Finding Mr. Happily Ever After_Edwin

by Melissa McClone

  “The man cares about you. He wants to keep you safe. I don’t fault him for that even if he should have told you ahead of time,” her mom said. “But what if he had told you about the bodyguard right away? Would you have felt pressured or thought he was rushing into a relationship and not considering your feelings?

  “I don’t know.” For all Jazz knew, she would have walked away. “Do you think I’m making a mistake seeing where things go with Win and not trying again with Chase?”

  “That’s not my question to answer, baby, but I will give you the same advice I’ve given you over the years.”

  Jazz knew what her mom would say, but she wanted to hear the words again.

  “Follow your heart. Just as it sounds like Win is following his.” Her mother smiled. “Not everything will go smoothly or on the timeline you want, but you’ll eventually end up where you’re supposed to be.”

  “Thanks, Mom. You always make me feel better.” Jazz took another cookie. “So now it’s your turn to spill. Who was the guy who answered the phone when I called yesterday?”

  On the train back to Grand Central Station, Jazz thought about her visit with her mom, who’d admitted to dating a physician assistant named Rick for the past month. That made Jazz so happy. She’d decided to also follow her heart with Win and see what happened. The possibilities ahead made going all in feel like the right move. If her mother could find love again after all these years, then Jazz had to at least try, too. Besides, she and Chase had their chance. Now was the time for someone new—for Win.

  Instead of returning home, Jazz went to Win’s place, where she found Royce waiting outside for her.

  She sighed. “Brady told you I was coming.”

  “That’s his job.” Royce’s tone wasn’t the least bit apologetic. “C’mon. The boss man will be happy to see you.”

  When she stepped off the elevator, a romantic ballad was playing. Win stood in a pair of dress pants, a white T-shirt, and bare feet. His hair was wet and uncombed. Water dripped from the ends onto his shoulders, leaving drops on the fabric.

  Her heart skipped a beat. He’d never looked more attractive to her. Others might see him as Edwin Forrester the IV, but he was simply her Win.

  Hers.

  She loved the sound of that.

  A shy smile was on his face, and his hands were behind his back. “I’d just finished my workout when I heard you were on the way. I didn’t have time to dress.”

  “You’re perfect.”

  “That’s my line.”

  “We’ll share it.” She walked toward him. “I’m sorry to drop by unannounced, but I had to see you.”

  “You’re welcome anytime.” He swung his hands in front of him. In one, he held a beautiful single red rose. “For you.”

  “It’s beautiful.” She sniffed the sweet fragrance. “But how did you know I’d be by?”

  That adorable blush of his returned. “I was hoping you wouldn’t mind me stopping by your apartment later.”

  Following her heart had never felt better. She wanted to be a priority—the most important love—for the man she gave her heart to. Maybe that would be him. “You’re welcome anytime.”

  He held her hand.

  She could have stared at him forever. “I’m here because I wanted you to know, without a doubt, I’m with you. There’s something between us, and I want to see where that goes. I meant what I said about baggage earlier, and I don’t want my past or yours to get in the way. I want to be with you. Just you. No one else.”

  “Oh, Jazz. Thank you.”

  Win wrapped his arms around her, making her feel special and safe. He lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was harder than the first one at the park. Not as tender, either. This one was full of hunger and heat, but she felt the same sense of belonging.

  “You’re the one I want, too. Dare I say, the only one I’ve ever wanted this way.”

  In the past, his words might have frightened Jazz, but she wanted all her dreams to come true. That included finding the love of her life. Though her heart whispered she might check that one off the list sooner rather than later.

  Fifteen

  The night of Xavier’s dessert-tasting fundraiser, Jazz helped where she could. The interest from the volunteers suggested the hand-rolled truffles would be a hit, so she’d asked the chocolatier to make two tasting stations instead of one. Her favorite item, however, was the mini pies made in Mason jar lids. She’d discovered the baker through a coworker. The variety of offerings would appeal to more donors than if they’d catered only to chocoholics.

