by Mia Jones
Table of Contents
Title Page
First Sight
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Epilogue
About the Author
Cover design by Lindsey Jayne
Editing by Angie Wade
Proofreading by Emily Cargile
Chapter 1
Angie put the phone on speaker as she moved papers around on her desk at work. “Jessica, this country club cocktail party Friday is a really good way to meet potential contributors. Do you really want to lose this chance?”
“Those things make me uncomfortable, Ang. Everybody at these are so perfect, stylish, and sophisticated.”
“That’s bull, Jess. You fit in just as much as we do.”
Jessica snorted. “You and your husband, Nick, are perfect. Blond, blue-eyed, extremely good looking, athletic, all-American. I’m the opposite of that. Short, plain with crazy hair, from the wrong side of the tracks. I can guarantee ‘stylish’ is not a word anyone would use to describe me. I work with animals all day. I don’t fit in at all.”
“You are so full of poop. You’re beautiful and funny and smart and so darn sweet. You fit in just fine, although a shopping trip wouldn’t hurt.” She chuckled when a soft growl sounded from the phone.
Jessica made a desperate sound of discouragement then laughed. “I hate shopping, Angie.”
“Not as much as you hate spending money, ya cheapskate.”
“That’s not a nice thing to say to a friend.” Jessica laughed and leaned back in her office chair at the shelter.
“But am I wrong?”
There was a slight pause. “No.”
“It’s okay to be cheap, but Jessica, you are extreme. You have been since I met you in college.”
Jessica blew out a frustrated breath and continued to work. She knew Angie was going to get her way, but Jessica wanted her to work for it. “And what’s the problem with that?”
“Absolutely nothing. You were brilliant. I remember when your roommate, Nancy, told me you worked at the campus cafeteria so you didn’t have to pay for a food card. But you were so incredibly shy, I couldn’t figure out how you could waitress when you didn’t talk to people.”
Jessica snorted and Angie laughed.
“You got your books for free by putting in hours at the college emergency hotline. And your outfits—although mostly really cute and original—I didn’t know at the time you got all your clothes from the Salvation Army. I envy your ability to live on so little. You had everything you needed, and you still saved money.”
Angie leaned back in her chair and smiled at the memories of college. “After we became friends, everything we did− when I could get you to do anything− you found ingenious ways to save money. You saved me money, which my father will forever be grateful for.” There was a slight pause. “I’m especially thankful to my friend, Nancy, your roommate. If it wasn’t for her, we probably would have never met. And I wonder sometimes if I would have met Nick either, since his dorm was across the hall from you guys.”
Jessica stopped writing. “I think about that sometimes. I’ll never forget the first time you two met. I believed in love at first sight after that. And you’ve been together ever since.”
Angie’s tone softened. “But I also know it stems from your shitty childhood.”
Jessica swallowed the pain that pierced through her when she thought of those years. “Angie, can we talk about anything else?”
“Yes, sweetie. I’m sorry.” Angie could have kicked herself. “You need to get out more. You work too damn hard. You deserve to have some fun. So please come with Nick and me tonight.” Angie regretted bringing Jessica’s childhood up, because it usually upset her to even talk about it.
Jessica shook off the memories best forgotten and sputtered. “Okay, fine, but I’ll meet you there.”
Angie smiled. “Great.”
Jessica rolled her eyes and tossed her braid over her shoulder. “What time?”
“Six thirty. And they always order a lot of appetizers, so you won’t have to spend money on dinner.”
“Ha ha.”
“Sarcasm?” Angie laughed at the snort that came through the phone. “Oh, and Jess, Melanie is going to meet us there tonight. Just thought I’d give you a head up.”
“Ang, I don’t have a problem with her. She’s just never liked me.”
“She doesn’t like you because you’re prettier than she is without trying, and it pisses her off. I know she can be a real witch, but she’s going through a rough time.”
“What happened?”
“Johnathon left her for another woman.”
“Wow. That’s the third time this year, isn’t it?” Jessica asked concerned.
Angie sighed. “Unfortunately, yes. She just keeps getting angrier.”
“Why does she think she needs a man? She keeps trying to find a man, and it’s always the same type.”
“She’s been like that since we were in high school together.”
“I feel bad for her.”
“Yeah, me too. That’s why she’s coming out with us tonight. To get her mind off things.”
“I hope it helps.”
“Me too. So I’ll see you there?” Her voice was hopeful.
“Yes.”
“Don’t sound so sad about it. You’re going to have a blast.”
Chapter 2
Later that day, Jessica’s gaze widened and wandered around the room as she walked into the bar area of the country club. She bit her lip as tension tightened her stomach, making her feel slightly nauseated. She pressed a hand against her stomach and instantly started to regret coming tonight.
It was only recently that Nick and Angie had become members. They found it really was a great way to meet clients. Nick and Angie had been very successful with these gatherings. So fruitful, Jessica was afraid Angie would ask her to come to these get-togethers again in the future. She swallowed her tension, tried to make the best of the situation, and thought of excuses to get out of coming again.
