In Two Weeks (NY State Trooper Series) (15 page)

Normally Penny’s love life didn’t affect her one way or another because it wasn’t a love life, just sex. Penny caught her eye and jumped up, waving frantically, calling out her name. At least Ryan knew she’d always be a part of Penny’s life no matter who stole Penny’s heart.

“Thanks for meeting me.” Ryan wrapped her arms around Penny, getting almost all the comfort she needed.

“Anytime.”

“But I’m sure you and Chuck had other plans.” Ryan dropped her purse over the chair, then planted her butt in it.

Chuck smiled politely. “Not really. Besides, Jared said someone was stalking you? You really shouldn’t be alone.”

Oh, yeah. This guy was a keeper. It appeared his world revolved around Penny. His brown eyes conveyed a genuine empathy. No one could fake that.

“I can’t say the prospect of being alone right now is all that appealing.” As much as Ryan tried, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. All the time.

She lifted the water glass to her lips, then swallowed the lemon-flavored liquid. The hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention.

“Jared will figure all this out,” Penny said, with hopeful eyes.

“He’s moving, Pen.”

“When he does, you’ll stay with me.” Penny patted her shoulder.

The chatter in the background only added to Ryan’s already fried nerves. Laughter boomed at one table, sparring words echoed at another, and still other muffled words sounded in her ears, only adding to her confusion. “I just might take you up on that.”

“Jared told me his new job doesn’t really start for a few weeks.” Chuck folded his menu, then set it on the table. “But when he does finally leave, maybe both of you should stay with me.”

Ryan could barely bite back her smile. Chuck’s protective tone and the way he slipped his hand into Penny’s could only be viewed as true love. “I could also stay with my brother.” Ryan took another sip of water. She’d be a third wheel no matter where she went. At least if Marci had the baby soon, Ryan would have something to do. “And I do have to find a new apartment.”

“Jared’s here,” Penny whispered.

When Jared strolled into Ryan’s view, she almost forgot all her problems. His eyes locked with hers and didn’t shift until he took her by the hand and lifted her from her seat. “Hey, babe.”

She blinked, then blinked again, trying to pull herself together as he bent and brushed his lips across her temple.

“Any news?” she asked.

He settled himself down, resting his arm on the back of her chair. “Nothing concrete.”

“This sucks,” Penny said. “I mean, I can’t believe anyone other than George would do such a horrible thing to Ryan.”

“Honey, some people are just psycho,” Chuck said. “You up for a game of pool before dinner?” he asked Jared.

“Sure.” Jared rose. “Order me a beer and maybe some nachos.”

“Same for me.” Chuck planted a kiss on Penny’s cheek, then strode away with Jared.

“If you don’t want to stay with Jared, you know you can stay with me.” Penny leaned in, taking Ryan’s hands. “I know how you feel, and it’s got to be hard staying in the room next door.”

“I stayed in his bed last night.”

“With him in it?” Penny screeched. “Don’t mess with me.”

“I’m not.”

“Was it bad?”

“Oh, good God, no.” Ryan laughed, then smiled. “It was amazing. I never knew sex could be that great.”

“Then why do you look…never mind.” Penny scowled, tossing her napkin on the table. “You shouldn’t have slept with him.”

“Hey, weren’t you the one giving me pointers last year?”

“That was different.”

“How so?” Ryan asked, folding her arms across her chest. “It’s not like he was any more emotionally available a year ago. The only thing that’s changed is he’s moving.”

“And you think you’re in love with him.” Penny glanced over her shoulder.

“I’m not in love with him.” How could someone be in love with a man who had nothing emotional to give? “We had sex, that’s it.”

“I hope you used protection.”

“I’m not an idiot.”

“Glad to hear one of us isn’t.” Penny glanced at Ryan, then dropped her gaze to her lap. “I’m pregnant.”

