He placed a lingering kiss on her lips. “So you want to go for a walk with me?”
“I want to, but I want to be here just in case there’s any news. What do you think about going in search of some ice cream?”
He lifted a brow. “Ice cream?”
“Yeah, I have a taste for some.”
He didn’t want to deny her of anything, but he also had no intention of leaving her side.
“I’m not leaving you.”
Peyton sighed. She hooked her fingers into his two front belt loops. “I know you don’t want to hear this, but I think you’re overreacting about Dylan. I haven’t seen him since that day, and he hasn’t done anything that would make me believe that he’s up to no good.”
Michael straightened and dropped his arm from around her. “Just because you don’t think he’s up to no good doesn’t mean that he’s not.” The words came out more abrasive than he’d planned and she narrowed her eyes at him. Evidently, she didn’t appreciate his response.
“Hey, I’m making a coffee run,” Luke said, standing a couple of feet behind Peyton. “You guys want anything?”
“Actually, why don’t you take Michael with you? He could stand to go for a walk,” Peyton said.
Michael shook his head. “I’m not lea—”
“Baby, look around.” Peyton squeezed his hand. “I’m not alone. and it’s not like you’re going to be gone that long. Go. And while you’re at it, find me some ice cream. Anything but chocolate.”
He stood there a second longer, his gaze skimming the small room overrun with the Jenkins family. She was right. No way would Dylan try anything with so many of them around.
He pulled her close and kissed her cheek. “Don’t go anywhere without someone.”
She shook her head and smiled. “You can take the man out of the police department, but not the policeman out of the man.”
Michael followed Luke out of the room. He hated being over protective, but he couldn’t help it. She was a part of him. The thought of possibly leaving her in Cincinnati put him even more on edge. If she decided not to go back to New York with him, he would have to come up with another plan.
“I can’t believe you’re worried about PJ. She’s surrounded by her family,” Luke said when they headed for the stairwell. “This must be more serious than you let on.”
“I’m not sure yet, but I do feel better knowing she’s not alone.”
The Jenkins family were some of the nicest people he’d ever met, but no doubt they would step in if they sensed trouble. They were also a reminder that he and Peyton came from two different worlds. There were many nights he and his mother prayed that Lewis wouldn’t show up for dinner. Unlike Peyton’s grandmother who practically sent out a search party if any of her family didn’t show up for Sunday brunch.
Michael never cared what people thought, but he couldn’t help wondering what the Jenkins family would say if Peyton agreed to go back to New York with him.
*
Hours later Peyton sat in Martina’s hospital room holding her little goddaughter, Janay Peyton Kendricks. Peyton’s heart split open in awe. The miracle of life never ceased to amaze her.
“She is absolutely perfect, MJ.”
Martina gave a sleepy smile followed by a yawn. She’d been dozing on and off since she had summoned Peyton into the room.
“You’re going to have to make sure you visit Cincinnati often so that you don’t miss too much of your goddaughter’s firsts. The first time she babbles, first steps, first word, fir—”
“Slow down, MJ.” Peyton stood and placed a sleeping Janay in the bassinet-like baby bed next to Martina. “I haven’t decided if I’m going to—”
“You’re going. You have to. You have practically given up your life to run Jenkins & Sons. It’s time you found some happiness, and I know Michael’s the man for the job.”
Peyton smiled. “When you first met him, you said that he was a slick talking chump, not worthy of me.”
Martina waved her off. “Since when did you start listening to me? He’s still a chump, but a good chump.”
They both laughed, and Peyton leaned against the bed, wondering if she could move so far away from her family and Martina, her best friend. Just like the family was dependent on her, she was dependent on them. They had been her support, her rock over the last few years and she couldn’t imagine not seeing at least one of them every day.
“Take it from me. When love comes knocking at your door, you have to answer. Otherwise, you might miss out on the best thing that has ever happened to you. I have to admit I had my doubts about old Mikey, but seeing the way he looks at you and the way you look at him… Well, you two are nauseating to look at.”
Peyton threw her head back and laughed. That was high praise coming from Martina. She didn’t go easy on many, but she hadn’t given Michael as hard a time as she gave Craig, Zack, and Luke when they started dating the Jenkins’ girls.
Peyton glanced down at the baby. Getting her heart broken again terrified her, but if she didn’t follow her heart she would always wonder what could have been between her and Michael.
Chapter Eighteen
Peyton stood at the window of her grandfather’s study, staring out at the side yard. The grounds were just as beautiful as the inside of the house because the gardens were her grandmother’s pride and joy.
Peyton turned and leaned on the back of her grandfather’s large, desk chair. The office had always been one of her favorite spots in the house. There was just something about the space that always brought her peace.
The door to the study swung open, grabbing Peyton’s attention.
“Hey, Sweetheart. Sorry, I’m late.” Steven Jenkins hurried in and set his briefcase next to the desk. He had retired years ago, but still kept himself busy meeting with old friends and consulting with other businesses. “Have you been waiting long?”
“No, not too long.” She hugged him, hanging on longer than usual, soaking up the strength and love she always felt when they embraced. When they separated, he directed her to the large leather sofa. “You look nice,” Peyton said.
