Catching Serenity (14 page)

Serenity stared,
appearing unsure whether to throw something at him or give in to her laughter. “Spencer’s not a stud. He just thinks he is. And it wasn’t a date. Spencer played me for a fool in high school and thought he’d make it up to me now, but he’s ten years too late,” she said. “As far as I’m concerned, he can’t go back to Hilton Head and his fascination with himself fast enough.”

That was the best
news he’d heard since he’d moved to Croisette Shores. “Not to change the subject, but I haven’t been to The Summer Palace yet,” he said. “I understand it’s the residence of one of the royals who founded our fair village.”

Her eyes
widened. “Well, it’s definitely something worth seeing,” she said, clearing her throat. “Especially if you plan on sticking around.” Tossing her hair over one shoulder, she avoided looking at him and finished her task while he watched.

“
I think I will. Stick around that is,” he said slowly, hoping that might be Serenity’s way of asking-without-really-asking a question. “Need any help over there?”

“
No, I’m fine, thanks. You could find something to do. All your staring is...well, it’s distracting me.”

“
Good.”

“
Not
good,” she said as she continued with her work. The way she twisted her lips sure looked like she was trying not to grin. He’d thrown her off-kilter as evidenced by the pretty pink flush in her cheeks. If he wasn’t mistaken, she liked his dimple, so he wanted her to catch a glimpse of it as often as possible. “What I meant is, I need to know the focal point of your office.”

“
Okay, tell me something.” Stretching his arms behind him, he leaned on his hands. “Why exactly does my office
need
a focal point?”

“
Because all spaces should have one. It’s not mandatory, of course, but again, it makes them more interesting.” He couldn’t miss the relief in her voice as they got back to business. “It’s something you build around. Like a conversation starter. In your case, it’d be good if it’s something connected with the specifics of what you do and tie it in with kids. Igor could be one, but it’d be good if you had something behind your desk, mounted on the wall.” Her eyes darted to the terrarium. “Hey, you could—”

He sat up straighter and held up one hand.
“Don’t even think of suggesting anything to do with taxidermy, but I get your point. A dentist has a chair and the rinse-and-spit thing, a pediatrician has an examining table. That sort of thing. For the record, I don’t have a miniature shrink couch for little people. I prefer to shrink my patients with them sitting upright, but I have a kid-sized chair. But, always, gummi worms are included as enticement.” The corners of his mouth twitched in spite of his best efforts. “They’re indigenous to my practice.”

“
Cherry’s the best flavor, of course, but gummi worms aren’t a focal point.”

“
Right,” he said. “Let me think on it a few days. How about you meet me—and Charlie—at The Summer Palace—tomorrow morning, and I’ll have the answer for a focal point.” He already knew the perfect focal point for his office, but why not parlay it into another opportunity to see her? He could almost read her indecision. “If it entices you to come, I’ll bring along a personal supply of cherry gummis.”

“
Tell you what,” she said, “I haven’t been to The Summer Palace in years. It might be fun, and we can discuss more decorating ideas while we’re there. As I recall, there’s a huge library and home office there. You can tell me what you like and don’t like amidst all the opulence.”

“
Serenity, you
do
realize I’m not inviting you to actually discuss wallpaper or room design?” What possessed him to say that? Because it was the truth, screaming to be said.

“
I know, and as long as you understand it’s not a date.” She shrugged. “Take it or leave it.”

Jackson couldn
’t help his wry grin. “I heard you the first time. You don’t date. Not really. If it’s better for you, we can consider Charlie our chaperone.”

“
Why are you inviting me, Jackson? Be honest.” She pushed her hair behind her shoulder with an annoyed frown. “Do you have a rubber band?”

Shooting her a curious glance, he moved over to his desk and fished around in the middle drawer. Locating a medium-sized band, he tossed it to her.
“Will this work?” He couldn’t wait to see how she’d use it to measure a wall. Putting the ruler on the floor, she quickly secured her hair in a high ponytail. He liked her hair down but this look was...cute and playful and showed off her long neck and enticing curve of her jaw to full advantage.

“
You’re staring at me again.”

“
Hazard of being around you.” That comment brought the lovely flush to her cheeks again. “I want you to come along because you’re my friend who happens to be my decorator. I’ll give you my opinion of the moldings and the layout of the sitting room or something. They might even have a chair rail or two, so we can call it an educational tour. Oh, and don’t forget the playground renovation meeting is at Town Hall at three tomorrow. If you want, we can tour The Summer Palace and then go to lunch before the meeting. Make a day of it.”

There was a lot more he
’d like to say to her, but if he voiced his thoughts aloud, he knew she’d run screaming. As it was, he wondered about his growing feelings for Serenity. He couldn’t stop thinking about her and wanted to know more about her story. He’d picked up on all the little hints the townspeople had dropped. Then they’d bring up another subject, and for that, he was thankful. Sure, he wanted to know everything about Serenity, but he wanted to hear it from her and no one else. The irony? She was the first woman he’d wanted to date in a long time, but she kept herself so far off-limits he might as well forget hoping for anything more. This was a woman who had deep issues from her past to resolve before she could move forward in any kind of relationship. The way she kept him at a safe distance, he suspected she wouldn’t let
anyone
close.

