Jasper: Book 2 War & Piece Chronicles Read online

  Liar!

  Chapter Five

  Daisy

  Damn, it was hot. I was sweating like a whore in church. I definitely wasn’t used to this weather. My black pants and blouse were not made for this island humidity. I snickered as I wondered what VIP would say if I wore cutoffs and a bandana shirt. I was sure Reese would approve, but that Jasper, he would have a conniption. When I met him, the man was wearing a dark-blue suit, a lighter-blue shirt unbuttoned at the throat, and a Rolex. I recognized the brand as the same Maynard wore.

  Even though the air-conditioning blew ice cold, I was still broiling.

  Stop it, Daisy. He’s out of your league. Hell, he’s out of everyone’s league.

  The attraction was there, but I knew how much work that British god would be, and gosh, I was tired. Physically and emotionally exhausted. Damn, Maynard had sucked me dry of my self-worth and confidence.

  It was simple. I needed to get underneath some random man. An uncomplicated sexual revival. What I wanted was Jasper inside me to erase all the bad memories that had comprised my life for so long. I needed to feel human again, to feel sexually attractive. Though, unlike Reese, Jasper appeared to be a man driven by work rather than desire.

  I began dividing the files into categories and set up my laptop. Some, I put away in the currently empty file cabinets. The rest, I left on my desk. Tomorrow I would start compiling reports for each year VIP had been open.

  Looking around, I realized how bare my office looked. Plain walls, no art, not even a plant. It offered a desk, chair, cabinets, and sofa with matching chairs. I opened a door and found a small hallway kitchenette with a coffee maker, mini fridge, and sink, along with some miscellaneous items. On the other end was my private restroom.

  After three hours, I decided to go check out my living arrangements and change into a cooler outfit. If I had been hungry before, now I could eat a horse. According to the large brochure Reese had given to me, I could order food anytime or attend meals via social gatherings. But I wasn’t ready for a public appearance. The heat was so intense it could cause my makeup to melt, allowing everyone to see what I was hiding.

  I grabbed my purse and turned off the light. As I closed my door, I stepped quietly and stood in front of Jasper’s office door. Just as I raised my hand to knock, the door swung open.

  I had removed my shoes hours ago, and now this imposing man stood over me. His proximity overwhelmed me, and I jumped back.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” he said as he stepped backward.

  “I wasn’t sure you were still here. I wanted to ask who I should talk to about maybe some decorating. My office is very… white.”

  Jasper stood silent for a moment before speaking. “I suppose housekeeping or operations. Office frills are not my department. Tell whoever what you need, and they’ll get it from the mainland. Your office has been vacant since we opened, except for my occasional need to get away from my work space.”

  Explains the coffee pot.

  “Okie doke, thanks for the information. I guess I’ll check on it tomorrow. I’m tired and starved, so I’m going to this penthouse I’m supposed to live in.”

  His hand swept across the dark stubble on one cheek before he massaged his neck. “Ah, that’s right. You’ll be staying in Kai’s old place. I do think you’ll enjoy the apartment. Although, it’s a little too flamboyant for my taste.”

  “Not sure what that means. As long as it has a shower, bed, and I can get some grub, I’ll be good. I really need to get out of these clothes.”

  Jasper’s brows lifted as I gazed up into his eyes. Clearing his throat, he closed the space between us, gently pushing me into the hall as he locked the door. “I, too, need to get home and change. I’m running late.”

  “I guess me talking is keeping you, then. You can blame it on me. Tell your girlfriend the new hire had too many questions.”

  “Girlfriend.” He huffed. “Trust me; it’s not what you think. Now, I have to go.”

  Boy, was I curious now, but his temperament had grown dark, which led me to believe I’d better leave.

  I stepped aside as he strutted past me, his cologne filling the hallway with a fresh scent. He never even bothered to say good-bye. It had been more like a termination of our conversation.

