Georgia Pine (Southern Promises Book 3)

by K. G. Fletcher

  Jessica rolled her eyes. “He could pick me on a riding lawnmower for all I care. God, Elizabeth—I’m so excited for tonight!”

  With her head tilted, Elizabeth gazed back at her and nodded. “You deserve this. All of it. I have loved watching you bloom before my eyes, and I have the hunky gardener to thank for it. Seriously, enjoy every second.” She paused with her eyebrow cocked. “And if you want to tell me who he really is before the event starts, I’d be fine with that too—”

  “Good try,” Jessica interrupted. “I told you, when he’s ready you’ll be the first to know.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  “Luanna? Luanna!” Jessica yelled through a crack in her bedroom door. She wasn’t quite ready for her daughters to see her fully dressed for the Gala but needed last minute help zipping the back of her gown.

  “Yes, Mrs. Kaufman?”

  “Please, call me Jessica. Can you help? I can’t seem to zip this up all the way.”

  “Sure.”

  The pretty Hispanic girl entered the master bedroom as Jessica turned around and lifted her long hair up with her hands.

  “Wow. This dress. You look so beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” She blushed. The dress was efficiently zipped up, and she turned around in a twirl. “I feel like a princess,” she giggled.

  “The color is so nice. It’s the perfect dress for you.”

  Jessica couldn’t help but gaze into the floor-length mirror again, the pale yellow, silhouetted A-line dress emphasizing her bust with the sweetheart neckline and sequined bodice. How could she not feel like a princess in this special piece? She picked up the drop earrings on her dresser and put them on. The only other jewelry she wore was a simple bracelet that matched her silver heels. Her long, blonde hair was fixed in flowy waves, and she had never felt more beautiful— not even on her wedding day to Stephen many moons ago.

  Sighing deeply, she turned back to Luanna. “Okay. I’m going out there, but I can’t have the girls pulling on me or pawing me with excitement. Help me keep them under control. Are you ready?”

  The girl smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Jessica’s long skirt swished as she made her way into the living space. Her daughters looked up, wide-eyed with mouths open. When nothing was said, Jessica broke the silence. “Well? What do you think? Does mommy look pretty for the ball?”

  “You look like Princess Belle, Mama,” Jennifer exclaimed while slowly approaching.

  Jill and Julia seemed tentative and clung to Luanna’s tanned legs, staring at her in awe.

  Jessica knelt so she could be eye-level with her daughters. “Tim is picking me up, and I’ll be gone until the stroke of midnight. But see my shoes?” She hiked up her skirt, displaying her silver pumps. “They’re not glass, so I won’t turn into a pumpkin.”

  Jennifer giggled. “Cinderella doesn’t turn into a pumpkin, Mama. Her carriage does.”

  Jessica reached out and stroked the child’s cheek. “Well, I’m not going to lose any of my shoes, and even if I did, Tim knows where we live.”

  Just then, the doorbell rang, causing Jessica to inhale sharply. She stood tall and smoothed the bodice of her dress, anticipating Tim’s arrival.

  “Would you like me to get that?” Luanna asked.

  “No. I’ll get it.” She walked toward the front door. “Girls, please stay with Luanna until I bring Tim inside, okay?”

  “Okay, Mama,” Jennifer and Jill said in unison.

  Jessica confidently strode to the entrance and could see the outline of Tim in his black tux. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she reached for the knob and turned. When their eyes met, she felt faint. Standing on the threshold of her home was the most handsome man she had ever laid eyes on. His tux fit like a glove on his massive, solid frame, and his face was chiseled and sharp in the fading light of dusk.

  “You shaved,” she whispered, surprised at her reaction. The heat that suddenly pooled in her belly dropped lower and dampened the delicate lace panties she’d put on an hour ago. His full lips accentuated against his smooth skin, his square jawline masculine and perfect. The green in his eyes seemed more noticeable, his entire face rivaling that of a male supermodel.

  Pulling on his chin with a rugged hand, he bit his lip. “Yeah… about that. I got a little carried away because I haven’t shaved in so long. I hope you don’t mind. I feel—naked.” He laughed, causing her to laugh too.

