Jenna’s heart went into overdrive. It was all a mistake. The reporters would stalk her again. She should never have done the video.
Chapter 8
Jenna’s breath hinged on his answer.
“True.” Garrett remained unruffled. “Jenna and I are friends. She did the video as a favor to me.”
She started breathing again.
“Can you tell me the storyline for the video?”
“It’s basically our Dallas concert footage with a few twists.”
The kiss had been some twist all right. Her insides quivered at the memory.
“Twists?”
“Let’s just say that in this case—art doesn’t imitate life. In the video—I get the girl.”
“Really? And you’re sure that doesn’t bleed over into the reality?”
“No.” Garrett stared earnestly into the camera. “Jenna’s opening a second interior-design store in the Galleria, plus she’s busy with her Stockyards store.”
What? He’d announced her store and she hadn’t even checked on leasing the space yet.
“I’ll soon be off on a new tour. We both have demanding schedules. In reality, since the video is done, I probably won’t see Jenna again.” Irony tinged his laugh. “Unless she shows up at one of my future concerts, and in the last seven years, that’s only happened once.”
“So less than a week away from Valentine’s Day and Aubrey’s most famous bachelor doesn’t have a valentine.” Sammie’s lips pouted even more than usual. “Any dates set for the new tour?”
“We’re still putting it together.”
“All right, then, you heard it here first, Texas. Garrett Steele’s ‘One Day’ video releases March first.” The camera narrowed to focus on Sammie. “I—for one—can’t wait. Stay with us. After this break, Garrett will sing his number one hit for us right here.”
Jenna clicked the button. The screen went blank.
Sammie was still on the prowl. At least that meant they probably hadn’t connected after the Hall of Fame ceremony or the Billy Bob’s concert.
Her phone rang and she scanned the ID. Natalie.
“He kissed you?”
“How did you know? That wasn’t in the interview.” Shock waves exploded in her stomach. She hadn’t watched the entire segment. “Was it?”
“No.”
Jenna started breathing again and clutched a paisley throw pillow to her unsettled abdomen.
“He asked me to call and see what you thought of the interview. Of course, I suggested he do that himself, but he enlightened me that you weren’t speaking to him. I told him you could’ve sued him for sexual harassment.”
“That’s a thought. And to top things off, he announced my Galleria store—like it’s a done deal. I planned to wait until the video released and see if business spiked.”
“And by then, it’s highly possible your dream space might not be available. I’m not crazy about his tactics, but Garrett’s trying to help you out. Jump on it. Get thee to the Galleria and lease the space.”
“But what if business doesn’t spike?” She twisted the corner of the pillow into a tight spiral.
“It will.” Natalie’s voice filled with determination. “You’re the concert girl and now you’re the video girl. Garrett Steele plugged your business on Good Morning Texas. For free. You’re probably already getting calls at the Stockyards store. And besides that, if business doesn’t boom, it’s not a sin to tap into your trust fund. You’ve wanted this forever, Jenna. Now’s the time to go for it.”
She had dreamed of it forever. She’d done the video, spent a week with Garrett and endured his kiss for this dream. It was time to pounce.
“Okay, I’ll go to the Galleria this morning and I won’t leave until I’ve leased the space.”
“That’s my coz. Maybe it’ll get your mind off Garrett and that kiss. Which, by the way, proves what I told you.”
“What’s that?”
“He’s still crazy about you.”
“No. He’s just crazy. And I’m supposed to be getting my mind off him, so please do me a favor and don’t bring him up again.”
No matter how much business boomed, no matter how much time and energy the new store required, she’d never forget Garrett’s kiss.
* * *
For tonight, an employee break room at the hospital served as a private waiting room while the Steele family awaited the arrival of their newest addition. Even though Garrett had worn his customary ponytail tucked in his collar, ball cap and sunglasses, a teenager in the waiting area had recognized him. And chaos had erupted.
“I’m sorry.”
“You already said that, son.” Dad patted his shoulder. “It’s not your fault.”
“And it’s much more peaceful here.” Mom stood and paced. “But shouldn’t we be hearing something?”
“Relax, dear. These things take time.” Dad stopped her pacing with a hug.
“I’m anxious to hear something about our first grandchild. Finally. I was beginning to think we’d never have any.”
If Mom only knew how many women could’ve presented her with his child. He shuddered. How had he gone so far astray?
If his life had gone as planned, he and Jenna would be married, possibly with children by now. It could’ve been him in there with Jenna, coaching her through the birth of their child.
The doors burst open and a teary-eyed Bradley stepped into the room.
Garrett’s heart sank. “Are they okay?”
“They’re both fine. He’s here. Brian Garrett Steele.”
A hard lump formed in Garrett’s throat. “I’m honored.”
“Come see.”
Bradley led them to the maternity ward and into a room.
Missy looked exhausted, but the smile on her face carried double wattage as she gazed down at the blue bundle in her arms. A red, wrinkled face peered from the blanket framed by tufts of dark hair. The most beautiful thing Garrett had ever seen.
