by Kayla, Mia
I didn’t miss Jordan’s cocky grin.
“So, I’m America’s biggest heartthrob?”
I slugged his arm again. “Funny.” I turned to Angie, my cheeks hurting from my excitement. “Anyway, this is exactly what we need, so I don’t have to sell the place.”
I gave him a playful shove. “Call them.”
He frowned at me. “I doubt they’ll pick up.”
“Leave a message.” I reached for his hand and squeezed. “Come on. Please.”
He would soon learn that I was a persistent little thing.
After a beat, he retracted his phone from his back pocket. He raised an eyebrow and stepped around me. “Hey, Ryan. When is the production supposed to begin …?” He walked out to the balcony where I couldn’t hear a word.
“This is great, Tene,” Angie said, beaming.
“Yes, girl.”
We high-fived, but my eyes were trained on Jordan pacing outside.
Angie knew how stressed I’d been with the haunted-property dilemma. She held my shoulders and angled me toward her dining room. Swatches of fabric were scattered on their long glass table.
“You ready to pick curtains?”
“Now?” I was so distracted. I swiveled and eyed Jordan.
“Yes, now.”
I scoffed. Angie was almost as persistent as I was. Good thing I adored her.
“All righty then. Show me what our choices are.”
Chapter 10
The next few days, it was back to the grind. I hadn’t heard from Jordan’s camp. The anticipation was causing bags to form under my eyes.
The moment I opened my door and stepped out of my air-conditioned car, the humidity had my hair fluffing out.
Why is it so difficult to maintain good hair? I’d worked on it all morning.
I huffed and slipped on my sunglasses, slinging my bag over my shoulder. The first of the month meant I was going to visit our bigger clients, show my face, see how they were doing, and pick up some checks. As a family-owned business, we prided ourselves on good customer service. Some of our tenants had been with us for over ten years, and from that landlord-tenant relationship, we’d formed a trusted bond.
My phone rang from my purse, and I hitched it on my hip and dug to the bottom to pick it up on the second ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s me.” Jordan’s sexy voice echoed through the receiver—throaty, deep, and signature him.
“I’m sorry, who?”
He laughed. “Jordan.”
“Oh, hey.” My heartbeat picked up.
“You didn’t recognize me because of the number of men who call you on a daily basis?”
I forced a carefree laugh. “You could have been a client.”
“Now, I am.”
My heart stopped, and I stepped under a canopy, flushing myself against the door of Cupcakes Galore, shielding myself from the sunlight. “Really?” I tamed my voice, keeping my emotions at bay.
“Potentially, if you can convince our location director. What’re you doing this afternoon?”
“Really?” I jumped in my heels, practically scaring the people walking out of the cupcake store. “Don’t kid around. Do your people know the history of the restaurant?”
“They do. Our director wants to chat and tour the place before we sign.”
“Today?” I squealed, unable to tame my excitement.
“Yes, today. He wants to get things moving.”
I lifted one hand to the sky, praising the heavens above. “Thank you! Thank you! You’re a godsend. I love you.” I stilled. “Uhh …” I slapped my forehead the moment those words had fallen from my mouth and winced. “I mean … I love, uh … I loved that you helped me with this.”
He chuckled. “It’s okay. I’m used to women saying that. They send me love notes or write how much they love me on their underwear. Sometimes on their skin.”
I rolled my eyes, completely cured of my embarrassment. “I get it; you’re beautiful. Anyway, at three o’clock at Allswell?” I teetered on my heels, letting the excitement bubble up inside me. I glanced at my clock, noting I had more than enough time to visit the rest of my tenants and make it back in time.
“Yeah, see you there. And, Tene?”
“Yeah?”
“I love …” He stopped, and my heart stuttered. “… that you’re doing this for us.” He let out a low chuckle.
“Shut up.” I hung up the phone and fist-pumped in the air, not even caring if anyone was looking. Yes!
