“Except your mami, I assume.” She gave him a wry smile and he grinned at her sheepishly.
“Of course.”
“Mhmm.”
His mother drifted back to her… companion. Nope, that wasn’t any better. Jackson wandered off toward his room to get ready for the evening.
He’d worn slacks and a plum colored dress shirt to dinner since it was a dress casual sort of thing. But this evening's festivities were much more low key. He should know, he’d planned it all out himself.
He had been looking forward to this evening until things had gone south with Janie. Now he wasn’t sure he’d be able to enjoy anything until he set things right with her again.
But he couldn’t let Connor down. This was his night and no matter what Jackson was dealing with, he owed the man a proper bachelor party. Last he checked, a mopey best man didn’t fit anyone’s idea of a good time.
He kept the shirt, rolling up the sleeves, and changed into a pair of jeans. He switched out his dress shoes for a pair of black boots and he was good to go.
He just needed to get through the next twelve hours or so, and then he could do what he needed to do. One way or another, by this time tomorrow he’d have his answer. He just prayed it would be one he could live with.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Janie and Angel finally arrived at the hotel a little after nine. The rehearsal dinner was already over, but they would make it to the bachelorette party if they hurried.
Since she hadn’t been there to oversee the set up, she hoped everything had gone smoothly. She’d made all the arrangements weeks ago, but she’d still planned to be there to double check the details. She’d just have to cross her fingers and pray.
She and Angel parted ways in the hallway, each retreating to their rooms to change and get ready for the party. Janie threw on the blue dress she’d packed for the party and did her makeup, trying to keep it simple since she was in a rush. She piled her hair up in a quick knot, leaving a few curls loose by her face.
She’d gone to the safe deposit box with her father several days before she left and she selected a pair of simple diamond studs and put them on, praying that she could borrow some of her mother’s moxy. She threw on a pair of nude pumps, and she was ready to go.
Hustling out of the room, she made her way to the small room she’d reserved on the hotel’s main floor where Alexandra’s party was going to be held. It was easy to find since there was a sign outside the door that proclaimed in black calligraphy, “Hughes Bachelorette.”
“Janie!” someone shouted from her left as soon as she walked through the door. Alexandra rushed over, looking radiant in a red silk dress that stopped just above the knee.
“Lex, I’m so sorry I’m late,” Janie said as Alexandra gave her a crushing hug.
“Oh, don’t worry about that!” she said, waving it off. “I’m just glad you’re okay. And that you’re here!”
“Me too. It’s been one hell of a week.”
“Sounds like. Come sit. Tell me all about it.”
“I’m not going to bore you with my tales of woe at your bachelorette party. We’ll talk all about it some other time.”
“It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to,” Alexandra protested. Then she started to giggle. Janie couldn’t help it. She laughed with her.
It was so good to be back in New York and to see her best friend again. Some of the tension she’d been living with for the last three days started to dissolve.
“You are such a dork.”
“I know,” Alexandra laughed. “But,” she added with a shrug. “Connor loves me anyway.”
“He certainly does.”
“So, tell me!” Alexandra pressed. “Your dad is better? Your sister is okay? You’re okay?”
“Yes, yes and… sort of?” Janie shrugged.
“Okay, so tell me about that.”
“Okay, I’ll give you the short version.” Janie tried to condense nearly a month's worth of events into a few sentences, and she was doing pretty well until it came to Jackson.
When it came time to explain what she’d realized and what she wanted to do the words didn’t seem to want to come out. She stumbled and tripped her way through it while Alexandra sat in stunned silence.
“And I sort of need your help with that bit,” Janie admitted.
“Um, okay,” Alexandra said, swallowing hard and looking a little uneasy.
“If you don’t want to, you don’t have to. I just… I had an idea and I just need help with one thing.”
“Oh, no,” Alexandra said in a rush. “Whatever you need, I’ll help. I just… it’s a lot to take in, that’s all.” Alexandra looked slightly uncomfortable, but she took Janie’s hand and squeezed it. “Really. I want to help.”
“Thank you. But I have to ask you one thing, first. Have you given the groomsmen their gifts yet?”
“No,” Alexandra answered, clearly confused. “Connor planned on doing that tomorrow before the ceremony.
“Good.” Janie sighed with relief and explained what she needed from Alexandra, or more accurately, from Connor.
“He’ll do it.” Alexandra nodded firmly, and Janie didn’t doubt that he would. He’d do it for her. He’d do anything for her.
“Thank you.” The final piece of her plan all set, Janie relaxed a little.
“Are you sure you shouldn’t just… talk to him?” Alexandra suggested thoughtfully.
“I will. After. I just… I want him to really listen, and I want to show him what he means to me.”
Alexandra opened her mouth like she was going to say something, but closed it again. Then she opened it again before growling in frustration and closing it again.
“Okay,” Alexandra said, shaking her head. “Well, come on, then. Let’s enjoy my last night of freedom. There are some people I want you to meet.”
“Absolutely. I could really use a drink,” Janie said with a laugh.
“That makes two of us,” Alexandra muttered.
