Best Woman for the Job (Jenkins Family Series Book 0)

by Sharon C. Cooper

  “Go on,” he ground out.

  “I was so angry at my roommate. I hadn’t even wanted to go to the party because I knew I wouldn’t know anyone, but she begged me, saying she didn’t want to go by herself and that we wouldn’t have to stay long. So when I was ready to leave and she wasn’t, I was pissed. I cursed her out and then left. I walked a few blocks before I realized the campus was further away than I thought, but I kept walking.” A cold shiver gripped her, causing her to pause for a moment, and Craig moved closer, his legs touching hers. “When I got about five or six blocks away from campus, I heard someone behind me, but when I turned around I didn’t see anyone. After another block the footsteps had returned. When I-I turned …”

  She gulped hard, hot tears slipping down her cheeks as she attempted to regain her composure. The more she thought about that night the angrier she got. She was only eighteen. She could still hear herself screaming … crying … clawing at him to let her go. Help! Help! Help me! she kept screaming. She looked at Craig and said, “Nobody helped me. I kept screaming and nobody helped me,” she cried, shaking uncontrollably. “Nobody helped me!”

  Craig lifted her on to his lap and held her. “Stop … stop. I am so sorry. You don’t have to do this.”

  “He pu-punched me in the face, then dragged me into the woods. I screamed at the top of my lungs. I kept kicking and swinging,” she cried, “but he wouldn’t stop, wouldn’t let me go. He pulled out a kn-knife. When he threw me on the ground, he held my hands tightly above my head, and shoved a towel or something in my mouth. He cut my shirt open and then my bra. He-he put his mouth on me. That asshole pu–”

  Craig held her tighter to his body, her back against his chest. “Baby, don’t, don’t. I am so sorry I made you relive this.”

  “I tried to stop him. He—”

  “Shh, shh, it’s okay. That’s enough.” He sat rocking her. “It’s okay. You’re okay. I’ll never let anyone hurt you again.”

  ****

  She had finally quieted, but Craig wouldn’t let her go, or maybe it was that he couldn’t. What was I thinking having her to tell me, making her relive that nightmare? He’d never forget the anguish he heard in her voice, the fear of what had happened to her. Eighteen. God, she was just a baby then. What type of monster would do something like that to a defenseless woman?

  “Besides a therapist, I’ve never told anyone.”

  He stilled. “What do you mean you never told anyone?”

  “I couldn’t.”

  “Not even your sisters, or a close cousin? Did you go to the hospital to get checked out or file a report with the police?”

  She shook her head against his chest.

  Part of him felt humbled that she trusted him, but the other part of him wanted to hunt that low-down-dirty-bastard down and beat his ass.

  “I felt so stupid for putting myself in danger. How could I have been so stupid?”

  He laid his head against her head, his lips close to her ear. “It’s not your fault. Don’t do this. You were just a baby.”

  “But I knew better. Sometimes I still can’t believe it happened.”

  “When did you see a therapist?”

  “About seven years ago, when the nightmares became unbearable.”

  “So for two years …” His voice trailed off and he kissed the top of her head. “How were you able to keep this a secret? Especially right after it happened?”

  “I eventually made it back to the dorm, got some of my clothes, and checked into an extended stay hotel. I used my credit card and stayed until most of my bruises healed. I’d talk to my family like usual, so they wouldn’t think anything was wrong.”

  Craig was at a loss for words. The thought of her going through this alone would haunt him for a long time.

  “I dropped out of school and went home. Of course, my parents were livid that I had dropped out. They told me that I couldn’t move back home unless I had a job, or was in school full time. So I moved in with one of my cousins.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Craig whispered.

  “You don’t have to say anything. It all worked out. I eventually got my degree in Mechanical Engineering, but I enjoy plumbing more.” She wiped her face, and slowly turned to face him. “It was hard telling you all of this.”

  “It was hard hearing it.”

  “Why’d you insist on me telling you?”

