Bachelorette for Sale (21 page)

“Maybe a little of both.”

“Works for me, as long as I get to participate in both events.”

“Definitely the star player in one of them.” Cherry looked up, realizing all eyes were on her, or them, and wondered how much of their conversation had been overheard. Based on her gram’s round-eyed expression . . . too much. “Gram, I’m so sorry. This is all my fault—”

“Bollocks, young lady, and you know it. Now, your gramps is going to take me out for an early dinner to take my mind off my traumatic event, and I might even talk him into letting me pick out the movie tonight. You know, to perk up my spirits and all. You,” she pointed a finger at Jason, “need to take my baby out and get her mind off that bottom feeder. You all did a fine job with today’s event. Celebrate. Life’s too short, too unpredictable to wait until tomorrow.” Kitty kissed her girls on the cheek and let George walk her to the edge of the parking lot where her husband had brought the car for her.

Gram was definitely working it tonight.

“You okay, chica? You look a little flushed.” Tawny stood by her side as they waved off her grandparents and Tawny’s mom and brother.

“Honestly, I could use a drink, and I’m not talking about water.”

Tawny leaned closer and lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper even though no one else was within earshot. “You and Jason should take off, do what Gram said. This is Rosalie and Holly’s gig, they can close up tonight.”

Cherry looked over to Jason, who was in a powwow with Dave and Brody. “Yeah, maybe. What are you doing tonight?” Before Cherry could step down from the committee, she’d have to tell Tawny. No way would she blindside her best friend. She knew while it left more of the burden on Tawny, she’d understand her reasons and fully support her decision.

“I’m going
shopping
tonight.”

“Shopping?” At the mention of the magic word, Cherry was all ears. “As in for clothes, groceries, or men?”

“No, yes, and yes.”

“Dish.”

“I don’t have time for a full disclosure right now. I’ve got to get to Venda Ravioli before they close. I’ll leave you with this. Massimo: He’s tall, dark, Italian, and his ravioli melts in your mouth.” Tawny blew a kiss and sauntered off, laughing the whole way.

Clearly Cherry needed to restock her pantry shelves and check out this pasta maker, make sure his raviolis weren’t being shared with other women and that he was worthy of someone as fabulous as her best friend. Tonight she’d take her gram’s advice and celebrate the day and the man in her life. Later they could discuss her stepping down, the impact it might have on his job and on their relationship.

She turned as the guys walked away waving good night, which left her and Jason standing alone.

“Where’s Tawny?”

“Shopping. Where are those two off to?”

“The pub. They wanted to join us but I refused to share.” He slid his arms around her waist, snuggling her up close to him. “How about we pick up Tucker and take him over to my place. He and Bam can play in the backyard and you and I can go to this great Italian place, Spiro’s. It’s small, dark, and romantic. You’d love their cannelloni.”

“Mmm, I can already feel it sliding across my tongue.”

Jason cocked his brow. “Damn, I feel like I’m behind a few steps, but I’m going to enjoy catching up.”

Yes, she imagined they both would.

They headed across the field to the main building. Cherry needed to tell Rosalie and Holly she was leaving, and Jason needed to double-check the building’s locks before they left. He’d also make sure the nanny cams were on and ready to catch any intruders. They’d all talked about it and figured if there was going to be another round of vandalism to set them back, tonight after the fund-raiser was the perfect opportunity.

If they could catch whoever it was and prove they were the ones who did the original damage, the insurance company would pay up. Problem solved.

The guys were all taking turns tonight to watch the video feed on the computers. A part of her hoped the vandals would go for it, because once they did, she was convinced she’d see Stan Nowak’s face on camera.

Her gut told her no one else could be behind the troubles they’d had. Maybe Ford. Nah, on second thought, he didn’t have the brains.

“Ready?” Jason asked, meeting her at the front door.

“All set.” Together they walked to their respective cars, a couple of friends leaving an event at the same time, because out here in the front, prying eyes were everywhere, and until she stepped down, Cherry didn’t want to hurt Jason’s reputation.

“Excuse me?” A small voice stopped them as they stepped on to the parking lot.

Cherry turned to see a small boy standing with an older woman, probably his grandmother.

“Hi, can I help you?” She bent down to be at his eye level.

“Are you the lady from the TV?” Both front top and bottom teeth were missing, giving him a slight lisp. He didn’t make eye contact. One hand had a firm grasp of his guardian’s hand and the other poised precariously close to his mouth, thumb at the ready.

Cherry’s heart went out to this boy. This child, so like her long-ago self. She bent farther down to make eye contact with him and saw in his eyes uncertainty, fear, and hope.

She sat down on the curb, gestured for him to join her, but he stayed rooted in place. “That’s me, or at least I think it’s me. I was on a TV show a couple of years ago, but I’m not anymore. Unfortunately I never got to meet anyone super cool like SpongeBob or Scooby-Doo.”

