Love Bites: A Sugar City Novella (Entangled Bliss) (10 page)

The ice in Jeff’s veins started to boil. “I see,” he said through a clenched jaw. “Well, I appreciate you not disclosing anything.”

Leo shrugged and slid his hands in his back pockets. “My career is just starting; that’s not the kind of reporter I want to be. Between you and me, though, that guy at SED is a major prick. Not who I see Sharona with. You were around her today, doing the audit, I hope you didn’t share intel that might fall into the wrong hands.”

The words stung, especially coming from Leo. Though he wasn’t turning out to be such a weasel after all. At least he was loyal. Unlike…

Had the whole thing been an act? Jeff had joked with Sharona earlier about their meeting at the pub being a set up. He hadn’t really believed it was true, that a kindhearted, genuine woman like her was capable of coldhearted deception.

Why was she really here? And what had she just said about wanting to tell him something about her boss? A ball of fury rolled in Jeff’s chest. Not for the first time in his life, he felt used.

Automatically, his mind flashed to the last time he’d trusted the wrong person with secret, work-relation information, and the disaster that followed. He dumped out the bag carrying the rest of the trackers and spread them across the table.
Why are there only six?
His mind flashed to Sharona examining one a few minutes ago. His stomach dropped in disappointment, but that was quickly replaced by rage.

“Something wrong?” Leo asked.

“I’m missing one,” Jeff said, then cursed under his breath.

“Oh, sorry, man. I was curious.” Leo placed the missing tag on the table.

Jeff glared at him, wanting to tear him a new one for touching his stuff. But that wasn’t what he was really angry about. He blew out a few sharp breaths, but the knot in his stomach wouldn’t go away. The fire of doubt was lit and flaming hot.

“Anyway,” Leo added, “thanks again for not kicking me off this morning.”

“Yeah,” Jeff muttered, trying to put on a professional smile. The kid had ended up being his unlikely ally against the most duplicitous of predators.

After Leo wandered off, Jeff stared toward the arching sun that spilled gold across the harbor. He clenched his fists and breathed out his nose, much like he had ten hours ago when he’d first learned that UM was sending a surprise auditor for no bloody good reason.

Now he knew why.

He should’ve trusted his gut and not let her aboard. No, that wasn’t the answer. He should have kept his damn hands to himself and learned from his mistakes. He should’ve stopped the runaway train before he lost his heart to a woman he couldn’t have.

Not only had she disappeared last night and driven him crazy, but then he’d allowed her to get under his skin the very next day. Jeff shook his head, disgusted with himself. He knew better.

“Hey you…”

The voice that had once flooded his body with desire now hit him like nails on a chalkboard. More than anger directed at Sharona, he was pissed at himself for being a big enough chump to fall in love with her in one day.

“Hi,” he replied, looking the other way. He’d rather she just leave—he wasn’t in the habit of yelling at women and didn’t want to start now. Bogie threw him the other end of the rope after securing the
Mad Hatter
to the dock.

“So, I was thinking…” He felt her come up behind him. “Why don’t you finish here and we’ll meet later so you can help me with that last auditing item I mentioned—”

“You can go now,” Jeff said, finally looking at her.

Her mouth fell open and she stared at him. “I…was about to.”

There was confusion in her voice and hurt in her brown eyes, but Jeff looked away before it could affect him, winding the rope around his elbow and shoulder.

“Is something wrong?”

He took a breath before looking at her again, noticing the small wheelie suitcase in one hand and her other bag strapped over her shoulder. She had information about Old Faithful and was probably about to sell it to the highest bidder. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.

“You need to leave,” he muttered, trying to stay calm while angry heat burned in his chest. “We’re at the dock and there’s no reason for you to stay. This was a mistake—
my
mistake.”

“What mistake? Jeff?”

“I’m so done with these games.” He stared at her seemingly innocent face, determined to not back down. “Everything’s been a game with you from the very beginning.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Why don’t you just admit it? Report whatever you want to your
boss
. I can’t stop you.”

“Jeff—”

He held up a hand.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

“How can I make it any clearer that I’m not interested?” he said, forcing coolness and indifference into his voice. “You admitted how you used me last night to get out of your comfort zone or whatever, but I don’t make it a habit of screwing unavailable women, so…” He nodded toward the dock.

