Hopeless

by Cheryl Douglas

  Hopeless

  Book Seven in the Nashville Nights Series

  Cheryl Douglas

  Copyright © by Cheryl Douglas

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, including photocopying, graphic, electronic, mechanical, taping, recording, sharing, or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the author and / or publisher. Exceptions include brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  Persons, places and other entities represented in this book are deemed to be fictitious. They are not intended to represent actual places or entities currently or previously in existence or any person living or dead. This work is the product of the author’s imagination.

  Any and all inquiries to the author of this book should be directed to info@cheryldouglasbooks.com

  Hopeless © 2012 Cheryl Douglas

  Hopeless – Book Seven

  When Jay Cooper has to hire a black belt instructor for his karate studio, he doesn’t expect the most promising candidate to come with a huge chip on her shoulder. He knows there must be a story behind those tortured brown eyes. If only she would let him get close enough to find out why she seems to determined to keep her past a secret.

  Victoria Pierce grew up in the foster care system. For her, martial arts was more than a hobby. It was her best hope of survival. She learned at an early age that the only person she could count on was herself. She doesn’t let anyone get close enough to hurt her, not friends, boyfriends, and definitely not her new boss. She shuts Jay down at every opportunity, so why does he keep coming back for more?

  Dedication

  To my grandmother, Betty

  Life has dealt you some difficult blows…

  widowed at thirty-nine with six young children to raise,

  and a diagnosis of stage three ovarian cancer the same year.

  You are a survivor and an inspiration to all who have been

  blessed to know you.

  I love you

  Read What the Reviewers Are Saying About Nashville Nights…

  “Shameless has wonderfully flawed characters that have to fight to get back what they lost, but when they get it right, it is absolutely fantastic.”

  Cocktails and Books

  “This series is very emotional and I can’t wait to pick up a new book after its release.”

  Book Travels

  “I read the whole series and let me tell you, I love it. I read all four books in two days. I couldn’t put them down.”

  My Eclectic Bookshelf

  “Shameless is a sensual story packed full of passion, temptation, and forbidden love.”

  For the Love of Reading

  “Shameless drew me in heart and soul from the very first page to the satisfying conclusion after the final page was turned. Those wanting an emotional roller coaster ride, climb on board and add this one to your bookshelf.”

  Wow from the Scarf Princess Blog

  “There were times throughout Shameless where I was actually overcome with emotion. It made me cry and smile, and sometimes gasp or laugh out loud; a piece of art that couldn’t have come at a better time. Simply a must read. I give this book a solid five stars!”

  Read2Review

  “The flow of this story (Fearless) was perfect. I cannot wait for the 3rd installment.”

  Insightful Minds Reviews

  “I really adore all of the characters in this series.”

  Autumn Review

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  About the Author

  Coming Soon

  Chapter One

  Jay Cooper leaned back in his swivel chair and scraped his hands over his face. He was exhausted physically, mentally, and emotionally. He was on the verge of opening his fourth karate studio and desperate to find a suitable manager.

  Karen, his administrative assistant, poked her head in the door. “Just one more interview today, boss.”

  He closed his eyes on a groan. “Do I have to?”

  She smiled. “I think you’ll want to see this one. She’s a second degree black belt…”

  Jay knew Karen well enough to know there was more to come. She was an invaluable part of his team, but if there was one thing he would change about her, it was her propensity to tell never-ending stories. “And?”

  She scanned the paper she was holding. “She majored in business, minored in marketing, volunteers in her spare time…”

  He reached across the desk to take the paper she offered. Karen and one of his managers, Linda, had reviewed the resumes and arranged the interviews. Normally, Jay would only conduct second interviews, but since this was a managerial position, he wanted to make sure he was choosing the right candidate for the job.

  “Hmmm, this does look promising.” He glanced at his Tag watch. “Is she here yet?”

  Karen grinned. “She was five minutes early. Oh, and boss, I should warn you, she’s gorgeous.”

  He raised an eyebrow. “You know I’m not in the market for a girlfriend.”

  She rolled her eyes. “It’s been months since that bit—” She smiled sweetly. “Since she dumped you. It’s time to get on with your life already.”

  Jay nurtured a friendly, open environment in his studios, which often meant his employees felt comfortable crossing the line, like now. “Even if I was interested in gettin’ involved again, and I’m not, mixin’ business and pleasure is a bad idea.”

  “Oh please, this woman would be perfect for you. You share a passion for karate; she obviously has a good head for business…”

  Jay smirked. “Is that why attractive, single women have been paradin’ through my office all day applyin’ for this position?”

