Chapter 13
Josie sighed and leaned back on her elbows, curling the warm sand beneath her toes. She’d pretended a headache in order to let Jacob spend some quality time with Jane. The two of them sat near the shore, oblivious to the slap of waves hitting the beach. They were too engrossed in the intricate castle they’d built, moat included.
Her cell phone jangled, jarring her out of a peaceful doze. She sat up and pulled the phone from the pocket of her shorts. Her mother. She sighed and answered the call. “Hi, Mom. How are things in Washington?”
“Well, it’s nice to know you’re still alive, young lady. Your father and I have been worried sick.”
Josie gazed skyward, digging for patience she didn’t have. “I told you where I was going, and you have my number. What more do you want?” Jacob glanced up at her strident pitch. She grimaced and mouthed ‘my mother’. He gave a commiserating nod and turned back to his daughter to give her privacy.
“Josephine Alexandra, there’s no need to take that tone with me. I only did what I thought was for the best. Would you rather marry a man who isn’t faithful?” Like I did? She didn’t say it aloud, but Josie heard the words anyway. Her parents shared a tumultuous relationship. She’d once asked her mom why she never divorced, and she’d looked shocked. “Why? Because we’re married, that’s why.”
Josie rubbed her forehead. “No, of course not. I appreciate everything you did, really. It would have been nice to get a warning, however. I was humiliated, Mom. I had to get away.”
“To an island in Canada?” Her mother did that weird clicking sound with her tongue against her teeth. “It should be you in Bermuda, darling. Not him. Those tickets were a gift from your father. You should have heard him when he found out where they went.”
Josie stared hard at the horizon, blinking back tears for what she thought she’d had, and lost. And for her parents, too. Misguided as they were, they loved her, and she them. “Tell Daddy it’s one hundred and two in Southampton. Emmett’s going to burn like a lobster.”
Her mother laughed. “Well then, serves him right. And that no-good Simone, too. To think you two were best friends practically since you were in diapers. I refuse to talk to Ingrid. She should have given that girl a lesson in leaving engaged men alone.”
The betrayal burned. Her mom was right. She and Simone had been like sisters. They’d shared everything from school work to parental angst, boyfriend woes, college dorm rooms, and even jobs at the same hospital. Naturally, she’d asked Simone to be her bridesmaid. She just hadn’t realized they’d been sharing the same man.
Jane’s cry yanked her attention down the beach. The tide had risen, and the waves were threatening the castle by the sea. Jake was bent over, his arms outstretched to lift Jane out of harm’s way, but she was shaking her head, her hands frantically shoring up the sand around the moat.
Josie jumped to her feet. “Mom, I have to go. I’ll call you soon, promise.”
There was a slight pause, then her mother sighed. “Just don’t cast us aside because you’re hurt. We love you, dear.”
Josie’s eyes welled up again. “Love you, too. Bye, Mom.” She stuck the phone into her pocket, sniffled, and hurried across the warm sand to see if she could help save a world—even if it was one made out of sand.
Jake glanced at his passengers as he drove the truck the short distance home. Jane, tuckered out by the fresh sea air, leaned against Josie’s side, her head lolling back against the seat as she fought to stay awake. Josie sat in profile, her arm around his daughter, her attention fixed into the distance, expression pensive. He didn’t know exactly what had transpired between her and her mother, but it had placed a decided pall on the afternoon. He’d been so caught up in his own problems, he’d forgotten she’d arrived on the island with baggage of her own.
“I’m not sure who’s snoring louder, Jane or Mischief?” he murmured, bothered by her quietness.
Josie met his gaze, her eyes faraway, then she blinked and returned to him. Her lips quirked, and she nodded toward the dog sprawled on the seat next to him, his head resting on Jake’s thigh. “I think you have a new admirer.”
Jane sat up yawning. “Daddy has lots of admirers, Aunty Mona says so all the time.”
Josie laughed. “Something you want to share?”
Jake stopped short of growling—he didn’t want to scare the dog. “Aunty Mona likes to think she’s a match-maker, but the only female’s attention I want is yours.” He reached over and affectionately rubbed his daughter’s head. “No more spreading stories. That’s how little girls lose TV time.”
