Favorite Coffee, Favorite Crush

by Pinder, Victoria

  She had left him in Tallahassee. “What are you doing here?”

  “I had a few days off and wanted to check on you. I should have told you a few things before, and I need to apologize—”

  “I’m happy.” Interrupting him, she told him what she could. “I’ve a new place, a new roommate for a month, a new job, a new car. You shouldn’t be here.”

  Jay’s blue eyes and determined chin flashed in her mind. The man worked hard, and she always respected work.

  Fernando tried to take her hand in his, but she stepped back. “Baby girl.”

  “Go home. I’m not your baby.” The relationship between them had never brought her joy. It was easy having a partner in her determination not go back to Miami, but she had grown up now.

  “Penny.”

  The in-tune voice belonged to none other than Eva. Turning away, Penny saw the dark-haired beauty with ice-blue eyes and flawless complexion. Suppressing a groan, she pasted a smile on her face while Eva joined them in the parking lot. Did she live in the neighborhood? Blinking rapidly, she needed to escape. She refused to get involved with Eva and Jay. She didn’t have nearly that power and would be run to the ground in the fireworks. The Gables had its own grocery stores. Why? When Eva came close, Penny hugged her. “Eva, it’s good to see you.”

  “How is Jay?”

  Sandra must have told her the living arrangements. “Good. Fernando, this is Eva. We went to high school together.”

  Fernando couldn’t speak. Good. Eva still had that wow. Penny inched back toward her Jeep.

  Eva nodded her head at Fernando, saying, “Hello. It’s nice to meet a friend of Penny’s.”

  Fidgeting, she reached for the door to her SUV. “I have to get going.”

  “Wait,” Eva called out, tapping her feet. “We have to catch up. You’ve rekindled your friendships with Sandra and Jay, and I want to be on the list. You are going to Sandra’s party?”

  Eva tolerated her in high school due to their mutual friend, Sandy. They were not close without the cute blonde between them. She’d have to find a way out of that somehow. Having Eva upset at anything was always something to avoid. “I have to go.”

  “We should get together tomorrow. Meet me at our coffee shop,” Eva told her.

  “Okay.” Her pulse spiked before she peeled out of the parking lot.

  ***

  After parking her car in the assigned spot in the lot, she put her head on the wheel to calm down. She counted to three before she peeked up, seeing the moving trucks. They were early. Racing to the elevator, she joined the furniture on its ride up. Jay was in the living room directing people when she stepped into the place with round two. Going over to him, she put her hand on his arm, silently telling him she’d do the rest.

  He patted her hand, then walked away. She’d do this job, then tell him about running into Eva. Without a second thought, she pointed to where everything went and had the movers change where stuff was put down.

  Four hours later, she stood in the living room exhausted. She had a bed to sleep in for now, a car, a job starting, and once she bought four to eight work outfits, she’d be happy.

  Jay peeked out. “Everything’s done?”

  “Yeah. Everyone’s gone. I never ate lunch, so would you like to grab an early dinner?”

  “Love to. I’m hungry too. Where did you disappear to earlier?”

  She found a sweater, then joined him in the living room again to leave. “I wanted to make us some lunch, but I ran into Eva and Fernando.”

  “Who’s Fernando?”

  “The ex-boyfriend.” His eyebrows rose. “And I’m meeting Eva for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Don’t tell her you’re living with me. It won’t go over too well this soon.”

  “She sounded like she knew already.”

  “I don’t want her striking out at you for things you’re not a part of.”

  He’d never choose a girl like her. She guessed that, but hearing it still hit her hard. Eva might blame her for Jay, though in the name of old friendships, especially their mutual friend, Sandra, Penny would take it. It would be impossible for any guy to choose brains when beauty shone in someone else’s eyes. Miami bred the importance of radiating beauty being the most important trait for any woman to possess, and Jay had grown up here.

  Chapter Eleven

  Having Jay in her car somehow made driving in rush-hour traffic tolerable. She examined every car on the ride while not looking at him in conversation, which helped keep her voice steady.

