Sam grunted. “Dad’s a complete bastard.”
That was true enough. Jami tossed the chips on the table. “If you come up, I’ll share with you.”
“Deal.”
Within minutes, Sam bustled into Jami’s suite with a tray stacked high in succulent fruits, savory cheeses, salty olives, crunchy crackers, and a pitcher filled with a bubbly, fruity berry beverage.
Jami waved the lone bag of chips, and Sam laughed. “I knew I’d better bring some reinforcements.”
“I think I only have five chips left to share. Where did you get all that?”
“I’ve been sweet-talking one of the staff, and I got a cool tray of stuff delivered last night, and I ordered up this white wine sangria thingie on my way here.”
Jami wondered if Sam had been the smarter one. While she’d been making out with her rotten rival, Sam had at least been scoring scrumptious food.
“I’ll set us up outside, and you can find some glasses. You look like you need a drink.” Sam smiled widely, and Jami’s gloomy attitude lifted a notch.
Jami hunted and found two clean tumblers in the cabinet next to the mini-refrigerator and strolled out to the balcony while waving them in the air. “I’ve saved the day.”
Sam poured a generous portion of the wine and ginger ale spiked with blueberries, strawberries, and some melon chunks. “I’m dying of thirst, and this is amazing. It’s barely alcoholic. I think the staff knows we’ve all just about pickled our livers at this point.”
Jami laughed and knocked back a healthy swig.
“Do you want to talk?” Sam squinted at Jami’s half-empty glass. “The last time I saw that expression on your face was right after Eric’s mother called to break up with you. It’s more than just Dad, isn’t it? You’re in the middle of man troubles again.”
“There’s absolutely nothing going on.” Jami studied her glass. “I’m tired and didn’t sleep well after Dad’s butt chewing.”
“Whatever. Deny it ‘til the steel drum band quits playing, but I know you and that expression.” Sam popped a pair of olives in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. “I’ve done the math, and I’m guessing you’re flirting with Beck.”
“Um. No.”
“Liar. I saw you come out of his bungalow at dawn yesterday. I don’t think you two were playing cards.”
Jami flushed. “I’m totally busted.” The tension knot in her belly loosened, and she could almost breathe.
“You lucky thing.” Sam sighed. “You were smiling and looked completely relaxed. You were in la-la land. You’d so been laid. I’m jealous.”
“Is it totally gross that I slept with our brother-in-law?” Jami studied Sam and was relieved to see that her sister wasn’t judging her.
“No. He’s hot. Besides, he’s totally unrelated. Can you even call your sibling’s spouse’s family your in-laws?” Sam plucked a handful of grapes and popped one in her mouth. “It’s way too complicated. He’s just a dude.”
“He’s the guy who’s ruining our family’s business.” Jami frowned and the knot squeezed tight.
“Don’t be so dramatic. Dad can live without expanding the business. No one’s going belly-up.”
“Easy for you to say since it’s not your deal that fell apart. I look like a loser.”
“How can you say that?” Sam was indignant. “You win at everything. You turn setbacks into victories. You know what your problem is?”
“I’m sure you’re going to tell me.”
“First off, you let Dad manipulate you.” Sam wagged a finger at Jami. “Second, you’re a big chicken.”
“I’m not a coward.” Jami glared and swatted Sam’s hand away. “Since when have I run away from a challenge? I seek them out.”
“I’m not talking about your real estate deals, or all your races, or your status as the tennis champion of Barrett Ridge.”
“What else is there?”
“You’ve only once taken a chance on love.” Sam lowered her voice and looked intently at Jami. “I’ve had a never-ending stream of boyfriends, and I think I’m in love each and every time.”
“That’s so not appealing.” Jami grimaced. “Don’t take this wrong, but the idea nauseates me.”
“See? That’s way too risky for you.” Sam nodded knowingly.
“So what’s your point?”
“Eric.”
“He’s ancient history.”
