Unexpected Attraction

by Stella MacLean

  “So, tell me what they’re like.”

  “You have to see them to understand. They run the household. I do as I’m told.”

  “I’d like to see that.”

  He wanted to sit right here and hold her hand all evening. “Tell me how you got into real estate,” he asked, wanting to learn everything he could about her.

  “I’m really lucky that Gina took a chance on me,” she said, partially distracted by his hand on hers.

  The touch made her yearn for something she’d refused to even consider—that there might be a man who could care for her. Someone who was capable of genuinely caring, and who was honest enough to be open and willing to share. If her divorce had taught her one thing, it was that a relationship had to be a mutual give-and-take. That honesty and sharing had an important role in the love and acceptance that made a relationship special.

  “Gina had just left the big national real estate firm she’d been working for, and wanted to start up her own. I was amazed that she wanted me in her new company. I wanted to prove that she’d made the right decision by taking a chance on me. Then, she made me a partner. I’m so lucky in that respect.”

  “And you are friends, as well.”

  “We are. When you work hard in the same office, you learn to depend on each other. After that it’s easy for a friendship to form.”

  Their food arrived, and the scent of fresh rosemary and the rich flavoring of the lamb roast tantalized her senses. How long had it been since she’d had a date as nice as this? She couldn’t remember...

  “How’s your lamb?” he asked, putting his fork down.

  “It’s the best I’ve had in a long time. And you?”

  “I’ve never tasted anything this good.” He pointed to the artfully arranged veal dish he’d been eating. “I do a lot of cooking at home. I think I’m pretty good, but this is excellent.”

  “You cook?” she asked, pleasantly surprised by his admission.

  “Of course. I’m Italian. One of these days I’ll invite you over for dinner and you’ll see.”

  “And don’t forget my date with Lazarus and Jericho,” she teased. She couldn’t help imagining what his home was like, how he looked when he was cooking, what could happen after the meal...

  It was all so new to her. It would be lovely to have someone she cared about, someone who could make her laugh and had the potential to entertain her and give her a chance at a social life. At this stage in her life, that was all she really wanted...wasn’t it?

  Andrea was savoring a bite of lamb when Sally Jones, another real estate agent, arrived at the table. Sally was a petite redhead with a heart of gold, an entertaining woman who loved gossip.

  “Hi, Andrea, how are you?” Sally asked as her gaze honed in on Jake.

  “Fine, thank you, Sally. This is Jake Polegato.”

  “So nice to meet you,” Sally said, her flirty smile having little impact on Jake, as far as Andrea could tell.

  They chatted for a few moments before Sally slid into the chair beside Andrea. “Look, I know this is not the time or place, but I’m going out of town tomorrow. Before I go I need to tell you something.”

  “What?” Andrea asked, wondering what juicy bit of gossip Sally wanted to divulge.

  Sally leaned closer. “I know you’ve had problems with Shannon, and you probably don’t need any more, but I saw her downtown the other night. She and a tall boy—Kyle Donahue, I believe—were with that Stuart Jameson kid.”

  Shocked, Andrea looked to Jake to see his expression mirrored hers. Sally had to be mistaken. Shannon had been home all week. “What night?”

  Sally’s face creased in thought. “It was Wednesday night last week, because I was coming back from a hospital board meeting. I was on Lower Water Street near the river, and there they were. I nearly hit Kyle when he jumped away from something Stuart held in his hand.”

  Andrea felt the blood drain from her face. “Are you certain?”

  “Absolutely. I was going to stop and offer Shannon a ride, but she and Kyle walked away. I had planned to call you at the office and tell you, but I was afraid that you’d think I was meddling. Seeing you tonight, I decided to tell you. Hope you don’t mind,” Sally said, her voice contrite.

  Wednesday night. Andrea had left Shannon at home working on an assignment while she did a few showings. Kyle had arrived just before she left, and everything had seemed fine. “No, not at all. Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it.”

