CHAPTER EIGHT
JAYELETHIMSELFinside his home, tossed off his jacket and nearly ripped off his tie before heading toward the wine cabinet and straight to his bottle of scotch. He needed a shot. If things hadn’t been real before, they were pretty damn real now. The moment he had touched Velvet, desire and need had been as real as it could get.
It had been two years; two years since he had been with a woman, refusing to sleep with anyone after Velvet had left him. At first, he’d told himself he’d needed time to adjust but then after a year he’d known it was more serious than that. He needed and wanted Velvet and no other woman would do. He didn’t want a substitute, and he found the thought of sharing his body with another woman became downright nauseating.
Finding out where she’d gone hadn’t been easy, especially when her best friend, Ruthie, refused to even talk to him. Velvet had also given orders to her executive staff at the Spencer’s Corporation that her whereabouts were not to be shared. For the longest time, Jaye had assumed she was living somewhere under an alias or had even moved out the country. He’d almost lost all hope of seeing her again when he’d finally gotten word from the private investigator he’d hired of where she was.
If nothing else, what had just happened proved they still had the hots for each other, but he wanted more than just desire and need connecting them. He wanted love. He needed to prove to her that he loved her above all else. And he did love her, with every beat of his heart and with every breath he took. Mentally, she consumed his entire being. However, today upon touching her, he was reminded that physically she consumed him entirely as well.
He’d come close to kissing her, rekindling that taste that had once been as much a part of him as the feel of blood rushing through his veins and drawing air in his lungs. He had wanted to hear her moan his name, break apart in his arms and to come—to have an actual orgasm—from the mating of their lips. That had happened between them more times than he could count.
He downed a shot of scotch and flinched when the strong liquid flowed down his throat. He had forgotten just how addictive Velvet Spencer was. He had desired her on Saturday but not like this. Not with an intensity that made him want to go downstairs, knock on her door and pull her into his arms and finish what might have happened had her phone not interrupted.
And then, he recalled she was wearing his favorite color. Yellow. When she got out of her car wearing that yellow wrap dress with a flattering scoop neckline and a hem that hit just above her knees—which emphasized her shapely legs—he was reminded of just how much he loved those legs. Whether they were walking or wrapped around his waist while they made love.
He rubbed a hand down his face, needing to regain some semblance of that control he’d had with her on Saturday. His true mission in coming to Catalina Cove was not to regain Velvet as a bed partner, but to get back inside her heart.
He sat down at the table to recall when they’d first begun dating. After their spontaneous dinner at Captain Scampi, he had been determined to get her in his bed and make her a one-and-done. But no matter how many dates they’d shared after that, Velvet wasn’t having it. She’d made him earn a place in her bed, something he’d never had to do with any woman. She hadn’t been easy, had stood her ground and in the end, he had given her what she wanted—an exclusive relationship.
Jaye’s thoughts shifted to Webb Crawford and the sheer audacity of the man. Gentlemen’s agreement, his ass. It had sounded more like an order Crawford expected to be followed. Well, he had news for Crawford. Velvet was off-limits but in a way the man would soon discover was not in his favor. Crawford’s intention was clear. He only wanted a spot in Velvet’s bed, whereas Jaye wanted a lot more than that. He wanted a place in her heart just like she had a place in his.
“YES, RUTHIE, SORRY I missed your call,” Velvet said, easing down on her sofa and trying to get her heart rate back to normal. She could not believe that she’d been just seconds from kissing Jaye in their front yard. How could she?
“I was returning your call from earlier today,” Ruthie said.
Yes, she had called her best friend and immediately remembered why. “I need to get away, Ruthie. Real bad. How does a girls’ weekend in New York sound?”
“This weekend?”
“Yes,” she said, hoping Ruthie and her fiancé, Todd, didn’t have anything planned.
“Short notice, but yes, this weekend will be great since you know what weekend this is.”
Velvet frowned. She honestly didn’t have a clue. “No. What?”
“Super Bowl weekend. Every sports enthusiast will be glued to a TV, so this weekend is perfect.”
Velvet was glad to hear that. “Thanks. I desperately need to get away.”
