Selling houses hadn’t been anywhere on his radar when he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in supply chain management. All he wanted was something that would get him out of Nashville. With the help of a family friend, he found a job with a manufacturing company in Atlanta. It didn’t take long to realize that the corporate world wasn’t for him. Working sixty-hour weeks for people who did nothing useful except sit in meetings and take all the credit got old fast.
On a whim he attended a real estate seminar. One of the presenters was Austin Gilbert, recently engaged and the owner of a small, but growing real estate business in Columbus. The two men hit it off from the start. When Austin offered Jackson a job, he didn’t hesitate. Three years later, they were the acknowledged leaders in the area. Their success had made Jackson one of the most sought after bachelors in town, something he found amusing and irritating at the same time. Being popular because he happened to have a lot of money was like the final piece of irony.
Whenever he felt the stirrings deep inside for something more than the superficial relationships he indulged in, he made himself remember the snowy day in December when he brought Carmen home to meet his parents. She wasn’t his first love, but she would be his last. Because of the selfish actions of others, he had to walk away from someone he cared deeply about. His chance at happiness had been snatched from him in the cruelest way. After all this time, he still hadn’t found a cure for his broken heart. All he was doing was managing the symptoms.
Shifting the Rover into gear, he pulled out of the parking lot. A few minutes later, he was sitting inside his garage. At the sound of the key in the lock, his dogs started barking. Jackson opened the door and prepared for the onslaught. Two blue heelers flew at him from opposite sides of the room, almost knocking him down in the process.
“Was I gone too long? Let’s go outside and run off some of this energy.”
They bolted through the screen door, noses glued to the ground. While he watched the sun slowly dip below the tree line, Abbott and Costello chased birds, squirrels and anything else brave enough to enter the yard. The growling of his stomach forced him inside. Obedient to his whistle, they trailed him to the door, each trying to get ahead of the other.
After taking care of their dinner, he walked into the kitchen to make his own meal. He wished he could have eaten what the guests at the anniversary party were having. The roast beef, mashed potatoes, cooked cabbage, fried okra and corn bread being served reminded him of the Sunday dinners at his grandmother’s house. The leftover spaghetti he was warming in the microwave wouldn’t be nearly as good.
When he heard the beep, he opened the door and grabbed the dish. Just as quickly, he pulled his hand back. “That’s what I get for not paying attention,” he grumbled, sticking his stinging fingers in his mouth. Using a dish towel, he removed the hot porcelain to the counter and watched the steam billow into the air. It reminded him of earlier when he’d seen Violet working with the stainless steel food trays.
Running into her again was a pleasant surprise, and based on the proximity of their workplaces, it wouldn’t be the last time. He wasn’t sure why he felt such an instant rapport with her. Maybe it was because of the uniqueness of their acquaintance. He didn’t number very many single women as friends. In his experience, it was a state that was nearly impossible to maintain. One of two things usually happened. Either the two people drew closer together or they drifted apart.
Chapter Four
Violet jumped when she heard the loud knock on the door. Couldn’t whoever was standing outside read the sign that clearly said the shop didn’t open until nine? Peering through the crack in the door separating the customer area from the back room, she could see Jackson standing on the other side of the glass entrance. Although she couldn’t hear him, he appeared to be whistling.
She’d spent the remainder of the weekend and most of yesterday trying to downplay what happened on Saturday. It was all for nothing. Her pulse had sprung to life as if the starting gun at a race had gone off and any second now the butterflies in her stomach would join in.
When he caught sight of her, he smiled and waved. It was like bathing in liquid sunshine. Her mouth instinctively curved upwards as she walked over to let him in.
“What are you doing here?”
“I’m being neighborly. When I saw Leonie outside, I had to stop by and say ‘hello’.”
“You almost gave me a heart attack, but it’s the thought that counts. Do you have a busy day ahead?”
“Not too bad.” His glance swept the store from side to side. “I’ve never been in a consignment shop before. I pictured it as a step up from a garage sale, but it’s nothing like that. This is really nice.”
“Thank you. I like to think we have something for everyone.”
“It sure looks that way. Are those John Pils prints hanging on the back wall? I have one from a trip I made to St. Louis last year.”
“Yes, they are. He has a unique style. Clean lines and just enough color to make it interesting.”
“Sometimes less is better.” Jackson bent over to pick up a shadow box. “This is something my secretary would like.”
“They’re very popular with people who do crafts. A lady brought in three of them. This is the last one.”
“Jetta does all that kind of stuff. She’s got a birthday coming up. I’m sure she’d prefer this to a gift card to Hobby Lobby. Can I pay for it now and pick it up after work? She’s already in the office, and I don’t want her to see it.”
“Just pay me when you pick it up. I don’t have the register turned on yet.”
“How late are you open? I’ll be showing some property near Pine Mountain.”
“Officially we close at six, but I’m usually here ‘til six-thirty.”
