Bidding on the Bachelor Read online

  Apparently, Jasper wasn’t the only one Cam pestered when his better half was away. “This afternoon.” They high-fived. “Anything else?”

  “Nope, that’s about it. Will you be heading to The Brewside for your usual morning pick-me-up?”

  “Yep, about to leave. I’ll bring you back a...” He waited.

  “You know, my boss pays me quite well. He doesn’t always have to treat me to coffee.”

  “Let me buy you a drink or you’re fired.”

  She rolled her eyes, completely unaffected by him. “Fine. I’d like a medium chai. And thank you.” She walked toward the door but stopped and turned back to him before she walked out. “Oh, and um, you might want to check out the Bayside Blogger’s column this morning. Okay, bye.”

  With that, Sherry flew out of the room, returning to her workstation on the other side of the wall. Jasper sighed but quickly pulled up the Bayside Bugle’s site, found the link to the blog and started reading.

  Well, damn.

  The headline on this morning’s blog was Homecoming Queen Returns to Bayside & Jasper Dumont’s Condo.

  It went on to detail how Carissa had been “spotted” fleeing Jasper’s place that morning. He hadn’t seen anyone around. He wondered how Carissa would take this. It had been a couple of months since he’d been featured on the blog. Typically, he always accepted the Bayside Blogger’s attention with humility. But in this case, he knew he was about to start receiving calls and texts from his mom, his dad, his brother, and the list would go on and on. In an attempt to stave off the unwanted attention and questions, he grabbed his wallet, left his phone and headed out toward the coffee shop.

  He was taking a risk showing his face there. The Brewside Café was the center of the Bayside universe, where citizens young and old gathered to gossip. Still, when a man needed coffee, a man needed coffee.

  Gathering his energy, he hustled out of the building that housed Dumont Incorporated and walked the three blocks to the coffeehouse, which was situated right in the center of the town square between a shoe store and a clothing boutique. The Brewside, along with all of the establishments in the square, was painted a bright white and accented with blue shutters. There were two large flowerpots flanking the entrance. The flowers had seen better days, Jasper thought. Not unexpected, given the hot and humid summer they’d had. But he knew Tony, the owner, would soon change out the wilted flowers for something more representative of fall.

  Jasper typically stopped by the café every day. Sometimes more than once. It was cozy inside with its old wood floors, rustic feel and arched ceilings with exposed beams. Wooden barrels served as table bases, and Tony had put either old doors or sheets of glass on top. An antique brass cash register sat on the large bar area, across from a glass display case holding every pastry under the sun.

  Ordinarily, Jasper would take his time perusing the goodies before he ordered his usual large coffee. But today, as soon as he pushed through the door, every patron in the joint turned in his direction. He couldn’t help but spot several copies of the Bayside Bugle throughout the place. Not to mention all the laptops and iPads littering the tables. Yep, the Bayside Blogger had reached her target audience.

  Why fight it, Jasper thought. He gave a wave and continued to the bar to order.

  He handed over his money and his “frequent buyer” card to Tony, who wore an amused expression.

  “You’re famous again, my friend,” Tony said.

  “Hey, I thought I was always famous in Bayside,” Jasper replied with mock indignation.

  Tony chuckled. “I suppose you are.” He leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Is it true? Is Carissa Blackwell really back in town?”

  Jasper wasn’t sure how to answer but luckily he was saved by the bell as the chimes dangling on the inside of the door marked the arrival of a new patron. He turned to see a showered and changed Carissa stroll into the place. She looked as if she’d spent the night before getting a restful eight hours of shut-eye. No easy feat given her long drive the day before and her even longer alcohol-fueled night with him.

  “Let me guess,” Tony said. “That’s Carissa Blackwell. I’ve heard stories about her.” Tony didn’t grow up in Bayside. He’d moved to town when he’d married a local and started The Brewside. The marriage didn’t last, but Tony was considered a son of Bayside as much as Jasper was. Anyone plying the town with that amount of caffeine and baked goods would be. “She’s as pretty as I’ve been told.”

