Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0)

by Carmen DeSousa

  She nodded, answering him at the same time, “Yes.”

  “Then we’ll be married tonight, so this is our last chance at a first time. Wouldn’t it be nice to wait, to not be rushed? Right now, we don’t have enough time. But tonight...I promise I’ll make it worth the wait.”

  How could she argue with his pure logic? “I guess you’re right,” she conceded, falling back into his embrace. “I just never wanted anyone as much as I want you at this moment.”

  “Me either ...” he said, crushing her tighter to him. But all she could think is she wanted him to hold her even closer. He brushed his lips over her cheek. “Every part of you, heart and soul.”

  They flew first-class to Las Vegas. Somewhere Jaynee had never been or ever desired to go; she wasn’t a gambler. They were going because Las Vegas was the fastest and most popular place in the world to get married. Then again, she was making the biggest gamble of her life. Before, when something didn’t work out, she could walk away. She wouldn’t walk away from a marriage.

  Jordan had made all the arrangements. She’d heard him on the phone while she got ready.

  She knew he had a head for business by the way he talked on the phone. He’d said, “I won’t settle for that,” at least three times while making hotel reservations. He never raised his voice, and she could only hear part of what he was saying, but then his smile indicated he must have gotten his way, because he informed her they would be married this evening in the gardens of the Venetian.

  Jaynee found that Jordan easily took control of most situations, including the discussion with her grandmother of their intention to get married. He told Gram how much he loved Jaynee and would take care of her and provide her every need. He apologized she had to move to North Carolina but promised she could return as often as she wanted. Even Gram had easily succumbed to his charm, just as Jaynee had.

  He left his F-150 along with her Focus in her driveway and then locked both keys in his truck. Right on schedule, a livery vehicle whisked them off to the airport.

  In the air, Jaynee lifted the armrest and scooted next to Jordan. He was so comfortable to snuggle with, not one protruding bone. Lean muscle enclosed every inch of his body.

  “So, what were all those calls concerning?” She peered up at him while resting her head on his shoulder. “I’ve hardly had an opportunity to talk to you in the last couple hours.”

  “I was making arrangements,” he said. “I have a flatbed truck delivering my pickup to North Carolina, and they’re moving your car to your grandmother’s so you’ll have something to drive when you visit. I scheduled a moving company to pack your house. Everything will be in Stanfield when we arrive on Thursday. I booked us for five nights in Vegas. I have to go back to work on Monday, so I figured we’d want a few days at home together alone.” He let out a chuckle, but continued before she could comment. “We’re having a cookout with just immediate family on Friday night at our house. My mother and sisters will prepare dinner so you won’t have to worry about entertaining in a house you aren’t familiar. And then, Saturday, we’re having a wedding reception. I don’t know where yet, but my secretary Lorraine will take care of all the arrangements.” He smiled widely, visibly proud of his achievements.

  Jaynee’s mouth dropped open, but words escaped her. He put his finger under her chin, pulled her mouth back up, and kissed her.

  His brow furrowed. “You okay, love?” he asked when she didn’t respond.

  “Uh, Jordan ... you are quite controlling, aren’t you?” Her lips pursed together in an attempt to hold back the sudden swell of anger. What seemed great earlier suddenly concerned her. How much of her life would he try to control?

  His shoulders sagged, and his eyes took on a look of an adolescent scolded for a wrongdoing.

  She quickly continued, “I’m sorry. That was rude. Thank you for everything. However, will you promise me something?” He nodded and waited for her request. “I know you want to take care of me, but I’ve been on my own since I was seventeen. I’ve made mistakes, but I’m hardly incapable of making decisions. If we’re going to be married, we need to discuss what we are going to do in the future. Not that I don’t enjoy surprises, but would it have hurt to consult with me about a wedding reception and dinner with family members I’ve never met, not to mention moving my house —” She broke off, struggling to keep her voice level. She had a bit of a temper, and with the stress of everything, she was feeling a bit overwhelmed.

