Jesse's Girl Read online

  For a moment, Jesse seemed to soften toward her, but he cleared his throat and gave her a perfunctory smile as he straightened his back. “We’ll need to keep the card for testing,” he muttered.

  “That’s fine. I’ll get a new one.”

  “Was there anyone with him, Ally? Anyone you might have noticed leaving soon after him?”

  “I was in there for awhile because my pizza wasn’t ready. I think a family left shortly after him but no one else that I remember.”

  Lucky had walked off to put her card in an evidence bag. When he returned, he had his best cop face on.

  “Ally, I want you to go pack your things so you can stay with Lana and me. I’m sure she could use a second hand with Lily since my long hours aren’t going to be getting any shorter in the coming days anyway.”

  “I don’t mind. I hate to sound naïve here, but how would Lana protect me with you here at the station? Have Lily talk them to death?”

  Lucky smiled, and it lit up his whole face, reminding Ally how much he loved his little girl. “She would make a great negotiator, that one. But no, remember after James came back to town, Lana took self-defense classes, and she’s been trained to shoot a gun. And she’s a woman, so I suspect you’d be in better hands with her than me. Women don’t kid around when they draw a gun.”

  “Thanks, Lucky. I’ll just go home and grab my things.”

  “Detective Richards, if you don’t mind…” Lucky said with a sweep of his hands toward the door.

  Jesse did a double take, and Ally narrowed her eyes at Lucky. What was he up to?

  “Don’t mind what?” Jesse asked.

  “Escorting Ally back to her house. She’ll need to gather her things, and I’d like to see that she arrives safely at my house.”

  Jesse cleared his throat. “That’s not my job—”

  “No, but it’s on your way to the forensics lab.” Lucky dangled the bag with her debit card in it and raised his eyebrows pointedly.

  Ally wasn’t fooled for a second. Lucky was up to something. No doubt it was something that she was going to have to talk to him about. Jesse had been back for six months, and she’d managed to avoid running into him so far. It wasn’t because she hadn’t seen him. Oh no, he was everywhere. At the park where she took Lily, Harry’s, the gym, patrolling every road she seemed to drive on. It might be a small town, but how could the man have managed to be everywhere she was?

  “Let’s go,” Jesse grumbled and grabbed her arm above the elbow, leading her out.

  As soon as the station door closed behind them, Ally wrenched free and shot him a glare. He might be a big shot detective now, but there was no way he was going to manhandle her just because he was still angry.

  Pulling her cell phone out of her purse, Ally dialed Michael’s number. Michael was her boyfriend, and they’d been together for almost three years now. She’d have him meet her at her house and take her to Lana’s. The sooner she could get out of Jesse’s presence, the better.

  “Where’s your car?” Jesse ignored the fact that she was on the phone.

  “I walked.”

  “With a killer in town.” His deadpan tone indicated his annoyance. He shook his head as he headed over to a squad car. “Get in.”

  No way. No way was she going to get in close confines with him. She was close to tears already just knowing she was going to have to uproot her life until the killer was caught.

  Michael’s voicemail answered, so she said, “Michael, hey. It’s Ally. I need you to meet me at my place as soon as you can. It’s kind of important. A minor emergency I guess you could say. Everything is okay, but I’m going to have to stay with Lana for a while, and I was wondering if you could help me take some things over there tonight? Just give me a call when you get this. Love you.”

  Jesse’s narrowed gaze didn’t waver from hers over the squad car. “You’re still with that creep?”

  Ally felt her chin lift involuntarily. “Yes, I am. And he’s not a creep.” She wanted to add that he hadn’t been the one to snub her because she hadn’t said what he wanted to hear. He’d remained her friend even though he knew she’d never be totally his. She might not love him the same way she’d once loved Jesse, but it was enough.

  Jesse didn’t say a word, but his smirk did all the talking. And Ally was furious. “Forget you. I’ll walk home.”