Jane grabbed her dad’s hand and held it close to her heart. “Daddy, I’m your sweetheart, remember?” She batted her eyes and looked coy.
Jake sputtered, his amused gaze connecting with Josie’s. “She thinks she has me wrapped around her little finger.”
“Doesn’t she?” Josie grinned.
His smile was bittersweet as he gazed down at his daughter’s beautiful face, so reminiscent of his wife. “Yeah, she does,” he answered. Warmth bloomed in his chest. They were good together, the three of them. Josie filled a void in their lives he hadn’t realized existed. The past few years had been tough, but it had also brought a new closeness to his and Jane’s relationship. They trusted each other. Enough to bring a woman into his life? He didn’t know. She seemed to like Josie, and the nightmare of losing her mother was slowly abating… If it were up to him, he’d have to say in his heart of hearts he was ready to try again.
Instead of the guilt he expected to feel, there was more of a lightness, a sensation that Annie approved. She wouldn’t want him to spend the rest of his life brooding over what might have been, just as he knew she would always be a part of him. He would keep her memory alive for his daughter, and make sure Jane never doubted how much her mother loved her.
From the moment they’d known a baby was on the way, Annie had prepared for the child they’d dreamed of having one day. She’d taken up knitting, determined to make blankets and booties and bonnets. She’d raided the library for books on healthy eating, caring for the new baby, and nursing. They’d gone shopping for a crib and a change table, mobiles and learning toys and a teddy bear named Leroy. Then came the delivery. Eight hours of excitement, nerves, worry, and finally soul-deep contentment. The first time he’d held his child in his arms, Jake cried. She was the greatest gift he’d ever received, and he’d vowed to always keep her safe.
Look how that turned out.
Chapter 14
There was a luxury model car in the driveway when they returned home. Josie’s sense of well-being dried up as tension invaded the cab, radiating off the big male in the driver’s seat.
“Whose car is that, Daddy?” Jane lifted her chin, trying to get a glimpse of their unknown guest through the front windshield.
Jacob’s arm stretched out like a bar across her chest as he hit the brakes bringing the truck to a grinding halt. “It’s business. Josie, take her inside, please.”
The grim tone of his voice warned her whatever this was, it wasn’t a pleasure call. “Okay, Miss Muffet, let’s get you in the house and cleaned up before the dirt fairies carry you away.”
Jane giggled. “That’s silly, there’s no dirt fairies.”
“Are you willing to take a chance on that?” Josie tickled her belly and hopped out of the truck at the same time a leggy blonde unfolded herself from the driver’s seat of the car. A sleeveless burgundy tank top highlighted golden arms covered in bejeweled bangles. White jeans with strategic rips in the knees covered slim hips and narrowed down to black suede lace-up boots with three-inch heels. They locked eyes and Josie’s instinct was to get back in the truck and demand Jacob get them out of there. Even at this distance she shivered under the other woman’s ice pick gaze stabbing her in the chest.
“Friend of yours?” she murmured.
Jake grimaced. “A client. And the ex-wife of a buddy, so be nice.” He opened his door and strode around bac
k to unload Jane’s wheelchair, then joined them on the passenger side. “Ready?” he asked, reaching into the truck to lift his daughter into his arms.
Josie’s pulse had leaped at his approach, and now her breath stuck in her throat. The man had some serious biceps, and he smelled of the sea—heady stuff.
“What about Mischief? He’s going to fall,” Jane cried. She craned her head over her dad’s shoulder as he lowered her into the chair. The dog stood on the edge of the seat, tail wagging so hard he almost overbalanced. Josie hurried forward and grabbed his collar, holding him in place.
“Hang on, you little rascal.” She rubbed the silky ears and smiled when the pup licked her palm.
“Set him down. He’ll follow you into the house,” Jacob said.
Blondie fisted her hands on her hips and pursed pink lips. “Jake, your nanny can surely handle your ki… child. We need to talk, and I don’t have much time.”
