Chapter 646 - New friend?

Jeff and JoAnna enjoyed lunch in the restaurant at the resort. They chatted while exchanging loving gazes and 'accidental' touches of their knees under the table, both feeling high from their previous activity.

"What will you do about that man?" He was referring to Jules.

"Nothing. He is not important." JoAnna would not give that Jules another second of her time if she can help it. He is not a significant person in her life.

"How about Regina?" Jeff is concerned that Regina will give trouble to JoAnna. That woman does not look stable.

"She embarrassed herself today. We will save surveillance videos and watch them as funny movies. By the way, if you want to ask her anything…" JoAnna glanced at her wristwatch which Jeff gifted her when they got engaged. "…you have about half an hour during which she can't tell lies."

Jeff smiled seeing that JoAnna is wearing the wristwatch which matches his.

He held her hand and squeezed it gently. "I don't think there is anything she can tell me that I don't already know. And I prefer avoiding talking to her, if possible. I hope you keep your distance from her as well, because no one knows what she might do. I'm concerned for your safety."

"Suit yourself." JoAnna responded casually, but she was happy that Jeff refused to talk to Regina. In a way, she tested him… and he passed. She likes that Jeff will keep his distance from women who are lusting over him.

"I decided that whenever she approaches me, I make sure she experiences one of my… creations." JoAnna showed an evil grin.

Jeff sighed thinking how JoAnna is playing with fire. But there is nothing he can do to stop her, because once JoAnna decides on something, she goes for it and opposing her will only cause conflict. He might as well support her. "I want you to promise me only one thing."

JoAnna paused and lifted her eyebrows, waiting to hear Jeff's request.

"Be careful." He patted her head, like she is a child.

"Of course." JoAnna smiled. "I promise that I will not sit and wait for her to make the first move. I will make her life here a living hell. And eventually, she will realize that strange things are happening when she is next to me… so she will avoid me. And you."

…

JoAnna and Bridgette waved at the departing helicopter which carried Jeff and Steve back to White corp.

"You are glowing.", Bridgette observed.

"So are you. I didn't see you at our favorite restaurant. Did you order room service in the suite?", JoAnna almost sang her last question.

"You said it's mine to use anytime. It's a waste not to use it, right?" Bridgette shyly said.

"Of course! I'm just teasing… look at you!" JoAnna pinched Bridgette's cheeks. "There is nothing wrong with enjoying your man during lunch!"

Bridgette paused. "You wanted to say that there is nothing wrong with enjoying lunch with your man, right?"

JoAnna laughed. "Whatever makes you comfortable!" She was in a good mood.

…

JoAnna is with Julia and Heather in the flower garden, discussing few last items on the list.

"In this garden we can make path our of roses and cover it with rose petals. It will connect the seating area with the beach…", Julia recommended.

JoAnna thought about it. "Sounds nice, but what if it's windy? The petals will end up everywhere and make a mess."

"Oh, right…", Julia scratched that idea from her notebook.

"Miss Hill, may I have a word with you?" Man's voice came from few steps away. It's Jules.

Julia and Heather assumed defensive stance, protecting JoAnna. They remember how their TV hunk was mean to them, wanting to kick them out. That is not acceptable.

"What do you want?", Heather squinted at Jules. "You want to cause more trouble?"

JoAnna saw that Jules is uncomfortable, and it seems that he came to apologize, just how she expected.

"You two can go and check the beach. Make sure there is enough space for the chairs and the altar. Don't worry, I have security with me if he tries anything funny." JoAnna assured them.

Julie and Heather reluctantly left.

JoAnna looked at Jules and waited for him to start talking.

"Miss Hill, I want to apologize for jumping to conclusions."

JoAnna can see that Jules is not comfortable. Well, there is no reason for her to make this easy for him. "And for wanting to kick me out of my own property. Right?"

He closed his eyes for a second, trying to stay calm. "That also."

"And for accusing me to be your brainless fan."

"I never said that!" Jules snapped.

"But you said that I'm your fan, and implied that I'm following you around, even sneaking in just to get a chance to approach you... That is the same thing."

He exhaled in frustration. "OK. That also."

"And for acting like a conceited bastard.", JoAnna added with a smirk.

"Miss Hill, you should stop while you have an upper hand." Jules warned her.

JoAnna stifled a laugh. "Oh, but I have an upper hand. And I will not lose it no matter what I say or do. You just never took the time to find out who I am. Out of two times we met, both times you approached me first, and you accused me that I'm stalking you or something. Just how thick can you be? You might have hundreds of women throwing themselves at you, but I can assure that I never wanted to be anywhere near you because you got my attention only with poor acting and inaccurate diagnosis. Didn't you see that handsome man by my side? With him around why would I even need to look at someone like you? And…"

Jules's head was spinning. How much more verbal bashing can he take?

"OK! OK! Can you stop now? I get it. I made a mistake. Several of them. And I apologize for all of them." Jules bowed deeply, hoping that she will take it as a sign of his sincerity.

JoAnna tilted her head while observing him.

He lifted his head and looked at JoAnna. "Well? Do you accept my apology?"

JoAnna put her index finger on top of her nose and squinted at Jules. "First, I need to understand if your producers have so much power over you to make you do something like this, or you have some hidden agenda. There is no other explanation for you to act this humble."

Jules straightened his body and looked JoAnna in the eyes. "What if I find you interesting and want to be friends?"

"That simple? I don't believe you."

"How about you accept my apology and give me a chance to prove that I mean what I said?" Jules persisted.

"Do you really have so much free time on your hands? I love playing games, but I'm a busy woman. And unfortunately, I don't have time to play games. See those two ladies who just went to the beach? They are my wedding planners. In about a month I will have my wedding, right here."

"And I hope to get an invitation. As your friend." Jules grinned.