“Well, that’s the problem. In order to grow up you need to eat good things for breakfast. But once you do grow up, all the ice cream and candy you want.”
“I like you.”
“I like you, too, sweetie.” Her voice shook. The loss of the last two years grew heavy in her heart, though Lily’s sweet presence went a long way toward making things better. It felt wonderful to be around a family after years of running and living on her own.
CALEB GLARED AT Jack. “You hide candy in the kitchen for her.”
Jack shrugged. “What good is having a niece if I can’t spoil her?”
Time to get Lily. Caleb and Jack entered the room. Jack gazed down at the two beauties in bed, lying face to face. They sure made a pretty picture, the two of them talking about pokey shots, lollipops, and ice cream for breakfast. For just an instant, his mind and heart showed him a picture of a bright future he once thought would be cold and lonely. His Jenna. Their daughter. He shook off the thought, but acknowledged this sense of wanting a family had really settled inside him. He waited for the nerves, the sound of shackles clamping down. Nothing. Just the same sense of ease he always felt around her.
Lily launched herself off the bed into her dad’s arms. Caleb scooped her up and gave her a big kiss on the cheek.
“You must be Daddy with the muddy brown eyes.” The sad look in her eyes vanished with the smile she gave Caleb.
Caleb chuckled. “Yes. Caleb. And you’re Jenna?”
“Yes. Your daughter is wonderful. Thank you for sharing her with me. She’s the best medicine.”
If Jack hadn’t already been amazed by the sweetness of this woman after listening to her talk with Lily, her thanking Caleb for sharing Lily with her clinched it. He couldn’t take his eyes from the deep pools of green, awestruck.
Warm hearts shine through, his mother’s voice whispered in his mind.
Summer walked in and tickled Lily’s ribs. “You can stop staring at her now. You’re married, for God’s sake.” She elbowed Caleb in the ribs, grabbed her daughter, and planted a kiss on her chubby cheek.
Jenna laughed and it did Jack’s heart good to hear the lighthearted sound from her.
“Seems I’m still underdressed for this party. Jack, will you please bring me my clothes?”
“I already told you, I’m not crazy, or stupid.” He couldn’t help egging her on. Too much fun to play with her.
“I did, however, bring you these.” He held up a prescription bottle. “No more pokey shots. Doc Stanton dropped by the other day when you were passed out. He checked on you and left these antibiotic pills.”
“Uncle Jack, you didn’t even give her a lollipop when you gave her pokey shots. That’s not nice,” Lily scolded.
“Yes, Uncle Jack.” Jenna said. “That’s not nice, and neither is eavesdropping.”
Caleb and Jack exchanged guilty looks. “Busted.” Jack handed Jenna the pills and a glass of water from the bedside table. Jenna took out a pill and downed it without protest.
“Much better than a pokey shot. Thank you, but . . .”
“Don’t worry. He won’t say anything about seeing you. He’s a friend,” Jack assured her.
“Enough, you guys, out.” Summer took charge. “I’m getting Jenna up and giving her a haircut. Jack, go over to the cabin and get this girl her clothes and other things. It doesn’t look like she’ll be going back any time soon. Hey, what are those two boxes by the front door?”
“Oh, yeah, those are for you, Jenna. They arrived yesterday. I think they’re from Ben.”
“Would you bring them up? Oh, and make sure you grab my purse at the cabin. I need my phone.”
“Anything else, ladies? I’m at your beck and call,” he responded sarcastically.
“Please, Jack,” Summer and Jenna said in unison.
“I’m outnumbered. Come on Caleb, you get to help.”
“I want to stay with Mommy,” Lily said.
Summer and Jenna exchanged concerned looks. Nobody wanted Lily to see Jenna’s back. “Sunshine, you go with Daddy and Uncle. Make sure they bring all of Jenna’s things.” Lily beamed, excited to be in charge of the task.
“Are you really going to get me flowers?”
“As soon as I’m able to go to town, I will, okay?”
“Okay.”
