Page 50 of Romancing the Rumrunner
“A bit,” he said with a faint smile.
“How did you end up running The Corkscrew?”
Tony admired her style. No beating around the bush like he’d been doing. Just straight and direct. Maybe he should have tried that approach with her. Though she seemed to be growing paler and more agitated with every question she asked. The knot in his stomach eased up a bit. Whatever was going on with her, whoever was paying her off, Tony didn’t think it sat well with her. She wasn’t acting like a person who was an expert in this game.
“The old owner was an acquaintance of mine.”
“I see,” she said, her voice faint.
Tony frowned. Whatever game she was playing was taking a toll on her. He reached over and caressed her face, purposely following the same path the other man had taken, as if he could erase the man’s touch from her skin.
“What’s wrong, Jessie?”
She blinked up at him, her eyes suspiciously bright. For just a moment she leaned into his hand.
“Tell me what’s going on. Maybe I can help you,” he said.
Jessie let out a long, quiet sigh. “No. You can’t help me.”
Tony was about to protest, insist that she tell him what was going on. But Jessie forced a smile. “It’s nothing, I promise. I’m just tired, that’s all.”
Tony studied her for a second but she made no move to say anything else.
“All right, then. I’ll see you at the club.”
Jessie nodded and walked him to the door.
“Goodnight, Jessie.”
He wished he could scoop her up in his arms, take her upstairs, and just forget about the mess they’d gotten themselves into. He hesitated, then leaned in, unable to help himself.
Jessie turned her head and his lips brushed against her cheek. Tony pulled back, his heart clenching like she’d reached into his chest and wrenched it out. He stepped back, jaw rigid, doing his best to keep her from seeing his hurt. His eyes narrowed as he searched her features, trying to find some clue to what was going on in her head. She refused to meet his gaze and a rising anger compounded the ache that tightened his chest.What the hell was going on?
“Goodnight, Tony.”
Her voice sounded so small, so sad. Tony shoved aside his feelings and reached for her, rubbing his thumb across her cheek and pulling her closer to press a kiss to her forehead. She relaxed into him for a split second before stiffening in his arms. He released her. Then he walked out her door, hoping that it wasn’t for the last time.
Chapter Sixteen
Jameson looked up in surprise when Tony entered his office the next day.
“Well, now. Finally stopping in to give me an update,hmm? About damn time.”
Tony grimaced but wasn’t about to argue with the man. “I think you need to put a larger detail on Jessie…or pull her in, offer her a deal.”
“Has something happened?”
“Willie’s getting a little too close for comfort.”
Jameson’s eyes widened. “Have you seen the Harlan girl with one of Willie’s guys?”
Tony pressed his lips together, not wanting to give Jameson any ammo to work with, especially since he wasn’t sure there was any yet.
“You going to tell me what this is about?”
“Not sure there is anything to tell yet.”
“Well, it’s gotta be something or you wouldn’t be in here.”