  “You’re so handsome,” she gushed.

  He held his hand out, and she placed her hand in his. “And you’re gorgeous. You’re a goddess in that dress. Holy shit, Jessica. How did I get so lucky?”

  The heat on her cheeks was instant as she allowed him to pull her into his arms. Closing her eyes, she breathed in the aromatic woody fragrance of his cologne and couldn’t help but swoon. His long hair was tied back, and her hand lingered on his smooth cheek.

  “There are some little girlies inside that would like to see you.”

  “Oh?”

  “Mmhmm.” She couldn’t help but run her fingertips around his exposed mouth, his skin soft and warm.

  “Well, we better get inside before we lose control out here.”

  Jessica was enthralled, watching his mouth, and didn’t hear his last sentence.

  “Jessica?” His eyebrow rose as he looked at her with humor tingeing his expression.

  “Oh. Yes. Let’s go inside.”

  Walking hand in hand, Jessica watched her daughters’ reaction to Tim. It was almost comical the way they stared at him with identical, wide, blue eyes.

  “Girls? What do you think of Tim all dressed up? Doesn’t he look handsome?”

  Jennifer broke the silence. “I can see your face,” she said, matter-of-factly.

  “Oh, yeah? Well, what do you think? Do you like my face?”

  “I like your face,” Jill offered quickly.

  Tim knelt as Julia approached him, her big eyes taking in his entire look. Reaching her tiny hand up to his cheek, she touched his skin and immediately smiled. He looked up at Jessica and grinned. “I take that as a like too.”

  Brushing his index finger across her cheek, he stood tall and sighed, as if he were relieved. It would have been Jessica’s worst nightmare if the girls had cried and wailed at the sight of his shaved face. They were more curious than anything. Baby Jo-Jo was the funniest, clinging to Luanna’s shoulder. Every time Tim made eye contact with the toddler, she would shyly bury her head in the crook of Luanna’s neck. Edging himself closer, he tapped her shoulder, making her giggle.

  “What’s wrong, Little Bit? You don’t like me anymore?” he teased, trying hard to lock eyes with her while playing their sweet little game.

  Jessica kissed each petite daughter on the head, anxious to get to the club. “Y’all be good tonight. Mama will be back later.” She grabbed a small beaded clutch from the island. “We won’t be too late, Luanna. And remember, once the girls go to bed, if you get tired, please make yourself at home and spend the night in the guest room.”

  Luanna’s expression was kind. “I appreciate that. I’m a night owl, so I should be fine.”

  “You have my number. We’ll be right around the corner at the club.” They started to walk toward the front door with the kids following behind.

  “Have a wonderful evening, Mrs. Kaufman—I mean, Jessica. And Mr. McGill!”

  The two eyed each other perceptively. “Good night!”

  After several kisses were blown among waves and high-pitched good-byes, the front door finally shut, and Jessica turned and gathered her skirt to walk down the steps. The wind had picked up and blew her hair back across her shoulders as she noticed the car parked in front of her.

  “What is that?” Her shock was evident in the tone of her voice.

  Tim opened the passenger side door of the black sports car and held his hand out. “Get in.”

  Tentatively, she gripped his fingertips and allowed him to help her into the seat. “Seriously, what kind of car is this?”
>
  “It’s an Audi R8,” he chuckled, making sure the long, flowy skirt of her gown was tucked inside the car before he shut the door. When he came around the other side and lowered his large frame into the front seat, she stared at him in amazement as the LCD digital instrument cluster highlighted his chiseled face.

  “What?” he asked, revving the 5.2-liter engine. A familiar tune sung by Van Morrison seeped out of the speakers.

  “You’re just full of surprises tonight, aren’t you?”

  “What do you mean? Did you expect me to pick up the most gorgeous girl on the planet in a pick-up truck?” Tim maneuvered the car onto the street, and it purred along the asphalt.

  Jessica laid her head against the seatback and reached across the interior to run her fingertips across his cheek again. He leaned into her touch. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my entire life,” she admitted.

  His exposed cheeks revealed dimples as he smiled wide. “That makes two of us.”

