What Matters Most

by Longley, Barbara

  “Sure, and we can eliminate this building right away.” Will gestured toward the unremarkable brick office complex in front of them. “We want something with space for a daycare.”

  “Oh?” Mike’s brow rose, and he looked from Jo to Will and back at her again.

  “He’s thinking of future staff,” Jo told him as she slid into the backseat of the realtor’s SUV. Still, even the suggestion of a family with Will, having their child go off to work with Daddy each day, kind of stole her breath.

  She imagined a little boy with his dad’s dark hair and gray eyes. Or maybe he’d have her lighter hair and his dad’s eyes. Or a little girl who’d put her chubby arms around her daddy’s neck and give him sloppy kisses. Would he be the kind of father who read bedtime stories to his children? She’d insist on that routine. Her heart melted at the images filling her over-active imagination.

  A few minutes later, Michael turned into an alley behind an imposing building made of large reddish-brown blocks of stone. The structure took up the entire corner. Across the alley in back, a parking ramp took up another couple of blocks. The building had a newly paved lot in back, with about twenty numbered spaces.

  Brand new fire escape stairs snaked up the back, with metal doors at each landing. The windows were also new. As they approached, she studied what she could see of the foundation, which looked to be in great shape.

  The realtor entered a code on the keypad and led them through an equally new, heavy glass and steel door into the building. Jo reached for Will’s hand. “Oh, wow,” she whispered. The first floor was completely open except for a large staircase at the center, leading to the second and third floors. The railing boasted decorative millwork freshly painted to a glossy black and topped with old polished oak, most likely all original. Steel girders formed a frame for whatever might be added to the perimeter of the first floor. Maybe a diner would take up some of the space and a daycare. Another door exited on the east side, and while Mike and Will talked, she slipped away to take a look.

  Opening the door a crack, she peered outside. A twelve-foot high wrought-iron fence enclosed a grassy yard that extended the entire length of the building. Perfect for creating a space where people could take their lunches outside on nice days. Perfect for a small play area for the daycare. She let the door shut and walked around the perimeter of the first floor, looking with a critical eye for flaws needing to be addressed. By the time she returned to Will’s side, the two men were ready to head upstairs.

  “The shaft for an elevator is in,” Mike said, pointing to where the elevator car would be installed. “A suite of offices already exists on the second floor. They’re the original offices for the building. Nothing has been done to the space yet.”

  The millwork bannisters extended all the way to the third floor and enclosed the open spaces overlooking the floors below. By the time they’d toured the entire building, Will and his realtor were talking about motivated sellers and terms.

  Will turned to her, his expression hopeful. “What do you think, Jo?” he asked. “It’s more than I’d planned to spend, but a lot of the work has already been done, and that evens things out in the end.”

  “I think it’s perfect, and you should jump on it before someone else does.” Jo moved to his side and slid her arm around his waist. “If the offices on the second floor are usable, you could move in as soon as you close, and if you choose another spot in the building for your firm, you can have your offices custom-built while the rest of the space is being finished.”

  Will squeezed her to him for a second, and then he turned to Michael. “Let’s do this. Let’s make a cash offer this morning, and tell the sellers we want to close as soon as possible. Hopefully that will persuade them to accept, rather than waiting for other offers.”

  Michael gave them a ride back to Will’s car, and they followed the realtor to his office where he and Will would write the offer.

  “Did you notice any problems with the building?” Will asked.

  “No, and I did look for signs. No cracks in the foundation. The electrical is all new and up to code, and so is the plumbing. Really, all that remains is building offices and whatever you want for the first floor.”

  “Jo …”

  “Hmm?” She cast him a sideways look, a happy smile aimed his way.

  “I met you at a critical point in my life. I knew I had to make changes, and there you were at my door.” He cleared his throat. “Doesn’t it seem like meeting each other was supposed to happen?”

  “I know what you mean.” Heat surged to her face, and she nodded. “Like fate intervened.”

