It was still the most gorgeous ring she’d ever laid eyes on.
Shaking her head, she popped the ring back into its pretty box and tucked it into her apron. She’d give it to Shelby and let her return it.
Damn Chad Jenks for showing up in her life again.
Chad worked his way to his truck, threw the cane on the front seat, and hefted himself up.
“Way to go, genius,” he muttered as he started the engine.
He hated that flash of pain in her eyes just before she almost threw her iced tea in his face.
He’d been a dumb twenty-freaking-three and just about to sign with the Chargers when he’d screwed up with Jo. He’d depended on his agent to guide his career. That piece of advice about Jo had been the first of many times that scumbag former agent had steered him wrong. He hadn’t known who to believe, Jo, or the man who promised him the world on a silver platter. He’d chosen wrong.
Then Jo had dumped him—hard. He needed to remember that, quit pining for her like a teenager, and just stick to rehabbing his knee. Best-case scenario, she’d forgive him too.
When his cell rang, he cringed. No doubt who was on the other end.
Poking the green icon, he barked, “Don’t bother, I know—”
“Way to go, genius!” Shelby had been sitting a few tables away, listening to the whole conversation with her mini-Bluetooth device she used for her dating business. “That was about as lame— Wait, Jo’s coming this way, and she’s not happy. I’ll call you back.” The phone clicked off in his ear.
Shelby and Jo had been friends forever. They’d work it out.
But he still needed a top physical therapist if he had any hope of being able to play again. And one he could trust to keep the extent of his injuries on the down-low. He’d told his coach he’d be back by the end of the season. He couldn’t lose his starting spot.
Jo was the best PT he’d ever worked with, and she’d be loyal even if she still couldn’t stand him. If she refused, there were other PTs out there, but this was the perfect excuse to spend time with Jo again.
Maybe if she worked with him, she’d see how much he’d changed. And how sorry he was for everything. And then maybe she’d consider forgiving him. But first he needed to get her to agree to help him rehab.
He could double his offer. With enough money, maybe she’d agree to help him. He’d hold his ace in the hole tightly to his chest for now, though. Jo had no idea his company was her landlord, the one she owed the balloon payment to, and which also owned the building next door she’d need for her expansion. And he’d like to keep it that way.
Her restaurant was a good venture, and he’d be happy to see her expand. He admired Jo for going against her controlling father and doing what she’d always loved to do. Bake. Jo was happiest when she was in the kitchen creating something new.
Hell, if nothing else, she could sell her damn ring. He’d forgotten he even had it until he’d gone to his safety deposit box a few weeks ago, stumbling upon it while searching for a deed to one of his properties.
He’d never had the heart to sell it.
The ring was worth more than she needed. But she still needed his space next door. So hopefully they could both get what they wanted.
Rubbing at the ache in his injured knee, he shook off the sick feeling of defeat in his gut and headed for his mom’s ranch.
He’d find a way to convince Jo it was a win-win until she caved. It didn’t matter what that doc said, he could do it. Get his knee rehabbed, lay low from the press so his coaches wouldn’t get wind of just how bad his injury was, and then get back out on the field to finish out the season. With Jo’s help, he could do anything.
He wasn’t ready to quit playing ball.
Jo walked toward Shelby’s table just as her friend pulled a little device from her ear. Shelby owned forty percent of the café, so maybe she did have a right to look for financing too, but it still hurt that she chose to discuss it with the man who’d left Jo heartbroken.
She leaned her hands on Shelby’s table and whispered, “What are you up to?”
Shelby’s face lit with a wicked grin.
Ignoring the question, she said, “He’s still smokin’ hot, right? That thick blond hair, chiseled jaw, and those gorgeous chocolate-mocha eyes surrounded by sexy little laugh lines? And all those rippling muscles—”
“You’re a married woman now. You’re not supposed to be noticing that stuff.”
“I’m married, not blind, Jo. Anyone can see the way he practically drools when he looks at you.”
“I don’t give a flip about Chad’s drool.” She leaned even closer and said, “Why did you tell him about the loan?”