  “No, you won’t. Whoever killed that man could be waiting at your house right now. You’re not going back alone.”

  Gritting her teeth, Ally quelled the urge to give him the finger, but instead said, “The only way I’m getting in that squad car is if you handcuff me and force me inside.”

  Without a single word, Jesse rounded the corner, pulled his handcuffs from his belt and twirled them. A sneer darkened his eyes as they settled on her breasts. “That can be arranged.”

  “You’re a jerk. You always have been! I should’ve known you wouldn’t be able to handle rejection! I knew—”

  With lightning speed, Jesse had her pinned against the squad car with his lower half while he tried to capture her flailing arms. All Ally wanted to do was get in one solid hit. He deserved that much at least.

  “You’d be wise to keep your pretty little mouth shut.”

  Cold metal wrapped around her hands and she was about to call his bluff when they snapped into place. Testing their strength, Ally pulled against them.

  “They’re not the frilly kind I’m sure you’re used to having with Michael. They’re as real and as hard as they get, honey.” The low dip of his voice next to her ear caused her skin to heat and chill all at the same time. He could insinuate sexual things all day long, but she’d never look at him the same way she had when they were kids.

  What a fool she’d been to think he was the same. This Jesse had ice in his veins.

  Before she knew it, she was shoved in the back of the squad car and his chuckle met her ears.

  Chapter 2

  Five Years Earlier

  “Lucas, hi! This party is great!” Ally said as she upturned the amber bottle of beer. She needed something to loosen her up from the sexually charged evening she’d spent with Jesse. He used to know how to party, now he just sat across the room nursing a beer and watching her with a look of disgust as she made rounds to all her high school friends.

  “Hey baby, wanna go upstairs?” Lucas, the host, teased, and kissed her directly on the mouth as they danced provocatively to the thumping music.

  She slapped his arm playfully and laughed. “Dream on!” The French doors were opened, revealing a beautiful nighttime view of the ocean. Ally longed to get away from the crowd and the stuffy house.

  When the song finally ended she felt a rough hand spin her around and lead her through the doors. When her eyes finally focused she realized Jesse was leading her. A smile spread across her lips realizing he’d read her mind.

  Once they were away from the house and the blaring music, moonlight was the only thing that lit their path. Ally thought it was incredibly romantic.

  Suddenly Jesse spun around to face her, jabbing his hands through his hair.

  “What were you thinking in there? You’re acting like you’d give it up to that sleeze bag. Or have you already?” She knew he was referring to her virginity. She smiled at his concern, something that was obviously weighing heavily on his shoulders because he was pacing. He always paced when he was upset.

  Ally put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry about that, Jesse. I’m not giving it up to anyone any time soon. And stop trying to be my daddy. Loosen up, have some fun! You haven’t let go all night. I figured once you got up to NYU you’d be teaching me a few things about partying.”

  “Maybe it’s because I’m too busy watching out for you. When did you learn to dance like that? Where did you learn that kind of thing?”

  He paced again.

  “You know what I think?” she asked, tripping over something in the sand and giggling.

  “What’s that?” He held out h
is arms to catch her and she walked into them as if she belonged there.

  “I think I’m a little drunk,” she whispered in his ear, giggling again.

  “I think it’s more than a little,” he said, and she felt his smile against her temple.

  When he pulled back and brushed her hair from her face, she suddenly felt a surge of confidence.

  “Would it change things between us if I asked you to kiss me?”

  She heard the sharp intake of breath and then the slight grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  “I don’t know. I’d have to kiss you to figure it out.” He was teasing her.

  Never before had this kind of teasing existed between them.

  “Is that a challenge?” She cocked an eyebrow playfully as she looked up at him.

  “Could be,” he shrugged and began his decent.

  “Wait!” she said, coming to her senses and pulling away. “Why are we even discussing this? You can’t kiss me! It’s you, Jesse!”

