Beautiful Music (12 page)

“Chase,” she cautioned. This was too much.

“I believe a boyfriend is permitted to hold his girlfriend’s hand in a public setting. Come on, let’s sit down.”

Chapter Sixteen

“Uncle Chase?” Andrea glanced at Jena and whispered something in Chase’s ear.

“Andrea Reiss, what are you plotting?” Jena asked sternly.

“I don’t think anything now,” the little girl answered with obvious disappointment.

Jena couldn’t help feeling sorry for her even though the change in plans was probably to her advantage.

“This used to be the
Splash Zone
,” Chase explained. “The sign isn’t here anymore. They must have changed the program. We haven’t been here for a while.”

“So, that’s what you two have been planning? A good soaking for me courtesy of your dolphin friends?” Jena tickled Andrea into peals of laughter.

“Welcome to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium,” a young woman from poolside captured their attention. From that moment Jena was lost to the dolphin named Winter.

The trainer went through the paces of putting the prosthesis on the very still dolphin. Jena was amazed at Winter’s patience. After her artificial tail was secured she was finally able to show off her swimming abilities to the delight of the crowd. Her side-to-side swimming motion was replaced with the normal up and down movement. This dolphin had overcome unthinkable odds to survive. Jena was so moved by the experience her eyes welled with tears.

Next, they were introduced to Panama, the surrogate mother to Winter. Jena was entirely focused as they explained Panama was deaf and received her commands through hand signals. Jena laughed along with Andrea as Panama scooted onto the platform showing her large size.

“Do you like them?” Andrea asked.

“I do, very much.” Jena put an arm around her niece and hugged her with a huge grin, turning her attention back to the large blue pool.

****

A man stood at the railing directly across the pool from them. He seemed out of place dressed in trousers, dress shirt, and sunglasses. Chase observed him from behind his own sunglasses. The man leaned against a pillar with arms folded in front of him and appeared to be watching them. He certainly wasn’t watching the show.

Chase couldn’t be too careful. Jasmine’s obituary had been in the paper and people around the area knew them. Jasmine had been a wealthy woman and Chase kept a watchful eye on his niece. Add that to his occupation and the result could be trouble. The attempted break-in the night before was still fresh in his mind. He knew Jena didn’t understand the world he lived in and the potential for danger that existed. Fans tended to know his life story, including his bank account and where he lived. He decided not to say anything. There was no need to alarm her.

“What’s in the tank over there?” Jena pointed as she leaned toward him.

Taking his eyes off the suspicious visitor Chase answered, “That’s the sea turtles. We’ll check it out after the show. Are you enjoying yourself?”

She grinned. “I am. Thank you for asking me.”

“Thank you for coming with us.”

While the demonstrations continued Chase glanced over at the pillar, but the stranger was gone. He scanned the crowd, but found him nowhere. He overreacted…better safe than sorry. He turned his attention back to the show just as it was drawing to a close.

He glanced down to see his niece fold her arms in front of her in a pouty manner. “What’s with you?”

“We didn’t get Aunt Jen wet.” Her bottom lip protruded.

He laughed and ruffled her hair. “I’m disappointed too, but we’ll think of something else.”

“That’s okay,” Jena replied, “don’t bother. I don’t miss much. I knew you two were up to something.”

“Sure,” Chase drawled. “Let’s go look at the turtles.”

They found a small place at the railing and Chase directed Jena and Andrea forward as he stood behind them. He glanced to his left and saw the same guy walking around to the opposite side of the tank. Coincidence?

Andrea tugged on Chase’s shirt. “I wanna feed the stingrays.”

Chase checked his watch. Andrea was right—five minutes to feeding time. “You should be a tour guide, kid. Let’s go.” He reached for Andrea’s hand.

“I know the way,” she argued with her independent streak, drawing her hand away.

“You lead me, then. I don’t want to get lost. Stay close, Jen.”

Andrea seemed satisfied and headed for the nearest exit sign and the short walk to the stingray exhibit. Chase kept very aware of his surroundings on the way. The room was crowded when they arrived. Feeding time was busy.

