Chapter Two
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“Did she fire you?” Rafe asked with a look of shock on his face.
David wasn’t in the mood to go into details. Jada had made it clear when he dropped her off at the hotel his services were no longer needed. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t protect her. The guy who had asked her to dance concerned him. He wasn’t about to tell her that. The last thing he wanted to do was scare her. Then again, maybe she needs to be scared.
“Fired is a strong word. And if I’m correct, it’s her father who hired us.”
Rafe nodded. “So you’re staying on the job?”
David wasn’t prepared to go that far, but he would look deeper into the guy before he made any decisions. “Did Gabe come up with any information?”
“What we found is what you suspected. Since Miss Hope has found fame, she has also found a long list of unwanted solicitations.”
“You mean men interested in her?” That didn’t surprise David one bit. Jada was probably the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. And when his hands touched her skin, he’d never felt anything so soft. That was one more reason he shouldn’t be her security detail. He should have been assessing the asshole who’d danced with her. He had sensed immediately that she wasn’t comfortable. Instead, all he’d wanted to do was grab the guy by the scruff of his neck and slam him against the wall. David barely knew her, and he hadn’t engaged in conversation throughout the night to learn more. Based on her file, she was quite shallow. But that didn’t change the fact that he’d hated watching another man’s hand touch her bare skin in such an intimate way. Who was he and what had he really wanted?
“Men. Women. Everybody and anybody. I have no idea how she lives like this,” Rafe said as he handed over the report from Gabe.
David anticipated five or ten, but the list continued on and on. There must’ve been at least fifty different people who had harassed Jada over the years. He now understood what Rafe meant. This was beyond what he suspected and more than anyone deserved.
“It’s . . . more than I anticipated. I’m not sure where the hell I should start looking.” David couldn’t take his eyes off the list. He wanted to memorize every single name. “I don’t see any that were actually prosecuted for harassment.”
“That’s the unfortunate part. It seems no one takes this seriously. No one but her father. I guess that’s why he’s so adamant about someone watching out for her. He knows it’s just a matter of time before one of these lunatics physically does her harm.”
David couldn’t help but think back to his kid sister. If someone had been there to protect Phoebe when we weren’t, maybe she’d be alive today. Phoebe had been as stubborn as Jada appeared to be. That probably meant Jada wouldn’t believe anything other than what she chose to believe. Some people made protecting them more difficult than it needed to be. Sometimes it was nearly impossible. David had a feeling Jada was one of those people. But the key word was nearly. That meant doing things a little unconventionally. Like staying even when you’re fired.
David couldn’t believe he was about to say this, but he had a gut feeling it was the right thing to do. “I’m not going.”
Rafe arched a brow. “And where exactly are you not going?”
David got up from his chair and paced the room. He knew he should go on that mission with his team. That’s what the team was about. They always had each other’s back no matter what. But who had Jada’s back? Her father could hire someone else. But there was no one better for the job than he was. It wasn’t his dream job. Yet whether she wanted to admit it or not, she needed . . . me? No. She needed monitoring. That was all. Someone on her team watching out for her.
“Take my team with you. I’m going to keep an eye on Jada.”
Rafe leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms behind his head as though trying to take in everything David had told him. David had been clear.
“And what do you want me to tell her father? Because I’m pretty sure she will have told her father she fired you.”
David chuckled. “I thought you liked a challenge.”
“I find it interesting that you were adamant about not taking this assignment. Now you have an out because she fired you. Yet you’re doing exactly the opposite of what you said you were going to do. Very interesting,” Rafe said with a huge grin on his face.
Rafe had changed since he’d married. Somewhere along the line he developed a sense of humor. That was supposed to be Josh’s role. He was the humorous brother. David wasn’t sure if the Turchettas were going to be able to handle two smart-asses in the family.
“Don’t get the wrong idea, Rafe. I’m not happy about this. Something happened last night that I want to follow up on.”