  Jay broke the silence and asked, “At UM we used to come here every Wednesday.”

  She smiled then answered, “You said they were like you. Keep any friends?”

  He turned toward her and her pulse increased. “From my fraternity. I kept connections.”

  She tilted her head toward him. “Dimples, it doesn’t surprise me at all you joined one of those.”

  His eyes widened. “You didn’t?”

  She shook her head. “No. I had no time for parties. I worked.”

  He pointed her to Monty’s, the open pier with a cool breeze. “Found time for Fernando, though.”

  Shrugging, she replied, “We worked together at the burger place. Then we dated and decided to room together, despite my mother’s protests.”

  “You don’t do what your mother wants,” Jay surmised.

  Looking over, she met his clear blue eyes and softened. “I try not to.”

  “If you run into mine, let me know.”

  She pulled into the adjacent parking lot, scouting for a spot. “Sure.”

  He pointed one out and she followed. “The happy-hour crowd will still be here. It’s possible we’ll run into someone.”

  “I haven’t been here in years. They better still have the chicken sandwich.”

  She smiled, remembering. The place had a decent-priced menu, old-school Florida laid-back ambiance, and a mix of college students, working stiffs, and yachters who parked next to the place. The place had a vibrancy during the day that reminded anyone who visited that South Florida got the tropical air too.

  They found a table near the back, and he ordered beer and wine for the table. Sinking into the back of her seat, she relaxed. Everything would be fine.

  “Penelope?”

  Not who she expected. Her hands dropped to the side and her eyes flew open. No. Not now.

  “It’s nice to see you again, Mrs. Hernandez,” Jay told her mother. Hernandez being the fifth husband.

  “It’s Mrs. Lars Anderson these days,” her mother corrected him. Stepfather number eight, not that Jay needed to know the rotation. It was possible Penny had missed one or two.

  “Mom. We’re getting something to eat.” Biting her bottom lip, she hoped her mother left.

  She twisted in her chair as her mother put her hand on her arm. “John Jay Marshall, you are looking as handsome as ever. He’s much cuter than Ferdinand, sweetie.”

  “Fernando.” Her mother never called him by his name because he was poor. In Miami the class system remained in full force, though Geneva intended to climb the ladder any way possible. “But you remember Jay’s name so clearly.”

  “You were John in high school, but Jay is more handsome. You’ve filled out quite nicely. But I haven’t seen my daughter in almost a year, would you mind giving us a minute?”

  Jay must have seen the panic in her eyes when she stared into his baby blues. “I’ll be at the bar, right over there.” He whispered to her, “Give her five minutes, Pen.”

  Frowning, she nodded and took strength from Jay when he pointed to his seat at the bar. Her mother took his seat and she mocked, “Please, sit down. We have so much to talk about, don’t we, Mom?”

  Her mother leaned forward. “Don’t let your face freeze like that. I have one question, though: did you dump Frankie for Jay, sweetie?”

  “Fernando. And no. Jay’s my friend.”

  “‘Friend’ as in you arrive in Miami yesterday, stay with me one night, then don’
t call your mother because you’ve been busy breaking one of the richest men in town up with his girlfriend?”

  No one would believe that one. Eva and Jay were gorgeous. Penny didn’t have the height, her hips were too wide, and her face lacked the unique goddess quality that Eva had. Penny considered herself pretty enough, but not in that league. “Mom, it’s not like that.”

  “It’s exactly like that. Have you slept with him to confirm your place in his life?”

  “MOM!”

  Jay interrupted from behind. “Where did you hear that?”

  Her blush must have reached her toes, and she stared down at her feet. He walked past and stood next to Penelope. She’d watched him protecting her, and all she could do was study her shoes.

  Her mother told them, “It was in the newspapers. You were shopping and admitted you were dating. I woke up upset that my daughter didn’t call me.”

  The store. Sliding down in her chair, Penny hoped to disappear. It was her fault.

  “Tell everyone you know that Penelope and I are dating. She’ll be with me at the benefit on Friday.”

