Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0) Page 19

  “You built this?” She’d known that he owned a construction company, but the news shocked her. “Wow! It is wonderful.”

  “Well, I didn’t do everything. I designed it and did work on it, but so did a lot of other workers at my business.”

  “Still ... to be able to do this ... wow ...” she said again, dragging out the word, truly impressed.

  He wrapped his arms around her again, pleased by her acceptance. He’d meant what he’d said; he would have built her another house if she’d wanted him to.

  “I’m so delighted you like it.” Jordan took her hand, leading her downstairs to the kitchen. “Are you hungry? Want to order in?”

  “Starving!” They hadn’t eaten since that morning. She walked into the pantry and then rummaged through the fridge and freezer. “I can find something to make, though. What would you like to eat?”

  “Umm ... I’m not sure ... what can you make?” he asked, an inquisitive look on his face.

  “Well, I don’t know what you have, but I can prepare just about darn near anything.”

  His eyes widened. “You can cook?”

  “Of course, I can cook,” she said indignantly. “I’m an excellent cook. I’ve worked in restaurants for the last five years, and my father was an incredible cook.”

  He grabbed her up in a hug. “Whoo-hoo! I was afraid to ask ... I just figured it was too good to be true; you couldn’t possibly know how to cook too. Yes!”

  “She’s a Christian, and she can cook,” she mocked, moving out from under his arms. “Maybe your mother won’t give you a hard time.” He looked embarrassed. She couldn’t help but laugh at his assumption. Typical man ... the only thing better than a pretty woman was a woman who could cook.

  He leaned back against the island, watching every step she took, as if intrigued by her very steps. “It wouldn’t matter if she did.”

  She rummaged through the freezer, finding some frozen chicken patties. In the pantry, she pulled out a box of pasta and jarred spaghetti sauce. It wouldn’t be as tasty as homemade chicken Parmesan, but it would work in a fix. “You didn’t leave me much in the way of fresh ingredients, but I can throw something together. Just remember it’s not homemade. I’ll do better I promise. We’ll go shopping tomorrow for food too. Okay?”

  He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the side of her neck. “I love you, Jaynee.” She saw a light glaze in his eyes, but ignored it, not wanting to embarrass him.

  “Go sit down, Jordan. This will take all of fifteen minutes.” She shoved him off with a kiss on the cheek and a slap on his cute butt.

  A wide smile lifted his face. “Then after dinner, I get my surprise?”

  “Yes,” she agreed, satisfied with this simple gift she could offer. He liked surprises, and she could cook. She would do everything possible to make him happy so he wouldn’t toss her aside as everyone else had done her entire life.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Jaynee felt warm lips on her head. She opened her eyes, immediately darting her gaze to the clock. “Six forty-five,” she groaned.

  She never woke up before seven ... usually not even before eight. Years in the restaurant business had made her a late riser. And after staying in Vegas for five days on Pacific Time, it felt like the middle of the night.

  Jordan brushed the hair off her face and kissed her again. “Come on, sleepyhead, we have to be out of the house by eight-fifteen.”

  She rolled over and resituated herself. “I can get ready in half an hour.” She did the mental math. “Wake me at seven forty-five.”

  Not thwarted by her protest, he scooted up behind her. “That gives us an hour. Are you sure I can’t persuade you to wake up now?” He nuzzled his face into her neck and pulled the blanket off her waist. It didn’t cover much of her anyway; she only covered her midriff when she slept. Otherwise, she felt claustrophobic.

  His hands made their slow way over her hips and ended up latched around her, pulling her against his body.

  She sighed in acquiescence, forgiving him promptly for waking her so early.

  Their first stop of the day was a Nissan dealership on Independence Boulevard. Jaynee watched as Jordan strolled by the salesmen lurking around the front door, heading directly to the receptionist.

  Within minutes, they were seated and signing papers. The salesman, Keith, escorted them around the building, showing them their new car, pointing out options and describing in detail the aspects of the new Altima.

  Jordan stepped back and gestured to Jaynee. “Don’t tell me; it’s her car.”