  “Is that so appalling?” he asked as a muscle began to tick in his jaw.

  “No, it’s just that we’re not supposed to think like that. You’re Jesse, my friend. You’re like a big brother.” She pulled farther away from him and watched his face harden.

  But despite his hard expression, his voice was low and soft, almost hurt. “Is that the only way you’ll ever think of me, Ally? As a big brother?”

  She waved a hand of dismissal. “Of course I’ll always think of you that way. You’re my best friend.”

  Watching as his face went stone cold and unreadable, she took another step in retreat, realizing for the first time the effects of the alcohol wasn’t nearly as strong as she’d first believed.

  He took a step toward her, his jaw clenched. For each step he took toward her she retreated equally.

  “Do you want to know what I think?” He stalked toward her like a cat ready to pounce on its prey.

  “What’s that?” She echoed his words.

  Suddenly Ally was in his arms again. How she got there, she’d never know. His hand was in her hair behind her neck and his other hand pinned her securely against him at her waist. She was horrified and pleased to hear Jesse’s moan as his lips crushed hers, sculpted her to mold to him and answer his ardent kiss. She opened her mouth for him. Ally couldn’t believe the sensations that spiraled out of control within her. Never had she thought it was possible to feel this way about Jesse. But the tension had been mounting all evening.

  Jesse’s hand was cupping her bottom and holding her to him, and she felt him push against her. She’d been kissed, many times in fact, but never had it been filled with this much passion, this much need… this much tenderness. The alcohol began speaking, and she put her arms around his neck, burrowed her fingers in his hair and tugged gently for him to move his head to the side for greater access. When he complied, she plunged into his mouth and kissed him with the same possessiveness he was demonstrating toward her. Her insides throbbed. As his lips trailed down her throat, she threw her head back and cried out softly, never knowing pleasure could be taken to such heights. Much too quickly, Jesse tore away from her and pushed her back.

  “I don’t think friends are supposed to kiss like that,” he said in a voice too calm, too controlled.

  Not fully registering what was happening, all she knew was he was walking away from her and her body, mind and soul begged her to stop him. But it was much too late. Something had just happened between them and as Ally raised her hands to touch her bruised lips, she smiled… blissfully happy for reasons she had yet to understand.

  ****

  Present Day

  The silence in the car reigned until Jesse started to hum. He couldn’t stand it when Ally pouted. She’d done it many times in their youth to get her way, and it worked every time. Well, not today. He wasn’t prone to manipulations anymore, much less those of a spoiled child.

  “Stop humming that stupid song,” she finally said.

  With a grin, Jesse stopped humming. Jessie’s Girl had been “their” song. He used to sing it to her all the time during their few short months together.

  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re a little bitter over the way things ended,” he chided, looking to rile her on purpose.

  “You’re the one who couldn’t handle it.”

  “Au contraire, my friend. I handled it and moved on. It’s you who seems so nervous around me.”

  Instead of taking the bait, Ally looked out the window, her pretty pout perfectly in place again.

  “Cat got your tongue?” he called, watching her in the rearview.

  Her lack of response saddened him. Their rapport with each other used to be more fun than snippy. He’d loved her wit and enthusiasm for life. But right around the time Michael came along – about two months after he’d left for college again, his friends told him how much she was changing – and not for the better.

  Now he was seeing it first hand. What could a single man do to a woman as lively as Ally to snuff out the life in her?

  His fists involuntarily tightened on the steering wheel. He might not be in love with her anymore, but if he ever found out that Michael had ever laid an unwanted hand on her, he was toast.

  “So where do you live?” he finally asked, realizing he was headed to the edge of town without a single clue to where she lived. He’d heard Lucky mention she’d moved out of Mr. Roche’s house earlier in the year.

  “Take a left on Burberry and then another left on Hatchfield. I’m the fifth house on the right.” After her words, she returned her gaze to the scenery.

