“Huh? Oh, no. I haven’t.”
“Maybe we should think about checking that place out sometime. I know it’s a little out of the ordinary, but it might be fun.”
“Well, I don’t know about that, Pete. I don’t know if bars are really my thing….”
“It might be fun.”
“Maybe,” she said noncommittally again. She couldn’t help but let her eyes drift back to Jarred.
And wondered what he was thinking.
Chapter Thirteen
“This is the last time we’re picking up food together for Dad, Junior,” Jarred said as they wandered through the maze of fancy tables at the Golden Dove on their way toward the kitchen. “I feel like a wallflower, being seen here with you.”
“Oh, get over yourself. The food here is awesome. Plus, it’s not every day that we get an invitation to pay a visit to the Golden Dove’s kitchens.”
“You’re such a foodie.”
“This is a first-class place. Shoot. You were just as impressed as I was that it was highlighted by the Food Network last month.”
Jarred did have to give him that. “It was pretty cool. Jean Claude looked great on TV.”
As soon as Jean Claude Valentine, owner and chef of the nicest restaurant in the county, had heard about Cal Sr.’s illness, he’d volunteered to make a few low-fat and nutritious meals for him. Some might have thought it odd that such a famous guy would make such an offer, but to the two of them, it wasn’t odd at all.
Over the years, the two men had formed an unlikely friendship. The slim, elegant proprietor had much in common with the rugged former rodeo rider. Both came from humble beginnings and both enjoyed hunting and fishing. That was plenty to build a friendship on, and it had lasted for over ten years.
“How about after we get Dad’s meals, we head out to the Shack for burgers.”
Junior nodded. “Sounds good. Even smelling all this food is making me hungry. Too bad we’re not dressed right for this place. I’d pull out a chair right this minute.”
Jarred glanced down at his jeans and boots. Sure enough, it was as he feared. Once again, he’d forgotten to change out of his work boots. The pair he was wearing were covered in mud and who knew what else. He was just about to check to see if he’d been tracking dirt in when he spied a shimmering curtain of silky black hair all dressed up in a blue dress. It looked suspiciously like Serena Higgens…but better. “Junior, hold up a sec.”
Leaving his brother’s side, Jarred strode around two waiters to get a better look. “Serena?”
When the gal’s head popped up and revealed a pair of green eyes that he’d recognize anywhere, Jarred knew he’d hit pay dirt. “Hey. I didn’t know you were eating dinner here tonight.”
But instead of smiling in her usual way, she looked a little shifty. As if she was kind of embarrassed to be seeing him. “Hi.”
He strode closer. When he noticed just how that clingy dress hugged her curves, he grinned. “Look at you! I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you in a dress. You fill it out real good, sugar.”
Serena ran her hands down her rib cage. “Um, thank you.”
Because he’d never missed an opportunity that came his way, he watched her in true male appreciation. “I’ve never seen you wear that. I would have remembered. Is it new?”
“No. I mean, Tracy got it for me a while ago but I’ve never worn it out.” Absently, she ran her fingers down the fold of fabric along her neckline.
But then, instead of smiling his way, she looked across the table. At…her date? Pete Ross?
Why?
About a hundred random things were going through his mind. How come he’d never noticed just how wellproportioned Serena was under her regular wardrobe of jeans and long, full skirts?
How come she was out with Pete? And how come he’d even asked her out? Last he’d heard, Pete didn’t date. Ever.
Behind him, Junior came up. After he greeted Serena, he, too, looked at Pete. “Hey.”
Serena exhaled, as if she was a part of something that couldn’t be prevented. “I’m sure y’all know Pete Ross?”
“I do.” Jarred shook Pete’s hand. “Hey.”
Pete stood up and smiled brightly. “Good to see y’all again. Hope you enjoy your dinner. You’ll have to try the prime rib. The chef’s outdone himself. It’s really very good.”
“It looks good,” Junior said.
Still unable to stop looking at Serena, Jarred cut to the chase. “Actually, we’re just picking up some meals for my dad. He’s under the weather.”