I needed this. I had faith that after filming, I would be able to rent the space with no problem, given Jordan’s feet had graced the building.
Before I stuffed my phone in my purse, it dinged with a text. Three hearts showed up on my phone, followed by a smiley face.
This guy …
I couldn’t deny the girly smile that pushed to the surface, just seeing his name on my phone with hearts.
Boy, oh boy, was I in trouble.
* * *
The morning flew by in a blur, and by the time I slipped into Allswell, I was bone-tired, but my skirt suit was still pressed to impress, and my hair was slicked and styled to perfection in a low ponytail.
The restaurant was packed with its usual busy crowd. There was never a true lull at Allswell. It was either busy with people grabbing lunch, or at non-lunch hours, they were grabbing drinks. My eyes searched the tables and booths, but Jordan was nowhere to be seen, so I strolled to the bar when I saw Cade.
He spotted me, said something to the bartender next to him, and then hopped over and greeted me with a half hug. “Are you stopping in to eat?”
“No, I have a meeting.” My eyes continued to search the vicinity. “Didn’t Jordan call you?” My eyes perused the room, but he was nowhere to be found.
Cade pulled back and assessed my face. “No. Why?” His jaw twitched, and I sensed he was working something in his head.
“I’m meeting him and his location director here today. That’s weird. I thought he’d make reservations.”
Cade cocked his head and then slowly shook it, his eyes fixed firmly on mine.
“Do you have a table for us? It’s pretty packed over here. They should be here in ten minutes.” I frowned at the crowded room and the lack of empty tables.
Cade rubbed at his brow and then hollered behind him to someone at the bar. “Carrie, can you make sure nobody sits in thirteen?”
Cade grimaced, seeming lost in thought, and then he gripped my elbow and ushered me toward the corner like a parent would do to scold a child. “Listen, Tene, whatever’s happening between you and Jordan …” He let out an exasperated sigh and then tipped his chin to get in direct eye contact. “… it has to stop. You don’t know his history. He’s not ready.”
My hand went to my hip, the way it always did when someone was trying to dictate what I had to do with my life. Yep, no bueno. And I knew his history. I wasn’t thinking a relationship with Jordan. I was thinking … I’d finally get to rent out Wells.
I lifted an eyebrow. “Really? Are we having this conversation?” My toe tapped against the floor. “I’m not going to break his heart if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Because they were brothers, and with the loss of Candice, I had no doubt Cade had seen Jordan go through heartbreak.
“That’s not what I’m worried about.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his face scrunching. “I’m worried he’ll break yours.”
I laughed out loud, so loud that the patron having a drink at the bar glanced our way. My hand flew to my chest. “Me?” I’d learned my lesson the hard way, and I was never, ever going to repeat the same mistake again. “I’m sorry, but really? I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.” I patted his shoulder and smiled.
Look at this guy, trying to protect me and getting it all wrong. Jordan was the one who needed protecting.
He shook his head and scratched his temple. I could already tell when Cade was annoyed. He’d been with my sister l
ong enough. They were so comfortable around me that when they got into arguments, they sometimes forgot I was in the room.
His posture turned rigid, and his eyes narrowed. “No. This is how it’s going to go down. He will break your heart, and I don’t want to see that happen. I love him. I love you. But above all, I fucking love your sister. And the fallout from you two will mess with what Angie and I have.” He gave me a pointed stare. “Don’t mess this up for me, please? I’ve warned him, but I’m also warning you.”
I gulped. I hadn’t thought of a serious relationship with Jordan. We lived miles apart; it wasn’t even a possibility.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Jordan stroll in with a taller male. The guy reminded me of a suave teacher—dark hair was parted to the side, glasses, skinny frames, electric-blue polo, crisply pressed khakis.
I patted Cade’s burly arm to placate him. “Don’t worry. We’re both adults. I’m sure we’ll be fine.”
“He dated my sister,” Cade blurted, like a last warning.
I couldn’t help the sympathy on my face. “I know.”