Her grandfather removed his dark suit jacket, setting it on the arm of a nearby chair before loosening his paisley tie. He had recently started wearing suspenders, but they didn’t detract from his imposing height and authoritative presence.
“I had a couple of meetings this morning, but I know you didn’t stop by to talk about me. So what’s going on?”
Peyton rubbed her hands together, suddenly a little nervous about talking to the patriarch of the Jenkins family. The day before, she mentioned to her cousin Nick, that she was taking more time off. She didn’t give him details on why because she wanted to tell her grandfather first.
“I just wanted to let you know what my plans are for the next few weeks.”
“Okay.”
“When you realized dad, and everyone else wasn’t ready or interested in taking over Jenkins & Sons, you trusted me with the responsibility.”
Her grandfather didn't interrupt. He had always been a good listener. He was such an important person in Peyton's life, and she valued his opinion and support. Support she needed now.
“I’m extending my leave of absence.” Her siblings and cousins were more than capable of running the business. “I’m going back to New York with Michael and I don’t know for how long. I'm not trying to abandon the business or the family, but Michael and I have something special, and I want to explore what that something might be.”
Her grandfather stretched his arm and rested it on the back of the sofa. “Peyton, I have watched you grow up to be a beautiful, successful, and intelligent woman who I am extremely proud of. The number of clients we have has multiplied, and so have profits under your leadership. Like I’ve often said, you’re irreplaceable.”
“Grampa.”
“Let me finish. With all that said, I know what you've been through these last few years. After Dylan's indiscretions, you gave up your life to run the busine
ss. Though I think you’re irreplaceable, and you have represented this family well, I want you to be happy. I want that more than anything else for you.”
A knot twisted inside of her at her grandfather’s loving words.
They both stood.
“Thank you, Grampa. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart,” he said hugging her. “I love you very much. If you think going back to New York with this young man will make you happy, I’ll support that.”
Her grandfather released her and walked over to the oak desk. He picked up the small stack of mail and started sifting through the envelopes. Peyton had a feeling there was more he planned to say. She’d been in plenty of meetings with him and on the receiving end of a few of his lectures. She knew the sign. He hadn’t dismissed her and was probably thinking about his next words.
She waited.
“These last few years witnessing your sister and your cousins fall for their now husbands has been interesting to watch. Katherine and I have always tried to support you girls without getting too deep into your business, but there is something we don’t understand. Our children and you kids were not raised to think that shacking up is okay.” He dropped the mail and returned his attention to her. “I didn’t say anything to you in Jamaica because your grandmother told me not to, but I’ll admit to being surprised. The others didn’t surprise me as much, but you…”
Peyton tried not to fidget, but he was wearing that no-nonsense look that he usually reserved for Martina and Jada, the problem kids. This was a first for Peyton.
“I know it’s not fair for me to expect more from you than I might expect from the others, but I do. You have always carried yourself with pride, and you’ve been such a wonderful role model to your sister and cousins.”
Sadness stirred in Peyton’s stomach. Since before she could remember, she had always tried to be the perfect child, the child that didn’t talk back nor got into trouble. So hearing that her grandparents were disappointed in her, was a severe blow.
“Back in my day, we courted a girl, fell in love, met her parents, got married, and then we shared a bed. There was none of this sleeping or living together first. You kids have tossed—”
“Grampa, I have always had the utmost respect for you, Gramma and my parents. I’ve tried living up to your expectations and have tried to be the good girl. But for years, I didn’t like myself as much as I like myself now. For the first time in my life, I feel free. Free to be who I am and to do what I want without worrying about what others think. I’m happy.”
She moved around the office finding it hard to stay in one place. Part of her appreciated that he cared enough to express his concern, but the other part of her was pissed off.
“I’m not living for all of you anymore. I’m living for me. I’m pursuing the things that make me happy. I want you to love me, continue being proud of me, and to respect me, but—”
“Sweetheart, none of that will ever change.” He gripped her shoulders, forcing her to look at him. “Okay, in hindsight, maybe I should’ve kept my mouth closed like your grandmother told me to, but I want so much for you kids. I don’t ever want any of you to lower your standards, or your morals for anyone, especially a man.”
“I know, and I understand that.” And she did. Times had changed, but she knew her grandparents would always have their old school values which had served them well. Actually, their values had served all of them well. “Right now I’m okay with my decisions, and I haven’t forgotten my home training.”
Her grandfather smiled. “I know you haven’t.” He pulled her in for a hug. “But you know I had to say something.”
“Yeah, I know.”
He moved and sat behind his desk. “So when are you planning to leave and how long will you be gone?”
“We leave this weekend.” Michael had planned to leave the day before but extended his trip to wait for her. “I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone, but I’ll stay in touch.”
This whole idea was so unlike her. The straight-laced, dependable, never cause trouble or inconvenience to anyone Peyton Jenkins had changed. If anyone would have told her that she would take a leave of absence from a job she loved to follow a man to New York, she would have laughed in their faces.
