Jayce reached over and squeezed her hand. “That your way of telling me to snoop in another direction?”
His touch amped her physical awareness. Like her libido needed a boost. “Yeah. I guess it is.”
Jayce continued to hold her hand, driving one-handed into the pelting rain. He stroked a thumb over her knuckles while seemingly deep in thought.
Rocky squirmed in the tense silence, her mind racing with erotic thoughts about Jayce rather than working the puzzle of her stalker.
If
she had a stalker.
“Billy’s a spoiled rich kid,” Jayce said matter-of-factly. “An insecure prick.”
“I know.”
“He’s always been a prick.”
“I know.”
“Chances are this was just another case of him being a douche.”
Now Rocky smiled. “I know.” She interlaced her fingers with Jayce’s. She’d never been big on holding hands. For the life of her, she couldn’t understand why. Holding hands was intimate, intense. Squeezing her tingling thighs together, Rocky focused on the conversation. “Soon after Chloe moved to town, Billy pulled her and Gram over for reckless driving. Billy got fresh with Chloe during a frisk and Gram ratted him out to Sherriff Stone. Even though Stone didn’t believe Gram, I’m pretty sure Billy holds a grudge. Also, Dev’s trying to renovate and expand J.T.’s, which amplifies the power struggles between the Monroes and Burkes. Then there’s Tasha.”
“What about her?”
“Billy seems to dote on her. A lot of men do. She’s like a walking sex magnet.”
“Except most men lose interest when they get to know her.”
“Her husband’s still attentive.”
“Randall Burke’s self-absorbed and power hungry. Two peas in a pod.”
“What if there are three peas in the pod?” Rocky voiced an ugly suspicion. “Chloe thinks Billy’s sniffing after Tasha.”
“That could get fifty shades of ugly.”
“Tasha wouldn’t fall for a cheating weasel like Billy. She wouldn’t risk her high-profile marriage. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t bask in Billy’s adoration and that he wouldn’t try to impress her by hassling her nemesis.”
“You.”
“Tasha and I have never gotten along. Ever. Plus, I pretty much got her demoted as president of Cupcake Lovers. She hates me for that. What if Billy’s trying to get on her good side by hassling me, spooking me?”
“What if Tasha asked him to?”
Rocky crinkled her brow. She hadn’t thought of that. “I suppose it’s possible. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised. Tasha’s not above a little warped revenge. Except … if that’s the case then last night will be the end of it.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Her phone call this morning. The film crew. She called an end to any drama. Called a truce between us.” Rocky rolled back her shoulders and smiled. Relief cut through the gloomy weather like a bolt of sunshine. “I feel so much better. I can’t believe how freaked out I was last night over a prank. By Billy-the-Dickhead Burke, no less.”
Jayce smiled, too, although the tender gesture failed to reach his eyes. “You’re probably dead-on in your scenario, Dash.”
“It’s totally logical.”
“Nevertheless, be aware of your surroundings and call me if you’re troubled by anything at all.”
“Maybe you should move in and be my private bodyguard,” she teased. Only her voice was husky rather than sarcastic, making the jest sound more like an invitation.
Crap.
“About that promise I made to you over the phone,” he said, skating over her flub. “I don’t mind trying to reason with Dev about Daisy and Vince. Avoiding a stink while that film crew’s in town aside, I actually think Vince is good for your grandma. But, just so you know, I’ll be bringing Dev up to speed on us as well.”
Rocky squirmed. “Meaning?”
“I’m not willing to lie low for a test run.”
Rocky got the reference and she flushed head to toe. Less than a month ago, Adam Brody had been her secret sex partner, although it wasn’t much of a secret now since she’d spilled her guts to Chloe, Monica, Luke, and Dev.
And,
in a drunken moment, Jayce. She didn’t feel guilty about Adam. Adam was a great guy; he just wasn’t for her.
Jayce
was for her. He had always been for her. Now that he was within reach, she panicked. “So, what?” she asked with a nervous snort. “You wanna be my boyfriend?”
He felled her with a look that sent her heart flying from her chest. “It’s a start.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
By the time four o’clock rolled around and Rocky rolled her Jeep into a parking space across from Moose-a-lotta, she was in an insanely sunny mood even though the weather had been dismal all day. Instead of bursting into the café like a freaking fireball of joy, she relaxed against the seat and took a calming breath.
