Unfortunately Noelle had been caught, but even though Ethan had threatened her, Noelle had been smart enough not to give him up. She knew the consequences of betraying Andrew Jackson.
Andrew had even convinced that lush of an account executive, James Burton, to steal from his own daughter, Gabrielle, and leak AC’s prototype to the press. He’d tried for the lady herself, but that darn Gabrielle had a lot of spunk and told him to take a flying leap. Not many people impressed him, but she had because even with her head over a barrel, she would not give in to his blackmail. He wished she had, because she was a darn good chemist whom he would have liked working for him.
And still, none of his shenanigans stopped those Adamses. Ecstasy was still beating Jax Cosmetics’ Noelle in the latest sales reports he’d received, even though it was a cheaper imitation. And rumor had it that they had another fragrance on the horizon.
Andrew suspected they all thought they were smarter and better than him. He was born into a wealthy aristocrat lineage, and his great-great-grandfather had owned slaves. But Byron? He came from nothing, from the Atlanta slums. He’d had to work with Carter Graham for years before starting his own company. And his measly eleven-room mansion was nothing in comparison to the twenty-bedroom plantation Andrew had inherited, along with a hundred acres of prime land.
What did Elizabeth see in Byron anyway to marry him, have three children and start a company with him? What would it take to stop them? Andrew was going to have to take desperate measures to finally put a hole in Byron’s sails once and for all. He would not let Jasper become a part of their family. He would stop it at all costs.
The door to his study opened. Andrew saw the visitor and motioned him forward. He slid a large envelope of cash across the mahogany desk. “Make it look like an accident.”
Chapter 15
“What are you so nervous about?” Tea asked Courtney when she dropped by the Adams estate to help Courtney pick out an appropriate ensemble to meet Jasper’s mother in. Tea was sitting on Courtney’s king-size bed in her master suite.
Courtney’s bedroom was much like the lady herself, over-the-top and done in white, ivory and biscuit. She had an oversize four-poster canopy bed with white bedding and large pillows of various sizes, a huge cheval mirror, regal Italian statues and a crystal chandelier with ornate ceiling moldings.
“It’s too soon.” Courtney held up a black sheath dress and Tea shook her head.
“Boring and it’s not you. You’re not going to the office. You’re going to meet his mama.”
Courtney sighed. She’d already tried on half a dozen outfits and eighty-sixed them all.
“He’s already met your entire family,” Tea continued. “It only seems fair that you should meet his.”
“I know,” Courtney said, “it’s just that given who he is, he had to meet my family to allay their fears that he wasn’t Andrew’s lackey spying on us, but this...this...”
“This what?” Tea asked. “This means you two are getting serious? Well, he is relocating his home office to Atlanta and rearranging his life just to be close to you.”
“When you put it like that, it makes me seem hypocritical and unyielding.”
Tea shrugged. “If the shoe fits.”
“You know me.” Courtney touched her chest. “I’ve never done long term. I was worse than Shane when it came to relationships. At the first sign of a guy getting attached, I would run for the hills. At least Shane kept his women around a few months.”
“And you’re afraid of what this means?”
“I mean this is serious, meeting his mother,” Courtney said, wringing her hands and pacing the floor.
“And you’re wondering what’s next?”
Courtney nodded.
“Have you discussed long term?” Tea asked. “You know, what your expectations are?”
“No, I mean we’ve had a couple of other hurdles to deal with.”
“Then don’t leap to conclusions,” Tea said logically. “Be yourself and I’m sure Jasper’s mother will love you.”
“I hope so.”
* * *
“I don’t know about this,” Courtney said on the drive from Atlanta to the outskirts of Marietta. Jasper was driving her to meet his mother, and Courtney was extremely nervous. The more she’d thought about it, the more anxious she’d become. She’d grown up in a life of privilege and glamour, whereas Jasper’s mother had come from very humble beginnings.