  “Exactly.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “This is all new to me, this feeling like we’re meant to be, or how you came into my life when …”

  Oh, God. The searching, tender way he looked at her brought a lump to here throat. “Me too.” Her mouth had gone dust dry, and her heart hammered so hard, she feared it might burst. She’d never attempted to get this close to a man before. She’d never been this willing to risk the kind of heartbreak being this open and vulnerable could cause. “It’s kind of scary.”

  “Yeah, but also exciting.” He reached for her hand. “I’m here for you, Josey. If things get too scary, tell me.”

  She sucked in a breath and squeezed back. “I will.”

  “Promise?” His gaze bored into hers, his expression determined, hopeful.

  “I promise.” She’d just made a commitment to Will, a promise that she’d share her fears. This is huge. But dammit, Will meant more to her than her stupid pride and her defenses. “The same goes for you, Will. If things get too scary, you need to tell me too. This isn’t just a one-way street.”

  “Good.” He flashed her a sexy, lopsided grin. “Glad that’s settled.”

  “Whew. Me too.” Another nervous laugh escaped. Everything changed between them. They’d moved up a rung on the relationship. She’d never gotten to this rung before, and yes, it was scary, but also exhilarating. “Does this mean you’re my boyfriend?” she asked, only half teasing.

  “Hell yes.”

  They were stopped at a red light, Michael’s car still right in front of them. She glanced at Will, and their gazes caught and held. Warmth filled his gorgeous brown eyes, and he flashed her a broad smile.

  They’d find their way together. She grinned back. “Good. I’m glad that’s settled too.” A bundle of nerves, she burst out laughing, and he joined her. The light changed, and once again they moved forward … in more ways than one.

  CHAPTER NINE

  After tossing his overnight bag in the back of his Prius, Will settled himself in the driver’s seat and forced himself to think of something other than finally getting naked with Jo, something other than kissing, touching and tasting every delectable inch of one very sexy plumber.

  Damn, he was about to meet her entire family in about an hour. Yep. That helped veer his thoughts away from images of Jo naked. Sighing, he backed out of his garage and set out for her condo. Twenty minutes later, he pulled into a spot in front of her building. Excitement traced along his nerves, and his heart gave an answering thump. He couldn’t remember a time when he’d been this excited and certain about where his life was headed.

  He slid out of his car and strode to the front door just as Josey came out, pulling a small, wheeled suitcase behind her. The mere sight of her was a punch to the gut, shoving all the breath from his lungs. “Whoa,” he managed to rasp out.

  She wore a red sleeveless dress that revealed an enticing V-shaped slice of cleavage. The material clung to her curves as if the dress had been custom-made for the sole purpose of tormenting him. A floral-patterned wrap hung from the crooks of her elbows, and the strappy high-heeled sandals she wore led his gaze down her shapely legs to her red, shiny toenails. Hadn’t he suspected he’d find her toenails painted a hot red inside her steel-toed work boots?

  “I think I need to sit down,” he teased, placing his hands over his heart. “I’m suddenly light-headed.” Her
answering smile nearly dropped him to the pavement.

  “You like my dress?” she asked. Holding her arms out, she turned slowly in a circle, showing off an equally lovely expanse of bare back.

  All that smooth, perfect skin on display sent his blood rushing. “You are a vision, and yeah, I like that dress.” She wore her hair up in a loose knot, and a few tendrils fell down her neck to caress the very spot he longed to nibble and kiss.

  It took enormous restraint not to reach out and take her hair down right here where they stood. Would she scold him if he did? He wanted to plow his fingers through all that silkiness and plunder the sweetness of her luscious mouth with his tongue. Even as she scolded, he’d turn her around and march her into her condo where he’d get her naked and writhing beneath him in a matter of minutes, burying himself so deep inside her she’d scream his name for all the world to hear.

  “You look incredibly handsome in that suit.” She approached, her smoldering gaze fanning the flames of desire into a conflagration. Jo ran her palms down his lapels, and then she straightened his tie. “This is the first time I’ve seen you in a suit. You clean up very nicely, counselor.”

  Will drew her close and brushed his lips over hers. She wore a different scent today, something soft, musky and seductive that in no way helped him control his raging hard-on. Stifling a groan, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Has this afternoon been dragging by as slowly for you as it has for me?” His voice came out a bit strained. “Are you looking forward to our night together as much as I am?”

