Be My Valentine: The McClendon Holiday Series, Book 3

by Sean D. Young

  Jacques tried to keep busy and keep his mind off the case, but as soon as he did, it went right back. He loved his work and didn’t like the fact that this happened. He checked the TellItAll blog site to see if anyone had posted an update. It seemed as if the celebrity site knew more than even his attorney did.

  “Hey, Big Bro,” Cecelia said, sticking her head in the bedroom door.

  “Cee Cee, how was your day?”

  “Exhausting,” she said, walking over to the bed and sitting down. “I’ve been on the phone literally all day trying to find a house for my client. We’ve looked for everything from high rises to single-family dwellings. She just can’t make up her mind.”

  Jacques wondered if his sister could help him with figuring out what to do with his apartment. “Hey, do you think you can help me sub-let my apartment in New York?”

  His sister smiled brightly. “So, you’re going to stay?”

  “Yep.”

  “For good?”

  “I don’t know about for good, but for the foreseeable future I am. Unless they call me to come back to New York again.”

  “Are you staying because of Patrice?”

  Jacques hadn’t thought about it. “Yes, she is a factor. And the fact that I’ll be working with her on a fragrance for Angela Simpson.”

  Cecelia’s mouth flew open. “Do you mean the Angela Simpson from that ‘Love and Hip-Hop’ reality show?”

  “Yes, that’s the one. She and Patrice went to school together.”

  “That’s exciting! So when are you going to get started on it?”

  “In the morning, I suppose.” Jacques nodded. “I’ll have to help Patrice find a distributor because we can’t sell much out of her boutique only and have it be successful.”

  Cecelia stood. “Sounds like you really care about this woman.”

  Slowly, Jacques moved his head up and down. “Yes, I guess so.”

  His sister walked to the door. “Oh yeah, and if you want me to help you I can, but you would need someone in New York to handle the paperwork because it would be easier.”

  “I’ll call John and see if he can help me with that. Thanks, sis,” Jacques said, pressing the button to turn off his electronic tablet. He checked the time and then picked up his cell phone. He wanted to check on Patrice, so he dialed her number.

  “Hey, babe, what have you been up to all day?” he asked when she answered.

  “I’m getting all my thoughts and things together so we can get started tomorrow. I really am excited about the knowledge I’m going to gain from this experience,” Patrice said.

  “We need to get those contracts settled before we actually start creating the fragrance. Do you know where the attorneys are in the process?” he asked.

  “No, but I will call in the morning and see if we can’t expedite everything. After next week, Angela will be going back to California, especially if her mother’s health continues to improve.”

  “Let’s get that done first,” Jacques suggested.

  “Is it possible for us to have this done by Valentine’s Day?” Patrice asked.

  “Ooh, that would be something and a great way to debut a sensual fragrance. You can’t get much sexier than Valentine’s Day,” Jacques continued.

  All he heard was silence. “Patrice, are you still there?”

  “Yes, I’m here.”

  He wondered what he said to have her disconnect from the conversation so quickly. “Patrice let me ask you something.”

  “Ask away.”

  “Whose idea was it to launch the perfume on Valentine’s Day? Was it yours or Angela’s?”

  “Mine, but she likes the idea.”

  “Why did you get quiet when I made my statement?”

  “Well, I think that Valentine’s Day has gone so commercial that the real meaning has gotten lost. To me it’s just a joke.”

  She doesn’t like Valentine’s Day? “It’s a day set aside for lovers. Why do you sound so cynical about it?”

  “I know it’s supposed to be for lovers. I’ve played the hearts and flowers game a time or two in my life. I just think that the holiday gives folks a false sense of love and devotion. It pressures one person to make a commitment to another when they clearly aren’t ready. And for others it’s a day so depressing, they count the hours until it’s over.”

  “Is this your personal belief?”

  “Yes, but being a business woman, I had to push all those thoughts aside and focus on how I can join the ranks of other businesses and use Valentine’s Day to help my bottom line. I’ve heard it can prove to be one of the biggest money makers of the year.”

  As Jacques listened to every word Patrice spoke, he heard the sincerity in her voice and concluded that there was more to her declaration than she was letting on. “I know it may sound like I’m quizzing you, but babe, this is the first time that I’ve ever heard of a woman hating Valentine’s Day.”

  “Look, I’m the girl that sells the gifts to the men and women who buy two of everything. And let me just add that they aren’t buying the other gift for their mother.”

  Jacques chuckled. He understood what she was referring to and it was unfortunate. “I hear ya, baby. But that doesn’t mean that your life has to be that way. You can trust me with your heart.”

  “What does me trusting you have to do with Valentine’s Day and why do you keep calling me babe?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “That’s what I want to know. What do you mean?”

  “Because I want you to be my valentine.”

  “Jacques, I had no idea you were such a jokester.”

  He had a feeling that she would try to brush off his statement. “I’m not joking, Patrice. I really do want to get to know you in an intimate way. I think that life is too short to waste time. I’ve found someone that I’m interested in and I want to pursue a relationship with you.”