“This could be you and Jenna, bro,” Bradley whispered. “Go after her. And don’t give up this time.”
His breath hitched.
As Mom cooed at the baby, Missy reluctantly handed him over.
“This is some Valentine’s gift.” Garrett slid his finger into the baby’s tiny fist. “He’ll be a little heartbreaker for sure.”
“One Day” interrupted the peaceful room. He dug his cell out. Natalie.
“Sorry, I need to take this. I’ll only be a minute.” Garrett retraced his steps to the break room. Still abandoned, thank goodness.
“Hey. What’s going on?”
“Star—the real-estate agent I told you about—she found a ranch. It’s huge. Maybe too huge. Five houses, several barns and even covered arenas. The main house has five bedrooms and three baths.”
Perfect. “I’ll take it.”
“Without even looking at it? You can’t do that. What if you hate it?”
“I know a great decorator.”
“So that’s what you’re up to.”
“Not a word.”
Natalie sighed. “If Jenna finds out I knew, she’ll kill me.”
“She won’t find out from me.”
“I’ll hold you to it. So, when can you meet with Star to see the property?”
“Give me a couple of days. My nephew just came into the world.”
“Why didn’t you tell me? I’ll call you in a few days with some appointment times. And give Bradley my congrats.”
“Thanks, Nat.”
He hung up and headed back to Missy’s room. Everything was falling into place. Now, if Jenna would fall for his scheme. And in the end, fall for him.
* * *
Jenna clutched the phone to her e
ar, but her mind wandered as the manager mentioned other bids.
Three weeks since she’d finished the video. Since she’d seen Garrett. When would she stop measuring time by him?
“Miss Wentworth, are you there?”
“Yes, I’m sorry. I was checking my schedule.”
“When can you start?”
Relief coursed through her as she realized she’d gotten the bid. A new project to sidetrack her Garrett-obsessed brain.
“I’ll get back with you in a few days on that. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.” She hung up the phone and shouted, “Yes!”
“What have you got to be so happy about?” Tori looked as if she’d sucked on a lemon.
In fact, she’d looked that way all week.
“We got the contract to redecorate Hyatt Place.”
“Awesome.” No trace of excitement in Tori’s voice.
“Is something wrong?”
“I think—” Tori covered her face with both hands “—I’m pregnant.”
Jenna blinked. Swallowed hard. “Um, have you seen a doctor?”
“No. But I’m late.”
“Home test?”
“No. I’m too scared.”
“Okay.” Jenna drew in a big breath. “I’ll go with you—to buy it and stick around while you take it.”
“Would you? Really?”
“Of course.”
Tori’s eyes got shiny. “Don’t you want to know who the father is?”
Dying to. It had been too long for it to be Rick. Unless they’d seen each other since the concert. Had there been someone else since then? “I figure that’s your business. But have you told him?”
“No.” Tori shook her head and hugged herself. “He’s long gone. Aren’t you going to preach me a sermon?”
“No. But I might invite you to church. Seems like you still owe me a visit.”
Tori rolled her eyes.
Oh, Lord, use this to scare some sense into Tori. To set her straight and turn her to You. Especially if she’s pregnant. She’ll need You.
* * *
A huge yawn escaped Garrett. Staying with his brother was great. But he wasn’t getting any sleep with the new baby. How did Missy do it?
“One Day” started up and Garrett took his cell phone out of his pocket. Jenna.
He couldn’t miss one word she had to say, so he stepped out on the back patio in case the baby started up. “Hey.”
“I just hand-held Tori through a pregnancy test.” Anger seethed in her tone.
“I can assure you I had nothing to do with that.”
“I know that. But your friend Rick did.”
“Rick?”
“Seems they got together again after the New Year’s concert.”
Garrett pinched the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry to hear that. So is she? Pregnant?”
“No.”
“Thank goodness. She doesn’t seem to have it together enough to be a single parent and Rick certainly wouldn’t be any help.”
“Tell Rick if he’s gonna cheat—” she huffed out a sigh “—he should be a bit more careful.”
“I’m really sorry, Jenna.”
“It’s not your fault. And I shouldn’t have called you. I needed to vent.”
“Vent on me anytime.”
She blew out a shaky breath. “So what are you up to these days?”
“Spoiling my nephew.”
“I heard. Tell Bradley and Missy congrats.”
“I will. How about you? What are you up to?”
“The store’s booming, I leased the Galleria space, and I got the contract to redecorate Hyatt Place at the Stockyards.”
Garrett whistled. “That’s awesome. I’m proud of you.”
“I doubt any of it would have happened without you.”
“Yes, it would have. You’re a great decorator. It might have taken more time, but it would have happened.”
“I appreciate your plugs.”
“I appreciate your appearance in my video. Anticipation for the release pushed ‘One Day’ to platinum status.”
“I’m glad. It’s a great song.”
Written about the woman he hoped to meet someday. The one who would replace Jenna in his heart. But she didn’t exist. He’d met the woman he wanted to marry long ago.
