Justus (In Safe Hands Book 3) Read online

  “So, is it just your mom, or am I meeting your dad too?”

  “Just mom and my brother, Doug. He lives with her.”

  “Is he older than you?”

  “By three years.”

  “So, you’re the baby, huh? That’s cool.”

  “Tell me about your family,” I invite.

  His lips press together. “I don’t really have one. I have a sister, but I haven’t seen her in years.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Did your parents pass recently?”

  “They aren’t dead, at least I don’t think they are. We’re just…estranged.” The expression on his usually smiling face tells me to stop questioning, so I change the subject.

  “What do you want for lunch?” An exit sign advertises a number of fast food places coming up.

  “An orgasm?”

  “I’m sure I can wait in the car while you beat off in the rest stop bathroom with the rest of the perverts.”

  “Ahh, a romantic. No need for that. I can wait until tonight when you’re overcome by my manly prowess.”

  “How about sub sandwiches?” I suggest. I’m learning to let most of his silliness fly on by me.

  “Sounds good to me,” he agrees, taking the next exit.

  We have a nice lunch and get back on the road. The next few hours are spent getting to know each other better and arguing good naturedly over the radio.

  I can see why he has no problem getting women. On top of being too damn sexy, he’s funny and interesting. We’ve known one another for a while, but never really talked since he’s been busy hitting on me, and I’ve been occupied with avoiding his advances. He’s not a guy I’d date, but he could be a friend.

  The last of the sunlight has faded when lightning begins to streak across the sky. Fat raindrops hit the windshield, and then the sky opens up, dumping torrents of rain. The wipers struggle to keep up and traffic slows to a crawl. “Maybe we should call it a night,” I suggest, as Justus struggles to see the road.

  “Yeah, I can’t see shit. Find us a hotel,” he replies, gesturing to the GPS.

  I press the button for local hotels and only two pop up within a fifty mile radius. “Take the next exit. There are two across the street from each other.”

  We end up in a small town, and I huff in exasperation. One of the hotels is closed down, the building crumbling into an ancient parking lot. The remaining one has obviously seen better days. “Well, this looks promising,” Justus laughs, pulling into the other hotel.

  “We can keep going, but the next one is over fifty miles away,” I tell him.

  A curtain of hail washes over us, making our decision. It’s just one night. How bad can it be?

  Bad. It can be bad. When we open the door to our room, the only room they had available, I’m grateful we brought a few blankets and pillows with us. The king sized bed has a heart shaped headboard and—I swear—a coin operated box attached. I didn’t even know they still made vibrating beds. It looks like the bedspread has been here as long as the ancient bed. “There’s only one bed,” I groan.

  Justus flashes a smile that’s all teeth and dimples, and I shake my head, grumbling, “Dibs on the first shower.”

  “I doubt there’s much hot water. We should—.”

  I throw a pillow at him before he can finish, grab my clothes, and dart into the bathroom.

  You’ve got to be shitting me. The tub—it’s actually a small hot tub—is also heart shaped. It’s seen better days, the faded red porcelain is stained and the cupid decals decorating the bottom are peeling and cracked. A small shower stall stands in one corner, and it at least looks usable.

  After being soaked by the rain, I feel grimy, and the shower has good water pressure, even if I do have to be careful not to touch the slimy walls. This isn’t how I expected to spend the night, but it doesn’t matter. We’ll be up and back on the road early. I take the fastest shower of my life and dress in sleeping shorts and an oversized t-shirt.

  Justus has made the bed with our blankets and pillows, and is lounging on it when I emerge from the bathroom. “That was fast. You didn’t want to try out the tub?”

  “There’s not enough bleach in the world. Are you watching Antiques Roadshow?”

  “No,” he scoffs. “I just left it on that channel.” He waves a flyer from a local pizza place. “What do you like on your pizza? I’ll eat anything.”

  Why does that sound so dirty coming from his mouth?