They were standing at the bar, which was being manned by a handsome young man in nothing but slacks and a vest, per Janie’s request, when an older woman approached them. She was beautiful, with sun-kissed skin and a mass of dark curls piled on her head in a style similar to the one Janie wore. Her clothes couldn’t have been more different, though they suited her.
She wore a flowing dress of turquoise fabric that was printed all over with stylized flowers in orange and yellow. It was stunning next to her warm eyes and skin.
“Alexandra,” the woman said, giving Alexandra a hug. “Thank you so much for inviting me.
Janie noticed a slight accent and the realization hit her like a ton of bricks. She began to panic, but swallowed hard and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. After all, if things went well, she might be seeing her again. She wanted to make a good impression.
“Of course,” Alexandra replied, grinning down at Jackson’s mother. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“I’d never pass up a chance to see my boys. And I’m so happy for you and Connor. Such a handsome man.” The woman winked at Alexandra and laughed. Finally she turned to look at Janie.
“You must be Jackson’s mom.” Janie extended a hand and Maria clasped it firmly.
“Maria Hunter.” Maria nodded and gave her a smile. Janie could see the calculation in her eyes, and suddenly wondered what, if anything, Jackson had told his mother about her.
“Janie Carpenter.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” His mother looked her over and seemed to approve, nodding slightly. Whether it was of Janie’s dress or Janie herself, she couldn’t say.
“Lovely dress. The shade suits you,” Maria said, smiling.
So, just the dress, then…
“Thank you. Yours is just stunning.”
“Gracias,” the woman said, beaming.
“What are we drinking tonight, ladies?” the bartender asked with a wink. Alexandra laughed and ordered herself a gin and tonic. Maria a
sked for a glass of wine and Janie asked for the same. She needed to be on her game tomorrow and that wouldn’t happen with a hangover.
“So, you and Jackson…” Maria said thoughtfully. “What happened there?”
“Excuse me?” Janie asked, nearly spitting out her first sip of Pinot Grigio.
“Oh, you don’t have to worry,” Maria laughed. “I’m not going to put you through the wringer. But he’s mentioned you and I’m curious.” Maria shrugged as if she was unconcerned with the answer.
“Well, to be honest, I’m not sure.”
“Why aren’t you sure?”
“Well… it was sort of sudden and there was a lot going on at the time and then a lot happened afterward and it was kind of… a jumble.”
“I see,” Maria said with a nod. “You know his father, God rest his soul, used to drive me absolutely crazy sometimes. I can understand what it’s like dealing with the Hunter men. I raised three of them.” Maria winked at her and took a sip of her wine.
“Well, I can’t say that it was entirely his fault, if I’m being honest.” Janie wasn’t sure how much she should say. She didn’t want to tell this woman everything and then have it repeated to Jackson. She needed to talk to him face to face and tell him how she felt.
“It was a very emotional time for me and I was a little overwhelmed,” Janie admitted. “It was just… a perfect storm, of sorts.”
“Ah,” his mother nodded sympathetically.
“But, it’s Alexandra’s night,” Janie said, trying desperately to change the subject.
“Very true, but may I give you one bit of advice about men in general?” Maria asked, leaning in and lowering her voice. Janie swallowed and nodded.
“They’re very simple creatures, practically cavemen. Even the good ones need a little training.” Maria winked at her and sauntered off, melting into the crowd of women who were gathering on the dancefloor where the DJ was preparing to start the music.
Janie wondered if she was possibly reading too much into things, but she got the distinct impression that Maria had been trying to tell her something, though she’d be damned if she could figure out what.
✽✽✽
Jackson felt his phone buzz in his back pocket and stepped away from the firing line at the range. He took his phone out and saw that he had a text from his mother. His heart was in his mouth as he pulled up the picture she’d sent, and then it dropped straight to his toes as he took in the image before him.
Janie, looking as beautiful as ever. Safe, whole and here. So close. If he left now, he could be back at the hotel in ten minutes. He could find her, take her somewhere private and explain everything. He’d get down on his knees for her if he had to.
And then they could go back to his room, he could strip her out of that little blue dress and they could spend the rest of the night making up for lost time.
He shook his head to clear it and reminded himself he was here for Connor. He couldn’t run out on him at his bachelor party, no matter how much his heart, and certain other parts of him, might want to.
Instead, he messaged his mom back.
JH:Did you talk to her?
MH:I did.
JH:And?
MH:I told her everything she needs to know. I think you’ll be just fine.
JH:What does that mean?
MH:Just trust me, Mijo. Enjoy your night.
Jackson ran a hand through his hair in frustration. Why did all the women in his life have to be so difficult? He tucked the phone away and rejoined the rest of the men who were shooting targets at the range Jackson had rented out for the evening.
After they’d had their fun, safely and soberly, at the range, they were heading out to a local bar for drinks and pool.
The rest of the guys were probably expecting a stripper, but they were going to be disappointed. Connor had expressly forbidden strippers of any sort at his party. When Jackson had asked why, more out of curiosity than anything else since he wasn’t keen on the idea himself, Connor had merely muttered something about not being willing to risk any “surprises.”
