The Life & Death of Jorja Graham Read online

  “If you are gonna keep up this conversation, just hand me the bottle.”

  “I love you, Jorja. I just want you to be happy. Between your fathers drinking and your mothers emotional torture, you deserve a break, a chance to have someone pamper you for once. Who knows? Maybe Corbin is just what you need.”

  “You getting a fee for your services over there?” I laughed. I took a sip of my wine and wondered if Cat was right. Corbin had been nothing but a perfect gentlemen despite my insistence about his arrogance. “He does have very sexy lips,” I added.

  We both laughed and continued to talk about why Corbin might be good for me, not a long term good, but a short term fix to my dry spell when it came to men. I was still hesitant but did see Cat’s point of view on all of Corbin’s strong suits. Cat looked at the clock above the mantle and said that while she’d love nothing more than to chat about my future sex life, that it was time for her to head out, that her flight was at ten a.m. and she needed to get a few hours of sleep.

  “But wait, how am I supposed to use that dust stuff?” I asked as I grabbed our dishes and walked into the kitchen.

  Cat followed and picked up the jar and proceeded to show me how to scatter the dust she’d blessed at each of the thresholds. “Now listen, if you need anything while I’m gone, call my mom. I’ll be out of pocket for the next twelve hours or so, but I’ll call you as soon as I get settled.” Cat pulled me into a deep hug. “Live a little, it won’t kill you, and keep that dust everywhere we put it…no cleaning it up, neat freak.”

  “Yes ma’am.” I smiled as I watched Cat walk down the street and get into the third car down. Lucky dog with that parking place. I thought about moving into her spot but realized I was way too tired. I’d worry about that later because all I wanted right now was a shower and my comfy cozy bed.

  I flipped the lock and breathed a sigh of relief. That brick dust may be a bunch of hogwash, for all I knew, but it did seem to put my mind at ease…placebo effect I guess.

  c h a p t e r

  TEN

  I woke to my cell phone vibrating on the nightstand and snagged it before it shook itself onto the floor. I swiped my password and checked the messages, wondering who was so desperate to get a hold of me. The first was a text from Cat telling me that she’d put a small white bag filled with angelica root in my purse and that I needed to move it to whatever bag I would be carrying for the day. She said it was for protection on the go and to stop rolling my eyes…again. I laughed because I was rolling my eyes...again.

  The second was a voicemail from my aunts. Texting was something they never felt the need to learn, spouting the old cliché about old dogs and new tricks. Instead they'd always opted for using the phone the way it was intended, saying it was a more respectable and "social" way of communicating. The third message was a text from Corbin. “Have dinner with me tonight. You’ve been working overtime on this auction and you deserve a night off.” I shook my head…not a question but a statement. A matter-of-fact declaration. Was that arrogance or confidence? I guess I could ask him and debate the question, but instead I followed Cat’s advice and responded, “Sounds nice.” The phone buzzed again. “I’ll make plans.”

  Well, I’d done it. I'd agreed to go on a date with a man I found intriguing but could in no way see myself with. Why did I do this? I’m the girl who’d rather go home than go on a date with a guy just for a nice meal. I would pay, that would settle it. Yes, a business date, casual yet enjoyable.

  I padded downstairs and started a pot of coffee. I had a few hours of work ahead of me before I could stop by the shop to check in with my aunts. As I pulled out my notepad, I remembered Rhetta’s hideaway and needed to see if the things I found were going to be of any interest to Corbin. “Went to the carriage house last night and found more treasures. Will need your input. These images aren’t the best because of the flash but we can check them out in person if you’re interested. Care to meet at the estate at eleven?” I waited a few minutes but no response. Huh? Maybe he didn’t see anything he liked.

  “I’ll go look myself and let you know,” flashed on my phone. I texted back, “You can’t, I have the keys.” Another few moments passed as I imagined him cursing himself for giving them to me, then “11 it is. See you then.”