  Jacques said the words so quickly, he hadn’t thought through how he was going to reveal his feelings to Patrice. He had no idea that they were going to even get on that subject this evening. He had called her for something else, but they ended up there, so he wasn’t going to lie to her. She needed to know how he felt about her.

  After a long silence, Jacques knew that he’d revealed too much, but he wasn’t going to apologize. He would just end the conversation so that she could think about what he’d just told her.

  “Listen, baby. I’ll see you in the morning, okay?”

  “Okay,” Patrice whispered.

  “Good night,” he said before ending the call.

  It had been a very long time since he was this interested in a woman and at thirty-six, he didn’t have time to play games. He had to prove to Patrice that Valentine’s Day was worth celebrating and not just in sales but in love.

  Chapter Nine

  Patrice woke up the next morning restless because all she did the night before was toss and turn. Her mind was plagued with the happenings of the day and she couldn’t shut her brain off, especially after talking to Jacques late last night. She hated getting into conversations with people about Valentine’s Day. She didn’t care what folks said, it was a horrible holiday and should be banned in all countries. Not wanting to have the kind of debate that she’d had with him the night before with her siblings, she never mentioned it. When they oohed and ah’d about anything pertaining to it, she just didn’t have a lot to say. Maybe if she didn’t say anything else about it then Jacques would drop it—she would just have to wait and see.

  Pulling herself up and sitting on the side of her bed, her thoughts went to Nikki. She couldn’t help but be worried about her and her young daughter. Patrice had tried to contact her via cell phone but it went straight to voicemail. Hopefully she stayed with a friend and didn’t go back to the house. Patrice didn’t know Nikki’s boyfriend well, having only met him
once at the Christmas party they had at the store last month. He seemed to be a manner able guy but looks could be deceiving. She figured that out a few years ago when her sister Faith was married to Kevin Harrington and he turned out to be a bastard of high proportions. Yes, she had somewhat of a heavy heart thinking about Nikki. She had so much potential and Patrice wanted to help her. Getting dressed, she quickly left the house and headed for the boutique. She needed to talk to Marla again but not to divulge what Nikki had told her.

  * * * * *

  Pulling up to the boutique, Jacques could see two young women working up front preparing the displays for the day. He pressed the button on the side of the door and watched as both of their heads popped up. The taller of the two came to the door but didn’t open it.

  “I’m sorry, sir, we don’t open until nine o’clock.”

  Jacques smiled figuring that Patrice probably hadn’t told them about him starting work this morning. “Hi, my name is Jacques Germain and I’ll be working in the lab.”

  Just as he completed his sentence the other woman came over to the door. “Oh, yes, that’s the guy that was in here the other day with Patrice. He’s cool,” she said.

  The lock on the door was disengaged and Jacques stepped in. He rubbed his gloved hands together before removing them. He extended his right hand to one of the girls. “Hi, I’m Jacques and you are?”

  “I’m Nikki. Nice to meet you, Jacques.”

  The other woman reached out to him as soon as he released Nikki’s hand. “And I’m Fantasia, but everyone calls me Tasia. Good to meet you.”

  Nikki turned to him. “Do you have a key to the lab? Patrice hasn’t come in yet.”

  Jacques hadn’t thought about a key, but would talk to Patrice about that sometime today. “No, I don’t, so if you ladies don’t mind, I’d like to hang out here until she comes.”

  Both women raised their shoulders slightly. “No, it’s fine with me,” they said in unison.

  Jacques removed his coat. “Can I take your coat?” Fantasia asked. “I’ll hang it up in the closet that we store our belongings.”

  He smiled and handed it to her. “Thanks so much,” he said, adding his gloves to the pockets.

  He watched as Fantasia put his coat away and went right back to preparing the displays for the day’s business. Studying them gave him an idea, so he walked closer to the glass case that they were standing behind. “Ladies, would you mind if I asked you a question?”

  Nikki placed the glass tray and the vanilla scented bubble bath on the counter. “What would you like to know?”

  Jacques eyed both she and Fantasia to be sure he had both their full attention. “How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you look forward to it with joy or anxiety?”

  Looking at their immediate reactions to his questions, he noticed that Nikki dropped her head right away, but Fantasia had a smirk on her face. “Fantasia, why the funny facial expression?”

  “Your questions just reminded me of when I was younger. My daddy always bought me and my sister a small version of the candy he bought my mother every year.”

  “What’s so funny about that? I think that’s great,” Jacques replied.

  “It was great but as soon as he’d leave my mother would throw hers in the garbage. She hated those hearts. She said he probably got it from Walgreens,” Fantasia laughed.

  Jacques tried to stifle a laugh, so he smiled. “Did he ever find out that she threw them away?”

  Fantasia shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

  “Do you have any thoughts as an adult, Fantasia?”

  “I think that people try really hard to make the person they are happy with, which can cause them to be overly nervous. I’ve learned that working here.”

  Jacques eyes shifted to Nikki, who had continued her tasks, but seemed very distant. “What about you, Nikki?”

