One More Try Read online

  “You make it sound like everyone and their brother has the same wish list for their home,” he interrupted, almost pouting.

  “Not exactly, but around here, there’s a lot of old money, and these things have become commonplace. Now, the harder things are going to be finding a home like this that’s all one story, with a technologically advanced kitchen that has dual ovens and sinks, plus your open concept with bamboo flooring. You’ll likely have to have the flooring replaced and get the appliances changed out because even the largest kitchens with all the granite and slate in the world don’t automatically have the side-by-side fridge with the bottom freezer.” She smiled at him, shrugging. “It’s going to take a little time, but it’s certainly not impossible.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “Really? Even with a privacy fence?”

  “It’s become trendy around here. And really, if you have to, you can fence in a half-acre lot with an eight-foot privacy fence for about twelve grand. It’s a drop in the bucket when it comes to the expense of the house itself. I will say that no house is going to come with a sound-proof room, but the studio is easy to fix up, after the other things like the gym are completed. I doubt you’ll need to use it before you’ve gotten started with your rehab.” She stood and stuffed the paper in her pocket. “So, if you’re ready, I can start looking tomorrow.”

  “Thank you, Sadie. I wouldn’t want to have to trust anyone else. I respect your judgment. And don’t worry about the price tag. I assure you that, if you find what I’m looking for, I’ll pay whatever price.”

  For Sadie, the concept of an unlimited budget was mind boggling. She couldn’t imagine shopping without restraint, and she actually looked forward to doing this, if for no other reason than to experience what it was like to live on the rich side of life. “As you wish, sir.” With a deep breath, she got up and bent down, placing a quick kiss on his lips. “Listen, I’ve got to get back to work. But I’ll be on the hunt tomorrow, and I’ll stop by with any good prospects to show you either late tomorrow or early Friday, before I head back out.”

  The flood of pleasure through Jake’s veins at that little intimate gesture gave him a strength he hadn’t felt in years, and he knew he beamed, probably with a very childish smile. But he couldn’t help himself. Sadie was definitely a woman who could make him profoundly happy. “Thank you, love. Will you swing back in before you leave today?”

  She nodded. “Sure. Take a nap or something. You look tired, and you’re never going to heal if you don’t get some rest.” He watched her leave, appraising the slight sway of her hips she probably didn’t even know she had to her step. How many people missed that sexy little walk because she wore scrubs. He wouldn’t take any such thing for granted ever again and would enjoy every glance at her he was allowed.

  Picking up his notebook, he started to hash out more lyrics, but something occurred to him, and he changed his mind. He’d asked the financial planner to take care of a few things on his end with the accounts he held, but he hadn’t detailed everything he intended to do with his money. He needed to write out his own intentions so he could translate them to the penny pinching man who would argue with his choices every step of the way. Maybe with Sadie’s help he could explain the importance of taking these steps to the man who had his feet firmly planted in a world where only the bottom line in your bank account mattered.

  Chapter 8

  THREE WEEKS LATER

  Sadie stepped into the 4,000 square foot ranch house to assess the progress of the renovations, hoping the contractors were still on target to be finished in three days. She’d had to ask Jake to compromise and check himself into a rehabilitation clinic – privately owned and operated – for the last five days, and she didn’t want him to spend more than a week in the facility. He wasn’t happy there and desperately needed his own space before he pulled every last hair out of that gorgeous head of his.

  With the cash payment he’d offered the seller, there had been almost no wait on the closing, and she’d instantly gotten started on the renovation process. This place was practically perfect in every way with the changes, and she was certain he’d be quite satisfied and maybe even a little in awe of her abilities when he finally moved in. After all, Jake was the one who’d insisted on trusting her judgment and not seeing the place in advance or even talking to the contractors who would ultimately build out the last of his wishes inside the house.

  If she was wrong, they could always go another round, she supposed.

  But her confidence soared as she gazed around at the nearly finished product. She would say this was pretty much her dream home, but she hadn’t ever put that much expectation into a luxury living space before, so it was far beyond her own dreams. She thought she’d likely be spending a decent amount of time here, but she couldn’t quite commit to that yet, since things were still touch and go with Jake.

  She refused to call what they had a relationship, since she couldn’t guarantee she was ready to take that step, and they weren’t really dating, since he hadn’t reached the point of being able to really go out on dates. The only functions they’d attended since he’d blown back into her life, sadly, were funerals.

  What Jake didn’t know was that she’d taken a call for him from his financial advisor, who’d turned out to be a complete ass, just as Jake described, and she knew what he was doing for those members of his band who had died, as well as those who wouldn’t be able to lead a normal life going forward. He’d put together a permanent payment plan to keep their families well cared for. It was beyond generous, especially knowing that those guys had bull bank accounts of their own, but she also knew he feared their families would squander away what they had and wanted to assure the children of one of his band members had a college fund.

