CALLEY (RIBUS 7 Book 3) (30 page)

Chelan was laughing herself. “Well, I’m positive I can carry my own stuff, but for the record, I would be happy to have you along, as long as you behave between now and then.”

Jason’s lip quirked. “Yes, ma’am. Consider ‘Behave’ to be my middle name from this point on.”

Chelan smiled at him fondly, but her thoughts of hiking were sidelined as he turned on his side and propped his head up on his elbow.

“So, where was home originally?” he asked.

“Boston. Where’s your family from?”

“Montana.”

“When was the last time you were home?”

“Oh, quite a long time ago. My family has land there, and my two brothers are still working it. Dad has a couple hundred head of cattle, so it keeps them all busy.”

“So why did you jump ship?”

Jason squinted at nothing in particular. “I wanted to see the world. And my brothers were always more ranch-crazy than me. So after I travelled, I went to university, and, well, here I am.”

Chelan smiled. “It must be nice being your own boss.”

Jason shrugged. “It was its advantages and drawbacks, but I enjoy it.”

“You must. Jim told me you turned down working for him.”

“Well, Jim’s a good manager. But he’s very domineering. I don’t like being controlled by others. So we work well side by side, but neither of us could be each other’s boss.”

Chelan glanced at the TV and then back to him. “Now you have me all excited about camping.”

“It’s certainly something to look forward to, but I’m afraid in the interim we have to endure a reality check. Tomorrow, it’s back to cold and windy Chicago.”

Chelan’s shoulders slumped. “I know.”

Jason looked at her. “So, tell me why you’re staying with Jim? I can see he’s not your first choice of companionship.”

“I know him from my university days. My family knew his family, and we were considered altar bound. But then I left… to work and travel, and basically disappeared from his life.” Chelan took a moment to carefully consider what to reveal to Jason. “I lost touch with everybody, including my family, and when I returned… well, my family had dispersed.”

Jason’s face fell. “Oh, Chelan, I’m so sorry. It must be hard to be separated from everyone for so long.”

Chelan felt her throat tighten but she continued. “I got in touch with my brother in New York because I wanted to reconnect with him and find work, but I didn’t want to intrude on his family. He suggested I stay at his place in Chicago while I got my feet under me, and I had intended to stay there indefinitely, but he needed the place for his work, so I asked Jim if I could stay with him.” Chelan shrugged. “Additionally, I had originally intended to get a job through Jim, but it’s not easy to approach him. I guess you could say I’m living off of him at the moment, but it’s only temporary. As soon as my brother heads back to New York, I’ll move back to his place.”

“I don’t think Jim considers it temporary.”

Chelan sipped the last of her wine and then reclined on the pillows next to him. “No, I suppose not. But I’ve let him know in no uncertain terms that I’m just a friend and no more. Besides, I’ve also learned since living under his roof that he has a very volatile side.”

Jason’s jaw worked. “You could stay at my place if you preferred.”

Chelan smiled at him. “Thanks, but I’m sure you don’t need a roommate. I would only be a drain on you until I’m…” She faltered as she realized she was entering dangerous waters.

“Until you’re what?”

She recovered quickly. “Until I’m on my way and gainfully employed.”

Jason watched her carefully. “Well, the offer stands. If you ever need help or need a place to stay, just come on over.”

Chelan took a large breath, unexpected relief washing over her for reasons she could not explain. She looked at him, and suddenly she was riveted to his handsome features once again. He smiled at her and then rolled to his back and refocused on the TV. Chelan watched his slow respirations and pondered his words. Then she pulled herself up and stared down into his crystal eyes. “Your offer—you know how much it would irk Jim if I took you up on it?”

Jason shrugged. “I’ve offered you shelter and friendship. If he gets upset over that, then he’s an idiot. I’m not asking you to be my girlfriend.”

“He might not see it that way.”

Jason looked up at her for a long time. “I suppose you could be right, But I will assume he is smarter than that. After all, I have to work with the guy. And as a close friend, I would never take what he considered to be his. Regardless, it’s your choice, not his.”

Chelan sank down to the pillows beside him. “Guess if I ever wanted to date I would have to move to the other side of the country, the way things stand now.”

Jason smiled. “So, you want to get out into the dating world?”

Chelan shook her head. “No,” she stated firmly. “Not for the foreseeable future.”

“Why not?”

Chelan hesitated. “Just not interested, I’m afraid.”

“What if the right guy came along?”

She smiled. “Oh, maybe then, I suppose. But I’m really not looking.”

Jason glanced over her, her beautiful figure as alluring as her wondrous mind. “I’m sure the right man is out there waiting for you,” he whispered.

Chelan looked up at the ceiling. “I suppose he is,” she uttered. “Somewhere…” she added, her thoughts brushing longingly over Dar.

Jason returned his attention to the news. She glanced at him and then stared at the TV, but she could not redirect her thoughts from the Empire. Images of the man on the plane came back to her. Where were her men, and what were they engaged in right at this moment?

She clasped her hands together, deep in thought as images of Korba and Fremma swirled through her psyche. Then Jason’s deep laugh jarred her back to Earth, and her thoughts turned to him. What was it that attracted her to him so much? Despite her unshakable bond with her Iceanean men, this Earth man possessed a strange allure. Of course, he was handsome. A woman would have to be blind not to notice that. But what she felt for him despite their short time together ran much deeper—in fact, too deep for comfort. Whatever the source of the mysterious pull he had on her, it was definitely nothing she could pursue.

Finally she sat up. “I’m bushed. I think I’ll meander off to my room.” The smile he gave her nearly melted her soul.

“Thanks again for everything,” he whispered in a smooth, deep tone, “especially the company over these last two weeks. I’ve enjoyed it all immensely.”

