Jerry pulled out his chair and sat down. “I assume I’m still invited to join you for dinner,” he said sarcastically.
Shanda blushed and chuckled. “Sorry. We were just discussing…well, the wedding. And you know how we get when we talk about it.”
Unfortunately I do. “Is that why you invited me here tonight? You’ve got the wrong guy if you think I’m helping to plan it,” he said firmly.
Kenneth laughed. “I’m not even sure you can say the word wedding, never mind plan one.”
Jerry smiled. “I know. It’s great. Why ruin a good thing? So what did you want to discuss?”
Shanda turned to Kenneth and said, “Maybe we should wait for Brenda to arrive.”
Jerry hadn’t noticed the fourth place setting. “Who is Brenda?” He turned to Kenneth and said, “Tell me you didn’t fix me up with someone.”
Shanda smiled and in her normal, cheery tone said, “I wanted this to be a surprise, but—”
“I don’t like surprises,” he snapped. Shanda’s mouth clamped shut, and he knew he was being too harsh. This wasn’t a business meeting, and obviously she wasn’t used to such a blunt response. Apologizing wasn’t something he did often. “Sorry. It’s been a long day.”
“That it has, and I have a feeling, it’s going to be a long night,” Kenneth said, before turning to Shanda. “I think we should tell him now.”
“Before Brenda gets here?” she asked. Kenneth nodded and added, “But then we have to start all over again when Brenda gets here.”
“From the look on Jerry’s face, he might not be here that long,” Kenneth warned. Jerry grinned. Read my mind. “Well, you know Shanda and I are getting married.”
“I think the entire world knows that,” he replied.
Kenneth nodded. “Thanks to Mother.”
“Guess you two should elope if you want to keep it lowkey,” Jerry suggested.
“My mother and sister would have my head,” Shanda blurted. “Besides, I want a wedding. But we’ve decided not to wait. We’ve moved up the date, so we’re getting married in three months.”
Today. Tomorrow. Next year. Why do I care? He didn’t. Whenever it was, he’d be there. “That’s nice.”
“And I’d like you to be the best man,” Kenneth stated.
Jerry hadn’t seen that coming. They were close, but he really thought Kenneth would’ve chosen their eldest brother for that honor. “Me? Why not Phillip?”
“Are you saying you don’t want to do it?” Kenneth asked.
“No. I’m honored.” Not really, but you’re my brother, and I’ll always support you.
“Great. One down,” Kenneth said.
Jerry looked at Shanda and asked, “Is your sister going to be the maid of honor?”
She shook her head. “I know it’s tradition, but her due date is a month after our wedding. She is already saying how much her back and feet hurt. I don’t think the thought of getting all dressed up and waiting on me that day would appeal to her.”
“Hence Brenda,” he said and Shanda nodded. Great. It just got a whole lot worse. “I think we may have met at your house briefly.”
“Yes you did. She’s so funny and will definitely be entertaining,” Shanda said.
That’s not how he would’ve described her if he had the right woman. She was outspoken and loud. Even the sound of her giggling had driven him to move his seat. He had no idea how he’d be able to tolerate her over dinner, never mind sit near her at the wedding. Please don’t be the one I’m thinking of. I’m not sure I love my brother enough to be put through that.
“And you’re positive you don’t want to ask Phillip?” Jerry offered one last time.
“I’m sure. And besides, you already agreed. And one thing I know about you Jerry, is your word is everything,” Kenneth stated.
Jerry’s cell phone rang and he looked at the number. He’d been waiting to hear from Mr. Lee for days. “Excuse me, I have to take this call.” He quickly made his way out of the restaurant and only answered when no one was in earshot.
“Mr. Lee. Does this mean you’ve made a decision?” Jerry asked.
“It wasn’t as though you left me any options,” he replied.
Jerry wasn’t about to rehash the facts with Mr. Lee. His business was failing and Jerry was willing to relieve him of his troubles. “There are always options Mr. Lee. Just I don’t see any better than the one I’m suggesting.”
He huffed. “That’s because you do not lose in this endeavor.”
