by Tara Randel
She stopped, her eyes pleading. For what, he had no clue. He only hoped she’d trust him enough to enlighten him. She opened her mouth when suddenly a loud clang echoed from the kitchen.
“What...?” Jenna sprinted toward the kitchen.
He tailed Jenna to find Michelle crouched down by the prep table, two empty trays on the floor beside her. She looked up as they entered.
“I misjudged the end of the table,” she explained.
Jenna’s hand flew to her chest. “You startled me.”
Michelle rose, trays in hand. “Sorry. I’m not usually this clumsy.”
Jenna glanced at Wyatt. He didn’t miss her furtive look. “Um, I need to talk to Nealy.” With that she rushed out of the room, intentionally he presumed, without finishing her story.
Wyatt made his way back into the midst of the party. When he spotted Dane, he went over to his friend.
“Great turnout,” Dane commented.
“Yeah, it is, but I need to ask you something.”
Dane’s brow rose. “Shoot.”
“Why did Jenna move the girls here? I want the truth.”
Surprise flashed in Dane’s eyes. “Why do you ask?”
“I just witnessed Jenna ream out a reporter. She reacted totally out of character, especially given her experience dealing with the media.”
Dane’s gaze darted to Jenna and Nealy. “Jenna should tell you.”
“That would be nice, except she’s tight-lipped about the details.”
After a few tense moments when he seemed to be deciding what to do, Dane finally said, “Ask Jenna.”
* * *
JENNA HAD MADE sure she’d avoided Wyatt before he had a chance to ask any more questions. Flattered that he was concerned about her, she still couldn’t bring herself to think about Rod, and decided that she wouldn’t tell Wyatt about him after all. Superstitious as it sounded, she didn’t want to say his name out loud. Besides, what if she was blowing Barbara’s news out of proportion? So Rod was out of jail. It didn’t mean he’d bother Jenna again.
After a sleepless night, she had an early breakfast scheduled with Barbara. They discussed the cooking show and endorsement deals Barbara had lined up for Jenna. Her agent quipped that if another of her clients took a job in Florida, she might have to move. Glad that Barbara had a new client to focus on, Jenna smiled, barely eating the scrambled eggs she’d ordered. She’d awoken with her stomach in a knot and it hadn’t eased yet.
Barbara left for her appointment and Jenna headed to work. But as she cooked for Max and Lilli’s engagement party, her sense of dread increased. Because she knew she’d have to face Wyatt later? Tell him the truth?
What would Wyatt think of her when she told him about Rod? That she was too much drama to handle?
She hoped not. For better or worse, Wyatt had touched her heart. The man who had lost so much in his life had become more than a friend to her. And the gentle way he treated the girls? How could she not fall for him? Because she had. Fallen for him. Big-time. And that meant facing up to the fact that Wyatt might never return her affections. Where would that leave her?
By early evening, Jenna, Michelle and the girls had the van loaded with the food and supplies they needed to take to the beach pavilion. Colorful streamers fluttered in the breeze. Festive lanterns were placed around the perimeter of the party space, waiting to be lit.
They’d opened a full-sized canopy and set out extra tables and chairs for the overflow of guests. Small flower arrangements and matching linens completed the romantic setting. Jenna couldn’t wait for the sun to set, so the white lights they’d draped around the canopy would twinkle in the dusk, creating exactly the right ambiance. They had plenty of time to get everything else into place before the lovebirds arrived for their engagement party.
Instead of wearing the new uniform, Jenna chose to dress casually. Technically, this might be considered a job, but she and Nealy were treating the event as a party for good friends. Even though the intense heat had started to abate with the arrival of autumn, she donned a simple jade-colored sundress paired with sparkly sandals. A soft breeze flitted by, finally making a dent in the lingering humidity.
“Remind me again why Max wanted an outdoor party?”
“It has to do with the first time he and Lilli met when they were teenagers.” Nealy pointed to a spot a few yards away. “We were hanging out over there. The cops showed up when we set off firecrackers around an illegal bonfire.” She sighed, a sappy smile on her lips. “Those were the days.”
Jenna laughed at her friend’s dreamy expression. “It should cool off once the sun sets. What do you say to re-creating that night? I have plenty of blankets to spread around the bonfire pit if you want to go that way.”
“Awseome idea, partner. They’ll love it.”
Soon the guests began to turn up, including Wyatt. He was dressed casually in a short-sleeved madras shirt with tan cargo shorts and flip-flops. His blue eyes were full of questions as he approached. She hoped he’d wait until they had some quiet time later to talk.
“I’m glad you’re here. Would you mind carrying the ice cooler from the van?”
“Hey, I just got here and you’re putting me to work?”
Jenna made her eyes wide and plastered on a helpless expression.
Wyatt chuckled. “Got it.”
When he returned, Nealy hushed the group. “Look, I see Max and Lilli coming toward us. Everyone pipe down.”
Wyatt came up behind Jenna, his breath warm on her shoulder. “Everything okay?”
She turned her head. “Between us?” she guessed.
He took her hand in his. Nodded.
