Cooking Up Love

by Gemma Brocato

  “Problem solved: BC can pick you up. Our family has a table reserved, although I think it’s only BC, Mom and Dad tonight. There’s room for you to sit with us. Well, I won’t be sitting. I’m supervising. You have to eat, right?”

  Jack look up quickly at his brother. “What are you doing, Sam?”

  “I’m persuading Jem to come out and play tonight,” Sam answered. “With you,” he added, sending a significant look at her, then back to Jack.

  Jem said, “I don’t know—”

  “I’ll pick you up so you don’t have to walk in alone,” Jack said. “You should go.”

  “I don’t want to put you out. Wouldn’t it be out of your way?” Jem watched his face, searching to see if he honestly wanted to take her tonight. God, it felt like a first date. His interest in her was undisguised, his attitude warm and friendly. Dang, she longed to glimpse the intensity of heat she had seen when he kissed her.

  “Nonsense, it’s no trouble. That’s what friends are for, right?” Jack smiled his unbearably charming smile, creasing the dimples deeply in his cheeks. “I’ll be by to get you about six thirty, okay? Just wear something you won’t mind smelling like fried fish. It gets a might powerful in the gym.”

  Sam grinned at Jem and winked slyly at Jack. “It’s settled. Thanks, BC. I have to scoot. I’m supposed to be at school in an hour to muster the troops, or at least assign them duties for the evening. I’ll see you there. Jem, I’m glad you’re going. It’ll be fun.”

  Sam’s face was easy to read, and Jem read a conspiracy. Had they planned this? Jack seemed as startled as she was at Sam’s suggestion that he escort her to the fish fry. But he’d warmed quickly to the idea. If Resa had offered to drive, Jem would have taken her up on it without hesitation. But then, she wasn’t wildly attracted to Resa.

  She needed to put the brakes on those thoughts. It was insane to think accepting a ride to the high school fish fry from Jack constituted anything more. He was her friend, at least for now. She smiled at Jack and nodded her head. “I’ll be ready.”

  * * * *

  Jack knocked on Jem’s door at the appointed time and waited with an anticipatory grin on his face for her to answer. Seeing Jem standing there as it opened was like a kick to the gut. How did she make those skinny jeans look so damn delicious? A simple wool sweater hugged her curves in all the right places and skimmed the top of her jeans. The top two buttons of the sweater were undone, revealing her delicate collarbones. The expanse of smooth, shining skin drew his eyes like a heat-seeking missile. Her soft leather boots rose to her knees and made her legs looks impossibly long. She was a study in lean, long and luscious lines and angles. His body tightened as he fantasized about running his hand over that lush body and rolling her underneath him.

  His gaze ran up and down her body, a surge of electricity rendering him incapable of saying anything for a long moment.

  “God, is it that bad? I wasn’t sure exactly what to wear at a high school anymore. At my school, we wore uniforms, and kids have changed so much since I graduated. I can change if you think I should.” Jem rambled, plucking the bottom of her sweater.

  Jack was slow to answer, almost having forgotten how to talk. He cleared his desert-dry throat. “Uh-uh. It’s that good, sugar. Don’t you dare change, unless it will bother you to have a bunch of high school boys drooling and falling over themselves to be near you.”

  Jem laughed. “Yeah, like that’s going to happen.”

  “Let’s just say I’m glad you’re sitting at our table, and sorry for the rest of the poor people there tonight.”

  “Aw, you say the nicest things.” As their glances met, the solar flare of desire was nearly palpable. She’d pulled on a leather bomber jacket and her fingers fumbled at the zipper pull.

  The heat in Jem’s beautifully expressive brown eyes died and he caught a fleeting glimpse of pain before she looked away. When she looked back, a shuttered, locked-up look was there in place of the fire. What happened? A second ago she would have accepted his kiss if he leaned forward to capture her lips, instead of allowing himself the stunning luxury of letting his gaze rove over her body the way his hands itched to. He could have pushed her back inside the apartment and made her forget about going to the fish fry. Then, in the space of a heartbeat, the heat was gone. Leaving him confused.

