Man of the Month (Willowdale Romance Novel) (7 page)

Brad would be lucky to hook up with her. He’d never have another financial worry in his life, and that would probably be the end of Elegant Eats, because who’d have time for a catering company with all the trips to Asheville—because Whitesville wouldn’t do—to shop for clothes and shoes for trips overseas?

Jeanne slammed a cupboard shut louder than she had meant to, then rubbed her temples. “I’m calling it a night.”

“Sure thing. I’ll close up.”

She scooted out of the kitchen and berated herself the whole ride home. This was a good thing. She needed Brad to be with someone else. She should be more supportive. And she had to remember, the man was trying to set her up with other guys. No
Cosmo
quiz would ever declare that a positive sign.

JEANNE DIDN’T have to wonder long if Tara’s talons were aimed at Brad. Tara showed up the next day in her Maserati to take him out to lunch. In Whitesville.

“I can finish up these purchase orders tomorrow,” Brad told her.

“Go right ahead. We both deserve a day off after last night.”

Tara didn’t say a word to Jeanne, but wrapped her hand around Brad’s arm—no doubt enjoying the feel of those muscles—and dragged him outside.

Once the door slammed shut behind them, Jeanne whipped off her apron and threw it across the room. She grabbed a gallon of ice cream and three spoons and made a few calls.

RIGHT AFTER Jeanne got to Tonya’s
Curl E. Q. Salon
, Kate pulled up, then held up a giant chocolate bar.

“Thanks for meeting me here,” Jeanne said, swinging the door open, jingling the bells.

“Hey, ladies,” Tonya said. “Be right with you once we get Darla here washed out.”

Pansy Parker was asleep under a dryer, and Dolly was flipping through a magazine while her rollers set, but ears were always wide open at the salon no matter how much the biddies tried to pretend they weren’t listening.

Kate and Jeanne grabbed two empty chairs by the waiting area, and once Tonya finished up with her customers, she scurried over and plopped into the chair.

“We haven’t had an emergency mocha fudge meeting since the Leroy Jenkins fiasco,” Tonya said. “What gives?”

Jeanne’s gaze darted around the room, and she lowered her voice. “Brad’s out to lunch right now with Tara O’Hara.”

“Shut. Up.” Kate unwrapped her candy bar and broke off a big hunk, handing it to Jeanne. “You sure?” Kate lopped off another piece and took a big bite.

Jeanne nodded while handing Tonya the ice cream and passing out the spoons. “She came to the anti-Valentine’s party last night and latched on to Brad like fly paper.” She pointed her spoon at Kate. “And don’t even tell me what romantic stunt Teague pulled last night. I can only imagine.”

Kate smiled then zipped her lip and tucked her hand under her leg.

“He got you more diamonds, didn’t he?” Jeanne asked.

Kate wrinkled her nose. “It was a pearl he found while we were scuba diving in Hawaii last fall.” She splayed her hand for them to see.

Tonya shook her head. “How are the two of us ever supposed to match that?”

“Tara O’Hara is probably eating pearls for lunch, plucked out of the oysters she’s no doubt feeding Brad as an aphrodisiac to lure him into her bed,” Jeanne said, scooping out a giant mound of ice cream and stuffing it in her mouth.

Tonya raised an eyebrow. “So this is a love emergency? But you don’t like Brad—you’re just friends, remember? Why does this bother you so much?”

Jeanne opened and closed her mouth. “No, it’s not a love emergency. Well, I suppose it’s an emergency for him. Just because I don’t want to go out with him doesn’t mean I want Tara O’Hara going out with him. I need to protect him from someone like that.” She nodded.

“Sure, that’s what it is,” Kate said.

“It is,” Jeanne said. “I can’t let him end up with her. You know, out of friendship and all.”

“It’s just lunch,” Tonya said.

“He dropped everything and ran when she showed up out of the blue today,” Jeanne explained “I bet she didn’t even take him to lunch, she probably dragged him right to her bedroom.”

