Chapter 1 #2
“ J orja!” Nettie squealed, engulfing Jorja in a bear hug and pecking her cheek. “I’m so excited that you’re here.”
“Girl, you saw me a few months ago.” Jorja laughed, squeezing Nettie back, and returned the kiss.
“I know, but you’re here . I always visit you, or we go to some fun destination.” Nettie moved out of the shared hug and fixed Jorja with an impish smile that carried right into her eyes. “Well, even though it’s work that brought you and not your bestie, I forgive you. By the way, we do have a destination, a short drive from Ulen. Tomorrow, at Simple Harmony. It’s a wonderful new spa in the adorable little town of Eagle Creek. We should have time afterward to browse the shops. I have a favorite or two that I’m betting you’ll like just as much as me.”
“Pampering and retail therapy. Sounds perfect.” It was just what Jorja needed. A massage to soothe her aching body and bruised ego and to stop her from thinking about the hottest man she had ever set eyes on. She scrutinized her recent manicure and pedicure and sighed. Both were victims of the spectacular tumble at the Carpenter Ranch. Repairs and new polish were needed. She also might find a housewarming gift or two for Nettie when they shopped.
Jorja turned slowly, inspecting the immense open space that had once been part of a warehouse, appreciating the large windows lining the exterior walls, exposed brick, industrial supports, and the two-story ceiling that allowed for an impressive dual-sided gas fireplace. A loft was evident through the horizontal metal railing. The apartment in the new complex that Nettie had lived in when moving to Ulen for her job, where they had enjoyed the pool and nearby restaurants, but never ventured into the town’s center, was not in the same league as this place.
“You never mentioned a loft.” Jorja continued inspecting it all. The sleek galley kitchen—with its peninsula on locking wheels—was offset and perpendicular to the great room, modern, yet welcoming. Right outside the french doors were an enclosed patio and garden. A table for eight and buffet filled the area closer to the great room. “I know I griped about you not sharing the before and during photos, I’m so glad you didn’t. I’m completely blown away. It’s really something.”
“Thank you. Since you’re finally seeing my new place, I’ll share the ‘befores’ and the blueprints and renderings with you. I made an album. Now that the project is completed, except for little touches here and there, I have to admit that it was worth the long wait. I doubt I’ll ever return to living in an apartment complex again. I adore this place. The loft was an early decision during the conversion, so was adding the wrought iron staircase. The additional square footage increased the value of the condo immediately. If I ever sell.”
“Smart decision.” Jorja agreed, shaking her head in wonder. “You really have an eye. Your degree in design has certainly paid off. I don’t know that I could ever sell this, Nettie.”
“Says my friend who swears everyone has their price. You’ll be in the guest room, in the loft, across from the other bedroom which serves as my office away from the office. There’s Jack and Jill between them and a nice sitting area where you can read, work, or whatever you want. There’s even a TV. I’ll give you the rest of the tour and then get you situated.”
She guided Jorja around the rest of the main floor. To a small hall behind the wall of the great room, which housed the powder bath and laundry, and on the other side, where a door provided access to the kitchen’s walk-in pantry. And to the hall furthermost from the kitchen which led to the master suite. Light poured in through the sizable windows and transoms. A second set of french doors led to a screened-in porch, which had a door to the small, landscaped yard with a fountain. It was bordered by a rustic fence, dense landscaping, and mature trees.
“It’s lovely.” She was content in her townhome in Landry, but Jorja could easily imagine living here in the middle of nature, yet right in the center of Ulen.
“The bidding war for this end of the building was so stressful but, well, I’m so glad I stuck it out.”
“I remember. You’ve got to be thrilled that you didn’t give up.”
“I am, and thanks for encouraging me from Landry. It was more than I planned on spending, but the possibilities were endless, and it turned out that the additional outlays were worth it. I love how it turned out. It’s home and part of my portfolio. My largest project to-date, although I have an even larger one starting soon. I have a waiting list of people wanting to hire me. Ulen is booming.”
“So proud of you. Look at us. Two badass women killing it in our professions.” Jorja crossed her fingers behind her hip, hoping to somehow reclaim the opportunity to talk to Rake Carpenter and bring the surface estates that Ogden-Keller wanted under lease.
“Go us.” Nettie winked at Jorja and grinned, then pointed toward the back of her oasis. “There’s a walking trail on that rise. It was converted from the old railway and runs through Ulen and then continues in both directions, connecting points of interest and other small towns. My contractor installed steps and a gate so that I have access, but the curious are discouraged from coming into my private sanctuary.”
“It locks?”
“Yep, by keypad. I use the shared path almost daily. We’ll take some walks while you’re here, that is if you want. Most of it is in deep shade.”
“I’d enjoy that.” Jorja might run, too, if she could rise early enough before the sweltering weather snuffed out any outdoor activities for the day. No noticeable break in the weather was predicted for days.