“I heard,” Pete said. “I hope he’s doing better.”
“He is, well, I think he is. You know my dad. He’s difficult on the best of days.”
“We won’t keep you, then.”
There was something in Pete’s eyes that gave Jarred a moment’s pause. Or maybe it was something in Serena’s expression. She looked kind of trapped. Kind of like a chicken with a fox in its coop.
Jarred felt ornery enough to take notice of it. He stuffed his hands in his back pockets and rocked back on the dirty heels of his boots. “You’re not keeping us from too much. We’re in no hurry.”
Serena rolled her eyes.
And Pete, well, Pete glared. “We are. Our food is getting cold.”
“Let’s go. I’ve starving,” Junior muttered. “See ya, Serena.”
Jarred looked at Serena’s plate. Her food looked half-gone and her knife and fork were crossed in the middle. “Serena’s done.” Showing off his newfound knowledge, he said, “She taught me all about silverware the other evening.”
“Time to go,” Junior said before adding a giant push on his spine.
They walked through the double doors into the kitchen just as Pete started talking again.
The moment they entered the kitchen Jean Claude greeted them with hugs and all worries about Serena were pushed to the side.
“Jarred! I’m so glad you stopped by,” he said, every single one of his s’s sounding like z’s. “I have lots of food all ready to go.”
“Thank you for helping us out. Dad’s special diet was going to be beyond my skills in the kitchen.”
“He should like these meals so much, he’ll hardly notice that they’re not full of fat and cholesterol.”
Sharing a look with Junior, Jarred knew that was doubtful. Cal Sr. was a man who knew his sauces—and he’d never met a piece of red meat he didn’t like.
“I hope you’re right, Jean. Otherwise, we’re going to have some trouble at home. He’ll be hungry and grumpy and I’ll have to deal with him.”
“Then you’ll be grumpy, too, eh?”
“I’m trying not to be.” Pulling out his wallet, he looked around the kitchen. “Who should I pay?”
“I’m not going to charge you! It’s my gift. As a friend.”
“I know he’ll appreciate that. Thank you.” Rocking back on his heels, he realized he was directly in the path of several of Jean Claude’s assistants. “We’ll get out of your way now. I’m sure you’ve got lots to do.”
Jean Claude picked up a bundle of broccoli. “There’s always lots to do. That’s a good sign. But first, you must eat, yes?”
Though Jarred could practically hear his brother salivating beside him, he pushed the temptation aside. They had food to deliver. And even he knew that their jeans and button-downs weren’t fancy enough for the Golden Dove’s dress code. “We couldn’t do that to you.”
“I insist. I have chicken and cod and some beautiful buffalo filets tonight. Say yes?”
“Hell, yes!” Junior answered before Jarred had time to open his mouth. “You know, when we walked in here, I felt like something the cat dragged in. But your offer is too good to refuse.” He directed a you-better-know-what’s-good-for-you look at Jarred. “Right?”
No way was he going to get between Junior and his food. “Right. Sure.”
Next thing they knew, Jean Claude was ushering them back out to the dining room to the best table in the house—
the one that faced the restaurant’s kitchen.
Jean Claude kept that table empty for special guests. It was the only table where he served guests himself.
“We sure appreciate this,” Jarred said.
“It’s nothing.” With a wave of his hand, he directed one of his waiters to bring them a menu before disappearing again into the kitchen.
“I can’t believe we got so lucky!” Junior exclaimed. “What are you going to try?”
“Buffalo.”
“Me, too. I don’t know what that Pete was thinking. I’d never pass up bison for prime rib.”
The mention of the banker’s name led Jarred to glance over Serena’s way again. Though, who was he kidding? For some reason, he couldn’t seem to stop staring at her.
But heck, she didn’t look too good. Currently, she was twirling her empty glass between two hands and looking as if she’d just lost her best friend in the world.
After the server walked over and served them two glasses of sparkling water, Jarred leaned toward his brother. “What do you know about Serena and that banker?”
“Nothing.”
“Really? But you’re at the bank all the time.”