“Why? Being so close to your sexy-hot neighbor is getting to you?”
Velvet drew in a deep breath. “If only you knew just how much.”
“Do tell.”
She knew that she might as well, or Ruthie would hound her until she did. She spent the next ten minutes telling her everything.
“Aww, heck. It would have to be my phone call that interrupted things,” Ruthie said, chuckling.
“Ruthie, did you hear everything I said? What part did you find amusing? Jaye and I were standing outside, in broad daylight about to kiss. Anyone could have seen us. And had we kissed, it wouldn’t have stopped there. We would have been rolling in the grass in no time.”
That visual got a laugh out of Ruthie. “Knowing how much sexual chemistry the two of you have, I’m surprised you two haven’t kissed already and been done with it.”
Velvet rolled her eyes. “Because there can’t be a done with it with a Velvet-and-Jaye kiss. It always leads to more.”
“Then do more. If you recall, I suggested you take him as a lover.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Why? You claim you don’t love him anymore.”
“I don’t love him anymore.”
“Then what’s the problem? The way I see it, it will serve Jaye right by letting him think that you’re now the new more sophisticated and liberated Velvet. And since all those single men in Catalina Cove seemed to have been run off by that Webb guy, it’s up to you to show Jaye.”
“Show Jaye what?”
“That a man isn’t the only one who can engage in meaningless affairs. You can prove your point on that end while satisfying your need to get laid on the other. Stock up on all Jaye Colfax’s lovemaking so when he leaves Catalina Cove, at least he’ll be out of your system.”
Velvet frowned. “Who say he’s in my system?”
“I do. And don’t deny you are in dire need of a sexual fix. There’s no way a woman who was as sexually active as you and Jaye were, and who’s gone without sex for two years, isn’t.”
“I am not addicted to sex, Ruthie.”
“No, but you’re addicted to Jaye. Admit it.”
Velvet refused to admit anything. Ruthie’s suggestion to take Jaye as a lover was crazy. “Jaye will think I’m trying to get back with him and he wouldn’t want that.”
“Then spell things out for him. You control the narrative and make sure he knows this is the new you.”
The new her. Velvet kind of liked that. But still. “I don’t know, Ruthie.”
“Well, I do. Think about it and we’ll talk about it some more this weekend. So, what else had you in a bad mood today? The voice message you left indicated something about a parent who raised your blood pressure.”
Velvet blew out an exasperated breath. “Yes.” She spent another twenty minutes telling Ruthie about her meeting with Principal Dunning and then her meeting with Lenny’s father.
“I can’t believe your principal is taking that approach. The man sounds like he doesn’t have a backbone.”
“I agree and, like I told him, if he expects me to fall in line, he can forget it. I will resign first.”
“Good for you, but I hope he’ll have your back if things escalate between you and Mr. Bordeaux.”
“I would hope so. I can’t believe people expect athletes to get a free pass.”
“Unfortunately, some people do, but it’s up to us to remain fair and objective.”
After she and Ruthie had finalized their weekend plans, she hung up the phone and headed to the kitchen. This was the last day for her leftovers from Saturday. As she sat down at the table to eat, she pushed thoughts of Jaye and Allen Bordeaux from her mind. But there was another man who was now front and center. Webb Crawford. The nerve of him telling men to stay away from her. He really had a lot of gall to approach Jaye with that nonsense. She knew Jaye and could just imagine how that had gone. Jaye might not be interested in her, but he wouldn’t appreciate someone like Webb telling him to keep his distance. She intended to seek Webb out before the week ended and tell him a thing or two. No man had a claim on her, especially not him.
Later that night, Velvet couldn’t sleep and for the longest time she stared up at the ceiling. Why was her body tingling all over? In truth, her body really hadn’t stopped tingling since the moment Jaye had reached out and touched her shoulder.
All she had to do was close her eyes and recall other times when his touch had been the catalyst to drive her desire. Not only his touch, but the look that would always appear in his eyes when he was aroused. He’d had that look today.