“What?” Ryan knocked over a glass, sending water all over the table. “Did you say preg—”

“Shush, I don’t want people to know.” Penny’s eyes shot around the room. “I haven’t even told Chuck yet.”

“Are you sure?”

“What am I going to do?” Penny wiped her face. “He told me he loved me.”

“That’s a start.” Ryan finished cleaning the table, thankful for the change in subject. “Do you want to spend the rest of your life with Chuck?”

“God, Ry. I never thought I wanted all of this. I mean, a husband, a baby. But damn it, I do.”

Ryan looked over at the pool table. A smitten Chuck waved and then winked. Jared, on the other hand, took the blue chalk and fiddled with his cue stick giving Ryan only a half smile. He might have told her he didn’t regret last night, but his actions spoke louder than his words. “Do you want the baby?”

“I want it all,” Penny admitted.

“Then go for it.” Ryan shifted her gaze to Penny. “Tell him how you feel, what you want, and tell him about the baby. If he loves you, things will work themselves out.”

Penny smiled. “He did say he wanted to get married someday and have a couple of kids.”

“When did he say that?” Ryan felt her purse vibrate on the back of her chair.

“The other day. We’re so great together, and I think he really loves me, but I’m scared.”

Ryan glanced at her cell. It was a blocked number. Her forehead beaded with perspiration. She tossed the phone back in her purse. Determined not to deal with it, she turned her attention to Penny. “I know you’re scared, but you have to tell him tonight.”

“I will. Who called?”

“Probably the wrong number.” Her chair jerked. “Hey!” she yelled, looking over her shoulder.

Jared yanked her purse from the chair, then dug his hand deep inside, rummaging around.

“What are you doing?” She tried to grab it back.

He didn’t answer, just snatched up her phone and flipped it open. “Damn it, Ryan. You really need to call me over when this happens.”

“When what happens?” She plopped against the back of her chair, folding her arms. “Control freak.”

“Is this the only blocked call you’ve gotten today? I checked out the phone call from Eddy; he actually had the nerve to call you from the police station. This isn’t a game.” Jared’s tone could only be described as condescending.

She knew it wasn’t a game, and she was damn scared. But she didn’t like her lover treating her like a child.
Lover?
No, Jared wasn’t her lover. He was still the overbearing protector he’d always been. “I got two hang-ups at work, but I already told you that.”

“If it happens again, wave me over and then answer it. We might be able to get a lead that way.” He rested his hand on her shoulder. “I’m just trying to nail this guy before something really bad happens, okay?”

“Yeah, like having her home gutted isn’t bad enough,” Penny said.

“I’m doing the best I can,” Jared said behind his clenched jaw.

Ryan kicked Penny under the table. Jared didn’t need to be reminded of what he thought were his failures in life.

“Fine, but I’m worried about her.” Penny grabbed Chuck’s hand when he sat down beside her.

“
Her
is sitting right here.” Ryan waved to everyone.

“We’re all on edge about what’s happening.” Chuck’s calm voice rang out. “Let’s all just try and have a good time.”

Ryan wasn’t sure if that was possible. Between some sicko successfully scaring the crap out of her, and dealing with the consequences of sleeping with Jared, she wasn’t sure a good time could be had.

* * * * 

“Give me your keys. It’s still pouring.” Jared held his hand out to Ryan. “I’ll drive your car to the door.” He peered out the small window in the restaurant’s door, doing his best to remain indifferent.

“What about your truck?” Ryan asked.

“You’ll drive me to it, then I’ll follow you home.” And then he’d go straight to bed, without her.

“What are you going to do about the carriage house?” She plopped her keys in his hand.

“I hired a buddy of mine, Rory, to fix it. He starts tomorrow. I’ll have him store your belongings in the garage.” He pushed open the door, then turned back to look at her. “I spoke with the realtor. She actually thinks it’s a good idea if you live in the main house until it sells. I’d pay you.”

Her already annoyed expression turned deadly.

