“That’s true.” Cindy put the macaroni in the oven and went to stir the lemonade. “My husband didn’t marry me to stand by his side for the easy decisions. He married me so that he could have a partner to stand by him for the difficult decisions. A partner who wouldn’t pass judgment and would appreciate the value of a dollar. Let me ask you something, Becca. How much does a loaf of bread cost?”
Becca thought about it. “I’m not sure. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to the grocery store.”
“Have you been to a Laundromat recently? Do you know how much that costs?”
Becca shook her head. I wonder why she’s asking me all these questions. “No, ma’am. I haven’t been to a Laundromat recently.”
“That’s okay,” Cindy said. “Because after this conversation, I’m sure you’ll look it up.” They worked in silence a bit more until it dawned on Becca why Cindy was asking. And the more she thought about the reasoning, the more annoyed she got.
“Cindy, I may not know how much a loaf of bread or washing a load of laundry costs, but I do know how much it costs to buy a stamp, because I buy stamps all the time to send letters to universities and colleges on behalf of my students. I also know how much a notebook and pencils cost. All school supplies really, because I’m always buying them for the kids in our program.”
Becca tossed the salad. “If the purpose of your questions are to try to see if I live beyond my means or if I understand the value of a dollar, then I can assure you that I know the meaning of hard work.”
“Josh doesn’t know how much a loaf of bread costs and he doesn’t do his own laundry.”
Huh? What is she trying to say? Becca had been prepared to meet the sweet woman Josh had described to her, so she had to admit she was a little surprised by Cindy’s behavior.
“Josh also knows the value of a dollar,” Becca said. “Not knowing how much bread costs and not doing his own laundry doesn’t change the fact that you can tell he’s a man who has worked hard for what he has, and although he may allow himself to enjoy luxury every now and then, he appreciates every dollar he’s made.”
Cindy smiled. “My son can’t be with a weak-minded woman, Becca. He needs a woman who will put up a fight on his behalf. A woman who will stand her ground no matter what. A woman who will be there for the hard times and celebrate the good. Josh has always been my assertive child. My argumentative child. The son who always strove to be the best man he could to uphold his father’s memory...his legacy. Josh has worked very hard to get where he is today and when all is said and done, the woman he chooses to spend the rest of his life with cannot be a pushover.”
Becca observed Cindy, hoping that she had more to say. Is she insulting me or complimenting me? She wasn’t sure. When Cindy didn’t say anything more, Becca stopped messing with the salad. “Cindy, is there a reason you’re telling me all this? Josh and I are just friends, but I feel like you know something that I don’t. Or you have more to say, but won’t come out and say it.”
“He also needs a woman who won’t settle.” Cindy winked. “And there’s nothing I know that you and Josh don’t already know.”
Oh my gosh, she’s talking in riddles. Becca laughed to herself. In some ways, Josh reminded her so much of his mom.
“You know, Becca, Josh has never brought a woman home to meet me before.”
Becca had begun washing the utensils but now she stopped and turned to Cindy. “As an adult? Or never as in never ever?”
“Never as in never ever,” Cindy said with a laugh. “So it’s only fair that you know you passed all my tests with flying colors.”
“Was that why you were asking me all those questions? You were testing me?”
“Sure was.” Cindy walked over to Becca. “I knew the minute I looked at you that you were an amazing woman. If I’m being honest, I also have to admit that I’ve already looked up all the work you’ve done with the foundation. Josh is infatuated with you. Anyone can see it if they’re in the same room with you two. But as much as I love my son, he can’t have a woman who’s a pushover. He needs a woman who will stick up for him even if—”
“Even if it’s against someone who claims to care about him,” Becca said, nodding her head.
“Exactly, because in his line of work, someone will always be hoping that he fails and certain people who claim to have his best interest at heart, won’t. Sometimes the same people who motivate you and drive your determination are the same people who could contribute to your failure—if you give them that power. Some of those people may even be your family. Your own blood.”
Becca thought about his brothers and mom. Even though she’d only been around them for a short time, it was obvious they cared deeply about one another. I can’t imagine any of them trying to screw him over. She didn’t want to interrupt Cindy to ask her to clarify, so she left it alone.
“Now, my son isn’t a saint and he’s good at what he does, but he needs a good woman who will have his back no matter what. And, sweetie, I was already impressed by you before we met. Seeing you today only confirms my assumption.”
Becca was sure Cindy could tell she was hanging on every word. “And what might that assumption be?”
Cindy lightly touched Becca’s cheek before going back to cooking. “I’m sure my assumption is something that’s already floating around in that pretty little head of yours, so you’ll figure it out. Now, enough with the fun and games. Let’s finish this meal so that my sons can eat. How good are you in the kitchen?”
Becca looked at all the food and ingredients still left on the kitchen counter. “Um, any chance you have a recipe book I can follow?”
Cindy laughed. “Oh, Becca. We’ll make a wife out of you yet.”
Becca’s eyes grew large.
“I’m kidding.” Cindy laughed. “Just some future-mother-in-law humor.”
