Love Rising: Spring (Mandrake Falls Series Romance Book 4)

by Catherine Lloyd

  This is Paula Dunlop, thought Paula, gazing around her apartment.

  Ryan McIntyre was too boring for her tastes with his business suits and lack of imagination.

  Why didn’t he show up at the Beauty Box? It didn’t make sense. Why call her and then stand her up? Actually, she was glad he didn’t show up. Good for him, Paula thought and reached for another chocolate. Without even checking to see what kind it was, she stuffed it in her mouth. Good for him for doing what he wanted and not caring about making a fool out of her. That takes class, she fumed while chewing on the nougat.

  There was a knock on her door. Paula sat up and stared at it. It was ten o’clock at night. Who would be knocking on her door at ten o’clock at night in Mandrake Falls? She was pretty sure she was the only person still awake in the whole town at this hour.

  “Paula? It’s me, Ryan. Can I come in? We need to talk.”

  Chapter 11: Mr. Marks Steps In

  JEREMY HAD to work the next day and she had to open the store but they lay in bed until the last possible moment and then ran around showering, making coffee and getting dressed in a mad scramble that was hilarious and sad at the same time. Sad because she wanted to see him again but didn’t know how to go about it, so she asked him if he’d like to come to her place for dinner.

  “As a show of appreciation for fixing the plumbing.”

  “I thought you’d never ask.” He grinned and pushed his glasses up on his face. “Basil and tomato sauce, right?”

  He did that when he was feeling shy, Jocelyn noticed. Pushed on his glasses.

  “I think I’ll surprise you instead,” she said joyfully. “I’m a good cook and I never get to cook for anyone. I want to show off a little. So you’ll come?”

  And then he wasn’t shy at all. Jeremy took her in his arms. “You know I’ll be there. I’ll bring the wine.”

  “We have no money.”

  “I’ll bring cheap wine. We have to celebrate the plumbing, Joce. Aunt Gloria would want us to celebrate the plumbing.”

  Jocelyn had never laughed so much with a man before. The others just made her cry. She kissed him first this time and knew she was in trouble. Jocelyn was falling in love with Jeremy Marks.

  ♥

  KENNETH MARKS called the theater that afternoon asking for his son. Jeremy was in the middle of running a technical cue-to-cue with the lights, distracted and yet in a good mood to the bewilderment of the crew. His mind was on spending the evening with Jocelyn and maybe staying the night at her place. Jeremy hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her since he dropped her off at The Country Barn this morning before heading to the theater. They were like an old married couple she had said, and after that, he couldn’t concentrate. He’d already missed several important lighting cues when the call from his father came in. The break was welcome.

  “Hi Dad, what’s up?”

  “Michael Shannon called me. If I’m interested, the company could become a corporate sponsor of the theater. I wanted to see how you felt about it first.”

  “Does she know I’m your son?”

  “I didn’t get that impression. It was just the usual corporate solicitation. I’m more than willing, Jeremy.”

  “I know and I appreciate it but I’d rather get the theater up and running before Marks Communication money is involved. That sounds ungrateful. But do you know what I mean?”

  “Sure, I do. But it sounds like the cultural investment we’d support even if you weren’t my son, so keep us in mind when you’re ready. I had another interesting call that I wanted to talk to you about. The caller informed me there was a notice in the local paper announcing your engagement. Care to comment?”

  Jeremy tried to sound casual. “I was going to call you about that. I talked to the managing editor at the Gazette and it’s cool. It was a prank to make the paper look bad and they’re printing a retraction. No big deal.”

  “It’s a big deal to me. I don’t like you being made the butt of some prank, son. Who is the girl you’re supposed to be marrying?”

  “Her name is Jocelyn Tate. She’s been in some of the amateur productions I’ve stage managed. I think I mentioned her once.”

  “Oh yes, I remember. I’ve heard quite a lot about her and now you’re engaged. Interesting.” Kenneth Marks gave a short disbelieving laugh on the other end of the line.

