Crazy for You Page 15

  “And your junior and senior years?”

  “Oh, I learned my lesson. I bit the bullet and stayed off campus by myself. I’m thinking,” she stood on her tiptoes and kissed his chin, “that third time’s a charm. Now I’m living with a sexy man who cooks and cleans. What’s not to love?”

  Jake grabbed her shoulders. “You don’t have to fake it for me, angel. I know this has to be playing with your head. Living with a man before . . . you know.”

  “Marriage?” Charlotte lifted her eyebrows. Jeez, he can’t even say the word.

  He swallowed. “Yes, marriage. I want you to know that I’m not trying to jerk your chain. I care for you. Deeply care for you. And I’m happy and honored that we’re starting a family together. I just don’t want us to rush into marriage. I want us to get to know each other, and I never want you to regret spending the rest of your life with me.”

  Rejection replaced her earlier shame. Swallowing down the feeling, she grasped for scraps of pride. “Yes, and I know you don’t want to regret being with me either.” Her tone was sharp and bitter.

  “No. I’ll never have regrets when it comes to you. But I worry if you can handle being in the spotlight. You don’t seem to like it. The media. The intense fans.”

  “I’m stronger than you think.” She slammed her toothbrush into the holder, nearly toppling it.

  Jake righted the holder. “I know you are. I just want to protect you.” He leaned down to kiss her temple. “Is that so bad?”

  “No, it’s not. I love that about you. But trust me when I say that I’m not fragile. I know with Bean and my condition it would seem that way, but—”

  “You’re my Wonder Woman.” His thumb stroked her chin. “I could never forget that. Which reminds me . . . I have a little something for you.” He grabbed her hand and led her to the bedroom. On the bed were a pair of her favorite superhero’s socks.

  Rushing to the bed, she grabbed the Wonder Woman items. “Where did you get these?” she squealed. “I love them!” She ran into his arms and gave him a kiss.

  “Those are a gift for both of us. Now you won’t rub your cold feet against me when I’m sleeping.”

  She playfully hit his shoulder. “They are not cold.”

  “Woman, your feet feel like you went ice skating barefoot on an iceberg.”

  She giggled into his chest. “Ha-ha.”

  “But you’re beautiful and you’re mine, which is why I don’t mind it so much.” He lifted her into his arms, and she yelped. “Now, I’m going to make your favorite . . . chicken quesadillas.”

  “But—”

  “No back talk. Bean needs his protein, and he isn’t going to get it from those wimpy salads.”

  “Or she.”

  “Or she,” he quickly conceded.

  Charlotte leaned against his chest and inhaled. Maybe living with a man, especially a man like Jake, wouldn’t be so bad.

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Slide the lock behind me,” Jake yelled through the closed door.

  “Got it.”

  “And activate the alarm.”

  “Aye, aye, captain.” She was probably giving him a tired salute and backing away from the door.

  He didn’t move until he heard the lock click. Normally her cuteness would make him chuckle, but not today. Safety was top priority. He had an alarm-enabled app, an upgraded state-of-the-art alarm system, and a security detail for Charlotte that rivaled the Secret Service.

  Because they hadn’t heard from the stalker for a few weeks, she’d argued that it was time to let go of the security and had teased he was overreacting. Instead of letting them go, he’d compromised and had them move to the lobby.

  What she didn’t know was that the stalker had contacted him. Thank God security had intercepted and given the letter to Jake. Same style as the note to her, but mailed to his home— a plain white envelope and cut-out letters. The threat was clear. Direct and meant just for him.

  DON’T MARRY HER OR ELSE.

  Or else what? Raw and potent fear curdled like old milk in his stomach. He didn’t want to find out.

  After reporting the letter to the police and increasing security, he decided not to add to Charlotte’s stress by telling her. No need to skyrocket her blood pressure. He would keep this to himself. Not that they were talking about marriage at this point, but he knew, deep in his bones, that she was the one.

  He paused before opening the door to exit his building. Damn. She’s the one. A four-hundred-pound sumo wrestler sat on his chest.