“That’s true, but I think you’ve given up.”
“One strike and I’m out?”
“Did he ever apologize to you?”
“He hemmed and hawed, but never said he was sorry for being such an arrogant ass. He mostly tried to put the blame on me.”
“That’s pathetic. Exactly how was it your fault that he couldn’t keep his pecker in his pants?”
“It doesn’t matter. He was not the one for me. I don’t love him, and I really don’t much think about him anymore.”
“Thank goodness you didn’t end up marrying him.”
“I’m relieved, too. But I’m wondering if marriage is even my thing. I did such a bad job picking Eric.”
“You win some. You lose some.”
“I don’t think I want to play the game. It’s too painful to lose.”
“We all pick losers from time to time, but that’s no reason to quit trying.”
“Did I ever tell you that Eric and I had started talking about having kids?”
“That’s a normal conversation to have with your fiancé.”
“I was the one doing all the talking, and he wanted nothing to do with it.”
“Do you want kids?”
“I thought I did, but Eric sure didn’t. At least not with me.”
“Omigod. He’s totally having twins now. That’s hilarious.”
“I’m not jealous or anything, but it does make me feel like crap. What’s wrong with me that he didn’t want to make babies with me, but some bimbo he picked up at a strip club is good enough to be the mother of his children?” Jami’s anger melted into a trickle of tears, but she scrubbed them off her cheeks.
“Oh, Jami. I didn’t know you felt that way. Eric is a total tool. None of us liked him. Would you believe that he made a pass at me during that school fundraiser three weeks ago? Isn’t that gross? His wife is pregnant, and he’s hitting on anything in a skirt.”
“I know I don’t need a turd like him.”
“Are you still in love with him?”
“No, but it still hurts that I failed.”
“How can you call it a failure if you avoid the colossal mistake of marrying a two-timing ass-hat?”
“When you put it that way, it does sound like I drew the winning hand.”
“Exactly.”
“But, I was going to go through with the wedding, even though we were fighting.”
“You were too scared to dump him.” Sam poured a fresh splash into Jami’s empty glass. “You couldn’t admit he was a loser because that would mean you’d made a bad decision.”
“I suck at love.”
“Tough. I stink at sports. Get over it.”
“How?”
“Just like in sports. You get ready for the next race or competition. I’ve never seen you give up just because you pulled a muscle and couldn’t finish a 10k.”
“That’s true.” Jami didn’t sound convinced, even to herself.
“Love is the same.” Sam laughed. “Break out a dating app or get me to set you up on a blind date. Whether it’s Beck or some other guy, get back in the game. Of course, I think Beck’s a good choice.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is.”
“But what if I get hurt again?”
“It’s not if, it’s when. You can’t guard your emotions or wall them off forever.”
“I don’t know. It’s so risky.”
“You’ve always been that way, but Mom was always great at bringing you out of your shell.”
“I still miss her.”
“Every day.” Sam stared out at the palm trees. Her smile faded. “I wonder if that’s part of why you’re so closed off?”
“You make me sound like some special needs case.”
“We all need some sort of therapy, but you’ve never been a big one for wearing your emotions on your sleeve or opening yourself up to get hurt. You have a big social network, but only a handful of close friends.”
“It’s not a crime.”
“No, but I think I’m onto something. You threw caution to the wind and dated stupid old Eric, but that went sour. Now, you’re gun shy.”
“I’ve been on a date or two since the Eric disaster.”
“Really?”
“I had coffee with Jay Dunning.”
Sam choked. “He’s over fifty years old and has grandchildren in my class.”
“Got ya!”
“All I’m saying is that you try too hard to protect yourself, but at least you’ve ventured out and had a fling with Beck.”
“He’s probably another Eric.”
“Give him a chance.”
“I’m sick to my stomach.” Jami shifted to one hip and pulled her knees up to her chest. “I have a crush on the man who’s wrecking our family business.”