She pressed her lips together and glared at him. “You’re an
ass
.”

He couldn’t help scoffing a dark laugh, but the anger was forced. His feelings for her wouldn’t go away just like that. The woman he’d thought she was—he still wanted her. But that person was a fantasy he’d dreamed up…the perfect woman who made him happy and shared his passion and kissed him like they were sharks in deep water.

He had no idea who the real Sharona Blaire was. And he couldn’t allow himself to care.

“Yep, sweetheart, I sure am,” he stated, then walked away.

He tried to block it out completely, but Jeff couldn’t help hearing her speak to Manny, her wordless voice floating across the air, coiling around his inner ear…inside is brain.

What the hell was she going on about for so long?

Finally, he heard her little suitcase on wheels roll up the dock away from the ship.

In between muttered curses, Jeff kept himself busy gathering the rest of his gear and seeing off the remaining members of the team. Despite the mess with Sharona, it had been an extremely productive day—he needed to focus on the positive. There was so much data about to be revealed, thanks to the trackers. He hated to admit that earlier he’d even been excited to share his findings with Sharona.

“That’s the last of it?” Pax asked when they were about ready to deboard.

“Yep. Good work today.”

“Always a pleasure, boss. You heading back to the hotel or straight to the airport with the rest of us?”

“Neither,” Jeff said. “I think I’ll spend a few days with the rellies.” Normally, Jeff
would
catch the first flight out, but he wanted to see his family. He only made it to Oz a few times a year. His mum would never forgive him if he didn’t drop in for a day or two. Plus, his family would be a welcome distraction from the disappointment weighing on his heart.

“Good deal,” Pax said. “I’ll catch you at the lab next week.”

“See you then, mate.” Jeff waved him off with a big smile, but dropped it the second his back was turned. He stared off toward the setting sun, trying not to feel anything.

“You hurt that little girl’s feelings.”

Manny leaned against the front of the helm, his captain’s cap cocked to the side.

“She has no feelings,” Jeff muttered under his breath. Then he
did
feel like an ass. He sighed. “She’s not who she said she was. She wasn’t here to do an audit but to find out about Old Faithful.”

Manny folded his arms. “What makes you think that?”

“Leo. Did you know
he
was sent by SED, too, not just the uni?” He shook his head and stared down at the deck. “The whole thing was a setup from the beginning. Even last night.”

“Last night?”

Why not ’fess up everything?

“Yeah.” Jeff rubbed his chin, in desperate need of a shave. “She and I met at the hotel pub.”

“I know.” Manny was smiling. “She told me.”

“Why would she…?”

“I don’t think she meant to. Before she left, she pulled me aside again. She was really upset.”

Jeff raked both hands through his hair. “So am I.”

“Yeah well it sounds a little worse for her, mate. You’re not on the verge of being sacked.”

“Why would she be sacked? She’s engaged to her boss. They planned this whole pleasure cruise.” He kneaded the back of his neck, ready to walk away and forget everything, but Manny moved to block his path.

“She’s not engaged to her boss.”

“Yes, she is. She—”

“They were but she broke it off—six months ago, is what she told me.”

Jeff dropped his arms and stared at him.

“She kept working with him because she believed in what she’s doing, but she’s not involved with him.” He shrugged. “From the little she told me, the guy sounds like a Grade-A wanker.”

Jeff closed his eyes as his stomach dropped in a gut-wrenching free fall.

“Buddy,” Manny said. “You
are
an ass, just like she said.”

“Yeah.” Why had he trusted the word of some guy off the street but not Sharona—not even ask her about it? He knew why, and it made him despise himself that his past had blinded him so badly.

“Son of a bitch,” he muttered, staring toward where he’d last seen her, when she’d looked so hurt and called him an ass. He was, because of how he’d treated her. Picturing her wounded expression made his heart collapse in on itself.

“Do you know where she went?”

“No. But I got the impression she was going home.”

“I have to get to her first,” Jeff said, turning on his heels and breaking into a run.

Manny chuckled. “Dangerous to stop a moving airplane, mate!”

Jeff spotted Leo down on the dock taking to one of the crew. “Hey!” he called, jumping over the railing and onto the dock.

“Hey,” Leo said. “I was waiting to talk to you. Sorry, man, I totally shot my mouth off with some bad information about Sharona—or it was
outdated
info—”

“I know about that,” Jeff cut in. “Look, do you have any local connections with the media?”

