Her Tender Touch

* * *

Two weeks later, Jason was more concerned about his mom’s scheduled doctor’s visit. He sat in the waiting room while she got some blood work done. To keep his mind off things, Jason went to one of the vending machines and made a selection, ready for a nice sugar rush. When the candy dropped, he picked up the packet of chocolate raisins and turned, ready to head back down the hall. He stopped when he saw a little boy, about four years old, standing near the wall, crying. No one else seemed to notice him as they rushed past. Jason waited a few moments to see if someone would stop, but no one did. He silently swore. He had to be careful—he wasn’t always good with kids—but he had to find out what was wrong. He walked over to the child and knelt down to his level. “Are you lost?”

The little boy put two fingers in his mouth and stared at him.

Jason repeated his question in Spanish.

The little boy continued to stare at him, but his tears dried up.

Jason repeated the question in French.

The little boy blinked and started to suck his thumb.

Jason sighed and shrugged. “Sorry, that’s all I know,” he said in English. “Mama? Do you know where she is? Or papa?”

He nodded.

“Oh, so you’re not lost?”

He shook his head.

If he wasn’t lost, where was his guardian? He was too young to be on his own. “My name is Mr. Ward. Who did you come here with?” Jason said, softening his voice even more.

“Mama.”

“Okay, and where is she?”

The little boy pointed vaguely down the hall.

“Well, you should be with her. She must be worried about you. Do you want me to take you to her?”

The child shook his head.

“Why are you crying?” He almost regretted asking. It was a hospital after all; perhaps someone he cared about was sick, or worse, had died.

The child looked at the chocolate-covered raisins in Jason’s hand.

“Do you want some candy?”

The child stopped crying and nodded.

“You know, you shouldn’t be talking to strangers.”

He nodded but kept staring at the candy.

Jason sighed. “Okay, I’ll give you one, then I’m taking you back to your mom.”

He poured some candy out and started to hand it to him when he felt something hard strike the side of his face. It hit him with such force he fell over, candy scattering on the ground.

“You pervert!” a woman screamed. “Get away from my son.”

Jason sat up and glared at her. “I thought he was lost.”

“And you thought it was a good idea to give him candy?”

Jason surged to his feet. “You shouldn’t have left him alone in the first place. What’s wrong with you? You think I’d sit here giving him candy if I had something else in mind? I could have snatched him in seconds.”

Her eyes widened, and she picked up her son and backed away from him.

“You’re completely irresponsible leaving a young child like him alone for so long.”

Tears appeared in the woman’s eyes. “You have no right to talk to me like that. You don’t know the stress I’ve been under and—”

“I don’t care.”

A guard approached them. “Ma’am, is this man bothering you?”

“Yes, he was trying to take my son.”

The guard touched Jason’s arm. “Sir—”

“I wasn’t doing any such thing,” he said in a low growl. “The little boy was lost, and I was just giving him some candy. I was about to take him to find his mother when this crazy woman hit me over the head with her purse and accused me of trying to steal her child!”

The woman swallowed hard, having the grace to look embarrassed. “He’s right. Excuse me.” She hurried away with her child.

Jason sighed, then touched the side of his face where she’d struck him. His hand came back with blood. What the hell was she carrying in her purse? Damn, he should have left the kid alone. He had just been trying to help, and she thought he had other ideas. Why did people always think the worst of him?

“What happened to you?” his mother asked when she saw him in the waiting room.

“Oh, nothing. I wasn’t looking where I was going and walked into a wall,” Jason lied.

“It’s because you’re working too much, not looking where you’re going. If Gwen—” She stopped.

Were here, he said silently, finishing the sentence she couldn’t.

He still missed her, even though it had been over a decade, especially at times like this when he worried about his mother. Gwen had made him feel less alone. Connected to the world in some way. He thought of the dreams they’d made for the future. Dreams that wouldn’t come true. He thought of her when he’d come up with the idea for the resort—he could picture her smiling and telling him how smart he was.

“She would want you to be happy,” his mother said.