“He hasn’t gotten over her.”
I kept my features casual, though it stung a little when I thought about it.
“He’s still in love with her,” Cade continued. “Her damn name is tattooed in Chinese characters over his heart.”
I tried not to let his words affect me, but a heavy feeling settled in my stomach. It wasn’t that Jordan wasn’t allowed to still be in love with her; it was that I’d told myself I would never settle for second. Not again. Not ever.
Jordan approached us, smiling casually. “Hey, guys.” His gaze pinged between us. “Is this a good time?”
I lifted my chin, gaining my strength. Nothing was going to get in the way of me getting this damn restaurant rented. “Yes. Perfect timing.” I plastered on my business smile and put business Tene on display.
Jordan motioned to the guy behind him. “This is Ryan. He’s in charge of sets and locations for the studio.”
I stuck out my hand. “Christene.”
Ryan took my hand in his, and his grip lingered a while longer. He sported a Crest-strip smile—all white, no gaps, and beautiful—but my mind couldn’t help but wander to Jordan.
He’s in love with a ghost.
When did she pass? How long ago? I wondered if she and Jordan had been together long. Most of all, I wondered why I cared so much.
I bit the inside of my cheek and forced myself to focus on securing the deal.
Ryan’s hand was still on mine, and Jordan noticed. He immediately turned toward Cade. “This is my brother. Ryan, Cade. Cade, Ryan.”
Cade took his hand. “Nice to meet you, man. I’m going to have to lead you to your table and then cut out and assist with the after-lunch rush. I reserved that table on the far end.” He pointed to the only table vacant.
Jordan tipped his chin. “It’s all good. We can take it from here. Do what you have to do.”
Jordan stepped in front of me and proceeded to the table, but then Ryan touched my elbow and said, “After you.”
“Thanks.”
I could feel Ryan’s eyes on me the whole time, and I didn’t miss Jordan’s irritation. It seeped out of him like sweat—in his rigid stance, the visible tension in his neck, in the way his eyes narrowed when Ryan paid me attention.
When we got to the table, Jordan scooted into the booth and patted the seat next to him. “Sit here, Tene.”
The use of my nickname did not escape me. This guy … trying to establish that he’s known me forever in front of Ryan.
I couldn’t help the stubbornness that flared up inside of me. Sit? Like a dog? Did he just order me to sit?
He eyed me expectantly, and a little part of me wanted to sit by Ryan just to spite him, but I let it slide.
I slipped in next to Jordan and raised my hand to the waitress to order a bottle of red Château Montrose, my favorite wine from Cade’s menu.
The wining and dining is where I shine. I was used to the sales part of my job because I knew how to close the deal.
I started the conversation. “I’ve already looked, and Rosendell has great incentives and tax cuts for your film.” I leaned in as I spoke to Ryan, never breaking eye contact, business and seriousness in my tone, in my stance, in my every move. “We can negotiate the rent, depending on how long you think you’ll be at the location.”
The waitress delivered the wine and poured our glasses. I didn’t miss her eyes making their way to Jordan multiple times or the way her cheeks flushed pink.
I forced my attention back to Ryan, the one who could seal my fate when it came to this property.
Ryan nodded. “It’ll probably be no more than three weeks, but we’ll rent it for the month. We really just want to reshoot a couple of scenes because we have a release date that’s creeping up.” He tipped back his wineglass. “The key is to not get behind schedule. I saw the pictures online, and it looks fine. If everything checks out at today’s walkthrough, then I can have our production crew move in and set up, and we can start filming within three days.”
I blinked. Three days. Holy crap.
The filming would be the talk of our town. I made a mental list of all the newspapers and media I needed to contact. The more publicity it had, the more exposure for my property.
“We have the place, and all you need is the main star right here.” Jordan patted his chest and then placed a hand on mine.
I quirked an eyebrow.
This boy is staking a claim on me. Really? Right now, when I am trying to get this deal done?