Jacob frowned, his brows angry slashes over stormy gray eyes. “I’ll be there in a moment, Sally. Give it a rest.”
Josie set the dog on the driveway and rose in time to catch an eyeroll from the other woman. She brushed her hands down her thighs and forced a smile. “Let’s get out of their way, Jane. If you hurry to get cleaned up, I’ll make you an ice cream float. How does that sound?”
Jane clapped her hands. “Yay, ice cream.” She turned to her father. “Are you coming, Daddy?”
He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “Soon, peanut. Save me some, okay?”
The ice cream was the incentive Jane needed. She motored up the drive, barely glancing at the stranger as she headed for the front door. Mischief chased the wheelchair’s tires, nipping at the rubber as though he was herding a stray sheep.
Josie placed hesitant fingers on the warm skin of Jacob’s forearm, and met his surprised gaze. “Are you all right out here?” she asked, and then wished she’d bitten her tongue when he grinned.
“Are you offering protection, Miss Sparks?”
The intimate rumble of his voice hinted at an entirely different cover than the one she’d been envisioning.
“No!” she gasped. “I mean… if you need help, I’m here.”
He smirked. “I’ll take you up on that… later.”
Her cheeks burned. Who knew innocent words could take on dirty meanings just by a raised eyebrow?
She trailed after Jane and the puppy, her mind filled with images of her and Jake in bed. He would be a considerate lover, it was there in his nurturing personality. In the way he’d helped her when she arrived, even though he didn’t want her in his home. In the kindness he’d shown by giving a defenseless pup a home and his daughter all the love a father could show. She had goosebumps just thinking about his big hands covering her breasts, his lips on hers, body to body, heart to heart.
“He’s not available, you know.”
The blonde’s patronizing voice snapped the daydream in half. Josie blinked and looked into the other woman’s amused gaze. “Excuse me?”
She nodded toward Jake unloading the rest of the picnic gear from the truck. “Jacob’s… interests, shall we say, lie in another direction.”
Stunned, Josie hesitated on her way to the house. “Are you suggesting you and he are… are…”
“Having sex, dear. And that’s between me and him. I recognized the moon-eyes and wanted to save you any misery down the road.” Sally smiled sympathetically. “Jake’s had women chasing him since grade school, don’t feel bad.” She slid a pair of dark sunglasses onto the bridge of her nose. “We have a long history, he and I. It’s complicated. I don’t expect you to understand.”
Josie stiffened.
“I have the resources to make Jake an extremely wealthy man, but lately his attention has been, shall we say, less than attentive.” She smiled as Jacob strode toward them. “You don’t want to ruin his chances, do you?”
Josie’s heart plummeted. She hadn’t realized until it was snatched away how much she’d come to care for this family. For Jake.
He gazed at them quizzically. “You ladies getting along?”
Sally’s laugh tinkled like chips of ice running down Josie’s back. “Of course, silly. Your nanny seems charming.”
“She’s not my nan…,” Jacob started.
“Therapist actually,” Josie interjected. “And I better get back to work.” Her gaze skimmed the two beautiful people standing side-by-side. “It was nice to meet you,” not, she said to Sally. She turned to Jacob. “Jane had fun today, thank you.” She ended it there before she said something she’d regret, like “why did you kiss me like there was no tomorrow when you’re obviously involved with someone else?” She had the worst taste in men. What was it, did she have a stamp on her forehead that said, Cheat on me, I like it, or what? Frustrated as much with herself as him, Josie followed the child and dog into the house.
Jake stared after Josie’s disappearing back and wondered what he’d missed. He’d mistakenly thought she’d enjoyed herself today as much as he and Jane. It was a long time since he’d taken time from his work to relax. It felt good. And having a beautiful woman to share it with hadn’t hurt either. Josie ignited a maelstrom of feelings inside him. Affection, frustration, lust, confusion, you name it, he lived it.
“What did you say to her?” he demanded, glaring at Sally. The vibrant young woman he and Trace had fought over in high school was long gone. In her place was a bitter shell. He tried to have empathy, after all, she had faced a nasty divorce and the diagnosis of her father’s dementia all in the same year. That would be enough to throw the strongest person for a loop, but she was going too far in her bid to destroy his sister. Jake wouldn’t stand for it.