  *

  A small line of expensive vehicles had formed as the valet team quickly opened doors for special guests attending the Gala. Tim swallowed, realizing he was a tad bit nervous. People were going to recognize him as the neighborhood yard guy whether he had shaved, or not. His primary goal was to make Jessica happy during the night, wining and dining her, dancing if she so felt like it. Quickly, he got out of the car and helped his date along the cobblestone walkway to the front entrance. She gripped his hand tightly, her smile reassuring with her bottomless blue eyes. As they approached the check-in table, one of her neighbors on the board made an audible sound, much like a gasp, before pulling herself together.

  “Hello, Martha.”

  “Good evening, Jessica.” Running the end of a pen down a long guest list, she found Jessica’s name with the “plus guest” next to it and checked it off. “Enjoy the Gala.” Her smile was tight.

  “Oh, we will.”

  The mass of wealthy party-goers was huge, and heads turned as they made their way into the ballroom. The big band music was toned down, the group playing softly for the dinner crowd. Jessica held tightly to Tim’s hand, pulling him through the room to their table. They were the first ones there, and thankfully, their table was tucked in the back corner. The gorgeous flower centerpiece stood out among the white linens, and tiny tea lights cast glowing orbs across the large windows.

  “How are you doing?” Tim asked, bringing her hand up to his mouth and kissing it.

  “I have to admit. I’m nervous. Did you see my mama or daddy when you came in?” She was sitting erect on the fancy, tufted chair.

  “No. I didn’t see your ex, either.”

  Breathing in through her nose, she nodded. “It’s only a matter of time. You want some champagne?”

  “Sure. I’ll go grab some from one of the waiters floating around.”

  Tim stood and excused himself through the crowd. As a waiter briskly walked past, he snagged two flutes of bubbly and returned to the table.

  “That was fast,” Jessica giggled.

  Settling next to her, he held his flute up in the air while resting his hand on her bare shoulder. “To us,” he whispered. When her eyes met his, her expression softened and he felt her relax beneath his touch.

  “To us.”

  As the expensive pink liquid slid down his throat, he was startled by a condescending voice interrupting their toast.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn’t my baby mama and her blue-collar beau.” Stephen Kaufman stood next to the table with his hands on his hips, his gold cufflinks glinting in the chandelier light.

  Tim stood and gripped the back of Jessica’s chair. He knew it was only a matter of time before they’d run into him, although, it would have been nice to have a few moments sipping champagne with Jessica alone.

  The pretentious man looked him up and down. “It’s remarkable how you could almost pass for a blue-blood in this room.”

  “Stephen,” Jessica shushed.

  “You clean up mighty fine. Are you enjoying the finer things in life thanks to my ex-wife? Are you biding your time until your next rendezvous with a wealthy cougar?” His throat rumbled with a chuckle as he lifted a crystal tumbler of dark liquor up to his mouth and took a swig.

  “I don’t want any trouble, Mr. Kaufman. Jessica and I would like to enjoy the evening, so if you don’t mind, I’d like you to leave us alone.”

  Jessica looked up at him and smiled while laying her hand over his.

  “What are you doing, Stephen? I’ve been looking all over for you.” A curvy brunette approached the table and slid her arm across Mr. Kaufman’s shoulders. He stood stiffly and allowed her to paw all over him. Her skin-tight, leopard-print dress barely contained her ample bosom, and her red nails looked like claws.

  “Oh, hi, Jessica.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm until her attention turned to Tim. With her eyebrow cocked, her gaze ran from his feet to his face, her mouth registering a slight twitch of satisfaction. “Who are you?” she asked, intrigued by his presence.

  “This here is Jessica’s date—and my gardener, Tim McGill.”

  “Former gardener,” Tim interrupted, standing his ground.

  “Wow. Lucky you,” Traci joked, winking at Jessica. “Did you hear the news? We’re engaged!” She thrust her hand out showing off an enormous diamond.

  “Congratulations,” Jessica replied through gritted teeth.

  Tim couldn’t help but notice Stephen having a stare-down with his ex-wife, taking long pulls of his drink. The way he was looking at her was unnerving.

  “Jessica, I’m perplexed. Where is your signature color tonight? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in anything but pink. Why I almost didn’t recognize you.”