“Even Austin said there will be other opportunities.” Sam scrunched her nose and shook her head. “It’s not the end of the world. You need to let Dad run his business and not get drawn into his web. He’ll twist you up in knots. Every. Single. Time.”
“I hate losing.” Jami’s voice was soft.
“Pride goeth before the fall.”
“I think it already has.” Jami folded her hands across her knees and rested her chin on them. “I may have to chalk this up to experience and move on.”
“Don’t sell yourself short with Beck. Besides, he’s going to be around town a lot. Don’t give up without at least competing in the game.”
“I lost the match. Love zip.”
“Will Thanksgiving be awkward?” Sam laughed heartlessly.
“Shut up.”
Sam patted Jami’s arm and stood. “Let’s go swim. Today’s our last day, and we need to snag a few more rays of sunshine before we head home.”
Jami gave Sam a lopsided smile. “I’ll join you in ten minutes.”
“Good. I’ll be waiting at the stairs.” Before she closed the door behind her, Sam turned and squinted at Jami as if daring her to be late.
“Don’t worry. See? I’m up and getting my swimsuit.”
The door closed, and Jami stared into the mirror over the dresser. Sam was right. She needed to let go. She was worried that one defeat would prove to everyone that she was a failure. She had a reputation of a tough competitor, but deep down, she was afraid she was a fraud.
It was easy to compete in a triathlon. She knew the rules. But when it came to love, she didn’t know the first thing. Her father played games and kept her second guessing her worth.
With a last glance in the mirror, Jami bent and rummaged through the dresser drawer for a bikini. She held up a scarlet string bikini top, and she quivered. She closed her eyes, and she was back at the waterfall pool. Beck’s hands caressed her neck as he tied her top for her. Heat flowered between her legs, and she hugged the fabric to her breast.
Could she have some kind of relationship with Beck? Hell, like it or not, he was part of the family now, and living in Barrett Ridge in the not too far future. She should offer to show him houses to buy. She huffed. Ridiculous.
Well, what was she going to do? She could skulk in the corner and lick her wounds. She could pretend that none of it happened. That sounded promising, but she had a sneaking suspicion that as soon as Beck was within about ten feet of her, her libido would spring to life and she’d be at risk of jumping him and mauling him like a tiger on a hunk of meat.
She’d been the one to chase him off. A dreary depression settled over her. She supposed Sam was right. She hadn’t wanted to risk getting hurt, so she’d told him off. Of course, her ego was bruised that she’d lost a real estate deal, but that was a temporary reversal of fortune. A deal gone sour never scuttled her ship. No, she’d find something else for Dad. Hell, it’d be better, and she’d do it for her own pride, not give a damn what her father thought.
Was Beck worth taking a risk on? He was funny. He was adorable with her young siblings. Jami tossed the crimson fabric onto the bed and paced the length of the room.
Beck was ridiculously charming and sexy with those smoky gray eyes and those endless abs. Not to mention his tender, but smoldering touch. He’d put her needs first, and made her feel like the most precious thing on earth.
She stared out the window. Dang it. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she’d fallen head over heels with Beck. Jami groaned.
Sam was right; she was too wary to take a risk on love again.
CHAPTER 21
J ami clicked her headset off and stared out her office window with her mouth drooping open. She blushed with the praise still buzzing in her ears. Her leg jiggled, and her hands fluttered in her lap. She laughed at her faint reflection in the window and scooped up her loose hair and twisted it into a knot at the nape of her neck.
What a difference one month made. Well, her dad was going to be pleased. She’d just finished talking with Bert Peterson, and he’d wanted no one other than her to handle selling his farm. His three-hundred-acre parcel was already zoned appropriately, and it conveniently shared a property line with the Barretts’.
She’d listened to Bert praising her to the skies for all the help she extended to his family over the years. From baking casseroles when his wife was sick from chemo treatments to assisting each of his children in finding a perfect starter home and the right financing.