He wondered if that was even possible anymore. He’d stopped being happy after her death. Partly out of guilt, but mostly despair. His business had been his life, and that had been taken from him just as she had.

Beatrice handed him the brochure again. “You need this. You have to change. You can’t use fear as a factor to get respect.”

He didn’t want anyone to think he was easy. He demanded respect. He’d worked hard for it. As a kid, he’d been the small one who’d gotten bullied in school. He was the kid whose best friend got shot during a robbery at a gas station. He was the kid who used to be terrified he’d never escape the violence around him. But he wasn’t a kid anymore, and he remembered the initial look in the young mother’s eyes—it wasn’t respect, it was fear. He didn’t want to be feared anymore.

Jason reluctantly looked over the brochure and sighed. His mother was right. He was in a totally new field, and without partners like Dennis to be his good manners, he needed to re-create himself.

Chapter 2

She was all sugar and spice and arsenic. Judith Watson was a spiny woman and the head of the personal makeover division of Finishing Touches, Inc.

“What do you mean by that?” she asked, touching her chest in dismay as she stared at Abby. The two women sat in the main sitting area that separated their offices.

“I know you’ve been stealing my clients,” Abby said, keeping her voice measured. She knew Judith was a snake, and she’d do her best to charm the truth out of her. “I’m sure it wasn’t on purpose,” she said, although she knew otherwise.

“I’m so hurt. I don’t know why you would think that, much less accuse me.”

“Several of my friends recommended people they know, and I wondered why none of them had come to my office or made an appointment. So I decided to do some sleuthing of my own, and discovered that at least three individuals did come to the office, but, somehow they were convinced to use your services over mine.” Abby knew it had been a bad idea to share the office space with Judith in the first place but had had no other choice.

At first, things had seemed perfect. The office was in a prime location, with excellent traffic and access to ample parking. As a corporate etiquette consultant, Abby knew location was critical, and for the potential clients she was seeking, they would need to be able to get to her office easily. And the price was right. The building was part of an incubation program, designed to help new entrepreneurial ventures. But Abby couldn’t afford on her own the only office that was available; it was too big. The former owner of Finishing Touches, Inc.—FTI—a company that specialized in image makeovers, had a large office with a small suite off to the side, and when Abby had seen the sign to sublet the small office, she had been thrilled.

Initially the arrangement had worked. Abby had gotten on well with the former owner, an older woman who’d given her tips about the business even though they each had a different focus, and they’d networked together. Abby worked with corporate business professionals because she had helped her ex-husband create a multimillion-dollar enterprise and learned a lot working with him. She had met him directly out of high school and fallen head-over-heels in love. He’d promised her the sun and the moon, and convinced her that she didn’t need to go to college; he’d make enough money to take care of her. She’d lived a Cinderella dream, and had enjoyed her charmed life. And while she’d worked long hours, she saw it as her duty as his wife to help and support him.

They had traveled the globe and met with millionaires and successful business entrepreneurs. Since her divorce five years ago, and after unsuccessfully looking for work, she decided to go into business for herself and use the skills she had developed. Her client list was growing, but not fast enough to cover her business and living expenses. Unfortunately for her, she’d signed a prenuptial she eventually regretted. If she divorced she would get no alimony, and the property was not to be shared—leaving her with just her wardrobe and the money she had in her personal account. She’d decided that this time she’d make sure she got paid for what she’d done for free in her marriage. She’d made her husband a success, and he’d repaid her by falling for his acupuncturist—and she had ended up with nothing.

Abby was determined she wouldn’t be bitter. Instead, she’d get her revenge. She’d make all those CEOs, COOs, CFOs pay for the knowledge she had, to help them develop the polish and right image the business culture demanded.

But then things began to go wrong. Very wrong. Judith wormed her way into being hired by Finishing Touches, Inc., eventually convincing the older woman that she could take over the tasks the former owner no longer wanted to do.