“I should be back by then,” he said, pulling his phone out of his pocket and glancing at the screen. “Duty calls. Jetta can’t get the fax machine to work. I better go before she throws it out and orders a new one. Have a good day.”
“You, too.”
As soon as the door closed behind him, Violet walked over and watched until he disappeared from view. When she turned back around, she wasn’t alone. Summer was standing by the counter holding a mega-sized cup of soda and a bag of something from The Mill.
“How long have you been here?” Violet asked.
Summer grinned as she dropped the bag on the counter. “Not long enough. All I heard was something about a fax machine. Did you know that The Mill is moving into the old State Farm Building? It’ll be great not having to drive so far.”
Violet wasn’t fooled by this sudden change of subject. The inquisition into Jackson’s presence in the store was only beginning. Like any good interrogator, Summer was assessing the situation and deciding which method would gain her the most information. “I’m not sure it’s a good thing. Neither one of us can resist their pastries.”
Summer rolled her eyes. “You have nothing to worry about. You’re as slim as you were in high school. That can’t be said for me.”
“I don’t have a husband at home cooking dinner for me every night.”
“But you obviously have a potential one. Who was that gorgeous man?”
Violet opened the bag and peered inside. “Were they out of pumpernickel bagels?”
“Yes. You might as well tell me who he is. I’m not going to stop asking until you do.”
“I met him a few weeks ago.”
“How could you keep meeting Chris Evans to yourself, and why in the world would you want to?”
“Who’s Chris Evans?”
“He’s an actor, but that’s beside the point. What’s his name?”
Violet opened the container of cream cheese and spread a thick layer on a sesame seed bagel. “Jackson Redmayne. He bought our last shadow box as a birthday gift.” Anticipating the next question, she added. “For his secretary.”
Summer tapped her long nails on the counter. “Is he married?”
“I didn’t ask, and he didn’t say. You’re welcome to do your own investigation. He’s just a few doors down.”
“Sometimes I wonder about you, Violet. You can’t expect a man to do all the work. You’ve got to give him a little encouragement.”
“Slow down, Summer. I barely know the guy. I need to find out a little more about him before I start thinking about giving him encouragement. Even if he’s not married, he probably has a girlfriend. Men who look like movie stars usually do.”
“You still haven’t told me how you met him.”
“I backed into his car at a rest area coming back from Chattanooga.”
Summer laughed so hard she almost spit out her soda. “That’s one way of getting a man’s attention. He won’t forget you anytime soon.”
“It gets better. I almost hit his motorcycle last week when I went to Stairway to Heaven.”
By this time, Summer was doubled over. “Oh, Violet. You’re priceless. If you two do end up getting together, you’ll have a great story to tell your children.”
Into Violet’s mind came a vision of a little boy wearing a leather jacket and holding a guitar. She moved restlessly, and the picture disappeared. She was getting as bad as Summer. “We’re a long way from getting together or having children. Let’s leave the world of fantasy and step back into reality. I went to Mom and Dad’s yesterday to get all my instructions. Between taking care of Jeeves, feeding the fish, watering the plants, and doing the yardwork, I’m not going to have a second to spare.”
“Are you staying there?”
“That’s part of the deal. Jeeves is too old to be moved, and the house has to look lived in.”
“It’s more accurate to say that Jeeves is too fat to be moved. As for the house, it’s got a security system.”
“I know, but four weeks is a long time to be gone. Mom won’t enjoy her trip if she’s constantly worried about something happening.”
Summer nodded. “That’s true. Be ready for daily phone calls.”
Violet laughed. “If not hourly. Anyway, I don’t mind and neither will Pierre. He’ll have Rachel all to himself.”
“Are things getting serious between them?”
“All signs are pointing in that direction. I expect to see a ring on her finger before too long which means I’ll have to find somewhere else to live.”
“You could always move back home. There’s plenty of room.”
“Getting Mom to let me move out the first time was hard enough.”
“She didn’t want to let go of the baby of the family. Mom’s a nurturer. She’s not happy unless she’s taking care of someone.” Summer stopped and looked at Violet. “Come to think of it, you’re a lot like her. You’re always doing something for someone. At some point, you’re gonna have to start doing things for yourself.”
Violet pretended to yawn. “I’ve heard all this before. Let’s talk about something else.”
“Garrett and I are going to his parents’ condo in Ft. Walton Beach for the 4th of July weekend. You should come with us. We could bring one of Garrett’s single friends along.”
There was nothing more awkward than being forced on someone. “I can’t go out of town. I’m housesitting, remember?”
“April can take over for a few days.”
Violet didn’t point out that their sister might have her own plans for the upcoming holiday. That wouldn’t weigh much with Summer. She was like a bulldozer plowing through every obstacle in her path. Some things required a more delicate touch.
* * * * *
After fixing the fax machine and teasing Jetta about her inability to do so, Jackson took care of his emails, returned some phone calls, and put together the comparable sales reports for the clients he was meeting with after lunch. When he left his office to run an errand, his glance automatically went to where Leonie was parked.
