Without You

But her liking of him went deeper. Although he wasn’t quite old enough to be her father, he treated her like the daughter he didn’t have. Happily married with three grown boys, he and his wife, Donna, had made her welcome in their home. She considered him her mentor, and was ever conscious that he genuinely liked and respected her, as well.

“I’m Nathan James. You must be Jackson Cole.” Nathan extended his hand.

The sound of the attorney’s well-modulated voice drew Hallie back to the moment at hand, and she watched the interplay between the two men. Nathan’s features had sobered and his narrowed eyes were focused on Jackson, as if sizing him up.

“Right.” Jackson responded without any real warmth, though his gaze didn’t shy away from Nathan’s piercing one.

“Before we get down to business,” Hallie said, “would either of you care for coffee?”

Both men nodded. She pressed the button on her phone and asked Pearl to accommodate them, then they all sat down. The silence had turned suddenly hostile, something she’d feared but had hoped to avoid. She quelled a sigh and was about to speak, when Jackson jumped in.

“I have to tell you right off, Nathan, that I wasn’t in favor of bringing in a second party.”

“That’s your call, of course,” Nathan responded, turning his attention to Hallie, his eyebrows raised as if to ask what she had gotten him into.

“No, it’s not his call.” Hallie’s voice was firm. “It’s my call and Jackson knows it.” She wanted to throttle her ex-fiancé, even though he looked good enough to pounce on. When she realized the path her thoughts had taken, she was surprisingly unrepentant.

Okay, so his good looks and commanding presence were a turn-on. They always had been and always would be. Seeing him again this morning brought that home. He had set off that deep sexual ache in her again, an ache she’d fought so hard to get over.

Yet a tiny part of her was glad to have him back in her life, if only for a short time. There was something about him that appeased her hunger, made her feel like a live woman and not a career robot.

Yet he’d severed her trust as casually as someone discarding a pair of worn-out sneakers.

“So do I stay or do I go?” Nathan demanded into the lengthening silence.

Hallie shot a warning glance at Jackson. “You stay.”

Pearl chose that moment to enter the room, carrying a tray filled with the coffeepot, cups and breakfast muffins. Hallie thanked her and she hurried out.

“Jackson, I’d like for you to repeat everything you told Hallie, from start to finish, followed by what you told the detective.” Without taking his gaze off Jackson, Nathan reached for a cup and filled it with coffee.

“First off, I didn’t kill Roberta Klein.” Jackson’s tone was terse.

Nathan nodded, then took a sip of his beverage. “Good. Since that’s out of the way, please continue.”

Hallie listened while Jackson repeated what had transpired with Detective Gomez. Every so often, she would inject a comment, clarifying what Jackson had said. When he finished, the room was quiet for a moment. In order to keep her eyes off Jackson, she poured a cup of coffee she didn’t want.

“Have you thought of anything else you might’ve overlooked?” Nathan asked.

Jackson shifted his gaze. “No, nothing.”

“What about Gomez?” Nathan asked, facing Hallie. “What’s your impression of him?”

“He’s both smart and smart-alecky.”

“Not surprising. But you can handle him, right?”

Hallie smiled with confidence. “With ease and pleasure.”

Nathan chuckled. “I don’t know why I even bothered to ask.” Then he said to Jackson, “Have you written any of this down?”

Jackson turned swiftly to Hallie, a question in his eyes.

Hallie answered for him. “I didn’t tell him to.”

Nathan worked his mouth. “I am. Get a notepad and write down everything you just said, in addition to your long history with the Klein woman. It’s imperative that you don’t leave anything out.”

“And equally imperative,” Hallie put in, “that you don’t show it to anyone but me or Nathan.”

“That’s right,” Nathan said. “No third party. It’s privileged, but if anyone else sees it, it becomes unprivileged.”

Although Jackson didn’t appear the least bit enthusiastic about the request, he said, “That’s a tall order, but I can handle it. As for anyone else seeing it, I get it.”

Ignoring Jackson’s obvious rebuke, Nathan went on. “So let’s talk about you personally.”

Jackson bristled. “Like, how personal?”

“Real personal,” Nathan said with a smooth smile, though his voice had no give.

Jackson whipped his eyes to Hallie. “Look, is all this necessary?”