But this was the new Peyton Jenkins. Anything was liable to happen.
*
Two weeks in New York and Peyton had fallen deeper in love with Michael and Manhattan. Maneuvering through the crowded streets to get to the M&M’s store in Times Square, she felt like a native. She spent most of her time in Brooklyn, but this was her second time venturing to the city since arriving in town. Of course, Michael wasn’t happy about her traipsing around town alone, but she couldn’t let his fears dictate her comings and goings.
Peyton saw the store up ahead just as her cell phone rang. The ringtone signaling it was Michael.
“Hey, Babe.” Peyton moved closer to a building to get out of the way of foot traffic.
“Peyton, I…out what,” Michael said, the call breaking up. “Dyl…finan…tro.”
“Michael, I can’t understand you. You’re breaking up. What about, Dylan?” She glanced at the phone when he didn’t say anything more. The call had dropped. When she called back, she got his voicemail.
Peyton put her phone back into her handbag. What was Michael trying to tell her? Sounded like something about Dylan being in financial trouble, but she wasn’t sure. What she didn’t understand was why he couldn’t wait and just tell her when he saw her.
Peyton had attended a late afternoon, Broadway show and Michael insisted on meeting her in Times Square for dinner. Since she wanted to pick up more M&M’s to feed her and Michaela’s addiction, he agreed to meet her at the store.
Peyton pulled open the glass door and strolled into the M&M’s store feeling like a kid in a candy shop. She hadn’t gone two feet before picking up a coffee mug filled with the delicious treats.
“Peyton.”
She swung around and almost dropped the mug when she saw Dylan.
“Please just hear me out,” Dylan begged, his hands out in front of him. Pleading eyes bore into her like she'd never seen before, desperation rang out in his voice. Whatever was going on with him was serious.
“What are you doing here?” She glanced around, hoping Michael would be late. He was supposed to meet her there in ten minutes. The last thing she needed was for him to find Dylan near her. Another realization dawned on Peyton, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention. “Why are you in New York and how did you even find me?”
“Can we talk?”
Michael had insisted that Dylan was up to no good, but she didn’t want to believe him. She didn’t think Dylan would cause her harm, but now she wasn’t sure as she took a step back.
“Are you following me?” she whispered, thinking about the call she had just gotten from Michael.
“PJ, I just needed to talk to you. Please give me a couple of minutes to explain everything.”
“We have nothing to talk about. The day you fu…screwed your assistant in our house was the day you lost the right to say anything to me. Whatever you have going on, I can't help you.” She stepped around him, but he blocked her path.
“I’m in trouble,” he spat and ran his hand over his low haircut. Still impeccably dressed, the only sign that he was distraught was the redness in his eyes and the creases in his forehead.
“You have one minute.” They stepped farther into the store and over to the side out of the flow of traffic.
“I borrowed money from some very bad people and soon they will be trying to collect. I don’t have the money.” A year before their divorce, Dylan had started an import/export business. Considering how serious he was about his company, Peyton was surprised that he had gotten himself into a bind. She'd heard that he had purchased a huge home in the ritzy Indian Hill neighborhood and a number of luxury cars, but in the past, he never spent money he didn’t have.
“Why would yo
u borrow money from some loan shark or whoever?”
“I exhausted all of my credit and was expecting a contract to come through, but it’s been delayed.”
Michael had been right. Dylan did have an ulterior motive for seeking her out.
Peyton glanced at her cell phone, noting the time. Where are you, Michael? Rarely was he late, but maybe the meetings with his new clients had gone long.
“Dylan, I can’t help you,” she finally said.
“Yes, yes you can. Nobody saves money like you and I know you have $10,000 on hand.”
“Whether I have it or not, I’m not giving it to you.” Clearly he had lost his mind if he thought she was giving him anything.
“PJ, I promise I will pay you back.” He touched her arm, and she jerked out of his grasp.
“You’ve promised me a lot in the past. Your promises mean nothing to me.”
“My life is on the line, and you want to bring up my failures of the past? When did you become so heartless?”
Anger soared through her veins, and she took a step forward, standing face to face. “How dare you talk about heartless,” her voice rasped a grainy whisper. “I gave my all to you and what did you do? You screwed another woman. So don’t you dare come in here talking about me being heartless, you piece of sh…” She stopped talking when she noticed they were attracting attention. With so many children and families floating around the three-story building, it was not the place for this type of conversation.
“PJ, I’m so sorry for what I did to you. I was cocky, stupid and thought the world revolved around me. I know that now. Please don’t let my past mistakes keep you from helping me. I’ve changed.”
Peyton rolled her eyes and shook her head. “I don’t care if you’ve changed. I’m done.” She turned and walked away but stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “Lose my number and stop following me or I’ll take out a restraining order.”
“Wait.” Dylan grabbed her arm. She tried pulling away, but his grip tightened. “Please, PJ, just hear me out.”
“What the hell is wrong with you?” Michael snatched Dylan by the collar, seeming to have the strength of ten men as he lifted him and slammed his body into the wall. “Your ass is stupid enough to put your hands…”
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