“I agree.”
“I would like nothing better than to give you the director of marketing slot, but as you know, that’s already filled.” Kayla noticed the frown creasing Courtney’s forehead and said, “But we would like to offer you the associate director of marketing and communications slot.”
A smile formed on Courtney’s mouth.
“Bryan will continue to lead the department, creating our annual plan, collaborating with our sales force, handling the budget and management of the team, but under his tutelage your focus will be on the creative side of event planning, public relations and advertising campaigns for new products. How does that sound?”
“It sounds great.”
“You don’t mind working as a team with Bryan?”
“No, we’ve been doing that already.”
Kayla smiled. “So I’ve heard. He’s told us about the great ideas you’ve come up with previously, so we think this is a good fit for you.”
“So do I,” Courtney said. “This is just the kind of thing I’ve wanted to sink my teeth into, so I happily accept. When do I start?”
“How does now sound?” Kayla said. “It’ll be a little crazy until we find your replacement, but do you think you can handle both jobs given your new love life?”
Courtney chuckled to herself. She was wondering when the conversation was going to get around to Jasper. Try as she might, sometimes the line of business and family blurred for Kayla. “I’ll be just fine. Jasper knows I want a larger role at the company.”
“So you’ve spoken to him about our business?” Kayla asked testily.
Courtney immediately noticed the aggressive tone in Kayla’s voice and returned it in kind. “We’ve discussed how I’ve been viewed as a child for years,” she responded curtly, “who should be happy with a pat on the head from the public. And that it’s time I take my rightful place in this company.”
Kayla sighed. “I’m sorry if you took offense to my question.”
“How could I not, Kayla?” Courtney said, her eyes narrowing. “You were insinuating that I’d told him company secrets or something, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Jasper and I don’t have the time or inclination to talk about business in bed when there are much more fun things to do.”
Kayla blushed and chuckled, which immediately helped ease the tension in the room. “Oh my God, Courtney. That’s what I love about you. You just say whatever is on your mind, no matter the consequences. I envy that.”
“I know sometimes that can get me into trouble,” Courtney said. “But in this instance, I have to say I’m disappointed in you, Kay. You were quick to leap to the conclusion that Jasper is out to harm our family. We all thought the same thing about Ethan. Or is that what this is all about? Is turnabout fair play?”
Kayla paused as if she was considering that scenario. “I really hadn’t thought about that. I just get riled up whenever Andrew Jackson’s name is mentioned, and to know Jasper is related to him, I admit it does not sit well with me. I’m concerned about you. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Well don’t be,” Courtney said affirmatively. “I’ve got this. And even if I didn’t, it’s my mistake to make. You guys have to let me fall flat on my face.”
“You’re my baby sister, Courtney,” Kayla said. “That’s hard for me to do.”
“Try harder,” Courtney said, rising from her chair. “Because Jasper isn’t going away. I hope you’re prepared because Mother invited him to our family dinner on Saturday night.”
“Oh, Lord!” Kayla rolled her eyes.
“Buckle up,” Courtney said, “’cause it might be a bumpy night.”
* * *
“So you’re thinking about permanently staying in the U.S.?” Mark asked Jasper once he’d returned to Punta Cana.
“I’m giving it great thought,” Jasper said. “There is no way Courtney is going to leave her family, whereas I can be stationed anywhere. We have the two hotels here in the Dominican Republic plus a hotel in Florida. And my mother is in Marietta. I would love to be closer to her, especially after her accident. She looks more fragile to me now.”
“I understand being closer to your mother, but you hate the U.S.,” Mark said. “Or so you’ve told me. You’ve always said how much you like being close to the ocean and a walk away from the beach. Are you really ready to give that all up for a woman?”
“Quite possibly,” Jasper said. He saw the surprised look on Mark’s face. “Don’t look so stunned. It’s hard for me to believe it too. One day, I’m happy in this solitary life, but the next day I meet Courtney and I realize I don’t want to be alone. I was so busy running away from the ghosts of the past that I wasn’t letting anyone in.”