  I’m asking myself the same question now. “When you said that you felt safe with me, I had a feeling that something had happened to you, and I needed to know. I want to know everything there is to know about you.”

  “Why?” she asked, lowering her eyes.

  He lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Because I want you in my life. I want us to be together.”

  “You don’t even know me.”

  “This might be hard to believe, but I feel like I’ve known you all my life. You, here with me, feels right.”

  Moments passed before she spoke. “I know what you mean. I feel the same way. It’s scary and exhilarating all in one.”

  He put his forehead against hers. “I’m glad you feel the same way. So that way, when I tell you I plan to spend the rest of my life with you, you won’t think I’m crazy.”

  ****

  A week later, Toni, with the help of one of the laborers from their shop, had finished installing the PVC pipe in Craig’s house. The painters were wrapping up, and in another hour or so, the job would be done. Craig had pulled a double for the last two days, and despite being exhausted by the time he arrived home, he made time to see her. Toni couldn’t remember a point in her life where she felt this content.

  “All right, kiddo, we’re out of here,” her cousin, Christina, said. “The paint should be dry in a couple of hours.”

  “That’s good. I wanted everything done by the time Craig got home.”

  Christina studied her for a moment. “I noticed you seem to be pretty friendly with Mr. Logan. Anything you want to tell me?”

  Being one of the youngest cousins, Toni was used to her family’s overprotectiveness and being questioned about every aspect of her life. Everything from “Are you sure you want to buy that car?” to “We need to do a background check on your little boyfriend.”

  “CJ, I’m a grown woman. Whether I’m getting a little friendly with Craig or not is no one’s business but mine.” She walked over to Christina and hugged her. “But I love you. I know you’re just lookin’ out for me and I appreciate that.”

  “Well, you might be grown in your eyes, but to me you’re still kiddo. I just don’t want you to rush into anything and end up hurt.” Grabbing her brushes and rollers, she moved to the door. “I hope you’re going to be ready for questions when we all get together next weekend. Because all of us want details of what’s going on with you and Craig.”

  “I know, I know. I’ll be ready.”

  “Good. Let me get out of here. I need to start on that project at the telephone company before it gets too late. So lock up and I’ll see you back at the shop. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.” Toni bolted the door behind her and headed to the kitchen. I’ll grab my apple and then go check everything. The moment she bit into her apple, the doorbell rang.

  That girl. She shook her head and grinned. CJ was known for leaving tools and brushes behind. Toni set down her apple, walked back to the front of the house, and grabbed the doorknob. “What did you for—”

  “Well, what do we have here?”

  Leroy Jones. A shiver crawled up her spine as his icy blue eyes mauled the most intimate parts of her body. She gripped the doorknob tighter. “What do you want, Leroy?”

  “I’m looking for Craig. I left some tools here and he told me I could stop by today and get them.”

  “Well, he’s not here. You’ll have to come back when he’s home.”

  She tried to close the door, but before she could, he barged in. “No. I’ll get them now.” He moved past her and toward the basement, but stopped
and turned. “What are you doing here?”

  That’s when it dawned on her that Leroy must’ve been the first plumber Craig hired. A slow smile tipped the corner of her mouth, and her hands went to her hips. “Once again, I’m cleaning up after you. Just once I’d like to show up on a job that doesn’t require me fixing one of your screw ups.”

  “Now you look here, little girl,” he growled and slithered up to her. “I’ve been in this business for over twenty years and have forgotten more than you’ll ever know.”

  Toni smelled the liquor on his breath with every word he spoke. She moved back, but with each step she took, he moved forward. “Listen, Leroy, I’m sorry if I offended you.”

  “I’m sick and tired of you and your cousins. The construction business hasn’t been the same since your grandfather left the business to you women. The only thing ya’ll got going for you is your looks.”