Becca swallowed and suddenly wished she was near a fan.
“Oh, dear, you and my son are perfect for each other.”
Chapter 14
Josh glanced over at Becca as the rich tunes of the Miami Symphony Orchestra filled the Arsht Center. She was completely enthralled with the performance. Josh didn’t think she’d so much as blinked since they’d arrived.
When he’d heard her briefly talk about how much she missed playing the violin and had seen the look of longing in her eyes, he’d known in that moment that he wanted to take her some place that might help her get that spark back.
Becca was so acutely focused on the performance that all Josh could do was watch her in complete awe. He’d gotten the best box seats he could find, wanting her to have the best view possible. Her features were relaxed as she listened to the soloists move from one piece to the next flawlessly.
Josh sat a little straighter in his seat as he tried to concentrate on the piece that was currently being performed. His mind wandered to dinner at his mom’s place earlier. Everything had gone better than expected and by the time his mom and Becca had finished preparing dinner, they had been like two peas in a pod. Even his brothers had commented on the fact that they hadn’t seen their mom smile quite like that in so long.
He wasn’t surprised that by the end of the dinner, Becca had his entire family eating out of the palm of her hand. She may claim that her social capabilities fell short of her other attributes, but Josh had to disagree. Seeing Becca with his family was simple. Easy. She fit in so perfectly that Josh had spent most of the night just watching them all interact, amazed that this woman had brought a brilliant light to his life that he hadn’t even known was missing. She was remarkable. Truly and utterly remarkable.
“That was amazing,” Becca said, turning to him before standing.
“Huh? What?” It took a few seconds for him to register that everyone was giving the musicians a standing ovation. Josh immediately stood to join in on the e
xcitement.
After the performance, they stepped outside into the warm July night. Becca was still on cloud nine. “Thank you so much for taking me. That was amazing. The entire night was amazing really.”
Josh smiled. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. It was nice seeing you so captivated by the performance.”
“I was beyond captivated.” She clasped her hands together. “It was truly outstanding. Fantastic. Magnificent.”
He laughed when she did a three-hundred-and-sixty-degree turn on the sidewalk. “Glad to hear it.” He glanced down the street at a jazz lounge he’d been to a few times. “Are you up for a little jazz? Or do you want to call it a night since we have work in the morning?”
“I’m game to continue the night if you are.”
“Great.” He took her hand in his and began walking the short distance to the lounge. Her eyes were focused on their enclosed hands and more than anything, he wished he knew what she was thinking. Unable to resist, he asked.
“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”
Becca looked up from their clasped hands. “Nothing.” Her mouth may have been saying it was nothing, but her eyes were saying something else entirely.
“Doesn’t seem like nothing.” Josh stopped walking and rubbed the side of her cheek. “Sure you don’t want to talk it out?” Her eyes dropped to his lips and he felt that same kick in his gut he felt every time she looked at him like that.
“I was thinking about the fact that I’ve never made it past the first level of your yacht. I’d love to see more of it sometime.”
“I’d love to give you a personal tour whenever you’re ready. Maybe if you didn’t look so sexy, we’d make it off the top level before the sun came up and we had to go to work.”
Becca giggled. “I love my condo, but yes, I was thinking we need a change of scenery.” Her hand rose to rub at her earlobe.
And that’s when he knew. “That’s not what you were thinking. You may want to see more of my yacht, but that’s not what you were just thinking about.”
She knit her brows. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because you just rubbed your earlobe. You always rub your earlobe when you’re lying.”
“I do not.” She playfully hit his arm. “I was playing with my earring. I really do want to see the rest of your yacht.”
“Tell you what.” He placed his hands around her waist and pulled her closer to him. “I’m overdue for a few days off. I was planning on taking a mini vacation after the gala next month, but why don’t we both get away for a little while? Could you spare a few days away from the foundation?”
“I’m sure I could, but where would we go?”
Josh smiled slyly. “Leave that up to me.”
“I don’t get any hints? How will I know what to pack?”
“Hmm, I guess you’re right. Well, all I’ll say is that it’s on an island.”
Becca grinned. “Sounds like my kind of vacation. Although I’d enjoy going anywhere with you.” Her face grew serious. Josh assumed she’d said more than she wanted to say.
He leaned his forehead against hers. “It doesn’t matter what we’re doing. I always enjoy being with you, too.” Her body relaxed at his words.
As it was most of the time he was with Becca, he didn’t hear the voice calling his name until it was a couple feet away. Josh lifted his forehead from Becca’s and saw fellow Prescott George member Daniel Cobb standing outside of the jazz lounge.
Josh waved as Daniel walked over with Angela, his fiancée.
Josh remembered meeting Angela for the first time at a Moguls event. He’d known the minute he met her that Daniel was a goner. It had been in the way they’d interacted with each other. The way they’d flirted with one another when they thought no one was paying attention. He was glad to see that Daniel had come to his senses and proposed. They were perfect for one another.
Josh couldn’t help but turn to Becca and wonder if they would end up as happy as Daniel and Angela.
