I began contemplating four scoops. “What are you doing here?” I tried to keep the edge out of my voice. Jason was smiling too sweetly for me to be outright rude. But seriously, what was the deal?
Zander grinned at all the Nanettes. “We were in need of some serious eye candy … and Jason wanted ice cream.”
“Hi, Kenadie,” Jason said with a smile.
“Hi,” I replied with exasperation. It’s not that I didn’t want to ever see him again. I enjoyed his company, but this situation was fraught with peril. If I had thought Momma was relentless before, this was going to crank it up to the insanity level. And guess who was going to end up in the mental institution?
His happy demeanor faded at the less than warm reply.
The Nanettes gathered around the men in cheerleader fashion.
I marched off. I needed ice cream, stat. I didn’t make it very far when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I stopped and looked up at a confused Jason.
“Hey.” He pressed his lips together.
“Hey back.”
“You’re unhappy we came?”
What should I say? The answer was yes, but that sounded terrible. I mulled over possible answers, trying to find the right words.
“Why?” he asked when I couldn’t come up with the right answer soon enough.
“Jason,” I sighed, “you being here is only adding fuel to the unquenchable fire.”
He smiled, closed-lipped, but it still reached his eyes. Was he ever unhappy? “How can I make this better for you? Without me leaving.”
I couldn’t help but grin a little.
That small gesture had him smiling from ear to ear. “Is it really so bad that we came to hang out with you?”
I looked over at the biddies, Zander included, and they were all staring at us, but quickly turned when they realized I was staring right back at them. “Do you see what your following me has done?”
“What’s that?”
“You know darn well.”
“I can think of worse things people could accuse me of.”
“Thanks,” I said with a big ol’ eye roll.
He gave a deep-throated chuckle. “So, shall we go eat some ice cream?”
I sighed again. “I suppose we shall.”
“You really are a difficult woman, Kenadie Marshall.”
“You have no idea.” I walked off toward the entrance.
Jason quickly followed and opened the door for me.
“Your manners really are a problem.”
He flashed that perfect smile of his at me. “They didn’t seem to bother you last night.”
“We didn’t have an audience then.”
“So I can only be polite in your sole company?”
“Would you mind?”
“You are putting me in a tough position. Disappoint my mom or you.”
“Your mom never has to know.”
He narrowed his gorgeous eyes at me. “You know, let’s have some fun with it.”
“And you think I’m difficult?” I walked back to our usual booth, which was unoccupied, and sat down.
Jason looked at me for direction.
“You might as well sit next to me, because even if you don’t now, my momma will make sure it happens.”
He slid right in with the goofiest grin on his face.
The rest of the crew walked in and their grins should have been illegal.
If I could have banged my head against the table without getting a headache, I would have.
Momma slid in, right next to Jason, and cozied up to him. “It’s so good to see you again, Jason, dear.”
“It’s nice to see you too, Mrs. Marshall.” He turned toward the other biddies. “You ladies as well.”
They giggled. No, really, they did.
Zander smirked at me and raised his eyebrows. He was an idiot. “You’re looking well, Kenz, after your swim.”
I ran my fingers through my still damp hair. I knew I wasn’t looking my finest. Not like it mattered. I wasn’t there to impress anyone.
“How was your exercise class?” Jason focused on me.
“It was good.” Where was Jim? He needed to get over here and take our order fast.
“By the way, our designer wanted me to thank you. She said your furniture placement suggestion was spot on.”
I didn’t get the chance to respond.
“You two were together?” Momma asked like her life depended on it.
“No … I mean yes, but …” I tried to get out.
“Didn’t Kenadie tell you that she and Jason had a date last night?” Zander blurted out.
I kicked him in the shins … so hard.
He cried out in pain, but he deserved it. Besides, he was only saying it that way for effect. He broke our privacy clause.
Momma was practically swooning, and she was rendered speechless. If she had died from excitement, I would have killed Zander. Momma was fanning herself. “I can’t tell you how happy this makes me.”
“Momma, it’s not what you think.” I looked up to Jason and pleaded with my eyes for help.
For some odd reason, he looked torn. Maybe he was embarrassed to admit he was using our service. He smiled his reassuring smile at me briefly, like it would all be okay.
I felt better for like two seconds.
Jason cleared his throat. “Kenadie has graciously allowed me to use her dating service.”
It was like someone popped a balloon and all the air fizzled out of everyone’s lungs.
Cissy and Adelaide were shaking their heads at me furiously like I was crazy, and Momma looked like she might cry.
“Kenadie has agreed to be my relationship manager. That’s why we were out last night.”
“You’re letting Kenadie set you up with other women?” Momma asked, like it was the most absurd thing she had ever heard.
Jason smiled sheepishly. “I hear she’s good at it.”
“She’s the best,” Zander tossed out there.
Momma glared at him evilly, like this was all his fault. And it really was his fault.
Zander’s stupid grin dissolved instantly under the fiery glance from my maternal figure.
Finally, Jim showed up.
“I’ll take a triple scoop of butter brickle.” I didn’t wait to be asked what I wanted. The poor guy didn’t even get out his greeting.
