by Tina Leonard
“You got it in one. The use of gentleman caller, but not the new room décor. Nice try, Jake, but you’re not even close. Very, very cold, not even warm.” She laughed and went off, the tails on the kerchief flopping above her head.
He stared after Lucy. She wouldn’t have chosen The Glass Menagerie for the new décor. That wouldn’t suit Vivian at all. Of all people, he’d thought Lucy would get the type of silent advertising his mother appreciated.
Sugar walked down the stairs. “Hi, Jake.”
His heart sank, burdened under a thousand emotions. Sugar was so beautiful she practically stopped his heart. He wanted her so badly he could hardly stand it when he couldn’t see her. Yet they felt farther apart than ever—and when he told her what he’d come to say, they’d be even more apart. “Can we talk?”
“Sure.” She went onto the porch. He followed her, sitting on the stoop beside her. “What’s up?”
“Sugar,” Jake said, choosing his words, “I want to help you with your business.”
She blinked. “Do you?”
He nodded. “I really would like to help.”
She ran a hand through her long mahogany hair, a darker, deeper hue than Lucy’s and Maggie’s. “I’m listening.”
He leaned back against the wood porch, bracing his arms behind him. “Reporters have been snooping around Pecan Creek. They want to do a piece on this house and your business. The dead guy was not helpful,” Jake said. “He’s brought your business more interest than you could have done with a year of advertising on Pecan Creek’s billboard.”
Her eyes widened. “That’s not good.”
“You don’t want your product associated with a dead weirdo who broke into your house. Also, the reporters will be quick to determine that you don’t have the proper permits to run your business.”
“I’ve applied for them,” Sugar said, “and I’ve put in a request for the health department to come out and inspect us. The wheels move very slowly on these issues.”
“Good girl.” He nodded. “At least you’ve got the wheels moving. Still, the thing is, you may want to move your launch. At least until after the reporters are gone, and the interest in the dead guy in the Hollywood-movie-set house where the lady who sells pecans lives is over.”
“Oh God.” Sugar’s face fell. “That’s horrible!”
“I know. It’s the opener in every phone call I take these days.” Jake shook his head. “I’m damn sorry, Sugar.”
She seemed stunned. “Jake, I need this launch to go smoothly. I’ve spent money on packaging, advertising, ingredients. Boxes. The list is endless.”
He could tell she was overwhelmed. “Busy week?”
“Yeah.” She shook her head. “There’s a ton of things to do right before a business opens. I’ve been working like crazy almost twenty-four-seven to get this off the ground. You really think I should push the opening back?”
He nodded. “It’s unfortunate, but just until the storm blows over.”
“Okay.” She looked out over the pecan grove, her eyes big and sad. “All right. If you think it’s the best thing to do.”
“Unfortunately, I do.” Jake felt like such a heel.
“This is what you came by to tell me?”
“Yeah.” He put an arm around Sugar’s shoulders, gave her a slight hug, then stood. “I’m really sorry.”
“I am too.” She stood, looking thoughtful. “So the real problem is the parade, huh? The notoriety my business will bring to the town?”
He hesitated. “Sugar, don’t make me the bad guy. I’m trying to help.”
She looked at him a long time. He could tell she didn’t trust him. He guessed he deserved that.
“I don’t know what to think,” she finally said. “I just think I hear Vivian’s voice when you talk.”
“You might hear her voice,” Jake said, “but it’s to our benefit for Hotter than Hell Nuts to be a wild success. You’re renting our house, you’re buying our pecans, your taxes will go to this town. We have a vested interest in your success.”
She nodded. “So we’ll push the opening back.”
Now he was annoyed. He hated being accused of being underhanded. “Look, I’m no hero, Sugar. But I’m not the evil Grinch of this town, either. I’m sorry things aren’t working out at the moment. I think it will in the future.” He wanted to stop himself right there, told himself to, but the words came to the surface before he could stop them. “I am not the one who had a blog that was about hot, sexy nuts and creamy, silky sauces.”