“Absolutely. Nathan’s not making any demands that I wouldn’t make.”

“But you know me personally.”

Jackson suddenly gave her the look that melted her bones. She swallowed before saying lamely, “Lots can change in two years, Jackson.”

“Dammit, Hallie, you know better than that.”

“No, I don’t,” she shot back.

Nathan raised his hand, the look on his face an annoyed one that Hallie dreaded. The criminal attorney was losing patience, and she didn’t blame him. Jackson could be the kindest and most considerate person on earth, only to turn cold and withdrawn in a heartbeat if something didn’t suit him. Obviously this interview was not suiting him.

Too bad. Jackson had gotten himself in this mess. Consequently, he didn’t have any choice but to cooperate.

“All right,” Jackson said, his features cast in granite, “take your best shot. Both of you.”

Again ignoring his festering temper, Nathan asked, “How are your finances?”

“Solid.”

“That’s a plus. Are you involved with a woman?”

For a long moment, a poisonous tension fell over the room. No one said a word. Hallie felt her breath catch in anticipation of Jackson’s answer. His only physical response was to narrow his eyes and hold his features and posture in check. Still, Hallie sensed his temper had gone up yet another notch.

“No,” he finally said in a more terse tone, a muscle jerking in his jaw.

Hallie kept her face averted while giving in to the unwanted feeling of relief that filtered through her.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Jackson demanded, his eyes hooded.

“Look,” Nathan said, “I’m not the heavy here, despite what you think. Gomez is going to dig a whole lot deeper than we are. Count on that. So you might as well get used to having your privacy invaded.”

“He’s right,” Hallie said in a soft tone. “Things are going to get worse before they get better.”

Jackson lunged out of his chair, then peered down at Hallie. “How ’bout if I take a lie detector test? Won’t that prove I didn’t do it?”

“Nope,” Nathan said. “It won’t hold up in court.”

“But surely it would count for something.” Jackson’s tone was low and harsh. “At least shake Gomez enough to look at someone else.”

“We don’t know that he doesn’t have other suspects,” Hallie pointed out. “But until I’m convinced you’re no longer his numero uno, I’m going to proceed as if you are.”

Jackson muttered a curse, while Nathan looked at his watch and stood.

“I’m due at another meeting.” He turned his attention to Hallie. “Let me know when and if I can be of more help. But for now, I have every confidence you can handle it.”

Hallie gave him a lame smile. “Thanks, Nathan. We’ll talk later.”

Once he was gone, silence permeated the room. Both Jackson and Hallie seemed reluctant to break it, even though Hallie felt the attraction crackle between them like strong bolts of lightning.

“Hallie.” The gruffness in his voice brought her eyes back to his.

“Don’t, Jackson.”

“Don’t what?”

“You know.” A tremor that she couldn’t control shook her voice.

“Suppose you tell me, anyway.”

She raised her head defiantly, determined to nip this conversation in the bud. “Okay, don’t look at me like that.”

“And how am I looking at you?”

His question didn’t even warrant a response. He damn well knew the answer.

Weak-kneed, Hallie leaned against the desk. This was a dangerous game they were playing, especially if she was going to represent him effectively against a murder charge. Yet the heady feeling his smoldering gaze and husky voice incited in her seemed worth the risk. For the moment.

Then, thankfully, her sanity returned, and she forced strength into her voice. “Stop it, Jackson. Your seduction tactics won’t work.”

He shrugged, then said, “Can’t blame a fellow for trying.”

“You don’t mean that,” she snapped, again disconcerted by his effect on her.

“Oh, but I do,” he said, after a calculated pause. “It never occurred to me that I’d ever lose you, Hallie.”

“Well, you did,” she countered flatly, turning and making her way behind her desk, determined to create distance between them. If she’d known he still had the power to turn her world upside down, she wouldn’t have let him persuade her to help him.

But nothing was carved in stone, she reminded herself, feeling her heart rate recede. “Back off, Jackson. If not…” She let her words trail off, but she knew he got the message.

Although his features tightened, he changed the subject. “So where do we go from here?” He added hurriedly, “Concerning the case.”

Hallie relaxed, feeling on safe ground for the first time since she’d seen him. “The ball’s in Gomez’s court.”

“Do you think he’ll bug me?”