“Wait here, I’ll get the fish,” Chase told them as he stepped toward a trainer. Looking over his shoulder, he watched Andrea dipping her hand in the tank and Jena watching with apprehension. He smiled at the sight. He thanked the young woman while tucking his wallet back in his pocket. He hung back a minute and surveyed the room. His eyes stopped on the stranger leaning against the wall on the far side of the tank. Obviously, the man’s attention was with something other than fish. Okay, he had enough.

“Hey, Jen,” he said as he handed the fish to her. Her nose wrinkled in response, but she took the stingray lunch without protest. “I’m going to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay, sure.” She paused for only a second before turning toward the tank and holding the fish out to Andrea.

Chase made his way through the crowd sneaking up alongside the visitor. “Hey, there,” Chase nudged him. The guy hadn’t noticed his approach and visibly jumped.

“Do I know you?” the man asked in a snobbish manner.

“That’s what I’d like to know. You’ve been watching my family the entire day. I want to know why.”

“Your family?” the man responded snidely.

“Yeah…my family. What’s up with you, man?” Chase was beyond irritated.

“Well, if you must know, the one playing the lead role in your fantasy is my girlfriend.”

Chase resisted the urge to flatten his face. “Your girlfriend? You have her mixed up with someone else. She’s not from around here.”

Yes, I know,” he replied smugly, “she’s from Ohio.”

Chase’s heart skipped a beat. “How do you know that?” he demanded.

“I believe I already answered that question.”

“I think we should ask her what she thinks,” Chase grabbed his arm leading him toward Jena and some answers.

“I wouldn’t touch me if I were you,” he warned pushing Chase’s hand away.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to get dirty paw prints on the designer threads. After you.” He motioned toward Jena.

Chase kept on his heels. This could be a trick. He tried to remember the obituary and if it stated where Jen was from. His blood pressure rose with every step. What if this guy was telling the truth? What if she had been lying?

“Jena,” Chase tapped her on the shoulder, “there’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

Jena turned around with a smile that quickly vanished. “Todd?” she shrieked. “What are you doing here?”

Todd reached out to hug her, but Chase stepped between them. “You know this guy?” Chase was hoping for a no.

“Yes,” she answered slowly.

The air left the room. “Jena?” His eyes searched hers for an explanation. She stared at the floor briefly before returning her gaze to his with a sadness Chase couldn’t miss.

“I think you two might need a minute.” Chase didn’t miss the hotshot tone in his voice, but he didn’t give him another glance.

“Uncle Chase, I’m scared,” Andrea interrupted.

“Everything’s fine, honey. Feed the rays. We’re right behind you, okay?” He attempted to soothe his niece, while wondering why the woman he loved lied to him.

Jena waited until Andrea’s attention was back on the tank. “I suppose you’re wondering who he is.” She was stalling and he was getting angry.

“Not really. He said he was your boyfriend from Ohio. Todd, was it?” He paused. “Why did you lie to me?”

“I didn’t lie.” Her voice raised an octave. “He is NOT my boyfriend, but he is the one I told you about. His name is Todd Richards and he’s an attorney with the firm I’m employed.”

“Not your boyfriend?” he asked looking for any signs of deception.

“Not my boyfriend,” she repeated. “I have no idea why he would tell you that.”

Relief washed over him. He considered himself a good judge of character, but was afraid he might have misjudged Jena because he loved her so much. Did he see what he wanted to see? Chase was sure he hadn’t misjudged Todd’s character. “Do you want me to take care of him?”

“No, I’ll handle it. I have to work with him.”

“Jena…”

“Just give me a couple minutes. I made a promise to you. I don’t take that lightly. You have to trust me.”

“I trust you, but I’m watching him. There’s something I don’t like about that guy.”

“Fine…just…stay over here.” She motioned for him to stay put.

He helplessly watched as she walked toward his competition. Todd’s face lit up as she approached. Chase wanted to close the gap between them and punch him in the face. This guy was everything he wasn’t…sophisticated, designer clothes, no doubt fancy office, and a lawyer that understood Jena’s world.

“Who’s that man?” Andrea asked, her voice timid.

“Some guy Aunt Jen works with in Ohio,” he said absently as he watched them.

“I don’t like him.”

“Me either, kiddo, me either.”

Chapter Seventeen

“Todd, what are you doing here?” Jena asked with alarm. She knew Chase was watching and waiting for one wrong move.

