“I haven’t forgotten you for one singlemoment. Have you forgotten me?”
The sound of his voice made her body shudderand that feeling of needing to throw up tickled the back of herthroat. She knew at one point in time, that she might hear fromRichard’s father again. She hadn’t expected it to be this soon. Hervoice was venomous as she replied.
“How did you find me?”
“When you have money, my dear, anything ispossible. You didn’t answer me.”
“It doesn’t warrant an answer and thisconversation is over, Hal.”
“Oh, come on! Have dinner with your oldfather-in-law? Let bygones be bygones, as they say.”
“I want nothing to do with you, ever again.Do you hear me? And, if you continue to harass me, I’ll see thatcharges are brought up against you.”
She slammed the phone down in his ear andstared harshly at it, visualizing his face and then closed her lidstightly.
What now? Whatever is he up too?
A thousand other questions filled her mindand she hated the fact he might prove a bone of contention. He justcouldn’t leave her alone. There were dozens of women he could haveright there in Maine, who would jump at a chance of being hisparamour. Why couldn’t he just leave her alone? She checked herwatch, and knew she had to hurry. Bryan would be pulling updownstairs shortly.
She decided not to say anything to him. Shewouldn’t be surprised, if Hal just called to goat her. He had asick sense of humor like that. She wasn’t about to let him ruin herevening with Bryan.
---
Jessica had pretty much gotten used toBryan’s crazy hours. She didn’t mind it at all. Her days flew byquickly, and for the first time in her life, she felt fulfilled,useful, and pretty, damn awesome about her new life. There were somany facets of her job she loved. Having the opportunity to joinBryan in the Senate Chambers, when he needed her, being recognizedand respected for the position she held on his staff, meetingconstituents that adored him, and attending important meetings ashis liaison were pretty much a part of her world every day, butstill cool and exciting. Life was good, finally, and she wouldn’thave it any other way.
She had put the incident outside his office,out of her mind. Security was beefed up, she was escorted to hercar every night, and she knew that the State Police were activelylooking for the man, who tried to accost her. If she dwelled on it,it would only reopen old wounds she’d sooner forget. Jessica didn’twant fear, any kind of fear, to have a hold over her life everagain.
She hadn’t told Bryan yet, that she hadpurchased a small snub-nose revolver to keep in her shoulder bag.She also took lessons at a nearby gun range to learn how to aim andfire it accurately. It wasn’t against the law for her to do so,just as long, as she kept it concealed. With that madman stillrunning around, she wasn’t going to take any more chances.
She also took self-defense classes onSaturday mornings at the YWCA. It was something she should havedone a long time ago. Jessica knew her best protection was beingaware and knowing how to fend off an attacker.
Bryan tooted, when he pulled up in front ofthe Legislative Office Building, and Jessica exitedimmediately.
He was quite the gentleman, as he steppedfrom his car and walked around to open the passenger door for herand waited, until she was comfortably seated inside.
He smiled warmly upon entering and buckledhis seatbelt.
“How does Angelo’s Prime sound?”
“A little pricey, don’t you think?”
“Hey, you deserve it. You’ve been alifesaver.”
Jessica was tickled that he thought so. Sheneeded to hear that, considering, her last phone conversation. Ifanyone could make her forget, Bryan could. It wasn’t easy workingso closely beside him every day. She wouldn’t change it foranything in the world. Her attraction for him was stronger thanever. She tried to keep her feelings at bay and not let herexpressions give an impression of what was raging inside of her. Asmuch as she feared involvement with another man, every day withhim, working beside him, seeing him in action, even at his worse,was a true testament to just how wonderful he was.
“Not just me, Bryan. You staff is trulycommendable. I can’t express enough how impressed I am by theirworking acumen and dedication to you.”
“Oh, I agree and show my appreciationindividually whenever I can. Tonight, it’s your turn.”
She nodded respectfully and smiled.
“Well, thank you.”
The look in his eyes, told her there wassomething more and she quickly looked away. She didn’t want tobelieve it was anything more … well, she did, but she knew sheshouldn’t. She dug in her briefcase for his notes and pulled themout quickly.
“I looked over these briefly and they’re a …a …”
“Scattered mess,” he answered for her,chuckling.
