Donny fell out laughing. “I think you’ve had one too many knocks upside the head out there on that football field because you’re definitely talking crazy. That woman is not going out with your country ass,” he joked. “Besides, I thought that since you’re looking to retire next year you wanted to meet someone to settle down with. If that’s still the case, you need to look elsewhere. She’s not the one.”
Donny always called him country despite the fact that they all grew up in Columbus, Ohio. “I’m no more country than you are and why do you think she’s not the one for me? I beg to differ. Since she’s a sheet metal worker, she clearly doesn’t mind getting her hands dirty. I bet she’s the outdoorsy type and enjoys hiking, biking and probably even fishing. Hell, she’s exactly the type of woman I’ve been looking for - someone who’s not too prissy to wear an old pair of jeans and a T-shirt, but someone who cleans up well and is classy enough to wow my family and friends.”
Donny’s brows drew together as he shook his head. “Apparently we’re looking at two different women. I would bet my paycheck that the woman you just described is nowhere near the woman we’re watching dance with the old dude. I don’t care how many women have told you how fine you are or how many cater to your every desire once they find out how much you’re worth. You don’t stand a chance with her. She’s too much woman for you.”
“Whatever, dude.” Zack nudged him in the shoulder. “Why don’t we put a wager on whether or not she’ll go out with me?” He removed a wad of money from his front pocket and started counting off bills.
“Man, you know I hate taking your money.” Donny smirked. “But if you insist. I bet you a thousand bucks she turns your ass down cold.”
“Yeah, we’ll see about that.”
***
“Grampa I’m impressed,” Jada said. “You still have some moves. You’re putting these young dudes to shame.”
“Hey, I have to be able to keep up with all you kids.” He spun her around and then pulled her back into his arms. “Your grandmother and I haven’t seen you lately. What have you been up to?”
“Working. Grampa, I know you put Peyton in charge for a reason, but that girl has been working me like a slave.” Her cousin Peyton Jenkins (PJ) was an electrician by trade and the senior construction manager for Jenkins & Sons Construction. “Do you know how many times I had to get my manicure touched up this week? Three times,” Jada said without giving him a chance to respond. “I am so ready to find a wealthy husband, quit my job, and live happily-ever-after.”
“Sweetheart, are you sure you’re ready for marriage?”
She leaned away from her grandfather and frowned. “You know I am. I’m sick of working and don’t get me started on taking out trash and making repairs around the house. I’m tired of doing everything for myself, and more importantly, I’m sick of the dating scene. I want to marry someone who is crazy in love with me and enjoys taking me out on the town. And Grampa, did you see this scar on my face?” She slowed her steps and pointed to the one-inch scratch under her jaw, near her chin. “I can’t afford to get any more marks on my body from lugging sheet metal around all day.”
Her grandfather hesitated and Jada groaned. She dropped her head on his shoulder, regretting all that she had shared, knowing she had just earned herself one of his famous lectures. Before she could retract her statement, he spoke.
“Your Highness, I know we have spoiled you and led you to believe that the world revolves around you, but let me explain something.” He spun her around and then pulled her back into his arms. “It’s not all about you. When some lucky young man finds you, and not the other way around, your main goal should be making sure that he’s the man you want to spend the rest of your life with. Not the man who can buy you the latest Hermès Birkin handbag.”
“I know Grampa,” Jada responded, not surprised her grandfather knew anything about Hermès since it was one of her grandmother’s favorite designers.
“Do you?” He slowed his steps and pulled back. His eyes narrowed and his gaze bored into her. “Because what I’m hearing from you is a lot of me, me, me, but sweetheart marriage takes work. Your parents and your grandmother and I might make marriage look easy, but we work hard to make our relationship work. Life, and marriage for that matter are not like Burger King. You can’t always have it your way.”
Jada shook her head and laughed. “I know Grampa. Don’t worry I get what you’re saying.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and placed a kiss on his cheek. “When my Mr. Right comes along, I’ll remember not to make everything all about me.”
It was then she noticed Zack heading her way and her breath caught at his confident gait. Mercy, this man personifies sexy.