  With that, Sally moved on. Andrea’s appetite gone, her thoughts on Shannon, she stared at Jake. “This can’t be true. Shannon... I never thought to check on her. How could I be so dumb?”

  “You’re not dumb. You’re dealing with a teenager.”

  “What am I going to do?” she asked. Fear and sorrow and anger choked her. Her night of pleasure ruined by her daughter’s behavior. This time there would be no lenience offered. “I’m going home and we’re having it out. This is the end of the road for me. I’ve done everything I can to help her, to be understanding, and this is how she shows her appreciation.”

  Jake waved the waiter over. “Can I have the check?”

  “Certainly, sir,” the waiter said.

  Jake reached across the table, taking her hand in his. His skin was warm, his touch so appealing. “I’m going with you.”

  “You don’t have to.”

  “But I want to.”

  She met his gaze and recognized something she’d been searching for all her life. Someone who was willing to be there for her without being asked. “I don’t know what’s going on, but Stuart Jameson is bad news. I know he was the most popular kid in Shannon’s class in grade school, but he’s totally pampered and spoiled by his parents.”

  “It happens.” Jake paid for their meals, then said, “Are you ready?”

  She nodded then they left. “By the way, thank you for dinner.”

  He put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. “We’ll do this again, and next time we’ll really celebrate. What do you say?” He smiled at her, creating a warmth close to her heart.

  It would be so wonderful to stay in his arms, to take delight in being with him. All she’d ever wanted was a happy home with children and a man who loved her. She hadn’t managed either as yet, and maybe she wouldn’t in the end.

  Still, she allowed herself several precious seconds while she leaned into his arms and let his strength shield her from the betrayal she felt at the hands of her daughter.

  When they arrived at her house, Andrea spotted the lights on in the den. Kyle’s car was parked on the street. “I don’t want to go in and confront Shannon with this. I’m so angry right now,” she said, staring at her front door, remembering better times, moments of sheer joy, all the memories tied up in her beautiful daughter. “How did this go so wrong?”

  He took her hand in his, the warmth of him reassuring her. “Let’s wait and see what she has to say,” Jake said, his voice consoling.

  She stared at her house then pointed to the flagstone path that led to the backyard. “We had Shannon’s first birthday on the patio out back. There are so many memories in this house, so many good times,” she said.

  “And there will be good memories again.” His eyes met hers, creating an intimacy, a sense of togetherness that filled her heart.

  In the span of a heartbeat, she knew. She could love this man who sat so quietly beside her, encouraging her to do what had to be done. “I—I’m so glad you’re here with me,” she said.

  “I am, too. We can’t put this off any longer. Shannon is probably wondering why we haven’t moved from here,” he said.

  “You’re right. I’m ready when you are.”

  He got out, went around the car and opened her door. “We’re in this together,” he said as he reached for her hand.
>
  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  FOLLOWING ANDREA TOWARD her house, Jake was very anxious. It had been a long time since he’d let anyone close to him. Yet in the past few weeks, his life had shifted in an unfathomable way. Five years was a long time to be alone, but it had worked for him. The time had allowed him to face his grief. Losing his wife and daughter had been the worst experience he’d had, and it had left him unable to connect with another woman in any meaningful way.

  Yet each time he saw Andrea, he felt a bond forming between them, a sense that they were reaching a point of togetherness, of need that couldn’t be explained by friendship alone.

  In the beginning he’d convinced himself his concern was for Shannon, but as he saw more of Andrea, he realized that they were good together. Even with their differences.

  He had to admit that his feelings, his longing for a daughter had caused him to be biased in Shannon’s favor four years ago when he’d been asked to assess her situation. Andrea’s anger—its similarities to Maria’s—had made him feel justified in his choice.

  He’d even convinced himself that Andrea was part of the problem—and she was, but she was trying to deal with it. Seeing her struggle made him want to help her.