Yes, she’d spent an amazing afternoon antiquing with Jayce, getting a feel for his personal taste, and, yes, she’d been over the moon charmed when he’d stopped by an animal rescue shelter in Pixley to make a donation and to visit with the dogs. One mutt in particular, Brewster, had stolen Rocky’s heart, and she’d instantly understood why Jayce donated his time and money to homeless animals. But the highlight of the afternoon was when Jayce had veered off into a wooded area where they’d made out in his car like two horny teenagers. What a ridiculous rush!
Still flushed from the spontaneous interlude, Rocky told herself to get a grip. She needed to ratchet her enthusiasm down a notch. She needed to relay this new development to Chloe and Monica in a nonchalant manner. Rocky was already on shaky ground with Chloe, and Monica was on shaky ground with Leo. Clearly it wasn’t the best time for Rocky to tell her friends she was not only having amazing sex with the man of her dreams but that he’d also romanced her off her feet. Clearly it wasn’t the time to gush. But she did have to break the news to them before they heard it from someone else. Jayce had made it clear: He wanted to date her—openly. He wanted to be her freaking
boyfriend.
Every time she thought about it she wanted to giggle or sigh or both. “Definite sap.”
Just then she noticed Chloe flipping the sign on the door to
Closed.
No more stalling.
Tossing her newly made keys into her new purse alongside her new wallet containing her new license and the replacement credit card that had come today in the mail, Rocky left her Jeep and crossed the puddled street. At least it had stopped raining.
Nearing Moose-a-lotta, she admired Gram and Chloe’s new storefront. The green-and-yellow-striped awning, the custom logo painted on the sparkling plate-glass window. That cartoonish moose with its cat-eye glasses and chef’s hat—a reflection of the owners’ personalities—made Rocky smile every time. Gram and Chloe had transformed the takeaway confectionery, previously Gemma’s Bakery, into an inviting hangout fairly quickly. Dev had offered support and advice on the business end. Rocky had recommended local eclectic shops and decorating advice. Luke and Sam had installed shelves, wall hangings, and such. But Gram and Chloe had been the idea people and had worked tirelessly pulling everything together. Prime location, cozy atmosphere, gourmet treats, flavored coffees, and the only public hang that offered wireless Internet access. Knowing Sugar Creek—the locals and tourists—Rocky had no doubt Moose-a-lotta would be a raging success. A popular and profitable business like the Sugar Shack and J. T. Monroe’s Department Store.
The exact opposite of the Red Clover.
Shoving away that dismal thought, Rocky tapped on the glass.
Chloe peeked through the drawn blind, then opened the door and waved Rocky inside. “You’re early.”
“Hope you don’t mind. I wanted a few minutes alone with you and Monica before the other members started trickling in. Thanks again for letting us meet here tonight.”
“Seemed the easy solution given the short notice. That way no one had to clean their house in a frenzy. My pleasure.”
Rocky skimmed the moderate-sized café—so unique—while reveling in the delectable scents. She’d seen Moose-a-lotta in progress, but the finished product was truly spectacular. “So you’ve been superbusy, huh?”
“Steady, but not overwhelmed—yet. In the high seasons, I fully expect to be hustling nonstop.” Smiling now, Chloe unknotted her apron. “We definitely have to hire a couple of full-timers. Pretty sure Connie’s coming on board. I can’t impose on Monica to keep filling in when she’s already got a part-time job, although she swears she doesn’t mind.”
“Where is Monica anyway?”
“In the back freshening up. Just as we were closing she bobbled a carton of chocolate milk. Her apron took the biggest hit. Still.” Chloe shook her head. “Between the library and Moose-a-lotta she’s taking on too many hours, but she said she needs time away from Leo.” Chloe glanced toward the back hall. “Trying for a baby should bring two people closer together, not push them apart.”
Rocky agreed. Also, it was not like Monica and Leo had been trying for all that long. Rocky didn’t fully understand the strife between them, so she felt awkward commenting. “They’ll work it out.”
Eyes on the closed bathroom door, Chloe sighed. “I hope so.”
“As long as we’re alone…,” Rocky said, shrugging out of her coat. “Are you and I okay? Last night was awkward.”
“I’ll say.”
“I’m sorry if I seemed cagey. It wasn’t calculated. I just … everything’s moving so fast. It’s—”
“Scary?”
“A little.”
“I understand.”
“You do?”