“And you’re just telling me this now? Is it serious enough to require your team to stay behind with you?”
David could see Rafe’s concern, but there was no need for it. He was going to do some undercover surveillance; waiting and watching was his specialty. Besides, unless Gabe came back with something concrete, it could be nothing more than a hoax. Although after meeting Jada last night, David didn’t believe she was that kind of woman. Still, she was so stubborn she could get herself hurt.
“I need Gabe to pull every male name on this guest list and get photos to go with each one.”
“Looking for someone special?” Rafe asked.
David looked again at the list of names alongside any prior criminal records they had. Gabe’s ability to dig had even uncovered a person who had a drunk-driving record that had mysteriously been erased. Nothing’s ever really gone. Not when Gabe is looking. “I’m not sure. It’s only a gut feeling.”
Rafe rose from the couch and walked to David. “In our line of work, our gut is what separates us from everyone else.” He put a hand on David’s shoulder and added, “You know how to find me if you need me.”
David nodded. He knew without a doubt his brothers would drop everything and come to his aid, but he hoped it wouldn’t come to that. She was a woman who, up until now, had taken care of herself. More likely than not, that was exactly how it would continue to be.
“You better take care of my team,” David said as he headed toward the door.
As David left Rafe’s house, he knew he needed to get Jada’s agenda. She wasn’t someone who stayed in one place for long. That made following her more difficult. Protecting her would be almost impossible. The only thing in his favor was every move she made seemed to be out in the public. The only time she was alone was in her hotel room.
David pulled his Jeep over and sent Gabe a quick text. He needed access to all the hotel rooms she would be staying in for the next week. It was illegal and partially immoral, but he would bug the rooms. It was either that or he was staying with her, and David didn’t believe Jada would allow that.
The next stop was the warehouse where they stored all the tactical equipment. Going in alone was one thing, but he knew Gabe would listen to everything. That had its good and bad points.
Jada had been so exhausted last night she had fallen asleep in the gown she’d worn to the party. It wasn’t the first time that had happened. It would be understandable if she’d been drinking, but she hadn’t. Events like that were emotionally draining. Having to smile and pretend she was happy took more energy than anyone could imagine. Add having to deal with one hot, and sexy bodyguard? That hadn’t helped either.
She did what she had to do last night. Jada let David escort her upstairs to her penthouse and see her safely inside. That was where she delivered the blow. She had anticipated some sort of argument from him. But David wished her sweet dreams and said nothing else before leaving her suite. He was one hell of a confusing man. One minute he was all about control, then moments later he relinquished it all.
Jada wished she didn’t care which it was, but she did. She was nothing more than a job to him. Because that’s all that made sense. David was paid to do a job, and she thought he had. Surely he saw the way that man had looked at her. Maybe nobody else knew she had been uncomfortable with the situation, but David wasn’t just anybody. He had spent the entire night watching everyone, reading everyone. There was no way he had missed that.
She knew her father didn’t have much money, so maybe David wasn’t as good as he made himself out to be. None of the others had been. They were all show. Their idea of protecting her was making sure everyone knew they were carrying a gun. She had a feeling David was lethal even without one.
Jada zipped the final suitcase. The limo should arrive any time to take her to the airport. She was never late for an appointment, but she couldn’t remember the last time she’d arrived within the allotted time to make her flight. It seemed that something always got in the way. Once the hotel lost power and her alarm didn’t go off; another time the limo service vehicle malfunctioned and she sat with the driver on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck and another limo. It didn’t matter how well she planned, there was always something. I wonder what it will be today?
There was a knock on the door, and she knew it was the bellhop to assist with her luggage. When she opened it, a young man looked her over and chuckled. Jada looked down and realized in her rush to be on time she had forgotten something important: to actually keep a change of clothes outside of her suitcase. Now she was stuck traveling in yesterday’s clothes. She’d taken time to touch up her makeup, so how on earth did she neglect to change out of the dress she was wearing the night before? I really need coffee. But it’s even too late for that.