The small gesture meant so much, like he was willing to consider this bond between them might grow into something wonderful. Something permanent.
“It is now.”
The newly engaged couple strolled closer and on Nealy’s signal, the crowd yelled, “Surprise” and “Congratulations.” Lilli was clearly surprised, then she looked up at Max’s smiling face and threw her arms around his neck. Her friends clapped at her response.
When the couple joined them, the food and beverages began to flow. The party mood lasted well into the night. Dane started a bonfire and laughter filled the air as Max told everyone the story about the night he and Lilli met. The photographer hired for the party snapped pictures of the happy couple, and Jenna kept busy replenishing the food trays. In her element, she savored every moment. Whenever she caught Wyatt looking her way, she waved. Her heart did a happy little jig and she relaxed for the first time in days.
As the party began to wind down, Jenna toted her supplies to the van. On her third trip, she noticed a flash off to one side. At first, she didn’t pay attention because the photographer had been taking pictures all night, but on her way back to the pavilion, the flash came again. Close by. This time in the opposite direction from the photographer, who was speaking to Nealy in the pavilion.
Dread pooled in her stomach. Before she reached the safety of the group, a familiar figure emerged from the shadows. In the moonlight, Jenna’s worst fear materialized.
“Nice party. I’m a little peeved I didn’t get an invite.”
“Rod, what are you doing here?”
“I owed you a visit after you called the cops on me. Not a smart move.” He held up his camera and the flash went off again, momentarily blinding her. “You’re still as photogenic as ever.”
She blinked until her vision returned. “I told you in LA we were finished. How did you find me?”
“Wasn’t that hard. It’s not like you completely dropped off the grid. Sitting in a jail cell gave me some time to think. I’ve been biding my time until we met again. You didn’t really think I’d stay away forever.” He moved a few paces closer. The predatory gleam in his eyes made Jenn
a shudder. “You can thank your agent for this meet up.”
“What does Barbara have to do with you being here?”
“She hasn’t said much to the press about your new life, but she did tell a certain friend of mine she was coming to visit. And since my friend has been busy, thanks to your agent, I thought I’d tag along.”
His source had to be Barbara’s new client, Pamela Fontaine. Who else would have tipped him off?
“Rod, for the last time, I’m asking you to leave me alone. Go away now.”
“Sorry. Not gonna happen.” He glanced at Jenna’s daughters. Her new friends. Friends who had accepted her. Made her feel welcome. She finally belonged. “Think I’ll hang out. See what’s going on in the local scene.”
“Stay away,” she warned, even as her voice trembled.
He slinked closer, his words hushed. “That’s not gonna happen either.”
Wyatt stepped forward to join them. “Problem?”
Before she could answer, Rod swaggered to her side. “Jenna’s getting reacquainted with an old friend.”
Wyatt moved closer, his eyes narrowed. “Really? Because she doesn’t look happy to see you.”
“Wyatt, he was just leaving.”
“Planning on causing a scene?” Rod taunted.
Wyatt stood taller, fists clenched at his side. “If necessary.”
“He’s no friend.” Jenna tugged Wyatt’s arm to steer him away. “He’s here to cause trouble.”
“Then maybe I should do something to stop him.”
“Please, let’s go.” Jenna dragged Wyatt with her, Rod’s chuckle sounding behind them.
Wyatt glanced over his shoulder, his expression tight. “Who is that guy?”
“My nightmare.”
Once they were back among friends, Jenna found Nealy. “Rod is here,” she said.
Nealy grimaced. “How is that possible?”
“He found out Barbara was coming to visit. He followed her.”
Nealy called Dane over and explained the situation. “We have to do something.”
He pulled his cell from his pocket. “Already dialing the chief.”
“Will somebody tell me what’s going on,” Wyatt said.
“That guy is a reporter from LA,” Dane began before switching his attention when the police chief answered.
Jenna looked beyond the pavilion but Rod had either crawled back into the darkness or left. “I have to find the girls.” Jenna’s voice was tinged with panic. “Did they leave yet?”
Liz Hamilton, hand in hand with the twins, came toward her. “Right here. They’re safe, Jenna.”
Jenna pulled them into her embrace.
“He’s here?” Abby whispered.
Jenna nodded.
Bridget stepped away and looked up at Wyatt, who stood by their side. “Mr. Wyatt will protect us.”
Wishing she had Bridget’s childlike faith, Jenna met Wyatt’s perceptive gaze. “So he’s the problem you didn’t want to talk about.”
“Yes. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into my drama.”
“I think I’ve earned the right to decide if I want to be involved or not.”
“You have, but Wyatt, this guy isn’t playing games. I thought we’d left him behind.”
“He’s here now, so we work together to solve this problem.”
Her heart pounded, with gratitude and love. One of the reasons she hadn’t wanted to confide in Wyatt was that she knew his protective instincts would kick in. She admired that about him, but knew that the same quality she was drawn to could also be Wyatt’s undoing, if anything happened to her or the girls.
“Thank you, but—”
“No buts. Whatever you need, I’m here.”