I never do. “Should I send my attorney to see you in the morning?”
“Tomorrow is Saturday. Why the rush?” Mr. Lee asked.
“Saturday is just another day. That’s why your business is in this state. If you want to be successful, you don’t take days off,” he stated. In a firm tone he added, “I’ll have him at your office tomorrow at nine and I’ll give you until the end of the day to get your belongings out of the office.”
“And my employees?”
“I will notify them of the change of ownership shortly after the contract is signed.”
“Mr. Heart, they are good workers, good people. I do hope you will retain them. They have families and—”
“Nine o’clock, Mr. Lee. Now if you’ll excuse me, I believe you have things to attend to.” Jerry ended the call and went to open the door to go back inside.
“Well that was cold,” a woman said from behind him.
Jerry hadn’t noticed anyone there a moment ago or he would’ve stepped farther away from the entrance. He was about to show her how cold he could be, but halted when he laid eyes on her. Long dark hair, red lipstick, and a dress that was begging for someone to run their hands over it before taking it off. Damn. Too bad I already have dinner plans, because you’d definitely make it an interesting night.
“Sorry. It was a business call,” he said.
She looked at him challengingly. “Glad I don’t work for you.”
His eyes roamed over her slowly, taking in every aspect of her. “So am I.”
She clutched her purse to her and asked, “Why is that? You don’t like someone standing up to you?”
Jerry smiled. “It doesn’t happen very often, but that’s not why. I have a strict policy about sleeping with people I employ.”
Her eyes widened and she responded, “Oh, that confident, are you? By the way you’re looking at me, I have a feeling you’d be breaking your own rules.” She brushed past him, opened the door, and said over her shoulder, “Enjoy your dinner.”
Jerry chuckled. “I would if you were at my table.” He slipped his cell phone in his breast pocket and went back inside. He didn’t need to wait for the hostess to seat him this time, but as he passed the mystery woman, he gave her a nod.
When he sat down Kenneth said, “Don’t tell me you need to leave.”
Is that an option? “No. I bumped into someone outside.”
“Please tell me it was Brenda, because I have no idea what is keeping her. I’ve texted her five times and still nothing.” Shanda turned to Kenneth and said, “What if something happened to her?”
“I’m sure she’s fine. You know how she is. Something else might have come up and dinner slipped her mind,” Kenneth stated.
Jerry raised a brow. “And you want her as your maid of honor? Doesn’t sound very reliable if you ask me.” As he said it, out of the corner of his eye, he saw that red dress beside him. He looked up and said, “Please tell me you’re not Ms. Long.”
She smiled and said, “Hate to disappoint you, but I am. And you must be Mr. Heart.”
Jerry got up and pulled the chair out for her and said, “I am.” She didn’t look anything like what he remembered. “If I’d have known it was you, I’d have escorted you to the table myself.”
“And I might have decided not to enter at all,” she said sarcastically. Then, turning to Shanda and Kenneth, she said, “Congratulations on your engagement.”
Shanda had a bewildered expression on her face, and
Kenneth only leaned back in his seat, staring.
“Thank you,” Shanda said. Leaning over, she whispered, “What are you doing here?”
Jerry chuckled. “You invited us to dinner and so soon you forget why.”
“She didn’t tell you?” Ms. Long asked Shanda. Shanda shook her head. “Oh, that sister of mine. I’m so sorry. I’m going to wring her neck when I see her.”
“A bit cold, don’t you think?” he teased.
She shot him a look and then chuckled. “I deserve that. Well, I guess I’ll leave you guys to enjoy your dinner.” She pushed her seat out and was getting up.
Jerry reached out and grabbed her hand. He didn’t know what was going on, but he wasn’t ready for her to leave just yet either. “You can’t leave. Shanda and Kenneth have something very important to discuss with us.” He looked at Kenneth and said, “Isn’t that right?”
Kenneth said, “Not any longer.”
“You changed your mind already? Why?” he asked. And why do I care? I don’t. Yet he was asking the question.
“Because this isn’t Brenda,” Kenneth said.
