Jessa had pulled her hair up into a messy knot that flattered the curve of her neck. A hint of cosmetics enhanced the fullness of her lips and the invitation in her eyes. It was an invitation Jessa would not be extending to Will.
Will froze with a piece of toast halfway to his mouth. “What in God’s name are you wearing?”
“Clothes?”
“Are you planning to walk down the street and wait on the corner for your next trick?”
“No, my pimp hates it when I freelance.”
Will sputtered into his coffee.
Jessa held her temper. Sitting down, she made certain to show plenty of leg. She settled into a chair and poured a glass of orange juice from the carafe. She was thoroughly enjoying the tension-laden silence. It was nice to be on the aggressive end of it for once.
“So,” she began conversationally. “Did Ginny stop kissing your ass and licking your balls, or what?”
Will coughed. “I’m sorry?”
“I said,” Jessa cleared her throat and raised her voice à la Eric Cartman. “Did Ginny stop kissing your ass and licking your balls?”
“Things just didn’t work out.”
“Aw, was being a daddy too much for your commitment-phobic ass?”
“No, her children needed more attention than my job allows me to give them.”
“Wow, did you think that up all on your own?”
“What is your problem, Jessa?” Will snapped. “I take you back after you make a whore of yourself in that disgusting bar downtown with some convicted murderer, and this is how you thank me?”
“Attempted murder.”
“What?”
“Connor was never convicted of murder. It was attempted murder.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry, doll. I’ll try to get it right next time.”
“You do that.”
More silence. Jessa slathered butter and jam on her toast with impunity. She added two slices of bacon and an egg. When the calorie-ridden concoction was ready, she picked it up and took a huge bite before chewing blissfully.
“Aren’t you worried about your fat intake, doll?”
Jessa swallowed. “Do I look like I am?”
“Well, no but it’s never too early to start.”
“It’s amazing.” Jessa prepared for a second bite. “But all the fucking I’ve been doing lately has really shed the pounds. I feel like I could eat just about anything.”
Will let it slide, probably because the coward couldn’t think of anything to say. “I heard Anne has tried to file for divorce from Jason.”
“Yeah, I know.”
“Poor thing, she’s got no chance.”
“You don’t think so?”
“No, of course not. Jason is a respected psychiatrist and an important member of the community.”
“Yeah, a real important member, especially to all of those hookers he keeps in high heels.”
“You have no idea what you’re saying.”
“Why? Because I should just lie down like a dog and let you do who or whatever you want? Or because Anne can’t possibly have a prayer since she’s the spurned wife and not the cock-carrying member of your little cheaters’ club?”
The venom in her voice finally got through to him. Will put his paper down and slowly leaned toward her. “Get over it, Jessa. That scum-sucking convict doesn’t even want you anymore. You saw it in his face last night, just like I did. He thinks you lied to him.”
Jessa sucked in a deep breath. “Do you think it matters about Connor?”
“Without your big, bar-owning boyfriend, you’ve got no place to go, doll.”
“Never underestimate a woman, Will. Never.”
Jessa daintily wiped her mouth with a starched cloth napkin and set it down. Scooting her chair away from the table, she stood and straightened her skirt.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Where do you think you’re going? I’ve no doubt you could find some pimp to take you on, Jessa. But do you really think it’s worth it?”
Jessa was done. Done with their nasty barbed words and cold silences, done with the double standards and country club bitches. It was time to do something for herself. She stood up and left the table without another word.
Will sprang to his feet but Jessa was too quick. She skated across the polished marble in her thick-soled combat boots, yanked the front door open, and leapt to the bottom of the stairs.
“You’re acting like a child,” Will said, his tone oozing condescension.
Movement in her peripheral vision distracted Jessa from her next verbal assault.
Connor was standing in the yard, big and beautiful and about as approachable as a demon from hell. He looked just like he had on the first day Jessa laid eyes on him. The sunlight burnished his caramel-colored skin and lovingly bathed the rugged ridges and valleys of his body. His arms were bare, his black cotton tank top tucked into the waistband of his black cargos, thick soled work boots on his feet.