All eyes turned toward me.
I knew it wasn’t a very ladylike order, but I didn’t care. I was still considering the fourth scoop. We would have to see how it went.
“Same,” Jason said.
I shook my head at him and he nudged me with his shoulder.
It almost made me wish we were here alone and we could talk without any intrusion or conjecturing. I wanted to talk to him more about the designer, and if the new plans he submitted were accepted. He had promised me he would show me the specs once they were approved.
Zander eyed me suspiciously. That unsettled look was back in his eyes.
My lips pressed together and I narrowed my eyes.
He turned from me, back to the biddies, encouraging them to order the brownie covered in ice cream, fudge, and whipped cream.
What was going on with him?
After everyone ordered, Momma turned all of her attention back to Jason. “Did you enjoy Kenadie’s pie?”
“Best pie I’ve ever had.”
“She really is a great cook.”
“I have no doubt,” Jason returned.
I almost felt sorry for Momma. I knew her heart was in the right place, but the faster she came to terms with my life, the happier she would be. The happier we both would be. I didn’t see that happening.
“Did Kenadie cook for you last night?” Momma asked, with every ounce of hope left in her.
“No. We had Chinese take-out.”
“Oh.”
“Take-out?” Zander questioned.
It was out of the ordinary for the “test date” stage of the process.
“I wanted to sho
w Kenadie the model home I designed.”
Unfortunately, that comment blew the balloon right back up.
I was going to say something, but I saw how happy Momma looked. I didn’t feel good about bursting her bubble.
The ice cream was a godsend, the first thing that had gone my way all evening. At least that’s what I thought at first. Three scoops did not feel good in my stomach, or perhaps it was all the new turmoil in my life.
The car ride back to Momma’s only added to the queasy feeling.
“Kenadie Anne, what are you thinking?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, Jason. Why would you help him find another woman?”
“I told you he didn’t like me that way.”
“It’s so obvious he does.”
“Listen to yourself. The man wants to date other women.”
“I don’t believe it. He’s clearly attracted to you. And if you would think rationally, you would see that you’re attracted to him. Don’t think I didn’t see the little glances and smiles between the two of you all night. And the way you laughed at him when he tried to playfully slip you some cash to pay for your ice cream—which, by the way, you should have let him pay for.”
I didn’t bother arguing with her. I felt like a gerbil on one of those spinning wheels. We kept having the same discussions and we were going around and around. No wonder I felt ill. That and all the ice cream I ate. Shasta’s doesn’t skimp when it comes to serving size. Oh, well. That’s what the elliptical was for.
Momma’s parting words for the night were, “Good men like Jason don’t come around all that often. Open your eyes and see what’s in front of you.” She turned and tipped my chin up. “Sugar, be brave. Don’t let the mistakes of the past guide your future.” With that, she turned and left me to deal with the swirling thoughts in my head.
Chapter Thirteen
I thought I was brave. I mean, I didn’t wallow in my misery after Brian left me at the altar. Sure, I was devastated, but I made something of my life. I turned my misfortune into a tool to help other people avoid such a fate. However, if I were being honest with myself, I was anything but brave. I was scared. The past week I had felt downright frightened. I know it sounds ridiculous, but change can be terrifying. Especially the kind Momma was asking me to make.
Even so, Jason was obviously not interested in me, so I wasn’t entertaining that thought. Besides, I had made it my job to find him someone to date. I needed to keep our relationship professional, but he was making that hard because he kept showing up in my personal life. And admittedly, I kind of liked it. It was nice to be around someone other than Zander or women twice my age. They were all people I loved and adored, but Jason added something to the mix.
What I really needed was to keep Momma and Jason away from each other. That was causing way too many issues.
In bed that night, I tossed and I turned. As much as I didn’t want to, I opened up that dangerous door called bravery and tried to imagine my life in a different way. What if — No, I couldn’t think about that. But … what if … what if … OKAY, what would happen if I decided to … do I dare even say it? I didn’t even want to think it. Fine! What if I went on a date? No. I can’t think about it. But the problem was the door had crept open, and now I wondered.
I pulled one of my pillows over my head and screamed into it. I lay back down on said pillow and inadvertently touched my cheek. I had been trying not to, but I kept thinking about the gentle kiss that had been placed there the night before. Man, do I miss kissing. I bet Jason is a good kisser. Wait. Why did I think that? Does it matter why? The problem was, the thought was there, regardless of the why. And that dang thought snowballed. I could imagine the kind of kisses he would give. I bet he likes the long, slow variety. Stop! Stop! Stop! I told myself.
I didn’t sleep well. I got up early and jumped on my elliptical. While my stomach was still in knots, at least it wasn’t queasy. Note to self, don’t eat massive doses of ice cream in one sitting. Though I think it had impressed Jason I could eat so much. Zander, on the other hand, had to make an asinine comment that I should have rethought my choice. He counted way more calories than I ever did. Jason had said he appreciated a woman who didn’t eat like a bird.