  I spent the rest of my morning finishing all the major planning for the auction next Thursday; time period data for the antiques confirmed, florist and caterer locked and loaded, check, check and check. Now I’d only have to handle the nit-picky crap and any last minute details that would inevitably pop up. I looked at the clock and scrambled to get ready. I was fairly certain that pajama bottoms and a tank weren’t the best choice to go meet Corbin in.

  I ran down the stairs, shoes in hand, just as the doorbell rang. I knew who it was before I even opened the door; I could see his shadowy outline through the glass panes in the door. “Do you make it a habit of stopping by colleagues homes in Louisiana, too?”

  Corbin chuckled. “No, most of them are fat and bald so why would I bother?”

  Now it was my turn to laugh. “You never know, they might enjoy you charming them,” I said as I hopped into my boots.

  “I doubt that,” he said flatly.

  “You shouldn’t underestimate yourself. You can be quite convincing,” I goaded as he shook his head, smiling.

  “I thought we could ride together. A selfish but clever move on my part. This way I can have you all to myself during the day until I bring you back here after our date tonight.”

  I arched a brow at him. “Clever indeed but I have a condition.” He glared at me. “I pay for dinner.”

  “No.”

  “No? Just like that.”

  “Yes, the answer is no. I planned a perfect evening and while I realize this is the 21st century, I’m still a man and men should take women out not vice versa.”

  I started to refute the chauvinistic comment but was interrupted. “What happened to your arm?” Corbin demanded as he reached for my wrist but I pulled back before he could touch me.

  DAMMIT! I had rolled them up while I was scurrying around. I hadn’t expected anyone to show up at my front door, I would’ve covered them on my way to meet Corbin. “Nothing, I bumped into some stuff and it’s…healing.” I scrambled to think of something else to say but my mind went into lock down. “It’s nothing, really,” I said as I shoved the sleeve of my button down towards my wrists.

  “I think it’s something but I’ll respect your privacy.”

  My stomach clenched as I looked up at him with a timid smile. “Thank you.”

  “But I’m buying dinner.”

  I gave him a half-hearted shrug and nodded. “Fine.”

  “You ready to go? Lucas has the car around the corner.”

  “Let me just grab my things,” I said as I gathered my purse and briefcase. I’d forgotten to merge the two bags this morning in my harried state and I needed stuff from them both.

  Corbin waited for me on the porch and then as we stepped off the front steps, he gently placed his hand on the small of my back. The gesture was kind and gentlemanly. I was grateful too that he’d chosen not to press the issue of my bruises. I was actually looking forward to our "date" tonight and I didn’t want some stupid marks on my arm to derail that.

  We walked towards the car where Lucas was waiting with an open door. Corbin gave me a hand into the backseat and another few rows in my emotional brick wall fell to the ground. He was getting to me.

  “Did you need to stop by and see your aunts before we head to the estate?”

  “That’d be great, I’ll only be a minute or two.”

  “Take your time. I get to have you to myself for the rest of the day, I can wait,” he said as he casually checked his cell phone.

  Lucas pulled the car up to the front of the shop, parked, and then proceeded to open my door. I looked over at Corbin and then up to Lucas, giving him a clipped nod as if it were common place to have a car and a driver take me wherever I wanted to
go. His face was stoic as he shut the car door and followed me to the shop, waiting just outside like a soldier guarding the entrance.

  “Well, my, my. What a difference a day or two makes,” Heddie teased.

  “Yes, I’m pregnant with his child and the wedding will be a week from Sunday,” I retorted. “You think you’ll be able to make it to the party and accept me for the scandalous woman that I am?”

  Heddie cackled and Vivian came out from the back room demanding to know what was so funny. “Jorja’s having a shotgun wedding to our very own Corbin Holbrook.”

  “WHAT!” she shrieked.

  “Do not listen to her. I just came by to say hi and grab a few things and it just so happens that Corbin gave me a ride so I wouldn’t have to drive myself out to Rhetta’s estate.”

