Looking for Love (Boxed set)

by Rita Herron

  The lady named Ruby Jean picked it up and sniffed. "My, oh, my. Yes, Becky will like this."

  The yuppie who'd entered earlier cleared his throat, obviously ready for Jenna's assistance.

  "Let me help this gentleman while you write your card," Jenna told Zack.

  She turned her attention to the other man, while he scribbled a message on the card. "Congratulations. Hope you have many warm years together."

  A chuckle rumbled in his chest as he stuffed the note into the box.

  "That spray is my favorite," Jenna commented as she led the customer to the register. "We also have sachets for your drawers in the same scent."

  Zack made a mental note of the name of the fragrance. He'd smelled roses when Jenna had approached him. Now he knew why. Did she wear her other merchandise, too?

  He sneaked a peek at the black lacy bodystocking hanging in the window, then glanced back at Jenna. This job might be... very interesting after all.

  Jenna chatted with the man, finished the sale, and said good-bye. Then, she chose a foiled paper with silver wedding bells etched across and wrapped Zack's purchase. Finally, she added a big silver bow and handed him the eloquently wrapped present.

  "So, what do you have in mind for the ads?" Zack asked.

  "You know if you're not up to this... I mean, if it's a bad time for you with the break-up and all, I don't need the ads for several more weeks—"

  "I don't allow my personal life to interfere with work," Zack said sharply. "Now, let's discuss business."

  "Certainly," Jenna said, straightening her shoulders. "I didn't mean to pry."

  "You didn't. Now, what did you have in mind?"

  Jenna pulled out a catalog and opened it to a sketch of a lace covered window. Below the window the words Love 'N Lace were etched in fine gold lettering. A small candle glowed in the window. "We're listed in gift catalogs like this one. I want something tasteful, but a little more representative of the products I carry." She swept her arm across the room. "A few of the people who read this ad thought my store was a curtain shop."

  Zack chuckled, his earlier anger over the marriage debate fading. "I see. That would have been a shocker."

  Jenna shrugged, looking at him warily. "Well, I do carry a few lace coverlets for beds and some lace tablecloths, but I tend to stick with more personal items."

  "And that's working for you?"

  "Yes, so far." Jenna sighed nonchalantly. "I tried to combine it all when I started, but there's so many superstore linen shops, I just couldn't compete. I do keep some lace-covered bridal books, accessories, veils, picnic baskets, and occasionally I custom order products for people."

  "It's a classy place," Zack said sincerely. "And you have a good location so you probably get walk-in customers as well as return ones."

  "I manage," she said with a sly smile. "A couple of large companies have approached me about franchising, but I prefer a more personal, intimate atmosphere. It's more unique. And I think the customers enjoy the individual attention I give them."

  "If your shop's doing so well, why change your ad?"

  "Well, like I said, some people think I only sell window treatments, and a lot of people come in just to look." Jenna glanced around the store. "Besides, it's always nice to expand your clientele. Change is good."

  "That's what my dad always says about his wives. But at least he married them one at a time."

  Jenna rolled her eyes.

  "Uh, sorry," Zack mumbled, wondering what on earth made him bring that subject up again.

  "So, now that you've seen the store, are you still interested?" Jenna asked.

  Zack desperately tried to tamp down the urge to say yes, that he was interested. But not in her store, in her. "Yes, of course."

  He couldn't help but admire Jenna's business sense. She wasn't simply attractive, she was smart. Simone's idea of ambition had been to have her nails and hair done on the same day.

  A man who'd just come in pointed to a table filled with lotions and bubble baths. "Miss, I need some help over here."

  "I'll be right there." Jenna tapped the gift box. "Well, I hope Simone enjoys the robe, Zack. Just give me a call when you put together some ideas. Thanks for stopping by."

  Jenna dismissed him in a business-like voice, then rushed over to the dark-haired man. Zack watched her help the man select a jasmine fragrance, then a slinky blue silk gown—sophisticated but sexy. One of the gray-haired women held a basket filled with soaps and enough sprays to make her smell like a garden.