The car had clearly seen better days. One side of the chassis hung lower than the other and it’s once bright red exterior had weathered to a sad grayish-pink. The fact that Violet was holding on to it made him think she might not be able to afford anything newer. She couldn’t be making much money working for a caterer and in a consignment shop.
Myrna’s BMW was parked next to his open space when he returned. Poor Jetta. She’d never forgive him for leaving her alone this morning. Her tight-lipped response to his greeting when he strolled through the door confirmed his suspicions. He offered what he hoped would soothe her ruffled feathers.
“I come bearing gifts,” he said, handing her a small white box.
“For once I think I earned it.”
Jackson produced a fork from his pocket along with a few napkins. “You always earn it. Did we get that contract from Emerson?”
“Not yet. I’ll call Abby and see what the holdup is.”
“And I’ll go see what my girlfriend wants.”
Jetta made a rude sound. “We both know what she wants.” She lowered her voice a few octaves. “An engagement ring.”
That wouldn’t be happening. “Let’s hope not. Enjoy your strawberry cheesecake.”
Myrna was sitting on his desk filing her nails. Her reddish-brown hair hung in ringlets over her shoulders and down her back. The slim cut of her skirt and silk blouse showed a figure many women would give anything to possess. Lying on the carpet in the middle of the floor were her high-heeled shoes. It was a sight that would make most men happy. Jackson would have preferred to see it somewhere else. In spite of numerous conversations on the subject, he couldn’t get her to understand that this was a place of business.
“You didn’t tell me you were off today,” he said, closing the door behind him and walking around her shoes.
“The tech people had to do some unplanned maintenance. I’ve got a few hours to kill so I thought I’d come see if you wanted to get an early lunch.”
“A late dinner would be better.” On his way to his chair, he bent to kiss her. As he drew away, she caught hold of his tie, keeping their faces close together.
“You’re turning into a regular ‘all work and no play’ kind of guy.”
“That happened long before I met you.”
She watched him sit down, a frown marring her face. “You don’t have to work all these crazy hours anymore. You’re a millionaire several times over.”
“That’s an exaggeration. As for my work, I enjoy what I do, or I’d be doing something else.”
She slid off the desk and dropped into his lap. “Then do your work. I won’t bother you.”
Jackson clasped the fingers reaching for his tie again. “You’d have to move from your current position and maintain a distance of three feet at all times.”
“That wouldn’t be much fun for either of us.”
“It’s a sacrifice we’ll have to make.”
She stood up and went to get her purse off the chair in front of his desk. “You’re becoming a bore, Jackson.”
And she was becoming more demanding. He waited while she slipped her feet into her shoes and then followed her to the door of his office. “I should be finished by seven tonight.”
Myrna laughed. “I hope so for your sake. You’re not the only man around.”
He didn’t have long to wonder about that remark. Jetta walked into his office, her nose wrinkling with what he took to be distaste.
“Chanel No. 5? Who’s she kidding?” She held out a packet of papers. “Here’s the Emerson contract. I’m off to take those pictures of the house on Lakeview.”
He took the papers from her and flipped through them quickly. “Thanks. I’ll probably be gone by the time you get back.”
“No problem. I’ll text you if something urgent comes up.”
He put down the papers and looked at her. “You can text me if nothing urgent comes up.”
She shook her head even as a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. “It’s a crying shame.”
“What is?”
“You wasting all that charm on an old married woman.”
“You’re the only one who appreciates it. Myrna just rolls her eyes.”
“That should tell you something. Good luck in Pine Mountain.”
Jetta had only been gone a few minutes when Austin came in, an air of suppressed excitement about him.
“What’s up with you? Did you win the Powerball last night?”
Austin smiled slightly as he leaned against the doorframe. “If I’d won the lottery, I wouldn’t have come by here. I would’ve called you on my way to Atlanta. This is something better, at least to me. Elise called this morning. I know that doesn’t sound like much, but at this point, I’ll take anything.”
Since Jackson didn’t know why Austin’s wife moved out in the first place, he wasn’t sure what to say. “Any kind of communication is good.”
“We talked for about twenty minutes. She’s staying with her sister in Virginia. Their house is on the beach. Elise loves being near the water. We honeymooned on Sanibel Island.”
“I’ve heard that place is really nice. We should think about retiring there.”
“I agree. In other news, I took care of those three closings and made arrangements to take the Jacobsen’s out again this afternoon. I’ve never seen two people change their minds so many times.” He waved his hand in front of his face. “It smells like a perfumery in here. That can only mean one thing. How’s the lovely Myrna doing?”
“As beautiful as ever.”
“And as far from getting you to the altar as ever, I suppose.”
“You suppose right.”
“Lots of men feel that way until they meet the right woman.”
Meeting the right woman hadn’t done him any good. He was still alone. Jackson stood up and pushed in his chair. “So you and Jetta keep telling me.”
Mine for a Day (Finding Love Book 8) Page 3