  Just thinking of any harm coming her way or the pain she felt on a regular basis from the pregnancy drove him crazy, pressuring the possessive beast within him to take her to a deserted island and never let her out of his sight. Fine time to have a revelation. Nodding at the security officer in the lobby, he walked toward the parking garage.

  He sighed, not at all looking forward to conditioning. Although the season was over, they were still required to work out. For the first time, he regretted his fame. Regretted being a household name and a highly sought-after celebrity. He couldn’t help but feel all of this insanity was his fault. He’d told Charlotte as much, and of course, his angel disagreed.

  As much as he loved and appreciated her loyalty, she was wrong. If he’d treated women with a little more respect and valued them more than for just a night in the sheets, the stalker wouldn’t have reacted so strongly to Jake settling down. The detective handling the case had told Jake it was easy for someone, albeit a demented someone, to feel like he was hers if he never truly committed to one woman. Because in their mind, he simply hadn’t found the right person.

  But Jake had found the right person. And now she was in danger, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

  • • •

  Charlotte tilted her head back and let the sun warm her face. She was eleven weeks pregnant, and today was a pain-free day, so far. No fatigue or severe headaches, and no pain in the back. A blessing. She planned to take advantage of her good fortune.

  Jake was the perfect partner. He cooked every day, gave her foot massages, and bought little gifts just to make her smile. And he did make her smile.

  Every day, she looked forward to his surprises. The best one so far had been the autographed Black Panther poster, signed by the movie cast. He’d placed it in what he now called Charlotte’s Corner—a cute nook he’d created for her desk and collectible items.

  Despite her earlier reservations, she was falling harder and deeper for the man. And, she wanted to express her love physically. Okay, so I need a release. Stupid pregnancy hormones. When she wasn’t in pain, she was horny. What a damn uncomfortable combination.

  Because Charlotte was often fatigued, Jake had initiated a ban on sex. But during the last check up a few weeks ago, Charlotte had very deliberately, with blazing cheeks and stumbled speech, asked the doctor if they could have sex. Dr. Moira’s eyes had sparkled, the only signal that showed her amusement, and she’d said yes.

  Not that it did any good. Jake had it in his head that Charlotte was sick and needed protecting. Apparently from his dick. So not true. She was pretty sure the thing had magical healing properties.

  Which was why she was on a mission. Well, she and Larry, her midday security guy, were on a mission. Seduction.

  “This is the place.” Charlotte pointed to the sign above Twisted Sister on the Lower East side of New York.

  Larry cleared his throat. “Stay at the front of the store, near the register, while I do a quick sweep.”

  The stocky man who reminded her of a WWE wrestler disappeared. Less than a minute later, he returned. He pressed his index finger over the earpiece. “All clear.”

  Charlotte placed a hand on his large bicep. “Thanks for keeping me safe.”

  A flush of red crept up his thickly corded neck. “My job, ma’am.”

  Despite his few words, he was sweet and her favorite guard. He didn’t treat her like she was a delicate flower, but a capable woman. He
listened to her gab about work or the baby. He would occasionally grunt, say a few words that were poignant, or squeeze her hand. The other guys, although efficient, were professional but distant.

  “Okay. This should be quick. I special-ordered a costume, but I still need a sword and gold boots.”

  Larry lifted a brow and covered his mouth.

  She elbowed him. “It’s all about the boots.” She leaned closer. “Trust me.”

  His lips twitched. “I have no doubt.”

  Browsing the store, she found the perfect metallic gold boots and a realistic-looking sword. After they checked out, Larry whisked her into the black Lincoln Navigator and back to Jake’s condo.

  Flashing his badge to the front-desk officer, the guard hurried Charlotte into the elevator and pressed the penthouse-level floor button. In seconds, the doors swung open to the apartment and a bag sitting on the floor. Jake had returned from his workout. “Okay. I can take it from here,” she whispered in a giddy voice.