“The bags are in the other room,” Jada said, not wanting to talk about her attire. “Please take them to the limo waiting to take me to the airport.”
The bellhop said, “The lobby is packed. I’m not sure how you will make it through the crowd.”
“What do you mean, packed?” Jada had come and gone from the hotel without issue. There were a lot of guests there, but no one lingered. Each was as anxious to be in their room as she was.
The bellhop looked anxious. “I think it has to do with the newspaper today.”
Jada had not had time to shower never mind pick up the daily newspaper. She hated to ask, but before she went downstairs she needed to know. “What is so important in the newspaper?”
The bellhop grabbed her luggage but stood there as though unsure what to do. From his next words, it clearly should have been her who was a bundle of nerves.
“A picture of you dancing with your . . . date. But they used a . . . different word.”
Please don’t have called him my boyfriend. She couldn’t recall anyone snapping their picture, but then again, she had learned to ignore the flashes of light. “Can you please get me a copy of the newspaper?”
“What about your luggage?”
Jada knew she’d cut it very close to making it to the airport. Again. But if she was about to have to deal with a crowd of reporters downstairs, she needed to know that beforehand. When the man returned with the newspaper, she understood why the reporters were there. It was much worse than what she had anticipated. She was used to her photo appearing in articles all the time. But not like this one.
This didn’t just affect her. David Turchetta was plastered all over the front pages as well—and not just as her date, but as her lover. Jada didn’t know what his job entailed, but she was positive this type of publicity would not go over well with him. Not that I like it any more than he will.
Jada looked at the bellhop and asked, “Is there any other way out of the hotel besides the front door?”
“You mean without the reporters knowing?”
“Yes.” I can’t deal with this. Not this morning. “I need to get to the airport now.”
He looked frazzled, and she knew he had no idea what to do. Jada wasn’t sure herself. She knew she had to make a statement eventually. And for all she knew, the paparazzi and reporters were staking out David’s home as well. Her agent would tell her it was great publicity. There was no denying that. This photo would be the big buzz in the business world. It wouldn’t be long before she was faced with questions about engagements and marriage and how they met.
Normally it wouldn’t be a big deal; Jada had avoided such questions in the past. But, for all she knew, David was a married man, and this would cause havoc in a marriage.
She was about to bypass the bellhop and call the hotel manager directly when her cell phone rang. It was a blocked number, and she knew this was where it all began. Answering the call, Jada said, “I have no comment.” Jada was about to end the call when she heard David’s voice.
“I have a few.”
She could hear the frustration and anger in his tone. He had every right to be upset. He had been hired to do a job, not for his privacy to be invaded. And that’s exactly what’s going to happen. “David, I’m sorry. I had no idea anyone had snapped this picture.” It was a close-up of them dancing with David holding her extremely close. Now as she looked at it, it appeared as though there was something intimate between them. The shot was magnificent. It captured him gazing at her, her hand lingering on his shoulder, and his hand on her exposed back. But this wasn’t a photo shoot, and it wasn’t a publicity stunt, and it assuredly wasn’t real, but a part of her wished other photo shoots captured things so beautifully.
“We can discuss that later. Right now there is another issue at hand. One more important than gossip.”
She had no idea what that could be. As far as Jada was concerned, this was pretty damn important. “And that is?”
“There was another threat received overnight.”
Is that all? They no longer fazed her. “Not enough to make front-page news.” Jada tried to lighten the mood with a little bit of humor. She failed miserably.
David barked, “If you’re not careful, you will make the obituary column.”
Even her father hadn’t spoken to her so harshly. But right now it was nothing more than David being overly dramatic. “Nothing is going to happen to me. I wish my father would understand that.”
“Well, it’s my job to ensure that you’re around to have that conversation with him.”