Bridget came up beside him and took hold of Wyatt’s hand. “See. He’ll help us, Jenna. We aren’t alone.”
Is that what Bridget thought? That they were alone? “Oh, honey. I know we aren’t alone. We have good friends here.”
The crowd began to dwindle when the police chief joined them.
“You okay?” were Bob Gardener’s first words.
“Yes. Rod didn’t do anything, other than catch me off guard.”
“Did he harass you? Threaten you?”
“I’d call it that. He’d call it a conversation.”
The chief frowned. “He violated the original restraining order by talking to you.”
“This isn’t the first time. The police arrested him when I was in LA on business.”
“And you didn’t think to mention that fact?”
“I thought that was the end of things, but I was wrong. He’s good at this, Chief. He already took off so you can’t get him.” She looked again in the direction where Rod had been waiting for her. “Thanks for having my back.”
“Have since you first showed up.” He patted her shoulder. “I’ll file a report. Get this in the system. In the meantime, get yourself a lawyer. If you haven’t enforced the out-of-state restraining order here in Florida, do it now.”
Nealy took her hand. “Call my sister Juliet in the morning. Her law firm will take care of you.”
Jenna’s chest swelled. She couldn’t remember having so many people rally around her when she needed them most.
“Why don’t you head on home,” the chief suggested. “I’ll have a patrol car swing by your house on a regular rotation. If the reporter comes near you, or the girls, let me know. I’ll pay him a visit.”
Michelle gave Jenna a hug. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean up and take the supplies back to the kitchen.”
Jenna smiled. “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”
“I’m coming with you,” Wyatt said as she collected the girls. Before she had a chance to protest, he added, “Don’t try to stop me.”
She didn’t.
The girls hovered around Jenna. “He won’t try to run me over again, will he?” Abby asked softly.
Jenna cringed, afraid to see Wyatt’s response. A few beats passed and she met his gaze, not surprised to see anger burning in the blue depths. “Meet me at the house. I’ll tell you everything.”
* * *
BEATING JENNA BACK to her house, Wyatt paced until she pulled the van into the driveway. He ran his hand through his hair, torn between anger and fear. How could Jenna have kept this from him? Even though Dane had quickly filled him in on the short version, Wyatt thought he and Jenna had grown close over the past weeks. Could he be so wrong?
Bridget jumped from the car, rushing to his side. “You’re here.”
He hunkered down before her. “You bet.”
She threw herself into his arms and whispered in his ear, “Good. Jenna needs you.”
Jenna’s and Abby’s footsteps sounded as they walked to the front door. He took Bridget’s hand and led her inside. Once in the foyer, the girls scrambled to their room. Jenna headed to the kitchen, switching on the overhead light as she entered.
Wyatt leaned against the counter. “Care to explain?”
Jenna stood on the opposite side of the room. “Where do I start?”
“How about from the beginning?”
And so she did, back to the day she’d first run into Rod. How his attention, at first flattering, steamrolled into the situation she found herself in today.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was embarrassed. And when he stayed in California, I thought maybe he’d lost interest. And then the cops had him for violating the restraining order.”
“Guys like him don’t lose interest.” He frowned. “Didn’t you think he’d eventually find you?”
“Of course I did,” she snapped. “When we left and he never showed up, I hoped...”
“What? That he’d stay away for go
od?”
She curled her fingers around the chair, holding on to it for support. “Dumb, I know. More like wishful thinking.”
His heart softened at her dejected expression. Jenna may have been misguided thinking this guy would leave her alone, but she’d done her best. Made major decisions all on her own. He couldn’t fault her.
“I’ll talk to Nealy’s sister tomorrow. Have her check into enforcing the restraining order here.”
“If he’s as slick as you say he is, what makes you think he won’t slip through the cracks? Find a way to outmaneuver the law?” He almost couldn’t say the last question out loud. “What if he hurts you?”
She rubbed her fingers along her temples. “I’ll figure it out.”
“So you keep saying.”
She bristled at his doubtful tone. “I’ve held him off this long. I can do it again.”
“And again we go back to the fact that you can’t do it alone. You have a responsibility to protect the girls.”
“You think I’m not doing that? We moved to Florida to make a new life.”
“But the old life caught up to you.”
She grimaced. “Safety’s an illusion.”
He knew that for a fact.
Wyatt pushed away from the counter. “We shouldn’t be arguing. We should be working to fix this.”
“It’s late. I’m tired. Let’s revisit this in the morning.”
“This isn’t going away.”
“I’m well aware.” She turned and walked to the foyer.
“Let me stay tonight.”
“Rod may be a creep, but he’s a smart creep. Now that he’s made his presence known, he won’t do anything to draw the attention of the police.” She sagged against the door. “Not tonight, anyway.”
He stepped close, his arms circling her. She tensed at first, slowly melting against him. “You know I care about you, right?”
She nodded against his chest.
He brought his hands to her cheeks and tilted her head. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
She blinked against a sheen of tears.
He lowered his lips to hers, brushing until she returned the gesture. They stood for a long moment, lingering in each other’s arms, kissing as if there was no danger beyond the walls of this house.