  * * *

  I quickly put my heels back on before I walked into the hotel lobby. I’d never gotten a good look as I entered from outside to find my office. This place was ritzy as all get out. I guess most women were mesmerized by the stores, but it was the waterfall that made me stop and stare. Never in my life had I seen such a thing. It seemed to flow straight down into the ocean. I could see multicolor lights twinkling as I watched, assuming they were brighter when it got dark.

  The front desk handed me a keycard as they told me my luggage had already been delivered to my room and housekeeping had left me clean towels and fresh sheets. Then they directed me to a private elevator.

  What the hell? I have my own elevator?

  I braced myself against the wall as I caught my reflection in the mirrors. My complexion looked pasty, even with the faded bruises, compared to the tans on the island. Maybe on the weekend, I’d have time to enjoy the beach.

  Oh. My. Word. I kicked off my shoes, savoring the plush carpet between my toes. Jasper and Reese had been right. This place had been vacant for a long time. My nose wrinkled at the smell of the cleaning products that were used to freshen up the rooms, yet they had left them dark and closed up. I threw open the glass doors in the living room and bedroom. As I began pulling off the sheets covering the furniture, I was dumbfounded by the vast size of the room and how elegant the belongings were. Kai had good taste.

  Different hues of gray seemed to be the theme. Large sofas and chairs with a private office, along with a huge kitchen and an enormous bedroom. I’d never in my life seen a bathroom like this; it had a sauna with a separate Jacuzzi. The room was almost too glamorous to use. The artwork wasn’t my taste, but the space itself was more than I ever expected, and the views were panoramic.

  The balcony off the living room had a table and chairs, along with a pool. I mean, who has a swimming pool ten floors up? The other balcony was off the bedroom. I noticed a smaller secondary bedroom and another bath near the office. I wished I could send pictures to my mama. She would never believe how I was living. Maynard had money and we lived better than most, but this place was lavish.

  It had only been a single day, but already I was lonely. I had no one to confide in, no friends I could call. Even the FBI agents supposedly watching over me were on St. Thomas, keeping an eye on the airport and docks. No one could get to St. Willis without a boat. The island had its own private security that patrolled the docks and surrounding shoreline twenty-four-seven. Maynard could never get to me, even if he found out my location.

  I walked into the bedroom and peeled off my perspiration-soaked blouse and sweltering pants. It took me ten minutes to figure out the showerhead before I stood under the stream of water that actually massaged my shoulders and back. Yes, I could get used to this. Even with all the wealth Maynard had, he’d never believed in such decadent luxuries.

  I wrapped a fluffy gray towel around me before I stood on the bedroom balcony. A few minutes later, I padded into the bedroom and retrieved the suitcases that had been dropped off. I sat on the bed and fingered the sheets housekeeping had supplied. Everything in this penthouse was fresh and clean. I felt spoiled and, in a way, undeserving of such nice things. Was I supposed to be treated like a princess when, in reality, I was hiding from my husband who was a violent criminal? Was it being self-indulgent to live like this? Did I merit it?

  The ringing phone startled me from my thoughts. “Yes,” I said quietly because no one actually knew I was here.

  “Hey, Daisy, it’s Reese. I know you said next week, but have you eaten yet?”

  “Nope, just got out of the shower. Haven’t even had time to look at the menu yet.”

  He chuckled
. “How about you meet me in the lobby in, say… thirty minutes? I had one of the chefs whip up a picnic basket for the beach.”

  “You’re awfully self-assured. How’d you know? Maybe I’d already eaten. And dinner on the beach sounds a little romantic. Are you trying to woo me, Reese?” I teased.

  “No, ma’am, I have no wicked intentions. I swear. If you could see me right now, you’d know I’m crossing my heart,” he replied with humor in his tone. “Come on, Daisy. You have to eat.”

  My belly was making the decision, gurgling. “Okay, I’ll meet you, but only because I’m so damn hungry and I’m hoping there’s something more in that basket then those dainty finger sandwiches.”

  “I’m sure you’ll like it all,” Reese replied.

  I already like what you have. That’s the problem. “Okay, be down in a half hour.”