“Funny. I believe I fired you yesterday.”
She didn’t miss the sarcasm in his voice as he responded, “What type of lover would I be to abandon you at a time like this?”
There was nothing funny about any of this. She had to contact her agent to set up interviews and find out who published the story, because whoever it was had some answering to do. And a retraction to make. But those things would take time and planning. Right now, Jada needed to get to the airport. She had a runway show scheduled in New York later today. If she hated what the front page said right now, she’d really be upset if they announced to the world she was a no-show.
“David, I appreciate your concern, believe me I do. But right now I have work I have to do. I can’t waste any more time on this today, and I have to figure out how to get out of this hotel without being attacked by the mob downstairs.”
“Attacked is the correct word. And that’s exactly what I’m calling about. I’m going to get you out of there and to someplace safe.”
Jada liked the sound of half of that statement. But she knew exactly where she needed to be. Somehow she knew David’s “someplace safe” would not be in New York City. “Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve already told you I don’t need your help, and I have work waiting for me.”
“Then I suggest you have your luggage brought up to the rooftop because that’s your only way out of this building today.”
Rooftop? She was having a bad day, but jumping from the building was not going to make it any better. “And what is waiting for me up there?”
“A lift to New York City.”
Well, that definitely piqued her interest. Jada was out of options, and if he was willing to deliver her to her job on time, she would take his offer. It would also provide a little time to discuss the articles from this morning. No matter how much she didn’t want him in her life, there would be people who believed what they read. And for David’s sake, she was going to have to be extra diligent to get this corrected as quickly as possible.
Jada ended the call and turned back to the bellhop. “Do you have the key to get us to the rooftop helipad?” He nodded. “Good, then let’s go. I believe there is a helicopter waiting for me.” Sometimes her life felt very bazaar; now was one of those times. I have a helicopter to catch.
David was so preoccupied with gathering intel to protect Jada he was blindsided when Gabe sent him the link to the newspaper. He’d known there was a possibility of their picture being taken together. He knew there would also be rumors flying around about them. Questions about who he was. He figured they would die down quickly. Not be national news.
It would to have to be addressed, but at the moment he needed to make sure Jada got the hell out of the hotel safely. She might not take the threat seriously, but there was no doubt in David’s mind someone was out to scare the shit out of her. That was the best-case scenario. He feared the asshole might actually decide to follow through with the threats to remove her from her pedestal—one even hinted at killing her. If it was someone who wanted Jada for himself, that front-page news was going to piss him off.
David was ready for anything as he stood on the helipad, armed and alert. He knew as long as Jada was with him she would be safe. Convincing her of that was going to be another story.
The doors opened, and David watched Jada leave the elevator. It was only seven in the morning, but he wasn’t expecting to see her in the same dress he’d left her in last night. Maybe she couldn’t unzip it to get it off. If that were the case, he would’ve happily stayed long enough to assist her. But no matter how much control he had, he wasn’t foolish enough to play with fire. And that’s exactly what Jada was. From her looks to her scent, he was attracted to her. She also was strong-willed and stubborn. Although he found those to be sexy characteristics, when someone was in danger, they could be fatal.
Whatever little connection might be between them, it could not be explored—not because David was still working for her father, Paul. When Jada fired him, that contract ended. But because, even though he wasn’t getting paid, this was serious. It had become a personal agenda, and David never failed at anything he set his mind to.
From the expression on Jada’s face, he knew she was here to take the lift to New York, but she wasn’t happy about it. She didn’t say one word as she walked past him to wait for the door of the chopper to open. David wasn’t going to turn his back to open it for her. Steadfast in his position with his finger on the trigger, he waited as the bellhop wheeled the luggage cart. David wasn’t sure he owned that many clothes. Only a woman would travel with everything she owns. Probably has fifty pairs of shoes in there. Does she live on the road?