Jami slumped back in her chair. After all of the horrible things her father had thrown at her, here was a family friend who thought the world of her. And that her kindness and her ability to do a good job had brought about the exact type of deal that would please her father.
She toyed with never telling him about it but dismissed the idea. That wouldn’t be in Bert’s best interests, and besides, it would be bad karma. There was no use in being petty.
With a push of her foot, Jami twirled a half-circle and stopped facing the front door. It looked like she had a customer. A slick, sapphire blue motorcycle careened into the parking lot, and a tall man in black riding leathers swung his leg over the seat and dismounted. His broad shoulders and narrow hips were eye-catching and familiar.
As he took off his helmet and rubbed a hand through his hair, Jami choked on her iced tea. It was Beck. She slapped the cup on her desk and jumped to her feet. She smoothed out a wrinkle in her black pencil skirt and tugged on her blouse.
She closed her eyes and inhaled. Dammit. She was flustered for no reason. Of course Beck was going to show up. He’d bought property, and he wasn’t likely to be an absentee owner. But it had been over a month since Anna’s wedding...and their fight.
He strolled through the door and paused at the empty reception desk. He unzipped his jacket and shrugged out of it in one fluid motion. Jami swallowed and dropped the pen on the floor. She fought the urge to pretend it hadn’t happened, but as Beck’s gaze flicked down to her feet, she relented and snatched it into her clenched fist.
She cleared her throat. “How may I help you?” She rose but maintained the desk as a barrier between them.
A slow, wicked smile creased Beck’s mouth as if he was ready for her game. “I’m in the market for a new home.” He moved in front of her desk and draped his jacket over a chair. “I heard that you were the best real estate agent in town.”
“I’m not taking on new clients.” She crossed her arms. “Perhaps you should try Garrett LaRue. He’s on Third Street downtown.”
“I need you.” Beck rested his palms on her desk and leaned forward.
“Go away.” Jami’s breath caught, but she held her ground.
“Let’s start all over.” Beck took one step back. “I
’m Beckham Kavanagh. Your sister is my brother’s wife, and I’m the newest business in town.” He moved around the spare chair to the side of her desk. “I think your family’s business and mine share a property line.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Jami’s pulse ticked at an impossible rate as she stepped backward and bumped into the windowsill.
“I’m serious.” Beck was right next to her. “Now this is the part where you shake my hand and introduce yourself.”
“I’m Jami—Jami Barrett.” She dutifully slid her hand into his for a quick shake, but Beck held tight. She quivered.
“See? We can be friendly.”
“Don’t tease me.” Jami’s cheeks colored up, and she pulled away. Beck released her hand but maintained his stance.
“I owe you an apology.”
“Don’t start being nice.” Jami tried to scowl, but only managed to nibble on her lip.
“I am a nice guy. Mostly.”
“Fine. Now go back to your side of the desk. You’re much too close.”
Beck grinned, but retreated around the table and sat. Jami backed into her chair and slid down gratefully. She didn’t think her knees would support her much longer.
“I’m sorry for what happened after the wedding.” Beck’s voice was gentle.
“Sorry that I lost my temper and shoved you in the hot tub?”
Beck laughed. “I deserved it.”
Her breath quickened. “You kind of did.” Why was he being so understanding? He should hate her for dumping him into the hot tub.
“You were hurting, and I made it worse.”
“True, but I wasn’t very nice either.” She fidgeted with the pen, but then set it down, and folded her hands carefully on the desktop.
“You were sulking.”
Jami glared. “I thought you were apologizing? Don’t make it worse.” It was true, but he didn’t have to say it.
“I met this wonderful, funny, competitive, sexy-as-hell woman at a family wedding.” He leaned forward, and his hands were inches from hers. “Do you happen to know where she went? I miss her.”
Jami flushed. Was he mocking her?
He raised her hand and turned her wrist to his mouth. With the softest of touches, Beck pressed his lips to her skin. Sensation zinged up her arm and pierced her heart.
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