Lily’s smile made Jenna smile in return. Jenna gave her a conspiratorial squint of the eye and told Lily, “Make sure Uncle Jack brings my clothes.”
“You’re spoiling all my fun,” Jack teased and left with Lily slung over his shoulder, giggling.
She had to think about Jack and what he could mean to her life. She felt like she had two ghosts whispering to her. One said, take a chance on love. The other said, don’t be selfish. You’re putting him at risk. Afraid of the first, she wanted to ignore the second all together. Too bad they were both right. Falling for Jack could be a chance for love, but it also put his life at risk. All their lives at risk.
Chapter Nineteen
* * *
“WHAT’S THIS ABOUT flowers?” Summer asked, curious about her daughter’s question.
“Oh, nothing. We were talking about her name and the fact that Stargazer lilies are my favorite. She wants some, and I told her if I could find them, I’d get her some. I hope it’s all right?”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I want to. You have a great daughter, and it’s such a small thing to make her happy. I don’t have anyone to spoil,” she said, her sadness drawing her lips into a frown. Her thoughts wanted to drag her to the past and all she’d lost, but she focused on Summer, the here and now in Jack’s house.
“Only if you want to.”
“I do.”
“Let’s get you into the bathroom. After Jack and Caleb bring your stuff, you can get dressed and come downstairs for breakfast, maybe lunch,” she said and eyed her watch. “The morning seems to have gotten away from us.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind doing this? I can wait and come down to the salon to get my hair cut.”
“It’s fine. Can you get up on your own?”
“Yeah, I’m feeling much better today. I walked around the room a little last night. Jack and I stayed up late talking. It’s been a long time since I got to know someone. I had a nice talk with your daughter this morning. I love her sweet personality.”
“Yeah. Wait till she finds out she’s getting a sibling.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Caleb is so happy.” By the sheer joy on Summer’s face, he wasn’t the only happy one. “He can’t wait to tell her. Jack knows, but we want to wait a while longer to tell Lily.”
“Congratulations. When is the baby due?”
“In about five months. February first.”
Jenna had trouble getting out of bed and into the bathroom. Summer took off all the bandages.
“Actually, most of these look better. A lot of the welts have gone down and aren’t red anymore. We won’t need to put so many bandages back on. Your back is in full bloom, purple, green, and yellow. The stitches look good, too. I think it will be okay to take a shower. Just be careful. Do you need help washing your hair?”
Summer undid the braid. Pieces stuck out everywhere, because of the many lengths. Summer would have to cut a lot off to even it out. Jenna loved her hair. She didn’t mind a shorter style. Her vanity could take the hit, but she hated her ex taking one more thing from her, even something as small as her hair.
“I’ll manage. If I need you, I’ll call.”
“Okay. While you shower, I’ll change the sheets on the bed. I don’t know about you, but I love fresh sheets when I’m not feeling well.”
True, sometimes it was the littlest things that brightened your day. She’d lived on little things to help her cope for a long time.
The shower relaxed her. Her arms and legs were fatigued but blessedly clean, and she felt almost whole again. She took a quick survey in the mirror. Lots of bruises everywhere, but her back looked a l
ot better. The stitches were sore and itchy, but even the cut didn’t look so angry today. Jack did a nice job. Despite his good work, she’d have one hell of a scar to add to her collection.
Wrapped in a big, soft towel when Summer knocked, she entered the spacious bathroom, carrying a stool. “Take a seat and let’s fix your hair.” Summer placed a nylon wrap around Jenna’s neck to keep the hair trimmings off her.
Jenna’s hair (well, the longest part, anyway) went down to just past the middle of her back. Summer pulled out several strands on each side, testing the lengths, assessing the damage.
“Okay. Any requests? Is there a style you want?”
“I like to keep it long. No bangs. Basically, just make it look nice. I trust you.”
“Thanks. I’ll do my best. You’ll love it.”
Summer worked quietly for half an hour. She ended up cutting it to just below her shoulders. Which, actually, better suited Jenna’s thick, heavy hair. She parted it off center, toward Jenna’s right, and added some long layers. She blew it dry and with the soft waves and fiery color, it suited Jenna perfectly. Summer sprayed it to hold the hair in place and off Jenna’s face. She stepped back and took an assessing look at the finished product.
