Stacey Joy Netzel Boxed Set

by Stacey Joy Netzel

  Jake blinked, dropped his gaze, and leaned forward to say very quietly, “You’re wearing bunny slippers.”

  Gol-damn it, she was. Her ears burned, but she refused to look down at her feet.

  “And there’s a rip in the seat of your jeans.”

  The sound of her mother’s disapproving voice spun Loral around. Her jaw dropped at the sight of her mother wearing a shimmering silver evening gown that hugged her slender curves.

  “Wha…Mom?”

  She looked amazing—like herself again. What the hell was going on?

  “Close your mouth, dear, it’s undignified,” her mother instructed.

  Behind her, Jake’s chuckle turned into a cough, just like the gentleman at the door earlier. Loral latched onto the one thing that made sense right now and swung back to face him. She raised her arm and shoved his jacket into his chest.

  “I don’t need this, you know.”

  Surprise flashed across his face. He recovered quickly and set the jacket aside with a small smile. “I wondered where this had got to.”

  “Bull. You took your keys, wallet, and phone out of the pockets before you left. Stop lying for once.”

  Any hint of humor disappeared from his face. “I’ve never lied to you.”

  “No? Let’s count, shall we? One: I don’t think you should sell this, Loral.”

  “I didn’t think you should.”

  She continued as if he hadn’t even spoken. She was on a rant here.

  “Two: it might be worth more than a thousand.”

  “It was—which is why I sold it back to your mom.”

  “Three: I’ll call you.”

  Damn. She hadn’t intended to bring that one up. It made it sound like she cared. And—wait, whoa, she’d missed something.

  “You’re right about that last one,” Jake agreed. “I should’ve called.”

  “Wait, back up.” She glanced at her mother, then at Jake. “What did you say?”

  “I should’ve called.”

  She narrowed her eyes in silent warning.

  “I sold the dragonfly back to your mom for the original thousand dollars.”

  Amazement shifted her gaze, and her mother gave a nod of confirmation. “Last night while you were working. This morning I met Mr. Harper and we completed the transfer before the banks closed, then I gave Jake his ten percent broker’s fee.”

  Sixty grand instead of six hundred? Confusion smothered her waning anger. Sixty thousand might help his business for a little while, but six hundred thousand could’ve set him up for life. People didn’t do things like that.

  No matter that she’d been hurt and angry thinking he’d cheated them out of the money, now her pride rebelled and resentment fueled her glare.

  “That’s quite the charity donation.”

  Jake flinched, but said nothing to defend himself. It was her mother who spoke up.

  “It had nothing to do with charity, Loral.”

  She kept her gaze locked with Jake’s, all the while trying to figure out why he’d give up the brooch. A horrible feeling welled inside, and she wished she could go back to the apartment and put the dress on.

  “Then why?” she whispered.

  Again, it was her mother who answered. “Because it was the right thing to do.”

  Surprise flashed in Jake’s eyes as his gaze jerked to her mother.

  “What exactly does that mean?” Loral asked when he remained silent. From the corner of her eye, she saw her mother take a breath and held up a hand. “I’m asking Jake.”

  Looking anywhere but at her, he lifted his shoulder as if it were no big deal. “The brooch belonged to your family. Once I discovered it was the original and not a copy, I didn’t feel right keeping it.”

  “Was the broker’s fee enough to save your shop?” she asked.

  Now his gaze narrowed on hers. “How do you know about my shop?”

  “I stopped by the day after the snowstorm and overheard you talking to your brother. Was it enough?”

  He nodded once.

  Before she could say anything more, her mother stepped close and pulled her into a hug. Against her ear, she whispered, “Ease up, sweetheart, he’s a good guy. And, by his own admission, he’s a sucker for blue eyes.”

  Chapter Nine

  Jake gave Clara a strained look when she turned and hugged him, too. She stepped back, reached up to pat his cheek with a reassuring smile, and then addressed the both of them with a hopeful grin.

