Page 22 of Imperfect Love
“Yeah?”
“Do you think you can introduce me to Ted?”
I shake my head. I worked with Nancy and Travis to teach them better social media skills. Travis is single-minded. When he sets his sights on something, he rarely deviates from that purpose. I always seem to have five million things moving through my brain, like right now. I know I should concentrate on my defense, but I can’t. Instead, I’m wondering what kind of woman Jon dates. I bet it’s a model type. She’s probably almost six feet tall and wears heels.
I hate heels.
“Aren’t you a celebrity?” Jon’s voice has turned cold.
“Yeah, but he’s…a legend.”
If this was any other day, I would laugh out loud. The reverence I hear in Travis’ voice is insane. I never understood why people were excited about football players or professional athletes. But this is Texas, and football is a religion here.
I take pity on Jon and probably on Travis when I change the subject.
“Estella, I think Jon would feel better if we discussed the house.”
She nods, and I feel the vibration beside me increase. Why am I so tuned into this guy? Maybe it’s the fact that I see him as an adversary. A hot, persnickety adversary.
“Of course, Avery,” Estella says with a smile. “I always like to get right down to business.”
Jon mumbles something, but I can’t make it out.
“I think the only solution is that you share the house.”
I blink and take my concentration away from Jon.
“Say what now?” I ask.
“Jon needs a place to stay, even though he won’t tell me why, and you need a place to stay.”
“But I paid rent for the month.”
She nods. “I understand. So, I will half your rent for the rest of the year.”
“What? Grandmother—”
She holds up her hand, cutting off Jon. “I signed a lease, Jon. I do not break contracts I’ve agreed to without cause. I know you say it’s your house, but you haven’t stayed overnight there for months, and I thought you were too busy with work. Avery hasn’t given me any cause.”
“What about the cat?”
“Avery said she was thinking about getting one and asked me before she moved in. She did not break the contract.”
Living with Jon? I don’t know if I like that. But…being able to stay here through the end of the year would be nice. Juniper Springs does a great fall and winter holiday season.
“Fine.”
Jon’s head whips around so fast I’m amazed he doesn’t give himself whiplash. “What?”
“It’s half rent for the rest of the year. I can’t beat that.”
Truth is, I could afford to buy the house. I have quite a bit of money socked away from my business dealings. Teaching people social media, especially celebrities, pays very well. I tried to buy the house, but Estella refused, so I’ll take this.
“And you’re okay with living with a strange man?”
The horror in his voice has me smiling. I lean closer. “Jon, are you strange?”
His gaze dips down to my mouth for the briefest moment, then bounces back up to my eyes. There is untamed heat there, burning within the depths of blue. Then, he blinks and pulls back from me.