  She crossed her arms and frowned. “Linda and I thought it would be good for you to start dating again. You’re a great guy, Jay. Just ‘cause that little—”

  Jay held his hand up. He already knew how his employees, friends, and family felt about Lily. Unfortunately, it took him a year to admit they were right. “I don’t want to hear it.” He sighed. “Listen, I’ve been datin’. I just don’t have the time for anything serious right now. I’m overseeing construction on the new studio, takin’ over classes for James while he’s on his honeymoon, and tryin’ to ensure the other studios are running smoothly. It’s killin’ me.”

  “That’s why you need a new manager, like, yesterday. I’m telling you, I think this girl would be perfect.”

  He was tired of arguing. He just wanted to get this over with so his assistant would get off his back already. “Okay, send her in.”

  Jay decided to check his email while he waited for Karen to usher the young woman into his office. He didn’t bother to look up from his computer screen when he heard her take the seat across from him. “Just give me a sec. I’ll be right with you.”

  “No problem, take your time.”

  Her voice was sexy and raspy, prompting him to look up in the midst of opening an important attachment he’d been waiting on all day. “Uh, I…” He never got nervous. In fact, his friends claimed he was the epitome of self-assurance, but the stunning beauty seated across from him made him feel like a bumbling idiot. “Hi.”

  She smiled as she reached across the desk to offer her hand. “Hi,
I’m Victoria Pierce. I attended one of your seminars at the conference in Cincinnati last year. You were great.”

  He barely remembered the conference she was referring to as he clasped her hand, holding her captive a little longer than appropriate. Hell, staring into this woman’s jade green eyes, he’d be hard-pressed to remember his own name, much less social protocol, or a conference that happened months ago. “Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  “I’m always eager to learn more… especially from someone like you.”

  He tipped his chair back and stared into her eyes. He tried to call on the powerful mantra that dictated every aspect of his life: focus your eyes… focus your body… focus your mind. But it was pointless. Instead of concentrating on the task at hand, finding a manager, his wayward thoughts kept drifting to the silky slide of her long, dark hair teasing her shoulders or the muscular, sun-kissed thighs peeking out beneath the full skirt of her black, belted dress.

  When she shifted in her seat, he realized his obvious perusal of her assets must be making her uncomfortable. He chuckled, trying the ease the tension. “I’m sorry. I guess my mind was wanderin’ there for a minute.” If she knew where it had taken him, she’d likely reach across the desk and slap him upside the head.

  She cleared her throat. “As I was saying, I know you’re one of the best martial artists in the state, Mr. Cooper. It’s no secret you and your team routinely place first in all of the big international competitions. I want to be part of that, if you think I might be a good fit.”

  He closed his eyes when he thought about how well her body would fit his. Even beneath the flowing fabric of her pleated skirt, he could tell she, like most of the martial artists he knew, was serious about treating her body like a temple. She was toned, tanned, and… stunning. She didn’t wear much make-up, and her nails were short and free of polish, her hair color obviously wasn’t altered, yet even without the enhancements most of the women he dated seemed to favor, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid eyes on. The kind of beauty few women were lucky enough to be born with, beauty that defied the passing of time.

  “I’m sorry. I seem to be havin’ a little trouble focusin’ right now, Ms. Pierce. I’ve been tied up in meetings and interviews all day. I think I just need to stretch and get a glass of water before we continue. Can I get you anything?”

  She licked her lips before nodding her head. “No, sir, I’m fine, thank you.”

  The word was commonplace in most karate studios. All of his students and instructors called him sir, yet it sounded foreign on her lips. He didn’t want to stand on ceremony with her; he wanted to get to know her… intimately. “Please, call me Jay.”

  She looked taken aback by the invitation. Most Grand Masters preferred the formal title to their first name, especially inside the studio. “I’m not sure—”

  He held his hand up to silence her protest. “Please, I wouldn’t have invited you to use my first name unless I wanted you to.” Truthfully, he couldn’t wait to hear his name falling from her full, glossy lips.

  She smiled. “Fine… Jay.”

  He gripped the armrests of his chair as he leaned forward. Never in his life had he had this kind of physical reaction to a woman. It was taking everything in him not to reach out and touch her again. “Okay, I’ll be right back.”

  Jay cursed all the way down the hall to the water cooler. He did not have time for this right now. He was supposed to be expanding his business and building his team, not thinking about having those long, silky legs wrapped around his waist.

  Karen looked up from her desk and smiled as he walked past her door. “So, was I right about her? Is she great or what?”

  He scowled as he walked into her office and closed the door. “Does she have a boyfriend… husband?” He didn’t know why the thought of her going home to another man made his gut clench, but it did. He wanted Karen to tell him she was available more than he’d wanted anything in a long, long time.

  Tongue in cheek, she pretended to focus on her computer screen. “Nope, she’s definitely single.”

  “How do you know for sure?”

  “I was complaining to her about Brad and she said that’s why she’s still single, men are too much trouble.” She laughed. “I can’t argue with her there.”