“Her room’s the size of the Save Mart,” Kate said, wide-eyed. She shrugged. “She had a sleepover once in high school. I was never invited back. Wonder if it’s ‘cause I was rooting through her underwear drawer trying to find out if she really wore gold-threaded thongs.” She shrugged. “That’s what the McClacken twins told me.”

“Yeah, well, I’d take my own dumpy apartment any day instead of still living at home,” Tonya said.

“She has her own wing, not just her own bedroom,” Jeanne clarified. “She probably never even sees her mother. Brad could be yelling for help, and no one would hear him.”

“If he’s yelling right now, I don’t think it’ll be for help,” Kate said.

Jeanne grabbed the rest of the candy bar from her. “You two are no use at all. Except for the chocolate.”

“I’m sure she’ll tire of him soon,” Tonya said. “If they’re together, it won’t be for long.”

“But then he could be heartbroken,” Jeanne said.

“No, I meant, she’ll tire out today. In bed. She doesn’t look like she has much stamina,” Tonya clarified. “They wouldn’t be doing the deed for long.”

Jeanne groaned. “I’ve got to put a stop this.”

“Maybe it would be good for you if he wasn’t available,” Kate said softly. “I know, I know, not that you like him. I’m just saying.”

Tonya nodded.

“Fine. But if he doesn’t show up for work tomorrow, we’re storming the O’Hara place like it’s the War of the States all over again,” Jeanne promised.

BRAD DIDN’T show up to work the next morning, but he did call. “Jeanne, can you handle the lunch orders today?”

This was a first. She sank onto a stool, sipping her coffee—the special Hawaiian blend Brad had bought her for Christmas. “Sure. Where are you?”

“Home. Where’d you think I’d be?”

“Just curious is all. Why can’t you make it in today?”

“Tara’s taking me to her meet her mom. We’re going out to dinner tonight. Isn’t that great?”

She spit out her mouthful of joe. Damn. He was falling fast. Guess that’s how it happens for some folks. And he sounded so happy, she couldn’t say no. “So, where’s she taking you?”
Flying you to New York, perhaps? A limo ride to Charlotte?

“We’re going to Scalia’s tonight at seven.”

Didn’t know why he needed the whole day off for that. “You sure you know what you’re doing?”

“Of course.”

She dumped her coffee in the sink. It tasted bitter. “Good. I’ve got things under control here.”

But three burned pies later, she realized that was a lie. She couldn’t take it. She had to tell Brad what she thought about this O’Hara madness.

JEANNE KEPT telling herself she wasn’t going to crash their dinner. No, she’d just asked Tonya and Kate to meet her for drinks at Scalia’s bar. At seven-thirty. And Brad would just happen to be there. Of course, the only people usually bellied up to Scalia’s bar were those waiting for a table. The Hideaway was the place to meet friends for a few cold ones.

“I’m just feeling classier than that tonight,” she told herself as she slicked on a second coat of mascara. She hadn’t exactly mentioned to the girls that Brad would be there with the O’Haras.

She slipped on her teal dress, only because she was going to the fanciest place in town. It had nothing to do with how Brad had once mentioned it made her green eyes glow. She drove to the restaurant and waited for the girls to arrive. When Kate pulled up in her Jeep with Tonya, the three of them walked inside.

Jeanne spotted him immediately, like she had Brad radar. He was laughing at something Tara had said. He didn’t even notice them enter the restaurant. Mrs. O’Hara was beaming. Jeanne fumed.

Tonya snatched Jeanne by the sleeve and dragged her over to the bar. “We’ll have three vodka tonics.”

“Give me three of my own,” Jeanne said.

Kate frowned. “Maybe no alcohol for you.”

Jeanne slipped onto a barstool and folded her arms. “I just can’t believe it. He’s getting it on with Tara O’Hara.”