There I went thinking about Jason again. I really needed to quit that. I put more effort into working my butt and legs. After an hour, I had sweat dripping off of me and my lower extremities were on fire. That’s what I called a good workout.
While making my post workout scrambled eggs, my phone buzzed. It was doing that a lot lately. I figured it was Zander making fun of me again for last night. I was actually a bit surprised it had taken him this long. I thought he would have called or texted me last night. Maybe he and Jason had hot dates. I picked up my phone. It wasn’t Zander.
Are you awake? It read.
It was 7:30 in the morning. Early for someone I barely knew to be texting me. The question was, why did Jason want to know if I was awake? I debated whether or not I should respond. I needed to stay away from him, but I found I liked his company. There was something about him. I told myself it had nothing to do with the fact that we were completely compatible with each other. I dished my eggs out on a plate and texted him back. Yes, but it’s early for someone to be texting me.
I didn’t get a text back. My phone began to ring.
“Hello?” I answered the call.
“Good morning.”
“It may be a little too early to be that enthusiastic on a Saturday morning.”
He chuckled. “I’ve been up for two hours.”
“Color me impressed.”
“I’m impressive, huh?”
“Well, my momma sure thinks so.”
“I’m sorry about last night.”
“Are you really? You don’t sound very sorry.”
“What can I say? I like hanging out with you. Which is why I’m calling.”
My first thought was to fake an illness and hang up, but I didn’t, because I liked hanging out with him, too. It made me feel like I had a life, and it gave me hope that I could change. And he made me feel good about myself —not in a needy sort of way, but in a reflective sort of way, if that made sense.
“Are you busy today?” he asked.
“Maybe?” I half-lied. I could think of a thousand things to keep me occupied, like watching reruns of Hawaii Five-0.
“I need your help.”
“Oh. Is everything okay?”
“Right as rain, but I’m in need of your home decorating skills.”
“I’m not a professional.”
“Practically,” he responded. “So are you up for it?”
“I don’t know.” I was so torn about what to do.
“Come on. As my personal relationship manager, you’re obligated to help me.”
“How do you figure that?”
“Let’s say I want to have my date over for dinner, or to watch a movie. It might be helpful if I had furniture.”
“You don’t have furniture?”
“If you count a bed and a recliner.”
“It’s a start, I guess.”
“If you saw my old recliner, you probably wouldn’t think so.”
I laughed. “Do you want some pointers on where to look for furniture?”
“I was thinking I could pick you up, give you a tour of my house, and then we could go furniture shopping together.”
“You know that’s not in my job description. And do I need to remind you, you aren’t paying?”
“Fine, I’ll pay for your service.”
“You don’t have to pay.”
“So are we on? I could pick you up in an hour.”
Reruns of Hawaii Five-0 and my couch, or indulge in one of my hobbies while hanging out with Jason? If Momma ever found out, I would never hear the end of it. What the heck. “I can be ready in an hour.”
“Perfect. I’ll see you soon.”
I rubbed my face as soon as I set my phone down. Wha
t was I thinking? I knew I should be staying away from him, but he had this weird pull on me. And I really did need a life.
I quickly ate my eggs and jumped in the shower. I had to admit, I felt a tad excited that I had plans. I engaged myself in a rush routine to get ready. I blew out my hair and straightened it as I went with my brush. For makeup, it was a touch of blush, some mascara, and lip gloss. No luscious red lipstick, thank you very much. I threw on some cute, well-fitting jeans and a snug, but not too snug, fitted tee. I looked in the mirror and considered myself passable.
Jason was early again. I had barely slipped on my shoes when there was a knock on my door. I opened it to find a smiling, handsome Jason, holding out a smoothie.
“Hi.”
He pushed the smoothie farther toward me. “I wasn’t sure if you had time to eat or not.”
I took the orange looking concoction. “Thank you. That was very thoughtful of you.”
“It’s mango. I hope you like that flavor. And by the way, I won’t take your money for it.”
I rolled my eyes at him. “It’s one of my favorites.”
“Mine, too.” He smiled.
Of course it was. I swear we had the same taste buds. I took a sip of the smoothie even though I had eaten; I didn’t want to seem ungrateful. “This is terrific. Again, thank you. But you know, you don’t have to bring me something every time you come over here.” I looked over at the beautiful flowers on my side table from the last time he was here.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” He had a twinkle in his eye.
“Do you have a tape measure?” I asked before I forgot.
“All men have tape measures.”
“I didn’t know that was a requirement. And I’m pretty sure Zander doesn’t own one.”
He laughed low. “I meant real men.”
I shook my head at his nonsense. “Are you ready to go?”
“Whenever you are.”
“Let’s go see what we can do to enhance your man cave so you can impress the ladies.”
He swung his arm out and away from his body. “After you, my lady.”
He made me smile. He was playful, but not in an immature, annoying way.
We walked out together into the beautiful spring day. I loved April in Georgia. It was warming up, but it wasn’t full-on humid yet. And it was already so green and lush. My condo complex had thousands of tulips all around the property. I loved it.
Dating by Design Series - Box Set Page 14