“Come with me. I’ll show you where you’re staying.” Nettie led her upstairs.
I need a long hot soak. Jorja winced as she stepped, then slipped off her pumps.
Nettie frowned at her friend's appearance, suddenly noticing the blood and dirt on Jorja’s skirt and the injured knees. “Oh shit, I’m sorry. I was so excited that I didn’t even notice. You’re hobbling. Oh, no … Bleeding in places. And covered in dirt. It appears that Miss Put-Together bit the dust.” Her eyes landed on the scuffed pumps. “Your Manolos? They’re your favorites. What happened? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Humiliated, but whole. A soak in the tub will go a long way to healing.”
“I’ll get the water going. Are any of the abrasions too deep for Epsom salts?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Wearing them out to the middle of nowhere was a bad idea. I had a bit of a tumble getting out of Granddad’s truck.” Barefoot, Jorja carefully followed her friend up the steps, securely gripping the rail, not quite ready to share all the details while she was still processing the entire excruciating episode.
Because Rake Carpenter had gone full alphahole on her.
Because mentioning him might unleash the unsatisfied carnal hunger and simmering frustration she battled.
Because this weekend was about friendship and catching up.
“You drove it? I thought you’d drive your car with the air on high. It’s supposed to be as hot as blazes this weekend. How interesting that you’d drive out to a rural spot in a vehicle without air, dressed like this. What were you thinking?”
“I was trying to fit in with who I was calling on and be professional at the same time.” True and not true. “Not one of my best decisions.” She slipped round Nettie, sucking in a sharp breath as the exposed wound on her right knee stretched. Shit, she ached in so many places and hurt in others. “I really don’t want to talk about it right now, okay?”
“Sure. But you know I’m going to want more details. After you’re feeling better, of course.” Her friend ran the water, tested the temperature, and closed the stopper. Nettie kneeled by the tub and sprinkled in the salts in, swirling her hand to encourage them to dissolve. She added more hot water, tested the warmth again, and said over her shoulder, “That feels about right. These salts will do wonders. There are bandages, gauze, and miracle ointment in the cabinet.”
“Miracle ointment? Seriously?”
“I swear it is. I relabeled it myself. See?” Nettie pulled a glass jar from the drawer and showed it to Jorja. It read Miracle Ointment in Nettie’s handwriting . She placed the salve on the vanity’s counter and folded a large towel. “For your neck and shoulders. Take as long as you want. Just don’t slip under the water and drown.”
“Hahaha.”
“I’ll put your shoes in the bedroom and get you a robe. Bring your bags up.”
Jorja handed the damaged shoes to Nettie and tugged the blouse from the waistband of the grimy skirt. “Thanks for everything, sweetie.”
“I adore that creaky old truck, Jorja, but you need to get those doors addressed. Can we take it tomorrow anyway? I have so many memories of us in it during college. Screw the heat. We’ll drive with the windows down. You do have clothes for this predicted heat, right?”
“Sure. And yes, I have the clothes, including a bikini and coverup. You mentioned a pool party and barbecue.”
“That’s Sunday. Maybe we can swim before that, too. Oh … Change of plans. I know we discussed going out tonight, but we’re staying in, if you’re okay with that. We can go out tomorrow, to Beugy’s.” There was a beat of silence. “Sound alright?”
Jorja fingers paused on the skirt’s zipper. Nettie’s tone was a subtle plea. She glanced at her, searching for a clue. Nothing.
“I picked up anything a person could want for pizza and salad at the market this morning, including some interesting looking mushrooms.”
“Sounds perfect.” Jorja was sore. Staying in was probably a better idea. Catching up and watching a movie in their pjs was more than appealing, as was eating buttered parmesan popcorn and having wine. “Capers?”
“You betcha. We’ll treat tonight as an end-of-the-week-recharge-for-the-weekend.”
“I’m all in, Nettie.”
Nettie smiled serenely and nodded.
Hm ... Something was definitely up. “You know, except for this warehouse conversion, you’ve whined about living in Ulen. Said how you need new man-blood. Blah, blah, blah … But lately—” She cocked a hip, tilted her head, and studied her friend. “You haven’t complained. And now that I think of it, you’ve been kind of quiet. Mysterious-like. What gives?”
“Voilà!” Nettie clapped and giggled. “I’ve been waiting I saw you in-person. I’ve met someone. Hi name is Levi Marx, and he’s wonderful.” She exhaled a dreamy sigh. “I think he might be ‘it.’ You’ll meet him tomorrow night.”
“I’m so happy for you!”
“Really? I always thought it would be you who found Mr. Right first.”
Nettie’s news was huge. Back in college, they had made a pact to be each other’s maid or matron of honor. Jorja had always believed she would be married first, but after breaking up with Johnny a year ago, her dating life was a wasteland. “Absolutely. I want all the details after I soak.” She would never wish to wipe that smile from her friend’s animated face; Nettie glowed with an inner light.