“Excuse me. May I cut in?”
Chapter Two
Jada slowed as her grandfather glanced over his shoulder before he stopped completely. “I guess that depends on my granddaughter, young man.” He returned his attention to Jada, and she gave a slight nod, her pulse inching up in speed. “She’s all yours.”
Zack reached for her hand and gently pulled her to him. Jada’s heart beat double time. There was something about the ruggedly, handsome man that sent her senses out of control. When he wrapped his strong arm around her waist, and held her close, a lust-filled shudder gripped her body. Good, Lord, he’s all muscle.
“I’ve been admiring you from across the room and couldn’t let the evening pass without dancing with you.”
He moved with such fluidity. Jada felt as if she were floating on a cloud, her feet barely touching the floor. She didn’t know much about football, but she remembered her grandfather mentioning that Zack was a star running back. Apparently, his graceful moves served him well on the football field, as well as on the dance floor.
“I still can’t get over you being a sheet metal worker. You definitely don’t look like one.” Zack pulled back slightly to look at her, and his piercing eyes made her miss a step. She loved dancing. Missing a step was unheard of. There was no way she was going to let the mere presence of a man rattle her.
She took a cleansing breath, pasted her most seductive smile on her lips, and glanced up at Zack. Her breath caught, and again her heart pounded uncontrollably when she met his gaze.
Oh, this is ridiculous. He’s just a man, dammit.
Her usual self-talk wasn’t working tonight, and she couldn’t understand why. Sure he had the bluest eyes she’d ever stared into. Not that she had ever stared into the eyes of a blue-eyed hottie before, but his were mesmerizing. And it didn’t help that the feel of his hard body rubbed up against hers had the throbbing pulse between her thighs beating a cadence she hadn’t experienced in months. Hell, it’s no wonder I can’t get myself together. The man is like an electric shock to the senses. Forget getting to know him. I need to get away from him.
His grip tightened around her waist, preventing her planned retreat.
“So tell me about yourself. What do you do when you’re not carrying duct work around?”
Jada blew out a breath. The anxiety consuming her was an unfamiliar feeling, her nerves raw and unprotected. Yet, on second thought, there was no way she would let nervousness get the best of her. It was time she poured on the old JJ charm.
“I stay busy.” She loosened up, her fingers caressing the back of his neck and she put a little more hip motion in her moves as they slow danced to one of Alicia Keys’ songs. “I play an intricate role in our family business, so that keeps me pretty busy. When I’m not working, or helping my mother and grandmother in their gardens, I do volunteer work around the city, helping those less fortunate.” She shrugged, playing down her little white lies.
“That’s cool. We have something in common. I like anything involving….”
Jada and Zack turned when loud laughter erupted from behind them, jarring them from their conversation.
Returning her gaze to Zack, Jada said, “I’m sure you’ve noticed that we have a large, close-knit family. They’re a bit loud, overprotect
ive at times and,” she scrunched up her nose, “a little nosey.”
His laugh rippled through the air. “I did notice. Uh, I mean I noticed how close everyone seems.” Jada smiled at the way he tried to clean up his comment. “Considering how many families don’t get along, it’s nice to see that yours does. You and your cousins seem especially close.”
Jada thought about Toni, Christina, Martina, and Peyton. She couldn’t imagine her life without them. She and her cousins were closer than most sisters.
“Yeah, we’re close. We hang out a lot. They often pull me into their shenanigans.” She immediately thought back on the time when Craig caught her and Toni hiding a drunk man in her grandparent’s bathroom. Jada smiled at the memory.
When she glanced up, Zack flashed her a smile and a warm sensation embraced her like a fox fur coat on a cold winter’s night. She lowered her eyes to keep from being caught up in those dimples of his that kept making an appearance and screwing with her senses.
“Do you have any siblings?” Zack dipped her. A tiny chirp of surprise flew through her lips before he pulled her back into his arms.