Sally shrugged one elegant shoulder. “We were just getting acquainted. She seems… cute.” The sarcasm practically dripped from her lips.
“Leave her alone, Sal. She’s not in your league.”
That made her laugh. “You can say that again,” she murmured. He wheeled to go into the house and she grasped his arm. “Look, I’m sorry. I really did need to talk. Give me a minute?”
He gazed at the pink nails digging into his forearm until she let go. “I know what you’re up to, Sally. Mona is no danger to you. She’s worked hard to make her business a success, don’t ruin it.”
“Is that a threat?” she said, chin in the air. “I don’t need to prove myself to you or anyone else. There are enough customers for both of us, and besides, a little competition is healthy, isn’t it? Well, unless you’re serving heart attacks on a plate, but that’s not my problem.” She lifted a placating hand. “I’m not here to argue. I just wanted to let you know Daddy gave me full power of attorney, so we can move forward with the rest of my plans for the spa. Isn’t that exciting?”
Jake frowned. “I’m not sure you’re hearing me. I’m not going to build your spa if you intend to ruin my sister. Find another contractor.”
Sally’s smile froze. She opened her car door and used it as a buffer between them. “We signed a deal, Jake. Don’t make me take you to court. You’ll lose.” She slid into her seat and fired up the engine with a throaty roar. “It was nice seeing you, maybe we can go out sometime.”
She didn’t wait for his answer, instead she threw the car into gear and whipped around in his drive just as Mischief raced out of the house, right into the path of the oncoming tires.
Chapter 15
Josie heard the squeal of brakes and ran for the door, her heart thundering. Jake. Oh, God, Jake. Don’t let him be hurt, please don’t let him be hurt.
“What happened? Was that lady mad at Daddy?” Jane called from behind her, the whir of her wheelchair echoing in the quiet house.
“I don’t know. Stay here.” She pushed the partially open door and stepped into the sun, squinting against the light. At first, she couldn’t see anything beyond Sally’s car idling diagonally on the road, the driver’s door hanging open. Then she caught sight of Jacob’s dark hair over the hood with Sally crouched near the front b
umper and a cry rose from the depths of her soul.
“Jake!” His head jerked up and he met her concerned gaze. She hurried forward, her relief short-lived when she rounded the front of the car and saw Mischief lying on his side, little whining cries letting her know he’d been hit. “Oh, no,” she sobbed, her hand covering her mouth. “Is it bad? I’m so sorry. I must not have closed the door when I went into the house. Jane will be devastated.” Helpless tears rolled down her cheeks. She hated to see an animal in distress.
Sally stood and pointed an accusing finger at Josie. “I knew you were trouble,” she sneered. “This is your fault.”
Jacob glared. “This isn’t the time. Someone call for help.”
Sally shot her a triumphant glance beneath her lashes and turned toward her car. “I’ll call, Jake. My phone is right here.”
Josie wrung her hands, feeling about two feet tall. Why hadn’t she taken the time to properly latch the door? She wasn’t fit to care for a child. What if it had been Jane who’d been hurt? Jane lying helpless with her father looking on? Josie would never be able to live with herself.
“Jake…,” she whispered, lost for words. She looked into Mischief’s sad brown eyes and her throat closed.
“The car barely clipped him. He’s going to be fine. Aren’t you, boy?” Jacob ran a gentle hand down the dog’s side and his tail thumped the ground.
“I don’t know what to say,” she said, bending to touch her favorite spot, the pup’s soft ears. “That was so careless of me. When I think what could have…”
Jake shook his head. “Don’t. We’ll talk about this later. Right now, I have to worry about getting this guy better.”
Josie sniffled and nodded. She couldn’t blame him if he let her go after this episode. “Sure, I understand.” She surreptitiously wiped the tears away and stood to check if Sally had gotten through to animal rescue. She noticed Jane coming out of the house, glanced down at Jake and the dog and hurried to intercept the child.
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