  He’d never met a woman so completely driven by her need to be a good person, to be seen in a positive light by others, always seeking proof of her self-worth—only to come up against a situation that was beyond her control.

  He understood better what drove her, shared her need to protect and care for Shannon.

  Sensing Andrea’s distress, he smiled at her. “You can do this.”

  “I hope you’re right,” she said.

  He could only imagine what she must be feeling right now, knowing that she had to confront her daughter with evidence of her lies and evasion. The professional in him knew this meeting was overdue. The part of him that had begun to see Andrea as more than a friend wanted to shield her from a potentially difficult discussion. He wanted to reassure her all would work out, but he knew that was his optimism talking. There was a real possibility this conversation could make things worse between Andrea and Shannon before anything would improve. But he was here to help Andrea through whatever happened.

  * * *

  ANDREA PUT HER purse on the kitchen counter, calling out to Shannon as she did so.

  “We’re in the family room, Mom,” Shannon said.

  She walked in to see Shannon perched on the chair across from her without meeting her gaze. How could everything have gone so wrong? A month ago, Shannon’s life had been everything Andrea could have wished for her daughter—fantastic marks, popularity, success as an athlete and a generally sunny disposition. Andrea had been so proud and had talked to Gina about Shannon’s exciting plans for college. Shannon wanted to be a veterinarian, and now...

  During these past few weeks she’d clung to the desperate hope that Shannon’s life would straighten out on its own. But facing her daughter now, the defiant yet anxious expression on her face, the dark circles under her eyes and the fidgeting, Andrea knew that something was terribly wrong. And it was no longer enough to hope things would improve.

  She glanced at Jake for one more boost of support. He nodded.

  “Tonight at dinner, someone informed us you two were seen on Lower Water Street late on Wednesday evening a week ago.”

  Shannon leaned forward cautiously, tucking her hair behind her ears. “We weren’t doing anything wrong.”

  “You sneaked out of the house. That’s wrong. You met up with someone you know can’t be trusted, someone you’ve been having problems with at school. I’d say that’s wrong, too.”

  “It wasn’t that way at all,” Shannon said, twisting a strand of her hair.

  “So meeting with Stuart late at night was a social event?” Andrea asked, not giving a damn how sarcastic she sounded.

  Shannon looked at Kyle but said nothing.

  Andrea glared at her daughter. “Shannon, why did you sneak out, and to meet Stuart, of all people? And don’t lie to me again. I’ve had it with your lies and lack of respect.”

  Shannon glanced at Kyle then at her mother. “Mom, you don’t understand what’s going on.”

  “That’s the whole point,” Jake interjected. “You two owe Andrea an explanation. Are you into drugs? Sleeping together? Having unsafe sex? What is it? What in hell is going on between you two?”

  Kyle rubbed his palms along his thighs, his gaze swinging from Andrea to Shannon. “I don’t want you to be angry at us.”

  “Well, I can’t be much more angry than I am right now,” Andrea muttered.

  There was a long silence that Kyle finally broke. “We can’t go on like this. Tell them.”

  Apprehension grabbed Andrea. As if sensing her disquiet, Jake moved toward her, his hand reaching for hers. She clung to his hand as she braced herself.

  Shannon leaned back, emitting a long sigh as she scrubbed her face with her hands. “I’m gay.”

  Andrea choked. “You’re what?”

  “I’m gay. I didn’t want you to find out this way. I wanted to tell you when all this was over, but I can’t let you blame Kyle for what is going on here. He’s the best friend I have, and I’m sorry he’s mixed up in all of this.”

  Andrea sank onto the sofa and gripped the edge, struggling to remain focused in spite of the emotions crowding her. Of all the reasons she’d come up with to explain her daughter’s behavior, she’d never considered that Shannon might be gay. How had she missed this?