Angie and Nick were stopped several times. Nick was a lawyer and Angie worked in real state, so they knew a lot of people around the city. Melanie and Jessica walked slowly behind them, mainly ignored each other, and stopped when the couple did.
There have to be a hundred people here, Jessica thought nervously. All intimidating and expensively dressed for a business/social gathering. It was early in the evening, but already several couples danced on the dance floor to the right of the main double doors.
The room was dim, and the low-key conversations were mixed in with the soft music. It was a beautiful room. The walls were done in muted shades of calming blues. The woodwork around the doors, windows, and along the half-wall paneling were beautiful and intricate. There were several fawn-colored leather seating arrangements with table and chairs to the left and a long maple bar surrounded by people in the back of the immense area. She’d only been to the club a few times and never at night− always a quick lunch with Angie, never in this room.
Jessica listened with half an ear to Melanie.
After the first comments about getting laid and what Jessica could do to not look so horrendous, she tuned her out. Jessica’s gaze swept the room quickly before concentrating on Angie and Nick. She was uncomfortable with the looks she got from some of the men and the shocked looks she got from some women. Jessica wondered if they were wondering how someone like her got in. She breathed a slight sigh of relief when they found a tall table and stools to the side and away from the movement of the crowd.
“Hey, ladies, I’m going to make a run to the bar. What can I get you to drink?”
Jessica indicated the wine glass in her hand. “I’m good, Nick.”
Nicks arm was snug around Angie’s waist. “I’m surprised you’re even drinking, Jess. I can’t remember the last time.”
Jessica grimaced. Liquid courage, she thought. As she watched him walk off toward the back of the large room, her attention came back to Angie and their conversation about work.
“Hey girls, look over in the corner by the doors and check out the hottie that’s checking me out,” Melanie said excited.
Both Jessica and Angie turned their heads the direction Melanie indicated.
There was a moment of silence. “Oh shit,” Angie whispered.
Both women jerked toward her in surprise when Angie swore. She hardly ever got upset and almost never cussed.
“What the hell, Ang? You know that guy and have never introduced me before?” Melanie complained. Her eyebrows snapped together in annoyance as she adjusted her cream-colored silk shirt and made sure her hair was in its sleek style that just grazed her shoulders.
Angie looked worriedly at Jessica.
Jessica faced Angie, concerned. “What, Ang?”
“I’m pretty sure he’s staring at you, Jess.” She bit down on her lip.
Melanie shot Angie a hostile glare. “He could be looking at me. Not every man out there wants Jess.”
Jessica ignored Melanie and held both of Angie’s hands in hers with a frown of concern on her face. “Angie. Why are you upset about this? All I need to say is no if he asked me out, which I really doubt. I can tell from here he’s way above my class rating and way out of my league.” Jess glanced over at the table. “Who is he?” A slight shiver ran down her spine at the intense gaze he had fastened on her.
“His name is Garrett Batali. Nick hasn’t gone in-depth with information about him, because the guy is really private, so I can only tell you what I know. He’s a friend of Nick’s from childhood but a few years older. Nick is thirty-one, so he has to be in his mid-thirties.”
“And...?” Melanie pushed.
Angie rolled her eyes. “And he’s self-made. Had built his business by the time Nick graduated from college. Nick seems to think he’s brilliant. I’m not sure where or if Garrett went to college. I’m not sure about his family either. Nick’s never said anything about that either. Which might be one of the reasons he makes me so nervous.”
Melanie threw her arms out. “So what’s the problem, Ang?”
Angie cringed as several people turned toward them. “God, Melanie, keep your voice down.” Angie turned back to Jessica, her frown deepened. “I don’t know why, but he’s always made me uncomfortable. There’s just something about him. He’s always been very nice to me, always polite. But I feel like he wears a disguise to mask the real man, and that underneath is an extremely intense, dangerous man.” Angie pulled her hands from Jessica’s grasp and set them on her shoulders. “But it’s more than that. I just don’t know how to put it in words.”
The women turned toward the source of their discussion and found that he still sat relaxed with his suit jacket and tie off at a table across the room with a drink in one hand and his other hand rested on the back of the empty chair next to him. It looked like he was listening to the man on the other side of him, because every so often, he would nod or make a comment, but his gaze stayed locked on Jessica.
“Why would he be looking at me, Ang?”
Angie snorted and Melanie cussed. “Jesus, you don’t get it, do you Jess? Some men seem to like drab women like you.” Melanie’s voice was a little snide, and jealousy colored her words.
Angie shot a look at Melanie in annoyance, with a hint of anger, before she turned back to Jess. “I wish you could see yourself like the rest of the world does.” Angie held up her hand to silence the argument she knew would follow. “And I’m sorry, Jess, but he is looking at you.”