David glanced over his shoulder briefly and saw the pilot discussing something with Jada. She didn’t seem happy. He wanted to go and intervene, but whatever it was the pilot waved a hand in the air and conceded before he opened the door and helped Jada inside. He heard the rustle of the bags as they were loaded into the chopper. Once he knew everything was secured, David put the safety back on and lowered his gun as he climbed inside.
To his surprise, her luggage was inside the chopper instead of below. “We have a cargo area for all this crap.”
She looked at the bags which were piled up on one side of the chopper. “As I explained to the pilot, I need my crap close to me.”
In case I throw you out mid-air? “This chopper might be more spacious than most, but hun, this isn’t a hotel.” Jada snorted and averted her eyes from his. David just shook his head. He now understood the pilot’s frustration. And here I thought it was just me that brought out that warm fuzzy side of her. If her luggage were a safety hazard or inconvenience, he’d have demanded it be stored, or they wouldn’t take off. But at this point, what harm could it do? It sure beats starting an argument over clothing. I’ll save that for something big, and the fight is worth it.
It was a few minutes of blissful silence. David had no issue with the entire flight being this way. Then Jada turned her attention back to him.
“A bit much, don’t you think?” Jada asked as she looked at the gun David put on the seat next to him.
“I believe in being prepared.” David pressed a button on the side console and let the pilot know all was set for takeoff. In a matter of moments the chopper lifted high in the air. David had instructed the pilot where to go in New York. Thanks to Gabe, he had Jada’s agenda for the next six months. Not that I plan on having to do this that long. David knew she’d received several threats on her life, but he’d faced much more difficult situations in war zones overseas. It should be a hell of a lot easier here in the States to resolve this problem. There was a vast amount of resources, including the legal system, if required. He only needed one thing at this time. Her cooperation.
David wanted to bring that to her attention but the timing wasn’t right. He could immediately tell she wasn’t fond of flying. Jada was tense and gripped the leather arms of the captain’s chair with white knuckles. David found it odd, since Jada flew from one state to another regularly. What was different that was making her nervous now? It couldn’t be him because she wasn’t jumpy last night, which had surprised him given she probably should have been.
David had become concerned as soon as he learned Dennis Peckham, the scumbag from last night, had a criminal background. Seemed Dennis had a difficult time keeping his hands off the ladies. He’d been arrested for four different charges of assault. Unfortunately, there were no convictions. Each of the women had dropped the charges. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t guilty as fuck.
David wanted to ask Jada more about Dennis, but he didn’t believe she knew anything more about him than he’d already obtained. Although he’d picked up on the signals that Jada wasn’t comfortable around Dennis, he felt sure if she knew his background she never would have accepted his offer to dance. Had she met him before? Was that why she’d danced with him? How well do they know each other?
David could have broached the subject but decided to hold off. All it would do was increase her anxiety. For now, David would focus on gathering more information on Dennis. He wanted to know every damn thing about the man. What he ate, where he hung out, and most of all, what the hell he wanted with Jada.
From what he observed last night, Dennis had not taken his eyes off Jada for one second. If it weren’t for the threats Jada had been receiving, he would’ve chalked up Dennis as only a creep. But there was no crossing anyone off the list right now, and Dennis was number one. They were exploring other potential stalkers, but on the first go-round, Dennis was the only one who fit the bill. Not that Dennis is a killer.
Each time David’s SAT phone chimed announcing a new message, he anticipated information from Gabe. Something useful. Instead, it appeared his loyal team, who’d always had his back, had not forgotten him. Text after text appeared from each member of the team. None of them were of any use. David wasn’t sure when they decided to razz him for being assigned to watch a beautiful woman. He was surrounded by comedians, and David had no sense of humor. His authority seemed to have broken down since his team was on a mission without him. We’re going to have a chat when they get back. He hoped this was a short assignment with Jada, and he could head into the field with his team where he belonged. If not, David would interview a replacement or bring in a separate team for this job.