  Larry shook his head, scanned the area, and quickly peeked into the bedroom. Jake must not have noticed because she could hear a steady stream of conversation from his end.

  “All clear,” the guard whispered. “Now you can take it from here.”

  Charlotte twisted the handle of the bag around her fingers. “Wish me good luck.”

  He shook his head again. “With those boots, you don’t need it.” Pressing the button to the elevator, he stepped backward. “Tomorrow, Ms. Jones.”

  • • •

  Jake wanted to punch something. A wall, maybe. His agent’s low and serious voice droned on, oblivious or uncaring to the chaotic tornado sucking him into an angry vortex.

  “What the hell do you mean that they want us to get married?”

  “Trust me, Jakey. I had a meeting and tried to push back. We yelled, screamed, and damn near threatened to expose them for their outdated, holier-than-thou attitude. Apparently, there’s some old bird on the board that made a ruckus and turned the board and CEO against you.”

  “Damn.”

  “They wanted to drop you completely, but John fought them tooth and nail. He emphasized that you both were deeply in love and that it was only a matter of time before you two got married.”

  “Look. Sorry, Gina, but this is utter bullshit. Threx doesn’t own me.” And I can’t risk pissing off the stalker. Giving into his fear and anger, Jake punched the wall with his free hand. The wall crumbled under his knuckles, leaving a deep basin shape in the surface. Thank God Charlotte was at work. He didn’t want her to see him like this. He’d think up an excuse about the damage later.

  “I agree, but the fact of the matter is you have seventy-million dollars riding on this deal. Seventy million. This isn’t chump change, and I know you’ve already committed some of the monies to various charities and your family. You signed the contract fully knowing about the morality clause, because I sat there and explained it to you. You signed up for this, Jake.”

  He shook off the sting of pain and rubbed the white dust particles and paint from his knuckles. “I know, I know. But damn, they can’t do this, can they?” He hadn’t told Gina about the second stalker letter. He wanted to keep the information contained and his agent out of his personal life. The woman had been asking too many questions lately. Is the stalker causing stress between you and Charlotte? Do you think you’ll break up?

  “Sure, they can.” Her voice turned soft, tired, and a bit melancholy. “I’m sorry I’m failing you, Jake. I want to fix this for you, but—”

  “It’s not your fault, Gina. You aren’t the idiot that couldn’t figure out the basics of birth control.”

  A shocked gasp behind him interrupted his pacing and ranting, and he spun around. Like a bucket of ice-cold water being dumped over his head, his anger was doused, and in its place now stood remorse.

  Charlotte stood before him, dressed in a sexy maternity-style She-Ra costume. But she didn’t look like a conqueror. No, she looked like her world had been destroyed. Her lips were clenched between her teeth, and her eyes reflected molten pools of pain.

  “Gotta go, Gina. Something came up.” He clicked off the phone before his agent demanded answers he didn’t have. For her or Charlotte.

  He reached out to touch Charlotte, but she flinched. “Baby, I—”

  She raised a hand. “Stop. I’m not going to stomp away. I’m not going to cry.” Her voice wavered, betraying the lie she told.

  His look must’ve broadcasted his doubt because she gripped her fist by her sides. “I won’t. Besides, I’m already dressed up in this ridiculous costume and I can’t very well be She-Ra in twenty-degree weather with a baby bump.” She waved to the bed. “Let’s sit down and talk.” Her tone was . . . off. She was calm and saying all the right things so far, but it was too impersonal, too cold, too formal. Nothing like his warm and caring girlfriend.

  He remained standing, still trying to figure out the right words to say to fix his screw up.

  Closing her eyes, she swallowed and then took a deep breath. “Please, Jake. Sit.”

  He nodded and followed her order.

  “We seem to always catch each other in the middle of private conversations, don’t we?”

  Jake grabbed onto the peace offering in her soothing words and nodded. “Yes. I’m sorry you had to hear that. How much of the conversation did you catch?”

