Page 23 of The House on Blueberry Lane

Good luck with that, asshole, Jaye thought. With that kind of entitled attitude, no wonder the man hadn’t even gotten to first base with Velvet. Just like Jaye detested pushy women, Velvet loathed cocky and arrogant men. “So, what is it you want from me?” he asked.

He knew the look he was giving Crawford. Some referred to it as the Jaye Colfax glare. After all, he was the oldest of Jack Colfax’s sons, the one destined one day to head the family dynasty his father had built. Jaye was the least likely to put up with foolishness. He practically wore a sign that said Leave Your Bullshit at the Door.

“What I want, Colfax, is a gentlemen’s agreement between us that during the time you’re here in Catalina Cove, you won’t try pursuing Velvet Spencer yourself.”

There was no way in hell Jaye would agree to something like that when his sole purpose was to win back Velvet’s love. And did Crawford honestly assume his directive would be followed? Obviously, he did because other men were apparently doing so.

“First of all, Mr. Crawford, I don’t make deals with men when it concerns a woman. They aren’t property to be bartered or negotiated on. A woman has the right to choose but no man has the right to claim. At least, without her permission. What you’re suggesting is as asinine as it could get and is nothing a true gentleman would even consider doing.”

Webb Crawford narrowed his gaze at Jaye. From his expression, it was obvious Jaye’s insult had not been taken well. “Good day, Mr. Crawford, and to avoid waiting, next time please make an appointment.”

Then the man stood and walked out of his office.

VELVET HAD WIPED down the chalkboard and was getting ready to pack up to leave for the day when her classroom door opened and a tall man walked in. A man she didn’t recognize. “Yes, may I help you?” she asked, standing.

“You are Velvet Spencer, I presume?” he said, approaching her with an unreadable expression on his face.

“Yes, I’m Velvet Spencer. And you are?”

“Allen Bordeaux.”

So, this was Lenny’s father. “Yes, Mr. Bordeaux? How can I help you?”

“You can make things easier for Lenny. He plans to go to the pros after high school. He doesn’t need algebra.”

“That’s not your decision to make, Mr. Bordeaux. It’s a school board policy. Every student must pass the core classes to move to the next grade.”

“I don’t care about that. Lenny needs to ace this class.”

“I will be glad to give him makeup assignments and even tutor him after school. But Lenny has to do the work.”

She could tell the man didn’t like what she was saying. “Why are you being so difficult?” he asked her.

Velvet placed her palms on her desk. “I’m not being difficult. I’m merely doing my job. I will not give Lenny a grade he doesn’t deserve.”

“And I’m not asking you to do that.”

“Then what are you asking?”

“For you to give him extra credit when you can. Even colleges do that for their athletes.”

“So, I heard, but a dedicated teacher wouldn’t do such a thing. She would treat all her students fairly and only give them the grade they deserve.”

The man stared at her and then turned and walked out, slamming the door behind him with enough force to rattle the windows. It’s a wonder they didn’t break.

Just because his teachers had given Mr. Bordeaux extra credit that he didn’t deserve, he was expecting the same thing for his son? It wouldn’t be happening. And since she was the only ninth-grade math teacher, transferring Lenny from her class wasn’t an option.

Velvet drew in a deep breath, angry at Principal Dunning for trying to play both sides with Mr. Bordeaux. He was the principal for heaven’s sake and should have his teachers’ backs in such a situation.

During her drive home, the more she thought about it the angrier she got. When she turned into the driveway, it wasn’t unusual to see Jaye’s car already parked there. What was unusual was to see him sitting on the steps of her porch, as if he were waiting for her. What in the world?

When she parked the car and got out, he stood and walked toward her. There was an intense look on his face. But that didn’t keep her gaze from roaming all over him, appreciating how he looked in his business suit. “Jaye? Is anything wrong?”

He came to a stop in front of her. “Were you aware that Webb Crawford is claiming you as his and warning other men away from you?”

She shrugged as she closed the car door. How had he heard about it? “What of it?”

“And you’re okay with that?”

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