“He’ll try, but whatever you do, don’t take the bait.”

“I don’t want him around me.”

“I can’t promise you anything. However, if he becomes too much of a nuisance, there are ways of dealing with him.”

“I wish you could make this all go away, Hallie.”

“Unfortunately, I can’t.” Her tone was low and sober.

“I probably shouldn’t have involved you.”

“No, you probably shouldn’t have, but you did. And I probably should’ve sent you out the door, but I didn’t.”

He smiled. “I owe you, big time.”

She returned his smile, and it felt good. “Believe me, you’ll pay.”

“Through the pocketbook, right?”

“Right.”

“If it keeps me out of court, it’ll be worth it.”

“I’ll do my best.”

He didn’t say anything for a minute, then he asked, “How about dinner tonight?” He paused. “For old time’s sake.”

She stiffened, and he raised his hands in an innocent gesture. “I promise, no hanky-panky. I just don’t want to be alone.”

“You’re never alone. You’re surrounded by people at Elan.”

“It’s not the same—” He cleared his throat. “But if you’d feel more comfortable, we could dine at the club.”

“Jackson—”

“Please.”

She had hesitated, trying to decide what to do, when her cell phone rang. Without looking at him, she reached for it. Darcy’s name was registered in the caller ID box, and she answered immediately.

“I’m glad to hear from you.”

Silence.

“Darcy, are you there?” The dial tone buzzed in her ear. Frowning she pushed the off button and met Jackson’s inquisitive eyes.

“What was that all about?”

“I wish I knew.”

“You seem upset. Is Darcy all right?”

“I don’t know that, either. Nothing there has changed in two years.” Hallie tried to keep the fear and frustration out of her voice, but she knew she’d failed.

“All the more reason to have dinner with me.”

Nine

Jackson had seized the opportunity and persuaded her to join him. Still, she’d insisted on meeting for an early dinner after work. During the afternoon, she’d tried to reach her sister but to no avail, which had convinced her that maybe Jackson’s company wouldn’t be a bad thing provided she kept things on an impersonal level.

“So did you ever talk to your sister?” he asked after they were seated.

Hallie sighed. “No, unfortunately I didn’t.”

“I had hoped she’d stopped giving you so much grief.”

“Surely you weren’t thinking she’d grown up.”

Jackson gave her a crooked smile. “Yeah, that’s sort of what I had in mind.”

“No such miracle,” Hallie responded, “but I haven’t given up on her. Yet it’s an uphill battle, I’ll admit.”

Before Jackson could respond, a young waiter appeared at his side. “What is it, Jesse?”

Hallie picked up on the irritation in Jackson’s voice, and apparently so did Jesse, for he flushed, then shifted his feet uncomfortably.

“Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Cole, but you have a phone call.”

Jackson frowned. “Get a name. I’ll call ’em back.”

Jesse’s face duplicated Jackson’s frown. “He said it was urgent, but I’ll do whatever you want.”

“It’s okay,” Hallie said, her eyes meeting his. “Go ahead and take the call. I’ll be fine.”

“Jesse, please bring Ms. Hunter another glass of wine.”

Hallie shook her head and smiled. “Thanks, but I’ll pass for the moment.”

“You sure?” Jackson’s eyebrows were raised.

“I’m sure.”

The waiter nodded, then strode off hurriedly as if he couldn’t wait to put distance between him and Jackson.

“Dammit, I told him not to interrupt me.”

“Hey, lighten up,” Hallie said in a smooth tone. “I’m a big girl. I can be left alone.”

Jackson stood, then stared down at her. The candlelight from the table made his eyes appear to glisten. Hallie didn’t want to meet his probing gaze, but the pull was too strong. They stared at each other for what seemed the longest time, electricity crackling.

To relieve the moment, she said in a halting voice, “Go on.”

“I won’t be long,” he said huskily.

The second he strode off, her entire body went limp. She hadn’t realized how tense she’d been until she was alone. She shouldn’t have agreed to have dinner with him. But after the weird call from Darcy, she’d been feeling a tad vulnerable.

As she waited for Jackson to return, her eyes wandered around the club. Little had changed in the two years since she’d been there. Of all the clubs on Beale Street, she thought this one was the classiest and most elegant. That had been her opinion before she’d ever met Jackson.