  “Oh, I’d like to have that man give me a ride,” Heddie quipped under her breath.

  “I heard that.”

  “I hope you did. When are you going to go out with him? He is a fine man, Jorja.”

  “Actually, we are going out tonight.” I braced myself for what was coming next but they both surprised me and responded with back to back comments of, “It’s about time.”

  “Where’s he taking you?” Vivian inquired.

  “I’m not sure. He said he was making plans, that’s all I know.”

  “I like him even more,” Heddie said as she patted my hand.

  Vivian handed me the invitations for the auction. “Oh these look fantastic.” I scrunched my brows. “This isn’t too over the top is it? I just thought a little glam would add to the drama of the auction.”

  “No, I think it’s perfect. In fact, I showed them to Paxton and he’s already chomping at the bit to invite some of his clients.”

  “Really?” I handed the invitation back to her. “Then let’s get them out now. It’ll boost the publicity. You know word of mouth will spread like wildfire and then that’ll filter down to the tourists.”

  I looked out the front window and realized it had been at least five minutes. I know Corbin said to take my time but I wasn’t about to abuse his kindness. I hugged my aunts and waited as Lucas opened and closed doors until I was safely tucked back into the car.

  “Get everything you needed?”

  “I did, thank you.” I handed him one of the invitations. “In fact, I think these will make the entire event an even bigger success.”

  “Wow, you went all out for me didn’t you?”

  I chuckled. “Nothing but the best, nothing but the best.” I drew out the second part for effect.

  “I am a lucky man.”

  “Nah, just a wealthy contributor.”

  He placed his hand over his heart, his brows scrunched as if I’d wounded him. “Oh, that hurts. Is that all I am to you?” His features shifted into a winning smile.

  “Do you ever take a break from flirting?”

  “Not when I’m around you.”

  “You’re incorrigible,” I said, trying to stifle my laughter.

  c h a p t e r

  ELEVEN

  I guess when Corbin said he’d make plans he meant it, just not the way I’d assumed. When we pulled up the drive to the estate there were a bunch of vehicles parked near the front and side of the house. A plumber, a carpenter, a plaster/remodeling company, a crew of landscapers and an exterminator. All waiting just outside their trucks, conversing with one another, until the crackle beneath our tires drew their attention.

  I looked over at Corbin perplexed. “What are you doing? The auction is next week, we…I mean you, don’t have time to remodel the house right now.”

  I can assure you they’ll be in and out and everything will be perfect by the first of next week.”

  “But the cleaning crew already came through and…” My voice trailed off as my frustration began to grow.

  “Not a problem, I’ve already contracted them to come back out as well.” He patted my knee. “Like I said, it will be perfect before the auction.”

  I felt the muscles in my jaw clench and unclench as I tried to calm myself. If just one of these contractors veered off schedule I’d have to postpone the auction. I pulled out my notepad and began to scribble down alternate plans just in case Corbin’s impromptu construction project went awry.

  “Jorja.”

  I ignored him.

  “Jorja. You can be angry later, right now I need your advice on how to restore this home to its original grandeur. Can you stop being pissed off for just a moment?”

  I cocked my head towards him. “And why would you need my help for that, Corbin. It seems you’re doing quite well all on your own. All those workers are waiting for your command.”

  Lucas opened my door as Corbin opened his own. “Actually, they're waiting for yours,” he said as he stepped out of the car, smoothing the front of his jacket.

  “They’re what?” I barked over the hood.

  He gave me a complacent look and then waved his arm in my direction as the crowd of men moved towards us. “Gentlemen, this is Jorja Graham. She is the new owner of this estate and would like to take possession of it, sooner rather than later. With that said, I will double your rate if the project is completed by Tuesday and triple your rate if you are finished on Monday.”

  The men all turned to stare at me and I was a thousand percent certain my mouth was gaping open in total and absolute shock. I thought I’d made myself clear on this subject the other day but apparently not.

