know I was injured in a car accident?”

She nodded again, watching him warily.

“My friend Adam...it was Adam’s car. He was driving. He lost control and—” he coughed to clear the lump in his throat “—was killed.”

The bald statement left a bitter taste, but Maggie didn’t need to know about Adam’s weird behavior on that drive. His trembling fingers on the gearshift, the sweat beading on his forehead. How he’d veered between moods as wildly as he’d swerved between lanes.

She also didn’t need to know Jake had deliberately ignored the signs Adam was troubled because he’d cared more about getting to the party than finding out what was wrong.

Maggie’s expression softened slightly. The sadness in her eyes hardened his emotions. Jake didn’t want, or deserve, her sympathy.

He stepped closer. Her body remained tense but she didn’t flinch.

“Nick’s been traded to L.A.” He quickly explained the bastard’s demands to Maggie. “With house-hunting and training camp about to start, the timing sucks. But I have to rescue Adam’s stuff.”

Maggie’s shoulders had loosened a little as she’d listened to him. When he was done, she said quietly, “May I make a suggestion?”

Damn, the way she bit her lip like that said she was still nervous about him. “Sure.”

“I could arrange for a packer to go in and collect Adam’s boxes, then have them delivered when you find a house.” Her voice grew stronger. “It’ll save you the trip.”

Adam’s things would be safely out of Nick’s reach and he wouldn’t have to deal with them until he was ready. A huge weight lifted off his shoulders.

He smiled. “You’re a lifesaver. Thanks, Maggie.”

“All part of the service.” She reached in her bag for her ever-present pad. “If you write down the necessary information, I’ll sort it out.”

Jake was returning her pad when Mimi pushed through the door.

“There you are. Come in out of this heat.”

“Be right there.” Maggie slipped the pad into her purse and joined the real-estate agent.

As he followed her to Mimi’s office, Maggie’s stiff body language reminded him of what had happened earlier, her fearful reaction to his anger. His mind began to whir with images of other incidents—her jittery behavior at their first meeting, her defensiveness when he’d challenged her, the way she’d flinched when he’d touched her in that damn house with the fishpond. Were her reactions more than concern about an aggressive hockey player? Was something in her past coloring her judgment? Had someone treated her badly?

It made a strange kind of sense.

Fury surged within him at the thought of anyone mistreating her, but he tamped it down. That wouldn’t help either of them. He’d just have to be careful how he acted with her.

No sooner had the thought crossed his mind than guilt twisted Jake’s stomach.

Who was he kidding? He’d let Adam down, a guy he’d been friends with nearly all his life. What the hell made him think he could do better with a woman he’d known for a few weeks and whose past could involve problems more serious than the pressures of the NHL?

On the surface, Maggie appeared to be the perfect woman for him to date. But if he was right, what lay beneath made things a whole lot more complicated. Despite the sizzling attraction, complicated was a distraction he didn’t need.

More importantly, he wasn’t the right man for Maggie. She didn’t need a man she’d always doubt because of his career. A man whose emotions were still too raw, as his argument with Nick had shown. Maggie needed someone she could count on to be there for her. Not one who doubted himself.

“Are you ready, Jake?” Mimi’s voice cut through the tumult inside him.

Realizing he still stood in the doorway, he cleared his head, then went to sit in a chair in front of Mimi’s computer.

Maggie kept her distance, leaning against the desk instead of sitting beside him, as she usually did. A new tension hummed in the air between them.

“What have you got?” he asked.

“There are two new properties.” Mimi clicked on the local listings. “The split-level is nice, but nothing special. I think you’ll like the other one, though.”

She was right about the first house. He leaned forward to check out the second. His pulse quickened at the picture of the elegant Victorian. Jake hoped the on-screen details weren’t exaggerated. From the wraparound porch and the dark green shutters to the white picket fence and the large yard full of old trees, this house was everything he’d hoped for.

This one felt right.

Before he could stop himself, he looked up to see what Maggie thought. Their eyes locked. His heart stuttered. Excitement zinged through his veins.

Then the hesitance in her gaze registered, making his body stiffen.