Sugar stared at him, almost as if he’d struck her. Jake shook his head and got in his truck. He’d made a huge mistake. He’d let hurt and temper get the best of him. He wished he was holding Sugar right now, comforting her. No one knew better than he did how difficult it was to get a business off the ground. There were a thousand different decisions that had to be made, and every single one felt like a heavy weight until the day the first customer showed up and the register finally rang.
He drove away, knowing he’d gone way over the line—and pretty sure there was no way to back up and erase the damage.
Which just killed him.
“Heard you’ve been looking for me.”
Kel sat on his porch, a lump of sheer misery.
Jake sat down next to his friend. “How’ve you been?”
“Better, that’s for sure.” Kel shrugged. “I’ll be better again.”
Jake hardly knew what to say. “It sucks, man.”
“I know.” He sighed. “Although Debbie called me the other day, so things might be looking up. She only called to talk about the kids, but it was the first time she’s called me since she threw out my stuff.”
“So now what?” Jake stood up. “Tell me while we go inside and get a beer.”
Kel followed him. “I think I’ll sell you my share of Bait and Burgers.”
Jake handed him a beer. “Seriously?”
Kel nodded. “I’m thinking about moving to Dallas. Getting a job where I can make more money. I’ve even been toying with going back into the military.”
Jake blinked. “Kel, man, think. Your kids’ll miss the hell out of you. It’ll destroy your family.”
“Jake, I’m not part of my family anymore. I’m satellite dad, floating around out on the edge, not part of anything.” He sighed, sunk in misery. “The day my pecker failed was the day my whole life changed.”
“Holy crap,” Jake said, “if all Debbie wants is a—”
Kel held up a big paw. “That’s what Debbie wanted. Now Debbie wants a divorce. Ever heard of the cow that left the barn? My cow’s run down the road.” Kel looked up at the ceiling. “My cow is dead as a doornail.”
Jake sank into a chair. “Doesn’t Debbie know that Lucy and Bobby are a hot item?”
“Doesn’t fix my problem. Doesn’t fix her female fixation that I had the hots for another woman.” Kel looked at him. “I need to get a fresh start. Get a real job. Get my self-esteem back.”
Knocking sounded on the front door. “Hang on,” Jake said. “Keep that thought. We’re not done with working on your problem.”
He opened the door, astonished to find Sugar on his front porch. “Hello?”
“Hello, yourself. Invite me in, and yes, I’d like a beer just like the one you’re holding.”
“Come on in. Kel and I could use some female enlightenment.”
Sugar went inside. “Hello, Kel.”
“Sugar.” Kel stood. “I guess I’d better be going.”
“Don’t you dare,” Sugar said. “I have a bone to pick with you.”
“A bone?” Kel sank back into the leather sofa. “I hope it’s a small one.”
“Super-sized, actually.” She sat down next to Kel. “Your wife talked to me when I was shopping for ribbons.”
“Oh.” Kel shrugged. “Free country, I guess.”
“She says you have a thing for Lucy. I told her that you told me you loved her—Debbie.” Sugar held up a hand. “I can’t do all yo
ur heavy lifting, Kel. Debbie seemed shocked that you told me you loved her.”
He blinked. “I don’t remember telling you that.”
“Work with me here,” Sugar said. “Your wife needs to know that you love her.”
“I do,” Kel said. “I made a mistake, but I always loved my wife.”
Jake nodded. “I can vouch for that.”
Sugar looked at Jake. “You’re next, so don’t draw my fire too soon.”
“Gotcha.” Jake got Sugar a beer and sank into a sofa to listen to Sugar train his buddy. “I’m not even here.”
Sugar looked at Kel. “I think Debbie misses you.”
“She doesn’t act like it.”
“Sometimes it’s hard to find the words. Have you tried to talk to her?”
He looked at Sugar. “I don’t bother her. She got rid of my clothes and everything. I figure actions speak pretty loud.”
“And if actions speak loudly,” Sugar said, “maybe a really big action is called for on your part. If you want to save your marriage.”
Kel blinked. “What action?”
Sugar glanced at Jake. “Do go on. This is fascinating,” Jake said. “The Cassavechia mind is a most amazing thing.”
“Just remember that in a minute when it’s your turn.”