  And yet...Shannon had never talked about boys, about dating, safe sex or anything like that. Andrea had been ready with all the information she could find, wanting to guide her daughter through the initial relationship pitfalls. When Shannon hadn’t asked questions, Andrea had assumed she and Chloe were talking. Chloe had had several boyfriends, had talked at length about them over the various meals she’d had here. Shannon had said nothing, and still Andrea hadn’t considered that Shannon might be gay. Andrea had simply assumed that, like herself, Shannon was a late bloomer, that with all her school activities she’d had little time or inclination to be involved with boys.

  “That’s quite a secret to carry around,” Jake said, settling close to Andrea on the sofa.

  Acutely aware that Shannon was waiting for her to say something Andrea struggled to find the right words. She didn’t want to say the wrong thing, but this was such a surprise... “Shannon, how long have you known?” she asked, realizing too late that what her daughter needed was her support and understanding, not a question.

  “I have never been interested in dating boys. I like them. They’re my friends, but that’s all,” Shannon said, her voice calm.

  Kyle focused his attention on Jake and Andrea. “Shannon told me about a year ago. She wasn’t trying to keep a secret, she simply hadn’t decided when the best time would be to tell anyone...other than me.”

  “This has been so hard. Everyone at school is talking behind my back,” Shannon said, her voice growing more unsteady with each word.

  “I believe you.” Andrea clutched Jake’s hand as she leaned toward her daughter. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I would have understood.”

  “I didn’t know how. And I didn’t want to worry you.”

  “Worry me? Why would you being gay worry me? It’s the secrets that do that,” Andrea said, her voice shaking. “If you’re mixed up with Stuart, it’s serious. Tell me the truth.”

  Jake gave her a cautionary glance.

  “I have to know,” she whispered to him.

  “I am being bullied at school because I’m gay. Stuart is one of the ones doing the bullying. We met with him Wednesday night to try to get him and his friends to stop.”

  As their eyes met, Andrea crossed the room, her arms extended. “I wish you’d told me before. I’m truly sorry you
felt you couldn’t. And all this time you’ve been alone. I should have paid more attention to what was going on in your life.”

  Shannon stepped into Andrea’s embrace, returning it with a strong hold. She poured all her love for Shannon into the hug. When they broke apart, they settled onto the sofa together. “I’m sorry, too, Mom.”

  Andrea pressed her daughter’s head against her shoulder, in awe of how brave she was to accept who she was and stand true to herself. Shannon’s strength filled Andrea’s heart to overflowing. “Don’t be. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

  Andrea looked at Jake. His smile held her, encouraging her. There was a lot to say, a lot to get straightened out if they were going to help Shannon through this. “You are not in this alone anymore,” she said, kissing Shannon’s forehead. “Jake and I want to help, so please, tell us what’s been going on.”

  Shannon eased out of her mother’s embrace. “It started after volleyball practice about four weeks ago. When I came out of the locker room, Stuart was waiting, taunting me about being gay. He tried to push me around, but I didn’t let him. When one of his buddies showed up, I left.

  “I don’t know how he found out, or if he simply made a good guess. Kyle’s the only one I’ve told. We’ve talked about how I might handle anyone at school finding out. I decided that I would not hide over this because if I started now, I would spend years hiding from who I really am.”

  “Do you know how brave you are?” Andrea asked.

  Shannon gave her a shaky smile.

  Kyle spoke up. “Stuart started following us around. The incident on the sidewalk was with Stuart and Eric Sanford.”

  “Why didn’t you tell anyone?” Jake asked, a frown of concentration on his face.

  “I didn’t want to cause any more trouble. I thought that if I ignored them, they’d go away,” Shannon said. “I convinced Kyle not to tell anyone.”

  “Why not tell someone at the school? The principal or psychologist?” Jake asked.

  “If I accused Stuart and his friends of bullying and word got out around school, there would be so much talk. If the coach found out, I was afraid that he might not be very understanding. I didn’t know what to do. It was all such a mess, and Stuart wouldn’t leave me alone.”