CHAPTER SEVEN
JAYESTOODATthe window in his office and looked out. Although this was the middle of the week, memories of last weekend still dominated his thoughts. And he figured that they would for quite some time. Just the idea that he and Velvet had shared a meal together still overwhelmed him because it was something he’d feared would never happen. Hopefully, that meant he was making progress.
Once she’d gone inside her home, he hadn’t seen her again until Monday morning when she’d left for work. As usual, after his morning jog, he had stood in his kitchen and drank a cup of coffee, waiting to watch her leave before he jumped into the shower. She always looked good, although he wished she would wear her hair flowing around her shoulders more. However, he understood that she preferred wearing her hair up in a bun while in the classroom.
The buzzer on his desk sounded and he crossed the room to press it. “Yes, Ms. Carter?”
“Webb Crawford is here to see you.”
Jaye lifted a brow. He recalled meeting the man the night of the town hall meeting a few months ago. He also recalled that Webb was Laura Crawford’s brother. The same Laura Crawford who’d shown up at Shelby by the Sea to see him, basically saying she was interested in him and for that reason they should date. He’d had no problem letting Ms. Crawford know he pursued women and was put off by any woman who pursued him. She hadn’t liked what he’d said but he didn’t care. And that night at the town hall meeting, the one thing he had picked up during his short conversation with Webb was that both he and his sister had an entitlement complex. Jaye was always put off by people like that. “Does Mr. Crawford have an appointment?”
“He said he doesn’t need one.”
Jaye shook his head. Obviously, Larson Barrows had had an open door, a visit-anytime-you-want, come-and-sit-a-spell policy. Jaye didn’t. Sure, he wanted to get to know his customers, but this was a financial institution and there were guidelines and protocols to be followed. Respecting his time was one of them.
“I’m busy right now but if Mr. Crawford wants to wait twenty or thirty minutes, then I’ll be able to see him then.”
“Yes, sir.”
Jaye ended the call and went back to stand by the window.
WHEN VELVETARRIVEDat school that morning, a note had been placed in her teacher’s mailbox. It said that the principal, Fred Dunning, wanted to meet with her at ten thirty. She wondered what the meeting was about.
She glanced at her watch as she walked the hall toward Mr. Dunning’s office. It was hard to believe today was the first of February and it had turned out to be a rather nice day. Granted, the air was cool, but she rather liked the temperature. Evidently, Jaye had liked it as well because he hadn’t bothered to put on a jacket when he’d gone jogging this morning.
As usual, she had stood by her kitchen window and sipped her coffee when he had appeared, leaving for his morning jog. Those muscular legs and thighs always held her attention until he was no longer in sight. By the time she showered and was dressed for work, he would have returned. Then she had the pleasure of seeing him—with all that glorious sweat streaming down his body—before he went inside his house.
Their paths hadn’t crossed since they’d shared a meal on Saturday. Had he deliberately stayed inside on Sunday so he wouldn’t see her again? But then hadn’t she done the same thing? With nothing to do and nowhere to go, she had lounged around and watched a few movies on television.
“Ms. Spencer?”
Velvet blinked upon seeing she had reached the principal’s office and was standing next to his personal assistant’s desk. “Yes.”
“Mr. Dunning is expecting you. Please go on in.”
“Thanks, Ms. Taylor.”
Mr. Dunning stood the moment she entered his office. He was an older man, probably in his sixties. She’d heard he’d been principal of the high school for a good ten years. “Come on in, Ms. Spencer. I hate to interrupt your day but a matter has come up that we need to discuss.”
“Alright.” She took the chair across from his desk and looked at the man expectantly.
“I received a call from Allen Bordeaux, Lenny Bordeaux’s father.”
When she didn’t say anything, he continued, “He’s upset. Claiming his son is being treated unfairly.”
Velvet tilted her head. The official warning letter she had sent to Lenny’s parents had gone out last week. “Treated unfairly in what way?” She was curious to hear the answer.
Mr. Dunning leaned back in his chair. “First, I need to tell you something about Allen Bordeaux.”
“Alright.”
“Al, as most people call him, was Catalina Cove Senior High School’s star baseball player, and I was his coach at the time. Recruiters from professional teams would show up at our games just to see him play. He was on his way to the pros and was set to make millions after signing on after high school with the Dodgers.”