“You’re beautiful. I hate you now.”
Silent tears slid down Jenna’s face. Summer panicked. “I’m sorry, you don’t like it. Oh, God. Now, you hate me.”
“I love it. You’re right. It’s beautiful. Perfect. Thank you.”
“It’s not too short. I cut off a lot, but I really think it suits you.”
“I love it. I don’t mind that it’s shorter. Makes it easier to dry.”
Summer sighed with relief. “Well, okay then. You like it. I’m so glad. You had me worried there for a second.”
Jenna dried her eyes. “Now the question is, do I have any clothes?”
“Let me see if Jack brought them up.”
Jack came in with Jenna’s suitcase, secretly wishing the thing had disappeared. He couldn’t keep her in a sheet forever, but a few more days would be fun. Fun: when was the last time he thought about pulling pranks and joking around . . . with a woman, or anyone?
The suitcase dropped out of his hands when Jenna came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Her breasts swelled over the top. Her hair framed her pretty face and fell to her shoulders. Jack’s mouth went dry, he couldn’t breathe. He stared, thunderstruck.
“Summer, leave us alone.” Jack never took his eyes off Jenna.
Summer’s gaze went from him to Jenna and back again before she pivoted on her toes and headed for the door without a word. Jenna stopped near the bathroom door and he drank in the sight of her, unable to move or speak.
“You don’t like the haircut?”
“God, you’re beautiful.” Jack closed the distance between them, some invisible force pulling him across the room. She didn’t back away, but stood looking up at him, nerves and wariness in those big green eyes.
“Jack?”
He didn’t bother answering. Instead he cupped her face, turned it up to his, lowered his head, and touched his lips to hers. She didn’t respond at first, except for a slight jolt. He brushed his lips to hers, rubbed his thumbs along her jaw, and settled into her. She stiffened and flinched with surprise. He expected her timid response. He brushed his lips over her cheek, her temple, her forehead, letting her know she was safe and cherished, not overpowered. Soft little touches. When his mouth found hers again, she kissed him back. He deepened the kiss, using his tongue to trace her lips. She opened on a surprised sigh, inviting him in, closer, and he smoothed his tongue over hers. Sinking fast, and in more ways than one. The feel of her, the taste, her smell, everything drew him in, filled him up, made him feel . . . good, right.
How long had he been living feeling indifferent and apathetic? Stuck in a rut for far too long. Time to try something new with someone who stirred up all kinds of interesting things inside him.
She responded by grabbing his shirt and pulling him closer. She held on to his biceps and matched his kiss with her own. His hands slid down her neck, and he trailed his fingertips along the swell of her breasts. She moaned into his mouth, and he stroked across her breasts again, just above the towel. Lost in her, she tasted so sweet and smelled so fresh. Flowers, sweet and heady.
His hands made a journey up her throat and into her hair. He held her head and tilted it, deepened the kiss. Her nails dug into his arms.
She moved them up his shoulders and linked them behind his neck, pulling him closer. Closer to where he wanted to be. His hard shaft pressed to her belly. She pushed closer and a soft rumble came from his throat. He put his arms around her, about to lift her off her feet and carry her to the bed. She yelped out in pain.
He immediately released her and took two steps back. She almost fell toward him, he’d released her so quickly. With his hands outstretched, he steadied her by the arms.
“I’m sorry. I lost my head. Did I hurt you? Are you okay? Stupid, I shouldn’t have touched your back.” He raked his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath to try to calm his overheated, unruly body.
“Jack, calm down. I’m all right.” Shy and hesitant, she stepped close, put her hands on his cheeks, and pulled him down for a soft lingering kiss. He pushed his fingers through her soft, thick hair and held her head, too.
“I’m sorry,” he said against her lips.
She settled back onto her heels and bit her bottom lip. Her tongue swept across her kiss-swollen lip. Tasting him, her eyes met his. Though he appreciated the passion, it was the trace of wariness that held him back from diving in again.