Okay, now he’s just showing off. But she had to admit, she liked a man who could talk, dance, and dip a woman without missing a beat. Her mind wandered to a naked Zack, hovering above her in bed. Would he bring the same confidence and suaveness to her bedroom? Could he kiss and make her body hum the way… Wait! She shook her head slightly. Now where did that come from?
“Jada?”
Her eyes shot up. “Oh, I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“Do you have any siblings?”
“Oh, yeah, I … um have two older brothers. What about you? Any siblings? Kids? Uh … a wife, ex-wives?” Remembering her ultimate goal of marrying rich, and quitting her job, she started her mission of getting to know Mr. Potential.
He smiled. “I have two brothers also, one younger and one older. And I have an older sister. I don’t have any children, but I would love to have enough to make at least a basketball team of my own.” He winked. “Oh and I don’t have an ex-wife or a wife, but I’m looking.” He spun her and pulled her back into his arms, his mouth only inches from hers. “Any more questions?”
Jada stared at his lips. A brazen warmth attacked her body. The desire to kiss him so strong it took everything she had not to reach up and pull his face closer.
“Uh, what do you do for fun?” she finally asked, forcing herself not to act on the lustful thoughts running rampant through her mind.
“I love the outdoors. Camping, snowboarding, zip lining, sports – especially football. All of it. If it’s an outdoor adventure, I’m all in. I also enjoy anything where I can use my hands.” His voice dropped an octave, and he pulled her closer. It wasn’t hard for Jada to figure out he was talking about more than just outdoor activities.
“I see.”
“How do you feel about those types of activities?” He glanced down at her.
“I’m pretty much a go with the flow kinda girl.” She lied. She hated the outdoors, especially if it meant she’d get dirty or sweaty.
“Heeeeyyy.”
Jada startled, hearing her cousin Toni sing out when the DJ played the next song. Justin Timberlake’s voice pumped through the speakers and by the sound of the crowd, the song was a favorite.
Jada glanced to her right in time to see Toni rush Craig out onto the dance floor. She hoped Toni’s new husband knew what he was getting into. A huge Justin Timberlake fan, Toni always sang along with him – as loud as she could. Too bad she couldn’t carry a tune if it were packed in a bag and strapped to her back.
Zack sang along to Timberlake’s “Not A Bad Thing,” his baritone voice caressing Jada’s ear, sending sparks of desire to every nerve ending in her body.
Ah, hell, and he can sing? Jada shivered. That’s it. I have to get away from this man. I need to regroup.
Zack slowed and loosened his grip, but didn’t let go. “Maybe you and I can go out sometime.” A slight smile graced his tempting lips.
“Uhh…”
“Excuse me.” Christina’s voice came out of nowhere and Jada’s body flooded with relief from the interruption. Her cousin stood next to them. “I’m so sorry to intrude, but Jada, duty calls. Peyton needs our help.”
“Oh, okay.” Jada could kiss her cousin. Normally Christina’s timing was awful, but right now, Jada couldn’t get away from Zack fast enough. He unsettled her in ways she couldn’t explain.
She glanced at her handsome dance partner and pulled away. “I’m sorry. A bridesmaid work is never done. Thanks for the dance.” She grabbed Christina’s arm and hurried away from the dance floor.
***
What just happened?
Zack stood in the middle of the dance floor, staring after Jada. Had he moved too fast? She ran from him as if he had threatened her life.
Damn. Maybe I shouldn’t have asked her out yet.
He rubbed his forehead, turning to leave the dance floor. Everything about the woman was perfect. A construction worker who loved the outdoors, a volunteer worker, family oriented, and she was one of the most beautiful women he’d ever met. If that weren’t enough, she fit perfectly in his arms, like a missing puzzle piece, created especially for him. And damn if the exquisite scent of her perfume didn’t have him wanting to chase after her.
When Zack glanced up, Donny still stood where he had left him earlier. If the grin on his face was any indication, Zack knew his friend had witnessed Jada running off.
Zack cursed under his breath again. The last thing he needed was for Donny to start giving him a hard time about chasing a woman away.