  “Are we done here then? My date has been very patient, but I don’t want to push it.”

  Loral gaped at her mother, and then leaned over to look past her shoulder. Jake saw her eyes widen as she spotted Phil Harper at a table across the room, watching their exchange with unconcealed interest.

  “Isn’t that the man who bought the dragonfly?” she asked.

  “Yes. He negotiated dinner into the deal. Isn’t it romantic?”

  Jake’s stomach lurched at the thought of being alone with Loral. “You two should join us,” he suggested to Clara.

  Clara gave him a knowing look. “Nonsense. You two have a lot to talk about, I’m sure. And I’m going to enjoy the first date I’ve had in over ten years. You don’t mind, do you, Loral?”

  Appearing somewhat dumbfounded, Loral shook her head.

  “Thank you, dear, and Merry Christmas.” With a teasing grin and a wink over her shoulder at them, she added, “Don’t wait up.”

  Pure astonishment reigned in Loral’s expression as she watched her mother’s departure. Once her mother joined Phil, Loral’s cheeks flushed and she cast a self-conscious glance around the glittering room.

  “I’m sorry, Jake. For what I said, and for coming here like this. I...” She blinked and moved as if to brush past him. “I should go.”

  The combination of misery and remorse in her voice gave him the courage to stand in her way. “You’re not going anywhere.” He gestured toward the semi-private curved booth. “Sit. Stay.”

  She smiled, then sniffled as a tear cascaded from her lashes. “What, are you going to throw me a bone?”

  He couldn’t help lifting his hand to wipe her moist cheek. “I didn’t mean it to sound that way. Loral, please…?”

  Her earnest aqua blue gaze searched his. “You’re sure?”

  “Would the begging be more effective on one knee?”

  “No—of course not. I just wanted to—”

  He hitched up his pant leg and prepared to kneel. She huffed out a breath and slid into the booth, but not before he glimpsed another smile. Good. Progress.

  The sound of tearing cloth reached his ears at the same moment she froze. He watched her reach back to feel the seat of her jeans, and then she twisted around while lifting up a flap of torn material.

  Lace edged black satin flashed before her hand slapped the material back in place. A sensual rush of awareness accompanied Jake’s slide into the booth next to her, but she immediately pushed on his shoulder.

  “Move. Let me out.”

  “Not on your life.”

  “Jake, I need to change,” she insisted.

  “You’re fine.”

  “But the dress—”

  “We’ll save it for another night.”

  “You don’t understand, the dress is in the limo.”

  She started to scoot around the long way, but he caught her hand and pulled her back.

  “Jake,” she pleaded. “I look ridiculous.”

  “You look perfect.”

  Shifting closer, he leaned forward and smothered any further argument with a kiss. He wrapped one arm around her back, bringing her closer and increasing the pressure of his lips to counter her initial surprise withdrawal. Seconds later, her fingers crushed the lapels of his suit coat, giving her leverage to return his kiss with the enthusiasm he’d missed every moment since walking out her door a week ago. God, how had he managed without her for so long?

  Distantly, his consciousness reminded him of where they were. The potted pl
ants partially concealing their booth didn’t give him near the privacy he craved. With reluctance, he gentled the kiss before putting some distance between them.

  Her lashes slowly lifted and her smile dazzled. He cupped her cheek in his palm and brushed his thumb over her red, glistening lips.

  “Like I said, perfect. Some might even say dignified.” He slid his gaze downward and teased her with a grimace. “Well...except for the slippers.”

  She laughed and shoved at his chest. “Oh, shut up.”

  “And let’s not forget the black satin panties.”

  Color rushed in, matching her cheeks to her lips. Her gaze narrowed before she kneeled on the bench and leaned forward. Anticipation of another kiss quickened his pulse, but her lips bypassed his to tickle his ear.

  “Watch it, or you won’t get to see these panties for a long time.”

  Her warm breath sent a shiver through him, and then her knowing laugh made him groan.

