Page 27 of The House on Blueberry Lane

Velvet was surprised he would admit that his sister had struck out with Jaye. “So, Laura didn’t interest him?” She knew her question would strike a nerve.

He frowned. “His loss. I told Laura not to worry about him. He will only be around temporarily, anyway. Besides, I heard he has a serious girl back in Arizona, which would be the only reason Laura isn’t the woman on his arm.”

The one thing Velvet had learned about the Crawford siblings was that they had no problem putting each other on pedestals and honestly thought the world revolved around them. “Like I said, Webb, stop giving people the impression we’re an item because we aren’t. And as for whether or not I’m ready to start dating, it’s no concern of yours. You’re still not welcome to visit or call.” She turned and walked out of his office.

Later that night, while trying to relax with a glass of wine, she told Sierra of her meeting with Webb. “It was as if what I said went in one ear and out the other. I don’t think he’s taking me seriously and just assumes I’m playing hard to get.”

“Well, if he starts harassing you, then you need to tell Sheriff Grisham.”

“He’s not harassing me. He’s just annoying.”

“What do you plan to do about Webb telling other guys to stay away from you?”

Velvet shifted to a more comfortable position in the chair. “I doubt there’s anything I can do. If those guys meekly do whatever Webb says, I wouldn’t be interested in them, anyway. I’d want someone who would stand up to Webb.”

“Like Jaye probably did?”

Although Jaye hadn’t shared any details of his conversation with Webb, knowing Jaye like she did, there was no doubt in her mind that he put Webb in his place. “Yes, like Jaye did.”

“Well, put all negativity out of your mind and enjoy your weekend in New York.”

“Thanks, Sierra, and I will.”

ON FRIDAY MORNING, Jaye looked out the window as usual to watch Velvet leave for work. On this particular morning, he noticed her placing an overnight bag in the trunk of her car. Was she going away for the weekend? Where? With whom?

Their paths hadn’t crossed since Wednesday, when they’d come close to kissing. He’d deliberately made sure their paths didn’t cross yesterday, thinking the best thing to do was give her space to deal with what almost happened between them. They were still fiercely attracted to each other, and he hoped it was an attraction they could build upon.

Thoughts of where she’d gone and whom she was with plagued his mind the rest of the day. He decided to eat light that evening and stopped at the Green Fig. Usually, he got takeout but there was no need to rush home. He was feeling lonely just knowing the house was empty below.

“Welcome to the Green Fig, Mr. Colfax.”

Jaye glanced at the man he knew to be the café’s assistant manager, Levi Canady.

“Hello, Levi, and remember, you can call me Jaye.”

“I’ll try to remember that, and you’re in luck. We have several tables empty now. This is usually our busy hour.”

“Thanks, and I’ll grab one.” Jaye headed for a booth in the back.

It wasn’t long before a waitress came to take his order. He requested the soup of the day, a sandwich and a beer. No sooner had the waitress walked off, a voice said, “Mind if I join you?”

Jaye looked up and smiled. “Of course, you can, Vaughn. I guess you have a taste for soup tonight as well.”

Vaughn Miller slid into the seat across from him. “Yes. Besides, this place has become my favorite hangout.”

“I don’t have to guess why,” Jaye said, grinning. The waitress delivered his beer, then took Vaughn’s order. After she walked off, Jaye asked, “How’s the wedding plans coming?”

“According to my future bride, they’re coming along great. I think Sierra would have been just fine had we eloped to Vegas since this isn’t her first rodeo, but I wanted it all. My first and final.”

Jaye nodded. Vaughn looked happy and he knew that he would look the same way once he’d recaptured Velvet’s heart. “Congratulations again.”

“Thanks. Some of the guys and I will be hanging out at my place on Sunday for the big game. You want to join us?” Vaughn asked. “You might as well, since I understand your ladylove is having a girls weekend in New York with her best friend.”

Jaye’s head snapped up. “She is?”

Vaughn nodded, grinning. “Yes. Sierra mentioned it to me this morning. Velvet and her best friend are going shopping and attending a Broadway play.”

A smile spread across Jaye’s face. “Is that so?”

---