  Jordan bolted upright and stared into her eyes. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make everything effortless. I won’t do it again. I suppose I am a bit controlling, but not in a bad way, I swear. I’ve just been in charge of my business and family so long that it’s become ingrained.” His voice was compliant and apologetic.

  She couldn’t stay mad at him, looking at the way his eyes melted into hers.

  Jaynee took a deep calming breath. “I’m not upset, Jordan, merely taken by surprise. I’m not used to people taking care of me or making decisions. Can we just agree to discuss everything from here on out?” She rested her head back on his shoulder again. “With the exception of surprises, of course, I don’t mind that you don’t want me to see the pictures of where we’re going. I understand that the fiancé ...” She paused and smiled at the word. Jordan liked it too, it seemed; his face lit up at her reference. “... is supposed to arrange the honeymoon and keep it a secret.”

  He rested his head on hers. “I am, but I’ll be more considerate in the future.”

  “My Prince Charming,” she said, sighing softly, latching her arm around his again.

  “Not even close,” he offered, chuckling, obviously amused by her comparison. “But, thank you.”

  ***

  Lorraine Condrey gently set the phone back in the cradle. She wanted to launch it across her desk at the empty office next to her. But as always, she kept her feelings locked away for nobody to witness.

  How dare he? How could Jordan leave on business, meet someone, and abruptly decide to marry her? Was he utterly insane? No ... he wasn’t. He was the most thoughtful, caring, loving, smartest, gorgeous, and gentlest man she’d ever known. He belonged to her. From the time they were teenagers, she’d always known he was the One. Why hadn’t she told him?

  She knew why. Because he would never regard her any other way than the girl down the street, with whom he and his sisters spent their summers. She saw all the girls who’d pursued him when he moved here permanently. Some, she knew, would even purposely speed through his section of town, hoping he’d pull them over.

  Now, she was responsible for organizing his wedding reception. She heard correctly. He was getting married tonight, and nothing would stop Jordan. When he set his mind to something, he never surrendered. All she could do was do the best for her boss. Make it beautiful, he’d said. Spare nothing. Anything you can think of to make it special. I trust you. So, she would. Then, when his impromptu marriage failed, she’d be there to shoulder his burden. She wouldn’t hesitate again. She’d comfort him the way she’d always wanted.

  The door flew open, jolting Lorraine from her thoughts. All three partners, both of his brothers-in-law — Robert Brooks and Ronald Duncan — and Detective John Ramos stormed into the office.

  “Is it true, Lorraine? Did Jordan call you with the news?” Bobby’s booming voice rang out before he barely entered the office. “Sissy just called and said Jordan is getting married?”

  Ronny narrowed his eyes and interjected, “Rachael said the same thing. Said he met a girl and they flew to Vegas this morning. Is it true?”

  Detective Ramos said nothing, just had a questioning look that said without words, ‘Certainly his best friend and partner would call him before making such a drastic decision’, but Lorraine had thought the same thing.

  Of course, they were all working on Saturday. It was the only day the entire team could get together and discuss their current projects. And naturally, they’d come to her for answers. Jordan rarely made a move wit
hout checking with her — she was his walking-daily-planner. But he had this time. It was too late to tell him he couldn’t fit a marriage into his schedule ... that he was booked for that role for the rest of his life. Too late.

  Lorraine shook her head in disbelief as the three men stared at her as if she held the answer to some mysterious equation. They knew Jordan made quick decisions. A quality they’d come to admire about him, what gave every one of them an opportunity to work for him. He’d been the one not fearful to venture on his own into the construction business and had brought them in with him in his enterprises, making them all wealthy in the process.

  Lorraine pasted on a smile. “It’s true, called me a few minutes ago. I have to find a suitable location for a wedding reception before Saturday. ’Magine that. Jordan gettin’ married.”

  She hoped the despair hadn’t seeped into her voice. But Bobby high-fived Ronny and John, then let out a hoot and a holler, so she figured he hadn’t noticed her reaction. Ronny, she wasn’t so sure; he didn’t seem as excited. She wondered why. John said nothing, just stood there with his mouth hung open, probably jealous. Jordan and John had competed with each other since they were teenagers. Although it wasn’t Jordan’s fault, John just always wanted whatever Jordan had.