  “I’m sorry,” Keith apologized, starting over, paying attention to her.

  After the salesman had finished his presentation, Jordan pulled him to the side. “Just deliver the car to the address on the paperwork.” He took her arm and started to walk away.

  “Uh, sir.” Keith ran up behind them. “Um, I have to check with my manager.”

  Jordan gave him a stern nod. “Go ahead.”

  Jaynee watched the exchange in reverence. Jordan was like a different person when he put on his — she assumed — cop persona. He stood perfectly still while he waited for the salesman to process his request.

  The salesman left them for a few minutes and then returned with a smile. “Whenever you would like it, sir,” he offered, seemingly embarrassed he’d even had to ask.

  Jordan’s mouth lifted on one side. He loved getting his way. “Today, whenever, just drop it off at our home address and leave the keys inside. It’ll be fine.” And with that, Jordan directed her from the dealership and helped her into his truck.

  “Do you like it?” he asked, after he climbed in and started the truck.

  She nodded, but furrowed her brows. “Of course, but how ...” she trailed off, not surprised. He seemed to conduct business quite well over the phone and via his laptop.

  “I have a woman named J.T. She locates all my commercial vehicles. She does all the footwork. All I do is sign. I never even have to go to the dealership; she brings them to my business. This was a special occasion, though.” He turned the radio on but kept the volume low. “So, it’s what you wanted?”

  “It’s perfect.” Jaynee narrowed her eyes at him as a thought occurred to her. “So, what does the J.T. stand for?”

  “I never asked,” he replied without hesitation.

  “Really?” She found that hard to accept. “Is she not attractive?”

  He shrugged. “I suppose so, never thought about her that way. She’s married.”

  “I just assumed since the way you bugged me about calling myself C.J., not accepting ‘no’ for an answer until I admitted my entire name —”

  He interrupted her with a boisterous laugh. “Oh, is that what you’re getting at?” Her comment obviously caught him off guard. “Jaynee, your name had nothing to do with my persistence. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you, and to be quite honest, know everything about you, including why you called yourself C.J.” He tore his eyes off the road for a quick glance at her, seemingly amused. “You’re so silly. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’re jealous of someone you’ve never met.”

  “I guess when you said, ‘you have a woman,’ well, I suppose I am,” she retorted, serious.

  He reached for her hand. “You don’t have to be, love. There’s no way any other woman will ever catch my eye. It’s not possible. You’ve changed me completely from the moment we met. It was the same with my father and my grandfather.” He curled his hand around hers, bringing it to his lips. “So, it’s your dream car?” he asked, changing the subject.

  “Yes, I love it! I can’t wait to drive it. But, I prefer being with you than driving alone.”

  He smiled, seeming to appreciate her honesty.

  Their next stop was a furniture store. It was as if Jordan already knew what he’d described would be there. They found the bedroom set he’d envisioned; though, he’d made her feel as if she’d discovered it. It was perfect. She could feel the island breezes already. He ordered the
complete set, which they agreed to deliver by tomorrow. Again, part of his persuasion and the fact he must be a regular customer.

  Their last stop was Harris Teeter. It was strange, grocery shopping together. It made their impromptu marriage suddenly authentic. Jaynee made her way down every aisle as she’d always done at home, the way her grandmother had taught her. Jordan continually checked the time on his phone, as if he were in a hurry. He probably only came into a grocery store on the rare occasion he was going to cook and even then just for that night.

  When they hit the third aisle and he sighed, she smiled up at him. “Are you in a hurry, Mr. Monroe?”

  “I’m always in a hurry, but right now, I just want to make sure we’re home before the family arrives.”

  She kept her expression blank; she’d almost forgotten about the cookout. “I thought country boys were supposed to be laid back. We have plenty of time,” she glanced at her phone, “it’s only one o’clock. If you want to eat, I need groceries.” Then a thought occurred to her. “What do we need for tonight?”

  “Nothing but drinks. My sisters are taking care of everything ... their gift to us. And I told you ... I’m not your typical country boy.” He grinned and made an effort to throw something in the cart.

