“Can I see you again soon?” he asked in a deep, throaty voice.
“I think that can be arranged. Does tomorrow work for you?”
“It better. I want you so bad, I don’t know how I’ll make it twenty-four hours.”
She laughed. “Me neither.”
Standing on tiptoe, she gave him a brief good-bye kiss, then watched him get into his car and drive off. Slowly she returned to the house, the taste of his kiss lingering on her lips.
* * *
The following morning, after Nick and Kelly left for school, Rob took Amy out of her playpen and told Jenna he’d be back in a few hours.
She had a sick feeling inside. If her instincts were right, Rob was going to find out whether or not Amy was his.
He loved Amy so much, and all Jenna could do was pray for them. What would he do if she wasn’t his? Wouldn’t it be better not to know?
To occupy herself, she decided to check in at work. Her sales force could manage without her, but there was always room for guidance. She worked steadily for several hours, with no interruptions.
Tom had left that morning to go back to Daytona and take care of business. Her mother had remained to be with Cindy. Tom had tried to change her mind, but seeing it was hopeless, he agreed to come back on the weekend.
Jenna had stayed quiet, secretly wondering what help her mother intended to do. Help make more dishes, more laundry, more clutter, and more demands?
In some ways, having her mother around had its advantages. It allowed her time to work, which kept her company happy and her in the loop.
Plasmic had two manufacturing plants and normally she’d visit both plants once a year. She’d planned to go next month, and if she couldn’t make it, she’d either have to send a replacement or reschedule. Regardless, a lot of rearranging would need to be done.
Although her mother was a pain in the butt, she did take some of Jenna’s stress away by visiting Cindy every day. She’d read to her and play her favorite music, and whether her sister heard or not, it made little difference.
As confused as Jenna felt over Cindy’s alleged affair, it was still torturous to see her lying there day after day, hooked up to those incessant machines. No longer on a ventilator, Cindy still had IV lines everywhere. Very little seemed to have changed.
Jenna couldn’t make Cindy better, but she could take care of the people her sister loved. Rob had enough worries right now, and if her staying here for a month or so could make his life easier, she was all for that.
An hour later, Rob returned home. His eyes were bleary, and Jenna could see he had been crying. “She might not be mine.” He looked down at the sleepy baby in his arms. “They said my blood type is inconsistent with the child and the mother.”
“Rob. I’m so sorry.” Oh, God! She could kill Cindy for this, if she wasn’t already in the hospital possibly dying.
“I’m not ruled out entirely, just ‘likely excluded.’” A muscle ticked in his jaw, and Jenna could see him fighting for control.
“I’m grasping at straws here. The truth is Amy is not my child.”
“But they didn’t say that, Rob. Right?” She gnawed at her bottom lip and wrung her hands in frustration. “They would know if your blood type was not a match, and they didn’t positively exclude you.”
He held Amy away from him as if to really study her face. “Everyone always said she looked like me. But”—his voice broke—“now I don’t know anymore.”
“Oh, Rob.” Jenna took Amy from him and popped her into her swing. She turned back to her brother-in-law. “Can you both have another blood test done?”
“There is a more reliable paternity test. The doctor recommended I send away for the kit. He told me it was the only way to say for sure.”
“Then you should do it, Rob. You have a right to know and maybe it’ll have a more favorable outcome.”
“It’s not likely. I’m AB and Cindy is A. The doctor showed me a graph of possible matches, and we shouldn’t have a baby with O blood. So that means the baby is her lover’s. Or we just made medical history.”
She put her arms around him. He shrugged her off, too upset to be comforted.
“What are you going to do?” she asked him.
“What can I do?” His pain-filled eyes met hers. “I can’t stop loving Amy even if I’m not the biological father. The kids are already going through hell, and if they find out she’s not mine, what would it do to them?” He rubbed his hand over his face and swore softly. “I don’t want them to know.”