“
Okay,” she said. “As you would say, it sounds like a plan. What time shall I meet you at The Summer Palace?”

“
You won’t because I’m picking you up at your office.”

At first, she looked as though she might resist, but then the slightest hint of a smile emerged. As he watched, her lips curved even more. Patience was reward enough as
Serenity’s smile found a whole new place inside him.

~
CHAPTER 14~

After meeting with another new client late in the afternoon, Serenity dropped by the realty office in the hope she
’d find Deidre there. “Is she in?” she asked the receptionist. The young woman was on the phone but nodded and motioned down the hall. Swinging around the corner, Serenity breezed into Deidre’s office. As recently as six months ago, she couldn’t have done it, and she’d have waited to be announced. Far be it from her to know where this new confidence was coming from, but she liked it. She’d ponder the possible reasons why another time.

“
Don’t you ever knock?” Deidre said, glancing up at her from beneath the tortoiseshell rim of her glasses. The woman even made wearing eyeglasses the height of sophistication.

“
As your best friend, I have inherent liberties. I didn’t know you wore glasses.”

“
They’re readers and my concession to getting older. I don’t allow many to see them, you know, so you should feel special.” She removed them and placed them on the desk.

“
You’re like fine wine, Deidre. I was in the area and thought I’d stop by and say hi.”

“
Glad you did. Tell me about your non-date with Spencer last night. Subconsciously, I’m sure that’s probably why you’re here.” Deidre inspected a nail and reached into her desk drawer, pulling out a scary-looking metal file. “Did the big man on campus behave himself? For starters, I’m sure he told you all about his incredibly successful business empire.”

“
Yes, I heard all about the sporting goods store in Hilton Head,” Serenity said, taking the seat across from her friend’s desk. “He talked about it incessantly during dinner, but I tuned out the drone after a while. I think he’s expanding into other cities, but don’t quote me on that.”

Straightening in her chair, Deidre pointed the nail file at her and looked ready to dispense more advice.

“Please don’t point that thing at me. People have done time for less,” Serenity said.

“
Sorry.” Opening the drawer again, Deidre dropped it inside. “Tell me what Spencer asked about
you
. Surely he didn’t talk about himself the entire evening?” When Serenity didn’t answer, her friend slapped one hand on the desk. “Are you kidding me? That guy must be an even bigger jerk than before!”

“
Spencer tries too hard to earn friends the wrong way. From what I remember, he’s always been that way. It’s nothing new.”

“
You’re being too generous, and don’t be naïve. At least you got a decent meal out of it, but did he try to weasel his way into your house under the guise of a cup of coffee?” Deidre’s blue eyes widened. “Don’t even tell me you offered him one?”

“
I’m not completely clueless. Of course not. I didn’t even get to that point.” 

“
I take it Spencer got a little too friendly?”

Deidre knew her as well as anyone. She blew out the breath she
’d been holding. “He thinks because his grandparents helped me financially when I first moved to Atlanta, it’d give him an advantage and I might be inclined to grant him...special favors.”

“
Listen to me,” Deidre said. “Since I’m feeling a little generous, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and believe he might have a tiny sliver of sensitivity running through that quarterback body of his, but his brain’s clearly stuck in neutral. In high school, he was impressed with himself because of his athletic ability, but now he’s impressed with his success in the business world. Let me tell you something. His little brother Brody’s the brains behind those stores. Spencer’s only the pretty front man.” She shrugged. “They should call it Brawn & Brains—Athletic Goods for the Thinking Man.”

“
I always liked Brody,” Serenity said. “I didn’t know he was part of the business, but it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.” She’d always been impressed by Brody’s self-confidence. Physically smaller and less self-aggrandizing than his older brother, he’d been the quiet, studious one who’d shocked them all with his sharp debating skills in high school. She’d heard he’d won a full scholarship to the prestigious Wharton School. Well, good for him.

The corners of Deidre
’s mouth upturned. “Brody also married a gorgeous girl a few years ago. Some heiress from a Jersey manufacturing company or something. If you ask me, Spencer’s jealous as all get out and that’s a real thorn in his side. At the rate he’s going, he’ll be driving into the twilight with no one in the passenger seat of that Mercedes.”

Spencer
’s pointed comment about spending the rest of her life alone—his last parting gift—nagged at her, and Serenity couldn’t shake it. “In a way, I feel sorry for Spencer,” she said. “I guess the best thing we can do is pray for him. He was in church, after all, so perhaps there’s hope.”

“
Don’t think too hard about that one.”

“
What do you mean?”

“
Let’s say he had an ulterior motive, and I’m not talking about drawing closer to the Almighty.” When she gave her friend a blank stare, Deidre sighed. “Come on, honey. Spencer only showed up because he thought you might be there.”

Serenity narrowed her eyes.
“Tell me what you know.”

“
Okay, don’t get mad, but my hubby ran into Spencer at McHenry’s last Saturday and they got to reminiscing. Your name came up. At some point, I’d told Wes about your...faith, and I might have said something about you going to church. My husband apparently passed on that little tidbit to Spencer. Sorry if Wes sent the octopus your way, but you know Spencer always took advantage of every opportunity. How’d you manage to get rid of him, anyway? I hope you didn’t have to call the authorities.”