  “Dad, what is it?” Jeremy prodded. “What have you heard? I told you the announcement wasn’t real. Someone made it up to get at the paper. Jocelyn and I are just friends.”

  “I don’t doubt it. But my source was pretty well-informed about Jocelyn Tate’s motives for putting the ad in the paper.”

  “She said she didn’t. Dad, listen, before you say anything else, I trust Jocelyn and she was just as upset by the announcement as I was. Whoever your source is, they have it wrong but I’m not surprised. Some people around here have it in for her.”

  Kenneth sighed into the receiver. “Listen, son. She’s a gold digger. You don’t have a lot of experience with girls like that but they’re out there. Jocelyn Tate is only interested in your money.”

  “Dad, I don’t have any money. You have money. I have a stage manager’s salary. Jocelyn has already told me she wants to marry a rich man. She’s been straight about that from the beginning. We’ve been hanging out together lately and as far as she knows, I’m just another broke twenty-three-year-old. The kind of guy she doesn’t get involved with. She likes me for me, Dad.”

  “Jeremy, this girl sounds fine for now but don’t get serious about her. She’s not the kind of girl who will fit in. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  “You mean she’s not good enough for me. You think I can do better than a poor girl from Mandrake Falls, Vermont.”

  “You know better than that. I don’t care where she comes from. It’s you I’m concerned about and your future. Your life and your happiness is my only agenda here, and I don’t think this girl could make you happy. You have different priorities. She cares about money and you don’t, son.”

  “I don’t care about money because I’ve never had to. Some weeks are tougher than others but I’m never worried the way those who live paycheck to paycheck worry. I have a wealthy father to back me up if anything goes wrong. Even if I don’t take your help, subconsciously I know it’s there, so no—I don’t think about money. People with money don’t think about money. But I think about Jocelyn. I think about her all the time. She’s been honest; I’m the one who’s been deceptive. I’ve never told her who my family is.”

  “That proves my point. Your instincts are warning you off being too open with her. Take my advice. Do not tell this girl about your trust fund. If she likes you as much as she says she does, not telling her won’t change anything. She owns a small business, doesn’t she? My source says she makes soap?”

  Jeremy was uncomfortable discussing Jocelyn’s livelihood with his dad. It was one thing to debate her merits as a girlfriend; he didn’t want Kenneth Marks anywhere near her business. “She makes organic body care products and sells them at her store. She also grows her own vegetables and herbs. Jocelyn is very industrious and creative.”

  “It sounds like it. I applaud her entrepreneurial spirit, son. I could help her without her knowing. I could invest in her business through channels; help her out with start-up capital. If you think she’d welcome the investment. You’re her friend. Is it a rich husband she’s after or would she be just as happy with a thriving business?”

  Jeremy knew Jocelyn would be thrilled with a thriving business. But Jeremy had been around Kenneth Marks long enough to know he didn’t invest without expecting a return on his investment. “I’m having dinner at her place tonight. I can sound her out about it. How big of a percentage would you want?”

  “Zero percent. The terms will be very fair and generous.” There was a brief silence while Jeremy waited for the other shoe to drop. “But I want you to stop seeing her, son,” Kenneth added like there was nothing to it. “Stop spending
time with Jocelyn and I’ll make sure she’s okay. She’ll have a good business. She’ll find her own way. I’m not opposed to her as a person but as a daughter-in-law—I’m sorry but I can’t give my blessing. I know that comes as a disappointment.”

  Jeremy drew in a ragged breath. He couldn’t believe his father was saying these things. The liberal, generous Kenneth Marks was circling the wagons around the family name. It was crazy seeing his dad in this light. Kenneth Marks, the pragmatic businessman was not above using his power and money to control his son’s personal life.

  “Jocelyn wouldn’t marry me if I begged her. You don’t have to offer me bribes to warn me off her—she’s done that herself. I love you dad, you know that, but you have to back off. Leave her alone. She’s doing just fine without the Marks money.”

  “So you’re going to continue seeing her. Is that what you’re saying?”

