by Mary Manners
“So you’re reneging on a deal?” He shook his head and his eyes narrowed with disappointment.
Brianna bowed up. “Call it what you want. I’m not going on a date with you, Jackson. No way.” His guilt trip certainly wouldn’t work on her. Maybe six years ago...but not now.
“I never knew you to be a quitter, Bri.”
That fueled the fire. “You want to talk about quitting? Take a look in the mirror, Jackson.”
A hand flew to cover his chest. “Ouch, you wound me.”
“Save the theatrics for your post-game interviews.”
“Wow.” He removed his suit jacket and tugged loose the tie that appeared to strangle him. Muscles tensed beneath a navy form-fitting button-down dress shirt that deepened the gray of his eyes. He’d lost that little-boy look, the lankiness that had followed him through high school and most of college, but his eyes still radiated familiar mischief beneath tufts of dark hair she used to love running her fingers through. She forced her gaze away, swallowed hard and lowered her eyes to the strappy sandals that had her feet screaming with a full-blown ache. “No comment.”
“Suits me just fine.” She spun on one heel and turned her back to him. “Andy’s waiting for me. I have to go.”
“But we’re not finished here.”
She halted mid-stride, swung back to glare at him. “Oh, we’re finished, Jackson. We were finished that night you walked out on me. You remember that, don’t you?”
His gaze flickered, and his eyes darkened from smoky gray to coal-black in an instant. “How could I forget?” He reached into the back pocket of his neatly-pressed khakis and pulled out a piece of paper. With a flourish, he unfolded it and muttered under his breath as he scanned the small print. “Here it is, in plain black and white.” His gaze rose to challenge hers. “Read it for yourself, if you don’t believe me.”
“What?”
He jabbed the paper with an index finger. “Says right here in the fine print—no date, no payment.” He turned the paper to show her, and a smug grin accompanied the tapping. “So, what’s it gonna be, Bri?”
“You mean...?” She gaped at him in disbelief. Surely, he couldn’t be serious. She felt like ripping the paper from his hand and shredding it, but stifled the urge by drawing a deep breath and counting to five very slowly. When she spoke, the calm tone of her voice masked the rage building like a tidal wave about to unleash its fury. “You’d do that, wouldn’t you? Take back what you’ve already given?”
Just like he’d done before—when he left her twisting in the wind, her heart shattered on the ground in a million aching pieces. It seemed to be the Jackson Reed trademark move.
“Just one date, Bri.” His eyes were pleading, and he jammed one hand into the pocket of his khakis. “What we have...isn’t finished.”
“What we had—” She enunciated the word, “—is finished.” She bit her bottom lip, felt her eyes burn with tears that were fighting to punch their way out. “But I can’t let you take all that money back. Thursday’s Child needs it. The kids need it.” She turned away for a moment, drew another deep, cleansing breath and closed her eyes, prayed for strength and the patience to refrain from ripping his head off right there in the lobby.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The words washed over her, calmed her, gently reminded her who she was...who she’d become during the six years he’d been gone.
“Okay, Jackson. Have it your way. But not tonight—no date tonight.” She eyed the parking lot, where Andy sang along with the radio blasting at full volume. If she didn’t get out of there quick, the police were libel to respond to a disturbing the peace complaint. “Call the Thursday’s Child office tomorrow. The number’s in the phone book. A bright guy like you should have no problem finding it. Ask for Renee. She’ll set things up. Now, I really have to go.”
She didn’t wait for a reply. The spiky heels on her sandals spat like gunfire across polished tile as she strode through double-glass doors without so much as a glance back.
Safe in the car with the radio lowered to a reasonable volume, her breath escaped in a loud gush. She’d call Renee as soon as she got home, lay down stringent guidelines. If Jackson wanted to hold his donation ransom in exchange for a date, he’d get his date. One date...something during daylight hours...in a heavily populated area...safe.
One date...and nothing more.
~ About Mary Manners ~
Where friendship blossoms and love blooms…
Mary Manners lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and their rescue dog Axel, mischievous cats Colby and Rascal, a dozen rambunctious chickens, and 13 fish.
Mary writes small-town family romances laced with faith, hope, and humor. Her books have earned multiple accolades including two Inspirational Reader’s Choice Awards, the Gail Wilson Award of Excellence, the Aspen Gold, the Heart of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award.
Mary loves long sunrise runs, Smoky Mountain sunsets, flavored coffee, and chocolate…lots of chocolate.
~ More Titles by Mary Manners ~
Miracle Cove Series
Christmas in Miracle Cove
Mischief in Miracle Cove
Secrets in Miracle Cove
A Miracle Cove Reunion
Honeysuckle Cove Series
Sunrise at Honeysuckle Cove
Beyond the Storm
Honeysuckle Cove Secrets
Showered by Love
Moonlight Kisses
Sweet Tea and Summer Dreams
A Pair of Promises
Honeysuckle Cove Collection 1 - Kindle
Honeysuckle Cove Collection 1 - Print
Diamond Knot Dreams Series
A Tender Season (Diamond Knot Dreams Prequel)
Veiled Gems
Jeweled Dreams
Precious Fire
Crystal Wishes
Diamond Knot Dreams: The Collection - Kindle
Diamond Knot Dreams: The Collection - Print
The Mulvaney Sisters Series
Love on a Dare (The Mulvaney Sisters: Alana)
Captive at Sea (The Mulvaney Sisters: Claire)
Landing in Love (The Mulvaney Sisters: Erin)
Serenity Lake Series
Dream Come True
Christmas Collections
Love at Christmas Inn: Collection 1
Love at Christmas Inn: Collection 2
Stand-alone Titles
Promises Renewed
Tragedy and Trust
Hopes and Kisses (A Sweet Little Sequel to Tragedy and Trust)
Proven Love
A Pocketful of Wishes
Winter Wishes and Snowflake Kisses
Seasoned Lies
~ Connect with Mary Manners ~
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