Instead, Jackson had arranged with the bar to have one of their private rooms for the night and had made sure they’d be stocked up on top shelf liquor. Several limos would be available to shuttle everyone back to the hotel whenever they were ready to go, and they would have the run of the pool table until the bar closed at two.
It was lowkey and casual, which was pretty much Connor in a nutshell. Even the group he’d gathered was small. There were a few of Connor’s Army buddies in attendance, Parker, Cam, Jackson and Sam, Connor’s father, Alexandra’s father and their former client, Alexandra’s colleague Charles and a few others.
Connor’s father was a surprisingly good shot which he attributed to summers on his father’s farm. He then regaled them all with stories of growing up in the highlands and all the mischief he’d gotten into as a boy. Then he’d moved on to stories about Connor, which were less mischievous, but still plenty entertaining.
Once they’d moved on to the bar and the drinks started flowing, there was a lot of reminiscing about their time in the service, for those who has served, and a lot of smack talk about everyone’s skil at the pool table.
Connor seemed happy and relaxed and Jackson was genuinely happy for him. Connor was a good guy who tended to put too much pressure on himself. A lot like himself, Jackson thought with a laugh. He deserved to be happy.
But Jackson had to admit that he was also a little jealous. For just a moment, he allowed himself to think about what it might feel like to be in his shoes. Not with Alexandra, of course, but with a particular ballsy redhead.
He could picture it all too clearly: coming home to her at the end of the day, seeing her walking down the aisle to him, watching her belly grow with his child, raising children together, growing old together.
She was the one. He knew it, deep in his bones. He knew she wasn’t ready to hear that just yet, but if he could at least get them back on the right track, then someday…
“Penny for your thoughts,” Parker asked, handing him a fresh glass of Jack.
“Nothing special.”
“Bullshit,” Parker scoffed. “Just admit that you’re thinking about Janie. You know I can read you like a book.”
“Fine. I am. What about it?”
“Well, are you going to do anything about it, or just… let her go?”
“I’m going to do something, all right,” Jackson replied, sipping from his glass and savoring the slow burn as it slid down his throat. The warmth radiated through him and eased some of his tension.
“You sure she’s the one?” Parker asked thoughtfully.
“Yeah, man. She’s it for me. I can’t imagine being with anyone else.”
“How do you know?” Parker asked, staring into his own glass. There was something contemplative in the way he asked the question.
“I’m not sure I can explain it.” Jackson watched his friend closely, feeling like there was maybe something he wasn’t telling him. “It’s just the way she makes me feel, like everything’s… just better. It probably sounds stupid but she just makes me happy. She’s so beautiful that sometimes I can’t even breath looking at her.
“And I want to be with her all the time, and when I’m not, I can’t stop thinking about her. And sweet Jesus, I can’t get enough of touching her. Just being next to her, or talking to her, or looking at her picture sends my libido into overdrive. It’s like I’m fifteen again.”
Parker grunted, but said nothing.
“Something you want to tell me?” Jackson asked.
“Me? No.”
“You sure? You’re awfully curious about love all of a sudden.”
“Nah, just trying to get you to stop moping around and enjoy the party.”
“Sure,” Jackson rolled his eyes. Parker looked away and Jackson could tell he was uncomfortable. “Hey, man, you know you can talk to me anytime, right? No judgment.”
Parker snorted.
/> “I’m serious. I’m here if you want to talk about anything.”
“I know,” Parker replied, clapping him on the shoulder. “And I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as I have anything to talk about. Unlike you, Casanova, my love life is drier than the Sahara.”
“You know that’s your choice, dipshit,” Jackson scoffed.
“Nah.”
“Yeah. You can’t possibly be so dense as to not realize that all you have to do is snap your fingers and you’ve got women crawling all over you.”
“I don’t want that kind of woman, and you know it.”
“I do. So, you might have to work at it a little like the rest of us.”
Parker snorted and slugged him in the arm.
“You’re no gremlin yourself, you know.”
“I do,” Jackson grinned. “But I don’t give off the same bad boy vibe that all the chicks are drawn to like you do.”
“Fuck off.”
“Love you too, man.”
“Jesus, you two are gayer than I am,” Sam commented, coming up behind them. “You two up for some pool, or should I leave you to your bromance?”
“Fuck you, too.” Parker flipped him the finger, but he was smiling when he did.
“We need a fourth,” Jackson commented, looking around. Then he spotted the perfect candidate. “Hey, Charles!” he called. Sam immediately shot him a suspicious look, but Jackson only grinned at him. “You want to play pool?”
“What’s your game, Hunter?” Sam asked.
“Nothing. Just getting us a fourth for the game. Charles can be on your team.”
Sam frowned, looking uncomfortable, but merely grunted in response.
Oh, this is going to be fun.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Janie had hardly slept the night before. She’d been a bundle of nerves and her mind had been racing. She’d gone over her speech for the reception at least twenty times. She basically had it memorized, but she still crammed the paper it was written on into the tiny clutch she would carry.
She showered, taking care to wash and scrub and shave everything to perfection. She met up with the other bridesmaids in Alexandra’s suite and took her time with her hair and makeup.
Her Defender (MacLachlan Security Group Book 2) Page 26