“I missed you and thought I’d whisk you off to some private beach, but it seems you’ve been busy,” he said sarcastically nodding in Chase’s direction.

Jena didn’t like his tone, but didn’t want to make a scene. Chase was itching to lay him out and she wouldn’t give him an excuse. “I’m sorry you made the trip for nothing.”

“Seeing you is never a waste.”

He caressed her face in an intimate manner and she took his hand and slowly pushed it away. Chase was immediately at her side with Andrea’s big eyes focusing on Jena.

“What are you? Her bodyguard?” Todd hissed.

“I’ll be your worst enemy if you touch her again,” Chase warned.

“Jena, will you please explain to him who I am? That you and I are more than colleagues?”

All eyes were on her. What did she say? Either way there was going to be a scene and she didn’t want Andrea exposed to this. “Todd, I’m afraid you have the wrong idea. I thought you understood ours is not a romantic relationship.”

“Wow,” Todd crossed his arms in front of him, his mouth set in a thin line. “You sure played me, didn’t you? I’m good enough to escort you to dinner functions and ride with to meetings, but when it comes to a real ride…Nice, Jena, I thought you had class, but it turns out you’re just another slut.”

Jena’s head snapped back as if she had been hit. What had he called her? How could he talk like that in front of a little girl?

Chase grabbed Todd and shoved him against the wall with a fist to his shirt collar before Jena could exhale. Todd’s lean frame was no competition to Chase’s muscular build. Jena never thought of Todd as stupid, but the way he was smirking at Chase…he was asking to be punched.

“Chase, please calm down,” she pleaded.

Jena heard Andrea whimpering and put a protective arm around her shoulder. Not knowing what to say she smoothed her niece’s hair and kissed the top of her head.

Chase ignored Jena’s plea and said quietly through gritted teeth, “If you ever, and I mean EVER, talk to her like that again…in fact, if you ever talk to her again I will break both of your legs.”

“Where did you find this lowlife, Jena? You deserve each other,” Todd said with disgust as he struggled to free himself unsuccessfully.

Chase’s fist came back and Jena grabbed onto him. “Please, Chase, don’t. Andrea’s scared. This was supposed to be fun,” her voice broke with emotion.

She sighed with relief as he nodded. “You’re right.” He released Todd and stepped back keeping Jena and Andrea behind him.

“I’ll ruin you,” Todd threatened as he smoothed his shirt.

“You don’t have enough money or talent, Dude. Remember what I said. I meant every word.” The smile on Chase’s face was menacing.

Jena held on to Chase’s arm feeling the muscles tense under her grasp. Andrea’s arm tightened around Jena’s waist. This could turn ugly if Todd said the wrong thing. Chase was teetering on violence. “Todd, please leave,” she pleaded.

“I’m going. You haven’t heard the last of me, either of you. Oh, and Jena? You can kiss your job goodbye. Have a wonderful day.” He nodded with a smirk and headed for the nearest exit.

Chase took a step in Todd’s direction and Jena tightened her grip. “Don’t,” she warned. “You didn’t need to come to my rescue. His words didn’t bother me.”

The muscle in his jaw tensed as he stared in the direction of Todd’s exit. “They bothered me.”

Jena couldn’t remember the last time someone made her feel protected and safe. For too many years she relied on herself. She released his arm hesitantly. “Thank you. It’s been a long time since someone defended me like that.”

He finally relinquished his watch on the door and turned to her. “When he said those words to you I saw red. And for the record…I will always come to your rescue.”

“I’m tougher than you think. I do feel stupid though. I had no idea he felt that strongly toward me.” This entire scene was her fault. She knew Todd was getting way too serious, but she always avoided the subject with him, putting it off for another day. She should have said something when he came to her office with those flowers, but Jena had hoped he would get the hint without the awkward conversation.

“Is he coming back, Aunt Jen?” Andrea asked clinging to her.

“No, honey, he’s not coming back. Uncle Chase scared him away.” She gave a thankful glance in his direction.

“What did he want?” Andrea’s eyes widened with worry.

“He was mad at me.”

“He’s just a creep, Andy. No need to worry. He’s gone and it’s about time for this place to close. Are you two up for ice cream on the way home?”

Jena didn’t miss Chase’s attempt to lighten the mood and she agreed. “What do you say, Andrea? Chocolate ice cream?”