“Hey, Daniel.” The men dabbed fists before Josh turned to hug Angela. “Angela, it’s good seeing you again.”
“You too,” Angela said, returning his hug.
“Daniel, I don’t think I had a chance to introduce you at our last meeting, but this is Becca Wright, director of public relations for The Aunt Penny Foundation. Becca, this is Daniel Cobb, and this beauty on his arm is Angela Trainor.”
“Nice to meet you.” Becca shook their hands. Daniel and Angela returned the sentiments. All four of them walked into the lounge and got a seat together in a booth in the corner. The jazz session was in between sets, so the place was pretty quiet.
“Were you both at the Arsht Center, as well?” Josh asked.
“Yes, we were,” Daniel said. “I assisted one of the soloists in purchasing his latest home a couple months ago and he invited me to tonight’s performance. I’m actually glad we ran into you both. Josh, I’ve been meaning to catch up with you.”
“Me too, man, but we’ve both been busy.”
Both Josh and Daniel looked at Becca and Angela.
“It’s fine.” Angela waved her hand. “Why don’t you two go to the bar to chat, and Becca and I will stay here and get to know one another.”
Josh looked from Angela to Becca. “Would you mind?”
“Not at all,” Becca said with a smile. “I’ll still be here when you’re finished.” On instinct, he leaned down and kissed her before getting out of the booth. Had they not had an audience, Josh may have gotten carried away with the kiss.
Once they were at the bar and had ordered Scotch on the rocks, Josh finally noticed that Daniel was wearing this silly grin on his face.
“What’s that look for?”
“I’m not sure I believe what I see,” Daniel said, glancing back at the women. “Bad-boy rebel Joshua DeLong who was voted Most Likely to Never Marry by the Moguls is completely head over heels for a woman? I never thought I’d see the day.”
Josh grinned. “Man, she completely took me by surprise. We haven’t even talked about what all of this means.”
“Wait a minute. You were the one who told me that men need to be up front with women regarding their intentions when I was all up in arms about Angela. Not taking your own advice, DeLong?”
“I know, man, I know. We’re heading out of town for a few days and I’m hoping to have a conversation with her soon.”
“Well, don’t take too long,” Daniel said. “I was impressed by Becca’s presentation at the meeting and I know a lot of Moguls felt the same way I did. I’m sure you didn’t miss all the eyes that were on her. You don’t want to wait too long to tell her how you feel.”
Josh took a swig of his Scotch. “What if I’m still trying to figure that out? I mean, I’m pretty sure I know how I feel. Or how I could feel. But telling her... I don’t know, man. We were both pretty clear about our views on relationships.”
“Look, I don’t know how your talks have gone, but take it from a man who spent weeks in denial—you and Becca are already in a relationship. Whether you label it or not, that’s what it is. And from the possessive glances you keep shooting her way—the same possessive stares you were giving her at the PG meeting—I’m sure that you already know where this is headed. Everything else is just protocol.”
Daniel looked at Angela. “And trust me, once you accept the fact that this woman has stolen your heart and will never return it back to you, you can focus on building your future together. Being a bachelor is overrated and now that I’m engaged to Angela, I can’t imagine how I ever got through life without her.”
Josh looked at Becca again, who was laughing at something Angela had said. “I know the feeling.”
“Okay, now that we’ve settled that, let’s get down to business.” Daniel’s voice grew ser
ious. “Regarding Ashton. We have several key members on board with dethroning him from his presidency, but as I’ve stated before, this won’t be easy. With Ashton getting wind of our plan and being on the defense, it’s now more important than ever that our strategy is foolproof.”
“I agree.” Josh took another swig of his Scotch. “I was able to recruit several more members, as well. I think a few others may join our movement, but right now, they’re still afraid of going against a Rollins. A meeting with all the members on board with our strategy will strengthen our united force and prove to those stragglers that now is the time for them to pick a side—that when all the Rollins cards fall, they’ll want to be on the right side. Our side.”
“That sounds good. Let’s set up the meeting.”
“I’ll get on it tomorrow. You reach out to any members whose support we have who have been talking to you directly. I have a feeling in my gut that Prescott George will be turning over a new leaf very soon, and my gut never steers me wrong.”
Josh tried his best to stay focused as Daniel continued discussing business. On their own accord, his eyes made their way to Becca’s once more. She smiled when she caught him staring. Yeah, I’m in trouble.
* * *
“You have it so bad.”
Becca turned to Angela. “Hmm, what?”
“You already know what I’m talking about. We may have just met, but take it from a woman who fell in love with a Mogul. Once you start falling, you might as well face the inevitable because there is no way that you can reverse the process.”
Becca laughed. “Am I that obvious?”
“It’s not just you, Becca. I actually think Josh is even more obvious. I haven’t known him for that long, but I can tell he’s really taken with you. I think it’s adorable.”
Becca leaned her head back in the booth. “I feel like I’m in way over my head. Like I’m not even the same person I was a month ago. I used to be so focused on work and ensuring that the foundation is successful. Now I feel like Josh has hijacked most of my thoughts. It’s like my entire world is consumed by him right now.”
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