Jerry looked at her and asked, “Then who are you?”
“I’m her older sister Reanna. Sorry. She said she had a blind date and didn’t want to stand you up. She asked if I could fill in.”
“Date?” Shanda said. “It’s not a—”
Jerry raised his hand and said, “It’s not a problem. But since you’re here, why don’t you stay and have dinner?”
Reanna asked, “Are you sure? I mean, you were expecting someone else. And you don’t strike me as someone who likes surprises.”
Jerry smiled. “Usually I don’t. But this might be the exception.”
Reanna sat back down and smiled. “Well, it would be a shame to let this dress go to waste.”
They spent the next hour listening to Shanda talk about the wedding. Somewhere after ten minutes, he’d stopped listening. That didn’t prevent Shanda from continuing. In fact, Reanna actually seemed to be enjoying it. He wasn’t sure what she said, but by the end of the dinner, Shanda was hugging Reanna and they were making plans to get together to talk some more. Jerry couldn’t think of what was left to be discussed.
Kenneth asked, “It’s still early. Did the two of you want to come to the house for a drink?”
“And dessert,” Shanda added. “Don’t forget that chocolate cake I made,” she reminded Kenneth.
“I didn’t, but was hoping not to share.” He pulled Shanda into his arms and said, “Maybe a bit of dessert on the deck later?”
That was enough of a hint for him to decline the offer. Those two lovebirds really wanted to be alone. “Thanks. Maybe another time.”
“I should be getting home myself,” Reanna said.
Shanda asked, “Will you be patrolling the streets of Hope Valley this weekend?”
“No. I’m off till Monday.”
Jerry looked down at Reanna. There was no way someone so delicate and tiny could be a policewoman. She wouldn’t intimidate anyone, definitely not him. Why didn’t we talk about something interesting like this over dinner?
“If you’re off, then maybe you’d like to stay and have some coffee with me?” Jerry asked. Shanda’s brows raised and Jerry noticed her give Kenneth an elbow to the side. It’s just coffee.
“I thought you wanted to get back to Boston,” Reanna said.
“Hence the coffee,” he replied. Jerry was far from being tired, but he wasn’t ready to part ways with Reanna just yet. She’d piqued his interest, and that wasn’t easily done. Not given the number of women who practically threw themselves at him.
“Enjoy your coffee. We’re going home,” Shanda said with a grin and a wave. Jerry watched as she practically dragged Kenneth away from the table.
“Well that wasn’t very subtle,” Reanna chuckled.
Jerry nodded. “So how about that coffee?”
“It sounds good to me, but not here.” She leaned closer to him and whispered softly, “I didn’t want to say anything, but the ambience of the place isn’t matched by their food. I’m starving, and I know a little diner not far from my house that is open late.”
He’d hoped, but didn’t actually think she’d accept his offer. She had barely spoken directly to him throughout dinner. Then again, how could she? Shanda had pretty much hijacked the conversation from the start. Jerry was hungry, but not for diner food.
Reanna bit her bottom lip waiting for his reply. Definitely could go for a taste of you. That wasn’t going to happen. The last thing he needed was to become sexually involved with anyone who was connected to his family in any way. Reanna might not have been an hour ago, but dinner had quickly changed that. And ruined this so-called date.
“I could eat.”
“Great. This place serves breakfast all day. And right now, I’m in the mood for some serious carbs. I’m thinking banana nut pancakes with whipped cream and drizzled hot fudge on it. How about you?” she asked.
“How are their burgers?” He wasn’t a sweets eater.
“I actually am not a big meat eater. But I haven’t had anything there that wasn’t huge and amazing.”
“Then I suggest we head out now, before the waitress thinks we’re staying for dessert here,” Jerry suggested.
Reanna got up and said, “The road there is bumpy, so why don’t I drive, and I’ll drop you back here after we eat?”
As they left the restaurant and approached a Ford F250 he said, “This is yours?”
She nodded. “Don’t let this dress fool you, Mr. Heart.”
He chuckled. “Should I be afraid?” he teased.