  She looked up at him. “My parents were married on Valentine’s Day.”

  “I bet your father didn’t forget their anniversary.”

  “I don’t know, they divorced when I was small.”

  “I’m sorry to hear that. So what do you think about the day as a grown woman in your own right?”

  “I think if you’re lucky to be with the right person, it can be a beautiful day. I think the most important thing is how the person treats you the next morning and the days after.”

  Jacques folded his arms under his chest and rubbed his chin. Both girls had great points and he could see each scenario and how they could possibly play out. He concluded that a person either loved Valentine’s Day or hated it. “Thanks ladies, I appreciate your input.”

  Patrice came from the back of the building just as he stepped away from the counter. Jacques stood back watching her as she approached, his gaze running over her face, lips, then down to the black leather skirt and royal blue silk blouse. He could see how the delicate fabric hugged her breasts as she inhaled and exhaled. His eyes glistened as he watched her in awe and all the while all he wanted to do was pull her into his arms and kiss her senseless. He knew that wouldn’t be possible—at least not right now.

  “Good morning,” she said as she approached.

  Jacques smiled as he eyed her with desire. “Patrice, the ladies and I just had an interesting conversation about Valentine’s Day.” Jacques needed to see her reaction in person because over the phone it seemed as if she despised the day. If the large frown and squint of her eyes were any indication, he had his work cut out for him.

  “So you’ve met Fantasia and Nikki,” Patrice said to him, but he noticed that her eyes were set on Nikki. Nikki on the other hand was trying to look everywhere except for in Patrice’s eyes. Jacques would be sure to ask Patrice what was going on between the two of them.

  “Patrice, I’m ready to get into the lab,” Jacques said.

  “I’m going to have to get you a key, just in case you need to stay or come in early,” Patrice said, turning around toward the exit.

  “Ladies, have a great day,” he said to the aroma girls.

  * * * * *

  Entering the lab, Jacques closed the door behind them and surprised Patrice by pulling her into his arms. “I’d like to greet you properly now.”

  Patrice could tell by his hastiness that he couldn’t wait to hold her. She noticed that from the moment she’d stepped into the boutique, he’d had his eyes on her. She could see the smoky look of desire in them and honestly, it made her blush, having been the center of his attention. He didn’t even give her a chance to respond to his statement before his lips were on hers. It wasn’t an intrusive act but his lips were tender, making the kiss gentle and sweet.

  His cell phone buzzed and Patrice’s eyes fluttered open, trying to break the kiss. It would give a reprieve and an opportunity to catch her breath. “I think you should get that,” she said.

  Jacques gathered her into his arms once again. “Right now, I’m busy.”

  A few minutes later, the phone chimed indicating he had a voicemail.

  Patrice took a couple steps backward. “It might be important, Jacques.” She wasn’t trying to push him away. After all, it might be really important.

  He exhaled loudly, reached in his pocket and took out the phone checking the caller ID. He turned to Patrice. “You were right. This was business and I think I’d better call back.”

  “Okay,” she said, watching him leave the room. Because they hadn’t known each other a very long time, she didn’t go any further to ask him what the call was concerning. She just hoped if it concerned her that he would share whatever information he learned from the conversation.

  Chapter Ten

  Jacques walked halfway down the hall with his cell phone in his hand and stopped. He pressed the button to listen to his voicemail but decided to just hit the callback option. John’s secretary answered the call.

  “Th
is is Jacques Germain calling for John Friedman.”

  “Please hold for Mr. Friedman,” the receptionist said.

  “Jacques, I’m on my private line right now and I really need to finish this call. Would you mind it if I called you back?”

  “Sure,” Jacques responded wanting to say more, but didn’t want to delay his attorney.

  “I’ll call you back as soon as I can. I really need to talk to you.”

  Jacques could feel the sweat form on his forehead and he noticed he was pacing the hall as John was talking to him. This was so unlike him to be nervous and he wasn’t the type of person to jump to conclusions because things in his life were always precise. But due to the circumstances surrounding this incident he didn’t know what to think.

  He walked to the front of the store, removed his coat from the closet before walking over to the counter where Nikki was standing. He lightly tapped the counter to get her attention. Once she raised her head, he moved away. “I’ll be back shortly,” he said before walking through the door.

  Filling his lungs with the cold air, he walked to the corner. He looked both ways not knowing which way to go while he awaited John’s call. He needed to sort out his thoughts and feelings. His eyes landed on a Starbucks’s sign that was down the street a ways, so he went in that direction. The line wasn’t out the door crazy but he had to wait for more than a couple of minutes before he ordered and paid for a cappuccino.

  Finding a seat near the back of the coffee shop, he pulled his phone from his pocket and laid it face up on the table. For a moment, he stared at the foam floating on the top of the beverage.

  Taking a sip, he put the cup back down on the table before glancing once again at his phone. Just as he raised the cup back to his mouth, the phone vibrated, moving on the table. Quickly sitting the beverage down, he answered.