  “We better go. Don’t want to keep those teenage boys waiting.” She grabbed her purse and squeezed past him, brushing against his broad chest.

  He inhaled the fresh clean citrus scent of her as she pulled the door shut and started down the steps.

  “Hold up there, sugar. What the hell just happened?” He reached the bottom of the steps at the same time she did, touching her elbow to stop her from opening the door. “One minute, we’re ringside at a volcanic eruption, the next I’m shivering. What’s going on?”

  “This is a bad idea.”

  “Like hell it is.”

  “I like you, Jack. I really, really do. But the second I think, ‘Okay, this is good. I should let him kiss me,’ Phil Center’s voice echoes through my head. I hear him telling me I’m not woman enough—I’m not desirable or attractive. Even the desire I feel for you can’t win over…” She jerked her arm out of his loose grasp and started back up the stairs. “I’ve lost my appetite. You go without me.”

  He grabbed her hand, stopping her upward progress. “Hey, I’m not Phil. If you listen to his voice, doesn’t he win? You’re still exactly where he wants you. I think you’re beautiful and sexy. He says shit like that because he’s insecure. You’re more woman than a doofus like Phil knows how to handle.” Tugging on her hand, he forced her to turn and face him. “I’m not sorry I looked at you like I wanted to eat you with a spoon. I couldn’t help myself. Please, get in the truck and let’s go hang out, like the friends we are.”

  A lifetime passed before she started back down the steps and relief shot through him. He pulled the door open and waited for her to precede him.

  She paused at the threshold, gazing into his eyes. “I told you before you shouldn’t want me. It’s a mistake.”

  “Can’t help what I want, sugar. And I want to spend tonight with my friend. That’s you. We’ll see where we go from here. First stop, the high school cafeteria.”

  Chapter 10

  The noise and the smell of the fish fry exploded in her face when they walked through the door of the high school multipurpose room. Everywhere Jem looked, an odd blend of chaos and order coexisted. Small children ran footraces from one side of the room to the other, while others climbed on the tables and chairs under the watchful eyes of their young mothers or fathers. Teenagers clustered at the opposite end of the echoing space. A beleaguered-looking teacher, sporting a whistle on a lanyard, stood guard near the hallway entrance, doing her best to keep older kids from escaping to the more private hallway. Groups of older adults sat talking and laughing with the ease of people who have been friends forever.

  The shrieks of very small children kept time with the frequent laughter of teens. A few short years ago they had been the small runners, but now probably considered themselves too cool to indulge in such childish pursuits. The sound of chairs scraping across yellowing linoleum punctuated the symphony of humanity, accompanied by the fragrance unique to a fish fry.

  Jack grabbed Jem’s arm to stop her from colliding with five little urchins weaving between adults standing around in small groups. He slid his hand down to encircle her wrist and pulled her forward, to the front of the ordering line.

  “Hi, BC. Glad to see you made it tonight. What’ll you have to eat?” the woman at the table asked.

  “What’s good tonight, Gladdy?”

  “You won’t find better baked cod anywhere in New England. Comes with fries or a baker and spicy slaw.”

  Jack gestured for Jem to go first. “I’ll try the cod with a baked potato.”

  “I’m having boiled shrimp. Although I’ll be asking for a bite of that cod.”

  “Maybe in exchange f
or a shrimp.” Jem smiled up at Jack.

  Gladdy took Jack’s money and pointed out the drink table. After grabbing glasses of iced tea, they made their way to the table where the senior Kerrigans waited.

  Jack’s dad stood as they approached. Jem hung back while Jack bent low to hug his seated mother. For all she knew, Jack had seen his parents just this morning. But the open affection in his mother’s smile, and the firm, aged hand his father rested on his son’s shoulder, spoke volumes about the love and closeness in this family.

  Jack turned and pulled Jem forward to meet his parents.

  “This is my dad, Bruce and mom, Eileen. Mom, Dad, meet Jemima George, Caroline’s niece.”

  Jack’s captivating blue eyes stared out of the older man’s face. Jem’s hand disappeared in the large, gruff fist Bruce extended toward her. The work-roughened surface rasped against her palm. The sensation, coupled with his large grin and flashing eyes, warmed her heart. This was a man used facing hard work with good humor. Bruce released her hand and smiled down at her.