“I understand. It doesn’t seem right to make them think less of their mother when Cindy is lying in that hospital bed and can’t defend herself.”
Jenna couldn’t think of one nice thing to defend about her sister right now. Her disappointment in Cindy was about as hurtful as if someone had taken a shotgun and plugged her full of holes, mostly, because it was all so familiar. Jenna had always held on to a hope and a belief that Cindy had changed.
“There is no defense. How could she have done this to us? To me?” His hands turned into fists, and he suddenly looked like he wanted to punch something. “If I knew who the hell this guy was, I’d bust his ass right now.” He raised his fist in the air and then let it fall.
“I don’t want to love Amy any less. She’s the innocent one here. But what if I do?”
Jenna bit her lip. “I’m sure you won’t, Rob. She is your child. Remember that. And you can figure out what you want to do about Cindy once she wakes up.”
“If she wakes up, you mean.”
“Yes.” Jenna was silent for a minute. “Do you still love her?” Wondering, how could he?
How could she? But she did. She always would. No matter what Cindy did or who she hurt, she was still the sister Jenna had practically raised.
“I don’t know. I don’t know anything. If she were here right now, I’d probably say this was the end of our marriage. I mean, she never admitted the possibility to me.”
“Maybe she never knew, or didn’t want to. Maybe she wanted to think the baby was yours because she loves you.”
“She was sleeping with another man,” he said bitterly, and turned away.
“I’m going to work. I don’t know when I’ll be home. It might not be tonight.”
“Don’t do anything stupid, Rob. Okay?”
He grimaced. “No. I’ll leave that to my wife.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jenna wondered what she’d tell the kids if their dad didn’t come home that night. They were already confused enough about everything, and this would just add more fuel to the fire.
If they asked her anything about Amy, she would just play dumb. She wanted the children to love their mother. If Rob wouldn’t deal with this matter, then she’d try to say something to defend her sister’s virtue, whether it was worth defending or not.
Amy was napping and Sharon was at the hospital. Jenna sat down to wait for Nick and Kelly to come home. The phone rang the moment she got comfortable. She rose quickly, hoping it was Rob to say he’d be home for dinner.
Grant greeted her. She felt a warm flush spread inside. “Thank you for calling,” she said. “I’ve had a helluva day.”
“What’s happened now?” he asked. “Is your mother causing more problems?”
“No. Thank heavens. She’s been with Cindy most of the day. Which is a good thing, because I’m afraid if she’d been around today, it might have gotten ugly.”
He chuckled. “You mean, because of the bomb she dropped at the table last night?”
“Yes. Exactly.”
“I can only imagine how Rob must feel. And the kids too. Something like this could rip them apart.”
“I know. I agree.” She swallowed hard. “Rob had his and Amy’s blood tested today, and it look’s like she’s probably not his.”
“Damn.” Grant was silent for a moment. “I’m so sorry. He must be devastated.”
“To say the least. He’s so confused, hurt, and frightened by all th
is. He’s afraid he won’t be able to love Amy the same way.”
“I’m sure he will. A love for a child doesn’t go away.”
Jenna could hear the sadness in his voice, and wondered what had put it there. He said he didn’t have children, so what did this man know about such love? Was it from the years in the hospital, seeing grieving parents, or losing a child that he should have saved? Or, even more sadly, both?
“Are you still free tonight?” His voice deepened, and he sounded sexier than ever. “Don’t know what you do to me, but I’m liking it.”
“Me too. And I’d love nothing more than to go out with you and continue what we started, but Rob said he might be home late, or not at all.” She sighed. “I really need to stay with the children. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You’ve got to do, what you’ve got to do.” He sounded as disappointed as she. “I guess your mother is not up to it?”
“You’ve seen how thoughtless she can be.” Jenna gave a short laugh. “I’m sticking around for damage control.”
“That’s too bad. I had a dressy gala in Palm Beach that I was invited to, and I was hoping you could join me.”