  Xavier straightened his tie. His hands weren’t as steady as usual. “How do I look?”

  “Good, except you need to smile like you’re having fun or no one else will,” she suggested gently. “Happy guests make for open wallets, so smile more.”

  He forced the corners of his lips upward. The result was a cross between a fake smile and a villain’s smirk. She managed not to laugh.

  “Try again, but with more teeth and less tension,” Jazz suggested. His second attempt was better. “You’re getting closer.”

  “Tonight’s the big night,” Win said to them. He looked handsome in his navy suit, light-blue shirt, and yellow-striped tie.

  She needed to focus on Xavier, or she would have hugged Win. “When did you arrive?”

  “A few minutes ago.” His gaze traveled from Jazz to Xavier. “Everything okay?”

  Xavier shook his head. “Jazz fears I’ll frighten the guests if I don’t smile properly.”

  Jazz rolled her eyes. “He’s exaggerating.”

  “Only slightly,” Xavier countered.

  “Let me help.” Win stepped forward. He readjusted Xavier’s tie. “Imagine the most beautiful woman in the world, and how you’d smile if she asked you for a kiss.”

  “That’s one I wouldn’t have thought of,” Jazz admitted.

  Sweat beaded on Xavier’s forehead. “This is ridiculous.”

  “Yes, but it’s also important.” She smiled to put him more at ease. When that didn’t work, she touched his arm and squeezed. “Please try.”

  He released a long sigh. “Just this once.”

  Win appeared as if he were trying not to laugh. “Are you picturing that beauty asking for a kiss?”

  Face flushed, Xavier’s gaze went from Jazz to the ground. “Um, yes. I am.”

  “Smile,” Win prompted.

  Xavier did, and the result was magazine-cover breathtaking. She clapped. “Bravo. That’s the perfect smile for tonight. You look charming, approachable, and handsome.”

  Win pointed at Jazz. “What she said.”

  With Xavier’s anxiety under control, she glanced at Win. “Keep him calm, please. I need to double-check each station.”

  Everything was ready and running smoothly. By the time Xavier stood on the stage to welcome guests and explain his mission, he spoke so naturally no one would have guessed he’d been nervous. He brought up his staff, including Olivia, and gave a special thanks to Jazz.

  Win raised his wineglass at her. “You did a wonderful job tonight.”

  “I was just the helper.”

  He sipped his drink, but his warm gaze never left hers. “Xavier would have been lost without you.”

  “And you.” She leaned against Win. “You made him smile. Thank you.”

  She showed her gratitude with a kiss—a short, sweet one given they were standing in the middle of a hotel ballroom, but enough to get a taste of him along with the wine and desserts he’d been sampling that evening.

  “Happy to help if kisses are my reward.” The green of his eyes seemed darker, yet glimmers of light twinkled in their depths. “How is the fundraiser going?”

  His question stopped her from getting lost in him. She glanced around the room to see people smiling and enjoying the sweets. That pleased her.

  “The turnout is what Xavier expected. Donations are coming in, but I’m not sure he’ll hit his goal.” She hated leaving Win, but she was here
to help. “I should walk the room and talk up his plans.”

  Win stared over the lip of his glass with an unreadable expression. “It’s important to you that Xavier succeeds.”

  She glanced at Xavier, who was in his element tonight. “Very.”

  “Why?”

  “This is his dream. He’s worked so hard and sacrificed so much to get here.” She thought about their marriage. “I share the same dream. If he succeeds, maybe I’ll have a shot.”

  “You have a big, caring heart, Ms. Michaels.” Win bent to pepper kisses behind her ear and down her jawline.

  The sensations pulsing through Jazz made her want more. She smiled up at him to find his eyes filled with heat. “Thank you, Mr. Forrester.”

  “Go see if you can squeeze out more donations.” Win kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll wait here for you.”