Leo scratched his head. “I know one guy, yeah.”

Jeff took in a breath. This just might work. “You might want to call him. I think he’ll be interested in what’s about to happen.”

Chapter Ten

“Nat, you must be at work, or maybe it’s the middle of the night there, I don’t know.” Sharona sighed into her cell. “Call me when you can, please? I really need to talk and…oh…” She tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “Happy birthday.” She sniffed. “Sorry if I’m a day late. I love you. Call me.”

She lowered her phone, then slumped in the backseat of the cab, staring out at the lights of downtown Sydney. It was like she’d fallen down a rabbit hole and had been living another life. In twenty-four hours so much had happened.

She didn’t regret any of it until now.

What the freak had gotten into Jeff? She hadn’t been playing games. Okay, last night was sort of a game, but weren’t they both in on it? And today could not have been more real. How she felt about him…

What hurt worse now was knowing she’d never see him again. She thought they’d had something.

And it was gone. Like it never happened. Like the whole day had been swallowed by Matilda in the blink of an eye.

It had taken way too long to grab a cab at the harbor. So many tourists and then bumper-to-bumper traffic. She was totally dragging by the time she made it to the hotel. The lobby was packed with people, so she skirted along the outside toward the elevator bay.

“Why is it so crowded?” she asked as she passed the concierge desk.

“There’s a wedding party,” he said in an accent so thick she could barely understand. “They’ve most of the sleeping rooms at the hotel and they’re taking over the rooftop bar tonight. It’s open to select guests—my discretion. They even hired a band. Should be a rager.” He tilted his head. “Looks like you could use one, luv.”

She blew out a tired breath. “Being around a group of people is the last thing I need.”

“Know what I always say…when a party is the last thing you want, that’s when you need it the most. It’s casual dress and an open bar. Gorgeous night under the stars.”

Sharona sighed again. “When does it start?”

…

After a long shower that was meant to clear her head, she sat on her bed and pulled out the tablet she’d been carrying around all day. As a professional, she shouldn’t write up her report on today’s audit until she’d cooled off. In her current frame of mind, Jeff Cruz and his precious research team would not get the most glowing endorsement. But the longer she stewed, the more she knew she needed to get it out before she got really pissed.

So she logged onto her computer.

Two hours later, after blow-drying her hair and running a hot iron over her last clean top, Sharona pulled on a pair of dark-wash jeans and headed to the top floor of the hotel. As she was about to enter the crowded rooftop bar, a wave of nostalgia hit, and she froze.

I might not be ready for this.

But one setback—as fresh as it was—should not keep her from being around people. And maybe, like the concierge suggested, disappearing into a sea of strangers was the best thing for her tonight.

She managed to find an empty stool at the far end of the bar.

“Long day, yeah?” the bartender asked over the noise of celebrating, music and clinks of glasses. She had long red hair and a commiserative, bartendery smile.

Sharona exhaled. “You could say that.”

“What’ll it be?”

She leaned her elbows on the bar. “A new brain and a time machine. Maybe some man repellant?”

The bartender laughed. “How about a triple cocktail? Courtesy of the happy couple.”

“Sounds great, thanks,” Sharona said, pulling back a grateful smile, though the effort gave her a headache.

“So, guy problems?”

Sharona pushed around a bowl of beer nuts. “Yeah.”

“I’m Sigrid,” she said, placing a coaster on the bar.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Right. So, tell me. What’d he do? Sleep around? Lie? Believe me, I’ve heard it all.”

“Nothing like that. Though he didn’t really tell me, he just kind of…flipped out. And when I tried to ask…”

“Wouldn’t let you get a word in edgewise?” Sigrid shook her head. “Yeah, men get so proud and cocky when we show the slightest hint of jealousy, but if
we
don’t trust them, they fly off the handle.”

“They do, don’t they?” She gritted her teeth. “They can be such…pigs.”

“
Sharks
,” Sigrid tagged on, making Sharona’s stomach twist like she was aboard the
Mad Hatter
in rough water.

As much as she was trying to forget about it or at least stay angry, a sad rawness squeezed her heart when she thought about Jeff. She’d tried to hold onto the anger as she’d written her report, but the more she wrote, the more she remembered what had really happened, the purpose of today’s expedition. She’d learned that Jeff Cruz was a good man, a brilliant scientist, and a tremendous humanitarian, willing to do the right thing by his beloved great white sharks—even if that meant slowing down his research.

