Blind Date (Dating Series Book 7)

by Monica Murphy

  “That you become our new customer service representative,” Charlie drops ever so casually.

  I come to a stop. So does he. “What are you talking about?”

  “Like I just said, you’ve got a way with people, Jonesie. They gravitate toward you. Never get mad at you when you hover and ask if they need help. And you always go above and beyond when it comes to giving them excellent customer service,” he explains.

  I shrug, feeling a little embarrassed, though I don’t know why. “I’m only doing the job.”

  “You put your all into every task you’ve got,” he says, his voice firm. “And I appreciate that, more than you know. I’m not the best when it comes to dealing with customers.”

  I can barely contain the laughter that wants to spill, but somehow I manage it.

  “Go ahead,” he says with a chuckle. “Laugh. I can tell you want to.”

  “No way, boss,” I tell him, shaking my head.

  Charlie sends me a measured look before he continues. “Candice suggested I need someone with a softer touch. Who’s not so gruff. That’s you.”

  “You think I have a softer touch?” I ask.

  “Compared to me? Hell yes. Most of the time, I’m too busy to be bothered with customer bullshit.” A sigh escapes Charlie and he tugs his knit cap off his head, revealing his messy hair. “See? That statement right there is the wrong attitude. We need those customers in order for the business to continue, and I get so wrapped up in the day-to-day stuff around here, I don’t have time to deal with them. Nor do I want to deal with them.”

  I nod, silently agreeing with him. He runs this entire farm, and he does a great job. Even if the customers do drive him batshit crazy sometimes.

  “You, on the other hand, always act like you don’t mind helping them out. I’m starting to see that you actually enjoy it.” Charlie winces. “Wish I could say the same.”

  “I do enjoy it,” I agree. “It’s pretty satisfying, helping customers pick out the tree they want. The kids get all excited too. It’s like I’ve become a part of their Christmas memories. I’m that cool guy who helped them load the tree to their car.”

  Charlie watches me carefully. “See? That attitude right there is what I’m looking for. I want you to take over handling customer service.”

  “Who’s in charge of it now?” Do we even have a position like that?

  “Me,” Charlie says seriously, which also makes me want to chuckle. “But not anymore. I’m creating a new position. Customer service manager. And I’m giving it to you.”

  I blink at him. “Okay.”

  “It’ll mean a raise.”

  I always like to make more money.

  “More responsibility,” he continues. “But nothing you can’t handle.”

  “I’m down,” I say without hesitation.

  “Perfect. You’re hired.” Charlie sticks his hand out and I take it, giving each other a firm shake before our hands spring free. “Candice has big ideas. She wants to do more with the farm than just Christmas trees.”

  “What’s she thinking about?” During the slow months, I still work here but more in a maintenance capacity.

  “I’ll let her tell you. Want to go to dinner with us sometime soon?” he asks.

  I’m taken aback by his request. We rarely do things socially together. “Uh, sure.”

  “You can bring a date. If you’ve got a special someone.” Charlie grimaces. “I sound like a corn ball.”

  I burst out laughing. “Sounds good. And I might have someone in mind to bring.”

  I immediately think of Amelia. Candice would approve. It could be a fun night, double dating with my boss and his wife.

  What has my life turned into?

  “Later this week? Would that work for you?” Charlie raises his brows in question and I nod. “Good. I’ll let you know exact details before the end of the day. I told Candice nothing that’ll go too late since we get up so early every morning.”

  “Perfect,” I tell him. “Thanks for the opportunity.”

  “Thank you for being such an excellent employee,” Charlie says sincerely. “We’re lucky to have you.”

  I continue whistling as I work like a damn dwarf in a Disney movie. I was already in a good mood thanks to last night with Amelia. Now with Charlie wanting to promote me and offering a raise?

  I’m feeling on top of the world.

  A smile tugs at the corners of my lips and I let it fly free. Last night was amazing. I couldn’t get enough of her. She seemed to feel the same way about me. Who knew elegant, uptight Amelia Lee was such a tiger in bed? She was insatiable.

