Page 14 of The House on Blueberry Lane

Ruthie shook her head. “I’m trying to, Vel. Now, who’s the guy that showed up at the end of the fair and asked you to dinner?”

“One of the sponsors. Jaye Colfax.”

Ruthie, who’d been sipping her drink through a straw, began coughing when some of the liquid went down the wrong way. Velvet was out of her chair in a flash and beating on her back. “Okay, Vel, I’m going to live and we’re drawing attention.”

Velvet returned to her seat. “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I am,” Ruthie said, taking a slow sip of her drink before adding, “However, I’m not sure you are. Did you say you went out with Jaye Colfax?”

Velvet smiled. “Yes, you know him?”

Ruthie rolled her eyes. “What single woman living in Phoenix doesn’t? Remember, I told you about those Steele brothers? All six of them.”

Velvet nodded. “You warned me about them when I first moved to town.”

“And with good reason. They aren’t considered the Bad News Steeles for nothing. Well, Jaye is friends with them. In fact, he and Mercury Steele are best friends, and he’s no different than they are when it comes to women.”

Velvet stared at Ruthie. “Are you sure? He was a perfect gentleman last night.”

Ruthie cocked a brow. “And he didn’t try anything with you? Like kiss you or ask to share his bed? He likes one-night stands. And before you ask, the answer is no, I’ve never dated Jaye or any of the Steeles. I went to school with the youngest Steele, Gannon, although he was a grade or two ahead of me. He was nice but no different from the rest when it comes to being womanizers.”

When Velvet didn’t say anything, Ruthie stared at her and then asked, “Well, did he come on to you?”

Releasing a sigh, Velvet said, “Jaye asked me to dinner, we shared a delicious meal and wonderful conversation. Afterward, he walked me to my car.”

“And?”

“And we kissed, but not one time did he bring any mention of sex into the conversation.”

Ruthie rolled her eyes. “He didn’t have to. The man is sex on legs. I’m surprised he didn’t suggest that you go to his place or yours.”

“Well, he didn’t.”

“But the two of you did kiss?”

“Yes, and it was the best kiss I’ve ever experienced. It made any I’ve shared in the past obsolete.”

“And you want me to believe he did not come on to you sexually?”

“That’s right. He didn’t. However, I will admit that there were a lot of vibes between us. Even a novice like me could tell we were attracted to each other. And I felt it in the kiss, but at no time did he suggest I go home with him, and I certainly didn’t invite him to my place. Although, I was tempted.”

“Velvet!”

“Well, I was, so don’t be shocked. Like you said, he is sex on legs. I like him. He didn’t try anything and even followed me to the security gate of my condo to make sure I got in okay.”

Ruthie waved off her words. “It’s a setup.”

“A setup?”

“Yes. For some reason, he’s slowly reeling you in, Velvet. I bet he’s asked to see you again.”

Velvet nodded. “Yes, we have another date this weekend.”

“Be careful, Velvet. Jaye Colfax means you no good. Although I hear he warns women off about getting into him because he’s not into serious relationships. They fall for him, anyway. There’s a slogan around town that says if you don’t want your heart broken, then stay away from Jaye.”

Velvet frowned. It was hard to believe they were talking about the same person. The Jaye Colfax she’d met pushed her buttons true enough, but at no time did he try encouraging her to sleep with him or coming across as if he was only interested in sex. “I will be careful, Ruthie.”

“I hope so. Men like Jaye only want one thing and when he gets it, he’ll walk away. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Ruthie paused and then asked, “Did you tell him who you are? That you are an heiress?”

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