Jake waved his beer at her. “I’ll try to be brave.”
“Kel,” Sugar said, ignoring Jake for the moment, for which he was grateful, “you know the big Pecan Creek billboard that you can’t miss no matter how fast you’re driving when you come into Pecan Creek?”
He nodded. “Prime advertising.”
“That’s right. The kind of place you write things that you want to get a lot of attention.”
Kel nodded. “A lot of attention.”
“I have two months of advertising on that board. January and February.” Sugar glanced at Jake.
“That’s right. January and February,” he confirmed.
“I want you to take my two months, Kel. I want you to write your wife the biggest, fanciest love letter this town has ever seen,” Sugar said.
Jake stared at Sugar, and Kel’s eyes bugged.
“You think it would work?” Kel asked, his voice nearly a whisper.
“Go big or go home.” Sugar shrugged. “What have you got to lose?”
Kel looked at Jake. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s risky. It’s fifty-fifty. It could go either way.” Jake pondered his friend’s woebegone face. “Truth is, Kel, you’re up a creek, have no paddle and got a hole in your canoe. I say go for it.”
Kel jumped to his feet. “Even if it doesn’t work, Debbie will know I still love her. The kids’ll know I care. Everybody will know I tried. Debbie will know I still love her,” he repeated. His face lit up like Jake hadn’t seen it in months. “It’s a great idea, Sugar. Thanks for giving me your advertising.”
“You’re welcome.” She smiled at Kel, and Jake thought she was the sexiest woman he’d ever laid eyes on.
“Oh hell. In the interest of brotherhood, I’ll add to the pot,” Jake said. “December’s yours too.”
Kel blinked. “What about Pecan Creek?”
“What about Pecan Creek?” Jake grinned. “It’s been here for a few hundred years; it’ll survive one month of not advertising the wares of Pecan Creek.” Some of the more questionable wares like sex syrup and edible tatas would just have to survive the Christmas season on their own merit. “Besides which, we’re fixing to have all kind of word-of-mouth on a national scale,” he said, looking at Sugar. “If there was ever a year for us to cut the Most Honest Town in Texas advertising, this might be the year.”
“Thanks, Jake.” Kel reached over, bussed Sugar on the cheek and headed to the door. “I’ve got to think up what I want on the sign!”
The door slammed shut behind him.
“Stroke of genius,” Jake said.
“I hope it works. Debbie didn’t strike me as mean. She struck me as hurt.” Sugar looked around Jake’s house, then looked at him again. “I hope my hunch plays out.”
“So you had something to discuss with me?”
“Yes, I do.”
It had to be a doozy, or she wouldn’t have shown up on his porch in broad daylight with a head full of steam. And giving up good advertising, no matter how worthy the cause.
No better time to play his best card.
“You sure are a sight for sore eyes,” Jake drawled.
Sugar narrowed her gaze. “Are you trying to sweet talk your way out of this?”
“Yes, ma’am. I am no Kel. I am all about giving my lady the emotional support she needs.” He winked at her.
She hesitated. “I’m not your lady.”
He shrugged. “You’re a strong, strong woman, Sugar Cassavechia, and I respect that. You make me horny when you sass me, you make me horny when you yell, you make me horny when you give me the finger.” He grinned, every word the truth and no pain at all to say it. “I’d just like the chance to make love to you before you chew me out today.”
She looked at him, her gaze totally suspicious. “I’m not here for makeup sex.”
“Oh no, sweetheart. I don’t believe in makeup sex.” He got up from the couch, made his way over to Sugar, judging the moment to pounce. “Dessert first, then dinner solves a lot of angst, in my opinion.”
“You’re suggesting we make love first, and then argue?”
He pulled her into his arms, kissing her. Though she didn’t respond, just stared up at him with those huge eyes, he felt pretty sure he was on firm footing. After all, she was talking and not running, and where there was talk, there was a chance. “If you still want to fuss at me after I make love to you, Sugar C, I will listen to your grievances until the sun comes up, I swear.”
“You have more shtick in you than a salesman,” Sugar said. “More even than a politician.”