“S’all right. They’re not real anyway. My gramma says you’re going to fix the center. When school’s out I can stay here. Is that true?”

Oh boy. For the first time, the little guy looked up at her, looked her right in the face and let her see all the hope of the universe in his big brown eyes. She didn’t want to lie to this child. Deep down, she knew he’d been lied to before, time and again. Promising him it’d be done on time and then not meeting that promise would snuff out the light shining from his eyes. Damned either way, she took her time to find the right words.

Jason squatted down beside her. “Hey there, big guy. What’s your name?”

The little boy looked up to the woman, who nodded an okay. Smart kid.

“Dominick.”

Jason stuck out his hand and shook the boy’s. “Hi, Dominick, I’m Jason and I’m the contractor—kind of like Bob the Builder. You looking forward to shooting some hoops on the playground this summer?”

Dominick nodded.

“When I was little, not much older than you, me and my buddies, we’d come down here and we’d shoot hoops for hours. Back then they didn’t have a pool like now. Bet you’re looking forward to going swimming too.”

“And playing video games. We don’t got no video games at home.”

“I tell you what, Ms. Ryan and I are doing everything we can to get this place fixed up before school gets out. And when it opens there’s going to be a special Mario brothers game for you to play. Sound good?”

Dominick smiled for the first time since they’d met him. A real grin going from ear to ear and lighting up his eyes and showing twin dimples.

“Yay! Hear that, Gramma? I won’t have to go to Mama Jo’s.” Dominick turned back to Cherry and Jason. “Mama Jo is Daddy’s mama. She’s mean and smells and yells a lot. But she don’t work during the day like my mama and gramma. Sometimes she forgets I’m coming and don’t buy no food. They said if the center don’t open I have to go to Mama Jo’s.”

“We’ll get it open on time for you. I promise.” Cherry meant every word of it too, even if it meant she’d have to do the one thing she said she’d never do again.

S
unday afternoon was normally Cherry’s favorite time to stroll down Atwells Avenue, right as businesses opened their doors. The delectable scents of fresh breads, pastries, and gourmet cupcakes—none of which would go past her lips, because if they did they would go straight to her hips—called out to passing shoppers. She could slip into Venda Ravioli to pick up the freshest pasta around (and check out Tawny’s new man). Or have her pick of tables at any of the avenue’s restaurants. But not today.

Temps in the high seventies with blue skies and fluffy white clouds brought locals and tourists alike to the area. Already lines formed at restaurant doors, sending waitstaff scurrying to accommodate the growing crowds. Jorge’s Cocina was no different. Cherry waited out front for the valet to park Tawny’s Mini Cooper, sighing in envy at her friend’s outfit. Tawny stepped out of the car in killer heels, a bright red pencil skirt, and a canary yellow top that clung to her curves in all the right places, turning every male head in the vicinity. A far cry from Cherry’s loose-fitting jeans and flowing blouse.

Tawny used her influence to get them seated quickly in a quiet corner ahead of the crowd. While Jorge’s restaurant had the usual Mexican décor, he refused to play mariachi music, stating he didn’t want to be a cliché. Instead the day’s hottest hits played softly from hidden speakers throughout the building, but never loud enough to drown out table conversation, as in many places. He also used high-backed booths and lots of plants to give diners privacy, which she greatly appreciated, especially today. Their hostess, dressed in black capris and a red peasant blouse, the uniform of the day, didn’t even blink when Cherry ordered a strawberry margarita at five past noon.

It was one of those days.

“Whoa. Kind of early for you to be hitting the hard stuff, isn’t it? Did you and Jason have a fight?” Tawny asked after putting in her own drink order and snagging a basket of chips and salsa from a passing waiter.

“No, this isn’t about Jason. Well, it is, but it’s more, it’s everything.” She munched on a chip, wishing for life to be simpler. She hoped lunch with Tawny would put her mind at ease, reassure her she was doing the right thing.

The waitress dropped off their drinks and said she’d be back in a few for their orders.

“Spill.”

“In what order?” Seeing the exasperated look on her friend’s face, Cherry held up her hand. “Fine, let’s start with Jason.”

“I thought you and Jason were burning up the sheets, in and out of bed. What happened?”

Cherry took a couple of gulps of her margarita, shaking her head. “Nothing happened. Jason is wonderful, perfect, smoking hot, and he makes me see myself differently, better. We spend all of our time together and there’s all this . . . this chemistry, but how do I know if it’s more than that? How do I know if we’re just killing time with each other or if what we’ve got is the start of a lifetime together?”

“Have you asked him?” Tawny scooped up a spoonful of salsa like it was candy and as if the question were the easiest thing in the world to ask.