It’s why she’d settled on a simple outfit of skinny jeans with a white peasant shirt and a chunky belt. She didn’t want Jasper’s mother to think she was a pampered princess.
With one hand still on the wheel of the Maserati he’d recently purchased, Jasper reached across to squeeze Courtney’s hand. “You’ll be fine. Mom’s going to love you.”
“I hope so,” Courtney said, fidgeting in her chair. She’d watched the scenery change from metropolitan Atlanta to the rural countryside of Marietta during their ride.
“You know, I wasn’t this nervous when I met your folks, and trust me, I had a lot more to be worried about given my association to Andrew.”
“Well, mothers are notoriously harder on their sons’ girlfriends,” Courtney responded tartly. “It’s a fact.”
Jasper laughed. “Is that so? Well, then we just have to break open that bottle of chardonnay you brought.” He inclined his head to the wine box on the floor of the Maserati. “Sooner rather than later to loosen you up.”
“No!” Courtney shook her head. “Then your mother will think I’m a lush.”
“Courtney, baby,” Jasper crooned, “you’re going to have to loosen up. My mother doesn’t bite.”
The car turned off the main road onto a dirty road with a sign that read Cartwright Farm. As they drove, Courtney could see the farm was set on many acres of land. Courtney saw horses and cows grazing in a pasture surrounded by large white fences. She saw a barn and stables just before the car stopped in front of the main house, where she assumed his mother lived. It was a two-story rectangular-shaped farmhouse with a wraparound front porch with white railings.
A petite woman with big dark curls that reached her shoulders came flying out the front door in jeans and a plaid shirt. “You’re here.”
Jasper was first out of the car. He was coming around to open Courtney’s door when his mother came bounding down the steps. A little too quickly for his liking, since she’d just been given clearance to walk and was still in physical therapy.
“Mama, be careful,” he said, rushing to her side at the porch steps. “You know Doc said to watch that hip.”
“I know, I know.” She slapped his hand away. “I just can’t wait to meet Courtney.” She stood outside the car expectantly.
Jasper walked over and opened Courtney’s door. “Mama, I’d like you to meet Courtney Adams. Courtney, this is my mother, Abigail Jackson.”
“It’s so great to meet you.” Abigail rushed forward and pulled Courtney into a warm hug. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” She pulled away so she could assess Courtney further. “And you’re every bit as beautiful as Jasper said you were.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Jackson.” Courtney smiled and knew instantly that she had nothing to fear. Jasper’s mother was a woman to love. She had an oval face, big brown eyes and a wide smile.
“Please call me Abigail,” she said, circling her arm through Courtney’s and walking her toward the house. “We have lots to talk about.”
Hours later, Courtney realized that Abigail Jackson was every bit as genuine as Jasper had said, more so in her opinion. She’d learned that Jasper had been a handful as a child, always climbing trees, trying to play with alligators in the pond and generally pushing the limits. If a chocolate brother could blush, Jasper did when Abigail pulled out several photo albums and showed pictures of Jasper with bad
haircuts in high school.
“It was the style back then,” Jasper said.
After they’d shared a lovely brunch of quiche, summer salad and sweet tea, Jasper extended a tour of the farm and the ranch by horseback.
Courtney turned to Abigail for approval.
“I don’t mind one bit,” Abigail said. “There’s nothing better than being outdoors on the farm with the fresh air in your face and filling your lungs.”
“Then you’re on,” Courtney said, smiling at Jasper.
After they’d saddled up, Jasper on a black Clydesdale horse and Courtney on a beautiful palomino with a gold coat and white tail, they were off to explore the farm. Jasper pointed out the barn that housed the cows, the chicken coop and the pigpen. Then he galloped off into the distance. Courtney had to give her mare a little kick just to keep up with him. She found him dismounted and the horse grazing by a nearby pond.
“Hey, you.” She was out of breath when she climbed off the mare. “You left me in your dust.”