  As soon as I hung up, I grabbed my makeup case. Multitasking, I applied regular cosmetics with an extra helping of concealer. Most of the bruises had faded, but I still had green and purple splotches around my left eye and on both cheeks. The last thing I wanted was to have to explain them. I blow-dried my hair, then quickly changed into white shorts and a yellow midriff top, finishing with earrings and white sandals. Guilt shivered up my spine because I shouldn’t be having any kind of fun after staying so long with a corrupt man instead of walking away.

  Standing in the mirrored elevator, I applied lip-gloss. As the doors opened, I spotted Reese, dressed in long tropical-print shorts with a light-green T-shirt and leather flip-flops. The color of his shirt made his emerald eyes sparkle and his tan deepen a shade. His cheeks were blushed from the sun, making his teeth whiter than white. He was inappropriately gorgeous. Everything about him screamed for me to give in.

  “Damn, Daisy, you are so cute. You really need some color, though. Did you happen to bring a swimsuit?” he asked as he tightened his grip on the basket.

  “Didn’t cross my mind. I kind of figured I wouldn’t have time for fun and sun.”

  His head bent so he could whisper into my ear. “Well, you do have your own lap pool, or you could come to my place and swim in the ocean, no suit required.”

  I visually chastised him. “Guess I’ll be buying that bikini I saw in one of the shop windows,” I quipped.

  “Don’t do it on my account. I’m already envisioning you naked.”

  I scolded Reese with a stare. “I thought we were keeping this low-key and friendly. I don’t want to lead you on. It would be a mistake for two reasons: I don’t think getting involved with you was part of my employment package, and I’m trying to get out of a bad marriage. I’ve had a lot of lapses in judgment. I can’t afford to continue my bad habits, regardless of how tempting they are.”

  Reese expanded his chest. “So I’m tempting you? That makes my day, or night, as it may be. So… you ready to go eat some food and let me show you the scenery?”

  “As long as the scenery leaves his pants on.”

  He laughed with me.

  “By the way, what’s in that basket?”

  “Trust me; you’re going to like it.”

  I followed Reese along the sidewalk leading away from the hotel. The island really was breathtaking. Once we reached the white sand, I kicked off my sandals. The water was clear, shaded with blues and greens. Palm trees were everywhere. I’d seen places like this in magazines but never thought I’d end up in this world.

  “This looks like the spot,” Reese announced.

  I swallowed a swear word. “I thought this was a picnic,” I said, looking at the elegant setup before me.

  “Well, yeah, it is. I mean, I am toting a basket, but we don’t have to have dinner like savages. I thought this would be—”

  I cut him off. “Reese, this is too much. I thought we would be sitting on a blanket and eating with our hands.”

  He set the basket on the table. My eyes widened as I took in the spread he had arranged. An opulent setting on a white table with two high-backed chairs. Wispy white curtains draped on four poles and tied in the middle with gold ropes. Fire-lit torches everywhere. I was surprised there wasn’t a bed sitting in the middle. If this man was trying to impress me, he certainly had.

  “Don’t be angry with me. I wanted your first meal here to be unforgettable. Forgive me. I have a tendency to go overboard,” he pleaded, pulling out a chair for me.

  “I’m not dressed fancy enough.”

  “You look beautiful. We’re still on the beach, but with comfort. I had one of our chefs make us fried chicken, potato salad, cornbread, and a pecan pie. To be honest, I’m fairly sure he thought I’d lost my mind when I told him the menu. This is a health establishment, and all of us are expected to eat a certain way, regardless of weight.” He paused briefly. “How ever do you stay so thin eating like this?” he asked, pouring me a beverage.

  I took a sip, recognizing the flavor. “Sweet tea, too? I have to admit, Reese, you went out of your way to make me feel at home.”

  He laughed. “I never eat like this and can’t remember the last time I had fried anything. I think Klaus, the chef who made all this, almost had a coronary. We argued for an hour before he finally caved.” He paused as he bit into his cornbread, then leaned back with a deep sigh. “I can see why you like this kind of food. It’s really delish.”

