Hot Pink Heels (The Street Series) by Adrienne Dawn Read Free Book Online Page A

run was a success or not. Harry didn’t press the matter, to Jackson’s relief.
    He’d lent his car to Jack son, because he knew that Jackson would get much more attention with the late-model silver Camaro than the 1992 faded blue Focus he owned, and it had certainly worked like a charm.
    However, now Jack son was in an unsettling position. He felt guilty for allowing Amanda to return to her abusive lifestyle after meeting her, and especially after finding out she was pregnant. She’d made it clear, however, that she didn’t want his help or his opinion on what to do about the baby.
    He knew he’d done what he could, and he sincerely hoped the money had been enough to keep her out of trouble with Billy, at least for today. But he couldn’t get her out of his mind to focus on the task at hand. He was supposed to be looking at the budget, searching for spots where they could downsize a bit in order to fund the warehouse project.
    The numbers on the computer screen might as well have been hieroglyphics, for all he cared. God, what do I do? I know you say we’re suppose to do good toward all men, and I certainly don’t care if she’s a hooker or the lead singer in the band at church, but she told me she didn’t need my help. What’s the next step?
    Jack son stared at the computer screen as he contemplated the situation, tapping his fingers on the desk in frustration. Maybe he’d done all he could do.

Chapter 8
     
    The next day, Jackson came out of church, ready for another pot roast lunch with his parents, but Clarissa stopped him on his way to the car. “Jackson? I haven’t heard from you in three days!” She moved closer to him, blocking his view of the church as he watched for his parents.
    “Is everything ok ay? I mean, I thought we were going to go bowling or something last night,” she said, sounding a bit disappointed.
    “Aw, man, Clarissa, I’ m so sorry I forgot all about that,” Jackson apologized. “How can I make it up to you?”
    Clarissa smiled demurely, “Oh Jackson, that’s okay. I’m sure you had a good reason for it. Don’t worry about it. I did, however, make one of my famous blueberry pies last night, and I’d be happy to share some with you later this afternoon or evening .”
    “You know I can’t resist your blueberry pies, Rissa,” he said, smiling at her. He waved to someone behind her and she turned to see his parents crossing the parking lot.
    “Hi Chuck, hi Laura,” she smiled at them. Laura embraced her, as she did everyone. Jackson knew they were fond of Clarissa, but did not share his enthusiasm for their “friendship,” so he was surprised when his mother asked Clarissa to join them for lunch.
    “I’d love that,” Clarissa exclaimed. “I’ll just run home and grab that pie and I’ll be right over.” Smiling, she turned for her sporty little red Miata.
    Jack son looked at his mom, his eyebrow raised. “You don’t usually invite her to come over,” he said.
    Laura smiled. “Well, one thing Amanda’s presence reminded me of is that we all need Jesus, and we all need friends,” she said. “Cl arissa is still dealing with her loss, and although I’m not sure she’s the one for you, she does need family right now. Besides, you know she reminds me…”
    “ Of Melanie. I know. Thanks Mom,” Jackson said, leaning over to place a soft kiss on her weathered cheek. “Let’s go. I’m starving, and I’m pretty sure I hear your pot roast calling my name.”
    Laura chuckled as she linked arms with her son and headed toward the car. Whether it was Clarissa or someone else, someone was certainly going to be a lucky lady when they finally captured her son’s heart. She knew he was fond of Clarissa, but he was not a man in love, of that much she was sure.
     
    Amanda had a slight bounce in her step. She was finally on the right track, she just knew it. She had a job, an apartment and soon all her troubles would be over. Ok, well, she finally had gotten a job