Captured Heart (A Garrett's Point Novel)

by Savanna Grey

  “I don’t want to give up my career or move to Garrett’s Point.” Jack finished, expelling a long breath.

  Emma was silent, taking in his words and compartmentalizing what they meant. “I get what you are saying about your life prior to this tragedy, but what are you saying, that you want to take Olivia to Richmond?” The thought made ice creep into her veins. She shivered. Jack was a lawyer. If he wanted to fight for full custody and being the blood relative, he would know how and would probably win.

  “I’m saying that is one option. We really only have two, don’t we? She goes with me or stays here with you.”

  “Do you think uprooting her from her home is in her best interest right now?” Emma asked. She really believed the comfort of her familiar surroundings and people who she knew would help her cope over the next several months.

  “I know it would be difficult for her. Hell, Emma, what’s an even bigger question is who would she be better off with? Don’t think I haven’t realized you are certainly more equipped to take on the role of surrogate parent more so than I am. I just feel like I’d be letting Dana down somehow. I don’t know what the right answer is.”

  His voice was less audible but gravely. He cleared his throat that had become clogged with emotion. Emma took his hand to offer comfort. Both looking directly into each other’s eyes, they both saw the same sorrow and grief reflected.

  “Jack, I love Olivia, and I do know that staying in her home, being surrounded by familiar people that can help her deal with her loss has to be the better option, but you are her uncle. All I can tell you is I am committed to her wellbeing. I will move in here and stay with her if that’s what we think is best.”

  She felt him tense beside her. “Jack, I also won’t fight you if you decide that you want to take her back with you to Richmond. I wouldn’t be happy about it, but I wouldn’t fight you. I would; however, want to be involved in her life.”

  “I would never prevent you from being part of Olivia’s life. I have no reason to do that. She loves you as much as you love her.”

  “Thank you for that, Jack.” Unintentionally caressing his hand, she suggested “Why don’t we sleep on it for a few days. We don’t have to have all the answers tonight. All I ask is that you don’t shut me out, Jack. We need each other working together to help Olivia. Dana wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.” Emma glanced up at the mantle where multiple pictures of Jeff, Dana and Olivia sat. They had been so happy.

  Jack followed her glance. “They were amazing parents, weren’t they?” he whispered. “I admired her so much.”

  “Me too. Jeff was always a great guy. Even in high school he was friends with everybody. When he and Dana met in college, married and settled down here, Dana fit right in. It was like she’d always been a part of Garrett’s Point. She loved it here too.

  “I know she did, and I know she would want Olivia to grow up here. I think that’s why they did what they did with the house. We haven’t even talked about that.” Jack finished.

  “I know, but I think that will be an easy decision once we come to a decision about where Olivia belongs.”

  “I just don’t want to make the wrong decision, Emma.” He sounded defeated.

  “There really is no wrong or right decision here, only what is best for Olivia. If we base our decisions with that as our primary focus and not ourselves, it will work out to be the right decision, Jack.”

  She had reached up to caress his cheek. He looked so sad and confused. She knew the feeling. He turned his cheek towards her, his lips grazing her palm.

  Her insides clenched. She felt the atmosphere around them shift. Suddenly it was very warm. Jack’s brown eyes simmered like chocolate.

  Trying to grab hold of her sanity and raging hormones, she pushed back from Jack.

  “Jack, if we give in to this, we would only be thinking of ourselves. There is more at stake here.” Her hand cupped his cheek. “I don’t want to jeopardize a good friendship that would have a negative impact on Olivia in the future. We’ve got to be the adults here.”

  Laughing softly, he placed his forehead against hers. “Believe me, there is nothing childish about the feelings I have for you, Emma. I want you. I know you want me too.” Sighing, “Why do you have to be so logical? I feel like I’ve been reprimanded by my grade school teacher, nicely of course.”

  This time she was the one chuckling. “Oh, Jack. If you really knew what was going through my mind right now and the positions I’d like to see you in, you might not feel that way.”

  His grip tightened. “Jesus, don’t say things like that, Emma. A man can only take so much.”