  “She’s a friend. If I stopped seeing her now, it’ll look suspicious. People already think she’s responsible for the notice in the paper. I’m not going to abandon her.” Jeremy added wryly: “I know that comes as a disappointment.”

  “I’m not going to war with you over this. You’re a grown man. But I have to do what I think is right to protect you and our family from predators. I’m not the bad guy here, son. I’m glad this girl has been honest about her marital ambitions but that doesn’t make them any less reprehensible. The girl admits she will marry for money. No love, no soul, no heart. Where are her morals? What are her values? Is the girl you want to mother your children one day? I thought I did a better job bringing you up than that. If your mother were still alive she could explain why this relationship has to be broken off and as soon as possible.”

  Whenever his father dragged his mother into the argument, it meant he wasn’t going to back down until he’d won. For whatever reason, Kenneth Marks was seriously opposed to Jocelyn dating his son and that made Jeremy nervous for Jocelyn’s sake. There was only one thing to do.

  “Look, I’m not seeing her anymore after this week,” he said. “We’ve already talked about it. The paper will print a retraction on Monday and then everyone in town will know it was a prank. It’s complicated. Mandrake Falls won’t believe it was a hoax until it goes in the paper. Dad, trust me, this will all be over by Monday. Don’t let your source freak you out. I know what I’m doing. Sorry, dad, but I’ve got to get back to work. Bye.”

  He hung up. He hung up quickly before Kenneth could extract a promise that he’d never see Jocelyn again. His father was not above emotional blackmail when he really wanted something.

  ♥

  JEREMY SHOWED up at her door at six o’clock determined not to love her anymore. It had been him and his dad for so long that Jeremy didn’t know how to go against his wishes. If his father didn’t approve of Jocelyn, the relationship was doomed.

  Jocelyn opened the door wearing a pale blue dress, no shoes, and an apron. She had a smear of flour on her nose.

  “Bit of a cliché,” he said pointing to her feet. “Are you pregnant too?”

  “What?” Jocelyn looked startled. “Oh—very witty, Jeremy Marks. In the kitchen, barefoot and pregnant. Is that how you like your women? Was Ashley the barefoot, baby-making type?”

  “Ashley was the ‘shopping and spa day’ type.”

  “Get in here.” Jocelyn caught him by the lapels and pulled him into the house. “I’ve missed you.” She flung her arms around his neck and kissed him on the mouth.

  Jeremy instantly responded, completely taken aback, totally turned on and desperately in love all over again. He cursed his hormones mightily. “I missed you too,” he sighed.

  “I’m baking an apple torte for dessert,” she murmured. “We’re having chicken stew. I made it from an old family recipe and there are dumplings to go with it.”

  “I bought a bottle of the cheapest wine in the store, so be careful. Don’t get it on your skin.”

  She laughed and took it from him. She led the way through the jungle in the living room. Music was playing on her iPod; a selection of New Age, Alternative and Celtic music. Jeremy thought she would be into Katy Perry for some reason.

  Jocelyn made a face. “Not me. The plants like this mix. I don’t listen to the radio so I don’t know much about music. I like opera.”

  “Seriously?”

  “I’m a theater junkie. I like Broadway show tunes. What about you? What kind of music do you like?”

  “Jazz. Cuban latino fusion—anything hot with a beat.”

  “I got you covered.” She picked up the iPod and scrolled until she found what she was looking for and selected play.

  The sweet, mad sound of horn and bongos filled the room. “Oh yeah.” Jeremy grinned at her. “That’s more like it. Your plants are going love this.”

  “I hope you’re hungry,” Jocelyn said, leading the way into the kitchen. “I made too much. I can never get my portions right. I’ll freeze whatever we don’t eat for dinner next week.”

  “Next week we’ll be broken up.” He twisted the cap on the wine bottle and looked through her cupboard for wine glasses. No cork at this price. “The retraction will come out on Monday.”

  He turned to see Jocelyn blushing and she shot him a quick smile. “I forgot. I guess I’ll eat the leftovers then.”