  “We can’t leave right now without your mother figuring out exactly why, so before you drive me completely crazy, maybe we’d better order.”

  Looking entirely too pleased with herself, she withdrew her hand and settled against the booth as she picked up the menu. He was in the middle of scanning the appetizers, hoping third time’s the charm for comprehension, when she sighed and held her menu to her chest. He lifted an inquiring brow.

  “About earlier…”

  Jake began to shake his head, but she closed the menu and set it on the table with a determined thump.

  “I can’t help it, Jake. I need you to know how sorry I am. I should’ve known better. Actually, I did, but like you said, my stupid pride got in the way. Aside from not calling, you’ve been amazing, and I—”

  “Stop.” Setting aside his own menu, he took her hand, and dug into the corner of his heart. “My mother died last summer of cancer.”

  Her eyes widened at his abrupt statement, and then flicked in the direction of where her mother sat even though they couldn’t see her through the plants. Jake squeezed her fingers.

  “Yes, I know. After we sold the dragonfly to Mr. Harper, your mom told me what you two have been going though. So, you see, while you may feel the need to apologize, I know where it came from and there’s nothing to forgive.”

  “I had no idea, Jake.”

  “Which is why there will be no more apologies. Promise me.”

  Moisture brightened her eyes as she agreed to his demand with a jerky nod.

  “Now, will you accept my apology for not calling?”

  In the silence that followed his question, a waitress arrived at the table with a bottle of champagne. “Compliments of Mr. Harper.”

  Jake held his impatience in check as the woman poured a glass of the sparkling liquid for each of them before setting the bottle in an ice bucket on the other side of the table.

  “Are you ready to order?”

  He wasn’t near finished with their conversation, but deferred to Loral. She pulled her hand from his, flipped open the menu and made a show of looking at the items. Suddenly she tilted her head toward him and caught his eye. He didn’t say a word, just waited, and she turned back to the waitress.

  “Can we have a few more minutes, please?”

  “Of course. Take your time.”

  Alone again, Loral shifted to face him in the booth, her bent leg resting along the side of his thigh. “Why didn’t you call.”

  “Because I’m an idiot?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “An hour ago, I’d have agreed with you. Now I don’t buy it.”

  “Figures.” He gave her a wry grin, fiddling with his silverware. Explaining why he’d waited would reveal too much, too soon, so he chose his words with care. “I should’ve called you right away. I wanted to, but at the same time, I wanted to finalize the deal so we could start fresh and not have all that other stuff hanging over us.”

  She leaned forward and laid a hand on his leg. “That stuff is part of life and it’s always going to be there in some form or another. I mean, the money will definitely make things easier, but it’s not what’s making me happy right now.”

  His smile had nothing to do with the balance of his bank account, either. “That mean I’m forgiven?”

  “You going to call this time?”

  “Honey, I’m going to call so often you’ll quit answering.”

  She laughed. “That’s not gonna happen.”

  “Good.”

  Instead of returning to his menu, Jake reached to the middle of the table to pick up the item that had arrived this afternoon via Fed-Ex and was now gift wrapped in gold paper and tied with a black velvet bow.

  “Now that that’s all settled, I have a present for you.” It was hard to contain his anticipation as he handed the box to Loral. “Merry Christmas.”

  His excitement dimmed when she didn’t reach to accept the gift. Her gaze met his, full of dismay. “But I have nothing for you.”

  “I didn’t expect you would. However, one kiss after you’ve opened it will be more than sufficient.”

  She rolled her eyes, but her smile returned as he placed the box in her hands.

  “Open it,” he prompted.

  Her fingers toyed with the tail end of the bow, but instead of pulling the velvet off, she dropped her hands in her lap and lifted her gaze. “Honest to God, your shop really is okay?”

  Jake sighed, but gave the honest answer she requested. “I’ll need to do come creative thinking in the next couple months to increase sales, but for now, yeah, I’m good.”