  Raising her eyebrows, she stopped moving. His date. Gulping for air, she didn’t know how she’d handle this. “Mom, I’ll call you tomorrow. I need to talk to Jay.”

  “No. Are you staying with him tonight? I can’t walk away not knowing where my daughter is sleeping.”

  “Ye-ah,” she stammered, not raising her eyes. Her mother must be loving this. “Jay and I are staying in the same place for now. The place I rented isn’t available till next month. I’ll talk more tomorrow, in private.”

  High pitched, but her voice grew smoother. Why would Jay lie? And to her mother? Her muscles went rigid while she sat in the chair, unmoving.

  Geneva jumped up with a smile on her face. She’d get hell for that one. He had wanted to keep their living together away from Eva, but he claimed her as his pretend date to his mother. One had to give.

  Her mother walked away from the table, and Penny kept silent until Jay took his seat. Looking over her shoulder to ensure her mother didn’t listen to them, she glared at him. “Why did you tell my mother that? I agreed to be your date on Friday, but lying to my mother about us is not something I like.”

  His leg brushed against hers under the table while he scooted closer, and pulled back. She kept her chin high while he told her, “Look, you avoid her. I get that, but she has a big mouth. If she tells lots of people, it becomes easier on me.”

  “Of course it’s about you. And my life becomes hell. Jay. We need to tell the truth.”

  “I need you to pretend to be my date, and my girlfriend.”

  Her eyes narrowed as she snapped, “Why? You get offers.”

  “Not from you, Penelope. And you’re who I need.”

  “You don’t make any sense.”

  He took her hand. This time she didn’t pull away. “Please. I need this.”

  “Tell me why.”

  “Business. I’m at a phase in my work where I must appear stable, on a path to a family life, and not reckless and irresponsible. In finance, dating Eva made me appear too much of a risk taker, and my clients became uncomfortable. You’re sweet, kind, adorable, and smart.”

  In what universe did Jay work in? “Was all of yesterday a plot to get me to move in for the month?”

  “I didn’t set it up that way, but it worked out to my advantage. Can you please do this for me?”

  Jay’s blue eyes melted her resistance. Her old crush held its flame, fluttering in her chest. Looking at him hit her hard and fast. Damn. “Okay. But for the week. I’ll tell my mother after it was a lie. Come Monday I’ll be at my new job for most hours anyhow.”

  His dimples grew wider. “And you’ll tell everyone we’re dating?”

  The waiter came with their food. She stroked her throat, pretending to be hungry, but she slowly stared up into his intense eyes. The man had a plan, and, whatever it was, she was now helping him. Wishing for a kiss made her weak, and she swore she wouldn’t be. Looking down at her sandwich, she told him, “Yes. Now hurry up and eat. I want to get out of here.”

  Penny peeked up at him a few times. Jay needing her broke down a few defenses. If he had asked her for a real date and a real relationship, a jolt inside her told her she’d have agreed. Faking this could be dangerous.

  Chapter Twelve

  After stopping for groceries and wine, they both went home. Penelope showered and changed for to run to the mall before coming home to go to bed, but the question of what Jay’s business was played in her head. There was something she didn’t know. Her feet clamored on the cool tiles under her bare feet while she made her way out of her room.

  She listened to his suite for a minute before gathering the courage to knock. When she did, the door opened.

  Putting her head in, she noticed that Jay wasn’t in his office. Taking a step into the room, she heard the shower going in the other room. She wrinkled her nose, deciding he must be getting ready for bed. She put one foot in front of the other, and her pulse increased when she walked toward his desk. No papers laid out anywhere. Going behind the desk, she inspected the cabinet. Poking around, she didn’t see anything interesting. Not one speck of paper existed.

  “Find something, Penny?”

  Twirling around, she saw the wet-haired Jay in his boxers without a t-shirt on. Her pulse raced while her eyes memorized every part of his exposed skin.

  He came closer and her lips fell open.

  “I asked you a question. What are you looking for?”

