Page 28 of Jonathan

“I don’t want any complications.” She still could not tell them about her and Jonathan for some reason.

“Girl, that’s really not like you.”

“Maybe I have decided to change my ways.”

“Yeah right.” Salome snorted.

“I have to go.”

“Take lots of pictures,” Lauren advised before they hung up.

Putting away the makeup kit, she stared at herself in the mirror. Her curls – more honey than dark brown were popping. She had shampooed and deep conditioned her thick natural hair just this afternoon before heading out to make a quick trip into town. All the buzz had been about the gala or whatever the hell it was called.

Apparently it was a very big deal for the residents. From what she heard, the McCarthy’s were very generous humanitarians who gave of their time and resources to those who needed it.

Scholarships, grants, renovating the landmark buildings and restoring them to their former glory were just some of the things they were known for. And Jonathan was the hero in the story.

He had rescued two children and their mother from drowning in the flood just last year. Women made sure to tell her that he wasa catch, and the single ones were hoping that he would end up choosing one of them.

“He was involved with some actress a while ago and she broke his heart.” The pretty brunette owner of the quaint little store where Kamilah had bought the shirt, and several other items had told her with much disdain as she was wrapping up her purchases. “We hope he’s not foolish enough to make the same mistake again.”

Well aware that dig had been for her benefit, Kamilah had kept her mouth shut. Evidently, the entire town knew that their beloved hero had spent two nights at her place.

Well, to hell with that. She certainly did not owe any of them an explanation. She was an adult and so was he. If he chose to spend nights in her bed instead of one of the locals, that was not her concern.

But she was starting to wonder if she had made a mistake. After his phone call this afternoon, she had been unable to get anything done. She had come here with the specific purpose of chilling and finishing her book and that was not happening.

She was thinking about him. Found that she could not wait to see him. Just the sound of his deep voice had her melting.

Shoving away from the small vanity, she went to the closet to get a leather jacket and tried telling herself that she had not dressed specifically with him in mind.

*****

Inside his very masculine tan and gold bedroom, Jon was having a similar problem. For the first time in his life, he had no idea what to wear. The denims, the new pairs he had bought just a week ago? Or the khaki.

He stood in the middle of his huge closet, where Helen had ruthlessly folded and hung everything up for his convenience. He was not one who was into fashion.

He was a cowboy. He rode the range, did all sorts of dirty work. He was not above mucking stalls or getting down to help a foalinto the world when needs be. He was often digging in the dirt and mending fences.

He worked with his hands and was damned proud of it. He was not some corporate guy wearing a three-piece suit, even the idea of it gave him an itch.

He had friends in the business world and was actually a member of a very exclusive club. He enjoyed taking in the amenities whenever he visited. But he was comfortable astride his horse and doing the job.

If that was the kind of men she was used to then - he yanked off a green and blue plaid shirt off the padded hanger and shoved his arms through the sleeves. He was clean, the shower had taken longer than usual because he had scrubbed every inch of dirt off his flesh, until he was aching from the scrubbing.

He had even called his barber to give him a haircut and a shave. He was primping for a woman, and it made him angry.

Stepping out of the closet, he sat down on the chest in front of his bed and shoved his feet into butter soft boots. His heart was racing, and his hands were shaking. He could not wait to see her. He had avoided his mother and the conversation he knew would be forthcoming, by staying out of her way.

And he had to stop himself from calling her again to find out what time she would be getting here. He had wanted to go and pick her up, like they were on a date. He should have insisted on picking her up, but he was damned if he was going to show his hand. He had a feeling she already suspected that he was gone all the way over her.

Rising, he buttoned the shirt and went to his massive dresser to pick out a cologne. He usually just slap on some aftershave and deodorant, but the occasion called for more. He was not one for dancing but tonight was going to be different.

She was going to spend quality time in his arms. Sliding his palm over his clean-shaven cheek, he checked for stubbles. Tonight, after the function, he was taking her back to the cabin.

Tomorrow being Sunday, meant that he could sleep in. Smiling grimly at his image in the mirror, he stepped back and wentinto the closet to take down a brand-new black leather jacket to match the boots and embraced the shiver of anticipation.

Chapter 8

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