Chelan smiled back, her senses nearly leaving her. “Believe me, the pleasure was all mine.”

The next morning, Chelan and Jason were up early and off for the trip home. Before boarding their plane, Chelan stood in the Customs line, staring at a form she had filled out. She had nothing to declare, but she was careful to attend to all the other details. Jason had just finished with the officer and moved on a ways to wait for her.

“Where are you from?” came the authoritative female voice.

Chelan cleared her throat and passed the woman her form and her passport. “Chicago.”

“Citizenship?”

“US.”

“Anything to declare?”

“No.”

The large woman regarded her for a moment. “How long were you gone for?”

“Two weeks.”

“Business or pleasure?”

“Both.”

The woman eyed her suspiciously.

Chelan immediately called on all her training to still the dread that seized her. She remained very still while the woman continued to examine her passport critically.

Chelan clutched at her pack, her composure rapidly beginning to wane. Fear of being detained or questioned in depth suddenly assailed her. Then she was startled by the deep voice that interceded on her behalf.

“Excuse me, Officer Selby, is there a problem?” asked Jason, smiling.

Chelan’s eyes darted to the officer. The woman smiled back at Jason. “Well, no, Mr. Evans. I was just being thorough. You know this person?”

Jason looked at Chelan and then he ran his finger affectionately down her cheek. “Yes, I do. This young lady just agreed to become my wife.”

“Oh, Mr. Evans, I had no idea!” Her eyes met Chelan’s. “I’m sorry to detain you.” She nodded to Chelan. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” Chelan whispered as her heart nearly beat its way out of her chest.

The officer nodded. “Well, you two have a good time, and we’ll be seeing you again soon, Mr. Evans.”

He nodded to her. “Indeed you will.” And he turned away with Chelan held firmly in his grasp. He escorted her through the crowds and toward their gate.

Chelan’s head was spinning. When he stopped in front of her, she looked up at him. “Thank you,” she uttered.

Jason brushed the hair from her eyes. “Someday, as a form of retribution when I have done something bad, maybe you can explain to me why you were so nervous back there.”

“I thought I was doing fine.”

Jason nodded. “To most you would appear fine, but the officer picked up on something.”

Chelan felt her stomach turn. It had been a close call, and it could have been a disaster. “I guess I was worried about the fake passport.”

Jason’s lip quirked. “Somehow I think there was much more to it. But like I said, someday you can explain it to me.”

Chelan gave him a small smile. “Maybe someday, Mr. Evans.”

*****

The rest of the trip home was uneventful, and in no time they were outside Jim’s apartment. Jason looked over at the pretty woman. Chelan had become very subdued since they touched down in Chicago. They had not spoken since leaving the airport, and it appeared to him that she was not about to start. “Here we are,” he said quietly.

Chelan glanced at him. “Yes, thank you,” she said, and she reached for the door handle.

Jason’s strong hand gripped her arm, impelling her to look at him. “I had a good time.”

Chelan nodded. “Me, too. A great time in fact.” She forced another little smile. “Now it’s time to go face the music.”

Jason winced. “I hope not. Like I said, he’s had time to defuse.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“You want me to come up with you, or wait here?”

“No, I’ll be fine.”

“Okay, but promise me that if there’s any trouble, you will call me right away.”

Chelan paused. “Thank you, I appreciate that.”

He nodded. “Good night, Chelan.”

“Good night, Jason.”

*****

As she approached the penthouse suite, Chelan stopped. If she had been thinking straight, she probably would have taken Jason up on his offer of a place to stay. But that would only impose on the sensitive man. Besides, she could handle anything Jim threw at her, right? She took a deep breath and opened the door.

Jim looked at her from behind his newspaper. “Welcome home,” he chided dryly.

“It’s good to be back,” she lied.

Jim walked up to her and looked her up and down. “Did you have a good time with Jason?”

Chelan set her pack down. “We did a lot of work, and it was interesting.”

Jim nodded, his eyes burning holes into her. “Well, come on in. I’ve got some supper here if you’re interested.”

Chelan hung up her coat and reluctantly followed. She was far from hungry, but to placate him she would eat a bit.

But Jim’s cool demeanor warmed suddenly, and he served her a delectable welcome-home meal. “I missed you, Chelan.”

Chelan dabbed at her mouth with a fine linen napkin. “I’m sorry, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to look over the remote sensing technology.” Then she studied Jim carefully. “And if it eases your mind for whatever reason, we had separate rooms. He never touched me.”

Jim looked down at his food and then smiled. “Jason’s a gentleman in every way, isn’t he?” He looked up at her. “I know the man well. I wasn’t worried about that. I was just a little hostile over the loss of your company. It was a bit of a shock.”

Chelan began back into her food. Jason had been right. Jim had calmed down, and all was well.

*****

The week went by smoothly for Chelan. Jim had picked up right where he’d left off, trying to shower her with gifts, which she finally curtailed, and taking her out on the town whenever he could. He had never touched her intimately again, but then, as she had noticed, he had not drunk again.

Jason was off on another business trip and had called to say he would be out of town for a few days. Once again he had offered her his place, but Chelan had assured him that she was fine.

This morning her cell rang. “Hey, big brother.”

“Hey, sis, how goes it?”

“Everything is great. And I had a fantastic time in Canada.”

“I figured you would. I know the technology is up your alley, and I assume all was well with Jason?”

“Yes, he was the perfect gentleman, and there were no problems pertaining to any leaks, so to speak. But more importantly, how about the two of you?”

“All is fine here. And that’s why I’m calling. You think you would be up for the theater this Saturday?”

Chelan hesitated. “With you alone?”

“I was actually thinking about the four of us.”

“You know that could be trouble, Will.”

“Ummmm… Chel… I told Marion about you.”