The corners of Serenity
’s mouth twitched. “Mrs. Marciano, my self-proclaimed bodyguard, stomped across the yard wielding a cast iron skillet. I don’t know how she even lifts that thing, and I hope she doesn’t hurt herself. She threatened Spencer and he took off like a scared rabbit. It did the trick. I don’t think I have to worry about him coming around again.”

“
Good thing,” Deidre said. “By the way, I heard Jackson was at that new Asian place Wes’s cousin opened the other night.” She raised a perfectly-arched brow. “With Hayley Foster. Word is they’re working together on some project, but she wants it to be more.”

Serenity tried to ignore the sudden pang of jealousy. She stared out the window at the gathering dark, low-hanging clouds, ripe with the promise of
rain. Jackson had explained his working relationship with Hayley, and she had no reason to doubt him.

“
Isn’t that what Jackson’s doing with you, working on a...project?”

“
Deidre, you know very well we’re working together.” Serenity didn’t bother masking her annoyance. “Not to sound like a whiner, but I’m tired of everyone in this town knowing what I’m doing, where I am at any given moment, who I’m with, what I order for dinner, what time I get home. The looks, the insinuations I get at the bank, the store, and pretty much everywhere. If Jackson wants to work on a project with a different woman every night of the week, that’s his prerogative and none of my business.”

Deidre gave her a penetrating look, the corners of her exquisitely-painted
red lips threatening another impending smile, this one much too smug. “I didn’t say that to make you jealous, but somehow I think I hit my mark. Look, here’s the thing. I know you’re scared, but you can’t let one bad date”—she raised her hand—“okay, technically
not
a date, but don’t let it spoil the chance for a relationship with anyone else. So, you went out with Spencer hoping to clear up some old baggage from high school. Bad move, girlfriend, but you learned your lesson and now it’s time to move on. All I’m saying is, you might want to play nice with yummy Dr. Ross and see what happens.”

“
Deidre, this insatiable desire to know everything about my personal life is starting to border on harassment. I have to tell you, it’s a little scary sometimes.”

“
Oh, it’s not harassment.” Deidre sat back in her chair and crossed her arms, appearing pleased.

Serenity met Deidre
’s gaze. “What would you call it then?”

A smile creased her friend
’s face. “Love.”

Ever since Jackson
had pulled out that old black and white photo from the box he unpacked in her office, Serenity couldn’t stop thinking about her mother. She sat at the kitchen table with her dad as they shared a simple meal of chicken salad sandwiches and fresh fruit salad later that evening. After bowing her head for a quick prayer, she began eating and observed how his appetite seemed improved. The color in his cheeks was better and he’d been getting out for some fresh air every day.

He asked about her business and seemed pleased to hear she
’d gained a few more clients. When she told him their names, he nodded. “Watch out for old Bing Warren,” he said with a chuckle. “That guy tried to date your mama when she first moved here to Croisette Shores. He spurred me on to put a ring on Elise’s finger to let him know she was taken.”

“
I’m sure Mama made it perfectly clear. And I don’t think he’ll be coming after me. At least I hope not.” She cringed at the thought. He was her father’s age.

Clinton shook his head.
“The old codger’s still single. If he’d clean himself up a bit and mind his manners, he might have half a chance.”

“
Karen Gorham might be interested,” she said, giving him a sly glance.

Chewing a bite of
apple from the fruit salad, he grinned. “You might be right. She keeps trying, bless her heart.”

They ate in silence for a couple of minutes
as she tried to formulate questions in her mind. Questions she needed to ask even though she risked upsetting him. “Dad, why do you think Mama left?” she said. “Or do you even believe that’s what she did?” She pushed aside her empty plate. “I guess what I’m trying to say is...do you think Mama even had a choice whether to leave?”

Clinton fiddled with his spoon and tapped it against the
ceramic bowl. Finally, he put it down and ran a hand over his grizzled chin. He needed a good shave and a haircut. “Too much sadness, I think.”

“
So, you’re saying you think she left voluntarily?” She let out a low groan. Thinking such a thing was bad enough, but hearing it from her father somehow made it worse. More like a reality she hadn’t wanted to face. Still, it was the first time she’d been able to broach the subject with him since moving back home. “She was my mom, and I
needed
her. Running away was the easy thing, the selfish thing. Leaving didn’t solve anything.” Tears stung the back of her eyes.

Clinton snapped
up his head and curled his fist on the table. “Your mama’s not selfish, Serenity. You don’t know what you’re talking about. She gave up everything for you.”

“
How can you defend her, even now? After all she’s done?” She could see the muscles in his jaws flexing. Good. If he unleashed his anger, yelled, stomped, screamed or whatever, at least it’d be raw, honest emotion. Then they could deal with it and try to move past it.

“
She hated like anything to see you hurt. When Danny was murdered, your mother wished she could have traded places with him.” His eyes flashed. “Don’t think she wouldn’t have done it in a heartbeat if she could. Me, too.”