  “We work hard to get the jobs we have, and our looks have nothing to do with it,” Toni fired back. “Our work is second to none, and that’s why we get the jobs. So don’t act li—”

  “Shut up! Just shut the hell up.” He put his finger in her face and she moved away from him, only to back into the arm of the living room sofa. “I’ve had enough of all of you. It’s because of you your cousin fired me, humiliating me in front of everyone.”

  He loomed over her and fearful images built in her mind. Shaking from head to toe, she glanced around the room for a weapon. No way would she allow another man to violate her the way that monster did when she was in college.

  “Maybe if I take care of you …” he said, and grabbed her arm.

  “Get your hands off of me,” she growled, sounding more confident than she felt.

  A ghastly grin spread across his lips and he lowered his face to just inches from hers. “I see you have a little fight in you. I always liked your feisty attitude and that tight little body. What a perfect time for me to see what else I like about you.”

  “Get off of me! Get off of me!” she screamed and hammered against his chest.

  “What the hell are you doing?” Craig roared and grabbed Leroy from behind, throwing him around before slamming him on the ground and cuffing him.

  Breathing hard, he reached Toni in two long strides. “Come here. Are you okay?” he asked, pulling her close, his assessing eyes searching hers. “Did he hurt you?” he ground out.

  “I’m okay.” She rubbed her arm. “I’m just glad you came in when you did.”

  Craig looked closer at her arm, and seeing the bruise he exploded. He grabbed Leroy by the back of his shirt and lifted him from the floor, throwing him against the wall. “If you ever put your hands on her again, you will regret the day you ever met me!”

  ****

  Half an hour later, Toni watched as Craig paced the length of the family room. Instead of taking Leroy to the police station, he had a squad car pick him up. They probably didn’t have enough to keep him, but Toni was grateful that Craig showed up when he had.

  “What were you thinking letting him in while you were here alone?” Craig asked.

  Toni sighed. “I didn’t know it was him. I thought it was CJ coming back.”

  He stopped and glared at her. “So you’re telling me you opened the damn door without checking to see who it was?”

  She jumped up from the sofa. “I am not a child, so don’t talk to me like I am. I made a mistake, okay?”

  “That mistake could’ve cost you your life.”

  “But it didn’t, and I’m not going to stand here and let you make me feel worse than I already do. Craig, I’m sorry. I appreciate your concern, but I can’t change what happened.”

  They stood face to face, glaring at one another before Craig broke eye contact. He ran his hand over his head and down the back of his neck. “Anything could’ve happened to you if I hadn’t walked in,” he choked out.

  “I know,” she said quietly, hearing the concern in his voice.

  “I don’t like the idea of you being in homes and basements by yourself. It’s not safe.”

  “Craig, that’s part of my job. I usually get someone to work with me if I don’t feel comfortable in a space, but there are times when I might have to work alone.”

  He went back to pacing. “This is just another reason why women shouldn’t be doing the type of work you do.”

  With hands clenched at her sides and anger guiding her every step, Toni blocked his path. “I can’t believe you just said that. I thought you were different. I love what I do, and I refuse to let fear or out of touch jerks like you stop me from doing what I enjoy, and what I’m good at!”

  “I can’t help it, Toni. You might be a good plumber, but I don’t like the idea of you being in somebody’s house, who you don’t really know, by yourself. I don’t want you working by yourself.”

  “Well, that’s too bad, ’cause you don’t get a say!”

  He was not the boss of her, and she had no intention of putting up with his caveman attitude. Stomping away, she gathered her tools and personal belongings. Ten minutes later, she walked back into the family room where Craig was still fuming.

  “Here’s your key.” She placed it on the table. “The work has been completed and you’ll get an invoice in a few days.” She walked out of the house without looking back.

  ****

  Craig couldn’t take it any longer. He had to see her. For three days he battled with being angry at Toni one minute and missing her the next. She had no idea how scared he was when he walked in and found Leroy man-handling her. Craig cared deeply for her and couldn’t imagine going another day without seeing or talking to her.