“Perfect.” I kept my smile even, not sure if I should be annoyed that his caveman tactics were distracting me or flattered by Jordan’s newfound jealousy.
“So … Christene, how long have you been working in real estate?” Ryan leaned into the table.
I noticed the speckles of green in his brown irises. I also noticed Jordan inch toward me, his thigh by my thigh, his hand never leaving mine.
“All my life.” I let out a low laugh and tipped back my wine. “Armstrong Realty is family-owned. My granddaddy was the one to get it started. I remember doing rounds with my dad, going to our tenants, and picking up rent checks. One of our customers was a cupcake bakery. One of my earliest memories is getting cupcakes every time my father collected rent.”
A wave of nostalgia hit me directly in the chest. My granddad had a special chair for me in his office. It was where I would sit when he was making his morning calls or taking meetings with Dad. While Angie was always with my mother at home, I was out in the field with Dad and Granddad. It was why I knew the business so well.
“You guys ready to order?” The waitress took out her notepad and directed her question only toward Jordan, not the table.
“I had a heavy lunch, but, gentlemen, you go ahead.”
Only then did her focus make it my way. Cute. Wavy blonde hair. Younger than me for sure. Maybe his type, but why should I care? I shouldn’t care, right?
“You started right out of college?” Jordan asked, filling up my glass of wine after they decided they weren’t hungry either.
“Yeah. My dad …” It was hard not to feel the pain when I thought about it. “He got sick not too long ago, and I had to step up.” I remembered the past year, not knowing if Dad would still be here in this world. Just the thought of losing him gutted me. “He’s not as active in the company as he used to be, so my younger sister and I do most of the work nowadays.”
Now that Angie was partner, we’d be splitting the responsibilities fifty-fifty, so my workload would ease up.
Ryan’s eyes perked. “Oh, yeah. Your sister is dating Jordan’s brother, isn’t she? I have to talk to him later. We weren’t able to have a wrap party, so we’ll have one after this second take. Maybe we can throw it here.” He motioned to the room with his hands, his eyes scanning and seeming pleased with what he saw.
Ryan reached for the wine bottle, but in the process, he tipped my glass over.
I jumped up and stepped out of the booth, the red liquid spilling over my black suit dress. Thank goodness it was black!
“I’m sorry,” he said immediately. “I’m such an idiot.”
In the next second, Ryan was by my side, helping me wipe down my dress. He rested one hand on my shoulder as he dabbed the white cloth napkin across my stomach.
“It’s fine. I can do it,” I said, my face heating.
He gave me the napkin, and his fingers dropped to my back. “I’m sorry.” His ears turned red, and his chin dropped toward the floor, as he was visibly embarrassed.
I forced a chuckle. “No, it’s fine. It happens.” I wasn’t going to tell the guy who was about to change the cards for my haunted restaurant that this was my favorite suit. I dabbed at my dress with my own napkin.
Jordan stood and reached out to me, gripping my upper arm, the force not too tight, but firm. His face was unreadable, his jaw taut. He nodded toward the other side of the room. “Tene, why don’t you go to the restroom and clean yourself up?”
My eyebrows rose to the ceiling. I wasn’t used to people telling me what to do. I was usually the one giving orders, but I had to admit, I kind of liked it—Jordan and his authoritative, jealous ways. I wondered if he was the same in the bedroom. The thought heated my insides.
I nodded. “Excuse me, Ryan, Jordan. I’ll be right back.”
I felt their eyes on my ass as I strolled across the room and made it a point to swing my hips a little more.
When I exited the restroom, Jordan was the only one at our table, standing.
“What was that all about?” I needed another glass of wine, so I lifted my glass, and Jordan proceeded to pour me one.
He whispered something under his breath, but I was unable to catch it.
“What?”
Jordan shook his head and muttered, “I thought Ryan was gay. Obviously not.”
Speaking of Ryan … “Where did he go?” I frowned.