Velvet nodded. “What happened?”
“Car accident. Two weeks before his first game, he and some of his teammates went out partying. There was an accident. Al was the only one who got hurt with a broken wrist. None of the intensive therapy he went through helped. He was eventually released from the team a year or so later.”
Mr. Dunning paused. Then said, “He returned to the cove and everybody welcomed him back, but it was hard for Al to accept the downfall. Then on top of that, the woman he’d met and married from New York divorced him after their baby was born.”
“Lenny?”
“Yes, Lenny. There are those saying Lenny is a better ballplayer than Al ever was. However, that won’t mean anything if Lenny isn’t allowed to play varsity baseball or if he’s held back. Al sees you as the one standing in the way of Lenny playing ball.”
Velvet shook her head, thinking the man’s rationale was totally ridiculous. “First of all, such an expectation is a lot to put on Lenny’s shoulders. Second, it’s up to Lenny to do the class work to bring his grades up. It’s not up to me.”
“We both know that, but Al doesn’t see it that way.”
“That, Mr. Dunning, is not my problem. How is Lenny doing in his other classes?”
“He’s a C student. However, he probably dislikes math as much as Al did. In high school, he barely passed to play.”
Velvet lifted a brow. “Then how did he?”
Mr. Dunning hesitated. “Al had teachers who were willing to work with him.”
Velvet frowned. “By willing to work with him, you mean they gave him passing grades he hadn’t deserved.” No wonder Lenny’s father had told him he didn’t need algebra to play ball. “Now he expects the same thing to be done for his son?”
When Mr. Dunning didn’t respond, Velvet knew she’d gotten her answer. “Well, unlike those other teachers, I refuse to give any students a grade they don’t earn. I’m willing to tutor Lenny to help him get his grades up and offered to do so, but he needs to do the work, the same as all my other students. Giving him a free pass wouldn’t be fair.”
There was a long pause. “I just want you to know Al won’t make things easy for you.”
“For merely doing my job? Lenny either does the work like my other students or he’ll fail. It’s that simple.” And because Mr. Dunning had yet to say he supported her position, she felt the need to say, “And if I ever feel pressured to do otherwise, then I will submit my resignation.”
Mr. Dunning rubbed his hands down his face. “You won’t have to submit your resignation, Ms. Spencer. I will abide by your decision.”
When Velvet left the man’s office, she recalled he’d said that he would abide by her decision, but at no time had he said he agreed with it or would support her on it.
“YOUCANSENDMr. Crawford in now, Ms. Carter,” Jaye said.
“Yes, sir.”
Jaye remained standing when his office door opened, and Webb Crawford walked in. From the look on the man’s face, it was obvious he’d gotten annoyed at having been kept waiting. “Mr. Crawford,” Jaye said, offering the man his hand in a firm handshake. “What can I do for you?”
“First of all, Mr. Colfax, you can make sure I’m seen whenever I arrive.”
Jaye had to keep from laughing. Who in the hell did this man think he was? “I don’t see anyone without an appointment, Mr. Crawford, unless there’s an emergency. One that’s life or death.” He decided to add the latter just in case Webb Crawford figured his very existence constituted an emergency.
“Do you think the Crawfords aren’t important customers at this bank?”
Jaye shoved his hands into his pockets. “As far as I’m concerned, every individual who has an account at the Colfax National Bank is important. If you’re looking for preferential treatment because of the amount of funds in your account, then I suggest you transfer those accounts elsewhere.”
To prove he wouldn’t tolerate the man’s bullshit, Jaye walked behind his desk and sat down. “Now. Is there a reason you’re here or do you prefer to begin processing the paperwork to transfer your funds to another bank?”
Webb Crawford was staring at him as if he didn’t believe Jaye’s audacity. Well, he might as well not only believe it but get used to it. Respect was earned and not entitled. Evidently, somewhere along the way no one had ever told Crawford that.
Suddenly, a smile appeared on the man’s face. Then he sat down in the chair across from Jaye’s desk. “I like you, Colfax.”
