A Question of Marriage Read online




  A Question of Marriage

  By

  Temari James

  A Question of Marriage

  By

  Temari James

  Copyright © 2014 Gideon

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law

  This book is dedicated to Dez Burke, Shyla Colt, Bill Lindau, Ja'niece Todd, Gynger Fyer and my family. Without your belief in me, this book would have never seen the light of day, thanks so much.

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Epilog

  Chapter 1

  The sound of pounding on the door woke Payton Hollister out of a deep sleep. Reaching out from beneath the covers she flicked on the lamp. Sitting up disoriented and groggy, her eyes growing accustomed to the brightness she eyed the clock, twelve thirty who would be at her door at this hour?

  Tossing the blankets aside, sliding her feet into her slippers she grabbed her robe and shuffled into the hallway flipping on the light as she walked. The pounding continued.

  “Payton open the door.”

  “I’m coming, hold your horses,”

  Turning the locks, she opened the door and burst of cold night air rushed in.

  “What took you so long, it’s freezing out there?” Jordan Cain asked, as he brushed passed her and stepped inside.

  “I was sleeping,” Payton muttered shutting the door then following him into the living room.

  “It’s after midnight Jordan, what are you doing here?”

  “I didn’t know where else to go,”

  Removing his gray wool coat, he tossed it on a nearby chair then turned to face her.

  “Oh my god, what happened?”

  A black eye, split lip, several bruises and a cut marred his handsome features.

  “I had a fight.”

  “I guessed as much, but with whom?”

  “Edgar Whitfield.”

  Payton frowned, stifling a yawn. “Why were you fighting with that weasel?”

  “It’s a long story.”

  “Uh-huh,” Payton eyed him suspiciously. “Don’t tell me it was over some woman.”

  Six foot five, jet black hair peppered with gray, cobalt blue eyes, strong jaw and a straight nose, he had a body that would put Michelangelo’s David to shame. A Corporate Attorney and notorious playboy, Jordan was constantly cavorting around town with models, starlets and heiresses on his arm. He’d even been rumored to have dated a princess, she later learned the rumor was false.

  Jordan leveled a stare her way. “No, it wasn’t over a woman. Why do you always think the worst of me?”

  “Because you’ve never given me a reason not to, besides you’re the biggest whore I know so why would I think otherwise?”

  “Whatever,” he responded annoyed she had such a low opinion of him.

  “I’ll get some antiseptic for that cut and an ice pack for your jaw, when I get back you can tell me all about this fight.”

  When Payton returned with the first aid kit she found him standing in front the bookshelf thumbing through one of her first edition classics.

  “You always did like old things,” he said returning the book to the shelf.

  Payton snorted “Which is why we get along so well, have a seat,”

  She sat down beside him and grabbed a bottle of antiseptic and a cotton ball.

  “This is going to sting a little.”

  “Shit, that hurts,” Jordan complained dodging her efforts to treat the cut on his cheek.

  “Stop being a baby and sit still, you should have blocked that punch.”

  “Very funny,” he grumbled.

  “There now it won’t get infected,” she told him applying a band aid then closing the kit and handing him an ice pack.

  “Tell me how this fight started,”

  “You know how Edgar likes to brag….”

  While she listened to Jordan, Payton’s thoughts went back to the day they met ten years ago. She’d been concentrating on rearranging a layout for the next issue of The New York Beat, a magazine where she was editor when her office door burst open and he stormed in. He demanded she print a retraction of an article that featured him and a starlet caught skinny dipping in a park fountain. She refused saying he was a person of interest and therefore fair game.

  When threats against the magazine hadn’t worked he proposed the idea she do a feature on him to take the focus off the negative publicity. She agreed only because she wanted the magazine to be taken seriously and not be regarded as another tabloid. He then caught her off guard when he decided to seal their deal with a kiss although she’d enjoyed it she knew it could never happen again. During the weeks they spent together working on the story they became friends.

  “Why would you even come here instead of going to the hospital?”

  “I was surrounded by reporters and paparazzi I knew they’d follow me home so I came here instead.”

  “What makes you think they didn’t follow you?”

  Jordan frowned. “Why would they, you’re one of them?”

  Payton rolled her eyes as she stood. “Whatever, I’m going back to bed. You’re welcomed to stay if you’d like. The bed in the spare room is already made. Well, good night.”

  Shutting off the lights and checking the door, Jordan headed down the hallway towards the bedroom.

  ******************

  The next morning Payton was surprised to walk into her kitchen and find Jordan standing in it. He was drinking a cup of coffee.

  “Good morning.”

  “Hey.”

  Sitting his cup on the counter Jordan filled another cup and handed it to her.

  Taking a sip Payton briefly closed her eyes relishing in the warm liquid sliding down her throat.

  “What are you still doing here I thought you’d be gone by daybreak?”

  “Well since it is Sunday, I decided to stick around, besides I owe you an apology for disturbing you last night.”