After she’d emailed her report to Garry, she’d sat on the hotel bed and tried to ignore the fresh wave of disappointment. The anger was gone, leaving sadness and confusion in its place.

What had he meant about screwing unavailable women? She’d been completely available for six months…ever since she’d broken off her engagement to…

“
Garry
,” she growled aloud.

“That his name?” Sigrid asked. “What a bloody prick.”

“No.
That’s
the name of the lying sack of crap who’s been telling lies about our relationship.” She shook her head. “So typical of him to do something like this. Oh, I am
so
quitting that job. And then I’m siccing the FCC on his ass, not to mention slapping him with sexual harassment.” She dropped her arms on the bar, feeling a combination of anger and helplessness.

“The thing about Jeff,” she added a moment later.

“That’s the other one?” Sigrid asked.

She nodded. “One minute we were about to break a bunk and… Anyway, the next minute he was yelling at me like…like he didn’t trust me. But I don’t know why he’d feel that way.”

“It’s an insecurity thing,” Sigrid said, sagely, placing a drink before her.

“Maybe.” But Jeff had never once seemed insecure to her. In fact, he was the most put-together and driven guy she’d ever met. That was one of the things that was so dang appealing. “Anyway, thanks for listening.” She touched the glass but didn’t drink. “I’m Sharona, by the way.”

Sigrid slapped her hand on the bar. “No shit, really?”

Sharona rolled her eyes. “I know, just like the song.”

“Not what I mean.” Sigrid grabbed a folded-up slip of paper off the back of the bar. “A bloke was in here earlier. Left this.” She passed Sharona the note.

Sharona, you’ll never know how sorry I am, but I sincerely hope you’ll give me the chance to explain. It was a big misunderstanding—my fault! And I’m so sorry. ~J

She folded the paper, her mind in a whirl. “Jeff was here?” She glanced around the rooftop bar, dimly lit by twinkle lights and the full moon above.

“Never got his name,” Sigrid said. “As you can see, it’s pretty dark up here. Is he a tall guy, brown hair, amazingly good-looking?”

Sharona’s throat tightened unexpectedly as tears welled behind her eyes. “That’s him. Do you know where he went?”

“After he made all the barkeeps and waiters memorize your name and told them about the note here, he dropped a big tip and left. Seemed desperate to find you. Can you call him?”

“I don’t…know…”

She scanned the bar, feeling wretchedly out of place among the happy wedding guests. Just over Sigrid’s head were three flat-screen TVs, one showing a soccer game, one playing a montage of photos—probably of the newlyweds—and the third screen had the local news.

Sharona sighed and leaned on an elbow, but when a new news story flashed across the screen, she sat up straight. “Turn it up!” she called to Sigrid, pointing at the third screen.

The bartender grabbed a remote, increasing the volume.

Sharona still couldn’t hear it, but she could see Jeff on-screen perfectly. He wore a white polo shirt with a red-and-blue logo over the pocket. The visor he’d been wearing earlier today had sported the same logo.

She recognized the helm of the
Mad Hatter.
The sun was setting behind him, so this must’ve been shot a few hours ago—after they’d docked. Right after she’d left. Manny stood behind him, and was that…Leo with a mic in his hand? Jeff held something…something about the size of a magic marker…something hot pink.

“I can’t hear him,” Sharona said, about to scale the bar so she should stick her ear to the speaker. “Can you hear what Jeff’s saying?”

Sigrid stared at her, slack-jawed. “
That’s
him? You’re talking about Jeff Cruz? Jeff Cruz was in my bar and I didn’t recognize him? Son of a—”

“What’s he saying?” Sharona cut in, and then looked at Sigrid. “How do
you
know him?”

“Girl, that’s Great White Cruz. He used to be on the local news all the time—hometown bloke makes good with his dream team of shark men. He has a huge following around here, but about a year ago he went underground.” She turned back to the screen with new interest. “He’s…he’s saying that it’s time to reveal new technology.” She paused to listen. “He says he was afraid he’d lose what’s most important to him but someone close to him said it was time to share. Something about trust and taking a leap of faith. Wait…hold on.” Sigrid rose up on her toes as Sharona’s gaze flashed back and forth from her to the screen.