  Sitting in his patrol car, watching her place of employment, he debated whether or not to go in. He knew she wouldn’t make it easy for him, but he had to do whatever it took to make her his. Might as well get this over with. He grabbed the bouquet of lilies from the passenger’s seat and left the car.

  Moments later, he stood before the receptionist. Not missing the smirk on her face, he asked to see Toni. It was like déjà vu. Here he was again trying to make amends for his sexist attitude. He still didn’t like the idea of Toni being in a customer’s house alone, but he was willing to compromise. If she agreed to always have another person work with her, he wouldn’t give her a hard time about being a plumber.

  She walked into the lobby. “What are you doing here?”

  His heart swelled at the sight of her. He took it all in: her hair straightened and hanging past her shoulders, a body that looked amazing in jeans, and that feisty attitude she wore like a shield of honor. He boldly walked up to her, laid the flowers on a nearby table, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

  “I came to apologize,” he said just above a whisper. “I’m sorry and I’m hoping you’ll forgive me. I’ve missed you like crazy.”

  She didn’t say anything, but he didn’t miss the slight smile playing around at her lips.

  “Besides, I have some plumbing work that needs taken care of.”

  “Is that right?” she said, her hands working their way up his chest. “So why’d you come here?

  “Because I hear that you’re the best woman for the job.”

  ****

  This is the end of Best Woman for the Job (short story prequel), but not the end for Craig & Toni. For the rest of their story, check out Still the Best Woman for the Job (a novel), book 1 of the Jenkins Family Series.

  About the Author

  Bestselling author, Sharon C. Cooper, spent 10 years as a sheet metal worker. And while enjoying that unique line of work, she attended college in the evening and obtained her B.A. from Concordia University in Business Management with an emphasis in Communication. Sharon is a romance-a-holic - loving anything that involves romance with a happily-ever-after, whether in books, movies or real life. She writes contemporary romance, as well as romantic suspense and enjoys rainy days, carpet picnics, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. When Sharon is not writing or working, she’s hanging out with her a
mazing husband, doing volunteer work or reading a good book (a romance of course). To read more about Sharon and her novels, visit www.sharoncooper.net

  Other Titles by Sharon C. Cooper:

  Something New (“Edgy” Sweet Romance)

  Legal Seduction (Harlequin Kimani Romance)

  Reunited Series

  Blue Roses (Romantic Suspense)

  Secret Rendezvous (Prequel to Rendezvous with Danger – Romantic Suspense)

  Rendezvous with Danger (Romantic Suspense)

  Truth or Consequences (Romantic Suspense)

  Jenkins Family Series

  Best Woman for the Job (Short Story - Contemporary Romance)

  Still the Best Woman for the Job (book 1)

  All You’ll Ever Need (book 2) - Coming Summer 2014

  Tempting the Artist (book 3) – Coming Winter 2014

  Turn the page for an excerpt of Still the Best Woman for the Job

  (the continuation of Craig and Toni’s story)

  An excerpt from:

  Still the Best Woman for the Job

  Chapter One

  “Would you come on,” Toni Jenkins gasped for air. “Put your back into it, Jada. How can you lug sheet metal around all day and can’t help drag a sloppy drunk to the bathroom?”

  Jada’s chest heaved and her long, dark hair whipped across her face. She glared around Ronald’s body at Toni. “Say one more thing and I will drop his heavy ass right here in the middle of the hallway. Then see how far you get in hiding him. Grampa’s going to kill you when he finds out you’re hanging out with drunks and that you brought one of them to his birthday party!”

  Toni clamped her mouth shut and pulled the hem of her short dress down with one hand while she held onto her date, Ronald, with her other. She needed Jada’s help. The last thing she wanted is for her grandmother to find out Ronald barfed on an eight-foot Golden Cane Palm Tree, one of her prize possessions. No, she couldn’t handle a lecture tonight, but if her grandfather got wind of the night’s events, that’s exactly what she would get. Character is built by the choices we make, her grandfather’s familiar words taunted.