  “Yes, and yes.” She cradled his face between her palms and gave a sultry laugh. “We’d better get going.”

  “I suppose.” How was he going to keep his eyes on the road while Jo sat beside him in his car, looking the way she did in that sexy red dress? He stowed her bag with his, and soon they were on their way.

  “Turn left here,” she said. “Take the second right. Four blocks down veer left at the Y.”

  At the Y? Did she have any idea where that led his lust-hazed thoughts? He followed her directions, but in his head he heard something altogether different coming from her mouth. Like: A little to your left. Yes. Right there. Don’t. Stop. Harder. Faster.

  Will pulled into the church’s lot, parked and shut off his car. “I need a few minutes. Can we talk about something boring?”

  Her brow furrowed, and she flashed him a questioning look. Her gaze dropped and she caught a glimpse of the bulge in his lap. “Oh.” Jo’s eyes widened. It didn’t help that she continued to stare. She drew her wrap around her bare shoulders, hiding his view of her breasts. “How did your meeting with Greg go this morning?” she asked, turning to survey the parking lot.

  “It went great. Mind if I recite our articles of incorporation for you?”

  “Please do.” A fleeting smile appeared and disappeared just a quickly. She bit her lip and tugged the hem of her dress lower.

  Dragging his eyes away from her sexy bare knees, Will peered out the windshield at the brick wall of the church and began reciting legalese to the woman who filled his dreams night and day. A car pulled in next to his as he continued his recitation.

  Josey waved at the trio as they climbed out. “My uncle Dan, aunt Martha and my cousin Jerry.”

  Her cousin smiled brightly and waved. Her uncle and aunt sent curious looks their way, most likely wondering why they were still sitting in his car. He continued to speak while imagining himself in unpleasant places, even as Jo’s relatives continued to stare. Did they think he was lecturing her? That, along with the articles of incorporation, went a long way toward cooling his ardor. Keeping his eyes on the bricks in front of him, he released a breath. “I’m good.” If suffering a case of blue balls counted as good. “Let’s go.”

  He opened his door, climbed out and circled to Jo’s side to help her out. They crossed the parking lot and took the stairs leading to the double doors into the church. “Don’t most couples take pictures after the wedding?”

  “Not so much anymore. A lot of couples get the family photos out of the way before the wedding. That way they can join their guests at the reception a lot sooner.” She cast him a knowing smile. “Still trying to talk about boring stuff?”

  “Yes.” He gave her a once-over from head to toe. “Distraction is an absolute necessity.”

  Another flicker of a smile lit her face, and color rose to her cheeks. “I’m flattered.”

  He opened the door and followed her inside. “How long do we have between the wedding and the reception?”

  “Only enough to check in and drop off our bags. Come on. Let’s get the introductions over with.”

  So much for his hopes of making love to her before the reception. Will studied the large group of people milling around or sitting in the pews. A tall man bearing a resemblance to Jo approached. He wore a tuxedo with a silk-screened superhero T-shirt beneath the jacket. No tie. He also sported neon-blue sneakers to match the superhero’s costume on the T-shirt. Interesting choice for a wedding.

  “The photographer got stuck in traffic,” the guy said to Josey. “He’ll be here in a few minutes.” He studied Will. “You must be the lawyer who had his water heater moved six inches.” He smirked and held out his hand. “I’m Jo’s brother Wyatt, a.k.a the groom.”

  The two of them shook hands. Wyatt’s palm was a little moist. Being the groom had to be nerve-racking. “Will Prescott. Guilty as charged.” Was that approval he caught in Wyatt’s expression?

  Haley’s husband appeared beside Wyatt. He also wore a tux over a silk-screened T-shirt. His had a Superman emblem emblazoned across the front, and his sneakers were bright red.

  “You and I met at your firm’s Christmas party,” he said. “I’m Sam, Haley’s husband.”

  “I remember,” Will said. Jo’s brothers were both over six feet tall, and both continued to size him up. He straightened in an attempt to maximize his own respectable six feet even. “Speaking of Haley, where is my favorite paralegal?”