  Tim helped Jessica to her feet. “I hate to break up this conversation, but I promised Jessica a dance.”

  Sensing her relief, he watched her smooth the bodice of her golden gown before she looped her arm through his. As they walked past the couple, he had to stifle a smile when he overheard her say, “Have a nice life.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Out on the dance floor, they turned and faced each other, swaying to the mellow beat of a classic song the live band was playing. Tim could tell Jessica was tense and pulled her in closer.

  “Relax, baby. The worst is over.”

  “Ya think?” she asked, looking up at him. Her brow was furrowed causing a small crease to form at the top of her nose. He smoothed the line with his finger, and she sighed. “People are staring.”

  “Because you’re so beautiful tonight. In your gorgeous yellow gown. Every man in this room, including your ex, wishes they could be the lucky guy on your arm.”

  Her cheeks tinged pink, and she shook her head.

  “I’m that guy, Jessica. And I couldn’t be happier.” The subtle blush that highlighted her cheeks made his manhood twitch.

  They danced to a couple of songs, Tim twirling Jessica effortlessly across the floor, making her smile glow like the sunny color of her dress. When they returned to their table, Elizabeth and her husband greeted them.

  “Oh. My. God,” Elizabeth touted loudly, swiftly standing to come around the table and gawk. “Darling, you look so beautiful! And that color!” After a quick air kiss on both of Jessica’s cheeks, she turned her attention to Tim. “And you….”

  “Yes?” Tim bashfully responded, trying hard to conceal a big grin. The woman approached him in a current of expensive perfume.

  “You took my advice and revealed your handsome face.” She grabbed his chin, making his lips pucker. “So much better,” she purred seductively.

  “Okay, okay. That’s enough Mrs. Rich. Aren’t you going to introduce Tim to your husband?” Jessica wiggled her way in-between the two and gestured toward Mr. Rich.

  “Good evening. I am Jacque Rich. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

  Tim was astonished by the man’s thick, French accent. His dark eyes stared back at him from behind dense glasses as he thrust his
hand out. “In America, we shake, yes?” The man looked aristocratic wearing a silk ascot while puffing his chest out.

  “Oh, Jacque, just kiss him on the cheeks as you do with everyone else,” Elizabeth teased, pushing Tim forward. “Go on. He won’t bite.”

  Tim awkwardly bent forward as Jacque quickly and efficiently air-kissed his cheeks before slapping him on the arm. “Vous êtes un gentleman.”

  The group laughed as Tim shook his head. “Whatever you say, man.”

  The first dinner course was served, an indication for everyone to take their seat. A waiter circled the table and offered wine to each guest, Tim immediately recognizing the bottle.

  “The Stag is excellent, Jessica. You should try it. It’s from the North Coast of Napa in California.”

  “You know wine?” Elizabeth curiously asked, her perfect eyebrow arching with interest as she cradled her chin in her hand and rested her elbow on the table.

  Laying a dinner napkin in his lap, Tim nodded. “Somewhat. Mostly the California wines.”

  “He’s originally from California,” Jessica added.

  “Oh? Whereabout?”

  The dinner conversation was light, and Tim didn’t give too much away as they dined on lump crab cakes, Caesar salad, and center-cut filets. By the time dessert was served, they were all acting like old friends, Jacque humoring them with his French anecdotes as the wine overflowed in topped-off glasses. Couples swarmed the dance floor as the music turned livelier. Tim savored the warm bread pudding in vanilla sauce and had just taken an enormous bite when Jessica’s parents approached the table.

  “Mama.” Jessica stood and stiffly hugged her mother, then her father.

  Tim wiped his mouth on the napkin and stood beside her, doing his best to swallow the thick dessert.

  “Jessica. You look lovely dear. The yellow in that dress brings out the blue in your eyes.”

  “Thank you. Y’all remember my friend Tim, don’t you?”

  Tim licked his lips and nodded toward the woman whose facial expression displayed annoyance. “Very nice to see you again, Mrs. Southers.” He turned to Jessica’s father. “Mr. Southers, I’m Tim. It’s nice to meet you.” He thrust his hand out and heartily shook the old man’s.