Chloe nodded, sighed. “I overreacted last night. I’ve been stressed about the café, among other things. Hard to be objective when your wits are out of whack. Anyway, I can see where you’d want to tread lightly where Jayce is concerned. It’s complicated.”
Rocky nearly wilted with relief. “I’ve decided to go for it. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, right?”
“Now that’s exciting news. Speaking of…” Chloe quirked a small smile. “Your brother asked me to move in with him.”
Wow. Big honking step for Dev.
“Did you say yes?”
“Not before dragging my feet a little. You’re not the only one worried about things moving too fast.”
“But you’re going for it?”
Chloe smiled in earnest. “Life is short.”
Just then a door clicked open. Rocky glanced to the bathroom. “Monica knows Jayce moved back, right?”
“Everyone knows. Apparently Jayce is a hometown hero of sorts.”
“The onetime golden boy of Sugar Creek. A superjock in high school who was also supernice.”
“A man of few words but huge gestures, Dev told me. Always looking out for others.”
Rocky nodded; her pulse raced. Selfless and honorable. “Few were surprised when he moved away to fight big-city crime.”
“Welcome home!” Monica called to Rocky from the back of the café. “Can you believe this bit about a video shoot?” she asked, smile wavering as she neared. “Am I interrupting something?”
“No,” Rocky said. “I’m glad you’re here. I just hope I can get this out before anyone else shows.” She nabbed both women’s hands and tugged them down alongside her on a love seat and chair. “About Jayce … Three weeks ago I dumped my private misery on you two and Luke in a moment of deranged weakness.”
“You weren’t deranged,” Chloe said. “More like tortured.”
“A lot tortured,” Monica said.
“I want you to know I’m sensitive to the fact that I’ve made you my partners in crime, so to speak. Begging your confidence wasn’t fair. I apologize.”
“Apology accepted,” Monica said.
Chloe nodded. “Absolutely.”
“As you know, I filled Dev in, and as far as he’s concerned, the past is in the past. I don’t care if people, including my parents, find out that Jayce and I had an ancient fling, but I would like to keep the exact when private. Especially in light of the book deal.”
“Not that we ever intended to gossip about your ‘first time,’” Chloe said. “But how does Highlife figure in?”
“They’re not only putting a rush on the production of our book; they’re planning a media blitz over the next several months. Tasha said this video shoot is just the start.”
“Wow,” Monica said.
“What’s that got to do with you and Jayce?” Chloe asked.
“This project is important to the members of the club and, as Tasha keeps preaching, if it takes off in a huge way, it will benefit our charitable causes and potentially Sugar Creek itself. As president of the club,” Rocky said, “I can’t afford a hint of scandal. Cupcake Lovers is supposed to represent small-town, all-American, old-fashioned values. Family. Tradition.”
“I’m not sure your teenage seduction—an incident that took place thirteen years ago, mind you—constitutes a scandal,” Chloe said.
“I disagree,” Monica said. She glanced at her friend. “I’ve lived here longer than you. The jailbait issue. That qualifies. And the fact that it was Jayce … talk about grist for the gossip mill.”
Rocky stood and paced as new thoughts took hold. “If Tasha found out, I could see her twisting this to get me to quit the club or to at least resign the presidency. Maybe I should beat her to the punch and step down on my own. For the good of the club.”
“You’re overreacting,” Monica said. “Calm down.”
“Tasha won’t find out,” Chloe said. “Seriously, Rocky. Put the past out of your mind and focus on the now with Jayce. It’s all good.”
Monica raised a brow. “There’s a ‘now’ with Jayce?”
Chloe cringed. “Oops.”
Rocky smiled. “That’s okay. It’s not a secret. Or at least it won’t be. Jayce is going to break it to Dev this evening.”
“Break what to Dev?” Monica asked, perched on the edge of her seat and primed for juicy gossip.
Rocky plopped back down on her chair. “It started in New York,” she said, trying to contain her girlish excitement. “In fact … We kind of hit it off.”
Monica raised a brow. “Meaning you slept with him again?”
“It just sort of happened and it was amazing and, well, there’s more.”
Monica glanced at Chloe, and Chloe waggled her brows.
Rocky stifled a giddy squeal. “Jayce wants to see me. On a steady basis. As in dating. Exclusively.”
“Wow. Zero to ninety in the blink of an eye.”
“I have no idea where this, Jayce and I, is going.”