She likened Elan to the old supper clubs that used to be so popular. Couples could drink, eat and dance, all under one roof. The one noticeable difference was that the clientele dressed down instead of up—dressy casual was the buzzword. Still, the tables, with their white linen cloths, vases of fresh flowers, and candles, were a cut above the average. Patrons felt as though they had really stepped out for the evening.

After she and Jackson had gone their separate ways, she had missed the evenings they had spent here. They had visited Elan often, not out of necessity, but rather out of preference. She loved to dance and so did Jackson. And they had been good together on the dance floor as well as in bed.

Her face flamed suddenly at her unbidden thoughts. Still, an intense longing for those days shook her to the core. Seeing Jackson again, being at the club, brought back the good memories, making her long for what she had once had.

Even though she thought about him often, she had been convinced she was over him, that his betrayal had destroyed her feelings for him. She could not have been more wrong. The idea that she might not ever get over him chilled her. Perhaps when and if they married others the fires of passion would burn themselves out.

What terrified her the most was the fact that hadn’t yet happened.

As he wound his way back toward her, she watched him smile at the patrons who were drinking and dining, and it hit her again how much she still wanted him. Even though his smile hadn’t connected with his eyes, it didn’t matter. His handsome self-assurance and good looks stole her next breath.

“Are you okay?” he asked, concern in his voice.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”

He shrugged, though a smile flirted with his lips. “For starters, you’re a beautiful woman sitting alone. I expected every single man at the bar to hit on you.”

“It didn’t happen.”

“Good. I’d hate to have to kick ass this early in the evening.”

In spite of herself, Hallie laughed.

His eyes darkened on her, making him more dangerously attractive than ever.

“What?” she asked in a breathless tone.

“Your dimple. It still does crazy things when you laugh.”

She felt herself grow warm all over. Suddenly they were stepping into forbidden territory. If she wasn’t careful, she’d be in his arms on the dance floor.

“Is everything okay?” she asked, swiftly changing the subject.

“What do you mean?”

“The call,” she pressed. “Remember the important message?”

For a second, his features became guarded, as if a curtain had fallen over them, shutting her out. Nonetheless, she knew that whoever the caller had been had upset him. Then he shrugged in a nonchalant fashion.

“It was nothing I can’t handle.”

“Fine.”

An awkward silence fell between them as he sat back down and reached for his drink. At moments like this, she wondered what had possessed her to take his case, to get involved with him again in any way.

“It was Roberta’s mother.” A sigh followed his words.

Hallie stared at him, wide-eyed, surprised both by his confiding in her and by who the caller was.

“She told me I wasn’t welcome at the funeral.”

“I’m sorry, Jackson,” she said, for lack of anything better to say.

“Me, too, for more reasons than one. Ruby has always been a sort of surrogate mother, and it sickens me that she thinks I’m capable of murdering anyone, most of all her daughter.”

“So she actually thinks you’re guilty?”

“Oh yeah,” he responded bitterly. “Even though she’s an old lady, she hasn’t lost her mind or her sharp tongue.”

“Was she even interested in hearing your side?”

“Nope.”

“Again, I’m sorry. I know how much Roberta and her family meant to you.”

“They did—she did, only not in the way you think.”

Hallie averted her gaze. “Let’s not go there, okay?”

“Whatever you say.” His tone was low and brusque.

Another round of silence. He broke it by asking, “How ’bout a dance for old time’s sake?” His voice sounded like it had been rubbed with sandpaper.

She whipped her head back around. His eyes collided with hers. She knew exactly what he was thinking, about the many times they had danced cheek-to-cheek, belly to belly, lips to lips, alone, after hours, until their passion was screaming for release.

Then they would leave, only just making it to the car before they lost control. Breathing heavy and with lips meshed, he’d jerk her panties down, open his fly and sit her down on his lap, ramming his hardness into her softness.

When the frenzied, almost desperate mating was over, they would collapse against each other, gasping.

For a second, she almost bought into his attempt to seduce her; her heart beating out of sync, she became conscious of the wetness between her legs. But then she came to her senses and gave her head a violent shake.

“In your dreams.”

“Every night,” he whispered.

She snapped alert. “Dammit, Jackson, do you want me to get up and walk out?”