“You know I deal with Mr. McKnight, the bank president.”
“I wonder why Serena’s hanging out with Pete? I don’t think she does a whole lot of banking or investing. In fact, she told me she was in something of a financial mess. That’s why she agreed to give me those lessons.”
Junior grunted. “You’re such an ass. Look at her. It’s clear as day why Pete asked her out. She’s beautiful.”
Serena? Beautiful? He craned his neck and looked at her again. She did look pretty fetching.
After two bowls of piping-hot potato leek soup were delivered, Jarred did some thinking. Serena wasn’t pretty in the way that Veronica was, but she certainly did have some good qualities. Those green eyes of hers reminded him of the gulf waters in the early morning. Her lips were a rosy soft color and shaped nice.
And that hair—so sleek and dark and fluid. It reminded him of crude oil just as it sprang from the ground. He couldn’t even think about that figure of hers without remembering how perfect she’d felt in his arms.
In spite of himself, his gaze kept straying to her, wondering why she was out with Pete.
Just as Jean Claude brought out two plates of buffalo, Serena and Pete stood up to leave. Pete was grinning as if he’d won the lottery. Serena, on the other hand, looked as if she would rather be somewhere else.
Or…with anyone else? Then Pete rested his hand on her backside.
She flinched.
Pete, on the other hand, smiled some more.
“Ah, hell,” Jarred muttered as he stood.
Jean Claude turned from his conversation with Junior. “What’s wrong?”
“That damn banker is putting the moves on Serena. He just grabbed her ass.” Jarred looked her way again and practically felt steam flow out of his ears as he watched Pete’s hand hover over Serena’s hip. “Oh, my Lord. He’s doing it again.” His fist clenched, already looking forward to making contact with Pete’s face. “I’m going to kill him.”
“He certainly has hands like spaghetti,” Jean Claude observed.
“Pete’s hands aren’t your problem,” Junior warned.
“Like hell they’re not. Serena’s my friend.” Hardly aware of his brother’s words of warning, he marched across the restaurant and belted the banker’s jaw. With a groan, the idiot fell to the floor.
“Oh!” cried Serena.
“You ba…brat,” Jarred said, keeping his language G-rated only for the sake of the other diners. “I can’t believe you’re manhandling librarians in broad daylight. Didn’t your daddy ever teach you any manners?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sakes, Jarred,” Serena said. “Settle down. I’m fine.”
“You wouldn’t have been if I hadn’t stepped in. I saw where he was placing his hands.” Lowering his voice, he bent closer to her ear. “What’s more, I saw how he was making you feel.”
Serena flushed but said nothing.
Which made Jarred even more irritated when he stared down at Pete, who was moaning on the ground like an old woman. “Get up. I didn’t hit you all that hard.”
“I’m bleeding,” Pete said, making no move to get to his feet. “I think you broke my nose.”
“I should’ve broke your hand. I saw what you did. You’re grabbing Serena’s butt right here in the restaurant.”
Nervous twitters surrounded them as Jarred realized his voice had risen.
Serena’s face turned a darker shade of red. “Be quiet!”
Junior came up behind them. “Ma’am,” he murmured to a passing diner before grabbing Jared’s arm. “That was Edith Hanson. The preacher’s wife. You’re making a scene.”
Jarred looked at Jean Claude, still holding the plate of buffalo. “Sorry, but I couldn’t let her deal with that sucker alone.”
Instead of looking horrified, Jean Claude only looked bemused. “So I see.”
Finally getting to his feet, Pete stuffed a handkerchief to his nose. “You’ll be hearing from my lawyer.”
“Can’t wait.”
Pete reached out for Serena’s arm. “Let’s get out of here.”
She jerked her arm away. “I don’t think so.” Next, she opened her pocketbook and handed an envelope to Pete. “I can’t accept this.”
“Serena, you’re overdrawn.”
Jarred wrapped an arm protectively around Serena’s shoulders. “I’ll help her out.”
Pete brushed off his slacks before looking over the two of them derisively. “I just bet you will.”
