Page 45 of Cupcake of the Month
That was something she should’ve realized that afternoon when he’d reluctantly agreed to her terms of being together. But how could he have kissed her like that if it hadn’t meant anything?
“He literally said there was a thing he had to do? That’s the lamest excuse ever.” Wendy curled her legs under her on the oversized chair. A creaking sounded from the lobby and she cocked her head, but none of the guests appeared to take advantage of their complimentary glass of Belle’s whiskey. The honeymooning couple hadn’t ventured downstairs since they checked in earlier that day, and the guests taking a Georgia historical tour had all gone to bed soon after dinner.
“I know, right?” The roar of Josh’s car had vibrated the stables’ windows and Jordan had followed the trail of dust as he left Fountenoy Hall. Once it disappeared, she had slumped on her bed, holding onto her heart to keep it in one piece. She took a healthy swallow of the liquid, thankful for the water mixed in. Her throat burned enough as it was.
“Are you okay, honey?” Wendy asked.
“Yeah. I knew going in that it didn’t mean anything.”
“He’s such an ass.” A fierce frown crossed Wendy’s face, andone finger tapped against her mason jar in steady beats.
With all of Jordan’s experience with reading people during interviews, with helping vice presidents and upper management figure out how to best serve their companies, it wasn’t hard for her to guess what her friend was contemplating. “Firing someone for not dating your friend is a great way to open yourself up to a lawsuit.”
Wendy jerked her head up. “What?”
“I love you for thinking of me, but you can’t fire him for a being a dick to me. Josh is good in the kitchen, Wendy. Really good. And he fits in well with you and Brandi and Eulalee. And right now, that’s the talent you need until your aunt comes home.”
Wendy fiddled with her drink. “You’re sure?”
“Yes.” Jordan tucked her feet up on the sofa. She was done thinking about it. Maybe. Yes. For now. “Let’s stop talking about my love life and start talking about my business life. Tell me that you’re able to go to the hyped-up soiree Mrs. McGraw is having for me tomorrow night. Lana will be there, but having more than one friendly face will be a huge comfort.”
“Oh, hush. You’ll be great with or without us, but don’t worry. Brandi, Rob, and I are all going. Rob finished his book edits yesterday, so his schedule is all clear. All the guests checking in tomorrow have the code to get in and their room assignments. They’ll get a discount on their final bill for the inconvenience.” Her mouth gave a little twist. “We thought about asking Anthon to hang out after his shift just in case. That man can be creative in the kitchen, but forcing our guests to be around him is worse than having them kiss a cottonmouth.”
Jordan mentally searched her limited snake knowledge base. It was hard when all the creatures had Josh’s face. “That’s bad, right?”
“Yup.” Wendy leaned back in her chair. “Blake will bejoining us as well.”
Brandi’s new man. “Have you met him yet?”
Her friend shrugged. “He’s nice, but he’s not Sebastien.”
“We’ll have to have him over later so I can grill him about his intentions.”
“Ah, yes.” Wendy raised her glass in a toast. “To the infamous Shoenover test of any potential boyfriend.”
“I haven’t been wrong once.” Except with herself. “It worked for Rob, didn’t it? I take full credit for your growing relationship.”
“And I thank you for it.” Wendy toasted her with her whiskey.
“Josh will be there.” Jordan picked at the seams on the cushion. “Apparently Mrs. McGraw really likes Barb’s food.”
“I had her samples at Plates of Macon. She definitely ratcheted up to the top of the potential caterers list.” Wendy took a drink. “How are you going to handle it?”
“By eating all the meatballs available.”
Wendy stuck out her tongue. “I mean with Josh.”
“I guess it will depend on him.” Jordan shrugged and swirled the whiskey around in her glass. “Am I deluded in thinking he’s pushing me away for my own benefit, and not his? I mean, Wendy, you don’t kiss like that and then walk away.”
Wendy raised an eyebrow. “If Brandi was saying this to you, what would you tell her?”
“Oy. You know what I’d say.” Jordan ran her fingers over her scalp, easing the gathering tension. “Kick him and his lying lips to the curb.”
“Yeah. But here’s the thing.”
Jordan perked up. “There’s a thing? I like things. Please, go on. Tell me the thing.”
“He watches you, Jordan. Not in a creepy stalker way, but in a heart-full-of-wanting way.” Wendy grinned. “The way that Roblooks at me. Only Josh does it when your attention is somewhere else. And he thinks about you when you’re not there.”