  “That she is,” Jasper agreed.

  Tony handed Jasper his coffee and went off to help Carissa. Jasper noticed that everyone in the place was doing that thing where they tried to seem like they weren’t ogling Carissa, only it made it that much more obvious that they were all staring at her.

  She made some small talk with Tony, who, by all appearances, was eating out of the palm of her hand. She’d always been a charmer.

  Then she turned and met his gaze. She looked amazing. Her hair was fluffy, her face scrubbed free of makeup, her eyes alert and completely the opposite of what they should be considering how much she’d drunk the night before.

  She walked toward him, the flowy pants she had on billowing around her legs. She had on another tight tank top. This one was a deep aquamarine color that accentuated everything about her: her eyes, her skin tone, her body.

  “Hey, Jasp,” she said casually.

  “Hey back,” he returned. He tried to keep his voice calm even though the sight of her took his breath away.

  “Here’s your bagel with extra cream cheese and double-shot cappuccino, Carissa.” Tony handed over a bag and cup.

  She thanked him, then turned back to Jasper. Her eyes were taking him in the way a person on a diet viewed a double-chocolate brownie. He couldn’t say he minded. The most beautiful woman he ever saw gawking at him? All was right in the world. Although after a few moments, he did have to ask. “Excuse me?” he said.

  She coughed quickly and jumped back. “Huh?”

  He chuckled and stepped closer. “Not that I mind, but you happen to be staring at me.”

  “No, I’m not,” she said faster than Tony had called out his coffee order.

  He took another step toward her. “Darling, I hate to argue, but you most certainly were staring.”

  A little crease formed as she drew her eyes together and Jasper thought it was the cutest thing ever.

  “Do you always wear a suit to work?”

  Her voice came out quiet but breathy as hell. Jasper had to take a moment to collect himself. Hearing her like that did things to his insides that no amount of coffee could cause.

  “No, sometimes I go a bit more casual. But I have a couple meetings lined up for today.”

  “Oh. Well, you look...nice.”

  He tilted his head for her to follow him away from the counter. They set up camp at one of the high tables off to the side of the space. “Just as I suspected. You were undressing me with your eyes.”

  The shocked look on her face was priceless. “I absolutely, categorically was not undressing you or anyone else with my eyes. Or any other part of my body,” she added quickly.

  “As someone who could teach a class on how to undress people with their eyes, trust me, I have your number. But what I don’t get is why. You, more than anyone, know exactly what’s under here.”

  She gasped and swatted at him. “Oh shut up. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you naked.” She took a long sip of her strong coffee, her eyes drifting closed in contentment. When she opened them, a small smile played over her lips.

  “Better?” he asked.

  “So much better. This will definitely help get me through grocery shopping and unpacking.” She frowned when she caught sight of a newspaper on the table next to them. She pointed at it. “Then there’s that.”

  “You re
ad it?”

  “My aunt Val, who is currently across the ocean in Mo-freaking-rocco, called me an hour ago. Apparently there’s an online site for this blogger person, too.”

  Jasper nodded. “I told you last night. She has a blog, a column, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, you name it.”

  “Oh goody.” She removed the bagel from its bag and began smearing it with a large amount of cream cheese.

  He’d always envied her metabolism. “I can’t believe you can still eat like that.”

  “There’s always a silver lining, isn’t there.” She leaned forward and whispered, “Got divorced but I can still scarf down some yummy carbs without doing too much damage.”

  He covered her hand with his. “Things are going to get better, Car.”

  Jasper didn’t have to turn toward the rest of the coffeehouse to know that they were being watched. “Sorry,” he said, pulling his hand away.

  “I imagine that’s going to end up on one of the Bayside Blogger’s many social media channels?”

  “Does it upset you?”