  Zack shoved his package under his arm and headed for the door. Jenna wanted to expand her clientele? It seemed like a pretty diverse group to him. He'd have to give some thought to the ads she wanted and to what she specifically had in mind. What would he draw?

  Something tasteful—hmm. That would be Jenna in one of those lacy bodystockings. Or maybe wearing nothing but that rose-scented spray. Now that would be tasty.

  Sighing, he rubbed his face with his hands and opened the door. He had to stop these errant thoughts. Jenna obviously wanted a husband, and he couldn't help her with that.

  But he could help her with an ad campaign. He'd concentrate on business and keep their relationship professional. No strings, no personal involvement.

  Let her find some sucker in her silly Husband Hunting class. He was one guy who wasn't giving up his bachelorhood—not for any woman.

  * * *

  Jenna fanned her face as the evening heat tilled the shop. In spite of the killer summers, she still loved Atlanta. Yet, even with the air conditioning running full blast, perspiration dampened her forehead. Laughing softly, she silently admitted her uncomfortable state had more to do with Zack West than the soaring temperature outside.

  He'd waltzed in, all six feet, four inches, and overpowered her little store. But that was nothing compared to how he'd looked standing next to all these fragile, silky underthings. Her imagination had gone berserk. She only hoped he hadn't noticed. Then again, why would he?

  He was broken-hearted over the woman who'd dumped him. The crazy female. Poor guy. He must really be taking it hard. Coupled with his past, he'd sworn off marriage completely. Just her luck.

  She'd been momentarily relieved to discover he and Simone had broken up. The woman had been stitched to his side at Mark's wedding like a too-tight shirt. Then Zack had made his announcement—I'm never getting married.

  A commitment-shy guy.

  Fiddlesticks.

  She finished clearing the cash register, yanked down the shade on her window, and switched the open sign to closed. She had to forget about Zachary West, except where business was concerned, because she was definitely getting married.

  She glanced at the bouquet she'd caught at Casey's wedding. It had been a sign that it was time for her to get serious about finding a serious relationship.

  At twenty-seven, her biological clock was ticking away like a hyperactive cuckoo clock. She had to find a husband before time wound down.

  Her best friend, Casey McIntyre had recently married a great guy and they were off on their honeymoon. And her friend and co-worker Angel Honeycutt, had found someone, and now she was pregnant.

  Jenna sighed, anxious for a family of her own.

  She'd been attracted to Zack the minute she'd seen him at Mark's wedding. Before the ceremony, Mark had told her stories about Zack going through women like some men went through socks. Jenna had imagined Zack looking like Mark, short and stocky with curly dark hair.

  But then Zack had walked up to her at the wedding and nearly knocked her off her high heels with his sexy eyes—eyes the color of caramel candy.

  His long, sandy-blond hair brushed the ends of his collar and made her want to run her hands through it. His smile had a mischievous glint to it that hinted of the devil. He also liked children. At Mark's reception, Zack had tossed someone's toddler over his shoulder and given him a piggyback ride across the lawn.

  Too bad the hunk had sworn off marriage.

  Her hand
automatically flew to her hair. She pushed it behind her ear and felt her hearing aid. Slipping the small piece from her ear, she checked the batteries. She wanted to make sure the device didn't die on her in the middle of class—Husband Hunting 101, Zack had called it. Well, he could laugh all he wanted. She intended to go to the class, and she didn't want to miss anything important the instructor might say.

  This class would help her learn skills to seek out the right kind of man, the type of man who also wanted marriage. She might even meet someone interesting in the class.

  Quickly replacing the hearing aid, she grabbed her purse. Whomever she found would have to deal with her hearing loss. It would take someone special, but her father had always told her if she wanted something to go for it. And she wanted a family. There had to be someone out there for her.

  She stuffed a brand-new spiral notebook and a pencil under her arm and hurried out the door. She might not find a husband through the class, but at least it was a start. And it would keep her mind off the sexy man she'd just hired to write her ad campaign.

  The irresistible, unavailable, Zack West.

