Read Online Love After All by Celeste O. Norfleet - Free Book Online Page B

you, sir,” she added pointedly and the man stood, muttering a few incoherent words, and walked out.
    â€œAre you okay?” Jackson asked as he continued to lean close but this time he spoke more quietly in her ear.
    The woman glanced to the side without looking up at him. A gentle wisp of loose hair dropped against her shoulder. “Yes, thank you, I appreciate your assistance,” she said then glanced at her diamond watch, gathered her belongings and as smooth as silk stood and walked out of the room without a single look back.
    Jackson watched her walk away until she disappeared into the thickness of the flowing crowd of airport foot traffic. He half smiled. Her long lean legs and the sweet sway of her hips were beauty to behold. She was something else, all business and all gorgeous, and now she was a fantasy. And given the time, he might have attempted to talk to her himself, but her prompt departure took care of that idea.
    Although he never actually saw her face, he imagined she was attractive. Her body alone had him itching. But the obvious don’t-touch signals were blaring, too. Her hair was pulled back severely in a tight braid, she kept to herself, sitting alone, not talking to anyone, and she didn’t make direct eye contact, all signs that she didn’t want to be bothered.
    Jackson turned back to the bar, seeing that his seat and most of the bar’s counter had been usurped by the large crowd of travelers. He sat down at the now-vacant table. A few minutes later the bartender brought over another beer and cleared away the untouched wineglasses.
    â€œNicely done, smooth, you could be a professional,” the bartender said, wiping the table with a clean white towel and placing the glass of beer in front of him. Jackson put his hand into his pocket and pulled out another twenty. “Nope, you just saved me a lot of potential aggravation,” the bartender said. “It’s on the house, enjoy. Here’s a menu. Let me know when you’re ready to order.”
    Jackson nodded his thanks and relaxed back, opening his menu but still thinking about the woman who had just walked out of his life. What he saw of her was attractive and he didn’t necessarily blame any man who felt bold and brave enough to approach her, but she obviously wasn’t interested.
    He smiled at the possibility without realizing it. It had been a while since his last relationship. Maybe now that his workload had lightened he’d consider Jessie’s offer. He chuckled to himself, knowing of course that he wouldn’t.
    The scent of the woman’s delicate perfume still wafted in the air. He inhaled deeply and again smiled at nothing in particular as his phone rang. He looked at the displayed number; it was his father again for the millionth time.
    In actuality Marcus had called at least fifty times since Jackson left Los Angeles two days ago. Having not responded to any of his calls, Jackson knew that his father was desperate, yet he still seriously considered tossing his cell phone out the window.
    â€œWhere have you been? I’ve called you a dozen times. Did you get the originals?” The voice on the other end, obviously stressed, asked immediately not bothering with greetings and pleasantries.
    â€œNo,” Jackson said, hearing the disgusted sound of his father’s exaggerated exhale. “The contact never showed up.” Marcus sighed heavily a second time. It was obvious that he wasn’t pleased, but then few things pleased him lately.
    â€œWhat do you mean he didn’t show up? You’ve been gone for two days already. What happened?” Marcus asked.
    â€œI can’t go into that right now. Suffice it to say I followed his instructions, went to the hotel to meet him, but he didn’t show up,” Jackson said as he looked around the area, seeing that more customers had entered the bar and the small space was getting crowded. “We’ll have to