  She broke off a piece of the bagel and popped it in her mouth. Chewing, she seemed thoughtful. “Not really. I don’t particularly like that someone knew I was leaving your place this morning, but it’s not the worst thing that’s happened to me this year. Still, I’d prefer it if from now on my business stayed simply that. Mine.”

  He agreed and was about to say so when the door opened, the chimes gave out their welcoming jingle, and someone walked inside. “Well, looks like we’ve got bigger problems than the Bayside Blogger right now.”

  She cocked her head. “We do?”

  “Hi, Mom,” he called over Carissa’s head.

  Carissa coughed, spitting the piece of bagel out of her mouth. She quickly wiped her mouth and hands and bolted out of her seat.

  “Jasper, my handsome son.” Lilah Dumont knew how to make an entrance. She breezed past the other patrons, doing her best Queen Elizabeth wave. She nodded at Tony behind the bar, who immediately started whipping up whatever drink she usually ordered. Then she turned back to the room as if to say, “please, be seated.”

  Jasper kissed her cheek. “You’re looking lovely this morning.”

  She pinched his cheek. “Aren’t you sweet.” Then she turned her gaze to Carissa. “Well, well, the rumors are true. Carissa Blackwell has come home. You’re looking as beautiful as I remember.”

  They hugged and Carissa said, “Thank you, Mrs. Dumont. It’s great to see you.”

  “And you. Tony,” she called. “Can you bring my smoothie and yogurt over here? Thanks, hon.” She made herself at home by sitting right in between Jasper and Carissa. “I hope your parents are well. No one’s seen or heard from them for years.”

  “Ma, don’t start badgering her with questions.”

  “Oh hush,” Lilah said. “I’ve known Carissa her whole life. So it’s not badgering. It’s simply being nosy,” she finished with a smile.

  “It’s okay in any case,” Carissa said. “Actually, I’m staying at my aunt Val’s cottage while she’s off traveling the world.”

  Jasper noticed the smooth transition. Also, the avoidance of discussing her parents. Interesting. He wondered what Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell had been up to for the last decade.

  The two women talked about Val and her world exploits for a while. Tony brought his mother’s food and smoothie to their table.

  “So what brought you back to town?” Lilah asked.

  Carissa shifted uncomfortably in her chair. Jasper quickly answered, “Carissa is starting a catering business here in Bayside.”

  “Really?” Lilah asked, delight in her voice. “What a wonderful idea. The closest caterer is a couple towns over and not always the most reliable. Have you been working in the catering field since college?”

  “Well, um, actually...”

  She was cut off by Jessica Monrow, an old family friend of the Dumonts. “Sorry to interrupt, Lilah, but I wanted to tell you that Edward will be able to make it to the party tomorrow night after all.”

  “Oh good, that’s great news. Actually...” She turned toward Carissa and then back to Jasper. “Jasper, darling, have you invited Carissa to tomorrow night’s event?”

  He’d actually forgotten all about it. “Um, no, not yet.”

  “Oh right, you’ve probably only just run into each other.” She arched her brow with that look she used to give him back in high school whenever he would come in from a make-out session with Carissa and she would pretend not to know.

  Great, so his mother had read the paper and was aware that Carissa had spent the night. He felt his cheeks redden.

  “Well, invite her now. I’m off with Jess to shop for a new dress. Carissa, lovely to see you. I’ll look forward to catching up more tomorrow night. Jasper, clean this up for me, will you,” she indicated the trash.

  With that, Lilah Dumont made her grand exit.

  “Well then,” Carissa said. “Same old Mrs. Dumont.”

  “Quite the same,” Jasper agreed. He checked his watch. “I hate to leave you, too, but I really should be getting back to the office. But why don’t you come to the party tomorrow night?”

  She shifted in her seat again. “Oh, Jasp, I really shouldn’t go to that.”

  “Why not?”

