He crossed to the bar, the throng of people parting to let them by.
“This really isn’t necessary,” she told him. Though her ankle was broken, she’d
been outfitted with a walking cast. And her cracked rib was healing.
“You know me,” he said with a playful wink. “Any chance I get to mark my
territory.”
Her insides lit up, sizzling and crackling the way they always did when the Devil in
Blue Jeans looked at her. For today’s festivities, he’d paired his sinfully fitting Levi’s with a burgundy-colored T-shirt. One that hugged his hunky body and made her
mouth water.
He settled her onto a barstool and she caught her first glimpse of the sign hanging
from the side wall, which read, “Welcome back to Wilder!”
She laughed. “I never actually left, you know?”
Jack’s beautiful blue eyes glowed under the soft lighting, his sooty lashes framing
them. He leaned in close to her and whispered, “I’m thanking God for that one every
day, darlin’.”
Her toes curled, the ones in her boot causing her to wince. She didn’t mind the
sting. “He answers sinners’ prayers, does he?”
“Apparently so.” He kissed her, slow and easy. Making everyone around them
erupt with another round of applause.
201
Calista Fox
When he pulled away, she fanned herself with her hand. “Hmm, lucky me for not
rushing off.”
“No,” Jack said, his smile sweet, the dimple showing. “Lucky me.”
“No,” Jess said as she stepped forward, wedging her lithe body between Jack and
Liza. “Lucky me.” She gave Liza a hug and said, “I’ve set up displays all over town this week and people are buying my flowers! Eddie Mason even asked if he could have a
display by his checkout counter. Can you imagine that? In the hardware store! Seems he thinks Wilder could use a little more romance too.”
“Good for him,” Liza said, that lump of emotion still making it difficult to swallow.
“And lucky me,” Ginger said as she changed places with Jess. “The insurance
adjustor who came to inspect the remains of my store and inventory, of which there
was, um, none left, is a lingerie fan. She’s from Austin and couldn’t believe my prices when I told her about them! She said I’ll have my check in no time so I can reopen.
Meanwhile, Cooper Denton offered me the space he has available for rent—cheaper
than what I was previously paying under different management. And it’s a corner unit.
Think of all that window space I’ll have to fill!”
“That’s wonderful!” Liza said. “More exposure.”
Ginger nodded. “I’ll be working on sketches until I’m ready to reopen. And I’d
really like to move forward with the website. Will you still help me?”
How could she say no? “Of course I will.”
Ginger hugged her. “I’m so glad we’re friends!”
Tears stung Liza’s eyes. No one had made such a big fuss over her in New York.
Wouldn’t throw her a “welcome back” party if she returned home tomorrow. Not that
she intended to. Her heart was most definitely in Wilder.
The party got underway and Ruby presented her with her own apron—a red, lacy
number, no saying needed. Jeannette from the bakery in town set out a beautiful cake
that also said, “Welcome Back”.
Liza turned to Jack. While the others talked amongst themselves, she said, “I never
meant to come between you and Lydia.”
Jack shook his head. “You didn’t. Things have been strained between us for some
time. It occurred to me when she was here that morning you came in that we’d never be friends the way we once were. And that’s okay. She’s got her cross to bear. I’ve got my life to live.”
“That sounds very mature, Jack Wade.”
He grinned at her. “And what about you, Miss Manhattan? You keeping that
unexpected hand Fate dealt you?”
“Oh hell, yes,” she said excitedly.
“Sounds like you’re going to have your hands full, what with Jess’ shop, Ginger’s
website and my campaign. That’s not too much for you, darlin’?”
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Devil in Texas
A deaf man wouldn’t miss her enthusiasm, she was sure. “Are you kidding me? I’m
thrilled to be a part of all of this. Oh!” She smacked her hands together as a thought tickled her brain. “I totally forgot to tell you my idea for keeping the saloon open on Sundays! Well, it’s not that I forgot. Lydia was here when I came in to tell you and
then—”
“Stay focused, darlin’,” he said, obviously not wanting to rehash what had led to
the mayhem in town just a week ago.
“Right. So, here’s what I’m thinking. All-you-can-eat Sunday brunch!”
This caught the attention of the people around her. The conversation dimmed and
all eyes turned to Liza. She realized this was her true forte. She was an idea girl. One who knew how to execute as much as she did brainstorm.
Carefully slipping from her barstool, with a slight protest from Jack, she stepped
over to an empty table in the center of the room.
“Picture, if you will,” she said as she held her audience captive, “white linen table clothes covering all the tables. Matching napkins folded in fancy styles. Silverware at each place setting—not that cheap plastic crap you serve with the bar food,” she said to Jack, who rolled his eyes, albeit playfully. Continuing on, she gestured to the table, pointing out items that weren’t actually there. “Crystal goblets for the ice water. Tall glasses for the iced tea. A pretty vase in the center of the table with fresh blooms from Jess’ shop.”
Jess clapped her hands together, excitedly. “Eat your heart out, everyone. She
works for me!”
Liza smiled and moved on. Turning to the east wall where the banner hung, she
said, “The buffet table could go against this wall.” It was split in half by the tall fireplace, trimmed in river rock. She pointed to the far corner. “A made-to-order omelet station over there and, next to it, a buffet table of pastries, muffins and Danishes from Jeannette’s bakery.” She turned back to the crowd. “Inviting ambience for a lovely
Texas afternoon. Golden light from the chandeliers. Soft jazz music flowing from the
speakers—”
“Jazz?” Jack interjected, his dark brow crooked, making her think of the first time
she’d met him, when he’d challenged her limited beer knowledge.