“And you’ve let Courtney in?”
“Way in.” Jasper smiled broadly. “She knows the truth.”
“That you’re Andrew Jackson’s son?” Mark said.
Jasper nodded. “And despite knowing all that, she still wants to be with me.”
“Sounds like she’s a pretty amazing woman.”
“She is,” Jasper said. “And I can’t wait to get back to her.”
Chapter 13
Jasper sighed wearily as the taxi drove him to the restaurant to meet Courtney’s family. Courtney had felt it would be less intimidating if he met her family in a public place versus their family estate. This would ensure that they were on their best behavior. He’d just gotten in from Punta Cana two hours before after a long workweek. He’d had just enough time to get back to the hotel, have a quick shower and get back on the road.
He’d called ahead and told Courtney he would meet her there and she was waiting for him outside Chops Lobster Bar. He was thankful because he didn’t relish going in to face her family without her by his side. Not that he was afraid or anything, but he respected Courtney and wanted to avoid causing a scene. Yet Jasper suspected that his presence would cause one despite his best efforts.
Courtney looked amazing. She was wearing a navy one-shoulder dress with beading along the side that stopped above her knee. The silhouette was fitted and cleverly showed her figure without being too revealing.
A smile lit up Courtney’s face as he approached. Jasper looked dapper in a sleek charcoal designer suit. His hair and goatee had been freshly trimmed and he smelled woodsy, like cedar and sandalwood with a splash of citrus and lavender. It was divine. She couldn’t wait for the night to be over so she could ravish him. “You made it!” She let out a sigh of relief and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I was beginning to worry.”
Jasper grasped one of her hands and squeezed. “I wouldn’t let you down. I know what a big deal this is for you, meeting your family and all.”
“I’m just happy you’re here.” Courtney pressed her lips hotly against his. She’d missed him. He’d only been gone a week, but it had felt like an eternity.
The Adamses had secured a private dining room, and when Courtney and Jasper entered, everyone turned their heads. Jasper noticed several couples and an older couple mingling in the room as they sipped cocktails.
“Everything will be fine,” Jasper whispered in Courtney’s ear as they approached the group.
“From your lips to God’s ears.”
Gabrielle was the first to approach them. “Jasper,” she said, her arms wide open, “so happy you could make it tonight.”
Jasper accepted the gracious greeting and allowed himself to be enveloped in the brunette’s arms for a hug. He could see why Shane was taken with her. She was a natural beauty with warm brown skin, almond-shaped eyes and round cheeks. “Thank you,” Jasper said when they’d let go. “I’m happy to meet you.”
“Courtney has said great things about you,” Gabrielle said, “so we couldn’t wait to meet you.”
I just bet, Jasper thought. He doubted th
e Adams family wanted to meet him in the slightest. It was probably tantamount to sacrilege that a Jackson was even in their midst.
Courtney winked at Gabby for breaking the ice. “Come, you have to meet the rest of the family.” She walked over to Shane first on the far side of the group. “This is my brother, Shane.”
Shane firmly shook Jasper’s hand, but Jasper could tell he was sizing him up. “Nice to meet you,” Jasper said.
“Likewise,” Shane replied.
They moved from one end of the group to the other. She was leaving her parents for last, which would hopefully give her mother enough time to get her father under control. “And this is my older sister, Kayla, and her husband, Ethan Graham, and my adorable nephew, Alexander.”
Courtney took the infant right out of Kayla’s arms. She nuzzled the boy with her nose. “Isn’t my nephew the cutest thing in the world?” She moved closer to Jasper so he could see him.
“We think so,” Kayla responded first. “Pleasure to meet you, Jasper.” She eyed him suspiciously.
“You as well.” He inclined his head as he looked down at her son. “He’s a fine-looking boy.”
“Thank you,” Ethan said, and offered his hand. “Ethan.”