“I didn’t mean it like it sounded,” he said softly.

“What exactly did you mean?” She glared.

“It’s going to take at least a month for the carriage house to be completed. You need a place to live, and after I move, I’ll need someone to take care of the place until it sells.” Had he not taken her to bed last night, he supposed his words wouldn’t have felt so cold. But the harsh reality was last night shouldn’t have happened, and it would never happen again.

“I told you I’d help with the sale of the house.” She huffed. “I’m tired and I want to go to bed.”

“Be right back.” He charged out into the wind and rain. Lightning flashed in the sky, followed by a big bang. The raging storm matched the fried emotions he didn’t know how to handle.

Not to mention the broken condom. He didn’t know if she knew about it or not. Part of him didn’t want to say anything. The likelihood he’d gotten her pregnant…hell, he should know better than anyone it only took one time.

He prayed he hadn’t gotten her pregnant. He wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he had. He’d thought about having a vasectomy, but just never got around to it. Maybe he should. Having a kid would ruin his life. And hers.

The rain came down so hard and fast it didn’t matter how close to the door he got her SUV, she was drenched by the time she scooted into the driver’s seat.

“So much for having a great hair day.” She ran her fingers through her luscious hair, dripping water in her lap.

“I like it wet.” He reached in his pockets for his keys, then looked over at her. Mascara smudged under her eyes, and when lightning flashed across the sky, her face brightened. Never before had he seen such a beautiful sight. “You’ve got an umbrella?”

She shook her head. “I always lose the suckers.”

“I guess we’re gonna get even wetter.” He bolted to his truck, then followed her the half-mile home.

The rain didn’t appear to be letting up at all, even though the wind had died down. After snatching the mail, he took Ryan by the hand and raced to the porch.

“Crap,” she muttered. “I need a change of clothes from the carriage house.”

He pushed back the door, then flicked on the kitchen lights. “Pack up your clothes in the morning and Rory will bring them over here. And anything else you might need.” He shook off his coat, then kicked off his shoes. “Damn socks are soaked.”

“I’m not moving in with you.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“I’m not asking you to.” He glared at her. “But until this bastard is caught, you’re stuck with me, babe.”

“I don’t need a damn bodyguard.” She tossed her purse on the kitchen table, then pulled back a chair. Once settled in the seat, she kicked off her black pumps and rubbed her feet.

He enjoyed watching just about anything she did. He rubbed the back of his neck. Nothing about his thoughts made much sense. He wouldn’t deny he cared, but he didn’t like the feeling that he cared beyond protecting her from bodily harm. “I spoke with Rick today, and he said he could give you Friday off.”

Her shoe fell to the floor, then she looked up at him with wide eyes. “Why would you do that?”

“I have to go to Rochester, and I don’t want to leave you alone.”

“Oh, no you don’t, buster.” She bolted upright, sending the chair tumbling backward. “You’ve got some nerve going behind my back like that. What gives you the right to tell me where to go? Or to use your friendship with my boss to manipulate me?”

“You’re not staying here alone while there’s some lunatic out to get you,” he said. Letting out a breath, he tried to rip his gaze from her angry eyes hurling daggers at him. Heck, he was just trying to be a nice guy.

“Not the point.”

He laced his fingers around her upper arm and shot a few daggers back of his own. She could be too damn stubborn for her own good. “Exactly the point.”

She looked down at his hand. “I’m not a child, nor your property. I will not be dictated to.” She yanked her arm free from his grasp.

Blinking his eyes, he tried to calm his frustration before he said or did something he’d really regret. “I’ll see if I can postpone my meeting.”

“Damn it, Jared.” She threw her arms wide. “I don’t want you forfeiting your career once again out of your own guilt or sense of duty you have toward me. I appreciate your diligence and dedication to your job, my case, but I will not bear the responsibility of your losing out on this opportunity. And I won’t let you tell me what to do, either.”