  It had been one of the things that had really softened her toward him. Of course, he’d done nothing to prove anything but sincerity over the past few weeks, and they had definitely reignited a certain amount of passion between them, with a number of deeper, longer kisses exchanged. Of course, they’d had little privacy to share those moments between them, and regardless of her caution, there were rumors circulating at work by the time Jake had been released, but they’d done their best to keep things quiet, with Jake even going so far as to engineer being shuttled to his new quarters by some other source while Sadie was on the job rather than having her transport him.

  She couldn’t blame Tiff, either. The girl had held to her word and kept her mouth shut. And really, at this point, she didn’t much care what anyone thought. After all, they were only starting to date, and they hadn’t really pursued anything while she was on the job, and now, she wasn’t his nurse, so it wasn’t mixing business with pleasure. And now that they’d spent some time talking, just as they’d done before but this time without the alcohol to blur the edges, she definitely found herself warming to him and remembering why she’d been so fascinated with a stranger.

  As she toured the house, she nodded in satisfaction, speaking to a few of the men at work and asking questions about progress. It seemed they were pretty much all in agreement, stating that they were on track to finish a day early, which was music to Sadie’s ears. She loved delivering good news to Jake; he reacted with such enthusiasm, just like a small child. It was endearing to her, the innocence of the emotion.

  Her phone rang as she climbed in the car, and she smiled as she answered, something she’d never expected to be able to do. “Hey, Jake, what’s going on?”

  “The sadistic bastard who bills himself as a therapist has left me with no energy and enough pain to make me think about the possibility of a merciful suicide. Otherwise, I’m amazing.” He sounded bitter and playful all at the same time. “However, I’ve been cleared to enjoy a relaxing evening in a public setting, so I thought I’d invite you on our first real date. Would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner? You have your choice of restaurants. I simply want it to have fabulously gourmet food and a quiet, intimate atmosphere.”

  Sadie
bit her lip, suddenly nervous but antsy. “I think that would be nice. I know a perfect steakhouse downtown. It’s not a chain restaurant, and I think you’ll love the ambiance in the place, not to mention the rub they put on their steaks before they grill them is unparalleled.”

  “Perfect! Normally, I would tell you I’ll pick you up at seven, but as I’m not yet cleared to drive, nor do I have a car and driver, I would ask that you meet me at this godforsaken place at seven so we can ride together to this lovely little place.” His charm came through, even in his frustration, and a part of Sadie decided it wasn’t fair that he could strike her with that sort of charisma.

  Still, she laughed and agreed. “I’ll get reservations for 7:30. It should only take a few minutes to get there from where you are.” She hesitated and bit her lip again, not sure she actually wanted to say what was on her mind. In the end, she blurted, “I’m really looking forward to this, Jake. Thank you for the invitation.”

  “Darling, get used to it. I’m going to take advantage of every opportunity to see you and shower you with attention and luxuries and gifts, as long as you allow me to do so.” He spoke with a seductive quality, and it made something low in Sadie’s center clench. She hadn’t felt sexually attracted to any man since Jake had walked out of her life. She’d been a little wanton for physical attention, but it was both refreshing and frightening to realize that she was still capable of such impulses, though the fact that it was the same man who invoked that reaction from her disturbed her a bit.

  She couldn’t wait for him to be well enough that they could be more physical with each other, though she would never admit that to him at this point. She’d been the one to insist they move slowly, and he’d been nothing but a gentleman, conceding to her every request. “You are a good man, Jake,” she told him, really meaning it. She could imagine him preening at the compliment, especially coming from a woman who had scorned any attempt he’d made to seem like a good, caring man. But he seemed to be proving himself, and even with the natural skepticism she’d built around herself like a wall, she was coming around.

  She could feel herself falling for him.

  “I’m going to head home and get ready for our first date. You take a nap and get your strength back. As a nurse, I can tell you it’s going to be very tiring to get out and about the first time, even for a few hours. Even the toughest people don’t realize how much stamina they lose with these sorts of injuries,” she told him.

  His chuckle was less than innocent. “Well, then, I’ll have to work on that stamina problem because I fully expect to last a good, long time, when that opportunity finally arises.”

  As she hung up, Sadie’s cheeks burned, and so did the blood in her veins. This wasn’t a discussion she’d ever thought she’d have, and now, it was enthralling, even as her anxiety hit the roof.

  Nonetheless, they were headed in that direction, and this time, there was nothing impulsive about it. She was going about this the right way, she knew, and she could actually look forward to breaking the building sexual tension between them.

  ***

  Exhausted, Jake looked in the mirror at himself, and despite the profound healing from his last facial procedure, which had straightened a crooked bit of cheekbone, he barely recognized his own image. He looked very much like himself from the neck up, the doctors having done an amazing restorative job. He’d expected to be marred but was quite pleased with that outcome.

  However, even having spent such a short time in a hospital bed and having been mobile to a point for several days now, he’d lost muscle mass. It was amazing how much your body could change in such a short time. And what Sadie said proved absolutely true. He didn’t have the stamina he’d had just a few short weeks ago. He lost his breath sometimes just showering, and these sessions with the physical therapist as he’d just completed were bloody murder. His heart was still racing, and he wanted nothing more than to sleep.