Deliberately, he turned away.

“Looks great, Mimi.” He grinned at the agent. “I have a real good feeling about this one. I want to go and see it ASAP. When can you fix something up?”

“I’ll make an appointment for tomorrow morning. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Thanks.”

“Tomorrow morning’s good for me, too.” Maggie leaned over to direct his attention to the large den.

Heat rushed through him as her scent teased his nostrils. Sparks shot up his arm where her fingertips brushed him.

Damn it. He had to get out of here.

He pushed back the chair and stood. “Are we done?”

Both women looked startled by his abrupt tone.

“Uh, yes.” Mimi sent a questioning look at Maggie, who nodded.

Jake’s goodbye skated the edges of politeness. He didn’t draw a steady breath until he pulled into his parents’ drive.

Turning off the ignition, he slumped in his seat. Back to square one. Well, maybe square one and a half—the house did look perfect. That, and hockey, was enough for now.

Finding the perfect woman would just have to wait.

* * *

BY THE TIME Maggie pulled into Tracy’s driveway, she was drained and weary.

The afternoon’s emotional roller coaster had left her as wrung out as a damp dishcloth. The throb over her left eye warned of a looming tension headache. She rested her head on the steering wheel, trying to summon up the energy to get out of the car and go into the house.

If she’d needed any more reasons for why Jake Badoletti was wrong for her, the incident at Mimi’s office had provided plenty.

She wasn’t a fool. She knew Jake wasn’t Lee. There was something about him, his character and his values, that set him apart from her ex. She’d barely known him a week, had hardly scratched the surface of who he was, yet the differences were clearly visible.

Sadly, the similarities were clearly visible, too. His quick temper when things didn’t go his way, the sudden switches from charming to furious to cold indifference and back again.

Patterns of behavior that, this time, she wouldn’t...couldn’t ignore.

Tap, tap.

She jerked upright. Emily stood next to the car.

Maggie opened the car door and gave her daughter a tired smile.

“You’re too old to have a nap, Mummy.” As usual, Emily looked like she’d been through the wars. A bandage on one knee and mud stains on her shorts.

“You’re never too old to need a nap.” Maggie plucked a leaf out of one loose braid. “When you get to be as old as me, you’ll look forward to an afternoon snooze.”

“I don’t want to be that old, ever.” Emily grinned. “I want to show you the fort Amy and me made.”

Maggie allowed her daughter to pull her out of the car. If only they could bottle Emily’s energy—her ancient body could use the boost. She massaged her aching temple, then plastered a cheery expression on her face.

Emily wasn’t fooled. “Are you all right, Mummy?” Her wide-eyed gaze swept Maggie from head to toe. “Did that Mr. Bad Boy hurt you?”

Her shaky words drove a dagger into Maggie’s heart. “No one hurt me. I had a busy afternoon and probably did too much in this horrid heat.”

Concern furrowed Emily’s brow, making her look older than her years.

Maggie damned herself for not having had the courage to leave her marriage sooner. For not realizing the emotional damage Lee had done to their daughter. Though he hadn’t laid a hand on his daughter until that final night, she’d borne witness to too much. Maggie would never let that kind of ugliness touch Emily’s life again.

That’s why a relationship with Jake wasn’t worth it. Ensuring her daughter was happy, healthy and safe was far more important than whatever fun she could have with him.

She hugged Emily. “I’m okay.” She tried to sound normal, but her voice came out reedy.

Emily’s arms tightened around her. “Don’t worry, Mummy.” She looked up, her expression fierce. “I’ll take care of you. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Maggie’s eyes burned. “I won’t let anyone hurt you, either.”

For several moments, they stood there silently. Maggie drew comfort from her daughter’s warm, slight frame and her strength and courage. Emily was coping with this mess far better than she was.

That had to change. Starting now.

Pulling herself together, Maggie straightened. “Let’s see your wonderful fort.”

Emily shook her head. “Later. Right now, you need chocolate.”

“You’re right. Chocolate will make me feel good as new.”

Holding hands, they skipped to the house. They burst into the kitchen, laughing.