  Chapter 2

  Fifteen minutes later, Jenna straightened her skirt, smoothed the wrinkles from her jacket and walked into Room 101. Ironic that the numbers matched Zack's little joke about Husband Hunting 101. She scanned the room—several women, four men.

  So, men actually signed up for the class. She'd have to tell smug Zachary West that the next time he came into the shop.

  Sliding into an empty chair, Jenna opened her notebook and took out her newly sharpened pencil. It had been ages since she'd been in a classroom. In high school, she'd felt uncomfortable at first, attending a regular school, always afraid her hearing aid would fail, afraid she wouldn't fit in, afraid the guys wouldn't like her.

  But Casey had befriended her, and her family had always encouraged her. Her big brother, Jeff, had been overprotective, but he'd also let her tag along with his friends, and she'd learned to be comfortable about her hearing impairment with guys. Odd, how just the scent of chalk on a chalkboard and the rough feel of the wooden desk beneath her dredged up those memories.

  "Hello, class." A tall woman with white-gray hair teetered in, wearing three-inch heels. "My name is Heloise Barton."

  Heloise's Helpful Household Hints instantly came to mind. Had she branched out from ways to clean grout to how to add love to your life?

  "We're going to get acquainted tonight, find out why we're all here, and talk about what we're looking for in a spouse," Heloise said.

  A few of the women shifted nervously in their seats. Some of the men studied the ceiling, the walls, the floor. Two of them seemed infatuated with the toes of their shoes.

  Heloise continued, "I know you may feel awkward at first, but as time goes on, we'll become friends. Now, let me tell you about myself. I'm fifty-six years old, was divorced for five years, and hated the singles scene. But I'm proud to say I recently married my daughter's OB-GYN."

  Jenna's pulse raced, comforted by her statement. If it worked for this lady, it could work for her.

  "Now, let's get acquainted by using a letter game. Say the first letter of your name and choose a word to describe yourself that starts with the same letter. For instance, I'm Happy Heloise."

  Strained whispers filled the room, then Happy Heloise pointed to two women in the front row. Jenna guessed them to be in their forties. One wore a baggy gray sweat suit, the other leggings and a long spangled T-shirt. The first woman's mousy voice squeaked. "I'm Carol—Cooking Carol. I own a bakery."

  The next woman seemed more confident. "I'm Daring Darla. I like to do adventurous activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and mountain climbing."

  A dark-haired woman about Jenna's age wearing a low-cut, blood-red dress that revealed very large breasts spoke next. Why was she here? She obviously wouldn't have any trouble meeting men. Jenna could suggest a good, sturdy bra to support those bosoms though.

  "I'm Needs-a-lot-of-attention, Naomi," she said in a husky whisper. "At least that's what the guys tell me."

  A wolf whistle broke out from somewhere behind Jenna.

  The instructor pointed to two men. "Next."

  The first man glanced at Jenna. His instant eyebrow raise and smile could have been just friendly or he could be the bed 'em and shed 'em type.

  And she was tired of dating guys who wanted one-night stands. That was the reason she'd signed up for the class.

  "My name is Morris Jones. Just call me Marvelous Morris."

  Jenna rolled her eyes. And so modest.

  The next man shifted nervously and rubbed one hand over the patches of gray hair scattered across his shiny head. "I... can I ask a question?"

  The teacher nodded.

  "What's the name of this class?"

  Happy Heloise grinned. "How to Get Married Within a Year. Didn't you sign up for it, sir?"

  The man's pudgy face broadened as his mouth fell into an "o."

  "No, ma'am." He patted his balding head in a self-conscious gesture, lurched from his seat, and hurried out of the room.

  Heloise shrugged. "He must be looking for Hair Growth Through Positive Thinking."

  Chuckles filled the room then the introductions continued. "My name is Woodruff P. Nelson." The man's beard was so bushy Jenna couldn't tell what his face looked like beneath all that hair.

  "And a word to describe you, Mr. Nelson?" Heloise asked.

  Woolly. It was on the top of Jenna's tongue to blurt it out, but she caught herself just in time.

  The man scratched his fuzzy chin. "Wealthy."

