Page 26 of The House on Blueberry Lane

“Good for you, but I hope he’ll have your back if things escalate between you and Mr. Bordeaux.”

“I would hope so. I can’t believe people expect athletes to get a free pass.”

“Unfortunately, some people do, but it’s up to us to remain fair and objective.”

After she and Ruthie had finalized their weekend plans, she hung up the phone and headed to the kitchen. This was the last day for her leftovers from Saturday. As she sat down at the table to eat, she pushed thoughts of Jaye and Allen Bordeaux from her mind. But there was another man who was now front and center. Webb Crawford. The nerve of him telling men to stay away from her. He really had a lot of gall to approach Jaye with that nonsense. She knew Jaye and could just imagine how that had gone. Jaye might not be interested in her, but he wouldn’t appreciate someone like Webb telling him to keep his distance. She intended to seek Webb out before the week ended and tell him a thing or two. No man had a claim on her, especially not him.

Later that night, Velvet couldn’t sleep and for the longest time she stared up at the ceiling. Why was her body tingling all over? In truth, her body really hadn’t stopped tingling since the moment Jaye had reached out and touched her shoulder.

All she had to do was close her eyes and recall other times when his touch had been the catalyst to drive her desire. Not only his touch, but the look that would always appear in his eyes when he was aroused. He’d had that look today.

Velvet hadn’t been joking when she’d told Ruthie had they kissed, she and Jaye would have been rolling in the grass in seconds. It wouldn’t have been the first time. That had happened when they’d been at his vacation home on Lake Tahoe. Good thing his cabin was in a secluded area.

She wished three years’ worth of memories of lovemaking weren’t stored in her brain. That kind of archive had kept her up many nights when she’d first moved to Catalina Cove. Now that he was here, in her space, her intense desire for him was trying to take over again.

She felt hot and there was a deep constant throb between her legs. Why did she have to remember how Jaye would take care of that inconvenience with his mouth, his hands or, even better, his shaft. Jaye had always been the kind of lover women dreamed of. He’d never sought his pleasure before first making sure she’d had hers, or that they shared it together.

Velvet shifted in bed.

A part of her wished Ruthie hadn’t put that thought into her head, about her and Jaye becoming lovers if for no other reason than to prove she had moved on and was no longer looking...or expecting...a forever kind of love.

Jaye had taught her a valuable lesson. No matter how much a woman could love a man, you couldn’t make him love you back, no matter how good the sex was or how well the two of you complemented each other. If both hearts weren’t in it, none of it meant anything.

“MAY I HELP YOU?” The attractive woman sitting behind the lobby desk gave Velvet a friendly smile.

“Yes, I’d like to see Webb Crawford.”

Still smiling, the woman said, “Certainly, and who may I say is visiting?”

Visiting? Velvet wouldn’t call this a visit but she answered, anyway. “Velvet Spencer.”

The woman nodded, then picked up her phone and said, “Mr. Crawford, there’s a Velvet Spencer here to see you.”

Before the woman could disconnect the call, the office door opened. “Velvet, to what do I owe this visit?” Webb came out of his office with a huge smile on his face.

“Hello, Webb. I need to talk with you about something.”

“Certainly.” He glanced at the woman and said, “Marla, hold any calls and appointments.” He then escorted Velvet into his office.

After he closed the door behind them, she turned on him. “How dare you go around town and tell other men to back off from me, Webb!”

Instead of frowning, his smile widened. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re beautiful when you’re angry, Velvet?”

“You haven’t seen anything yet.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t tell other men to back off. I merely let them know I was interested in you, because I am.” He leaned against his desk. “What has you upset? Have I shown up at your house unexpectedly again since you told me not to? Have I called you or sought you out for a date?”

“No, but you’re making sure no other man does, either.”

“Are you saying you’re ready to start dating now? I recall you told me a while ago that you weren’t. If you are, then that’s good to hear. And as far as those other guys, I’m not holding a gun to anyone’s head. However, they seem to know what you obviously refuse to acknowledge.”

She crossed her arms. “Which is?”

“You can’t do any better than me here in the cove. I give those guys credit for looking out for your best interests.”

She glared at him. “For your information, you aren’t the best I can do.”

His smile was dropped to a frown. “I hope you’re not holding out for your neighbor, the banker, to show any interest in you. Take my advice, Velvet. Don’t waste your time because you don’t stand a chance. If my own sister, who has the same pedigree as Colfax, struck out with him, then there’s no hope for you.”

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