  Bobby slammed his hand on the table, causing Lorraine to jump. “Gone off and found him a Florida beach bunny. That dog! And he’d said he had no intention of settlin’ down anytime soon, hardly even dated from what I’d seen.” Bobby’s loud voice rang through Lorraine’s system. She couldn’t take it any longer; she had to get out of this office — Jordan’s office.

  “Bobby?” Lorraine interrupted his pace around the office. “I know we leave early on Saturday, but I have a few things to organize. Can y’all manage without me today?” The calm tone of her voice amazed her. She felt nothing but sorrow and heartbreak and wanted to scream and hit something — rather, someone.

  Bobby waved her off. “Sure thing, Lorraine. See ya Monday.” He turned his attention back to Ronny and John as she gathered up her purse and car keys. “She’s probably tall with long platinum hair,” Bobby rambled.

  “From Florida, yeah ... that and she’s most likely tanned with baby blue eyes,” Ronny added, wiggling his eyebrows.

  John smacked Ronny on the back. “Every time I went to Florida for Spring Break, the babes all had rockin’ bodies. I’m sure she’s hot,” John completed the appraisal.

  Ugh! Men! Lorraine seethed under her breath. Jordan wouldn’t have done that. He wouldn’t talk about another man’s wife-to-be. Tears streamed down her face. She probably wasn’t a witch at all. Jordan wouldn’t have fallen for fraudulence. She was, however, undoubtedly, prettier than words. Lorraine charged out of the construction trailer, jumped into her car, and raced out of the parking lot entirely too fast. Clumps of the North Carolina red clay splattered against the undercarriage of her car, but she didn’t care. She just wanted to escape.

  ***

  Jaynee held onto Jordan’s hand as he trailed her through the luggage pickup and to the rental counter.

  He had a rental car waiting and drove them to the front entrance of the lavish resort. After handing the keys to the valet, Jordan escorted Jaynee to the front desk.

  Every square inch of the lobby had decorative, ornate moldings and marble, along with aged stone sculptures and re-creations of Italian artwork as far as she could see. A potent scent, reminiscent of jasmine and lavender, filled the air. It was very relaxing. Jaynee felt it working on her senses, even as butterflies swarmed her stomach.

  It was rather busy, but the female clerk accepted papers from Jordan with a smile. “Welcome to the Venetian,” the woman said in a singsong voice. “You’ll be staying in a Venetian Luxury View. The suite has a king-size bed, is non-smoking, and you have a lovely view of the Venetian’s Private Pool and Gardens.”

  Embarrassed by the gleam in the woman’s eyes, Jaynee looked down shyly as she handed them card-keys and various pamphlets of information.

  “Isn’t this incredible?” Jordan paused in the lobby, admiring the overflowing archways and painted ceilings. They lingered around the shops and leaned against the railing, watching lovers in Venice-style gondolas get serenaded by the gondoliers.

  When they finally made it to their suite, he held open the door, allowing her to enter first.

  “Do you like it?” were his first words.

  Jaynee was in awe. “It’s beautiful, Jordan.” She opened the first door after walking through a short hall. The bathroom — four times larger than hers, larger than most homes she’d been in — held a gigantic garden tub surrounded by marble, and then there were double vanities, a separate shower, and a water closet.

  She walked further into the room, taking in the enormous bed with a canopy that sat flush against the ceiling and draped down the back of the bed — it filled half the room. Across from the bed, was a sunken sitting room with an L-shaped sofa, dinette, and a large window overlooking the pool and gardens.

  “So ...” Jordan came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “How ’bout we go find you a dress?”

  She exhaled in relief at the feel of his arms and his words. He wasn’t upset about what she’d said on the plane. He’d been so quiet on the ride to the hotel that she’d worried she’d upset him. Maybe he was just as nervous as she was. “Can I pick out my dress?” she teased, turning around in his arms.