  Jay knew he should lecture his assistant about discussing her personal life with potential employees, but he was just so relieved to know Victoria was available, he decided to let it pass. “Good to know.” He reached for the door handle.

  “Does that mean you’re gonna hire her?”

  “I don’t even know if she’s qualified yet. I’ve barely been able to string two words together since she walked into my office.”

  Karen giggled. “I knew it. I just knew she was gonna be perfect for you.”

  “Who the hell said anything about her bein’ perfect for me?”

  “Oh please, I haven’t seen you this affected by a woman since…” She pressed a lacquered fingernail to her lips. “Hell, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.”

  “You don’t know what you’re talkin’ about. You haven’t even seen us together.” Jay wanted to deny it, but his gut told him his friend was right. There was something different about this woman, starting with the way she made him feel.

  “You can deny it all you want, but I’ve known you a long time, Jay. You’re always so composed, and I can tell just by lookin’ at you that you’re rattled.”

  He couldn’t deny she was right. “I’m just tired, stressed out…”

  She winked. “I know a great stress reliever.”

  The thought of taking Victoria to his place to test that theory shouldn’t be so damn appealing. “I gotta get back in there.” He clenched his jaw. “Let’s hope I don’t make a complete fool of myself this time.”

  Victoria thought about running down the hall and out the door before Jay could come back. She knew this was a bad idea. Jay Cooper was every woman’s flesh and blood fantasy. He was tall and muscular with cropped black hair, clear blue eyes, and inked biceps. The stubble on his jaw seemed to be his trademark. What she hadn’t counted on was his charisma. She’d sensed it when she was one of a hundred people mesmerized by his performance, but she’d fooled herself into believing he couldn’t possibly be as compelling face-to-face. Evidently, she’d been wrong.

  She sat up straighter when she heard the soft click of the door closing behind him.

  “Sorry about that, Victoria.”

  The mere sound of him uttering her name shouldn’t feel like a lover’s caress skimming her skin, but it did. She pasted a smile on her face and prayed he couldn’t tell how much it was costing her to hold it together in his presence. She needed this job, and despite her attraction to him, she wanted this job.

  “No problem.”

  He eased into the leather chair behind his desk and scanned the piece of paper bearing her name. “So, it says here you’ve been studyin’ karate for ten years?”

  “Yes, sir.” She smiled when he raised an eyebrow. “With the exception of a brief hiatus seven years ago.” She prayed he wouldn’t question her about the leave. She hated lying, but there was no way she was willing to share details of her past with a perfect stranger, no matter how enticing he may be.

  “You studied with Carl Moore before he retired? He and my father go way back. He’s a good man.”

  She owed Carl Moore for saving her life. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the same allegiance to the man who bought Carl’s studio when he retired last month. He’d been a merciless thorn in her side for thirty days and thirty nights, flirting with her at every opportunity, but never crossing any lines that would give her the ammunition to put him in his place.

  “I think my dad mentioned Carl retired recently.”

  “He did.”

  “Mind if I ask why you’re ready to make a change now?”

  She could give him the politically correct response about looking for new opportunities or she could tell
him the truth. Jay seemed like a man who would appreciate honesty. “My new boss has made no secret of the fact he wants to sleep with me.”

  Jay let the paper flutter to his desk as he clenched his fist. “Really?”

  Victoria flushed when she realized what she’d said. There was honesty, but what she’d said crossed the line. She was on a job interview, not out on a date with the man. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said-”

  He scowled. “Was it true?”

  “Of course, but—”

  “Then you should have said it.”

  She had to admire the fact he was a man who didn’t pull his punches. “Perhaps you could tell me a little bit more about the position…if I’m still a candidate.”

  “Why wouldn’t you be?”

  She’d never been so confused or uncertain in her life. Ever since she stepped foot in his office, she felt unbalanced, as though her world was shifting and she was being upended. “The ad said this was a managerial position?”

  “Yeah, I’m openin’ a new studio, and I need a manager. The position would require you to supervise the instructors, prepare schedules, maintain client records, oversee the students’ progress, implement my marketing plan, and of course, manage the day-to-day operations of the studio. The first priority will be buildin’ membership, so I’ll be there a lot in the first few months to make sure you’re meeting your targets.” He grinned. “After that, I wouldn’t be breathin’ down your neck quite as much.”

  There was no way a quick flash of straight, white teeth and shallow dimples should be arousing, but it was. God, this man was sexy, but she would have to come to terms with his appeal if he offered her the job.

  The position he described was everything she wanted. Higher pay, more responsibility, and the ability to merge her passion for martial arts, business, and marketing to build a successful business from the ground up using Jay’s proven business model and the power of his reputation as one of the most well-respected martial artists in the state.