“Sure, because I want to see how fast he can run in the other direction. I’m not looking to end our relationship, but I’m ready to move my life forward. I just don’t know if he’ll want to be part of it or not.”

“Won’t know unless you ask.”

“You make it sound so easy.”

“Not easy, but simple. What else is on your mind?”

“You mean besides the meaning of life, why does chocolate have to be fattening, and why can’t I look as great as you in that skirt?” Laughing, she brushed her hair back behind her ear and thought about what exactly was bothering her. Facing her fears. Growing. Stagnating. “When you approached me about helping the center, the first thought that went through my head was, what a great way to give back to those who literally saved me, thank them for helping me all those years ago, and do something good for the kids. I met someone, a boy named Dominick, at the tag sale who drove home how important the center is.”

She told her friend the little guy’s story and Jason’s promise to him. By the time she was done talking, both women had tears in their eyes.

“So what’s changed?”

“Me. I’ve changed. Yesterday, after the whole mess with Ford and my grandmother, I was ready to step down from the committee. I figured if I did, the press would leave my family and friends alone. Did you know he questioned your mom?” She didn’t give her friend a chance to respond but could tell by her bland expression, Tawny knew. “Not to mention Jason and I would have a chance to explore a normal relationship. Maybe go on real dates instead of sneaking around. Then I realized there is always going to be a Ford out there looking for dirt, and by hiding I’m just giving him power over my life. I’m the one stopping me and Jason from having a normal life.”

Tawny signaled for two more drinks. “Wow. That’s a pretty powerful statement. So what are you going to do?”

“About the committee? I made a commitment and I’ll see it through. About Jason and me, I don’t know yet, but I won’t be hiding anymore.” The waitress delivered their drinks and Cherry ordered two of the day’s specials. At the rate they were sucking down the margaritas, she’d be flat on her face kissing the floor very soon if she didn’t get some food in her.

“Speaking of committee duties, I didn’t want to say anything yesterday, but the insurance has denied the claim. They’re blaming Jason’s crew. Stan’s making noise to get them fired and says he can get RI Builders to lower their bid. Mr. North let me know before I left work yesterday. We need another gala-sized fund-raiser, and then the center would be set.”

“Well, there is
Love in Shangri-La
. They sent me another invitation,” Cherry said.

“Another? How many times do you need to say no for them to get it? Six, seven? They’re worse than telemarketers. Maybe it’s time to change your phone number and e-mail address.” Tawny looked at her, really looked, then her eyes opened up a little wider and her jaw dropped a hair’s breadth. “You’re thinking of saying yes?” The words came out slow, almost hesitant.

Cherry nodded. She still couldn’t quite say the words, couldn’t make it off icial . . . yet. Tawny had been the first person she’d shared her idea of appearing on
Finding Mr. Right
with. They’d even applied and gone on the show together—Tawny had been the smart one and went home on the third episode, thus keeping her life sane. It made sense she’d be the first one Cherry would share this decision with now. The waitress delivered their meals, giving Cherry time to center her mind and emotions.

“Oh my gawd, you really are going to do it. Have you told Jason yet?”

Cherry slowly shook her head. “I needed to talk to you first. For you to tell me I’m not crazy.”

“Uh, girlfriend, I hate to tell you this, but you
are
crazy. You’ve got a great guy and you’re willing to risk losing him over what? A commitment? The responsibility lands on all of us, not just you.”

Tawny had a point. Two years ago Cherry had set out on a quest to find love, the happily-ever-after kind, her Prince Charming. Somewhere along the way she’d taken a left at Albuquerque, bypassed the enchanted forest, and landed in the first layer of hell.

Through a lot of hard work she’d climbed out of purgatory and back to the real world and maybe, just maybe found her Prince Not-Always-Charming-Sometimes-Arrogant-But-Rocks-Her-Socks-Off.

Why risk it?

It was an excellent question. Cherry rubbed at her temple trying to gather the words to explain the jumbled mess in her head, not sure if she understood her own logic. “You know what my second thought was when you asked me to join you? Here’s my chance to show the world I wasn’t the horrible person Ari painted me to be.” She took a long sip of her drink. “In retrospect, I sound exactly like that awful woman. Totally self-absorbed.”

Tawny scooted her chair closer, wrapped an arm around Cherry’s shoulders, and tugged her in for a quick hug. “I think it’s called survival instinct. You were persecuted for months by the tabloids. Looking to see if this project could erase some of their backlash is normal human behavior, and you’re one of the least self-centered people I know.”

Tawny had always been her rock. Today was no exception. There was more to accepting the offer than she cared to discuss right now, even with her best friend. “Thanks. You have to admit it’d be the fastest way to bring in the money we need.”