Velvet hadn’t been joking when she’d told Ruthie had they kissed, she and Jaye would have been rolling in the grass in seconds. It wouldn’t have been the first time. That had happened when they’d been at his vacation home on Lake Tahoe. Good thing his cabin was in a secluded area.
She wished three years’ worth of memories of lovemaking weren’t stored in her brain. That kind of archive had kept her up many nights when she’d first moved to Catalina Cove. Now that he was here, in her space, her intense desire for him was trying to take over again.
She felt hot and there was a deep constant throb between her legs. Why did she have to remember how Jaye would take care of that inconvenience with his mouth, his hands or, even better, his shaft. Jaye had always been the kind of lover women dreamed of. He’d never sought his pleasure before first making sure she’d had hers, or that they shared it together.
Velvet shifted in bed.
A part of her wished Ruthie hadn’t put that thought into her head, about her and Jaye becoming lovers if for no other reason than to prove she had moved on and was no longer looking...or expecting...a forever kind of love.
Jaye had taught her a valuable lesson. No matter how much a woman could love a man, you couldn’t make him love you back, no matter how good the sex was or how well the two of you complemented each other. If both hearts weren’t in it, none of it meant anything.
“MAY I HELPYOU?” The attractive woman sitting behind the lobby desk gave Velvet a friendly smile.
“Yes, I’d like to see Webb Crawford.”
Still smiling, the woman said, “Certainly, and who may I say is visiting?”
Visiting?Velvet wouldn’t call this a visit but she answered, anyway. “Velvet Spencer.”
The woman nodded, then picked up her phone and said, “Mr. Crawford, there’s a Velvet Spencer here to see you.”
Before the woman could disconnect the call, the office door opened. “Velvet, to what do I owe this visit?” Webb came out of his office with a huge smile on his face.
“Hello, Webb. I need to talk with you about something.”
“Certainly.” He glanced at the woman and said, “Marla, hold any calls and appointments.” He then escorted Velvet into his office.
After he closed the door behind them, she turned on him. “How dare you go around town and tell other men to back off from me, Webb!”
Instead of frowning, his smile widened. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful when you’re angry, Velvet?”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
He shrugged. “I didn’t tell other men to back off. I merely let them know I was interested in you, because I am.” He leaned against his desk. “What has you upset? Have I shown up at your house unexpectedly again since you told me not to? Have I called you or sought you out for a date?”
“No, but you’re making sure no other man does, either.”
“Are you saying you’re ready to start dating now? I recall you told me a while ago that you weren’t. If you are, then that’s good to hear. And as far as those other guys, I’m not holding a gun to anyone’s head. However, they seem to know what you obviously refuse to acknowledge.”
She crossed her arms. “Which is?”
“You can’t do any better than me here in the cove. I give those guys credit for looking out for your best interests.”
She glared at him. “For your information, you aren’t the best I can do.”
His smile was dropped to a frown. “I hope you’re not holding out for your neighbor, the banker, to show any interest in you. Take my advice, Velvet. Don’t waste your time because you don’t stand a chance. If my own sister, who has the same pedigree as Colfax, struck out with him, then there’s no hope for you.”
Velvet was surprised he would admit that his sister had struck out with Jaye. “So, Laura didn’t interest him?” She knew her question would strike a nerve.
He frowned. “His loss. I told Laura not to worry about him. He will only be around temporarily, anyway. Besides, I heard he has a serious girl back in Arizona, which would be the only reason Laura isn’t the woman on his arm.”
The one thing Velvet had learned about the Crawford siblings was that they had no problem putting each other on pedestals and honestly thought the world revolved around them. “Like I said, Webb, stop giving people the impression we’re an item because we aren’t. And as for whether or not I’m ready to start dating, it’s no concern of yours. You’re still not welcome to visit or call.” She turned and walked out of his office.
Later that night, while trying to relax with a glass of wine, she told Sierra of her meeting with Webb. “It was as if what I said went in one ear and out the other. I don’t think he’s taking me seriously and just assumes I’m playing hard to get.”
“Well, if he starts harassing you, then you need to tell Sheriff Grisham.”
“He’s not harassing me. He’s just annoying.”