  “That Threx wants us to get married. I’m sorry, Jake. I’m usually not much of an eavesdropper but . . . but when I heard you yell that from the guest bathroom . . . well, I came closer to the bedroom door and listened to the rest.” She gripped the red cape into her hands. “It’s clear to me that the thought of marrying me distresses you a lot, so I won’t force your hand.” Her brown eyes lifted from her lap to his face. “Ever. I want a man who doesn’t doubt his feelings for me. And who loves me for me.”

  “Charlotte.” He rubbed a hand over his face. “It’s not the thought of marrying you that has me pissed. It’s that they are forcing my hand. Our hands. They’re tainting our relationship by waving money over our heads. I don’t like to be told what to do. I like to be in control.” And I don’t want to lose you.

  “Why is that?”

  “Why is what?”

  “Why do you have to always be in control?”

  Jake shrugged his shoulders. “I told you I was the chubby and unpopular kid.”

  Charlotte nodded.

  “Well, things changed for me when I took control of my life. I took control by sticking to a discipline. Eating well and exercising. And with focus and practice, I’m mastering the game. Not to sound arrogant, but a lot of people don’t make it to the pros. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. But when someone comes in and tells me what I should or shouldn’t do, basically dictating my life, I get pissed.”

  She nodded her head. “And you rebel because you don’t like being told what to do.”

  “Yes. It’s against my nature to be someone’s ‘yes man.’ I feel like they’re gripping me by the balls. And, with this latest demand that we get married, they’re twisting them.”

  “So what do you want to do, Jake?”

  “I don’t want to get married,” he lied. He did want to get married. Maybe a year or so from now, once the stalker got over this obsession with him.

  Charlotte flinched at his bluntness. “Then we won’t. But I won’t lie, getting married is something I want to do one day. It’s always been my dream to have a large family.”

  “Can I think about this? I need some fresh air.”

  “Of course.” She scanned the room, avoiding his eyes. “I can crash somewhere else.”

  “No, baby, I need you here. Just give me a little time, all right?” He pulled her in, placing a kiss on her forehead. “I’ll send someone from security up.”

  “I’d like some time by myself, too.” She gulped and blinked. “Can you tell them to stay in the lobby? Or maybe by the door?”

  He nodded as he grabbed his jacket. “I’ll be bac
k soon.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Charlotte doubled over in pain. Not from the baby, but from Jake. One thing was crystal clear: He didn’t love her.

  He cared for her, sure. But she wanted—no, she needed—his love. For the first time in her life, Charlotte wanted to go home and rest in the comfort of her mother’s arms. She crawled into bed and laid her head on the pillow. Just before drifting off, she heard the sweetest voice whisper, Go on home, baby.

  Her eyes fluttered open, and her heart rattled in her chest. “Big Mama?” Holding her breath, she listened for a response, but all she could hear was her thudding heartbeat. I’m losing my mind. But she couldn’t shake the urge to call her mother.

  Giving in to the impulse, she stretched for her phone on the nightstand and dialed.

  Her mother picked up and answered, “Hey, Charlie baby. I was just thinking about you. I saw the cutest little hat and thought Baby Bean would be cute in it. Don’t worry, green is a neutral color, right?”

  “Mama?” she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion. “I need to come home.”

  Dead silence echoed from the other end. Charlotte hadn’t expected her mother to be so hesitant.

  “Well, if it’s too much trouble then—”

  “Of course not, baby. You’re always welcome. Now tell me what happened.”

  As Charlotte spilled her guts, a large boulder lifted from her shoulders.

  “Charlie baby, may I give you some advice?”

  “Of course, Mama.”

  “Now, I want you to listen to me entirely and with an open heart, okay?”

  “Okay.”

  “I think you should come home, but not for the reason I think you want to.”

  Oh, goodness. Here we go. “What do you mean?”

  “Charlie, sometimes . . . ” Mama’s voice was high and unsure. “Sometimes when the going gets tough, you get going.”

  The words stung, and Charlotte tried not to take offense. Tried and failed. “What do you mean?”

  “Give me a minute or two, baby. You promised to listen.”