  “She’s just a bit overwhelmed at the idea of having everything ready for the auction we’re having next Thursday, but I have faith that you won’t disappoint me. Lucas here will give you a tour and we’ll begin shortly.”

  The men chimed in unison their assurances before they turned to follow Lucas into the house.

  “Corbin!” I shouted through gritted teeth. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “Nothing I didn’t already tell you about.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a fat letter sized envelope. “I made the arrangements with your friend Paxton. He’s expecting you to stop by and finalize everything with your signature.”

  “I will do no such thing. I don’t accept extravagant gifts and I most certainly don’t accept them from men I barely know. I pay my own way in this world, Mr. Holbrook.”

  The look on his face softened as he walked around the front of the car. “I didn’t mean to imply that you didn't. I merely wanted you to have something you so obviously appreciate.”

  He was standing right in front of me now, staring down at me. I wasn’t short by any means but with his height, it felt as though he was towering above me, looming almost. I closed my eyes and sighed heavily.

  “You are even more beautiful when you are angry.”

  I clenched my fists, holding them tight to my sides for fear I’d haul off and sock him in the jaw. I was infuriated and all he could do was try to charm me. I dug my nails into the palm of my hand, hoping I’d be able to find the right words to decline.

  “I get that you are attracted to me and I get that we’ve had several pleasant conversations over these past few days, but how on God’s green earth do any of those things equate to 'Hey, I think I’ll give you an estate worth close to a half a million dollars?'”

  “That may very well be the market value but I told you I don’t need another property. I have, however, found myself drawn to you. I like it when you smile, when you laugh, and now it seems, even when you get so angry that you want to punch me. You are a rare jewel, Jorja, and if I want to do something nice for you, I believe I’m well within my right to do so.” I started to speak but he pressed his finger gently to my lips. “If it will make you feel better, then I will talk to Paxton and draft up a bill of sale so that you can rightfully say you paid for the property. Fair enough?”

  I bit the inside of my cheek. Insufferable was the word clanging around inside my head. This was insane but I’d be a total moron if I didn’t try to find some sort of middle ground here. Talk about looking a gift horse in t
he mouth. Everything about this “gift” was wrong but maybe that was because I’d never met or experienced a man like this. Corbin had to have an ulterior motive; why else would he be doing this?

  “Does your silence mean you are finally considering my offer?”

  “No, it means I’m thinking.”

  “The wheels do seem as though they are churning but can we finish this debate at dinner, these men need to get to work.”

  “I’m not happy.”

  “Understandably.”

  “Don’t dismiss me, Corbin.”

  “I’m not dismissing you. Think on it and we can decide the fate of this beautiful home later.” He extended his hand. “Please?”

  I placed my hand in his and not because I was ready to accept his affection or his offer, but because the ground beneath my heels felt like quicksand and in my fury I’d sunk down at least a few inches. As we walked towards the house, we remained silent, but Corbin kept me steady on the unstable dirt with the ease of a gentlemen. As we reached the porch steps, he let me go ahead but then gently tugged on my hand for me to stop. I turned and looked down at him and watched as he moved to kiss my hand. “I’m sorry if I offended you, Jorja. The house was meant to please you not anger you. Will you accept my apology?”

  “You’re not off the hook here, Corbin. I’m not angry that you offered me the house, I’m angry that you assumed I was the kind of woman who’d accept something like this blindly. You still need to get to know me, and I you, before such grand gestures take place. Understand?”

  “I do,” he said as he stepped onto the porch. As we walked into the house, Corbin kept hold of my hand, at first keeping it friendly, but then turning his palm to intertwine our fingers. The move was tender and again I found myself drawn to him. Like a moth to the flame, Jorja. You are doomed.

  The workmen all gathered in the front room after their tour with Lucas. I could tell by the way they were fidgeting that they were anxious to get started; after all, with the sum of money Corbin was offering I’d be ready to start too.