  As she made the rounds, she saw her mom and Rick enjoying themselves at the chocolate fountain. Her mom was glowing in a new red dress while her boyfriend, who Jazz had met for the first time tonight, held her purse and stared at her with affection. Rick impressed Jazz. He looked dignified in his dark suit with his salt-and-pepper hair, but more importantly, he cared about her mom.

  Rick’s easy smile widened. “Guess who introduced himself to us?”

  “Who?” Jazz asked.

  Her mom shimmied her shoulders. “Win Forrester.”

  Jazz hadn’t expected that. “Seriously?”

  Rick nodded.

  “He’s so charming, Jazz.” Happiness radiated from her mom. “It’s obvious how much he cares about you. He’s smitten.”

  “I’m smitten myself.” Jazz glanced around to see if he was nearby, but he wasn’t. “Thank you for telling me to follow my heart. I think he’s the one.”

  Her mom glanced at Rick with a love-filled gaze before looking back at Jazz. “Think or know?”

  Heat flew up her neck. “Know, but we haven’t talked about the future. I hope he feels the same way about me.”

  “He’d be a fool if he didn’t.”

  She’d heard that before. “You said the same thing about Nathan and Chase.”

  “I stand by those words.” Her mom nodded once as if for emphasis.

  Jazz laughed. “Everything happens for a reason.”

  “If love is meant to be, it’ll find a way.” Her mom smiled again at Rick.

  As Jazz tried to bring in more donations, her feet ached from standing so long, but the pain was worth having Xavier succeed. She returned to Win.

  “Tired?” he asked, putting his arm around her.

  She leaned against him. “Yes, but it’s a good tired. I’m ready to kick off my heels though.”

  “How would you like a foot massage?”

  She nearly purred. “That sounds divine, but don’t tempt me now. I need to stick around in case Xavier needs help.”

  “Doesn’t the facility handle the cleanup?” Win asked.

  “Yes, but displays and other items need to be removed.” That should go faster than the setup did. “And I’m not just being helpful tonight. This is experience I need.”

  “I’ll stay and lend a hand.”

  Xavier hurried up to them with the biggest smile she’d ever seen. Excitement poured from him.

  More animated than normal, he hugged Win like a long-lost brother. “I can’t thank you enough.”

  “Happy to help a friend.” Win sounded uncomfortable.

  “What’s going on?” she asked.

  Xavier stepped back. “Is it okay to tell her?”

  Win nodded.

  With a laugh, Xavier patted Win’s shoulder. “Our good friend’s donation puts us over our goal.”

  Helping Xavier meet his goal endeared Win to her even more. “That was generous and thoughtful for you to do. Thank you.”

  She rewarded Win with another kiss full of gratitude and more. She didn’t care who watched as her lips moved over his, and his tongue darted into her mouth. She soaked up the feel and taste of him, knowing she would never tire of his kisses.

  Of him.

  Each time they were together, the rightness of being with Win intensified.

  And tonight…had been perfect for Xavier and for Jazz. Win had played a huge role in that, and she wondered…

  Was Edwin Forrester the IV be her Mr. Right?

  Sixteen

  Another week passed. Jazz found herself at an art gallery to attend a new exhibit by a young painter with lots of buzz. Well-dressed people packed the place, though most seemed more interested in being seen at the event rather than admiring the breathtaking oil paintings on the walls. Their loss.

  She pointed to a large piece. “I love the bursts of color in this one.”

  A pleased smile filled Win’s face. “You’re enjoying yourself.”

  Jazz nodded, surprised because this wasn’t her usual crowd. She’d been worried she wouldn’t fit in. “Are you?”

  “This is the best art show I’ve attended.” He squeezed her hand.

  She grinned. “You like the artist?”

  He raised their linked hands and kissed hers. “I like you.”

  Heat rushed into her face. “The feeling’s mutual.”

  “Well, well, well.” A woman in a sexy red dress came to a stop next to them. She exuded sensuality with her blonde hair and plump lips. “I guess the rumors are true. The mighty Win has dated someone for longer than two weeks.”