Abby had accepted the change, although it rankled her having to see Judith every day. A year later, the older woman suddenly retired. Unlike Abby, Judith focused solely on the superficial outer aspect of a person’s image, with no depth. But since she desperately needed the space, Abby didn’t care how Judith did things. She’d hoped to move out within another year since her division had been doing well, until recently.

That’s when she discovered that Judith had been stealing clients from her. “I’m really hurt that you would accuse me of doing these things,” Judith said.

Abby flashed a cool grin. “I know since Mrs. Frazier left that you’ve wanted this place to yourself. So I’ve decided I’m going to make that happen.”

“You’re leaving?”

“Yes.”

“But you can’t do that,” she said.

Abby stared at her, amazed by her passion. “Of course I can.”

Judith quickly gathered herself together. “I mean, we have an agreement.”

“That’s coming up for renewal.”

“You don’t need to be hasty about this. I’m sure there’s just been a misunderstanding somewhere.”

My first misunderstanding was that you were a decent human being. “No.”

“Abby, dear, I would hate for something small like this to break up the relationship we have. This is an excellent location and—”

“You’ll do well.” Abby was in no mood to listen to any more of Judith’s lies. She knew she was crafty, but to deliberately steal her clients? That was a new low, even for her.

“It was an accident. I wouldn’t have done that to you. You know how much I—”

“Cut it out. I hate when you do that,” Abby said in a tone that let Judith know she was on to her.

“Why don’t we start over? I have a couple of clients I haven’t been able to get to yet due to my busy schedule.”

“We have different clients. I don’t do personal image makeovers. You know I strictly work with business professionals. I’ll leave by the end of the year,” Abby said, then left and went into her office.

* * *

Judith watched her go with growing panic. Abby couldn’t leave. She couldn’t afford the space by herself, but she didn’t want to tell her that. Yes, she had been misleading several of Abby’s clients because, for some reason, things had slowed down and she wasn’t bringing in the amount of money she needed, and she had gotten desperate. She had to save face. Damn, she hadn’t thought she’d catch on so quickly. After Mrs. Frazier had left, the business hadn’t been doing well, and there was more interest coming to Abby. It didn’t make sense. Why did anyone need corporate etiquette over personal image makeovers? Besides, she didn’t see that much of a difference in what they did, and, fortunately, neither had the clients who’d come in for consultation. Since they shared the same office and computer system, it hadn’t been hard to access the main data system and change schedules.

Abby always acted so superior. Judith knew she was prettier, but Abby had a striking beauty that always got a second look. Judith was irritated that although Abby couldn’t afford her own office space, she acted as if she could buy the building if she wanted to. That had always annoyed her, but now she had to convince her to stay. When the phone rang she brushed her problems aside and put on her voice. “Finishing Touches, Judith Watson speaking.”

“How full is your client list?” a woman asked in a brusque tone.

“I never turn away business,” Judith said as pleasantly as she could.

The woman sighed. “You may want to with this one. He needs a major makeover, and might be difficult to work with.”

Judith lifted her brows, intrigued. “What do you mean by that?”

“He needs help fast, but I’m not sure he’s convinced yet.”

“And you are?”

“His mother. He’s a little rough around the edges, but he’s a good man and I don’t want to set him up for failure if you’re not up for it.”

Judith thought back to one torturous client she had dealt with. He’d caused her to lose twenty pounds over six months, and refused to pay her at the end because he did not feel that she had met his standard.

“If you’re interested, he’ll pay well. Money’s not a factor.”

Yes, she needed the money, but not at this rate. Besides, she preferred working with women more than men, and if his own mother thought he was difficult, Judith knew her time with him would probably be miserable. Why did Abby have to threaten to leave? Abby? Hmm. “Okay, is he in business, by any chance?”

“Yes, he runs his own company and has just started a new venture.”

“And his name?”

“Are you interested in taking him on?”

“No, but I know someone I can refer him to. A colleague I work with here in the same office. You can rest assured that I’ll be very discreet.”

“His name is Jason Ward.”

