Page 107 of Love & Other Disasters

Thirty-Six

Violet stared out the car window watching the city go by. They’d gone to an upscale steakhouse where everything was a la carte and overpriced. Dinner with Connor was pleasant enough and overall a decent evening. Nothing horrifying or spectacular. She talked about her job and how she was working toward her CPA. It didn’t impress him with his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree.

He rattled on about something while he drove, but she couldn’t concentrate. The end of the date was fast approaching, and she didn’t know if she was ready to kiss someone else. Violet hadn’t been with anyone since J.P. And he still permeated her thoughts, even though he shouldn’t. And Jill and Elle’s earlier ramblings didn’t help matters.

Why had Elle's opinion changed? J.P. left Nashville without a word. She let her anger push him away, but he didn’t fight. Their connection wasn’t as deep for him as it was for her.

When Connor pulled up to her house, she didn't recognize the car in her driveway. Jill never had visitors, she spent her days working and nights typing away on her book. Complete opposite from her previous personality. Perhaps everything that happened with Geoff had done her in, or she matured and discovered her own path.

“Just pull up behind my neighbors’ car. You won’t be able to stay long.” This could work out for her. He did as she asked, Violet unbuckled and reached for the door handle.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Connor said, opening his door. She didn’t wait for him to walk around before getting out of the car. “It’s been fun,” he said, coming up alongside her.

“Yeah,” she said, movement on the porch caught her attention. Did her eyes betray her? He wore a T-shirt and thigh hugging jeans. His blond hair darkened by the dim light but it was short and well-kept as always. Can he really be here?

“Jordan,” she breathed, as he descended the steps in her direction.

“Hey, Vi,” he said, his gaze fixed on her, the gravel crunched beneath his feet.

She bit her lip and stared back, transfixed.

“Who is that?” Connor asked in her ear.

Oh no. She was on a date with Connor and there stood J.P.

“I need to talk to you,” J.P. said, ignoring Connor.

“I’m standing right here,” Connor announced. “And on a date with Violet.”

“Yep,” J.P. said.

“Is this your ex?” Connor asked.

She struggled to breathe.

“I need to talk to you,” J.P. repeated.

“Look buddy,” Connor stepped forward. The action jolted Violet, remembering Jordan’s MMA workout and his toned physique.

“Hey,” she positioned herself between the men, and put her hand on Connor’s chest. “I need to have a conversation with him.”

“But, we’re still on a date.”

“I know. I’m sorry, but this is long overdue. But I had a pleasant time., thanks for dinner.”

Connor glared at her. “Right.” He stalked off and burned rubber driving away.

Alone with J.P., she stared at him. He moved toward her, but Violet held up a hand to hold him back.

“Why are you here?”

“Because I love you.”

She stepped back a few steps like someone had punched her. “You can’t do that.”

“What?”

“Show up here out of the blue, spout crap about love. Do you expect me to come running back?”

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