It was on the tip of Jaye’s tongue to tell the man that he honestly didn’t give a royal damn if he liked him or not since the jury was still out as to whether Jaye liked him. So far, he didn’t. Steepling his fingers, Jaye studied the man and was tempted to suggest that he dispense with the bullshit. Instead, he prompted, “And the reason for your visit, Mr. Crawford?”
He noticed the man’s hesitation before he finally said, “I understand you’re living in one of the houses on Blueberry Lane.”
Jaye frowned, wondering where this conversation was going. “That’s correct. What of it?”
Again, the man paused. “You’re new in town so you might not be aware of how the single men in the cove handle our business.”
How the single men in the cove handle their business?Now Jaye had heard everything. “Such as?”
“Such as my ability to claim any woman that catches my interest and it’s understood that no other male can intrude into my territory.”
His territory? Jaye stared at the man, convinced he was joking. When Crawford’s expression indicated he was dead serious, Jaye said, “Maybe you should cut to the chase and tell me exactly what you are referring to.”
Webb Crawford leaned forward in his chair as if assuring he had Jaye’s absolute attention. “I understand you’re living in a duplex that’s under the same roof as a woman by the name of Velvet Spencer.”
Jaye kept his body from showing any reaction at the mention of Velvet’s name. However, he felt every nerve poised to snap. “And?”
“And I’m very interested in Ms. Spencer.”
Welcome to the club, Jaye thought while holding Crawford’s gaze. “Are the two of you engaged? Seriously involved? Dating?”
“None of those. However, I’ve let my interest be known to her.”
Jaye didn’t say anything for a minute and then he said, “I understand she’s been living here for a couple of years. At least that’s the information I received from the woman who is our landlord. I’d think you would have swept her off her feet by now...if you’re that interested in her.” He knew from Webb’s expression that he didn’t like anyone bringing up the fact he’d apparently struck out in pursuing Velvet.
“Currently, she’s playing hard to get, but eventually, I’ll wear down her resistance.”
Good luck with that, asshole, Jaye thought. With that kind of entitled attitude, no wonder the man hadn’t even gotten to first base with Velvet. Just like Jaye detested pushy women, Velvet loathed cocky and arrogant men. “So, what is it you want from me?” he asked.
He knew the look he was giving Crawford. Some referred to it as the Jaye Colfax glare. After all, he was the oldest of Jack Colfax’s sons, the one destined one day to head the family dynasty his father had built. Jaye was the least likely to put up with foolishness. He practically wore a sign that said Leave Your Bullshit at the Door.
“What I want, Colfax, is a gentlemen’s agreement between us that during the time you’re here in Catalina Cove, you won’t try pursuing Velvet Spencer yourself.”
There was no way in hell Jaye would agree to something like that when his sole purpose was to win back Velvet’s love. And did Crawford honestly assume his directive would be followed? Obviously, he did because other men were apparently doing so.
“First of all, Mr. Crawford, I don’t make deals with men when it concerns a woman. They aren’t property to be bartered or negotiated on. A woman has the right to choose but no man has the right to claim. At least, without her permission. What you’re suggesting is as asinine as it could get and is nothing a true gentleman would even consider doing.”
Webb Crawford narrowed his gaze at Jaye. From his expression, it was obvious Jaye’s insult had not been taken well. “Good day, Mr. Crawford, and to avoid waiting, next time please make an appointment.”
Then the man stood and walked out of his office.
VELVETHADWIPEDdown the chalkboard and was getting ready to pack up to leave for the day when her classroom door opened and a tall man walked in. A man she didn’t recognize. “Yes, may I help you?” she asked, standing.
“You are Velvet Spencer, I presume?” he said, approaching her with an unreadable expression on his face.
“Yes, I’m Velvet Spencer. And you are?”
“Allen Bordeaux.”
So, this was Lenny’s father. “Yes, Mr. Bordeaux? How can I help you?”
“You can make things easier for Lenny. He plans to go to the pros after high school. He doesn’t need algebra.”
“That’s not your decision to make, Mr. Bordeaux. It’s a school board policy. Every student must pass the core classes to move to the next grade.”
“I don’t care about that. Lenny needs to ace this class.”
“I will be glad to give him makeup assignments and even tutor him after school. But Lenny has to do the work.”
She could tell the man didn’t like what she was saying. “Why are you being so difficult?” he asked her.
