Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Jimmy had worked for several hours. He’d signed off multiple receipts in triplicate for new supplies. Wielding the box cutter, he sliced boxes open, then piled the merchandise according to the inventory. He was halfway through when Petey called out to him.
“Hey, Jimmy.”
“Yeah.”
“Can you come to the front? Someone wants to see you.”
His first happy thought was that Evie had stopped by, but Petey, aware of Jimmy’s attraction, would’ve said her name.
He dropped his tools and wiped his fingers in case he had to shake hands.
As he moved through the aisles, he was grateful for his decision.
Jimmy recognized some of Evie’s features in the silver-haired man talking to Petey.
Urbano Fuentes had come to see him. But why?
“Here’s Jimmy,” Petey said.
Urbano greeted Jimmy with a wide smile and piercing, dark eyes. He put out his hand. “I came to thank you. My Evelina told me what happened and how you defended her.”
Jimmy shook the strong hand. “Mr. Fuentes, I did what any other guy would’ve done.”
“That is not true. In the days we live in, most people don’t get involved or try to help others. My wife and I are very grateful. If you don’t have other plans, would you join us for Christmas Eve dinner? You and Petey too, of course.”
That, he didn’t expect. His mouth hung open, and he stared at Petey, who took over. “Wow. What an honor. I understand Maritza’s roast pork is legendary.”
“No, the honor is ours,” Urbano said. “Evelina is our only daughter, and she means the world to us. It’s good to know that upstanding young men such as yourself still exist. So, you’ll come?” He paused, a hopeful expression on his face.
“Yes.” Jimmy nodded.
“Great. We’ll see you in about a week. I can’t believe Christmas is around the corner. Come over any time after six. We’ll have cocktails and appetizers. It’s an all-night celebration for us.”
“Can’t wait,” Petey said.
“All right, then.” Urbano tapped his forehead. “Please excuse me. I came to invite you in person. But now I have to go. My wife and daughter are decorating the shop for the holidays. They won’t be happy if I don’t hurry back.” He nodded and walked out.
Jimmy stared at Petey. “You know, because my memory is shot, I didn’t think about the holidays. Don’t you decorate the house and the store?”
Petey sighed. “Since my daughter moved out, the holidays don’t mean much anymore.”
“This year’s different. I’m here. Do you have any decorations?”
“I kept a few boxes. Some are in my garage and some are in the storage room.”
“Perfect. Where can we get a tree?”
“Creeks Crossing. They have one of those huge home improvement shops.”
“Is it far?” he asked.
“Down a ways. Not too bad.”
“Put your Closed sign on the door and get your keys,” Jimmy said. “We’re going shopping.”
“Now?”
“Yep. Right now.”
After a lengthy and thorough examination of every tree available in the home improvement store, and ignoring Petey’s grumblings, Jimmy loaded two into the truck, plus two stands. The larger was for the house, the smaller for the store. Work was over. Christmas decorations were on.
Once the house tree was firmly set on its base, Jimmy pulled several multicolored light strings out of a box and dumped them into Petey’s arms. “Here. Start wrapping the lights around the tree. I’ll go set up the one in the shop.”
“I still say you went overboard,” Petey huffed. Nevertheless, he moved around, positioning the lights.
Jimmy walked the short block to the store in minutes.
He cleared off items sitting on a long table by the display side window, then spread craft paper with a holiday theme, adding to the decorations.
The smaller tree was easier to manage and took up a lot of window space.
Perfect for what he wanted. Once he added a few lights and some ornaments, Petey’s hardware store would be ready for the holidays.
With a smaller tree, hanging the lights was easy. As a second thought, he plugged them in. Cringing, he crossed his fingers. Every bulb lit up. Despite being daytime, the effect was lovely. He climbed on the step stool, slid the topper in place, then hopped down to check his work.
The front doorbell grabbed his attention. Damn it. In his excitement, he’d forgotten to leave the Closed sign hanging.
“Be there in a moment,” he called out, then he glanced to the front of the store and frowned.
Unzipping her jacket, Merilyn smiled. He’d seen that kind of expression before. A cat ready to pounce on its victim.
“Can I help you?”
She slipped off her jacket, dropped it on the counter, and faced him. Her nipples stood erect under the thinnest camisole he’d ever seen a woman wear.
For fuck’s sake.
“I hope so, Jimmy,” she purred, prowling slowly toward him. “I’m a woman of many appetites. Can you satisfy me?”
He almost laughed at the girl’s attempt to appear alluring, but pressed his lips tightly together.
Merilyn must have misunderstood his silence for approval. Lacing her arms around his neck, she pushed her breasts against him and offered her lips.
Everything about her was wrong. His instincts were to push her away, but, remembering she was Evie’s friend he took pity and appealed to his better nature.
He slowly extricated himself from her arms and created some distance between them.
“I’m sorry, Merilyn. You’re very pretty, and I’m flattered by your attention, but you should go home.”
“Are you rejecting me?”
“I’m really busy. I have a lot of work to do.”
She lifted a corner of her lips in the ugliest sneer he’d ever seen. Suddenly, before him stood a dark, malevolent creature. His thoughts rushed to Evie.
Merilyn flipped her hair over her shoulder. “How about we meet later? I know a place.”
“Not a good idea.” He blew out a breath. “I won’t be around town much longer, and I—”
“Oh, I get it. I know guys like you,” she snarled. “White chicks ain’t your thing. You’re into the brown and nasty.” Grabbing her jacket, she shoved her arms into the sleeves.
Stay cool. She’s baiting you. Don’t react.
Staring into her cold blue eyes, so full of hatred and malice, he found enough serenity to calm himself.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Merilyn. But I tried to tell you, I’m swamped. I have a lot of work to do.”
“No one rejects me, asshole,” she hissed. “You’ll regret it.”
Merilyn stomped for the door just as Petey walked in.
“Hi, Merilyn. Whatcha doing here? How’s your dad?”
She shoved past him without answering. The door slammed closed.
“Hey, Jimmy?” Petey said.
“Yeah?” he replied, staring at the tree.
“Don’t fool around with Merilyn. She’s real trouble.”
“I want nothing to do with her.”
“Smart man.” Petey clapped his shoulder. “I’m finished with the lights. I could use some help with the ornaments.”
He smiled, pushing the troubling woman out of his mind. “Let’s go finish that tree.” This time, he remembered to leave the Closed sign on.