“Great. Levi will be with his friends. A guys’ night out, but I mentioned we’d be eating there. The restaurant is across the square.”
“Yeah, I passed it as I drove into town. It still looks like the hole-in-the-wall that I remember.”
“I’ll have you know that Beugy’s is the oldest eatery in Ulen, and the best. They did a major renovation last year. I worked on the project. The restaurant is much nicer inside than it used to be, well, with all of the old stuff melded in. Remember,” –she extended a hand and slowly waved it about— “my home used to be a hole-in-the-wall, too.”
“Good point.” Horning in on a guys’ night out was not appealing to Jorja. But she had to think that Nettie knew her man and his friends and that they wouldn’t mind.
Nettie gave Jorja a pointed look. “Take your bath. I’ll get appetizers started. Coffee?”
“Between the heat and a hot soak, an iced latte sounds more appetizing. Can you make one?”
“Does a duck swim?”
Laughter bubbled out of Jorja. How she missed her friend. “Double espresso?”
“A strong iced latte coming right up. I’ll have one, too. We can sit on the front patio. It’s in deep shade at this time of day and comfortable with the fan going. Promise.” Nettie stepped away and paused, turning on her heel. “Also … About tomorrow night. Several of Levi’s unattached friends are handsome. One in particular. You might want to hook up with?—”
“Girlfriend …” Jorja cautioned, half joking.
Nettie raised her brows and shrugged. “Just saying. Levi may come back here afterward, but don’t worry. He’s an early riser and will be gone before you get up.” She gave Jorja a devilish wink. “And don’t worry, sound doesn’t carry in here. That goes for you, too.”
Hooking up was not what she was usually into. A blush stole over Jorja’s neck and face when the cloaked-in-shadow rancher flashed in her mind and her breath hitched as she remembered the gorgeous visage revealed in the sunlight. She dipped her chin and studied on the rustic floral-patterned blue tile under her feet. Could she be with someone who ignited her temper so easily? What would sex with him be like? Wild and edgy, she imagined. Her blood surged. What a harebrained thought. Enough of that. Come hell or high water, she had a mission, to get him to sit down with her, very soon, and negotiate a lease.
The updated seismic surveys had just been released; she had a tight window in which to maneuver. Other outfits would be approaching him soon, if they had not already. Rake Carpenter had made it clear—any discussion of business over the weekend was not going to happen. So, she called him from the truck and firmly requested an appointment on Monday. Pleased with her course of action, she banished any further thoughts of him and focused on tonight, her first evening of a weekend with Nettie.
“Jorja?”
“I’ll be riding solo this weekend.” Jorja announced, plucked from her musing. She grinned and dismissed Nettie from the bathroom with a wave. “Skedaddle. I'll join you in thirty.”
“ Y o, Rake. Cat got your tongue, man? You’ve barely said a word tonight, and when you do it’s mostly monosyllables. Your card playing sucks, too. It’s like you’re somewhere else.”
He was. Inundated with visions of Jorja Ogden, wholly affected by her and being on the receiving end of the beauty’s fire. If he didn’t know better, he would think he was smitten at first glance, first exchange. You are. I’m fuckin ' not. Nothing like having an argument raging in his head. It rivaled the arousal that plagued him for hours after she left, only heightened when she left a message hours go about meeting him Monday. That husky voice of hers … fuck. His hand and a cold shower had taken the edge off, yet he felt unmoored by how his body vibrated and pulsed like it was hooked up to an electric current. It was if the woman was in his bloodstream.
A glance at the cards he held—another weak hand, similar to the others he had been dealt—and the few chips in front of him sealed his decision. Rake downed the remainder of his beer, stood, and stepped back from the table. “I’m out. It’s been a week, and I’m wiped.” He showed his hand and pushed the chips to the center of the table.
That was true. His cell was besieged with daily calls from landmen, so he let unknown numbers go to voicemail, then batch-deleted them. Jorja was one of the few that had called their landline and the only person to reach his niece Skye. Then the confounded woman showed up. Dammit. On top of it, Skye was leaving next week for her annual summer visit with Lee, his brother who lived in Pinon Ridge, Colorado. Within a month of that, she was off to her first year of college in Ohio. Not having her around was going to be miserable. He rubbed a hand over the grainy stubble covering his cheeks and chin. What a clusterfuck.
“You’ll be at Beugy’s tomorrow night?” Levi probed after the hand was completed.
“Yeah.”
Brady, the new dealer, added Rake’s meager amount of chips to the pot. “You’ll spot the first round of beers since you’re ditching us early tonight.”
“I will, huh?”
“Yup.”
Focused on the new cards being dealt, the men around the table chortled and nodded.
“Fine.”
“And maybe bring a better attitude? You’ve a sour-ass one tonight.” Levi said, leaning in.
Rake ignored the chiding and walked out. It was not his best friend who irritated him. It was the stunning brunette.