He kissed her forehead, ran his palms down her arms. Picked up her hands to rest them against his chest, made sure one of her palms was right over his heart. “Every word I say is true, cross my heart and hope to die.”
“I am not falling for this,” Sugar said, “and even if I did agree to what you’re suggesting, I doubt you’d be able to get me in the mood. I’m pretty hot with you at the moment. I can’t pretend to feel something I don’t when I’m mad and upset.”
“I know the feeling. If I was mad and upset with you, I wouldn’t be able to get a hard-on,” Jake said.
“Well, then you see.” She sounded surprised.
“It’s true,” he said, “I was annoyed with you when your sister destroyed my house value with her blog.” He let out a big sigh. “I couldn’t have gotten any stand-up in my shorts if I’d wanted.”
Sugar blinked. “Then if you and I are mad at each other—and we seem to be covering some of the same ground, although by the way, our phone’s been ringing off the wall with people wanting a reservation in your house of hos—why are you trying to get in my pants?”
He ran his hands down her back, along her waist and over her ass, squeezing her cheeks with a sigh. The pink capri pants did nothing to disturb the smoothness of her body, and she was either wearing a thong or nothing, because all he felt under the thin cotton was Sugar.
And he was telling a wee fib, because he had his usual Sugar-rush going on down there, straight out, cramped in his jeans, desperate for her. “Like I said, you’re a strong woman, and I couldn’t have found a woman that makes me more crazy if I’d tried to dream you up myself.” He noticed she hadn’t protested him cupping her butt, so he smoothed his way back up to her waist, palming her ribcage. Baby steps to seduction, that was the key.
“Jake, it’s not going to work,” Sugar said. “I’m so annoyed with you, I just couldn’t. I’m a traditionalist. Dinner first.”
There it was, the invitation, issued in the form of a challenge. He loved challenges. “Okay. Go for it. I’m listening, doll face.”
She put her hands on her hips, which raised her brea
sts nicely, not that she needed any perk there. Still, he relished the teasing swell that peeked up underneath her white blouse when she wasn’t even trying to turn him on.
He had such a turn-on going he was probably going to explode. At least I’ll die happy. Almost happy.
He pulled her to him, cradling her, running a comforting hand over her back. Nonsexual, nonthreatening. Just making his way into her space, keeping the connection. “Spill it, sexy legs.”
She pulled back to look up at him. “You think my legs are sexy?”
He nodded. “I sure do. And your face, and your breasts, and your brain, and your ass, and the freckles around your bellybutton. Tell me everything that’s on your mind.”
“I feel like you undercut my business from the beginning,” Sugar said. “I feel like we never had your support.”
“That’s true.” He hiked Sugar up onto his waist so she straddled him, and carried her outside to the patio, where he edged onto a chaise lounge.
“You’re hard,” Sugar accused, and Jake said, “Just in case it’s needed. For making up.” He kissed her, stroking the inside of her mouth with his tongue, drinking her in. He pulled away, sighing with hungry longing. “But don’t think I’m not listening to you. You have my utmost attention. The truth is, there isn’t a time of the day you’d get to air your grievances with me if you waited for me not to have a hard-on for you. It’s my perpetual state of being these days. But it’s not disrespectful.”
He picked up her hand, kissing it like an old-world gentleman.
“Okay,” Sugar said, not pulling her hand away. “But I’m pretty sure there’s more seducing than listening going on.”
He loved the feel of her on his abs. She was sitting right in front of his rock-hard, tempting him, driving him mad with the waiting. But he was a patient man, had learned patience in some of the hardest places in the world. And what he was being patient for right now was sweet, sweet heaven. “What’s next on the list?”
“Of what?” Sugar’s gaze was fastened on him like a bunny watching a snake.
But he didn’t want her feeling cheated. “I admitted I wasn’t as supportive of your business as I could have been when you ladies came to town. Frankly, it was uncharted water for me. I wasn’t positive how to integrate your situation and needs into the town’s needs and proclivities. I did hope that it might all work itself out in time.” He kissed her hand again. “To be honest, anything I might have done to try to help might have messed things up more. And then there was the fact that I was hugely attracted to you from the start.”