  “I’m sorry, Jack. It’s just not the time for us to jump into this. I don’t make a practice of sleeping around. When I do have sex with someone, it means something more than a one-night stand at least to me.”

  Conceding defeat, he stood holding out his hand to offer his assistance. “Guess we table whatever this is for a later date.”

  “I guess so.” Emma knew it was the right thing to do, but it didn’t mean she was happy about it. In fact, quite the contrary. She felt let down knowing that Jack hadn’t fought harder. He was a lawyer after all. He knew how to argue his point to get what he wanted. Maybe he didn’t want her badly enough to fight for it. Now why did she have to go there? That just made her feel worse. It was for the best. She would be starting something that would never last. Why would she want to set herself up for that kind of pain? She’d already lost enough. She didn’t need to lose Jack too.

  As they stood up from the sofa, Tucker roused from his spot near their feet. They walked up the stairs together in silence, both lost in their own thoughts. He stopped at her door. “Good Night, Emma. Sweet dreams.”

  Smiling, she returned the salutation, “Good Night, Jack.” She couldn’t help herself. She reached over and kissed his cheek and went into her room, Tucker right behind her.

  Jack stood there for a few minutes staring at her closed door. His hand inadvertently rested on the door. He wanted to follow her in and make love to her until they were both spent in each other’s arms, shutting the world out for just tonight.

  Instead he went the few steps to his room, closed the door and went to bed alone. Never bothered him to be alone before until now.

  Emma is awakened, but she isn’t certain by what. Tucker is whining at the door. Does he need to go out? What time is it? Then she hears it. It’s Olivia crying out in her sleep. Emma is instantly wide-awake, fear for Olivia driving her from her bed and into Olivia’s room.

  She finds the little girl thrashing in her sleep, obviously entrenched in a bad dream. Emma offered calming words in soothing tones, lying down beside the child to stroke her hair.

  Olivia calmed, her breathing back to normal. Emma had picked up a few words the child had muttered. She had understood “mom and dad” and “no” cried out several times.

  Emma continued to stroke her hair and her back, making sure she had succumbed to a more peaceful sleep. She said a prayer, asking for God’s peace and hedge of protection around this wonderful child who had lost so much.

  Slowly she lifted herself from the bed and placed a soft kiss to Olivia’s forehead. Turning to head back to her room, she came face to face with Jack leaning against the door jamb of Olivia’s room.

  Her hand flew to her heart, her sharp intake of breathe alerting Jack he had startled her. Tip-toeing from the room, she left the door slightly ajar so she could hear Olivia if she experienced any further nightmares.

  “Jack, you scared the daylights out of me.” She whispered. “Did she wake you as well?” she asked.

  “Yes. I heard Tucker whining too. I got up to see what was going on. Is she alright, do you think?” his concern evident in his gruff tone.

  “Yes, I think so. I’m sure there’s a lot going on inside her that freely inundates her mind when she sleeps. I’ll listen out for her.”

  “You truly are one of the most loving people I’ve ever met, Emma. She
’s very lucky to have you in her life. We all are.”

  She was surprised by the sincere confession. Looking up at him, it was that moment she realized he was clothed only in his boxers; his beautiful toned chest just inches away.

  Emma wasn’t the only one aware of the lack of clothing. Jack was standing at attention being so near to Emma as she stood with only a little grey t-shirt that stopped just above her white silky lace panties. He hardened just looking at her.

  They stared at each other frozen in place for mere seconds. Jack made the first move, but Emma quickly followed. He reached for her, pulling her against him. She could feel his hardness pressed against her belly.

  “Jack, I…” He cut her off, taking possession of her mouth, devouring her lips. She was lost at his touch. Fire spread through her veins. His tongue slid across her bottom lip seeking entry to the secrets within. The kiss deepened as tongues collided.

  His hands cupped her bottom as he lifted her, her legs locking around his back for balance. He pushed them into her bedroom, closing the door behind them. Tucker sat on the other side of the door, lying down in front of it.