  As we ate, we talked for what seemed like hours. I carefully edited what I told Reese. I didn’t mention Maynard’s name or the reasons behind my need for a divorce. We ended up chatting about my education and what I might want to do besides working here.

  I stared at the water as the waves crashed onto the beach. I’d never witnessed a sunset like this one.

  I didn’t even know if I had a future. I guessed that depended upon what happened with the FBI and Maynard.

  I wiped my mouth with a napkin. “Got anything stronger than sweet tea in that basket?”

  “As a matter of fact, I did bring some spirits. I wasn’t sure if you’d see it as a ploy to get you drunk,” he said on a chuckle.

  “You’d have to produce something stronger than a wine cooler. Honey, I grew up on moonshine.”

  “Okay then,” Reese said as he handed me a bottle.

  As I drank, I became flushed. Even though I grew up surrounded by white lightning stills, this beverage loosened my body. The picturesque night, the burning torches, and the food were a comfort I hadn’t expected. I hadn’t felt safe or relaxed in so long, but with Reese, I felt comfortable.

  “Can I ask you something personal?” he asked.

  I took a large gulp of my drink. “Sure you can, but I don’t guarantee an answer.”

  “Did your husband hurt you? I don’t want to be nosey, but I can see what he did, especially in this light.”

  My fingertips gingerly touched my face. I began to say something, but Reese stopped me by grasping my hand.

  “I can’t, even though I may want to. My life is kinda complicated and I’m trying to start fresh, and the last thing I want to do is drag you into my shit.”

  Reese dropped my hand. “I didn’t mean to get personal. I don’t even know you, but regardless, I’d like to.”

  It wasn’t my nature to blush, but I did. This man was sweet, way too sweet for me.

  “You’re extremely kind, but let’s say you and I slept together.” I could see my comment made Reese hopeful. “You strike me as the kind of man who would want more than casual sex, and at this time in my life, that’s all I would be capable of giving. And even though it’s temptin’ as all get out, I would never want to hurt you. Reese, it’s best you stay away from me. My husband is a bad man.”

  He appeared generally surprised at my admission. “I appreciate the warning, but I’m a big boy.” He paused, looking out to the ocean. “You were correct in your assumption of me wanting more. I’m kind of a follower when it comes to screwing around. The women I have sex with are in it for the same reason I am—just to get our rocks off. But in all honesty, I’m looking for more. Always have been.” He grinn
ed sheepishly. “Okay, now I’m embarrassed… I’ve said too much.”

  Shaking my head, I took another sip of my wine. “Never you mind. This conversation is between you and me.”

  “Thank you. I guess we’ll just be friends, then. Friendship seems to be the trend when I find myself attracted to a respectable woman.”

  I choked on another swallow of wine cooler. “Respectable. Now you’re just being mean,” I teased, lacing my tone with shock. “When you know me better, you’ll understand I am anything but.”

  Reese grinned as he finished his bottle. “You can define yourself any way you want, but allow me to see you as a beautiful person who is sexy as hell.”

  “Oh now, enough of that. The flattery is about to make my head explode. I just know one of these days, you’re going to find the right woman. The one you rightfully deserve.”

  We spoke for another hour. Then I stood, shaking the excess sand from my feet. “I’m exhausted. I think it’s bedtime for me since tomorrow is going to be busy.”

  “Tired of me already?” Reese questioned as he packed up the remains of our dinner and tossed them into the basket. He stepped from torch to torch, blowing them out as he went.

  Even as the beach went dark, the moonlight was enough for us to see.

  “This is really a pretty and quiet place. I’m glad I chose this job and grateful to be here.”

  With one hand carrying the basket and his other arm looped through mine, Reese and I started our trek to the hotel.

  “I enjoyed tonight, and I’m happy you’re here, for whatever reason. Just know that you’re safe, and Jasper and I will not let anyone hurt you. Pinky swear,” Reese proclaimed as his little finger wrapped itself around mine. “Friends, then.”

  “Friends, besties,” I replied as I gulped down my fear.