“I’m all right. Are those my clothes?” Jenna needed a minute to settle her insides. The man could kiss. He made everything inside her mind turn off and her body turn on. The only thing she could think and feel was Jack. Intense and scary and wonderful all at the same time, she took another deep breath and smelled him, soap, leather, hay, and horse. A nice combination.
“You’re always trying to get your clothes on. Right now, I just want to get my clothes off.”
A deep laugh bubbled up her gut and burst out. “Down, boy.”
“He doesn’t want to go down. He wants to come out and play.” Absolutely serious, but aware she needed the levity and time. She appreciated his attempt, despite the tightness in his face and body, telling her he was as aroused as her.
“Funny. How about I let you wrap my thigh before I get dressed?”
“Do I get to kiss it and make it better?”
She smiled. “Be good,” she ordered.
“Oh, honey, I am,” he teased back.
She turned the opening of the towel to her back and stood in front of him. His ragged sigh made her laugh again.
“You’re killing me, you know.”
“Somehow, I think you’ll survive.”
Resigned, Jack grabbed the bandages and knelt on the floor to tend her wound. He checked the stitches and made sure the cut wasn’t still damp from her shower. He covered the gash with ointment and taped a bandage in place.
He trailed kisses along the side of the cut from the bottom up to the top of her thigh. Every touch of his open mouth shot sparks of heat through her system. His big hands rubbed up the front of her legs from her ankles to her hips. Everywhere his hands roamed, her body heated and pulsed. She sighed, felt her heart jump when his fingers closed on her hips, his fingertips inches from the heat pooling low in her belly.
He wound gauze around the bandage and her thigh. Her entire back displayed to him, he bandaged two of the bad welts and cuts. The rest he put ointment on.
The whole time his hands made soft caresses up and down her back as he worked, sending shivers of heat racing over her skin. He kissed all the bruises. When he stood to kiss the bruises on her shoulders, she shook with anticipation as his breath caressed her skin a moment before his mouth tasted.
She closed her eyes and enjoyed the lazy travel of Jack’s mouth and hands over her body. He moved
her hair to the side and kissed along her neck and shoulders, nearly sending her to her knees.
“Better than a lollipop?”
She smiled. “Oh, yeah.”
“Good. I’d much rather kiss you than give you a shot.”
His hands traveled over her shoulders and arms. She nearly dropped the towel. Long forgotten need awakened with his every touch. Any second, she’d collapse against him. A warning sounded in her head to be careful, cautious. Instead of leaning back into him, she stood her ground, but couldn’t bring herself to step away.
“Not that I want you to, but get dressed and come downstairs and eat.”
Grateful he understood her signal, she turned, reached up, and caressed her hand over his strong jaw and cheek. He leaned into her palm and turned and kissed her wrist. Her heart slammed into her ribs at the sweet gesture. “I’ll be down in a minute.”
Strange, she’d never been affectionate with her ex-husband, not even when they first started dating. Not like she wanted to be with Jack. With him, she felt free to be herself. She’d tried to live up to her ex-husband’s high standards of class and decorum, since the first moment she’d met him. Well-educated and extremely smart, but he never made her feel like Jack made her feel. Jack wore his masculinity so easily, and because of that, she felt more like a woman when she was with him than she ever had in her life. It was a powerful feeling to know he wanted her. She wanted him just as much. She feared she needed him. Dangerous, because needing him made it that much harder to run to save herself. To save him, she’d do anything. Even leave the best thing that had ever happened to her, leave the one man she might actually love the rest of her life.
Chapter Twenty
* * *
JENNA SORTED THROUGH her emergency suitcase for something to wear that wouldn’t rub on her back or thigh. Not much to choose from, she only kept three outfits and a pair of shoes in the case. At least she’d get to buy some new clothes, one of the small pleasures she had in her life. She decided on the black jogging suit with white stripes down the side. A bra would hurt, so she put on the tank top and zipped the sweatshirt to just below her breasts.
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