“We need chocolate, Auntie Tracy.” Emily dashed to the fridge, delved beneath the lettuce in the salad drawer and brandished a half bar in its distinctive purple wrapper.

Tracy looked up from her laptop, as Maggie sank into a chair opposite her at the kitchen table. “Why do you need some of my chocolate?”

“Mummy had a tiring day.” Emily lowered her voice conspiratorially as she doled out the Cadbury bar. “I think Mr. Bad Boy wasn’t very nice to her.”

Tracy’s eyes narrowed. “Really?”

“Emily’s exaggerating.”

“I bet Mummy sorted him out.”

“I hope so.”

Emily read the tension humming in the air and sighed. “Can I go back to Amy’s?”

Before Maggie had finished nodding, Emily had raced out the door. She was probably as keen to miss the rest of the conversation as her mother.

Maggie tried to preempt the storm brewing in her sister’s expression. “Jake didn’t do anything to me. He was cross about something. I misunderstood and overreacted.”

“Are you sure that’s all there was to it? You look terrible.”

“He was arguing with a former teammate.” She paused, trying to be honest. “I was scared he’d take that anger out on me. But he didn’t.”

She explained about Nick wanting to auction off Adam’s things and her suggestion to resolve the issue.

Tracy relaxed. “Okay. But if Jake ever scares you, I’ll make a formal complaint to the Cats. No contract is worth that kind of behavior.”

“Thanks, but this was more my fault than his.”

“Isn’t that what they all say?”

Maggie winced as her sister’s point jabbed home. “I suppose if I say this is different, you’ll repeat that comment.”

“Too bloody right. I was too far away to help you with Lee, but I won’t let anything happen to you here.”

“There was nothing you could have done. I had to decide to leave and find the strength and courage to follow through.”

“I know, but if I’d only...”

“No point rehashing the ifs and buts, sis. I have enough guilt of my own. Let’s not add yours into the mix, too.”

Tracy gave a shaky laugh. “All bets are off if Jake or anyone else tries to hurt you.”

“Same goes.” Maggie squeezed her sister’s hand.

“That reminds me—Samantha called.”

“My solicitor? Did she say what she wanted?” Whatever it was, it couldn’t be good. Samantha rarely called unless something important had come up.

“Lee wants to speak to you.”

“What? But why?” Maggie hated that she sounded small and weak.

“She didn’t say, just asked you to call in the morning, as she’s in court today.”

Maggie tried to figure out what her ex could want. “It doesn’t make sense. He moved on the minute the ink was dry on our divorce decree.” In truth, he’d moved on long before that.

“I’ll say. According to the press, it’s been a nonstop parade of it girls for the past nine months. I hear his latest is an actress from one of the afternoon soaps, Patty something.”

A terrifying thought occurred. “What if he’s changed his mind about Emily?”

Tracy dismissed her words with a flick of her hand. “He’s always said he didn’t want the responsibility. That having a child around would ruin his social life. He didn’t blink about signing the letter of consent for her to come to the U.S.”

“But the custody agreement gives him the right to see her three times a year.” A shiver ran through her. “I knew this would be a problem. I didn’t want to agree, but Samantha said it would work in my favor if I showed I wasn’t trying to keep Emily from him. The courts are very keen for a child to have contact with both parents.” Her throat closed, so her voice was barely a whisper. “I can’t stop him from seeing her.”

“He’s made no effort to see Emily in nearly a year. I can’t imagine why he’d suddenly feel the need to play daddy dearest.” Tracy passed her a chunk of chocolate. “I’m sure it’s just another stupid mind game. Don’t give him that power over you.”

Maggie inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself. “You’re right. I’m probably worrying over nothing. I’ll wait and see what Samantha has to say tomorrow.”

“That’s the Maggie we know and love.” Tracy smiled.

“I’m glad you’re on my side.”

“Hey, it’s you and me against the world.” Her sister got up to make some tea. “Speaking of which, are we any closer to finding what Bad Boy wants?”

“I’m hopeful we have a winner.” Maggie explained about the newly listed Victorian and their appointment the following morning. “He seemed pleased.”