“What’s he saying now?”

“Something about…eh?”

Sharona’s eyes grew large. “What?” she begged.

“That George Clooney movie,
Ocean’s Eleven
.”

Sharona stared at the screen as Jeff smiled and looked directly into the camera lens, speaking words she couldn’t hear.

“He says he’s looking for a missing member of his crew, his—”

“Julia Roberts,” they said together.

Sigrid turned to her. “He’s talking about you?”

Without a thought, Sharona kicked off her shoes and climbed onto the slippery, polished bar, grabbing the screen with both hands. If she couldn’t get to the real Jeff Cruz, she sure as hell was going to hear every damn word TV Jeff was saying.

“Come down, sweetie,” said another bartender. “Sig, no more whiskey for this one.”

“Shut up,” Sharona hissed, pressing her ear against the speaker. But all she heard was the weather report. She stared at the screen. “Where’d he go?” she demanded, gazing down at Sigrid.

“It’s gone to commercial,” she replied. “Let’s get you another drink.”

A group of guys at a table started whistling and catcalling, requesting Sharona give
them
a table dance.

“I’m all about grand gestures in the name of love,” Sigrid called up to her over the noise, “but I reckon the manager’s gonna ring the cops if you don’t come down. Chicks like you will cause a riot.”

Sharona bit her lip, suddenly realizing where she was.

“Oh, shit,” she whispered, unable to move. She covered her face in her hands, like that would make her disappear.

“Jim, Curly,” she heard Sigrid say. “Help her down. Come on, luv. Give us your hand.”

“I’ve got her.”

The deep, familiar voice sounded like a dream in her head. Then a warm hand had her around her ankle. She opened her eyes to see Jeff gazing up.

“Baby. What are you doing up there?” he asked, lightness and curiosity in his voice.

All she could do is point at the screen. “You were…there…”

“Come down. I really need to talk to you.” He reached up a hand. Sharona was about to take it but then stopped.

“Talk?” She folded her arms. “About what?”

Just then, the band started playing “YMCA” and no one seemed to care about the crazy lady standing on the bar any more.

“Come down,” Jeff said, waving his hand.

She shook her head. “You said you need to talk…so talk.”

“I can’t hear you, babe,” he said over the growing volume of the music. “Come on.”

But she wasn’t budging. Jeff dropped his outstretched arm and she could see him exhale in frustration. He looked clean, shaven, and gorgeous by light of the moon. He wasn’t wearing the white polo shirt with the logo, but a blue T-shirt and dark jeans. It was hard to believe he was the same man who’d just been on TV, when all she could see was the guy hovering over her in a tiny bunk—when he’d been all hers.

“Fine!” he finally called, cupping his hands around his mouth. “I’m sorry, okay?”

“About what?”

He didn’t go on right away but lowered his hands to his hips. “I was…misinformed about your relationship status.” He glanced over his shoulders, probably feeling more than a little conspicuous. After a throat clear, he continued. “I was also misinformed as to why you’d been sent by SED. I’m sorry for those things I said. I was an ass.”

She widened her eyes.

“Okay, a
huge
ass.”

“You should’ve asked me about it,” she called.

“I know. I know.” He nodded up and down. “I have a problem with trust and…with putting my heart on the line and going all in for what I
really want
and…” He paused to shake his head, running a hand through his hair with a sexy, self-deprecating smile. “I reacted before I thought, figured it out too late.” He touched her bare foot, then circled his hand around her calf. The gentle contact was in complete opposition to the forcefulness of his voice as he called, “Sharona, I’m sorry. Do you believe me?”

She couldn’t help pressing her lips together and smiling. After such a delicious display, the answer was too easy. “Yes,” she said, her heart tripping over the single word.

He balked back, looking surprised. “Yeah?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Then will you please come here?” He reached up. She took his hand and bent forward so he could take her by the waist and hoist her down. He did so, a bit more roughly than she’d expected after his heroic, chivalrous exhibition.

“You’re insane,” he muttered, dropping onto a bar stool. He was so adorably embarrassed, it was an actual struggle to not fall in love with him on the spot. “So, you saw the news, I gather?”

She nodded. “But the volume was too low and I couldn’t hear… I saw Old Faithful.”