Page 23 of An Unexpected Love

Jill tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear. “I was only being honest with you.”

“I admit it was a fresh approach. Do you generally discuss marriage and children with a man on a first date?”

Color exploded in her cheeks, and she looked uncomfortably away. “No, but you were different…and it wasn’t an approach.”

“Excuse me, that’s right, you were being honest.” The cold sarcasm in his voice kept her from even trying to explain.

They’d almost reached the airport when she spoke again. “Would you do me one small favor?” She nearly choked on the pride she had to swallow.

“What?”

“Would you… The next time you see Mr. Howard, would you tell him something for me? Would you tell him I’m sorry?” He’d be disappointed in her, but Jill couldn’t risk her own happiness because a dear man with a romantic heart believed she was Jordan Wilcox’s one chance at finding love.

Jordan stopped the car abruptly and turned to glare at her. “You want me to apologize to Howard?”

“Please.”

“Sorry,” he said without a pause. “You’ll have to do that yourself.”

Five

Four days later, Jill stepped off the plane at Sea-Tac Airport in Seattle. Her skin glowed with a golden tan, accentuated by the bold pink flower print of her new sundress. She hadn’t expected anyone to meet her, but was pleasantly surprised to see Shelly and Mark. Shelly waved excitedly when she located Jill in the baggage claim area.

“Welcome home,” Shelly said as she rushed forward, exuberantly throwing her arms around Jill. “How was Hawaii? My goodness, your tan is gorgeous. You must’ve spenthoursin the sun.”

“Hawaii was wonderful.” A slight exaggeration. She’d hardly slept since Jordan’s departure.

“Tell me everything,” Shelly insisted, taking Jill’s hands. “I’m dying to find out who you met after we mailed you the wedding dress.”

“Honey,” Mark chided gently, “give her a chance to breathe.”

“Are you with someone?” Shelly asked, looking around expectantly. “I mean, you know, you’re not married, are you?”

“I’m not even close to being married,” Jill informed her friend dryly.

Mark took charge of the beach bag Jill had brought home with her, stuffed full of souvenirs and everything she couldn’t fit into her suitcase. She removed one of the three leis she was wearing and looped it around Shelly’s neck. “Here, my gift to you.”

“Oh, Jill, it’s beautiful. Thank you,” Shelly said, fingering the fragrant lei of pink orchids. As they walked toward the appropriate carousel, Shelly slipped her arm through Jill’s. “I can’t wait a second longer. Tell me what happened after the dress arrived. I want to hear every detail.”

Jill had been dreading this moment, but she hadn’t thought she’d face it quite so soon. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to return the dress.”

Shelly stared at her as if she hadn’t heard correctly. “Pardon?”

“I didn’t meet anyone.”

“You mean to tell me you spent seven days in Hawaii and you didn’t speak to a single man?” Shelly asked incredulously.

“Not exactly.”

“Aha! So there was someone.”

Jill tried not to groan. “Sort of.”

Shelly smiled, sliding one arm around her husband’s waist. “The plot thickens.”

“I met him briefly the first day. Actually I don’t think he counts….”

“Why wouldn’t he count?” Shelly asked.

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