He hoped their travel time would be productive, but evidently that wasn’t be the case. When he glanced at Jada, he noticed a small grin on her face. He had found no humor in anything over the past twenty-four hours.
Jada’s eyes rolled over him from head to toe before she laughed softly. “From the looks of your attire, you haven’t made it to bed yet.”
David had no choice but to wear the same suit; it was the only one he owned. He wasn’t about to invest in an entirely new wardrobe to please Jada. I’m not out to impress anyone.
He understood the importance of Jada looking the part. Why she’d decided to wear the same dress as last night was beyond him. He thought women like Jada wore something once and got rid of it. From the amount of luggage the pilot had to load on her behalf, he’d bet money he was right. So why not change?
“It was this or a pair of blue jeans and a T-shirt.” David decided to give her the same once-over she had given him. But he took his time and enjoyed every second. His eyes traveled up from her high black heels, to the slit of her dress that revealed her slender legs, to the deep neckline that hugged the curve of her breasts. David didn’t need to meet her eyes to know he made her nervous; he could see her pulse beating rapidly at the base of her neck. He shouldn’t care one damn bit, but he liked knowing he affected her. God knows you do me. “You, on the other hand, might want to consider wearing something different when we land.”
Jada looked down at her dress before meeting his eyes. “I’m sure you’d enjoy that.”
David arched a brow. “Enjoy what?”
He didn’t expect Jada to unlatch her seatbelt, get up, and go to the luggage. He watched as she struggled with one of the larger ones, and heard her curse softly under her breath. It was a tad shocking, and he was tempted to get up and assist her. David had no idea what she intended to do, but he was enjoying the view of her bent over in such close proximity.
Jada looked over her shoulder and caught him gazing at her sweet behind. She glared at him for a moment, grunted her disapproval, and repositioned herself. He wasn’t about to inform her it was impossible to give him a bad view. She was stunning in whatever position. And probably like every other model, she knew it and enjoyed flaunting it.
“Are you just going to sit there or are you going to help me?” Jada asked as she struggled with the zipper on one of the large suitcases.
It was unwise to be up and walking around in the chopper when it was in flight. They could hit an air pocket and get tossed around. But the weather was clear, and he already knew she wasn’t going to listen to him. Probably doesn’t listen to anyone but her own voice.
If he’d have thought for a moment that Jada would be trying to dig through her luggage, he’d have insisted it be stored in cargo. Who would’ve thought she’d get up to change clothes now? “I meant you might want to change when we landed. Not at this moment.”
Jada paid him no attention as she continued to struggle. Damn it!
David was a gentleman, so he unlatched his seatbelt and gave her a hand. He had no idea why she could not open it because, with a gentle tug, it unzipped easily. Maybe you want me close. He inhaled the sweet scent of lavender. It wasn’t an overpowering perfume, just enough to make you want to nestle into her neck and breathe it in, again and again.
He had assisted, and now he needed to back the hell away before he did something he might regret. David lived a life of total self-control. He’d been around beautiful women before, so he refused to think she looked at him with anything other than annoyance. Perhaps if she wasn’t his job, he’d consider this an easy opportunity to pull her into his arms and kiss her. But his job was to keep her safe. Period.
David quickly settled back in his seat and watched as she sorted through her suitcase, pulled out items until she found a pair of white slacks and a red blouse, and put them on her seat. Then she zipped that suitcase and opened a smaller one, pulling out a pair of matching red pumps. He thought Jada would return to her own seat, but with her back to him, she stepped closer to him. Way too close. She was so close she could practically sit on his lap. Not that I’m complaining.
In a soft voice, she asked, “Do you mind?”
He wasn’t sure what she wanted, but several things came to mind. David could feel the front of his suit pants getting tight as his body reacted to her luscious curves only inches away. He had to resist the urge to take hold of her hips and pull her down on top of him. He had no idea when he’d become so unprofessional, but he needed to control himself.