No way did she want him to go to the gala without her. All the women there—a gorgeous guy like him alone. Not good. “You are tempting me. What time does the party start? Maybe I could slip away.”
“It starts at eight, but we could be late.”
She made a snap decision. “Sure. Why not? Mom can deal with the crisis she created. I’m tired of cleaning up her messes.”
“I’m sure she’s looked after the children before. You deserve a night out.”
“You’re right, but why do I still feel guilty?”
“Because you’re a good person and think of others before yourself.”
“How would you know that?”
“I know a lot about you, and I intend to learn more.”
Butterflies flitted around in Jenna’s stomach, and her pulse picked up speed. He was a flirt. She knew that. She’d seen him with the young nurses. So why was she reacting like a starry-eyed girl? She was closing in on forty, and that was old enough to know better.
“I think that might be fun,” she said, adding a quick good-bye.
* * *
After school Jenna took Kelly shopping for a dress for the school dance. Kelly begged for a skimpy one that she ‘absolutely adored’. It showed way more skin than Jenna was comfortable with, so she insisted they keep looking.
Eventually they found the perfect flower-printed dress. The spaghetti straps showed off Kelly’s shoulders, and the loose skirt revealed nicely toned, tanned legs. Everything else was modestly covered.
Kelly didn’t have a date for the dance and planned to go with her friend. Jenna thought fifteen was a little young for dating anyway. But of course Cindy had dated, and had partied hearty when she was that age. The reminder gave Jenna a sour taste in her mouth.
Poor kids—if the sins of the parents were transmitted through blood, Kelly, Nick, and Amy didn’t have a fighting chance.
Dinner that night was uncomfortable. Jenna made an excuse for Rob’s absence, and although the kids didn’t respond, they looked worried.
Sharon seemed to be the only one in the house who didn’t feel the tension. After dinner she sat on the floor and played with Amy, while Jenna put the dishes away.
Kelly went upstairs to do her homework, and Jenna hoped Nick was doing the same. When she’d rinsed the last glass, Nick came bounding down the stairs, two at a time, heading out as usual.
“What time will you be back?” Jenna called, but he didn’t answer her.
“Leave him alone,” her mother said when the door slammed behind him. “He has enough to worry about right now.”
“Yes, thanks to you,” Jenna replied.
“And what is that supposed to mean?”
“It means that until you mentioned it, nobody doubted that Amy was Rob’s baby. Well, she isn’t.”
Sharon’s face paled. “No, don’t tell me. How did you find out?”
“Rob came home earlier. He took Amy this morning to the doctor’s office. Their blood types don’t match.”
“Oh, they probably just made a mistake. Hospitals do it all the time. Leave things in people. Sew them up and find out later they left an instrument behind. You hear about it all the time.”
“Oh, Mom. You should hear yourself. This isn’t about a hospital error. This is about Amy and Rob. He’s heartbroken. He loves that little girl so much.”
Tears filled her mother’s eyes. “Yes, I know he does. And that won’t change. It won’t, will it?”
“I hope not, Mom. I really hope not.”
Sharon looked tired and old all of a sudden. “This is such a terrible time for everyone. I didn’t think it could get worse, but it did, didn’t it? It just got a hell of a lot worse.”
“Yes, I’m afraid it did. Mom, Grant has invited me out tonight. You can handle the kids by yourself, right?”
“Of course. I’ve done it many times. You go out and have fun. You deserve it.”
“Thanks. Amy’s diaper has been changed and she needs another bottle around nine, nine-thirty.”
Her mother stood next to the patio doors, staring out the windows. Jenna needed to shower and dress, but something about her mother’s appearance made her pause. “The kids will be all right, Mom. I’m sure of it.”
“Yes. Kids are resilient, aren’t they?”
“Absolutely.” She smiled and put an arm around her mother, giving her a hug. “Grant told me we’re going to a dressy affair. I’m wearing one of Cindy’s gowns.”