He turned and pulled Courtney into his arms. “Because I knew you’d keep up.” He smiled and bent down to brush his full lips across hers. When he lifted his head, he said, “I’ve wanted to do that all day.” He smacked her on the bottom.
“Have you, you bad boy?” she snickered.
“Indeed,” Jasper said, and then turned back to face the pond. “Don’t you just love it out here, the peace, the quiet, the serenity?”
“I do,” Courtney said, watching him underneath hooded lashes. She’d seen another side of Jasper today—the side that was a son, caretaker, friend. And she’d loved it, loved him. In her wildest dreams, she would never have imagined that an island fling could have turned into so much more, that she would find her soul mate. But she did. Jasper was her soul mate. “I’m going to enjoy visiting the farm.”
Jasper spun around to look at her. “So you’d come again?”
“Absolutely,” she stated.
* * *
“You look stunning,” Jasper said the following weekend when Courtney emerged from the master bathroom of his new penthouse apartment in Ansley Park. She was wearing a strapless yellow sequined dress that was skintight and hugged her delicious curves from the swell of her breasts to her hips. It was a daring color that not many women could have pulled off, but Courtney wore it well.
“You look pretty good too,” Courtney said as she came forward and straightened out the blue handkerchief in his tuxedo pocket. Jasper was wearing the heck out of his black tuxedo sans tie. “Are you ready to go spend some money on some jewelry to benefit the Partnership for Domestic Violence?”
“I must confess that getting dressed up for charity events isn’t really my thing,” Jasper replied. “I’d much prefer to be in jeans and a T-shirt. But I believe in the cause, so yes, I will open my wallet, perhaps for something for you?”
Courtney liked that idea. “Well, there won’t be many more of these events that I have to attend,” she replied. “I am interviewing candidates to take over my spot as Adams Cosmetics spokeswoman.”
Jasper tugged her closer to him and peered into her eyes. “Are you sure you’re ready to give up the limelight?” He’d watched her on that photo shoot in Punta Cana and saw how at ease she was in front of a camera. Was she ready to take a backseat and not be the center of attention?
Courtney smiled, showing her pretty white teeth. “I am. It’s time for a changing of the guard. And I’m ready to prove that I’m just as talented as my siblings.”
“And you’re already doing it,” Jasper said. Courtney had jumped headfirst into her new role as associate director and was working closely with Bryan on Bliss’s new campaign.
Courtney and Jasper arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Atlanta a short while later. After he left his Maserati with the valet, they walked the red carpet to the front door. Several local photographers and a camera crew were already on the sidewalk taking photos.
Jasper released Courtney’s arm so she could take photos, and he stood along the sidelines admiring her as she posed in front of the cameras.
“Ms. Adams, you’re looking lovely as always,” one of the cameramen said, smiling.
“Thank you.” Courtney gave him a wink. “And I’m wearing Adams Cosmetics’ latest scent, Ecstasy.” She always mentioned AC products whenever possible.
Courtney left the red carpet and Jasper joined her arm with his. “You know you had the guy salivating,” Jasper whispered in her ear.
“Oh, he’s a teddy bear,” she murmured as they walked in.
The hostess, Anne Burke, was standing in the lobby near the staircase ready to greet them and send them to Savannah Hall, the intimate room she’d reserved for the evening.
“Anne, how lovely to see you.” Courtney air-kissed the Caucasian woman whom she’d met at another charity event.
“Thank you and welcome,” Anne replied. “I’m so happy you could come to support the cause and take a look at my jewelry. I may not be on the board of directors any longer, but I am a survivor of domestic violence, so this organization is very near and dear to my heart.”
“Well, I can’t wait to see some of your pieces.”
“And who is this gentleman behind you?” Anne inquired.
Courtney looked behind her at Jasper, who was trying to appear incognito. “Oh, him.” She grabbed his arm and pulled him forward toward Anne. “This is Jasper Jackson.”