Tonya set her hand on Jeanne’s shoulder. “Technically, they’re not getting it on right now. They’re out to dinner.”

Kate grabbed a swizzle stick lying on the bar and snapped it in half. “With her mother!” She scanned the bar, looking for one of those tiny plastic swords bartenders spear fruit with. Maybe she could use it on Tara.

“Let’s go over this again,” Kate said. “You either can’t, won’t, or don’t want to be with him. It’s gonna be a whole lot easier on you if he’s off the market.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to be left out when Mr. March turns out to be your dream guy,” Tonya said.

“Right. I know all that. I don’t mind Brad settling down. Just not with her.”

“Girl, she’s the most eligible bachelorette in Willowdale,” Kate said. “Hell, probably in all of Carson County.”

“Why exactly did we come here?” Tonya asked. “Are we supposed to take Mrs. O’Hara back in the alley and rough her up? That’s more my Cousin Inez’s speed, but I’ll do what I can.”

“No,” Jeanne said. “I don’t know. I just wanted to see for myself. Something isn’t right here, and I aim to figure out what.”

Kate nudged Jeanne with her elbow. “Tara’s heading for the bathroom. Might be your chance to find out.”

Jeanne hopped off the stool, took a sip of her drink for courage, and marched to the bathroom—scooting behind the divider in the middle of the room so Brad wouldn’t see her.

Tara was washing up when Jeanne walked in.

“Hi there, sugar,” Tara said.

Probably doesn’t even know my name
, thought Jeanne. “Wow, the Anti-Valentine’s party worked its magic for you.”

“It did. Thanks so much. It was a lot of fun—and I got to meet Brad. I’m expecting an engagement ring by the end of the month thanks to that party.”

Jeanne dropped her purse. “What? Are you kidding me? Don’t you think that’s a little soon?”

“No. We’re out there talking about plans for the engagement party right now.”

Jeanne picked up her purse and tucked it under her arm so she couldn’t throw it at Tara. She had a lot of lipsticks in there she liked. “Did Brad tell you his stance on children?”

Tara looked at herself in the mirror, fluffing her auburn hair. “What? He doesn’t want any at the engagement party?”

“No. He doesn’t want any at all. And you strike me as the type to have a gaggle of kids someday, dressed in expensive matching baby ball gowns.” Jeanne walked toward her until Tara was backed up against the wall. “Stay away from Brad. You’re not good enough for him.”

Tara blinked at her, then pushed past her, laughing. “Oh, my God. You thought I was interested in Brad?”

“You introduced him to your mother tonight. You’re talking about an engagement party.”

Tara rolled her eyes. “For me and Parker Reynolds. My ex? At least he was until he found out I was dancing with Brad at your little shindig. Now he wants me back, and I told him only if I get a ring. And I’m so confident it’s going to happen, I was talking to Brad about engagement party ideas.”

“Oh.” Jeanne forced a smile. “Oh, how lovely for you. Congratulations. We’d love to cater your engagement party.”

“I don’t think so. Not if you’re part of the package.” Tara stormed out of the bathroom in just the dramatic way you’d expect from someone with the last name O’Hara.

Jeanne followed her as she walked back to the table. Tara didn’t sit down. “Come on Mama, let’s go.”

“Whatever for? Brad here was just telling me about his lovely caviar crepes. He thinks we should have the party at the Historical Society in Whitesville if we don’t want to wait for the weather to clear and have it in our backyard.”

“Elegant Eats isn’t catering my engagement party. This woman—his partner—says I’m not good enough for him.”

“What’s this nonsense?” Brad asked.

“I kind of thought you two were dating,” Jeanne said, twisting her fingers in front of her.

Tara and her mother threw their heads back and let out identical cackles.

Brad ran his hand down his face. “I’ve been working on some big plans for Tara’s engagement party, and possibly her reception, too,” he said through a fake smile.