  So was I.

  “You look way too happy to be at work right now.” I turn to see a sullen Kendra standing there, glaring at me.

  “Guess I’m in a good mood,” I offer with a little shrug. No need to tell her any of my personal—or professional—business.

  “I hate it here.” She takes a few steps toward me. “It’s always so busy.”

  “’Tis the season,” I say, trying to keep it light.

  “And people are so grumpy,” she continues.

  “Not everyone.”

  “Most everyone,” she stresses, her gaze narrowing as she studies me. “You’re always in a good mood, though.”

  “Funny how if you’re in a good mood, so is everyone else around you,” I tell her, hoping she takes those words to heart. I start to walk, but she grabs hold of my arm, keeping me from leaving her.

  “Hey, you want to get together tonight? Go out for a few drinks?” She smiles encouragingly.

  I frown. “Are you even old enough to get into a bar?”

  She rolls her eyes. “I have a fake ID.”

  Great. Not about to go out with her when she’s flashing that. “No thanks.”

  Kendra clings to my arm tighter. “No thanks? Seriously? I thought you liked me.”

  “I don’t even know you,” I tell her, trying to shake her off, but she clings to me as if she’s never going to let go.

  “We could get to know each other better.” Her voice is low, I guess in an attempt to be sexy, but it’s doing nothing for me.

  As in, this woman does nothing for me.

  “Don’t you have to get back to work?” I finally extract my arm from her grip, ready to make a run for it.

  “I’m on break,” she practically whines. “Come on. Take me out to dinner tonight. I can show you a good time. You and me? We’re a lot alike. I get that you think you’re a big shot since you’re close to the boss, but he’s just using you, you know.”

  Unease fills me at what she’s implying. “He’s not using me. I’m his employee. He’s our boss. I work for him.”

  “Right, but you think you two are all buddy-buddy, when we all know it’s for show. He’s not your friend,” she says with the faintest sneer. Her expression switches up in a flash, and she’s smiling again, her gaze heavy lidded. Like she’s trying to flirt. “You don’t need anyone else when you could have me. I’ll make you forget all about your worries, Jonesie. I’m good at that. Let me show you.”

  Her desperation is totally off-putting. And I don’t like the fact she just called me Jonesie, though most everyone around here still does, unfortunately.

  “No thanks. I’ve got a girl,” I say. “Sorry.”

  Her body stiffens and her eyes narrow. Clearly that’s not the answer she’s looking for.

  “Huh. You’ve got a girl? I’ve never heard you talk about her before,” she says in a huff.

  “Not like you and I talk much,” I throw back at her just as I start to walk away.

  “Hey, don’t walk away from me like that! Who do you think you are, anyway?” She’s yelling at the top of her lungs as I make as much distance as possible between us. “Jonesie, please!”

  Jesus, that was intense. What the fuck is wrong with her to scream at me like that? I run a shaky hand through my hair, my footsteps hurried as I keep walking, only stopping when I hear a familiar voice from behind me.


  “What the hell was that all about?” This comment comes from one of our farm managers, Dave.

  I turn to look at him, rubbing at the back of my neck, completely rattled by Kendra’s outburst. Hopefully not too many people witnessed that. “She just got weird on me.”

  “I’ll say. You date her or something?” he asks with a frown.

  “Nah.” I shake my head. “Though that’s what she wants.”

  Dave glances in Kendra’s direction. “You not interested? She seems pretty cute.”

  Seriously? She just lost her damn mind on me and Dave thinks she has potential?

  “I’m not interested. Besides, I’ve been seeing someone else,” I admit. “And the way she acted just now? Not cute. At all.” I have no idea why she got all clingy like she just did, but even if I were interested in Kendra before, I certainly wouldn’t be now.

  “Seeing someone else, huh? Anyone we might know?” Dave asks.

  I shake my head. “You definitely don’t know her.”

  “Don’t be so sure of that.” He chuckles. “Was it that hot little number you sat next to at the wedding?”