  “As long as you promise not to worry about the price, but agree to select the loveliest dress since you have to choose one off-the-rack.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What do you know about off-the-rack?”

  “I have two sisters, remember. Believe me ... I’ve seen all the drama when it comes to women. My one sister — never mind ... I don’t want to scare you. Let’s just say she’s a prima donna.” He kissed her on the top of the head. “Let’s clean up and go shopping.”

  After they’d freshened up, they drove to a promising looking boutique the front desk recommended. Jordan handed her a credit card as she stepped out of the car. “I ordered one with your name on it. They shipped it overnight, so it’ll be here Monday.”

  Again, Jaynee was speechless. Did the man think of everything? She leaned back into the car at his expectant look and kissed him. “You’ll be back in an hour, right?”

  “You sure that’s long enough?”

  Jaynee backed away and stood upright. “Yes, I’m a fast shopper.”

  He smiled at her comment then waited until she entered the shop before he drove away.

  She had no lack of assistance finding the perfect dress. The sales ladies selected several gowns another woman assured her would look magnificent. When she finally chose a favorite, they measured her and guaranteed her they’d have the dress altered and shipped back to her suite immediately.

  Jaynee had never heard of such a thing. She thought for sure she would have to just deal with the fit. Several more women followed up with an assortment of different shoes, lingerie, garter belts, and veils while the other woman watched over them.

  She stared incredulously at the woman whom she could only assume was the owner or manager. The woman had made sure Jaynee received more attention than she’d ever received in any store. Her standard attire of jeans and a t-shirt rarely got her waited on, often overlooked many times before she would march up to the counter and demand service. But here, the ladies were falling over her. She made eye contact with the woman, summoning her with a crook of her finger.

  “He called you, didn’t he?” Jaynee questioned the woman in wild disbelief, trying to sound casual.

  The manager couldn’t disguise her sheepish grin. “Yes, and you’re not to leave until you have everything.”

  The woman smiled with delight, obviously a romantic and a woman who appreciated men like Jordan. Jaynee wondered if it was the amount of the purchase or had he promised a large tip as well. She smiled in spite of herself. “Thank you, Lord,” she whispered. “Thank you for finding what I couldn’t and th
rowing him in front of me.”

  A man walked in carrying a note and a single red rose looking for one Jaynee Evans. She asked for her purse to give him a tip, but he put up his hands. “Already handled, ma’am,” the man said, grinning.

  The ladies swooned as she opened the letter, insisting she read it to them while they poked, maneuvered, and prodded her in different directions.

  Jaynee, it’s a surprise so it should be all right. I arranged for a return ride to the hotel and made an appointment at the spa. It’s your wedding day after all, so it should be extraordinary. I’ll meet you in the gardens at 7:00 PM sharp. I’ll be the one in black and white with the largest smile on his face, waiting for his bride.

  Love, Jordan

  Jaynee laughed softly. He was going to take the ‘surprise’ comment to his own level. The man was incredible. Again, she couldn’t comprehend how she’d managed to be so fortunate after so many years of pain.

  Jordan had booked a spa package called Euphoria; a treatment intended to indulge every sense in a luxurious ritual, consisting of an aromatic scalp massage and a warm botanical body mask, later washed away in an exquisitely prepared bath. Then she would receive a soothing massage using herb-infused oils.

  Next stop facial. She selected the Total Elegant Facial, knowing how some excessive treatments could leave her face blotchy, and she just wanted to look radiant. Jordan had ordered food too. But since she could feel the butterflies already swarming in her stomach, she just nibbled at a few pieces.

  He’d also booked her a hair appointment, apparently anything she wanted according to the spa coordinator. Although the stylist tried to talk her into highlights, Jaynee settled for a shampoo, trim, and style, not wanting to change her appearance.

  Lastly, a manicure and spa pedicure which was one of Jaynee’s ultimate ideas of relaxing. The manicurist attempted to convince her into painting her nails, but as always, she just requested a buff and shine. However, appreciating the way it made her feet look so dainty and clean, she did opt for a French pedicure.