  “Happy to meet you. Please accept our condolences about your aunt. She was a vital part of our community, and we are going to miss her.”

  Jem smiled sadly. “Thank you. I’m just beginning to realize the extent of Caro’s contribution to Granite Pointe.”

  “Caroline would be happy knowing you’re here and will carry on the traditions she started.” Eileen jumped in, reaching out to squeeze Jem’s shoulder. Jack might have gotten his dad’s eyes, but his smile was entirely his mother’s. Warm, friendly, dimpled and slightly mischievous. “We’re looking forward to getting to know you. Won’t you sit down?”

  Sam picked that moment to stop by the table for a short break. He kissed his mother’s cheek and pulled Jem into a quick hug.

  “Jem, glad you made it.”

  “Thanks again for inviting me. This is great. I love the energy in this place, even as loud and chaotic it is.”

  Sam laughed. “This is a babbling brook compared to the roaring ocean you’ll get to hear if you stay long enough. Last week, I think we might have broken some noise ordinance. But if you think this is loud, you need to go to St. Anne’s bingo—hey, Brooks!” Sam broke off as a couple of teens ran by, dangerously close to knocking over a five-year-old. “Gotta go. The peanut gallery is out of control. Later.”

  The foursome watched Sam trot after the two big teens who looked like they could be the entire defensive line for the varsity football team. As he caught up to them, Bruce and Eileen took their seats and gestured to the two chairs facing them. Jack pulled one out for Jem just as a freckle-faced youth delivered their food. The boy’s mouth dropped open as Jem smiled and thanked him.

  “And so it begins.” Jack laughed, shooting a wry glance her way.

  “Jack tells us renovations start on Monday,” Bruce commented. “He also said you wanted to make changes on his plans. Typically, he ignores special requests, so we were surprised he’s agreed to your suggestions. Jack rarely allows alterations on his designs. Takes after his old man that way. I’m thinking of stopping by on Monday to see which general gets to be in charge.”

  Jem laughed, throwing a quick glance at Jack to gauge his reaction to Bruce’s outrageous statement. Seeing a grin instead of a scowl made her giddy. “You won’t find me down there trying to take control. I have other things to work on.”

  “Too bad. Might have been a show worth the admission price,” Eileen said.

  “Well, I hope I’ll get to see a bit of both of you during the renovations. I’m fixing lunch each day for the workers. Jack promised I could use his crew and family members as my lunch-menu guinea pigs. I’d love to have you try the food and let me know if it might be popular around here.”

  Jem and Eileen got in to a discussion about the different ideas Jem was playing with adding to the menu, while the guys debated the Boston Bruins roster. Conversation flowed effortlessly, as if she’d been part of the community for years. Jack and Bruce took turns standing up as people stopped by to say hello. The entire experience felt comfortable, familiar—welcoming. It felt like family.

  Jack got up to refill their drinks as two teenage boys in aprons came and cleared their plates. They greeted the elder Kerrigans warmly and then turned shy smiles and eager eyes in Jem’s direction, looking for an introduction. Jack returned to the table and scowled to shoo them away, pointing to other tables waiting to be cleaned.

  Jack received his share of attention from the teenage girls in attendance. Young girls sashayed in front of their table, slowing down long enough to be sure he noticed them. Most cast sidelong glances his direction, silly smiles stretching their lips. He was a man worthy of a schoolgirl crush. Jem knew she hadn’t been the only woman to watch him walk across the room to the drinks table. He looked especially yummy tonight. Jeans, belted low on lean hips, fit him like perfection, outlining muscular thighs and a finger-tempting butt. His khaki-colored, long-sleeved shirt complemented his dark coloring and stretched tautly across mile-wide shoulders. The work boots he wore looked ratty, but Jem was sure they were the most comfortable pair in his closet. Oh, yeah! He was definitely a man a girl could dream about.