  He pushed her up against the wall, eager to feel more of her against him. His control was slipping. He’d wanted her so badly for so long. His need of her rushed to the surface. His hand slipped under her t-shirt caressing her breast, tweaking her nipple.

  Moaning at the tremendous sensations coursing through her, feeling like she was galloping toward something she couldn’t quite reach, she rubbed her center against Jack harder and faster, her wetness seeping through her panties. Jack felt her heat, her moans tugging at his control.

  “Jack, oh Jack. Please…” Two fingers slipped under her panties to her core and inside her. She thought she would burst into flames right then and there, her muscles clenching around his fingers.

  “Baby, Emma, God, you’re so hot and wet. Tell me to stop. If you don’t stop me now, I will be lost, Emma. Tell me now.” He urged as his erection pulsed on her stomach as his fingers pumped her closer to release.

  Emma reached between them to massage him. He was so large, it almost frightened Emma.

  Taking her action as acceptance, Jack carried her to the bed. Laying her gently down, he asked her one more time, “Emma, are you sure? I don’t want any regrets in the morning?”

  Sensibility warred with need. She knew they had said this was a bad idea, but her heart disagreed. She needed him as much as she did air to breathe right now. She couldn’t deny that.

  “No regrets, Jack. No matter what.” They both needed each other desperately. Maybe it would be a one- night stand, but for her it what so much more. She just wasn’t willing to admit that.

  He slipped her wet panties off and his boxers followed. Slowly he climbed up the bed to her.

  “Now where were we?” He grinned as his head lowered to hers.

  Chapter Eleven

  A fly was tickling her nose. Emma swatted at the annoyance not wanting to open her eyes just yet. Half-awake she felt something heavy across her midriff. Tucker needed to lose some weight was the first thought Emma had. She went to turn over, and an iron vice pulled her up against a rock hard body.

  “Good Morning.” Prickly morning stubble grazed her neck.

  Her eyes flew open in shock until realization dawned. Memories flooded her mind as she replayed the events of last night in her bed with Jack. She couldn’t stop the smile that spread across her face. He’d been amazing. She blushed just thinking of the way he’d made sweet passionate love to her. The things he did to her body. If she were Catholic, she’d need to go to confession.

  “Good Morning.” She turned to face him. His smile deepened. His hair was sticking up as if he’d had a restless night. Dark stubble covered his face, making him even sexier to Emma. His chest hair trailed down past the sheet covering him at his hips, making Emma want to follow the trail further.

  A scratching sound came from the other side of the closed door. Emma sat straight up, panic filled her. Was it Olivia? She couldn’t find them in here together. The scratching sounded again. Reason set in. Tucker. They’d left him in the hall. Glancing over at the nightstand, she saw it was just after six.

  “You’ve got get out of here before Olivia comes in.” She threw the cover back and was about to stand when Jack grasped her hand.

  “No regrets, rights?” He wasn’t leaving this room without them at least acknowledging what went down last night.

  Blushing again, she turned to him. “No regrets.” She clasped his hand squeezing gently for emphasis.

  “Now get out of here before I am mortified in front of a seven-year-old and have to explain why her Uncle Jack is naked in my bed.”

  She wrapped herself in her robe. I’m going to let Tucker out, make some coffee and then hop in the shower.

  “I’d be happy to help you wash up.” Jack offered semi-jokingly.

  “Get out of here.” She picked up a pillow and tossed it at him as she opened the door, peeked out looking at Olivia’s bedroom door and gave Jack the thumbs up, signaling that the coast was clear.

  Last night had been amazing. Hell, that didn’t even begin to describe the passionate woman he’d held in his arms and made love to her throughout the night.

  All of the pent-up grief and emotion spilled over into their lovemaking, both seeking and giving comfort. The strange thing was he thought it would be a one-time, get it out of your system kind of thing, but this morning seeing her in her fluffy white robe, he still wanted her.

  If he was honest, he wanted her more now than he had before. This was not a good thing. Definitely not a good thing. Muddied the water where Emma was concerned. Scratching his head, he convinced himself that both he and Emma would figure out a way to make this work.