  Jesse took a few moments to study her. He’d noticed at the station that her body had filled out even more since high school. And he’d noticed that she was just as beautiful as the day he’d fallen in love with her. What he hadn’t noticed at first was the hollowness in her eyes. Yeah, she’d mellowed a little, seemed more distant. But it was like she was dead inside.

  Lucky’s wife had expressed her concern over Ally more than once in a not-so-subtle jab at him to check in on her. But nothing in the world could make him go to her first. He was no sucker now. He didn’t believe in love anymore, at least not the kind that lasted.

  But he could see that Lana had a point now. She certainly had more curves, but she was thin, almost too thin. She wore skinny jeans, the kind that left little to the imagination, and it immediately surfaced the memory of those legs wrapped around him.

  Jesse shook his head. No way were those kinds of thoughts going to get the best of him. He might be tempted to try those handcuffs out for other things.

  At long last, even though the drive had lasted five minutes tops, he pulled into Ally’s driveway. He noted a crooked shutter and blue patch of plastic on the roof, but otherwise, the house was exactly what he imagined her in. Classic, homey, and sweet.

  “A storm came through last week and took a few shingles,” she explained, no doubt noticing his perusal.

  “It’s you.” It was all he offered, but he wanted to say so much more. It was clean, cute, and a little bruised, just like her. Would they have bought a house like this together? Would they even still be together? Would they have a child by now if she’d said yes?

  Again, thoughts better left in the past where they belonged.

  Jesse got out of the patrol car and opened the back door. She scooted out and presented him with her back. Looking over her shoulder with lowered lids, she asked quietly, “Can you please uncuff me? I can’t feel the tips of my fingers anymore.”

  He refused to acknowledge the tug of sympathy, but he did as she asked and returned the cuffs to their holster. Without thinking it through, he took her hands in his and massaged her wrists to stimulate the blood flow again.

  Ally’s eyes drifted close, as if she enjoyed his touch. He remembered another time her eyes drifted close at his touch…

  Perhaps they were on the same wavelength because Ally snapped her eyes open and snatched her hands away from him. “They’ll be f
ine,” she barked.

  She stomped to the front door and fumbled for her keys. Her hands shook and Jesse wasn’t sure if he should be worried or flattered. He chose neither.

  “Let me help you,” he said, taking the keys from her hand.

  Just as he had a good grasp on them, she snatched them away and unlocked the door herself. He bit back a grin at her determination.

  “You can leave now.” Her tone was less than amused that he’d followed her to the door.

  “I’ll take you over to Lana’s.”

  “My car is in my garage. I’m capable. And Michael will be here in a little while.”

  Oh, yes. Michael. She walked in her house and turned on the lights. The cloud cover outside made the day dreary and dark. He ambled in right behind her. She cast him a cautious glance but said nothing.

  “How long have you lived here?” he asked with a casual look around. The house was decorated with a classic vintage feel. Ally had never been much for contemporary and seemed to enjoy the things her mother used to love. Damask wallpaper lined the walls of the dining room to his right and the parlor had antique furniture. The second half of the room held a baby grand piano.

  “A few months now. Have a lot I want to do to the place.”

  “You still play piano?” He recalled the times he’d gone to her recitals when he was a kid. Then there was that time during their precious few months together that she’d played Pachelbel’s Canon in D for him. For only him. He’d easily envisioned her in white, walking down the aisle to him, ready to say, “I do.”

  But like most of his dreams, the idea had shattered into a million pieces. He’d been left with cold, stark reality that told him that his wishes for their future was nothing but childhood fodder. Happily ever after’s were fairy tales, not for men like him.

  “Sometimes,” she murmured, staring at the piano. “Sometimes I play and remember you.”

  Her words brought him up short, and his gaze snapped to hers. He didn’t want platitudes. In fact, he preferred her anger. So he did what he always did best. He pushed the button he knew would infuriate her. With a derisive snort, he asked, “Do you remember how we used to make love all summer long, too?”