Velvet placed her palms on her desk. “I’m not being difficult. I’m merely doing my job. I will not give Lenny a grade he doesn’t deserve.”
“And I’m not asking you to do that.”
“Then what are you asking?”
“For you to give him extra credit when you can. Even colleges do that for their athletes.”
“So, I heard, but a dedicated teacher wouldn’t do such a thing. She would treat all her students fairly and only give them the grade they deserve.”
The man stared at her and then turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him with enough force to rattle the windows. It’s a wonder they didn’t break.
Just because his teachers had given Mr. Bordeaux extra credit that he didn’t deserve, he was expecting the same thing for his son? It wouldn’t be happening. And since she was the only ninth-grade math teacher, transferring Lenny from her class wasn’t an option.
Velvet drew in a deep breath, angry at Principal Dunning for trying to play both sides with Mr. Bordeaux. He was the principal for heaven’s sake and should have his teachers’ backs in such a situation.
During her drive home, the more she thought about it the angrier she got. When she turned into the driveway, it wasn’t unusual to see Jaye’s car already parked there. What was unusual was to see him sitting on the steps of her porch, as if he were waiting for her. What in the world?
When she parked the car and got out, he stood and walked toward her. There was an intense look on his face. But that didn’t keep her gaze from roaming all over him, appreciating how he looked in his business suit. “Jaye? Is anything wrong?”
He came to a stop in front of her. “Were you aware that Webb Crawford is claiming you as his and warning other men away from you?”
She shrugged as she closed the car door. How had he heard about it? “What of it?”
“And you’re okay with that?”
“I didn’t say I was okay with anything, Jaye, and why does it concern you?” she asked, walking around him toward the steps. After a day dealing with Principal Dunning and the likes of Allen Bordeaux, she really didn’t need a discussion with Jaye about Webb Crawford’s foolishness.
“It concerns me when the man shows up at my office wanting me to agree to keep my distance from you.”
His statement made Velvet stop and turn around. “He did what!”
“You heard me. The man is outright interfering in your love life?”
Her love life?Now that was a laugh. However, the last thing she wanted Jaye to know was that she hadn’t dated anyone since leaving him. Instead of answering, she said, “There’s no need for you to be concerned with my love life, Jaye. In fact, you could have simply let him know that you had me for three years and after all that time, I didn’t come to mean anything to you then, and that I don’t mean anything to you now.”
She was turning to head up the steps when Jaye reached out and grabbed her shoulder. She was about to read him the riot act when she met the intensity of his gaze. There was anger in the dark depths, and she wondered why he was mad when she’d spoken the truth. Suddenly, his anger was replaced by something else, something she knew and recognized—desire.
She drew in a sharp breath, wondering why here and why now? She didn’t know who made the first move, but suddenly her body was pressed to his, and she felt her nipples stiffen and poke him in the chest like they usually did when she was aroused.
And she was aroused. There was no way to deny that. Just like there was no way to deny he was aroused as well. The firm hardness of his erection pressed against her middle reminded her how things used to be between them and what usually came next.
The intensity she saw in his eyes made her shudder before releasing a throaty moan. Velvet felt his presence in every part of her, and for the first time in two years, her body was responding to a man. But then standing before her wasn’t just any man. He was the man who had taught her body to sing in the most sensuous voice possible. The man who had the ability to make her come, just from his kiss.
His kiss...
He began lowering his head and automatically, she moved her mouth toward his. She felt a jolt of sexual energy, and it dawned on her just how much she’d missed this.
Their mouths were mere inches from touching and she was about to use her tongue to trace a path over the lips she knew so well when suddenly the sharp ringing of her phone made them quickly step back from each other, although their gazes remained locked. Velvet recognized Ruthie’s ringtone and appreciated her best friend’s timely interruption. Just seconds ago, she’d felt vulnerable to her desires and her needs for the first time in two years. No man could have made her feel that way other than Jaye. He could make her sizzle just from a look or a glance.
Feeling intense heat flow all through her, it was at that moment she realized his hands were still on her. At some point, they had moved from her shoulder to her waist. “Please let go of me, Jaye,” she said in a soft voice.
He immediately dropped his hands to his side. Without saying anything else, she turned and hurried up the steps, unlocked the door, went inside the house and closed the door behind her.