  Both of them were unattached. Both shared a mutual attraction. Both loved Olivia. This could turn out to be a win-win. Feeling more positive and determined, he headed to his room to shower.

  Emma let Tucker out and set about brewing coffee. A silly grin adorned her glowing face. She felt better than she’d felt in a long time. The ache was there, of course, but Jack had filled a void she hadn’t realized existed.

  After their first coupling that had been fast and furious with need, they’d made love several times throughout the night. Each time Jack had been so tender, attentive to every inch of her body. She’d felt things she never dreamed of. Just remembering the things he’d done made her skin tingle.

  Lord, she needed to get a grip or she’d be jumping him on the breakfast counter. Hmm, now there was an idea. Laughing, she scolded herself. Who are you? You don’t act this way? She questioned herself. You’ve never had anyone make you feel this way before. Enjoy it. Stop analyzing it. Go with it. The question was where was it going? That remained to be seen. She didn’t have the answer to that question.

  She headed upstairs to shower and check in on Olivia. She planned on them having a girl’s day out. She knew Jack had work to do, and Olivia needed an Easter dress. It was a nice sunny day, perfect for walking the shops on Main.

  She showered, got Olivia up and dressed and they headed downstairs where they found Jack pouring a cup of coffee. Turning, he greeted them with a warm smile.

  “Well, good morning, princess.” “You look very pretty.” Olivia had on a pretty red and white dress with matching shoes. “Do we have big plans today?” Jack inquired. His gaze moved over to Emma, the warmth in his gaze shifting to one of desire.

  She smiled back with arched eyebrows, eyes glinting. “Olivia and I are going to have a girl’s day out on the town.” Emma said excitedly. “We need new Easter dresses, don’t we, Liv?”

  Olivia squealed excitedly. “Yes, and then we are getting our nails done, and if we have time, I get to pick out a book at the book store.” She clasped her little hands together eager to be on her way.

  “I know you said you have a lot of work to do, so I figured this would give you some peace and quiet in the house, while we went out and about.” Emm
a explained.

  “We should be back this afternoon. Olivia has dance class this evening.”

  “Are you finished with your breakfast, Liv?” Emma questioned. “Yes, Ma’am.” the little girl replied.

  “Alright, then. I’ll clean up. You run and grab your jacket, and we will head out.”

  Emma was bringing bowls around the counter to load in the dishwasher when she felt Jack lean into her. “Do you know how hard it is to keep my hands off you?” His arms wrapped around her from behind, his mouth nuzzling her ear.

  “Funny, I was just thinking earlier how much I wanted your hands on me, right here on the breakfast bar.” She blatantly teased. She couldn’t believe she’d admitted that. She never talked about sex openly, but with Jack, it just felt natural. It was intimate verbal foreplay.

  He bit down on her earlobe. Flashes of them making love in the kitchen flitted through his mind. He hardened instantly. “Woman, you verbally slay me. You make me want to back you up against this counter right now and show you just what you do to me.”

  Spinning her around with coffee cups still clasped in her hands, he assaulted her senses and her mouth with a plundering kiss. If it hadn’t been for Olivia coming noisily down the stairs, things would have gotten out of control very quickly. They broke apart just as Olivia reentered the kitchen.

  “I’m ready, Aunt Emma.” she skipped into the room. “Great! Let’s go have some fun.” Emma replied.

  Olivia came around to Jack. “Bye, Uncle Jack. See you later.” and proceeded to give him a big hug. Jack kissed the top of her head. “Have fun, Liv.” and hugged her tightly.

  The shopping spree started off at A Casual Frills where Olivia and Emma both tried on numerous dresses, Olivia prancing around in various outfits as if she were on a runway. She was adorable. It made Emma’s heart sing to see the little girl smile.

  Thanking Jen for all her attention and help, they picked out two dresses, both in green and yellow with matching hats, shoes and handbags. “Thanks for your patience, Jen. Olivia had a blast trying on all those dresses. She is definitely a girly-girl.” Emma said laughingly.