  “About that,” she said placing the cup on the table. “What makes you think I wasn’t alone?”

  Jordan was silent for a moment, feeling a jolt, of what could only be described as jealousy, at the thought of her being with another man. As their friendship grew he’d seen her through several relationships, one of which nearly led to marriage. Thankfully it had been called off, he thought the guy was a jerk.

  He’d always thought of Payton as his, although he’d never made his true feelings known. The fact was that he’d always been a little bit in love with her, and through the years his feelings had only grown stronger.

  “You weren’t, so what’s your point?’

  Payton groaned shaking her head. “Never mind, how about some breakfast I’m starving?”

  “Breakfast music to my ears.”

  “You’re hungry, huh?” She grinned opening the refrigerator, removing a carton of eggs and the ingredients they needed.

  “Of course, I’m a growing boy.”

  There’s nothing boyish about that body that’s for sure. Payton thought to herself. Even rumpled and bruised, the man still looked like sex on a stick.

  Through the process Jordan cracked a couple of jokes that made her laugh, it was nice having him around if only for a day. Too bad things could never go beyond friendship, the Cain’s were old money and lots of it. Whereas hers
, were blue collar, and she could never fit into that circle.

  “What’s got you so deep in thought?”

  “I was just wondering how you were going to handle last night’s situation,” Payton said, the sound of his voice bringing her from her musings. “You in a fight. That’s big news. If we hadn’t called a truce I’d jump on this story myself,” Sliding the chair away from the table, she began clearing it.

  Jordan looked up at her. “Is that what this is between us, a truce?”

  “Yeah, what else would it be?” She responded, picking up their plates taking them to the sink to rinse them. When Payton turned around Jordan was standing in front of her, raising his hand, his fingers grazing the side of her face. Just that simple act, sent sparks shooting through her, sending her body off-kilter.

  “I was actually hoping it was something else.”

  Payton couldn’t help the laugh that spilled out. “You’re kidding right? Why on earth would I even think of having a relationship with you?

  “I’ve thought of having one with you.” Always have.

  Her pulse beat wildly, as he took her mouth in a kiss that was gentle at first, then intensified, filled with passion and need. He kissed her jaw and then dragged his tongue across her throat. Payton slid her arms around his neck and gave into the kiss. Her breasts swelled and her nipples tightened to aching points. Having his body flushed with hers she could feel his growing erection. His kissing her, was pure heaven, even better than the first time. His slow kisses made her feel dizzy, enveloping her in a heavy fog of desire. Just imagining his mouth-his teeth-and his hands on her body, and the things he could do, caused moisture to coat her panties. As much as she wanted him she knew it would be a disastrous move for both of them so she broke the kiss.

  “We can’t do this.” her voice low and breathless as she struggled to regain her composure.

  Jordan frowned. “This being sex?”

  “Yes, I refuse to be added to your list of conquests.”

  “Do you honestly believe if you and I were to take our relationship to the next step I would view it as a conquest?”

  A brief silence passed between them before Payton spoke. “No, but I’m not willing to risk our friendship just so you can slake your desire.”

  Blowing out a frustrated breath, Jordan eyed Payton, ever since the day he laid eyes on her, he knew he wanted her and once he’d gotten a taste of her, making love to her was all he could think about.

  Over five feet, shoulder length brown and red corkscrew curls that framed a flawless creamy mocha face her eyes were green with flecks of silver. Today, she wore a red t-shirt that outlined full breasts and faded jeans that hugged her voluptuous figure.

  “Fine, I think I’d better leave, right after I do something about this.”

  Her gaze drifted to his erection. “I’m sorry.

  “Don’t be, I’m not,” he admitted shoving his fingers through his hair. “Next time, we’re going to give into what I know we both want and there’ll be no turning back for either of us.” Then he left the room.

  Payton didn’t know how long she’d be able to resist Jordan, considering she’d been attracted to him from day one. At night when she was home alone she would try to ease her sexual frustrations, using her favorite vibrator but not even that did the trick. She needed the real thing, she needed Jordan and that’s what frightened her, the fear that once she gave into her desire, he’d break her heart. Releasing a sigh of resolution, she turned and loaded the dishwasher.

  Chapter 2

  Jordan rode the elevator up to his father’s office. The moment he stepped out of it, his secretary informed him that J.D Senior wanted to see him. When he walked into his father’s office he wasn’t surprised to see his grandfather waiting for him as well, the old man was sitting on the couch reading the financial section of the newspaper.

  His father looked up from his desk and spoke. “Good, you’re here, have a seat.”

  “If you don’t mind, I think I’ll keep standing.” Jordan said, looking from one man to the other. “Would someone mind telling me what this is about?”

  “What this is about, is your inability to remain out of the tabloids,” his grandfather responded folding the newspaper tossing it aside and standing up. “Fighting during a charity event, how could you embarrass yourself and this family?”

