Page 1 of The Jellybean Dilemma

Chapter One

I tapped the toe of my Jimmy Choo as I watched for Greg to pull the limo up. At last, his headlights flashed through the glass door, and I hurried into the frigid night. I didn’t go far, though, since I’d promised Greg I’d wait for him to escort me to the car. Snow was my enemy when wearing heels.

Greg jumped out of the front seat as soon as he’d parked, striding toward me. His twinkling gray eyes met mine before he offered me his arm, and his mouth tipped up at one corner. “You actually waited for me.”

With my chin high, I looped my hand to grip his forearm as we crossed the short distance. “I didn’t want to risk spraining an ankle.” Or making a fool of myself by falling into him as I’d done last month after my parents’ gala. Though, the few moments in his strong embrace were almost worth my embarrassment.

“You’re the one who decided to wear death-trap shoes.”

As if to emphasize his words, one of my heels slipped, but I steadied myself against him. My heart raced as his peppermint and cedar scent enveloped me. I had to get control of myself. “These are Jimmy Choos.” I sniffed. “I’ll have you know this particular style isn’t even available to the public yet.” I looked up, way up, to see what he had to say about that. Even in my heels, he still had four inches on me, and it was more than annoying at times like this.

Greg scoffed. “Just cause they’re pretty doesn’t mean they’re practical. Michigan doesn’t give a damn about the latest fashion trend.” He yanked open the back door of the limo with a chiding glare.

I transferred my grip to his gloved hand, feeling like a chastised puppy as I slid into the back seat. I couldn’t do anything on my own, not even a simple walk to the car. A heavy fog of depression crept over me. Christmas was over. Tonight was the last of the parties I had to attend and the week until New Year loomed.

My brother Derek and his fiancée Avery had hosted tonight. Our friends Gina and Liam were there, too, along with their current significant others. Greg and I had been the only singles there.

Not that I minded being single. It was a huge improvement from being engaged to Kevin, my ex-fiancé I broke up with two months ago. But it was difficult to see Derek and Avery snuggled together, stealing touches or kisses every chance they got. My eye caught on Greg coming out with another armload of presents, and I sighed. It was especially hard when the man I wanted was always so close, yet so unattainable.

Greg shut the trunk with a thud that echoed through the limo, then he took his place in the front seat. The barrier between us was down, as usual. His gaze caught mine in the mirror, looking much less stormy than a few minutes ago. “Did you get your present?”

I frowned. We’d already exchanged gifts inside. My fingers grazed the soft cashmere scarf he’d given me. I’d gifted him a bottle of cologne, the same kind he always wore. It ensured I could have my fill of his delicious scent.

The light from a streetlamp glinted off a small package to my right. Excitement fluttered through me as I reached for it, a full smile blooming on my face when I felt the familiar weight. I held it up, giddy to see a whole bag of jellybeans wrapped in cellophane and tied with a lopsided red ribbon. I thought he’d forgotten. Warmth flooded me, a welcome change from the depressing bleakness that had cocooned me over the last few weeks.

“Merry Christmas, Jellybean,” he said softly.

My throat grew tight at all the memories his gift brought to mind, and I had to swallow before I answered, “Merry Christmas, Just Greg.” His face transformed with a genuine grin—the kind that made my stomach do all sorts of acrobatics.

“Home?”

I hated that word. It didn’t come close to describing the house I lived in. Exhaustion, heavier than a weighted blanket, settled over me once more, but I nodded. As we started off, I pushed aside my bleak thoughts and let my mind drift to the origin of Greg’s nickname.

Greg had hired on when he was nineteen as an apprentice to his uncle Harry, our main driver. Derek and I were thirteen, at the time, with too many activities for one driver to handle. My parents, owners of the vast Great Lakes Shipping empire, had wanted someone they knew and trusted. When Harry had recommended his nephew, that was that.

I smiled, calling to Greg, “How many nicknames did I try out on you?”

One side of his mouth ticked up, finding my eyes again in the mirror. “I didn’t keep track.”

Oh, how annoyed he’d been. There weren’t many nicknames for Greg, so I’d pestered him for his full name, Gregory James Peterson, trying every combination in the book.

“What was so wrong with Greg anyway?”

Absolutely nothing. “I thought it was too formal.” I shrugged. “Sorry.” We both chuckled.

One day he’d had enough. As I’d exited the limo, he’d stopped me with a gentle, “Miss Rhonda?”

I’d haughtily paused, staring up at his face while also trying to look down my nose at him. Difficult to do with him so much taller than me. His six-foot-two frame had seemed even more gigantic back then.

“No more nicknames. It’s just Greg.”

And I’d smiled brightly. “Fine, Just Greg.” Then I’d skipped off to my activity.

As the limo slowed to a stop in front of my too-big house, I grabbed my candy and waited for Greg to open the door. I took my time getting out, letting his steady hand guide me. At least my steps were clear so he wouldn’t need to walk me all the way up.

I couldn’t help glancing at his handsome face, a wave of longing crashing over me as I cradled my precious bag of jellybeans. This was the first time in two years he’d given me the gift in person. Shortly after I’d turned nineteen, Greg became my brother’s driver. I didn’t like to analyze why Greg had jumped ship. One specific incident stood out, but I shoved that aside, like always.

Lately, though, Greg had drifted back to me, but I wasn’t sure why. It seemed like he had a good thing going with Derek and Avery, crossing over from mere employee to good friends with both of them. Since the gala, though, I’d seen more and more of him.

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