When he left the room, the whole restaurant seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Jarred was just complimenting himself on saving his charm-school teacher when she turned on him, tears running down her cheeks. “This is why you need me. Gentlemen don’t cause scenes in restaurants. You don’t hit people. And most important, you stay out of things that aren’t your business.” With a hiccup, she cast a pleading look Jean Claude’s way. “Mr. Valentine, I hate to ask you this, but could you please let me use your phone? I need to call a cab.”
Junior stepped right in. “Don’t even think about that. We’ll take you home.”
“I’ll box up your food and bring it right out,” Jean Claude said.
“Thank you. I really am sorry about all this,” Junior said with a dark look Jarred’s way.
But instead of looking shocked, the restaurateur merely looked amused. “No worries. I’ve been in far worse brawls.”
“I’ll wait for Dad’s food. Take her outside, Jarred,” Junior said.
As they walked out to the twilight, Jarred looked Serena’s way. Now he was embarrassed. “I was just trying to help, you know.”
For a moment, he didn’t think she was going to answer. But then a sad little look appeared on her face. “I know.”
“You didn’t look happy to be with him. Were you?”
Her head hung. “I tried to be. But…no.”
Reaching out, he linked his fingers through hers. “You going to stay mad at me for long?”
As twilight turned to night and the sky darkened to a black velvet, she slowly shook her head. “I might still be mad tomorrow.”
He tugged her a little closer. “But the day after that?”
“I’ll forgive you by then, I think.”
“Fair enough,” he murmured, pressing his lips to her knuckles, just as Junior came out carrying an oversize shopping bag.
Chapter Fourteen
The three of them climbed in Jarred’s truck. Serena was in the middle, kind of wedged in close to him on account of Cal Jr.’s size and the giant bag of food.
Sitting so close to Jarred made it impossible for her to ignore all her stored-up, pushed-aside feelings for him. As usual, she couldn’t care less that he wasn’t all coiffed and fashionable. She liked him exactly as he was—all muscle and rough edges. She liked the feel of
his denim-clad thighs against her silk-covered legs.
That Armani scent, mixed in with a smell that was all his own, grabbed her senses and hit her hard.
And the way he looked next to her…so comfortable, so pleased to have her near…well, it disturbed her more than she dared to admit. Pressing against him in the cab of his truck was all her high-school dreams come true.
Well, if you took out the disastrous date with Pete and the fact that his brother was wedged on her other side.
After about ten minutes or so, Jarred finally spoke. “So, our lesson for tonight is still on, right?”
The last thing she wanted was to trade barbs with him for another hour. Her defenses were too low.
But she couldn’t say no. Not when he’d gone out of his way to try and stop Pete’s roving hands. “Do you still want to?”
“I do.” He paused for a second, then cleared his throat. “I mean, since the auction is tomorrow night, I know I’m gonna need as much from you as I can get.”
On Serena’s other side, Cal snorted under his breath. “If today’s little episode is any indication, you’re gonna need a whole lot more than what Serena can give you.”
In spite of her vow to stay mad at him for twenty-four hours, Serena found herself coming to his defense. “Actually, if you take out the part when Jarred told the whole restaurant Pete was grabbing my rear end, I think what he did for me this evening was kind of chivalrous.”
Jarred looked pleased. “Yeah?”
“Yes.” Fact was, she’d been getting a little creeped out about Pete. He’d gone from being tentative and sweet to more than a little full of himself to an octopus. The only consolation was that she now didn’t feel bad for not liking him.
Because Jarred looked so interested, she opened up a little more. “Now that I think about it, the comparisons between you and Pete are pretty telling. Jarred, you might be a bit rough around the edges, but you’ve always treated me with respect.”
Gripping the steering wheel with one hand, he reached over and brushed her cheek lightly with a knuckle. “I have.”
It felt only right to take his hand and clasp it between the two of her own. “Pete, on the other hand, looks all polished and perfect. He sure knows all about the right silverware and doesn’t chew with his mouth open and lets me enter doors first. But under all that, why, he’s one of the rudest men I’ve ever encountered.”
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