  A few of the women immediately turned their charming smiles toward the furry man. Then two more women burst into the room. One, a girl barely out of her teens; her mother a woman in her mid-thirties. The young girl's stylish haircut was obviously meant to make her look more mature, but the bubblegum she popped ruined the effect. The older woman's stiff, high hair reminded Jenna of a hornet's nest, and a very visible make-up line marred the edge of her neckline. They scooted into the back seats.

  Heloise motioned to a set of identical twins, the first one dressed in a classic two piece business suit, the second in a conservative navy dress. "I'm Serious Sue."

  The second one grinned. "And, I'm Practical Paula."

  "Your turn, Red."

  Jenna hadn't realized she'd been scribbling on her notepad during the conversation until the man behind her nudged her. When she realized she'd been doodling Zack's name, she instantly covered the page with her hand. "Uh... Jenna, just Jenna."

  The handsome, young man sitting behind her leaned forward and whispered. "You should have said Jenna the Jewel."

  Heat climbed her neck as she glanced over her shoulder to see a dark-haired man smiling at her. "Charming Charlie at your service," he said glibly.

  Jenna smiled tightly, then followed Heloise's gaze as she pointed to another man in the back. "I suppose you could call me Wise William," he said.

  Not half-bad, Jenna decided. His articulate, precise way of pronouncing each word made him sound intelligent. Maybe he was a professor or scientist. Out of all the men in the class, he seemed to be the only real possibility for a date. He was attractive, at least in a mild kind of way. Nothing earth-shattering like Zachary West, but well... this man obviously wanted a relationship. If he didn't, he wouldn't be taking the class.

  He gave her a pleasant smile. Jenna returned the look, forcing herself to make eye contact as he settled back in his chair.

  The mother and daughter pair took their turn. "I'm Wanda Butterworth," the older woman said. "You can call me Wild-Woman Wanda. I like my men wild and warm and devoted to one woman."

  The younger girl spit her gum into the palm of her hand. "You can call me Tired Tina. Tired of guys who can't keep up with me."

  Tina's comment brought a series of raised eyebrows and hushed murmurings.

  Heloise settled on top of the desk and kicked off her heels. Her long black gauzy dress floa
ted around her and fell in a puddle on the desktop. "Now, I'm assuming you're all here because you want to find a permanent, long-lasting relationship with somebody—hopefully, your fated mate. That's hard to do sometimes, especially in a big city like Atlanta."

  Heloise wrote the word commitment on the blackboard in huge capital letters. "The first thing you need to do is think commitment. When you meet someone, keep that in mind. If the person you're attracted to is a pronounced bachelor, singles lady, or has an aversion to commitment, cross them off your list and move on."

  Several people nodded their agreement as Heloise wrote the words on the board:

  AVOID COMMITMENTAPHOBICS—DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THEM!

  "First, I want each of you to make a list of the characteristics you think are important in a spouse."

  The sound of notebooks opening and laptops booting up filled the room.

  "Excuse me?" Needy Naomi raised a purple finger- nailed hand. "How do you spell 'voyeurism'?"

  Charming Charlie took great pride in spelling the word. Serious Sue's face turned twenty shades of red and Practical Paula broke into a coughing fit.

  Tired Tina glanced up from her Ipad and looked anxiously around the class. "Are we going to have to show these to everybody?"

  A sparkle of understanding tinged Heloise's eyes. "No," Heloise said, "we don't have to share. Not unless you want to. Now, once you've finished writing the characteristics that appeal to you, make a list of places you might meet people. When you're finished, we'll discuss it."

  Everyone got busy. Jenna stared at the empty white paper and chewed her eraser, wondering what characteristic would top Tired Tina and Needy Naomi's list. Man must be able to perform sexually, non-stop, for twenty-four hours.

  Charming Charlie tapped her shoulder. "Hey, Red. Want to go for a drink after class?"

  Jenna shook her head. "I can't. I have to work later." It was a lie, but Charming Charlie didn't fit her requirements.

  Then she jotted, "My Fated Mate." Seconds later, she silently read her list.

  * Most important: Wants to make love twenty-four hours a day