  “I’ll order it,” I volunteer, and he nods, heading into the bathroom. The sound of running water makes me roll my eyes. He could’ve at least closed the door if he’s showering. I make the call to the pizza place, and change channels on the old TV, turning up the volume to drown out the sound of singing now emanating from the bathroom.

  A snort of laughter escapes as I pull the bathroom door shut, closing off the sound of a horrible rendition of Lady Gaga’s Poker Face. It flies open again a few moments later and Justus emerges…completely naked.

  My mouth falls open as he walks across the room like it’s the most normal thing in the world. My eyes are drawn to the considerable appendage bobbing between his legs. Holy shit, no wonder he’s so cocky. Pun intended.

  He walks to the vanity just outside the bathroom door and faces the mirror, giving me a view of his tight, toned ass. I want to squeeze the hell out of it. I mean, I want him to put some clothes on.

  His eyes meet mine in the mirror and he smirks. “You can check out my ass. No need to hide it.”

  There’s a knock on the door. Grinning, I quickly open it, giving the pizza deliveryman a full on view of his ass. Too bad it turns out to be a young woman.

  “What do I owe you?” I ask, and she nods, not answering my question, her wide eyes glued to his ass.

  Justus turns his head and flashes her a heart stopping smile. “Sorry, she insists I stay naked. Can’t blame her, really, I mean, when you’ve got all this, you don’t cover it up.”

  “How much?” I ask again, and she jerks her gaze away. “Oh…um…twenty-three dollars.”

  She continues to stand there and gape after I pay her until I clear my throat. “Thank you.”

  “Oh…yeah…sorry…” She stumbles back, and I shut the door.

  “Put some damn clothes on,” I tell him, annoyed I couldn’t embarrass him. I can’t blame the woman though, I can hardly keep my eyes off of him. He’s lean and tan, every muscle clearly outlined under his smooth tatted skin. Fuck, I’m staring at him again.

  Forcing myself to turn away, I set the pizza box down and grab a slice. At least when he joins me at the small table, he’s pulled on a pair of sweat pants, but his bare, chiseled chest is still on display.

  What is wrong with me? I’ve seen him shirtless before. Hell, I’ve seen him strip down to a thong, and it didn’t affect me like this. Is it just because we’re in a room together with a bed conveniently located a few feet away?

  “Your cheeks are red,” he points out, amusement dancing in his eyes.

  “It’s warm in here.”

  “Uh-huh.” He digs into the pizza, grinning at me. “You want me. It’s okay. Perfectly natural.”

  “I do not want you!”

  “Your pointy nipples say different.”

  “Can’t you just shut up and eat?”

  “Absolutely.” He manages about thirty seconds of silence before adding, “We don’t have to sleep together. I can just give you the zombie.”

  I’m totally going to regret asking, but I can’t resist. “What the hell is the zombie?”

  “You just lie back and get eaten.”

  My mind crafts a picture of his blond head between my legs and I shift in my seat. “You heard the part about there being no sex on this trip, right?”

  “Yeah, but that was before you started objectifying me.”

  I’m going to strangle him. “You’re the one prancing around naked. I know you’re an exhibitionist and all, but you can pack it away for a week. I don’t need to see it.”

>   “Fine.” He sits back and takes a drink. “But since I showed you mine, it’s only fair that…”

  “Forget it,” I laugh, and he smiles at me.

  “Just the boobs?”

  “Nope.”

  “You’re no fun.”

  After we eat, Justus flips through the TV channels until he finds a movie and stretches out on the bed. My eyes grow heavy, so I join him. I do my best to ignore him as I snuggle down under the covers, but, damn, the man is a human furnace. I can feel his heat from here.

  My phone rings and Mom’s face smiles at me from the screen. Oops, I told her I’d call when we stopped for the night. “Hey, Mom.”

  “Hi, sweetheart. Did you make it to the hotel all right?”

  “Yeah, just getting ready for bed so we can get an early start tomorrow. How are you feeling?”

  “Excited,” she laughs. It’s good to hear she has some strength in her voice. “I thought we’d hit the spa and go shopping while you’re here.”