  Shit. I forgot Dave was there that night. He probably saw everything unfold too. “Maybe,” I say, trying to be evasive.

  Dave laughs. “Son, you know how to pick ’em. That woman is so out of your league, it’s not even funny. Her family owns the biggest jewelry store in Carmel. Ninety-five percent of the people in town wear diamonds straight from their store.”

  “I know who she is,” I say irritably, hating how shitty he’s making me feel.

  Hating worse how easy it was for him to do so.

  “Yeah, she’s way too high and mighty for you. You’re a simple guy, while she’s not. She comes from money,” he emphasizes. “And I’d take a guess she’s older than you, too.”

  “So?” I ask, sounding just as sullen as Kendra did only a few minutes ago.

  “So whatever you two are doing, you have to realize she’s slumming with you, right?” Dave’s hairy eyebrows shoot up and he sends me an unreadable look. “Just warning ya.”

  I don’t say a word. I’m too worried I’ll insult his ass and get written up, which is the last thing I need since Charlie just promoted me, though I assume it’s not quite official.

  Not yet.

  Talk about a buzzkill. My good mood evaporates, just like that. All thanks to Kendra losing her damn mind on me, plus Dave and his careless comments. I already have a minor inferiority complex when it comes to Amelia and her place in life compared to mine, and I don’t need someone like Dave—or Kendra—to remind me of it.

  There are strikes against me. I realize this. I’m younger than her. Less successful. Don’t come from an established family with money. Don’t have much of a plan in life. None of that seemed to matter to her last night, and it didn’t matter to me either. We had a connection. One I’ve never felt with another woman before.

  In the light of day, with people giving me what feels like endless shit, I’m starting to think maybe what happened between me and Amelia was all a big mistake. I’m the rebound man for her—I have to be. A few days ago, I had no problem with that. But now…

  Now, that hurts, damn it. I like her. I think what we share could grow into something special. Forget about the strikes against me. What does any of that matter if we can make what we share into something real?

  Grumbling under my breath, I stalk toward the grove of new baby trees. Maybe hanging out in nature and not around people for a few minutes will set me to rights.

  Lord knows I need to do something to help clear my head.

  Nineteen

  Amelia

  I get the sense that the man who took me out to dinner only a few nights ago and made me feel beautiful, the very same man who came back to my apartment and gave me multiple orgasms, is now trying to avoid me.

  And it’s not cool. Not cool at all.

  At first, I figured Isaac was just busy. Quite frankly, so am I. Business is brisk at the jewelry store this time of year, and those holiday purchases just keep coming. Our initial numbers are already looking better than last year’s. Including the online business we’ve been pulling since the week of Thanksgiving, it’s going to be a mega profitable fourth quarter and overall year. My family is pleased, Palmer especially. So am I. Not that I live and die by our family business, but when they’re happy, I’m happy.

  They think that’s why I’m so unusually cheerful at work. Because of brisk business.

  Ha! If they only knew.

  I have other reasons for my good mood and all of them have to do with Isaac. When he slipped out of my bed a few nights ago, I was in a dream like state, dazed and sated thanks to his skilled hands and body. We texted the evening after our epic date night. Talked about our long days at work until Isaac complained that he was exhausted and needed to go to bed early. I let him sign off without complaint, anxious as to when we might see each other again and hating that we made no plans.

  The next day, he didn’t text at all. I had to reach out first. Which is fine, I don’t need to sit around and wait for a man to talk to me, but his responses were so blah and noncommittal. I couldn’t help but read between the lines.

  Pretty sure he was trying to blow me off.

  Now we haven’t spoken to each other in almost forty-eight hours and I’m telling myself not to panic. We’ll be fine. It’s fine. It’s all going to be fine.

  Clearly, I’m not fine. But whatever.

  Deciding I’m not going to play any games whatsoever, I decide to head over to the tree farm on my day off. The air is crisp and clear, with barely a cloud in the sky.