Digging into the now-lukewarm enchiladas the women lapsed into silence as Tawny devoured hers and Cherry made an attempt to eat.

Tawny asked, “When do you leave for LA?”

Having a friend who
got
her was a priceless gift. Tawny might not agree with everything Cherry did or said, but she always stood by her side, ready to fight those who mocked or opposed. Cherry could only hope she’d been gifted twice in her life and Jason would do the same.

“Probably not for a couple of weeks. They finished shooting
Finding Mr. Right
two weeks ago, and I only responded this morning to Chris’s e-mail saying I’d think about it.”

“The host e-mailed you himself? They must want you bad.” Tawny gave her a teasing smile. “What’s your game plan with Jason in regard to the show?” Tawny signaled for the waitress to clear the dishes and asked her to bring a couple of glasses of water over.

“Honesty. It’s the best policy, after all. They’re offering me a nice enticement to appear, twenty thousand an episode. It’s not like the other spin-off where I have to play games and get the viewers’ votes.”

“But?”

“I do have to get asked by one of the guys in order to stay for the next week. If I make it through the first week, the next week the decision is in the women’s hands. So, looking at making at least sixty thousand, which isn’t bad for hanging at the beach for three weeks.” She had to have faith that not all of the former bachelors hated her.

“What about the dates? There has to be some kind of connection to stay, right?”

“A problem I haven’t figured out how to solve yet.”

 

Jason heard the excited whines coming from Bam in the backyard letting him know Tucker and Cherry had arrived. He wiped his hands on the dishrag, slung it over his shoulder, and headed out to greet them. The steaks were marinating in the fridge, and he’d thrown together a salad and baked a loaf of bread for dinner. At one point he’d thought about trying his hand at baking brownies for dessert, but figured he’d screw them up. If Cherry wanted dessert—something besides him—she’d have to settle for fruit or ice cream.

Hmm, ice cream. Maybe he should check and see how much chocolate syrup was left. Cherry unhooked Tucker and the two dogs took off at a mad dash around the yard. Several times Cherry had to do a little side-step jig to avoid being mowed down. Laughing, she reached Jason to snuggle into his side while they watched the manic game of tag.

“I think they’re happy to see each other, although they act like it’s been years when it’s been what, nine hours?”

“I know how they feel.” Jason settled his lips on Cherry’s, drew her in, inhaling her sweet aroma. “Peaches and strawberries, perfect combination with chocolate.”

She tilted her head back, a quizzical look across her face. “What?”

“You smell like peaches and taste like strawberries. Earlier I was thinking of the fun we could have with chocolate sauce. First, I’ve made dinner for you and then, if you’re a good girl, we’ll see about dessert.” He ran his finger down her nose, giving it a playful tap on the tip.

Cherry slid her hands up under his shirt, running her nails across his chest, scraping his nipples. He held his ground, watching the playful smile as she worked to drive him nuts. Not hard when looking at her got him hot and hard.

“What if I’m a bad girl? Do I still get dessert?” she teased.

She nibbled along his jawline, working her way toward his ear. Her nails scraped down his back. Switching gears, her touch became soft as she trailed the tips of her fingers along the waistband of his worn jeans, working her way inside. A nip on his earlobe sent a rush flooding through him. Intense pressure as she sucked it into her wet, warm mouth nearly sent him over the edge. Screw dinner, the longer the steak marinated, the better it’d taste anyway.

“Come on.” He tugged her by the hand, leading her through the house at a half run.

“Where are we going?” she asked breathlessly.

“To give you your just desserts.”

He led them to his bedroom, where all the curtains were drawn, keeping prying eyes and lenses away. The dogs would alert them to any unwanted guests, but he wasn’t taking any chances.

“Turn around.” He slipped her sweater off, revealing bare shoulders kissed by the sun many times over. He followed their path with his mouth, trailing kisses down her back to stop where material met flesh. He unzipped her sundress, slipped the thin straps down her arms, and let the offending garment pool at her feet, leaving her standing in a pair of silky hot pink panties and black heels.

He skimmed his hand up her stomach, cupping a warm breast with one hand, thumbing the nipple. His other hand slipped between the silk of the material and the flesh between her thighs. “You drive me crazy. This isn’t how I planned for tonight to go. I wanted to take it slow. Wine you and dine you.”

She pushed back against him. “I’ve always believed in the theory ‘life’s short, have dessert first.’ ”

He nudged her panties down, until she stepped clear. When she bent to take her shoes off, he told her to leave them. Quickly he shucked his shirt and jeans off, slipped on a condom, and backed Cherry against the wall. He skimmed his hands up her sides, took her wrists, and held them over her head.
Mine
, he thought. “Tell me you want me.”

She met his gaze, her own full of heat and desire. “I want you. Now.”