As she climbed into the driver’s seat she said, “Only if you comment on my driving.” Reanna started the truck and shot him a look. “This vehicle doesn’t move until you buckle,” she said firmly.
Jerry grabbed the seatbelt and secured it. With a smile he said, “I thought it was easier to jump in case your driving is that bad.”
Reanna laughed and said, “That’s what I was afraid of. And the last thing I want to do is spend my night at the station doing more paperwork.”
“I’m sure we can think of something more appealing to fill your night,” he said. He felt the blood rushing to a place that wasn’t going to get any attention, at least not right now.
She shot him a warning look. “Dinner. Not dessert,” she said firmly.
This is going to be longer than dinner with Kenneth and Shanda. He knew he should’ve parted ways when his brother left.
“I’m only here for the burger,” he lied.
As she pulled out of the parking lot Reanna added, “That is, unless my appetite changes during dinner.”
Oh fuck. Jerry knew what he wanted, but shouldn’t. Although, if the opportunity presented itself, he wasn’t so sure he’d hold back. She was one beautiful woman, but he was attracted to her more than just physically. And that was a red flag in his book. Run. Because she’s dangerous in an innocent way.
Reanna had been right about one thing: the diner served damn good food. The only thing better than the burger, was her company. She was easy to listen to. Mostly because when it came to her job, Reanna seemed to go on some of the most unusual calls. He was sure she had left out the more serious ones on purpose, as they probably weren’t dinner-conversation material.
As she drove him back to where he’d left his vehicle, Reanna said, “I have to admit, I didn’t think I’d enjoy this blind date as much as I did. You’re not as…stiff as I anticipated.”
He shot her a look and noticed the curl of her lips. Ball buster, I see. He would tell her she was mistaken, because ever since he’d laid eyes on her, there was one part of him that had been very stiff.
“I’m sure there is a compliment in there somewhere,” he responded. How was he going to tell her that this actually wasn’t a blind date at all? Should he ease into it, or just state it flat out? This misunderstanding wasn’t his doing, but he hadn’t done anything to correct it either. Normally
he believed honesty was the best course of action. Did it have to be tonight? It should, but if the topic didn’t come up, he’d save it for another time. Who knows, they might never see or speak to each other again after this.
“There is, but you’ll have to figure it out for yourself,” she giggled as she took a turn onto a dirt road.
Jerry didn’t know the area very well, but nothing looked familiar. “You might want to use your GPS if you’re lost.”
“I know these roads like the back of my hand, probably even better.”
“Then I don’t need to tell you that you’re heading in the wrong direction,” he stated. It was late, and even though she probably could take care of herself, he still didn’t want her traveling these dark roads alone.
“There is a lake down this road.”
“And you want to go skinny dipping? Because I don’t have swim trunks under this suit,” he teased.
She shot him a look and said, “If I wasn’t a police officer, I might just take you up on that. But I don’t break the law.”
“Damn shame. I really could’ve gone for a swim,” Jerry said.
“Then I hope that suit isn’t dry clean only,” Reanna said as they pulled up under some tall pine trees, parked, and shut off her headlights. “We’re here.”
He looked around and didn’t see anything but trees, and even that was difficult. “Not as impressive as I would’ve thought.”
She opened her door and said, “Follow me.” Reanna walked around the front of the truck and said, “Give me your hand so you don’t fall off the cliff.”
Jerry stopped dead in his tracks. “Cliff? I thought you said you were taking me to see a lake.”
Reanna turned to face him. With a playful smile and lips begging to be kissed she said, “I am. And the best view is from this cliff.”
“I guess I can trust you.”
“Because I’m a policewoman?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Because you don’t want to do the paperwork if I’m missing,” he teased. She gave him a slap on his bicep with her free hand and then tugged for him to come with her. Jerry couldn’t believe how close to the edge she had parked. There weren’t any barriers and now looking down, it would’ve been fatal if she hadn’t stopped. “You might want to reconsider driving here.”
Just Trust (The Reluctant Heart Book 2) Page 2