“Good. She has such beautiful clothes.” Sharon’s eyes filled, and her mouth trembled. “I wonder if she’ll ever be able to wear them again.”
“Oh, Mom.” She folded her mother in her arms. “She’ll get well. She’s a fighter and she has so much to live for.”
“Yes.” Her mother clung to her for a moment, then let go. “Don’t worry about me, or the kids, or your sister. You go out and have fun tonight. Promise?”
“I promise.” With that, Jenna left to get ready for her date.
At half past eight, Jenna was dressed in a shimmery, off-the-shoulder, fitted red gown. Unable to get to the hair salon, she’d given herself a henna rinse during the day. Her hair now bounced around her shoulders, shiny and soft. She’d applied her makeup to bring out the depth of her eyes and give her cheekbones added definition. It was the best she could do on short notice.
She was halfway down the stairs, when she stopped in awe. Grant was standing at the bottom, dressed in a tuxedo. He took her breath away.
“Grant,” she stammered. “I didn’t hear the doorbell.”
“Your mother did.” He smiled at her. “You look beautiful.”
She glided down the remainder of stairs and took his hand. “So do you.” She turned her face so he could kiss her cheek, not wanting to get red lipstick all over him.
Her mother came around the corner. “My, my, my. Don’t you two make a gorgeous couple?” She patted her own hair. “Makes me wish I could go too.”
Jenna darted a glance at Grant, and their eyes smiled.
“Don’t wait up for me, Mom. I intend to be very late.”
Her mother nodded with approval. “If this handsome prince was escorting me to a ball, I wouldn’t come home at all.”
Grant offered her his arm. When she took it, her pulse speeded up, and she felt a warm glow. Tonight—for one night only—she’d forget everything but the man she was with.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Grant helped her into his sexy silver sedan, jumped into the driver’s seat, and they were off. During the half hour drive from her sister’s home to the Colony Hotel, Grant told her about the auction they were about to attend.
It was to raise money for children with Cystic Fibrosis. The viewing for the items had taken place from seven to eight, with dinner following, and the auction next. “We should be arriving just in time for des
sert.”
Grant took a hand off the wheel and touched hers. “I’m glad you could get away tonight. I hate going to these affairs alone.”
“Why would you?” She couldn’t refrain from asking. “I’m sure you could have a date every night of the week, if you wanted.”
He smiled at that. “You said it—I don’t want. Since my wife passed away, I’ve become something of a recluse. She always told me I was a workaholic, and now I know it’s true. I spend as much time at the hospital as they will allow. Some nights they shoo me out of there and insist I go home.”
“Your dedication to your work is honorable, but surely, you want to have a life outside of work too.” Even as she said the words, she felt like a hypocrite. She’d buried herself in her job for the past ten years.
She worked in a male-dominated industry, and for her to make vice president was almost unthinkable. No other woman had achieved that status at Plasmic, and so she worked longer hours and twice as hard to justify her position.
“Not until now.” He darted a quick look at her face. “I haven’t wanted anyone or anything. It’s been three years since Kathleen died, and I wasn’t ready for a relationship again.”
“And now you are?” Her heart thudded in her chest. She didn’t know how she wanted him to answer.
An affair? Yes, most certainly. Hot sex would melt away some of her worry and stress, and she’d make sure he enjoyed it too. But a relationship? Wasn’t that taking their physical attraction a little too far?
“Perhaps I am. Or maybe, it’s just you.” His lips curved into a hint of a smile. “I definitely need some time alone with you to find out.”
“Oh.” She looked straight ahead, not wanting him to see the confusion on her face. Her life was chaotic enough right now. But his sweet words moved her, creating an ache inside. She didn’t want to ache for something she couldn’t have.
“Just ‘oh’?” he asked. His disappointment was evident.
“Let’s see what the night brings.” She reached over and patted his knee. “Sometimes sex muddies the water.”
ESCAPE INTO ROMANCE- 4 Book Bundle Page 33