  She looked around the coffeehouse. “I mean, I’ve only just gotten back and I have so much to do. Plus, seeing half the town all in one place...”

  “Trust me, if you can walk in here with your head held high after a Bayside Blogger article, you can do anything in this town.”

  She smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes. He felt for her. She’d been through so much.

  “You know, even though I’ve taken over Dumont Incorporated, my parents still have all those connections.”

  Clearly intrigued, she leaned forward.

  “And all of those connections have connections. And collectively all of these people throw parties and luncheons and host events.” He moved closer. “Parties and luncheons and events that require a caterer in order to be successful.”

  He saw it almost instantly. That small spark in her eyes that said he’d piqued her interest.

  “You’re saying that I should come to your parents’ party for contacts?”

  A new idea formed. But he quickly decided to keep it to himself. Instead, he changed his tone, challenging her. “I’m saying you would be a fool not to. And if I were you, I’d make sure to get there early.”

  She deliberated, taking another sip of her coffee. Finally, she gave a firm head nod. “Fine, I’ll go.” A sexy little smile spread on her face. “If this Bayside Blogger is going to write about me anyway, I might as well give her something to write about.” She winked at him.

  Jasper gulped. Somehow he had a feeling that today’s article was not the only one that would feature the two of them.

  Chapter Five

  I don’t want to start rumors. *Snort* But everyone is abuzz with the news that Carissa Blackwell will be attending tonight’s Dumont soiree. Is it too early to come up with their couple name? I’m thinking either Jarissa or Casper? Let me know on Twitter by using the hashtag #ShesBack.

  Carissa stalked around her aunt’s cottage, doing the same thing she’d been doing the entire day. Admonishing herself over her behavior with Jasper the other night, dreading going to the Dumont party tonight and clearly avoiding unpacking.

  She was an idiot. She had no business getting that drunk the other night. She’d been back in town for a whopping thirty seconds before she doused herself in tequila and cheap beer. Not the best way to start off her twenty-ninth year.

  She slumped down at the kitchen table. Okay, so it hadn’t exactly gone down like that. Jasper had been there for her that night. He’d listened to her sob story. Wel
l, the parts that she’d actually shared with him. Worrying her lip, she debated whether or not to reveal to Jasper the real reason she’d broken up with him all those years ago. On the one hand, it would feel good to get that off her chest. But Jasper seemed so...well-adjusted now. Why bring up old hurts?

  Besides, he’d moved on if all those text messages from other women meant anything. He probably never even thought about their breakup.

  Damn, he’d looked amazing in his suit the other morning. Now, that was a great way to start the day.

  “Stop it,” she said abruptly. She needed to get her head out of the clouds and out of Jasper’s suit and back into reality. She was back in this town so she could make something of herself. So she could be a caterer. So she didn’t have to rely on anyone but herself. And so far, “herself” wasn’t doing her any favors.

  She rose from the table with a renewed sense of purpose. Everything was going to change tonight. She would slip on one of the fancy dresses she’d brought from Chicago and head to the Dumont mansion. She would wine and dine with Bayside elite, making contacts for her business, and hopefully get a lead on one single event she could cater.

  If it came to it, she would beg.

  “You can do this,” she said out loud.

  With that, she headed back to her bedroom and looked through her clothing options for the night. She remembered the Dumont parties from her teenage years. The Dumonts always went all out. Their parties were the social events of the year.

  Her parents had always been invited, of course. Even before she and Jasper dated and were simply friends, they used to slink around the outskirts of the party, snagging hors d’oeuvres and dancing to the music. When they got older, they used to also steal a glass of champagne or two.

  The first time Jasper told her he loved her had been on the beach at the bottom of the Dumont property. They could hear the music lingering from the band set up on the patio. They had toasted, completely unappreciative of what had no doubt been incredibly expensive champagne. The water was lapping at their feet. He kissed her, then he stared into her eyes, pushed her hair behind her ear and said I love you.