“I need to go. I don’t think Tori has slept in a week. She’s conked out on my couch and I don’t want to wake her.”
He cleared his throat. “I’ll pass your message on to Rick.”
“Please do. It’s hard to pray for somebody I’m so mad at.” Her laugh came out derisive. “But it’s hard to stay mad at someone if you pray for them. So, I’ll pray for him.”
“Pray for me, too.” His heart squeezed.
“I already do. Goodbye, Garrett.”
Jenna prayed for him? Somehow, that knowledge touched the depths of his soul. And the truth stared him down—he missed God.
* * *
Marbleized floors, matching columns and elegant lighting. Perfect. Jenna spun a circle in the middle of her dream.
Row upon row of chic fabric swatches lined one wall. With her custom-designed accent pieces, artwork and ready-made lines, the store burst with sophistication.
Tomorrow March dawned. Grand-opening day and the best part—business had boomed at the Fort Worth store with mostly custom orders. She’d paid the lease on the new store without tapping into her trust fund.
“It’s beautiful, sweetheart.” Mama squeezed her elbow.
“Thanks. And thank y’all for all your help.”
Caitlyn and Natalie buzzed about the store along with her new employees and Tori, adjusting tasteful displays.
“Your store opens the same day as the video. We couldn’t ask for better timing.” Natalie set a black lamp with a damask shade near a matching pillow.
Jenna’s heart tripped. She hadn’t told Mama about the kiss and it hit the airwaves tomorrow along with a pickup-truck-load of publicity.
“Mama, I have to tell you something.”
“What, dear?”
“About the video...”
“It was just for the video.” Natalie jumped in.
“What was just for the video?” Mama’s left eyebrow quirked.
“Garrett kissed her.” Natalie’s tone was all matter-of-fact.
“Kissed her?” Mama squeaked.
“He kissed you?” Caitlyn’s and Tori’s surprise blended.
“For the video.” Jenna concentrated on arranging a gold silk table scarf under a matching lamp. “The director wanted some kind of climax at the end. Either a dance or a kiss. The dance would have pushed into another day of production. The kiss was quicker and I wanted to get it over with.”
Why was she protecting him? It was a stolen kiss. But the truth would cause more questions and she didn’t want to think about the kiss. Or Garrett. Much less talk about the kiss or him.
“Oh, Jenna, this is such a mistake.” Mama paced. “All the big romance stuff will start up again. The reporters will hound you.”
“I don’t think so.” Natalie shook her head. “Garrett handled that aspect in his Good Morning Texas interview. He explained Jenna did the video as a favor. I think the only publicity to come out of this will be good. Great for the new store. The timing is perfect.”
“You’re the marketing guru.” Mama sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
“Besides, Garrett is gone. Who knows where? I doubt I’ll see him again.” Did they hear the regret in her voice?
“Didn’t you ask Bradley about him when you got your taxes done?”
“Missy had their baby, so I didn’t see Bradley this year.”
“Wait
a minute.” Tori’s jaw dropped. “Your accountant is Garrett’s accountant?”
“Probably.” Jenna grinned. “Since they’re brothers.”
“Why did I never know that?” Tori tossed a throw pillow at her. “And I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about the kiss.”
“Well, you’ve got the scoop now. Shhh.” Jenna pressed a finger to her lips.
If only she could quiet the erratic beat of her heart inspired by mere thoughts of Garrett’s kiss.
* * *
Garrett paced the white-tiled floors of the main-house entryway. White walls and stone fireplace. Everything was white. A clean palette. The Rolling J Ranch—it had a nice ring to it.
“The main house is only five years old. The living room is quite large and set apart.” Star, the real-estate agent, was all business—no starstruck female in sight. “As we continue into the great room, kitchen and dining area, notice the open-air floor plan.”
The arched, wood-framed windows lining the back of the great room overlooked a built-in swimming pool. A tree trunk formed pillars at each end of the wall separating the great room and kitchen. A third tree joined the pillars across the ceiling and framed a long bar.
“I love the rustic look, but I don’t want a bar in my house.”
“The wall could be torn out, opening the kitchen to the great room. You could keep the wood and use it as a breakfast bar.”
“Great idea.”
“She’s good.” Natalie ran her hand along the bar top.
“How much acreage?”
“Three hundred fifty.” Star scanned her tablet. “And there’s another large house, an office with living quarters, a guesthouse, a foreman’s house, three horse barns, a show barn, two covered arenas, a covered round pen, trailer storage with electricity, tractor sheds, hay barns, an eight-acre fully stocked lake and a boathouse.”
“How much?”
“Twenty-two million.”
“I’ll take it.”
“Don’t you think we need to see the rest of the house at least?” Star’s all-business veneer slipped as surprise sounded in her tone. “Not to mention the dozen other buildings.”
“I’m game. But I’m already sold.” Maybe the ranch’s name was a good sign. And if everything went according to plan, he wouldn’t even rename it.
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