Jasper held out his hand and Courtney watched the woman blush several shades of red. “A pleasure,” Anne said softly.
“Likewise.” Jasper’s voice sounded husky even to Courtney, so she knew that Anne would be positively taken with him.
“Is it hot in here to you?” Anne asked, fanning herself.
Courtney smiled knowingly. Jasper’s dark eyes on her or any woman had that effect. “There are quite a few people in the foyer.” She helped the poor woman out. “Have my parents arrived?”
“Oh, yes. They’re already upstairs.”
“Thank you, I think we’ll go find them,” Courtney said, moving away. She met up with her parents and siblings, who were inside drinking champagne and admiring several pieces of jewelry. “Can anyone join this party?”
“Courtney, darling.” Her mother came and kissed her cheek. “Where have you been? We were starting to get worried you wouldn’t make it.”
She blushed. They’d had a slight delay because of Jasper joining her in the shower, so it had taken longer than usual for her to get dressed. “Yeah, well...time got away from me.”
She noticed Gabby snickering behind Shane. Clearly, her soon-to-be sister-in-law suspected she was lying.
“I saw a great piece that you must see,” Kayla said, pulling Courtney away from Jasper.
“I’ll join you.” Gabrielle quickly joined the duo.
“You both look great,” Courtney said once the trio was alone.
Kayla’s dark curls hung beautifully over her white Grecian one-shoulder gown with beaded embellishments, while Gabby had definitely emerged from her former shell. She was wearing a blue strapless gown that hugged her body before fishtailing out like a mermaid.
“Yeah, yeah,” Kayla said. “We know the reason you were late. It was written all over your face.”
“Was I that transparent?” Courtney turned scarlet.
Gabrielle laughed. “Totally!”
Courtney joined in their laughter. “C’mon, you guys know how it is when a relationship is new. You can’t get enough of each other.”
“I hear you, girl,” Gabrielle said. “Shane and I are like randy teenagers.”
“And Ethan, well...” Kayla paused for effect. “I’ll just say...he’s very much an alpha male.”
“Enough said,” Courtney said. “Let’s look at some of this jewelry.”
Se
veral displays were strategically set up throughout the ballroom. The ladies perused the displays noting which pieces they liked so their respective partners could buy them. Courtney eyed some sunflower diamond earrings for her mother and a diamond tassel necklace for herself.
She was behind a display case when she heard a female whisper, “Did you hear? That gorgeous gentleman in the black tuxedo is Andrew Jackson’s son.”
“Say it isn’t so.” The other female sounded shocked. “Isn’t there a long-standing feud between the Adamses and Jacksons?”
“What do you mean?”
“The two families hate each other,” the woman explained. “Jax Cosmetics is always trying to upstage media darling Adams Cosmetics. Thanks to that Adams girl, they are always in the paper. Have you seen her? She’s absolutely stunning with those green eyes. No wonder the Jackson boy fell for her.”
“I wonder what’s going to happen. I can’t imagine any good can come out of that union.”
“I only hope Andrew doesn’t show up tonight. You know his wife is good friends with Anne Burke.” Were those women right? Was she fooling herself thinking that a relationship with her and Jasper could survive the strain?
Sure, she’d stood up to Andrew and told him to back off, but that didn’t mean anything. He’d vowed that he would come between them. He would not allow an Adams to take another thing from him. His words had chilled her to the bone, and she hadn’t forgotten them. And her father, well, Courtney doubted if he would ever come to accept Jasper in her life. Were they at an impasse?
“See something you like?” Jasper asked from behind her. Startled, Courtney spun around. Had he heard what those gossips had said?
He was smiling back at her, so clearly he hadn’t. Perhaps she was making too much of the women’s comments. Nothing had shown her that she and Jasper shouldn’t be together. So why was there a sense of foreboding washing over her?
“What’s wrong?” Jasper asked at the concerned look on Courtney’s face. “Does someone have their eye on a piece you want?”
Formula for Passion Page 15