  “I’ll hurry,” she assured him.

  She grabbed a few of her favorite staples, then headed to the produce section to select fresh salad fixings. She mostly bought frozen vegetables, her favorite other than planting her own like Gram always had. She’d have to try her luck at a garden now that she was in a real home. She sighed in contentment at the thought.

  Jordan looked down, touching her arm. “Is everything okay,” he asked. “I’m not in a hurry really, just impatient, but I’m better now ... this is kinda fun.” He’d grabbed a few items he liked.

  “That was good sighing, Jordan ... this is fun.” She gestured her hand indicating the two of them. “I was picturing a garden if you can imagine. A week ago, I had no idea I wanted to be married. Now I’m daydreaming of gardens. Who would have thought?”

  He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer. “Me.” Then he looked at her and winked. “I’ll eventually learn your sounds, Jaynee. I’m very good at reading people. Cop, remember?”

  “How could I forget? You always look as if you’re on the lookout for some threat.” She sighed again to keep him guessing and then walked toward the checkout.

  They headed back to the house, about a thirty-five minute drive. Living in Stanfield would take some adjusting. She was accustomed to everything being five to ten minutes away from her home in Florida.

  Jaynee put everything away, then darted upstairs to freshen up before her in-laws arrived.

  Jordan walked up a few minutes later, carrying her personal boxes from Florida. “It’s a beautiful night, so I’m going to prepare the backyard for company. Dinners always seem less formal outside, don’t you think?”

  She nodded, feeling relieved he wanted to make her comfortable. After all, he couldn’t be nervous; they were his family and were evidently familiar with his history of making quick-second decisions in life-altering situations according to him.

  She unpacked all her clothes, but unfortunately, the movers must have missed some items. She’d known the exact sundress she’d wanted to wear ... now she had no idea what would look good. Everything Jordan had bought for her felt too dressy.

  Frustrated, she decided a shower would help her relax, and she could do her hair and makeup from scratch so that she’d look refreshed.

  Thirty minutes later, she was just staring at her face in the mirror, debating on which color shadow to use.

  “Are you okay, Jaynee?” Jordan whispered as he walked into the bathroom.

  She jumped for no reason; he hadn’t even spoken loud.

  She attempted a smile. “Yes, I’m just trying to look presentable.”

  “You’re undeniably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, and I know my family is going to love you as much as I do.” He wrapped his arms around her and stared at her in the mirror. “But I’d like it if you could be downstairs before they arrive.”

  “I won’t be long,” she insisted.

  He kissed her neck and turned to leave.

  “Oh, by the way ... Jordan?” He looked back in her direction. “Did you unpack all my stuff?”

  “Yeah ... all the boxes marked clothes, bedroom, and bath. Why?”

  “I’m missing bits and pieces of clothes and stuff, and I knew exactly what outfit I wanted to wear.”

  “I’ll look again, and if not, I’ll call the movers in the morning to check if they left anything behind.” He paused at the door. “Please hurry, Jaynee.”

  She sighed. “I won’t be late. I promise.”

  Jaynee chose neutral colors, nothing flashy. She’d wear jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt, similar to what Jordan was wearing.

  She decided to style her hair. She had thick, unruly hair that could be curled or straightened, but it needed to be one or the other. She opted for straight, no reason to look wild. She followed the hairdryer with a flatiron; she wanted it to be impeccably straight and shiny tonight. Maybe it wouldn’t curl up as it did in the Florida humidity.

  She took one last look at herself. She didn’t see what Jordan saw, but she’d always thought she looked good enough.

  It was a quarter to six when she started downstairs. The scent of charcoal wafted through the house; it smelled homey, like all the cookouts at her uncle’s house growing up. She’d always envied their family. She loved her cousins, but it wasn’t the same as having siblings. Though she loved them, she never felt as if she’d belonged.

  Jordan sprinted from the sofa to meet her at the bottom of the stairs. He looked up at her. “You look sensational. How is it possible you look better every time I see you?”