  She’d told Jack they should just be friends, but that didn’t explain why she struggled to fight back stabs of jealousy with each bold glance he received from the more mature women in attendance tonight. They didn’t hide their interest in Jack as they wandered by, some wearing large wedding rings, many chasing small children. Frank interest and not-so-subtle invitations were evident as they slowly walked past the table where she sat with Jack and his parents. For his part, Jack only smiled cordially at everyone who went by.

  As they were finishing the cupcakes Bruce had bought off the roving dessert cart, a teenage boy with a very pregnant girl at his side sidled up to the table.

  “Hey, BC, Mr. K. said you wanted to see me,” the boy said, offering no greeting and only bobbing his head at the senior Kerrigans and Jem.

  “Avery.” Jack nodded back. “Sam tells me you lost your job at the Stop N Shop. That true?”

  The boy shifted from one foot to the other, nodding warily.

  “This is Ms. George, the new owner of Caro’s Taste.” Jack motioned to Jem, who smiled a greeting at Avery, including the young girl hovering behind him.

  “Yo,” Avery said sullenly, until Jack cleared his throat. Certain situations called for better manners. “Uh…how do you do? I’m Avery Childers.”

  “Nice to meet you, Avery,” Jem replied, extending her hand in the teen’s direction.

  Jack waited until Avery reached out and shook Jem’s hand before continuing. “We’re remodeling the café and I need a day laborer. My regular guy was in a car accident last week and broke an ankle. Kind of hard to push a broom when you’re on crutches. Are you interested in the job?”

  “You gonna teach me something worth knowing?”

  Jack’s lips thinned, the only sign that he might be put off by the younger man’s attitude. “If you show some aptitude, I have a carpenter who needs some regular help. You’ll also learn plumbing, ventilation, flooring. Think those things might be worth knowing?”

  “Yeah.”

  “But, everyone starts as the general gofer. You’ll be pushing a broom or handing tools to guys who know how to use them. Gotta start somewhere, right?” Jack said affably. “Even I had to lift and tote when I got started. Look at me now. I can build a house from the ground up. It’s a useful skill to have when you need to put food on the table for your family.”

  Avery glanced at the girl behind him, who smiled timidly at him. Shrugging his shoulders, he turned to Jack. “Yeah, I’m interested in the job.”

  “Great, you’ll start tomorrow. Ms. George and her friend will be clearing everything out of the kitchen and storing it in the front part of the café. You show up there at, say, noon, help move the boxes and do the heavy lifting. I’ll pay you ten dollars an hour. You’ll start at seven and work until three each day, with thirty minutes for lunch.�
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  Avery smiled for the first time. Surprise rippled through Jem. The sun had broken through the cloud covering his face, transforming his sullen, slightly frightened expression into one of a normal, happy teenager.

  “Thanks, BC, I’ll be there.”

  As he walked away with his fingers laced together with the pregnant girl’s, he glanced over his shoulder at Jack and smiled again.

  Eileen reached out and covered Jack’s hand with hers. “That’s a good thing you did, son,” she said, as his father cleared his throat and nodded agreement.

  Jem melted a bit at the thought of how big Jack’s heart must be to make an effort to aid a sullen kid facing insurmountable odds. It wasn’t easy to be a teenager, and due to his girlfriend’s pregnancy, Avery faced a more difficult journey than many. It would be good to have grownups in his corner. Even though Jem didn’t think she needed extra muscle to move things out of the kitchen, she would welcome it if it helped the boy out.

  Jack glanced away, as if embarrassed by the admiration. “It was nothing. I needed a general laborer. Avery needs a job. It makes…” Jack trailed off and went suddenly, unbelievably tense in his chair. “When did she hit town?”

  Jem followed the direction of his hard gaze toward the cluster of people near the entry door. One woman stood apart from the group, openly returning Jack’s stare. Bruce swore softly under his breath and Eileen let out a shocked gasp as they turned to look and caught sight of a petite woman in a bright red sweater-dress tight enough to be a second skin. Her straight, dark, chin-length hair swung against her pronounced cheekbones. Vivid scarlet flashed like a beacon on her fingernails she pushed the hair away from her exotically tilted eyes. She was stunning, and Jack stared at her with an unreadable look in his eyes.