“Jasper.” Jasper noticed that Ethan didn’t immediately let go of his hand.
Instead Ethan leaned forward and pulled him slightly away from the group. “It won’t be easy becoming a part of this clan,” he said. “They don’t cotton well to outsiders. You’ll have to prove yourself.”
“I’m up for the challenge,” Jasper whispered back.
“What do you think they’re talking about?” Courtney asked Kayla as she returned her nephew to his mother.
“Ethan’s probably warning him to run in the other direction,” Kayla said, laughing.
Courtney chuckled. “You’re probably right.” She strode toward the men in private conversation. “If I can break this up, I’d like to introduce you to my parents.”
Jasper inclined his head to Ethan, silently thanking him for the warning before grasping hold of Courtney’s hand and walking toward her parents.
Byron Adams might have been Jasper’s height, but he was still every bit as intimidating as Courtney had said he would be. Despite the occasion and his well-tailored suit, Byron had a scowl on his mahogany face. Jasper doubted very much that he’d wanted this introduction, but it was inevitable.
“Daddy,” Courtney said gingerly, smiling at her mother the entire time, “I’d like you to meet Jasper Jackson, my boyfriend.” She’d added the last words at the last second and she could feel her father cringe outwardly, but he said nothing.
“Mr. Adams.” Jasper held out his hand first as a gesture of goodwill. “Pleasure to meet you, sir.”
Byron stared down at his hand for several long moments and Jasper thought he wasn’t going to shake it, but then Byron glanced at his wife to his side and extended his hand. “No need to call me sir.”
Jasper nodded. “Mrs. Adams, I presume.” He came to Courtney’s mother. He wasn’t surprised by her startling beauty. Even though she had to be in her fifties, Jasper saw Courtney in her. She had the same smooth café-au-lait skin that Courtney and Shane had and the same piercing green eyes.
“Yes.” Elizabeth smiled warmly at him. “I’m so happy to meet you, Jasper.” She leaned over and kissed his cheek. “Courtney has spoken highly of you.”
“Thank you.” He made sure not to call her ma’am so as not to offend Mr. Adams. “You’re every bit as lovely as your daughter.”
Elizabeth Adams beamed with pride.
“Well, she gets it honest,” Byron huffed at her side.
Elizabeth turned to glare at her husband. “How about an aperitif?”
Half an hour later, the Adams family sat down to share a meal at a large twelve-person table. Courtney’s parents, Shane and Gabrielle, Kayla and Ethan were at one end of the table while Kayla’s best friend, Piper, and Ethan’s right-hand man, Daniel Walker, sat in the middle along with Courtney and Jasper. Courtney had suggested inviting them so that Piper and Daniel could help keep the evening light.
The only person missing was Tea. She arrived shortly after they were all seated.
“Tea, honey.” Courtney rushed over to give her best friend a hug. “Glad you’re here.” She needed positive reinforcements tonight, and she wanted to ensure a friendly environment for Jasper.
“Sorry, I’m late,” Tea said, removing her coat, which a server immediately ushered away. “How’s it going?”
“No one’s shot anyone, so I’d say we’re okay. Are you hungry?” Courtney asked, tucking her arm in Tea’s arm. “Mother selected a great four-course meal.”
“Sounds good. I’m ravenous.”
Jasper smiled as the two women walked toward the table.
“Has the family roasted you yet?” Tea asked, looking Jasper up and down. This was her first look at the man who’d sprung her best friend. She’d never seen Courtney this giddy, this happy. And she could see why. He was definitely what the doctor ordered: tall, somewhere around six feet, with skin as dark as midnight and handsome, chiseled features and a strong jaw. Courtney had done good.
Jasper knew the woman had to be Tea. Courtney had described her as Latin, feisty and straight talking and he liked her instantly. “Actually, things are going quite well.” He smiled smoothly, showing her a perfect set of white teeth. “I thought I’d be charcoal dust by now, but I’ve managed to keep an even color.”