He straightened. “Don’t be silly.”

“Then, behave yourself,” she responded with tartness.

“How can you just turn your emotions off like that, Hallie?”

“It’s easy.” Her tone was cold. “I just remember the conversation with Roberta.”

His face drained of color and his curse stung the air.

“Look, maybe we should forget having dinner.”

“Not on your life. We’re going to eat. I’ve ordered us both the best steaks in the house.” Jackson’s gaze softened and he smiled. “Meanwhile, I promise to behave.”

“I’ve heard that before.”

“Yeah, I guess you have. So do I get another chance?”

“All right. But the third time and you’re out.”

“Whoa,” Jackson said with a half smile. “I’m not even going to touch that one.”

The band, which had taken the place of the piano and singer, began to play.

“What do you think?”

“About what?” Hallie asked.

“The band.”

“They’re good, actually.”

“This is a trial run for them.” Jackson paused, seeming to size them up. “We lost our other band and Terrance has been on the hunt.”

“Speaking of Terrance, how’s he doing? Is he still at your beck and call?”

“You never liked him, did you.”

Hallie felt warmth surge into her face, but she answered honestly. “Not really.”

Jackson chuckled.

“You asked.”

“I did and you answered. But why is that? I never understood what you had against him.”

“I never knew, either. There’s just something about him that always bothered me.”

“Well, he liked you. And still does.”

Hallie shrugged. “Maybe I just didn’t get to know him well enough.”

“Speaking of Terrance, I wonder where he is. He should be circulating.”

“It’s early yet, isn’t it?”

“Not that early.” Jackson’s features relaxed. “Ah, there he is. I guess I just didn’t see him.”

“Well, you do seem to have a full house.”

“We try to please.”

They both watched as Terrance made his way toward them. His hand was outstretched when he reached the table.

“It’s great to see you again, Hallie.”

Hallie gave him her hand and smiled. “Same here.”

Suddenly she was seeing Terrance through new eyes. Maybe she’d been jealous of Jackson and Terrance’s relationship. At the time of their engagement, she hadn’t been nearly as sure of herself. As a result, perhaps she hadn’t given Terrance a fair shot. She would this time, though, as he could be a valuable asset in helping to clear Jackson’s name. And now she had nothing personal invested. Jackson was just another client.

“So how have you been?”

“Great.” She smiled brightly.

“You look great, too.”

“Why, thanks.”

He paused, then pinned her with his eyes. “Too bad I have to see you again under such unpleasant circumstances.”

“I know, but it’ll be over soon.”

“Man, that’d be great.”

“Don’t sound so shocked, Terrance,” Jackson injected. “Why do you think I hired her?”

“I’m not shocked,” Terrance corrected hurriedly. “I have every confidence in Hallie, too.” He paused again, stepping aside as their food arrived. “I’ll get lost now and let you enjoy your dinner. If there’s anything I can do, Hallie, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“Trust me, I won’t. And thanks.”

Once their beautifully presented food was in front of them, they fell silent again. The smell engaged Hallie’s senses, making her realize how hungry she was. In fact, she’d barely eaten anything all day.

“Dig in,” Jackson said. “How ’bout some more wine?”

When Jesse moved to refill her glass, Hallie covered it with her palm. “No, thanks, I’ve had enough. I have to be sharp in the morning.”

Once they were alone, they both began to eat. Despite the sexual tension that hummed between them, she was able to enjoy her meal. Jackson had always been easy to be with. She was the high-strung one, the one on high alert. He’d always had the ability to calm her nerves, make her feel cherished.

“What are you thinking about?” Jackson asked between bites.

“Nothing.”

“Liar,” he said softly.

Color surged into her face, but she ignored his innuendo. When she didn’t respond, he took another bite of steak.

Once he’d washed it down with wine, he asked in a casual tone, “How come you never married?”

“How come you didn’t?” she fired back, though she felt the flush on her cheeks deepen.

“Are you sure you want me to answer that?”

“No,” she said quickly. “No, I don’t.”

He chuckled, only to frown as someone tapped him on the shoulder.

Hallie had noticed the man when he came in the door. Although he appeared to know his way around the club, he didn’t look like he belonged there. He seemed ill at ease and unsure of himself. And he certainly was not dressed for the occasion.