Perfectly Ms. Matched(2)
He whispered, “Shelby told me the bank turned you down for the hundred K because you haven’t been in business long enough. That you have a balloon payment pending but won’t take any more money from her, and that your dad is being his usual asshat self and won’t help either. Face it. We need each other, Jo.”
He’d told her the same thing once before. That they needed each other and they belonged together. Forever. That had been right before he’d betrayed her in a way she couldn’t have fathomed him capable of. His actions before and after they’d parted ways clearly illustrated the fact that he hadn’t loved her nearly as deeply as she’d loved him.
She glanced at her best friend, Shelby, who was seated at a nearby table, lost in her laptop. “Shelby has a big mouth. No deal, Chad.” She started to leave but was still trapped. “Move your hand.”
His large hand quickly slipped from her thigh. He was a drop-dead handsome, oversized hunk, although he’d never hurt her. Physically. But he’d left a big bruise on her heart long ago.
“Shelby’s your business partner. She had every right to help you find an investor.” He threw his arm around the back of her chair and leaned closer. “Help me with my physical therapy, and the money’s all yours.”
Stunned at his offer, she blinked at Chad as he reached for an aluminum cane and attempted to stand.
The long muscles in his neck strained as he leaned heavily on the table, maneuvering the cane until he finally reared up to his full six-foot-five height.
When he swayed, Jo’s years of PT training kicked in. She hopped up and laid her hands on his waist to steady him.
“I’m not taking money from you, Chad. Go back to sunny San Diego and rehab your knee there.”
“I need to be here. My dad died a few months ago. Mom isn’t doing so well.”
Jo’s heart lurched. “Your father died?”
Her hands, still on his waist, pulled him closer in what might have been a hug before she realized what she was doing. She quickly stepped back. “I’m sorry, Chad. I know how much you loved him.”
His jaw twitched before he gave a curt nod. “I’ll stop by tomorrow with a check. Nice to see you again, Jo.” He turned and limped slowly toward the front doors.
“Don’t bother. I’ll just tear it up!”
Ignoring her, he slapped the door open and left.
He’d done it again. Why did she always feel like the bad guy with him? She hadn’t done anything wrong. He had.
That man was not getting away with soothing his conscience with money. As badly as she could use the cash, she wasn’t accepting a measly dime.
One of the bussers, a college kid named April, appeared to clear the table. “Was that Chad Jenks? He’s even better looking in person.”
“Yes. He’s an old . . . we used to . . . You know what? I think you’ve had enough for today. I’ve got this. Why don’t you go home and get some rest?” It was April’s first day back after recovering from a bad car accident.
“That’s okay, Jo. I really need the money. I can work.”
Jo had seen her wincing in pain earlier. She’d been heading over to speak to April when Chad distracted her.
She reached into her pocket and handed April the stack of twenties she’d just taken from the register. “This ought to cover your wages for the next few days. I don’t want to see your cute, bruised little face in here until next Wednesday. Deal?”
April’s eyes filled with tears before she threw her arms around Jo. “Thank you. I’ll work extra shifts to make this up to you.”
“Nope, this one’s on me. I’d rather you study for your finals. But I’d take a deal on the expensive fees you’ll be charging me when you graduate law school. Now get out of here before I change my mind.” Jo gave her a gentle squeeze.
“Deal. See you next week.” April handed over her apron and headed for the door.
Jo began clearing Chad’s table when something glimmered up at her. The beautiful, pear-shaped, three-carat diamond engagement ring he’d bought for her after he realized the error of his ways. He’d kept it for nine years? She would’ve thought he’d have given it to the wife he’d been married to for a short time before they divorced. Jo had hated seeing him in a tux, looking so handsome, standing beside a woman in a beautiful wedding gown that hadn’t been her.
The guilt ring was the first thing he’d bought with his bonus from the San Diego Chargers when they’d signed him to be a starting wide receiver.
Tears pricked her eyes as she tugged the sparkling ring from its velvet box and slowly slid it onto her finger. A perfect fit. She’d never tried it on before. He’d offered it, but she’d refused. He’d hurt her too deeply even to consider his offer.