Tea laughed. “I like you, Jasper,” she said. “You’ve got a sense of humor. And that’ll serve you well with this group.” She glanced behind him to see Courtney’s family staring at them.
Tea took a seat and Jasper joined them at the table and pulled out a chair for Courtney. He liked that she had a close-knit family and great friends. He envied her. Other than his mother, he wasn’t close to many. Sure, he’d had his grandfather who’d passed away when he was twenty, and he’d learned the construction business from his uncle Duke, but they hadn’t talked much the past few years. Right then, Jasper resolved to make a better effort of keeping in touch with his uncle. He might not have a father, but there was no reason he couldn’t have a father figure.
The rest of the evening didn’t go nearly as bad as Jasper had envisioned. Other than Kayla and Byron grilling him about his background, education and hotel business, everyone else seemed to be taking their relationship in stride. That was until his father strode into their private dining room. He was with Monica and another woman who Jasper assumed to be his new wife, Blythe.
Jasper turned to Courtney and he saw her face turn as white as a ghost. This was exactly what she had feared. Drama.
Shane instantly jumped out of his chair and put a hand out to stop Andrew from coming any farther into the room before Jasper could even get out of his seat. “You have no place here, Andrew.”
“Oh, am I interrupting something?” Andrew asked innocently with a thick Southern drawl. He peered over Shane to survey the room and its occupants. His dark eyes glanced over to Byron, who had Elizabeth’s hand on his arm, probably in an effort to keep him from making a scene.
“You know damn well you are,” Jasper said, coming to Shane’s aid. “Leave.”
“Well, if it isn’t my son.” Andrew chuckled, but there was no denying the disgust on his face as he surveyed Jasper. “Eating with the enemy.”
“I thought I made it clear to you last week that I want no association with you.” Jasper said the words loud enough so the entire room could hear, especially Courtney’s father. He needed him to know that he had nothing to do with Andrew crashing their dinner.
“And your message was received, loud and clear.” Andrew gave him a steely stare. “I just happened to be at Chops for an evening out with my beautiful wife and daughter.” He emphasized the word for Jasper�
�s effect. “And we were looking for our seat.”
“I just bet you were,” Jasper said.
Seconds later, the restaurant manager was at the doorway. “Mr. and Mrs. Jackson, I believe you are in the wrong area,” he said. “This is a private event. Please allow me to take you to your seats.”
Andrew glared at everyone in the room before whispering to Jasper, “I warned you.” He rasped, “You had better be on your guard.”
Jasper shuddered.
Andrew tucked his arm in his wife’s. “Let’s go, my darlings. There’s nothing here of importance.”
Monica gave Jasper a triumphant smile on her way out.
The room erupted with chatter. “Can you believe the nerve?” “That man has no shame!” Jasper could barely hear any of them, because he felt as if all eyes were on him. The chilling warning Andrew had just given him was impossible to ignore.
Slowly, Jasper made his way back to the table, but he could feel Byron Adams’s eyes boring a hole in his head. When he got to the table, Courtney wasn’t there.
“Where’s Courtney?” Jasper asked Tea, looking around.
“Dunno,” Tea said. “After your father left she ran out of the room.”
Jasper sucked in a breath. That’s what he was afraid of. That she would be so upset by his father that she would create a rift between them right when they were just figuring things out.
* * *
“Wait!” Courtney yelled to Andrew’s back as he, Blythe and Monica made their way down the hall.
Surprised, Andrew spun around on his cowboy boots. “And what can I do for you, princess?”
Courtney hated that he used the nickname Jasper had given her. “What you can do for me,” Courtney said, “is to leave Jasper and my family alone.”
“How dare you talk to my father like that! You’ve known Jasper for what, like two seconds?” Monica snapped her fingers.
“Darlin’, darlin’.” Andrew grasped Monica’s elbow. “Why don’t you and your mother go and get seated? I’ll be right in.”
Formula for Passion Page 13