“One moment, please. I have another call.” Judith put the woman on hold, then quickly did an online search for Jason Ward. She saw that he’d been booted from his former company several years ago and had spent time in prison. She gave a low whistle. “I’ll make an appointment for tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Will that work?”

“I’ll let him know.” The woman disconnected.

Judith hung up the phone and couldn’t help a smile. She did a little dance in her office, then smoothed down her hair and clothes and walked over to Abby’s suite.

“I don’t want any hard feelings between us,” Judith said, entering and taking a seat.

‘“I don’t have any feelings at all,” Abby said, not looking up from what she was doing.

Judith fought not to grit her teeth. “I just got a new client, who I thought of referring to you, but if you’re not interested...” She began to stand.

“I didn’t say that.”

Judith leaned back, trying not to look too satisfied. She’d gloat later. “He’s very wealthy and starting a brand-new business. I know that’s your area. If you think you can handle him.”

“I can handle anyone.”

“Don’t be overconfident.”

Abby narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean? I’m good at what I do.”

“He may be too much for you. I hear he can be a bit of a bully.”

“I can turn a tiger into a pussycat. Who is he?”

“Jason Ward.”

Judith watched her with interest. She could almost see Abby’s mind working and trying to place him. To her delight, she didn’t. “So, why does he need you?”

“As I said, he’s starting a new business, and while I can help him with his image, I thought you might be a better match, since you’re into corporate business and stuff. Besides, he’s offering a lot of money.”

“How much?”

Judith threw out a ballpark figure, just to get Abby interested.

“That’s a lot of money to pass up. And that’s not like you.”

“I’ll take the case if you want. I’m only telling you this as a show of good faith. I really hate you thinking that I was doing something so unethical, such as stealing clients from you. I mean, we are family and—”

“Fine,” Abby cut in, not wanting to talk about the tumultuous relationship she shared with her sister.

“Good, I’ll give him your number, but only on one condition.”

“What?”

“You’ll stay. If you can change Jason Ward in six weeks, I’ll cover the cost for your office suite for the next six months.” Judith knew it was a gamble since she wouldn’t be able to afford it, but she was already convinced Abby wouldn’t succeed.

“Okay.”

Judith smiled and held up a finger to indicate that she wasn’t finished. “But if you don’t succeed in changing him within six weeks, you’ll sign for another two years.” Judith knew she had baited Abby. Abby hated to pass up a challenge. “So, you’ll make sure he’s scandal-free and the darling of the business world by the end of six weeks?”

“You can count on it.”

* * *

Abby knew the snake was up to something, but she didn’t care. Jason Ward would be a coup for her. After Judith left, she looked him up on her computer and then gripped her hands into fists when his handsome face came on the screen. That Jason Ward! He would be a nightmare. The man who refused to wear suits, who only wore two colors, who cursed with a fluency that would make a sailor blush. Uncouth, uncultured and undeniably intriguing. A man who kept his private life guarded. And a man who reminded her of someone. Oh, no...the man from the restaurant!

Abby stood and kicked a chair in frustration. Outside, a late October wind brushed past her window. Judith had set her up for failure. But the fact that he was seeking help meant that he wanted a change, and in spite of herself, she was confident she could help him. Besides, a referral from him would open doors she could only imagine. Her unorthodox methods may be just what he needed. Abby could already see herself affording a new apartment and car. She wanted to regain the life she’d lost after her divorce, and Jason Ward was the key.

Chapter 3

As Jason rode the elevator, he kept asking himself why he had allowed his mother to make the appointment. She had reminded him that it was time for him to work on his professional demeanor.

“You have to get a handle on your temper,” she had said to him when he’d changed his mind about the consultation. She had been trying to help him rein in his temper since the day she had adopted him. “I wish there was a man in the house to show you how to behave sometimes.” Jason had resented her insinuation that he needed a man to show him how to be one. But he knew he needed help.

Sure, he could make money, but SENTEL was the second business he had lost. He remembered the recycling business he’d started with a friend during high school. It had done well, financially, but his temper and mood swings had caused them to break up. He started SENTEL, Inc. after the tragic loss of his girlfriend, Gwen, and had had that stolen from him. Although the members of the board listed his personality as a reason for his dismissal, he knew there was more. In addition to his temper, he knew he also lacked tact. But he hadn’t been tactless with that Armstrong woman.