Jeanne put her hand on her heart. “I am so sorry. I just thought
 . . .
”

Sarah O’Hara put her hand on her hip and leveled Jeanne with a stare. “You thought my daughter wasn’t good enough for one of the town drunks’ sons?”

All conversation in the restaurant stopped.

One look at Jeanne’s dropped jaw, and Kate and Tonya rushed over.

“I think it’s time to go,” Kate said.

Jeanne ripped her arm away and pointed at Sarah. “You apologize to Brad.”

Brad looked up with sad eyes. “Jeanne calm down. It doesn’t matter.”

“It does. They shouldn’t talk that way about you. No matter what your parents did, you’re a good person. And if I can see that, anyone else should be able to.” Jeanne balled her fists and stared down Mrs. O’Hara. “Apologize.”

“For what? I think you’d be glad I put him in his place,” Mrs. O’Hara said.

Tara crossed her arms. “Any sane person would hate him. Instead, you’re in love with him.” Tara twirled her finger around the side of her head.

Jeanne gritted her teeth. “I’m not crazy. And I’m not in love with him. I just didn’t want him hurt by someone like you. I wanted you to stay away from him.”

“Don’t worry, I will. There’s no chance in hell your company is catering my engagement party—or any other event in town. I’ll be sure of that,” Tara said, tipping over her chair as she stalked toward the door.

Mrs. O’Hara followed her. “Tara, honey. We’ll bring in the best caterer from Charlotte. Wait!” She chased her out the door.

Kate put her arm around Jeanne while Brad dropped his head in his hands.

The waiter approached. “I’ll get you the check, sir.”

“Perfect,” he muttered.

“Let’s get you home, Jeanne,” Kate said.

“I’ll give her a ride. We need to talk,” Brad said.

And damn those girls, they scooted right out of the bar, leaving her with one very angry business partner.

BRAD OPENED his passenger door for Jeanne and did his best not to slam it shut. He took a few deep breaths then climbed in the driver’s seat. He held the steering wheel for a while before saying anything.

“Why in the world would you think I’d be interested in someone like her? I thought you knew me better than that, J.”

The silhouette of the mountains up ahead loomed like a crowd of bullies.

“I saw you dancing and laughing. And then you went to lunch the next day. I just assumed
 . . .
”

He rolled his eyes. “How could you assume we were going on a date? I was trying to drum up some business from the richest folks in town, and I was this close to nabbing it, too. Do you know the connections we could’ve made at Tara O’Hara’s engagement party? Remember how we thought the O’Haras were out of our league? I was this close, Jeanne. This close.” He pinched his fingers together.

Tears ran down Jeanne’s cheeks, and he silently cursed himself for being such a shit. He squeezed her shoulder. “Why didn’t you come to me first?”

“I don’t know. I got crazy over the idea of you being with her.” She folded her arms across her chest and looked out the window.

“I’m not mad. We just could have used the business.”

“But we’ve got the residential center party soon. That’s a biggie.”

“I know.” He forced a smile. “Something else will come up. Maybe I should have you do a pitch for Mr. March. He works at a bank in Whitesville.”

“Mr. March. Almost forgot.”

But Brad hadn’t forgotten. And he wondered if he’d be as possessive and protective as Jeanne had been about Tara if she actually fell for one of those guys.

THE NEXT DAY at work, neither of them brought up Tara O’Hara. Part of Brad wanted to laugh at how jealous she’d been. But the misunderstanding had cost them a good client. It had never crossed his mind Jeanne would think they were dating. He bit back a grin remembering Jeanne’s wild eyes the night before.

“What?” she asked while cleaning up her workstation. Brad usually cleaned up again afterward when she wasn’t looking.

“Nothing.” He still struggled to stifle a smile.

“So, what’s on the agenda for this week?”

All thoughts of grinning disappeared. “A luncheon for the police department.”

She smacked her hands together, sending a little cloud of flour into the air. “Your brother sent us some work? That was nice. What’s it for?”