  Jazz sucked in a breath. She expected Win to tense, but he laughed instead.

  “Hello, Deidre.” He sounded amused. “I see you’re still sharpening your claws.”

  Ignoring him, Deidre studied Jazz with an unimpressed look. “From Long Island?”

  Jazz nodded.

  “Figures.” Deidre shook her head. “Enjoy yourself until you’re kicked to the curb. I sure did. No woman will ever be able to compete with Win’s true love—his precious Forrester, Inc.”

  Every muscle in Jazz’s body tensed. Her nerve endings stood at attention as if preparing for battle.

  “But a word of advice until that happens.” Deidre’s lips pursed, so full they looked fake. “If he takes you out again, don’t wear a dress from two seasons ago. Tacky, tacky, tacky. People remember these things.”

  Jazz’s heart dropped. This was her favorite dress. The one Win had said he liked, but now…

  She tried to pull her hand from his, but he wouldn’t let go. She didn’t understand. He had to see she didn’t fit in.

  “Deidre…” Win’s voice held a warning.

  “What?” Deidre feigned innocence.

  “Jazz is the best-dressed woman here. I love what she’s wearing, and I can’t wait to see her in this dress again. It’s my favorite.” His voice was the same businesslike tone he’d used that day at InstaLove, but then he glared, shooting not daggers but samurai swords. “Perhaps if more women purchased classic pieces rather than whatever was on the runway that season, they wouldn’t be facing bankruptcy and trying to snare a wealthy husband.”

  Deidre opened her mouth, ready to snap back. Hard.

  “Not another word.” He let go of Jazz’s hand to slip his arm around her. As he gazed at her, his gaze softened. “Let’s go see those other paintings, sweetheart.”

  Working their way through the crowd, she sighed. “I’m sorry.”

  “You have nothing to be sorry about.” He stopped and faced her.

  “My dress…” She stared at her shoes to avoid looking at his eyes, but he used his fingers to raise her chin.

  “Is perfect.” The affection in his gaze washed over her, making her believe him.

  “What Deidre said…”

  “She’s jealous.” He shook his head. “I wish I’d never taken her to dinner. We didn’t make it to dessert. I had Royce call me to give me a way out.”

  Win gestured to the next painting, and they walked toward it. “You don’t have to explain,” Jazz said.

  “I don’t want you to think more than a meal happened.” He shuddered. “That
was bad enough.”

  She laughed. “I was wondering what you saw in her.”

  He stopped in front of the painting. “Nothing, but a friend suggested we’d get along…”

  That made Jazz feel better. “Deidre’s not your usual type?”

  “You are my type.” He kissed the top of Jazz’s head. “Now help me pick out paintings to buy. After spending time at your place, I’m tired of living in black and white. Do you think a little color would be a nice addition?”

  Happiness replaced her worries and doubts. She wiggled her toes. “I think some color would be perfect.”

  Just like Win was.

  As July arrived, Jazz hated to leave June behind. Win had spent more time with her than she thought possible. Yes, they both had responsibilities, but the way he maneuvered around her volunteering and work schedule made her feel like the most important person in his life. He was putting her first without her even asking.

  This was everything she wanted in a relationship. It was time to share her good fortune with her friends, who’d always been there for her in the past, so she set up a group chat with Bethany, Emily, Olivia, and Simone, something they did occasionally. Only this time, she didn’t get the responses she’d expected. She reread the messages before typing a reply.

  Jazz: I don’t get these negative texts. Win treats me well, but you all act like he’s a bad boy who will break my heart.

  * * *

  Emily: I’m glad he’s spoiling you. He sounds great, but make sure you know what’s real and what’s not. I don’t want to see you get hurt.

  * * *

  DOC BG: You don’t really know the guy, but he’s all you talk about. I get he’s a hot billionaire, but please be careful. A heart can only take so much.

  * * *

  Simone: You’re falling way too fast for this guy. You’ve been through so much heartbreak already. Please watch out.

  * * *