“Do I mind what?” David asked, his voice filled with tension.
Jada huffed. “The zipper.”
Fuck! Was Jada intending to change outfits right in front of him? He might be a gentleman, but he was also a fucking man, and there was only so much he could take. Was it possible she was intentionally teasing the shit out of him? It sure as hell felt like it.
She wasn’t moving, so David raised his hand to the zipper, his fingers gently brushing her bare skin as he pulled it all the way down. The low cut back slipped opened even farther, fully exposing the string of her thin, white lace thong riding low across her hips. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
David had been on more missions than he could remember. He’d faced countless infidels and spent hours on end lying on top of a hot rooftop, baking in the sun, or in cramped in tight hideouts, never taking his eyes off his mark. Being focused and diligent to the task had never been an issue. Right now, David was in an entirely different battle. Not only wasn’t he acting in his normal sniper cover role, but he was hands-on involved.
Jada stepped away from him, returning to where she had laid out her fresh clothes. With her back still to him, he watched as she slipped the straps from her shoulders, so her dress easily glided over her hips and onto the floor. Although her dress had clung so sweetly to her body, David wouldn’t ever admit how many times last night he’d pictured what those luscious curves would look like uncovered. She was even more beautiful than he had imagined. Part of him wanted to spin her around, pull her into his arms, and explore every single inch of her.
There was no doubt David was extremely focused on this protection detail. Maybe too much so, as he felt the blood rushing through his veins. He was a professional and brilliant at his job. But it had been a long damn time since he’d wanted a woman with the intensity he had for Jada. The last time he’d felt such attraction was when he’d been intimately involved with . . . Damn, I can’t even remember her name. Jada, on the other hand, was anything but forgettable.
But Jada was off limits. All he knew about her was what he’d read in reports and what he’d learned from the night before. Yet now . . . now he could add what he could see—and almost touch—to his mental file.
What didn’t help was being able to see her reflection in the chopper’s glass window. Thank fuck the door behind the pilot was closed, and they were high enough that the only one enjoying this view was him.
There was no way he wasn’t watching. Hell, a dead man would sit up straight for this. Yet, Jada didn’t seem troubled in the least that she had an audience. Her movements were slow and almost deliberate, as she slipped on her bra, and hooked it in the back. Before putting on more clothes, she reached up and pulled out several pins holding her hair tightly on her head, letting it fall loose to the middle of her back. She ran her hands through the strands and shook her wild auburn mane. It appeared to be more of a seductive dance than a quick change of outfits.
David didn’t want to be on this assignment, but he sure as hell didn’t want any other man doing it either. Suddenly he was angry. Was this behavior normal for her? He knew Jada lived the high-speed celebrity lifestyle. What made him think this little show was just for him? Because I’m a fucking idiot. He was done letting her play whatever little game she was playing with him.
David rotated his captain chair to an angle that was not so obviously facing her, leaned over, and grabbed his laptop. He may want her, but she sure as hell wasn’t going to know it. When Jada spoke, David didn’t even turn to look at her.
“Tired of the show?” Jada asked snidely.
Never. “Nothing I haven’t seen before.”
David could feel her eyes burning into him as though she had so much to say, yet held back. He was impressed yet again. She was not what he expected. Jada didn’t seem to run her mouth just for the sake of hearing her own voice. She seemed to choose her words carefully. It wasn’t as though she was trying to be rude as much as she was trying to remind him she was in control. David found that sexy as hell. It demonstrated why she was so successful in her modeling career. If Jada didn’t take his shit, and God knows he knew how to give it, then he was confident she wasn’t going to take anyone’s. This could be interesting.
David heard her huff as she retrieved her gown and crammed it into her suitcase. Internally he was smiling because he knew she was frustrated as hell. Good, because the last thing I need is that woman thinking she can affect me. I’m here to do my job, and I’ll damn well do it better if I’m not distracted by her.