While Dennis had no objection to crossing the line with married women, that was one boundary Jason would not violate. He respected his mother too much. He enjoyed women, all sorts of women, but hated the ones who felt entitled to whatever they wanted, at whatever cost.

He had found relationships with people in general to be confusing at times, which was why, when he’d had to complete hours for community service in order to graduate from high school, he’d volunteered to work with animals. They didn’t need him to be anything other than himself. When he said “sit,” they understood, unlike the Mrs. Armstrongs of the world who lived by their own rules.

Jason stepped off the elevator and walked to the office directly in front of him and entered, then stopped when he saw the woman sitting there. He hoped she wasn’t the one. He didn’t like her smile; he didn’t trust her. He’d learned early that there were few women he could—or would—trust.

“Hello,” she said, stretching out her hand. “You must be Jason Ward.”

“Yes,” he said, seeing her wince when he shook her hand, even as her smile remained. He found it too wide; her body was too close. He could see her sizing him up—calculating the price of his clothes. She’d be disappointed. If this was Abby Baylor, he’d do the initial consultation and then find someone else.

“Would you like some coffee?” she asked, gesturing to a seat.

He sat. “No, I’m fine. Thanks, Ms. Baylor.”

“Oh, no, that’s not me.”

Before she could explain further, the other office door opened and another woman walked out. Now, she was a vision. She was tall, brown-skinned, with shoulder-length black hair, and elegantly dressed in a fitted sheath dress that showed off all her curves. She didn’t smile at him or step close. He liked her immediately.

“Jason Ward?” she asked in a curt manner.

He stood. “Yes.”

She held out her hand. “I’m Abby Baylor.”

He shook her hand. “A pleasure.”

She winced and rubbed her hand. “Not with a handshake like that. Are you trying to break my fingers? Never mind, we’ll work on that later.” She turned to her office. “Please, follow me.”

She didn’t have to ask twice. He’d have no problem following her anywhere. He liked the view from the back of her as much as from the front.

* * *

Abby walked into her room, trying to get her heart to stop racing. She’d tried to imagine what Jason Ward would be like, but nothing had prepared her for the man she met up close. A man who was both terrifying and mesmerizing. She knew him by reputation. He made news for his ruthless dealings and temper. But strangely, he didn’t frighten her, although he should have. She was struck by his dark, cutting gaze. He topped six-four, had a remarkable build and looked like a man who could carry tree trunks—or better yet, a helpless woman over his shoulder. She’d wanted a challenge, and she knew he would be one.

“We have a lot of work to do. I can already list three things we need to work on. Take a seat.”

“Is this how you greet all your new clients?” he said, still standing.

“Why? Should I be a little gentler?”

He lifted a brow but didn’t reply.

Score one for her, Abby thought with a small thrill of delight. She’d put on her cool demeanor on purpose and wanted to see how he would react. To her amazement he didn’t, but she wouldn’t underestimate him. She could imagine his mind working on another strategy, so she had to take control first. She held out her hand. “Let’s start again. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Abby Baylor.”

Jason shook her hand, his grip strong. “A pleasure.”

She flexed her fingers. “Yes, we’ll definitely have to work on that.” She sat down. “Now tell me what you want, specifically.”

Jason smiled at her as if she’d asked him something more intimate, making her skin grow warm. Although her insides trembled, she held his gaze. She would not let him intimidate her in spite of the fact he was suddenly making her very curious about what he wanted and if she could oblige him. In his dreams, she thought, quickly brushing the idea aside.

“I want to play well with others,” he said in a sarcastic tone, taking a seat across from her.

“And not be the bully in the sandbox?”

“Something like that.”

“May I give you a brief assessment?”

He shrugged. “You say that as if I have an option, but somehow I doubt it. Please, proceed. Tell me what’s wrong with me.”