“What do you plan to do about Webb telling other guys to stay away from you?”
Velvet shifted to a more comfortable position in the chair. “I doubt there’s anything I can do. If those guys meekly do whatever Webb says, I wouldn’t be interested in them, anyway. I’d want someone who would stand up to Webb.”
“Like Jaye probably did?”
Although Jaye hadn’t shared any details of his conversation with Webb, knowing Jaye like she did, there was no doubt in her mind that he put Webb in his place. “Yes, like Jaye did.”
“Well, put all negativity out of your mind and enjoy your weekend in New York.”
“Thanks, Sierra, and I will.”
ON FRIDAYMORNING, Jaye looked out the window as usual to watch Velvet leave for work. On this particular morning, he noticed her placing an overnight bag in the trunk of her car. Was she going away for the weekend? Where? With whom?
Their paths hadn’t crossed since Wednesday, when they’d come close to kissing. He’d deliberately made sure their paths didn’t cross yesterday, thinking the best thing to do was give her space to deal with what almost happened between them. They were still fiercely attracted to each other, and he hoped it was an attraction they could build upon.
Thoughts of where she’d gone and whom she was with plagued his mind the rest of the day. He decided to eat light that evening and stopped at the Green Fig. Usually, he got takeout but there was no need to rush home. He was feeling lonely just knowing the house was empty below.
“Welcome to the Green Fig, Mr. Colfax.”
Jaye glanced at the man he knew to be the café’s assistant manager, Levi Canady.
“Hello, Levi, and remember, you can call me Jaye.”
“I’ll try to remember that, and you’re in luck. We have several tables empty now. This is usually our busy hour.”
“Thanks, and I’ll grab one.” Jaye headed for a booth in the back.
It wasn’t long before a waitress came to take his order. He requested the soup of the day, a sandwich and a beer. No sooner had the waitress walked off, a voice said, “Mind if I join you?”
Jaye looked up and smiled. “Of course, you can, Vaughn. I guess you have a taste for soup tonight as well.”
Vaughn Miller slid into the seat across from him. “Yes. Besides, this place has become my favorite hangout.”
“I don’t have to guess why,” Jaye said, grinning. The waitress delivered his beer, then took Vaughn’s order. After she walked off, Jaye asked, “How’s the wedding plans coming?”
“According to my future bride, they’re coming along great. I think Sierra would have been just fine had we eloped to Vegas since this isn’t her first rodeo, but I wanted it all. My first and final.”
Jaye nodded. Vaughn looked happy and he knew that he would look the same way once he’d recaptured Velvet’s heart. “Congratulations again.”
“Thanks. Some of the guys and I will be hanging out at my place on Sunday for the big game. You want to join us?” Vaughn asked. “You might as well, since I understand your ladylove is having a girls weekend in New York with her best friend.”
Jaye’s head snapped up. “She is?”
Vaughn nodded, grinning. “Yes. Sierra mentioned it to me this morning. Velvet and her best friend are going shopping and attending a Broadway play.”
A smile spread across Jaye’s face. “Is that so?”
Vaughn leaned back in his seat and chuckled. “Yes, it is so. When I saw you walk in with a long sour-looking face, I figured you either had problems at the bank or at the house on Blueberry Lane. I went for the latter.”
“You were right.”
After the waitress served Vaughn his beer, Jaye said, “There’s someone I need to ask you about, though.”
Vaughn lifted a brow. “Who?”
“Webb Crawford. Is the man for real?”
Vaughn chuckled. “I guess you got the don’t-get-interested-in-Velvet warning.”
“Yes. Who the hell does he think he is?”
“A man who honestly believes he can have any woman he wants. He figures he’s a prime catch. Velvet isn’t into him, like a lot of the women are, so I think he sees her as a challenge.”
Jaye snorted. “Men like Webb Crawford turn Velvet off.”
Vaughn took a huge sip of his beer and then laughingly said, “Since she hasn’t given him the time of day, I figured as much. Sooner or later, Webb will discover that fact.”
Although Jaye didn’t comment, he knew he would make sure of it, in case Webb didn’t get the hint.