“Oh, Jace.” Claire Keenan came up to them. “Good, you’re able to stay for dinner. We don’t get to see enough of you.” She smiled. “I get to see your daughter when I volunteer at school.”
He nodded. “And I’m happy Ellie and Cassie are friends. Thank you for including her in the kids’ sleepovers.” He glanced out the window to see his daughter running around with the other children. Happy. “Your granddaughter Ellie helped Cassie adjust to the move here.”
Claire’s smile was warm. “We all want to make sure you both got settled in and are happy.”
That all depended on so many things, he thought. “You’ve certainly done that.”
The older woman turned to Lori. “I wish I could talk you into staying longer. One day isn’t much time.” Claire looked back at Jace. “Lori is a second grade teacher in Colorado Springs.”
Lori didn’t want to correct Claire Keenan. She had been a second grade teacher before she’d been laid off last month. So she didn’t mind that her dear father had decided to leave her a little something. It would be greatly appreciated.
But, no, she couldn’t stay. Only long enough to finish up Lyle’s unfinished business. She hoped that would be concluded by tomorrow.
Claire excused herself. Tim arrived, handed them both glasses of wine and wandered off, too, leaving them alone.
Lori took a sip of wine, trying not to be too obvious as she glanced at the large-built man with the broad shoulders and narrow waist. No flab there. He definitely did physical work for a living.
“How long have you lived in Destiny, Mr.... Jace?”
“About six months, and I’m hoping to make it permanent.”
She didn’t look away. “I’m sure things will be straightened out tomorrow.”
“I’m glad someone is optimistic.”
She sighed. “Look, can’t we put this away for the evening? I’ve had a long day.”
He studied her with those deep blue eyes. “If you’d rather I leave, I will. I was only planning to drop my daughter off.”
In the past few hours Lori had learned more about Jace Yeager. She knew that Lyle probably had the upper hand with the partnership. “As long as you don’t try to pin me down on something I know nothing about. It isn’t going to get us anywhere except frustrated.”
He raised his glass in salute. “And I’m way beyond that.”
ISBN: 9781460306819
WINNING BACK HIS WIFE
First North American Publication 2013
Copyright © 2013 by Melissa Martinez McClone
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