  Rubbing her ear, she fidgeted. Her body tingled. She fought her stupid crush, pulling her lip into her mouth before she could tell him about her stupid fantasy world. Opening then closing her mouth, she decided what she needed to say. “I know this is about business, but if someone asks me anything about you, all I have are memories from years ago. I don’t know what’s going on with you anymore.”

  “What do you remember?”

  Swallowing hard, she met his eyes. She struggled to find the right words at the moment. She became quieter, but forced out the words. “I expected you to be a ruthless prep-boy jerk who had life handed to him without effort. In high school, for the first month, I avoided you and your friends, until I became friends with Sandy. After our first conversation, your warmth became obvious. After our third, you became my hero, saving me from social disaster. You’re still the best guy I’ve ever met, though you are up to something big.”

  His hands settled on her hips, and she stared up, surprised.

  “Penny, I…” He trailed off, instead pulling her in for a fast kiss.

  Her entire body came alive. Wow.

  Stepping away from her, he caught his breath. “Good night.”

  “No.” The word flew out of her mouth. She had to know if that second had been real. She walked back into him, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss.

  Lightning went through her body when his lips touched hers. She lost focus when she shouldn’t. Pulling out of his embrace, she ignored the fluttering of her heart and told him, “It was real. Okay. Good night, Jay. I have to go shopping.”

  Racing out of his office, she ran back to her room, grabbing her purse. He followed her into the living room, in his boxers still, and she ran to the elevator. Fixing her hair, she held her breath until the doors closed. When he couldn’t see her, she put her hand on her lips. All her life she’d dreamed of that moment, but nothing had prepared her for the sparks coursing through her now.

  This had to be about his business plan. She had her own life to start too, but Jay would be the icing on the cake.

  Blinking, she washed that thought away. No. She couldn’t be like her mother. She’d never use him. He deserved love, and so did she. Jay and her together sounded ridiculous. She’d never dare kiss him again, or else she’d lose her good intentions.

  Chapter Thirteen

  She needed to breathe. Her body was electrified and all she wanted to do was jump into be
d with that man, forgetting everything else. Every nerve ending in her lips still surged from his kiss. Living with Jay for the next month, faking a relationship on Friday, and starting a new job all added up to too much, too fast. She needed a cold shower, but first she had to go clothes shopping, then she’d meet Eva later in the week, pretending to admit she dated Jay.

  What would she say to her now?

  Penny’s mind raced while she rushed down the highway. At least in Miami, stores stayed open late. And she did need to round out a work wardrobe. Ratty jeans did not look professional.

  On the half-hour to drive to the Dolphin mall, she let her mind relax. Her skin jumped when she thought about Jay and what she’d like to do when she went home. Letting out a small yell, she decided to tune him out, so she sang along with any song she could on the radio. Outlet shopping would be less expensive, though she’d make up for it with bulk orders.

  His kiss and how she ran her hands briefly in his sandy blond hair melted her. She needed to stop. On the ride, she called Sandra, who answered on the second ring. “Can you meet Eva and me for coffee tonight?”

  Envisioning a firing squad, she answered nonchalantly, “I can’t. I need to go shopping for work tomorrow, and it’s already late.”

  “Make time. We won’t keep you long.”

  She bit her lip. “I guess I can go to our usual place on the ride home.”

  “Text me when you’re done. She’s upset it was you all along, Pen. We need to smooth things over.”

  What? Her friends all overanalyzed everything, confusing her. She hadn’t talked to Jay until she moved back. Sandy, of all people, had to know that. “Me all along? What does that mean?”

  Sandy whispered into her phone, “Jay never touched Eva. They didn’t date all that long and she thought he wanted someone else. And then bam, turns out the girl was you.”

  She almost swerved her Jeep into another car.

  “No.” A secret thrill raced up her body. The man never touched Eva. Tamara had been pretty, but she didn’t have Eva’s star power. No mortals did, including Penny. Jay had “perfect guy” written on his forehead. Eva had “gorgeous” on hers. But the rawness in his blue eyes earlier told her they had both been rocked at that kiss. The hum in her body grew while she told her friend, “We need to smooth everything out, then.”