Her heart jolted as she recalled the moment when her eyes had met Jake’s as they’d read the online property sheet. For that instant, the connection between them had felt almost tangible. Seconds later, he’d blanked her—the fire in his eyes extinguished. She should have been relieved, but his obvious desire to get away had left her feeling oddly disappointed.

Her complicated reaction to Jake made her glad this project was nearly over. If he liked the house, the number of times she’d see him again would be limited. The rest of their business could be conducted by phone or email. And, though the house was in the same town, the chances of them running into each other would be small.

Her life could return to the simpler plan she’d intended. She’d focus on her daughter and her role at Making Your Move and forget about Bad Boy.

Maggie’s chest twinged. Must be indigestion. It certainly wasn’t anything to do with the thought of not seeing Jake again.

She ignored the laughing voice inside her, which disagreed.

* * *

“IT’S ALL RIGHT,” Maggie reassured her friend Janice the following morning. “I can make other arrangements for Emily. Your mum needs you. I hope she gets better soon.”

Unfortunately, finding another babysitter wasn’t as simple as she’d thought, and there was no activity camp. Tracy was meeting the new Swedish player, so Maggie had no choice but to take Emily with her.

Her stomach twisted nervously. Jake wouldn’t mind. Would he?

The house visit wouldn’t take long. She’d keep Emily out of his way. Besides, Mimi would be there, too.

The real-estate agent was on her phone, dealing with a client, when they arrived. Maggie was surprised to see Mimi fighting to keep her cool. Though her lemon pantsuit and elegant hairdo were still immaculate, the older woman’s lips were pinched and her cheeks flushed. How did she manage to sound polite when her client was giving her a horrid time? Maggie would have lost patience long ago.

Rolling her eyes, Mimi mouthed an apology and waved her inside.

As Maggie and Emily toured the house, her daughter’s attention was caught by the turret bedroom that reminded her of a princess room. She begged to be allowed to stay there and play with the black cat lounging on the four-poster bed. With strict instructions not to go wandering while Jake was being shown around, Maggie left Emily there and continued to check out the house.

The gorgeous Victorian more than lived up to its billing. The bright, spacious rooms were filled with charming period features: gleaming parquet floors, carved ceiling roses with brass chandeliers and stunning fireplaces with oak mantels.

“Not a fishpond in sight.” Mimi laughed, as she joined Maggie in the master bedroom. “Sorry about that call. Some clients can’t stand not being in control of every stage of a negotiation. Hopefully I stopped him from making an ass of himself.”

“I don’t know how you keep your cool with people yelling at you like that.”

“Years of experience.”

While they walked around the house making notes, Mimi regaled her with tales of some of her worst clients. Even as Maggie laughed, she was relieved she wouldn’t have any more client contact once she got Jake sorted out.

The real-estate agent’s phone rang again as Jake’s SUV pulled up in front of the house.

Mimi checked the display, raised her eyes heavenward and muttered, “Give me strength.” She gave Maggie an apologetic smile. “I have to take this. I’ll join you shortly.”

“No problem.” Maggie tried to calm her jittery pulse. “Jake’s looking around outside, so you have time.”

As Mimi left the room to return her call, Maggie watched as Jake walked down the driveway, taking in the large front yard, complete with requisite trees. Even from up here, she could tell he liked what he saw. She let out a silent sigh of relief.

“Kitty!” Feet thundered down the stairs.

“Not outside,” Maggie called out.

The screen door slammed. Too late. Turning toward the window, she saw Jake stop and face the noise. She tried to move, to go after Emily, but her feet were frozen in place.

This time, the hitch in her pulse had nothing to do with the appeal of the bad-boy hockey player. It was pure dread of how he’d react to the seven-year-old charging toward him. Interrupting him. Being there without his permission.

Memories of another time, another place, hammered into her brain. She had to get to Emily. To protect her. She would not let him lay a hand on her daughter.

Her nails bit into her palms as she forced her body to get past the foreboding that chilled her inside. She broke free of the grip her fear had on her and raced out of the room.

Please, God, keep my daughter safe!