Jessica frowned at Angie but pulled her into a quick hug. “Please don’t worry. Even if he is looking at me, the minute he meets me and finds how unsophisticated I am, he’ll walk away.”
Angie gripped Jessica tighter. “No, you don’t understand. You’re going to find him attractive− every woman does− and he’s going to find you irresistible.” She ignored Jessica’s snort. “I’ve just never known him to have a girlfriend− only one-night stands with sluts or very short-term lovers. And you don’t have a slutty bone in your body.”
Jessica laughed. “You’re right, I don’t. He’ll find out I’m not a fun-loving party girl and certainly not a one-night stand and leave me alone. Stop worrying...”
“Hot damn, I finally get to meet a hotty,” Melanie whispered, amusement and excitement clear in her tone. “I am perfectly capable and eager for a one-night stand with that man.”
Jessica’s and Angie’s head snapped around to see the man headed their way. Angie pulled Jessica around to face her and tightened her hold on her hands. “Just remember what I said, okay?”
“Ladies.”
The flow of people and noise from the crowd disguised his approach, so he still startled all three women. Jessica’s gaze traveled up and up and finally landed on the most masculine man she’d ever seen. He was well over six feet tall and of pure masculine power. His hair was dark. Very dark, almost black. But it was his eyes, black as coal, that seemed to look right into the heart of her. She realized that her mouth was hanging open when he chuckled.
“Angie, will you introduce me to your friends?” He made it sound more like a command instead of a request. His gaze stayed locked on Jessica.
Jessica pushed her thick hair from her face, and a shiver coursed through her at his raspy tone of voice. She stiffened and turned to Angie when her friend made an anxious sound under her breath. She didn’t like that he made her friend nervous and uncomfortable. Angie was a sensitive, loyal person, and they had always been protective of each other.
His features couldn’t really be called cold, but they definitely looked detached. Jessica narrowed her eyes at him, crossed her arms, and moved to stand in front of Angie, even though Angie was taller and weighed more than Jessica. Jessica’s mouth turned down, and she bristled when a twinkle sparked in his eyes and his mouth twitched.
Garrett held up his hands in an imitation act of surrender. The twitch in his mouth became more pronounced as he stared down at Jessica.
Angie cleared her throat and tried to pull Jessica behind her, but Jessica’s body stiffened. Angie let out a frustrated growl when she found there was no way to get around her because of the tall tables, stools, and people in the way. “Jess, for God’s sake, move,” Angie whispered as Jess argued over her own shoulder at Angie.
“No, Angie. I’ll take care of this.”
Garrett had to bite the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing aloud as these little women tried to protect each other from him. He smiled at her little show of protectiveness over her friend. He wondered why they thought they had to protect each other at all, but it made him think of two little kittens trying to protect each other from a lion.
His gaze focused on Jessica’s beautiful face before they roamed slowly up and down her body. From her tiny feet in black flats to the top of her head where she put her massive amount of dark red hair in some kind of clip to tame it. Unfortunately for her, it didn’t work. Some of her hair had come loose and fell down her back to her waist, but she somehow made it look stylish.
“Um, Garrett Batali, please meet Melanie and J
essica,” Angie said a little coolly from behind Jessica.
Garrett turned to Melanie. One look told him everything he needed to know about this woman. He stayed away from women like her. From her stylish fake blonde hair and her makeup done to perfection, to her expensive clothes and shoes, it all turned him off. But it was the cynical, hungry look in her eyes that repulsed him. He couldn’t find anything real about those kinds of women. “I’m pleased to meet you, Melanie.” He shook her hand quickly, pasted on a smile he hoped look sincere, and then he turned back to Jessica.
A subtle tension seemed to invade his body. “Jessica, dance with me.”
Once again, it sounded like a rough command, but there was something about Garrett’s demeanor and his eyes that showed a slight look of relief. He quickly tried to quench it when she moved toward him.
Jessica’s eyes widened when her feet automatically moved toward him. She stopped suddenly, confused. Something about him tugged at her and softened something in her. A force that physically pulled her in his direction. She didn’t feel any fear of him, but she did feel a woman’s vulnerability, and her body felt so sensitized, her skin felt too tight. Both were things she’d never experienced before. With her attention on Garrett, Jessica didn’t notice when Nick came up behind Angie and placed his hands on her tense shoulders.
“We were just talking, Garrett. Maybe another time.” Angie tried to reach for Jessica to prevent her from taking another step, when Nick squeezed her shoulders and leaned down to whisper something in Angie’s ear. A red flush covered her cheeks, and her lips tightened.
Angie looked worriedly at Jessica then at Garrett but didn’t say another word.
His anger flared like lightening before he hid it, then Garrett made his eyes soften. “If she’s in my care, I won’t ever let anything happen to her, Angie. You have my promise,” he said gently and then held out a hand to Jessica who immediately took it and calmly followed behind Garrett toward the dance floor.
Angie instantly turned to Nick. “I don’t like that he’s suddenly interested in Jess.” Her words were a little frantic.