  “I was only defending myself,” Jordan reasoned. “Besides he provoked me.”

  “It doesn’t matter who was provoked, the point is, you fought,” his father said briskly. “First it was the fiasco in Central Park we had to clean up, now this fight. Cain and Associates is a well-respected law firm, the clients we serve want to know there’s someone solid and reliable handling their affairs and from what we’re seeing, you’re not that man. Our clients don’t appreciate being ambushed by the press and questioned about your exploits. They guard their privacy and expect the utmost discretion from us. This reckless behavior has to stop.”

  He expected a confrontation not a full on assault.

  “I don’t know what you expect me to do? Those things have already happened, it isn’t as though I can take it all back.”

  “True,” His father agreed. “Jordan you’re and not a kid anymore you need to stop this nonsense and start acting like an adult, which is why you’re here. Your grandfather and I have come up with a solution.”

  Jordan didn’t like the direction this conversation was taking. Sure, he liked to be seen around town in the company of beautiful women, after all he was a red-blooded male. He worked damned hard in his position as managing director of the firm, why should he begrudge himself a little fun?

  “I’m afraid to ask, what is it?”

  “You could think about settling down, finding a wife and starting a family.”

  “You’re kidding right? How am I supposed to do that especially since I’m not seeing anyone? Do you expect me to walk up to some women and say, hi, I need a wife wanna get married?”

  “Don’t be an ass,” his father retorted. “I happen to know Walter Ashmore’s daughter is interested in you, I’m sure she’d be more than happy to marry you.”

  Not this shit again. Allison Ashmore was “clingy” when it came to relationships; he sure as hell didn’t need that kind of women in his life.

  “Yeah right,” Jordan scoffed. “Like that’s ever going to happen.”

  “Then I advise you to come up with someone, otherwise you’ll end up losing more than you’re willing to.”

  Jordan stiffened. “Meaning what?”

  “Meaning not only will you be replaced as managing director of this firm, you’ll be disinherited.”

  Shaken to the core, Jordan stared at his father, the color draining from his face, blood drumming in his ears.

  “Are we clear on what you need to do?”

  “Crystal.” Jordan said through clenched teeth

  “You have ninety days,” his father informed him, returning his attention back to the papers on his desk.

  “This meeting is over, think about what we’ve talked about.”

  Shit, Jordan thought to himself as he headed back to his office, if his future depended on him finding a wife, then a wife he would have and he knew just the person.

  ******************

  The city was coated with a heavy downpour most of the day, Payton had been inundated with meetings and problem solving most of the day, and she was exhausted and wanted nothing more than to go home and soak in a nice warm bath and have a glass of wine. When Jordan called, asking her to meet him at a local restaurant that it was important, she wanted to refuse but curiosity overruled her better judgment, so she agreed.

  Bellini’s was an Italian restaurant on the edge of town. Jordan was waiting in the foyer when she arrived. The hostess greeted them, then led them to a secluded part of the restaurant and left them with menus.

  “Thanks for coming. I’m sure you’re wondering why I asked you to meet me here.”

  “The thought had crossed
my mind,” Payton admitted. “Why don’t you tell me?”

  “I had a meeting the other day with my father and my grandfather was present. Needless to say, it wasn’t what I expected.”

  “What happened?”

  “They’re upset about me being back in the tabloids.”

  “Are you surprised? Did you think this whole mess would just disappear without anyone noticing?”

  The waiter arrived interrupting their conversation, filling their glasses with water then taking their meal orders, once he’d gone, they resumed their conversation.

  “Honestly, I don’t know what I expected,” he admitted, then picked up his glass of water taking a sip.

  “I warned you this would happen if you kept carrying on the way you have. I heard you broke Edgar’s nose, is that true?”

  Jordan shrugged. “I guess, anyway the prick deserved it.”

  “What did your father say?”

  “He basically issued me an ultimatum get married or lose everything.”

  “Ouch that’s kind of harsh, isn’t it?”

  “Not to him it isn’t, apparently he thinks it’s the perfect solution.”

  “I see, so who’s the lucky girl?”

  “I was thinking you and I could get married.”

  Payton stared at Jordan as if all his marbles had fallen to the floor.

  “Are you insane? We cannot get married.”

  “Why not, we have a lot in common. I think a marriage between us would work?”

  Payton rolled her eyes. “That’s desperation talking.”

  “Look Payton bottom line is you’re the only one I can trust to help me.”

  “You mean I’m the only one that isn’t after your money.”

  “There’s that and the fact that we’ve been friends for a long time, you know me better than anyone.”

  Leaning back in her chair Payton stared at Jordan for a moment, he was actually serious about carrying out this absurd plan.

  “Jordan you’re a brilliant attorney. As far as marriage material you’re not. You remind me of a carnival ride. Every woman has ridden you and there’s still some waiting in line for their opportunity.”