  Jeremy’s heart flipped. He could tell from her expression that Jocelyn believed he was already getting over her. As if that could happen in a million years, never mind a week. But if he cared about her, he’d let her think it was true. Between Jocelyn saying she missed him and his dad’s sudden blue-blood snobbery, Jeremy didn’t know how to handle this night. He knew what he wanted to do. He wanted to love her.

  “You’re assuming you’re going to win our bet, Tate.” He reddened but concentrated on pouring the wine so he wouldn’t have to see her reaction. “We slept together and nothing’s changed so far at my end. I still feel the same way I did before so those leftovers are mine. I’m going to need sustenance while I fix this place up.”

  She rolled her eyes but he could tell she was pleased. Jocelyn set out placemats and heavy kiln-fired bowls on the table. Jeremy picked one up and looked at the bottom.

  “Where did you get these? They look handmade.”

  “I have a barter arrangement with a potter selling at The Country Barn. I supply her with soap in exchange for dinnerware. I’m working my way up to a four person set. That’s a lot of soap. Her stuff isn’t cheap.” She sighed. “I’m a poor girl who likes pretty things.”

  Jocelyn ladled chicken stew into each bowl and topped it with a dumpling. She handed Jeremy a couple of forks and two napkins. “Sit down and eat while it’s hot. My mom used to say that.” She raised her wine glass. “To plumbing that works and crazy people who put bogus ads in the paper.” Jocelyn took a swallow of the white wine and choked. “It’s a young vintage.”

  “Bottled this month,” Jeremy grinned. “Your stew is much, much better. You are very talented in the kitchen, Miss Tate.”

  “I’ve mastered the domestic arts, Mr. Marks. Sadly, I have no life skills whatsoever.”

  “You’re beautiful.”

  She banged her fork on the table impatiently. “So you keep telling me. It’s not exactly a skill. I was born this way. People don’t pay a person to be beautiful.”

  “Sure they do. Models are paid.”

  Jocelyn sighed and pushed blonde hair off her wide clear brow. “I was approached to do some modeling when I was younger but mom was sick. I couldn’t leave her. I’m too old now.”

  “You’re only twenty-two.”

  “I don’t make the rules. A model starts her career at fourteen. I don’t care—I don’t want to be a model. I want to be an organic gardener.”

  Jeremy pushed his glasses up on his nose. They were having such a good time, he didn’t want to break the spell but he promised his dad. “Jocelyn, have you ever considered securing an investor? A silent one. Somebody who believes in your business and can, ah, help you take it to the n
ext level?”

  Jocelyn laughed. “Why sure, sweetie! I’ve got investors lined up around the block. The organic soap business is off the chain as a profit-making enterprise.” She shook her head and scooped a mouthful of dumpling onto her fork. “Hells bells, where do you get your ideas?”

  “My dad mentioned it as a possibility. He has a lot of experience with business start-ups. I talked to him today. He heard about the engagement notice by the way,” Jeremy said casually, hoping she wouldn’t notice his anxiety.

  “So that’s why you’re stressed.”

  “How did you know I was stressed?”

  “You aren’t the only one paying attention here. I can tell when you’re upset. Did your dad take the news as well as my father did?”

  Jocelyn was being wryly sarcastic but she had no idea how close the two fathers were in their opinions. Norm might come around in time but Kenneth probably wouldn’t and if it came down to a choice, Jeremy would choose Jocelyn. He would always choose Jocelyn and because of that, he had to stop seeing her. If Kenneth couldn’t end the relationship one way, he’d find another. Jocelyn’s business would take the hit.

  “Dad was puzzled by the news more than anything. He heard about it from some source he wouldn’t name. The jerk was probably some crony of his who saw the paper and gave him a hard time for being the last to know. My dad is kind of a control freak where I’m concerned.”

  “I know what that’s like.”

  Jeremy swallowed a mouthful of wine, screwing up his courage. “Yeah, well, there was another reason he was bugged by the notice. Dad’s source said you were behind it. I told him his informant was wrong but he wasn’t convinced. I think the only way we’re going to come out of this is if we find out who put the ad in the paper.”