  Resisting the urge to groan aloud, I force a smile as if she can see me. “Sounds great, Mom.” Sounds like hell. I’m not the prissy, pampered type, but I don’t complain. I’ll do whatever makes her happy at this point.

  “Your boyfriend is with you, isn’t he? What did you say his name was? Mark?” Shit. Yeah, that’s the name I gave her when I didn’t know I’d be bringing a guy for her to meet.

  “Uh…yeah, he’s with me, but he goes by Justus.”

  “Send me a picture, no, let me talk to him!”

  Her enthusiasm makes me laugh, but I also feel a little guilt slipping in. I’m lying to her, even if it is for a good reason. “You’ll talk to him tomorrow, Mom, we’re—”

  The phone is plucked from my hand, and Justus grins at me as he puts it to his ear. I can only hear his side of the conversation and I’m terrified he’s going to say something that’ll give away my lies. “Hello, Sadie’s mom, how are you?”

  “Yeah, she’s glaring at me, but she’ll get over it.”

  “Mark is my middle name, but I prefer Justus.”

  “She is the sweetest thing, isn’t she?” He turns to wink at me while I try to set him on fire with my eyes.

  “I’m looking forward to meeting you too. Have a good night.”

  He hands the phone back, and Mom gushes, “He sounds lovely!” Not how I’d describe him.

  “I’m going to get some sleep now, but we should be there before dark tomorrow.”

  “I can’t wait, sweetheart! Good night.”

  “Good night. Love you.”

  Justus just smiles when I hang up and shoot him a dirty look. “What? Moms love me. I told you, everything will be fine. I don’t know why you’re so worried.”

  Of course he doesn’t understand. “This is very important to me. It isn’t a game.”

  His smile fades, and he lies down, rolling onto his side to face me. “Why is it important that your mom thinks you have a boyfriend?”

  Chapter Two

  Justus

  Sadie is the most stubborn female I’ve ever met. I’m not trying to sound conceited, but women generally jump at the opportunity when I try to get them in bed. I don’t really have to try. But this woman has spurned my advances for almost a year. I don’t know why I’m so determined to have her, but I am. It may have something to do with the fact she has curves in all the right places, an ass I’d love to grab, and tits that would make a priest take a second look. If I have to play a little pretend, fine. It’s a chance to spend time with her and show her what she’s missing.

  Her expression changes from annoyance to sadness when I ask the question that’s been bugging me. I get wanting to make your parents happy, but hiring a man to pretend to be her boyfriend seems a little over the top. When I heard Sadie discussing an escort with Ayda, I couldn’t let it happen. Who knows what kind of asshole she could get?

  “She’s dying,” she murmurs.

  Holy fuck.

  “Heart failure. She’s on the transplant list, but her blood type is rare, and it’s unlikely they’ll get a match in time.” Her voice wavers as she continues. “She worries about me. She’s spent her life alone, raising me and my brother, and she wants to know I have someone. I don’t want her to die worrying about me.”

  Her eyes fill and she instantly rolls over, dragging the blanket to her chin, trying to hide. Her pain is palpable, and I don’t even think before scooting close and wrapping my arm around her. She stiffens, but doesn’t object.

  “I’m sorry. I know what it’s like to lose the people you love. Have the doctors given you a time frame?”

  “Without a transplant? Six months to a year, but a year is being generous. She’s growing weaker, so I wanted to come for her birthday, take her out while she’s still able.”

  She swallows audibly and wipes her eyes. “Hey.” I roll her over and look her in the eye. “I’ve got this. I won’t screw it up. I promise.”

  “Thank you.”

  My arm tightens around her, and she sighs. Silence fills the room and a few minutes later, the rise and fall of her chest becomes a steady rhythm. She’s asleep, but I’m wide awake.

  I had no idea what I was getting myself into here, but I’m sure I can pretend to be a loving boyfriend for a week. Whether Sadie can allow me to is another story. If she tightens up every time I touch her—and I plan to touch her a lot—her mother will sense something is wrong. I know I flirt with her, but I’m not a total asshole. I’m not going to take advantage of a friend who is hurting. And she is a friend.