  As I pull into the parking section and see all of the yellow school buses parked on the other side of the lot, I realize the place is completely overrun with children. As in, I’m pretty sure local schools are going on field trips to Sullivan’s today.

  Slowly I get out of the car, my gaze scanning the area. Why I think I’ll automatically spot Isaac, I don’t know, but I’m hopeful. And a little mad.

  Not out and out angry, but I don’t like feeling ignored. Maybe it’s my own issue and he wasn’t ignoring me at all, but I don’t know. I’m used to that kind of treatment thanks to Joe and his passive aggressiveness over the years. I’m not about to put up with that kind of shit again, especially with a new relationship—or whatever you want to call it. We’re either completely honest with each other, or it’s over.

  Ignoring the pang in my heart at the words it’s over, I march toward the entrance to the tree farm. The smell of fresh pine trees wafts toward me, accompanied by the sweet scent of chocolate. Christmas carols play over invisible speakers, and strings of lights twinkle throughout the area. The nonstop chatter of excited children grows louder and louder the closer I get, and I realize the entire place has such a festive air, I can’t help but smile.

  I stop to admire a booth filled with lush pine wreaths. Some are plain, some are decorated. All are beautiful.

  “Can I help you?” asks a woman who looks about Isaac’s age. She has a bored air about her, as if she’d rather be anywhere but here.

  “I’m okay,” I tell her, as I finger one of the plain wreaths. “Just looking.”

  She doesn’t say a word. Just turns her back to me and heads toward the other side of the booth, her phone clutched in her hands. Hmm, I should tell Candice about this employee. She doesn’t have the best customer service skills.

  I leave the booth to go walk among the trees, my gaze constantly searching for Isaac. Of course when I want to find him, he’s nowhere in sight. There are children running everywhere. Big groups of them in matching T-shirts. Another group all wearing identically colored name badges attached to lanyards around their necks. All of them lead by a small cluster of adults who deserve a prize for wrangling a bunch of overstimulated children through a Christmas tree farm. Props to them for being so brave.

  When I spot Charlie Sullivan himself, I wave at him and he ambles over to me, an easy smile on his
face. His entire demeanor is relaxed, which is so unlike him. I’ve known of Charlie Sullivan for years since the town we live in is actually pretty small, and everyone calls him uptight. Rude. A regular Grinch, which is ironic considering the business he’s in.

  Since he’s met and now married Candice, he seems so much happier and at ease. It’s a pleasant change.

  “Amelia. What are you doing here?” he asks as he draws closer.

  I go to him and give him a quick hug. “I thought I’d stop by. It’s my day off.”

  “You in the market for a Christmas tree?” Charlie frowns. “I thought you already got one for the store.”

  “Uh, we did, and it’s still gorgeous,” I reassure him.

  He smiles, looking pleased. “Good. Glad to hear it.”

  “Lots of kids here today,” I say as I look around.

  There’s a faint grimace on his face, but it disappears fast. “It was my sister’s idea. We’re offering wreath making classes all week. Get the kiddies in and they have a craft project with leftover branches, and send them on their way home with a wreath to hang on the door and coupons for Mom and Dad to come back.”

  “That’s brilliant,” I say, duly impressed. “I love it.”

  “It’s pure chaos around here but yeah, I think it’s a good idea too.” He tilts his head toward me. “What’s the real reason you stopped by?”

  Guess Charlie’s onto me, which is a little embarrassing, but I don’t care. Standing up straight, I smile at him and ask, “Is Isaac working today?”

  I know for a damn fact he is, but I’m putting up a little bit of a façade.

  Charlie frowns. “Is—you mean Jonesie? Yeah, he’s working.”

  I restrain myself from rolling my eyes at the nickname. I don’t particularly like it. It sounds so juvenile and almost demeaning if you ask me.

  “Do you know where he might be?” I keep my voice neutral, trying to ignore the way Charlie’s watching me with that knowing gaze.

  “Who wants to know?” he asks, and I swear to God, it sounds like he’s…

  Teasing me?

  “Who do you think?” I retort, teasing Charlie right back.