  But he desperately wanted to take advantage of his release and see Sadie tonight, which meant he was going to look his best. His coordination also suffered slightly, and it took him longer to shave and dress than it ever had in the past, even as a young boy. It annoyed him to have regressed, but he was dead set that he wouldn’t complain. He would be grateful for the fact that he would still live out a full life with no permanent damage from this accident. His mates hadn’t been so lucky, and neither had several of the other civilians caught up in the accident.

  Toxicology examinations had been run on Kent Carson, their bus driver, and to Jake’s dismay, they had not come back clean. There had been a high level of methamphetamines in his system, and aside from the disappointment Jake felt in having not kept all the members of his crew clean, he also held guilt because he wanted to believe he should have noticed that Kent was high. He might not be Superman, but that was something he shouldn’t have overlooked.

  He’d spoken to David Rowan briefly, one of their best roadies who was now facing being paralyzed from the waist down for the rest of his life, and the man stated that no one had realized what Kent was doing or that he’d gotten into drugs. It was a kind gesture to try to negate Jake’s guilt, but simply watching the very young man learn to maneuver a wheelchair added to his sorrows and sense of responsibility.

  When all was said and done, he’d provided a large sum of money to David and his brother, Michael’s, family to cover Michael’s funeral costs as well as all the therapy and equipment David would need going forward. He’d also put up the money for Bobby’s funeral and Lucas’s and Kent’s memorial services. Both of them had opted in their wills for cremation. His drummer, Joel, was still in the hospital with complications and a staph infection from his ruptured spleen, and Jake was footing the bill. And he’d begged Kale’s family to send him to a premium facility where they could try more experimental procedures to restore brain function before they took his very best friend off life support. It wasn’t looking good, but Jake would pay for that until there was officially nothing more to be done.

  At this point, Jake was the only one on his feet, and he appreciated that, enough to set up an additional fund for the victims and their families of the wreckage who weren’t a part of his own crew. He didn’t want thanks, he simply wanted to make things right, or as close to it as possible. And the more he thought about that, the more important it became to him to set things back on track with Sadie.

  As he dragged the razor over his cheek, he winced with the pain, the bruising not really visible but still existing under the skin. He made a mental note to ask Sadie what the expectation was on how much longer it would be before those residual aches and pains disappeared. He demanded a lot of himself, to the point that he refused to show weakness to others. But Sadie was different. If he was going to succeed in winning her over, he had to prepare himself for the times he was vulnerable. That meant showing his softer side to the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with so she wouldn’t see him as distant or deceiving.

  Not that he minded being open with her; she accepted him in ways no one else ever even tried, even in the brief space of time they had shared in the past. Perhaps that was more than a little of his guilt showing now, considering his conscience hated knowing the negative affects he’d had on her life. Why had he been so stupid to think a simple note would be enough to make such a young, impressionable woman happy?

  Tired of worrying about it and determined to look only to the future now, he shuffled to his stash of clothing and sorted through the disaster to find something presentable to wear. His cell phone rang, and it distracted him from the task at hand. Reaching for the device with a curious frown, he checked the caller ID and didn’t recognize the number. With a little trepidation as to who could want something from him now, he answered. “Hello?”

  “Is this whole accident thing your latest ploy to disappear from the face of the earth so I can’t track you down?”

  The venomous voice on the other end of the line sent shivers down his spine and made his body tense
in a way that brought every sore muscle to the front of his mind, not to mention the pressure on his cheek as he ground his teeth. “Do you really think you’re that important in my life to make me take such drastic measures, Kristin? Honestly, it’s a bit of a ridiculous accusation, when I can simply wait for you to show up and have you arrested.”

  “Oh, that’s rich. Come on, Jake. You know I can extract a paycheck from you, even from a distance. It’s not that difficult. Besides, it’s not that hard to track you down, either. I can always request phone records to find out exact location of a call to or from your cell phone. I know the area you’re in since it’s been all over the news. All I have to do is wait for a paper trail or for your face to appear on some tabloid news show so I can find you.”

  Jake was tired of the threats. This phone call was enough to level more charges against the woman who was obsessed with him. At the same time, he didn’t want to leave any kind of means for her to find him, and certainly she’d use her ploys and her devious mind to get his current address from the police department. He just wanted to be done with her. “Look, Kristin, I know what a liar you are, and I’ve already offered to provide proof. The fact that you can’t even abide by a simple police mandate proves you have a mental incapacity. Anything you do to work against me, I promise you, I’ll pay it back tenfold. So, you’d do best to hang up and not contact me again.”

  “I don’t want your proof, you sack of shit!” she yelled into the receiver, the sound ringing in Jake’s ear so he had to hold the phone away. “I want you to take care of your responsibility. It’s mighty funny I hear all these tails of the money you’re funneling to people you don’t even know, but you won’t make the slightest gesture with all that bank roll of yours to take care of the people you actually owe.”