  All I can do is try to make this week as easy on her as possible.

  Spending the night with a woman in my arms—a woman I didn’t fuck—is a new experience for me, but it was surprisingly comfortable. Sadie is curled against me when I wake, her hair draped across my chest. I slip out of bed without disturbing her. Twenty minutes later, I have to laugh. Nothing wakes this girl up.

  I’ve had water running, the TV on, and I ran down the hall to grab a few complementary donuts and cups of coffee. She didn’t budge. “Sadist,” I call, bouncing the bed a little. “Time to wake up.”

  She grumbles and turns over. I’m blasted with a withering glare when I shake her shoulder and announce again, “Time to get up. You wanted to get an early start.”

  Fine. She’s asking for it. The sound of two quarters plunking into the box attached to the headboard doesn’t bother her, but the bed jumping to life under her sure does.

  “What the fuck!” she shouts, leaping to her feet as the ancient mechanism grinds and shudders, shaking the bed much harder than it was intended to.

  “Good morning, Sweets. I brought you some coffee and donuts.”

  The look on her face as I give her my most sincere grin could strip the water-stained wallpaper from the walls. Without a word, she grabs her clothes from her suitcase and stalks into the bathroom, emerging a few minutes later fully dressed with her hair pulled into a ponytail. That’s something I really like about her. She doesn’t feel the need to cake her face in makeup all the time. Not that I have anything against makeup, but most of the women who come to the club seem to put it on with a paintbrush.

  I take the opportunity to stare at her as she packs up her things. A few strands of pale, blond hair tickle her face, and she shoves them back. Smooth, peach-colored skin reddens when she notices me staring at her.

  “What?” she demands.

  “Not a morning person are you?”

  “Not even a little bit.” She grabs her coffee and takes a huge drink before tossing me the keys. “You drive.”

  The bed continues to grind and shake as we leave, and I have to restrain a laugh when I drop the key in the return box by the front door. It might still be going by the time the housekeeper gets there.

  Sadie’s mood improves when we get closer to her mother’s home. It’s clear how eager she is to see her, though the circumstances are grim. “If she asks any questions we haven’t discussed, just let me answer,” she says, chewing her nails as
we pull into the driveway of a modest two story house.

  “Don’t worry. It’ll be fine,” I assure her.

  We’re barely out of the car when a tall, blond guy steps out onto the porch, a smile spreading across his face. “About time, sis.”

  Sadie grabs my hand and steers me across the yard. “Justus, this is my brother, Doug. Doug, this is Justus.”

  “Nice to meet you, man.”

  It would be hard to miss the air of animosity between them, but I ignore it. “Nice to meet you, too.” I start to tell him that Sadie has told me a lot about him, but quickly change my mind. I know zero about this guy.

  “How’s Mom?” Sadie asks, as if she’s not sure she wants to hear the answer.

  “About the same. She was just getting ready to take a nap,” Doug replies, escorting us inside.

  “Sadie!” Sadie is wrapped in the arms of a thin woman wearing a housecoat as soon as we make it to the living room. “Girl, look at you. You’re too skinny!”

  Sadie laughs and hugs her mother. “You always say that.”

  “And this must be Justus!” Her mother’s eyes rake over me like every other female I come in contact with, and her cheeks redden when I smile at her. “Good Lord, Sade, you could’ve told me he was a hunky stud.”

  “Mom,” Sadie groans.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Belmont.”

  Her mother shakes her head, grinning. “Call me Amber. I’m not all that much older than Sadie, you know.”

  “Mom, I swear to—”

  “Thanks for inviting me, Amber,” I interrupt, fighting back a laugh.

  The three of us take a seat in the living room, her mom in an oversized recliner, and Sadie and I on the couch. Her brother disappears down the hall.

  “So, tell me about yourself, Justus. I swear I was starting to think Sadie made you up.”

  I feel Sadie tighten up next to me, so I slip my arm around her, tucking her against my side. “There’s not a lot to tell. I’m from Indianapolis, and I work as a computer programmer.”