“So wh—”
“Don’t say anything,” Zack said when he approached his friend. Donny handed him a beer bottle. “We didn’t get a chance to discuss going out before she was pulled away by her cousin.”
“Uh huh. It looked more like she was running away, which doesn’t surprise me. You probably bored her to death.”
“Whatever, man. I assure you, within the next two weeks, I will have a date with the beautiful Jada JJ Jenkins.”
“Yeah, we’ll see. Did you even get her digits?”
“Don’t need them.” Zack glanced in the direction that she’d disappeared. “I’ll find her.”
Donny shook his head. “I still think you’re getting in over your head man. She is out of your league. I know women like her.”
“What do you mean like her? Gorgeous? Construction worker? Black? What?” Zack got in his face, struggling to keep his anger at bay. “You think just because your skin is a closer shade of color to hers than mine that you know all about her?” Donny narrowed his eyes and took a step back. “Oh, so what, now you don’t have anything to say?”
“You know what? You’re trippin’,” Donny sipped the amber-colored liquor in his glass. “I’m going to give you a pass since I can tell you’re feelin’ this girl. But don’t you ever,” he pointed his finger in Zack’s face, “step to me like that again. I’m tryin’ to help your ass and you gon’ trip like this? Zack, man, a few months ago you almost lost everything to that gold-diggin’ heifer, Leslie. You’re my boy. Do you think I want to see you go through that shit again? This Jenkins woman might not be like your ex, but I’m telling you man, she’s not what you think. She is high maintenance and probably everything else you said you didn’t want in a woman. You’re just not trying to see it.”
Zack set his beer bottle on a nearby table and shoved his hands into the front pockets of his pants. He and Donny grew up together. Zack knew he had his best interest in mind, and he also knew that Jada wasn’t anything like Leslie — his gold-digging ex-fiancée.
***
Jada held on tight to Christina’s arm and pulled her into the bridesmaid’s room. “You care to tell me what that was all about?” Christina asked rubbing her arm. “I have never seen you behave so egregious toward a man before, especially a pulchritudinous-looking man.”
Jada rolled her eyes at her cousin’s c
onstant use of words that no one knew the meaning of. She moved across the room and stopped to primp in front of a full-length mirror. “I didn’t behave egregaga … or whatever the heck you said.” She ran her fingers through her long curls and smoothed out her dress before turning to her cousin. “I walked away because you said Peyton needed us.”
“Then why’d you drag me in here? We’re supposed to be in Toni’s room,” she glanced at her watch, “in five minutes.”
Jada stared at her cousin wondering how much to tell her. Christina Jenkins, also known as CJ, was one of her best friends as well as her landlord. Jada had moved in with her a year ago, planning to stay only a few months until she saved enough money to buy a condominium. However, compulsive shopping prevented her from saving enough to get the place she’d been admiring in Hyde Park.
“I think I’m losing my edge with men.” Jada dropped into a striped upholstered chair near a bookshelf. “This guy Zack is a friend of Craig’s and there is something about him that unnerves me.”
Concern marred Christina’s face, and she pulled a nearby chair close to Jada. “What?” She brushed her out-of-control curls away from her face. “I can’t believe that any of Craig’s friends would be a jerk. He doesn’t—”
“Oh, no, no, no. He doesn’t unnerve me in a negative way. It’s more like just looking at him makes me sweat. And you know I don’t like to sweat. My heart rate kicks up, and my words get all jumbled, and when he’s close to me, I feel as if I’m hyperventilating.
Christina sat back and folded her arms, a small smile tilting the corners of her lips. “Well, I’ll be. I can’t believe Your Highness is affected by a man.” She giggled. “I’ll admit he’s attractive, but you’ve gone out with plenty of gorgeous men. So what is it about this guy? Is it because he’s white?”
She shook her head. “No, his race doesn’t matter.” The affect Zack had on her internally is what warranted concern. There was only one other man who had ever made her stomach churn in the way she had experienced tonight. Dion Greely. The only man she had ever loved and the only man who had ever ripped out her heart and crushed it into tiny, little pieces.
All You'll Ever Need Page 2
