Page 23 of A Touch of Spring Magic

“Let’s go outside. I think better outside.”

She slid back into her vest and gardening boots and followed him. He walked for a bit, and she had a feeling he was taking in the scope of the project, and though she felt protective of her property, she couldn’t deny that it had been neglected. For many years, the caretaker had held back the worst, but he’d aged, and his focus had been on keeping the house snug and secure, and all of the Maye sisters had been busy with school or work or their lives for so many years. Only Chloe had come, adding a few kittens and cats to the property, giving them a home in the barn and feeding them when one of her friends had started volunteering at a cat shelter.

“Cards on the table, Jay.”

Cards. As kids, they’d played war. Black Jack. Hearts. And in middle school things had moved to demure strip poker.

“Always.” She notched up her chin. She liked this new version of herself. Honest. Clear-sighted.

“I want the job.”

“But I…”

“I need the job.”

Again that sexy muscle twitch.

“But I don’t…I’m not shutting you down just because,” she said, her heart pinching, “because of the past or because I’m a control freak or not able to pay you. I’m shutting you down because…because…” She waved her hand a little too frenetically, and embarrassed, tucked her hand in her pocket. “I need to reclaim my life for me. I need to learn to do everything, trust myself. Not rely on others. Not take the easy path to avoid conflict.”

He looked at her as if she’d lost more than a couple more of her marbles. “I need to trust myself,” she insisted. “Separate myself from my past to become what and who I want to me.”

“And I want a pony,” he said dismissively. “The past is always there. It shaped me. Shaped you. Your sisters. Everyone. Learn or don’t, but you have to keep moving forward.”

“Exactly.” She pointed at him. “Exactly.” That was exactly what she was trying to do.

“I’m back in Belmont building a new life too. My grandparents stepped in for me when…when they needed to.”

Jessica felt her heart pinch in sympathy that Storm had been orphaned before middle school.

“I wanted to settle back in Belmont so I can help my grandparents if and when they need it. I’ve inherited my great-grandmother’s house. Having a home helps me to curtail a big expense and, being in town, I can build the business I want. I want to move away from being a contractor and do what I love and what I studied to do.”

She stared at him, dismay blooming. “But…but…wouldn’t there be more business in Charlotte for a landscape architect than in Gaston County?”

“Definitely, but I never liked the big city like you did.”

She had until she hadn’t.

“I’m just…” Jessica’s legs felt wobbly and she sunk down on one of the chairs, but a quick look at him—tall, vibrant, strong and towering over her—had her jumping to her feet again. “I don’t want help,” she said honestly, understanding what he wanted and why, but it was too much, too soon. “I just need to find my legs. I…I was…” She winced. She’d almost admitted being fired. “The party’s moved my timetable up, and I…I was let go at my company so I have more time now.” Her voice grew in strength. “And Meghan’s going to help me fight for a severance package, and my sisters will help with some manual labor, so I’m sure I will be able to beautify enough of the garden for a small party. I’m not a landscape architect, but I have ideas.”

“Let’s hear them.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You’re still so pushy.”

“How I get things done. And you’re over your head but won’t admit it.”

“If I did, would you go away?”

“C’mon, Jay. Give me a chance.”

“You want to be your own boss.”

“Don’t you?” he countered. “Doesn’t mean I can’t work well with others.”

True. She’d always been the one in high school trying to run the show—her way, not his.

“Tell me what you’re thinking?”

His voice was encouraging. His smile warm. Jessica nearly stomped her foot in frustration when his smile widened, and his brow rose in challenge. “I dare you. This project is a game changer for both of us.”

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