  Sam glanced around the inside of the church. “Somewhere around here. Bathroom probably. Sam Junior likes to sit on her bladder.”

  “And where’s your bride, Wyatt?” Jo asked. “I hope she hasn’t come to her senses and slipped out the back door.”

  “Ha, ha. Very funny.” Wyatt scowled, and his face turned bright red. “She’s in the bride’s room with her mom, aunt and her attendants. They aren’t coming out until the photographer gets here.”

  A young boy skip-hopped to Wyatt’s side and leaned against the groom. Wyatt placed his hand on top of the youngster’s head and beamed down at him. “This is my soon-to-be stepson Brady. He’s our ring bearer today.”

  “Mom sent me.” Brady tipped his head back to peer at the circle of adults before grinning up at Wyatt. “She says I’m getting on her last nerve, and I should stay with you for a while.”

  Will studied Brady’s wedding garb. The little boy’s outfit matched the groom’s down to the neon-blue sneakers. Their T-shirts displayed the same superhero in different poses, although both figures were shooting lightning bolts from the palms of their hands. “Jo told me about your comic books, Wyatt. I really like the theme you’ve got going on for your wedding.” Will jutted his chin toward Wyatt’s T-shirt. “Makes me wonder what your bride is wearing today.”

  “A traditional wedding gown.” Wyatt shrugged. “I tried to talk her into a superhero costume, but she refused.”

  Jo slipped her arm through his. “Come on, Will. I might as well take you around to introduce you to everyone else while we’re waiting,” she said. “I don’t know all of Kayla’s family, but—”

  “No need.” Sam grinned and turned to face the crowd. “Hey, everybody,” he called out loud enough to cause an echo. He jerked his thumb toward Will. “Guess what? Josey has a date! This is William Prescott, and he’s a lawyer. Say hello and introduce yourselves when you get a minute.”

  Some of the people filling the church laughed; others stared curiously Will’s way. A few ev
en waved. He waved back.

  “Sam!” Jo’s face turned an attractive shade of pink, and she punched her brother’s shoulder.

  “What?” Sam feigned a look of innocence and rubbed the spot where she’d punched him. “I just saved you a lot of time.”

  “Grrr.” Josey glared.

  Will chuckled and put his arm around Jo’s waist. Like their sister, Jo’s brothers liked to tease. Their mutual affection was obvious, even if the teasing tended toward obnoxious. He’d enjoy hanging out with her brothers and their wives. There was nothing reserved about them, a trait he appreciated.

  The front doors opened, and an older couple entered, followed by a harried photographer and his assistant, both carrying a lot of equipment.

  Wyatt patted Brady’s shoulder. “Go tell your mom the photographer is here.” The kid took off like a shot. “Walk,” Wyatt called after him. Brady slowed down but only marginally. Wyatt shook his head. “If he trips and gets a bloody nose or breaks something, Kayla will have a total meltdown.”

  Josey edged closer to Will’s side. “You’re about to meet my grandparents.”

  The Haney patriarch’s eyes were fixed on Will. Like Wyatt and Sam, Josey’s grandfather exceeded six feet. Josey had mentioned her grandparents were in their seventies, yet this man still exuded vitality, that and an intense scrutiny where his granddaughter’s date was concerned.

  “Grandpa Joe, Grandma Maggie,” Jo said, her voice a little breathless. “This is William Prescott. Will, my grandparents.” She gestured toward the handsome couple.

  Will extended his hand to Jo’s grandfather. “Nice to meet you, sir, Mrs. Haney.”

  “Good to meet you too. Your name sounds familiar.” Mr. Haney’s bushy eyebrows lowered. “I remember. You’re that lawyer fellow who will be at our meeting next month.”

  Josey’s grandfather gripped Will’s hand hard enough to make him wince. He didn’t. “Yes. I’ll be present to answer any questions you might have. More importantly, I’ll be there to support your granddaughter.” Once her grandfather released his grip, Will reached for Jo’s hand. Clearly he was being tested, and he had no intention of backing away. He returned her grandfather’s steady stare without blinking. After all, he’d faced down tougher alpha males in court and come away the victor. The older man’s eyes sparkled, and Will detected the barest twitch of a grin.