  Feeling the warmth spread across her cheeks, she smiled. “I think you’re biased.”

  “I don’t think so.” He stopped her two steps from the landing, kissing her and then pulling back to look at her. “I’m not sure this was a good idea. I don’t think I want to share you tonight or any other night for that matter. Your eyes are incredible, do you know that?” He smoothed his palms down her hair. “And your hair, it’s beautiful. I like it the other way, but this is different. It’s so soft.” He abruptly exhaled. “Oh well, too late, I hear my mom. I knew she’d be the first to arrive and early as always. Let’s go, Mrs. Monroe.”

  He afforded her one more kiss, then lifted her by her waist and set her on the floor. She realized she’d been holding her breath; she hadn’t even responded to his comments.

  “Thank you, Jordan.” She looked up at him. “For everything.”

  He squeezed her hand and opened the front door, leading her out to the porch to greet his family.

  She inhaled a deep breath. Everything would be fine. What’s the worst that could happen? It wasn’t as if any of them would try to kill her.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Her mother-in-law had just stepped out of the car and was already walking around to the passenger side of her Crown Victoria to help Jordan’s grandmother, when Jaynee followed Jordan outside.

  Jordan kissed her on the cheek. “Wait here.” He darted down the steps to assist his grandmother before his mother could. Jaynee waited, feeling self-conscious, not knowing what to do or say. Pat ascended the porch in quick steps while Jordan took them slowly, assisting his grandmother.

  As Pat approached, Jaynee saw her eyes turn glassy. She held out her arms as she approached Jaynee, “Oh, my Lord, honey,” she exclaimed, embracing Jaynee in an unyielding squeeze. “You’re gorgeous.” She leaned back and inspected Jaynee thoughtfully. “Jordan, you could have told us you married a supermodel.” Her southern drawl was stronger than Jordan’s. Her words were slow, and each one had an inflection as though uttered in deep meaning.

  Jaynee blushed, lowering her head. She could never be confused with a supermodel.

  “Mom ...” Jordan c
omplained. “You’re embarrassing her.” He took Jaynee’s hand. “Mom, this is Jaynee. Jaynee — Pat Monroe.”

  “Oh, dear, please call me Mom ... if you’re comfortable, that is.”

  Jaynee smiled shyly, still embarrassed. “It’s nice to meet you.” Could she call her Mom? She struggled for years to call her own mother ‘Mom’. Usually she didn’t call her anything and just spoke directly to her, but she already felt an attraction to this wonderful woman. “Mom sounds nice; I’d like that.”

  Pat turned to Jordan and slapped his arm, but then wrapped her arms around his waist, pulling him into a tight hug. “You could have warned us, Jordan.”

  Jaynee wasn’t sure if she was referring to the fact he planned to get married or her looks again ... maybe both.

  Jordan stepped back toward his grandmother. “And this is Velma — everyone calls her Nanna, though.” Velma was more reserved than Pat, but she shot Jordan an enthusiastic grin as if they shared a secret, probably this mysterious myth they called the thunderbolt.

  Jaynee instantly liked both women and hoped the feelings would continue to the rest of the family.

  Jordan escorted the ladies to the backyard, and Jaynee offered them something to drink. They both requested sweet tea. Luckily, Jordan had bought two gallons. Apparently, she was going to have to learn how to make the southern staple; she’d only made it in gigantic containers before and even then just followed instructions. She’d never been a tea drinker herself, couldn’t stand the stuff. Diet coke and coffee had always been her poison. She wondered if Jordan wanted a beer. He hadn’t drunk anything the entire week they were together except a few sips of champagne. Even the bartender where she’d worked had said that he’d ordered several beers, yet only drank a few sips of each, but he’d picked up a six-pack at the store.

  Jaynee carried two glasses of iced tea to the ladies, then turned to Jordan. “Jordan, did you want a beer?”

  Jordan’s eyes shot up from the coals he was turning; he looked mystified by her question. His mother and grandmother looked to Jaynee and then to Jordan, their faces puzzled.