  She regarded him for another moment. Seeming satisfied he’d told the truth, she removed the bow from the box and lifted the lid. Nestled on a bed of more black velvet was the dragonfly brooch. He heard her indrawn breath, watched her trace the delicate wings with her finger. Her expression of wonder was present enough for him.

  Then those big blue eyes lifted to his, full of confusion. “But I thought you sold it?”

  “Look at the back.”

  She turned the piece over. Jake caught a glimpse of her smile before her hand covered her mouth.

  “Marcus Widener. You had a replica made.”

  “Based on the dragonfly legend, it seemed fitting. New beginnings and all.”

  “It’s absolutely perfect, Jake. Thank you.”

  She leaned forward and brushed her lips across his cheek before replacing the brooch in the box. He waited for more, the gift had to get him more, but after setting it on the table next to her place setting, Loral picked up her menu.

  His gaze narrowed. “Really? That’s it?”

  “The waitress will be back any moment,” she said.

  “Oh, come on. That kiss was insulting.”

  Her soft, sultry laugh told him she’d teased on purpose. Down went the menu. Next thing he knew, she was in his arms, kissing him for all she was worth. Having just increased her net worth, it was one hell of a kiss.

  He had trouble catching his breath when she sat back, and he shifted to a less confining position.

  “Better?” she asked with a knowing grin.

  Lord help him. He took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair to restore some order, then gave her a crooked grin. “In the future, I will expect your undying love and devotion, but for now, yeah, I guess you’re off the hook.”

  Moisture shimmered in her eyes, contradicting the sassy smile she gave him. “Aw, you really do like me.”

  Emotion rushed forward with dizzying speed, blindsiding him. “I love you, Loral.”

  His heart stopped, then raced. Shit. He shouldn’t have said that. Not now. Not yet. God, he really was an idiot. But then he noticed her playful smile held something more, and he held his breath.

  “Funny how the future can arrive—” she snapped her fingers “—just like that.”

  With his heart near bursting, he leaned forward to bask in the naked emotion shining in her eyes. “Say it.”

  “I love you, Jake.”

  “Now, you’re defini
tely off the hook.” He pulled her into his arms once more and whispered against her lips, “Merry Christmas to me.”

  Epilogue

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  Misty eyed, Loral smiled at Jake, captivated by the light and love shining in his amber eyes. It’d been an amazing seven months and still, each day, she knew the best was yet to come. Today only reinforced that fact.

  The minister held up a hand to quiet the small crowd of cheering family and friends.

  “May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Harper.”

  The bride and groom broke their kiss and turned to face the church, a picture perfect couple after a fairytale courtship. Her mother beamed on the arm of her husband as Loral stepped forward to hand over the lilac-colored bridal bouquet she’d held as maid-of-honor. The roses matched her mother’s dress perfectly, a color she’d chosen to honor their love-at-first-sight.

  She gave her mother a quick buss on the cheek and whispered, “Congratulations, mom.”

  “Thank you, dear.”

  As the newlyweds started down the steps, the best man stepped forward to offer his arm to Loral.

  “Ready, Mrs. Coburn?”

  “Always, Mr. Coburn.”

  Yes, it had been quite the seven months. Jake had proposed in the lush, tropical greenhouse at the botanical gardens in January. They’d gotten married in a small ceremony on an unusually warm Spring day in April. And in May, Loral’s unsinkable dream of opening Dragonfly Dreams came true.

  Jake had located an old lumber mill on two acres bisected by a creek just outside the city, and they’d renovated the sprawling building to house Loral’s landscape design business and relocate Yore Timeless Treasures. Jake had most of his inventory moved already, and by the end of the summer Loral planned to have three complete display gardens outside, and two smaller ones inside to showcase her hothouse designs, complete with a mini-replica of their outside water wheel.

  A few weeks ago, across the creek over a rebuilt wooden walking bridge, Jake had taken her on the most romantic picnic and they’d day-dreamed about the house they’d build there. Afterward...mmm...Loral still remembered every delicious moment of the rest of that afternoon.