Focus. She needed to focus on the dart in her hand and the target. Forget about how delicious it felt when this spectacular man rubbed against her. Ignore the tingling sensation left by the path of his fingers.
Drawing a shaky breath to settle her nerves, she concentrated on the bull’s-eye. She adjusted her body, twisted her hips and feet to a more natural throwing stance, took a deep breath and slowly released it, letting the exhalation flow through her arm as she thrust it forward and let her dart fly.
Straight to the center of the target.
Resa let out a whoop of delight and Sam gasped. Jack’s stunned silence behind her was unnerving, until she heard his low, sexy chuckle. She turned to face him, saw understanding in his grin and smile back at him in delight.
“Is that how it’s done?” she asked, putting a hand on her hip and shifting her weight to one leg.
“Sugar, that’s how you throw the dart. But something tells me you already knew it.”
“When you asked if I knew how to play, I heard the seventeen-year-old in you screaming ‘she’s just a dumb girl, of course she doesn’t know how to play.’ So, the seventeen-year-old in me accepted the challenge.”
“You’ve played before, I guess,” he said, dimples creasing the sides of his mouth as he grinned at her.
“No moss growing on you.” Jem’s smile got a little bigger.
“Jem’s the reigning darts champion at the tavern around the corner from her apartment in New York City,” Resa said as she sauntered toward the couple. “Whenever she walked into the bar, men challenged her to play and were cheerful when they lost.”
“I hope you enjoyed the ‘lesson’ as much as I did,” Jack said, stepping closer to her and lowering his voice.
“Oh, I did.”
“Were you flirting with me?” Jack asked as he laid his arm across her shoulder. “’Cause it kind of seems like you were.”
“This, just now? It was teasing, not flirting.” She winked at him. “You’ll know when I’m flirting with you.”
Pippa had finished her set and walked up to the foursome. Glancing at the target, then back at Jem, she laughed.
“Well done, Jem!” She exclaimed as she took the beer out of Sam’s hand and took a sip. “I love to see BC put in his place. You’ve definitely got skills. Would you be interested in subbing in our regular ladies’ league? It’s fun and it’s a great way to meet some of you neighbors.”
“I think I’d like to. Can you put my name on the list?”
“Your name was going on it whether you agreed or not. You’re too good, and you have an excellent poker face.” She turned toward her brother and changed the subject. “Are you still taking the twins to the Bruins’ game on Tuesday? What time should I have them ready?”
Jack nodded. “Game is at seven, so we’ll need to leave around five, if we want to get them some dinner before. Sam, can you be ready by then?”
“God! This Tuesday?” Sam thumped his forehead with the heel of his hand. “I forgot and scheduled a parent meeting for the track team that night. I’m going to have to bail on the game. Sorry.”
“That’s just great, Sam. How am I going to wrangle the evil Sanders twins by myself?” Jack rubbed his arm where his sister socked him as he spoke. “No offense, Pip. Any chance you can change your plans?”
“Don’t look at me. I have a therapy session at the VA clinic and then my book club meeting. What about Dad? Maybe he could go.”
“He and Mom are antiquing in Providence this week,” Sam volunteered.
“God, the twins will be disappointed about missing the game. I’m still going to hold you to babysitting duty, though. Can you watch them at my house? You shouldn’t have a problem giving away the tickets.”
“Probably not, but I wanted to see the game,” Jack responded, glancing at Jem. “What about you? I bet you’d be willing to help out.”
“But I don’t know anything about hockey.” At their scoffing looks, Jem laughed. “No. Really. I don’t know a thing about hockey. I’m willing to help with the kids though, if you explain what’s happening on the court to me.”
The laughter from the three Kerrigans was immediate, confusing Jem a bit until Sam explained. “They play hockey on an ice rink, not a court.”
Jack took Jem’s hand and gave it a little shake. “I’m willing to explain the way the game works if you’re willing to help keep an eye on the kids. It might even be fun for you. They are cute kids. They’ll probably behave better having someone they don’t know around.”
“Crap, BC! You’re making them sound far worse than they are. Jem, they are well-behaved little monsters and I’m sure neither of them has ever met a stranger. They’ll be talking your ear off before you pull out of the drive.”
“Well, it’s settled then. I guess I’m going to my first hockey game.”
“Great!” Jack said, smiling at her. “I’ll pick up the kids first, then come by to get you at five. Now, how about a real game of darts? You, Pip and Resa against me and Sam?”
“Count me out. I gotta go relieve tonight’s sitter,” Pippa said. She kissed her brothers and surprised Jem and Resa with affectionate hugs. “It was terrific meeting you both.”
After goodbyes all around, Resa collected the darts from the board and they got down to some serious playing.
The girls won the first game, but lost the second and third. Sam was yawning as they finished the last game. He and Resa headed back to their original table to collect their belongings while Jack settled the bar tab with the waitress. When Jem turned to the scoreboard to erase their scores, she heard a high, squeaking laugh behind her and turned in time to see Jack’s ex-wife throw herself into his arms and plaster her lushly curved body against him, wrapping her arms tight around his neck and thrusting a leg between his. She pulled back far enough to plant a big, wet kiss on his lips. Jem saw Tessa’s tongue in Jack’s mouth from ten feet away.
A sudden, uncomfortable ache began in Jem’s stomach, moving up her chest and throat as Tessa and Jack continued to kiss. She recognized the sensation immediately. It was the same pain she’d experienced when she answered the phone and heard Phil and Stacey making like little bunnies in a dance club bathroom. That burning distress came from recognizing that Phil was cheating on her. Seeing Jack holding Tessa in his arms made Jem feel that way again. Except this was his wife, making Jem feel like the other woman in this scenario. And it pissed her off.
It also made her uncomfortably aware of the extent of her attraction to Jack. She liked him more than she wanted to admit. He was kind, warm, generous and a spectacular kisser. She was smitten and, despite the doubts creeping up unexpectedly, she wanted a chance to see where a relationship with him could go.
But seeing his wife glued to his lips—and oh, shit! his hips—crushed something within her. She turned away, disgusted with herself and her overwhelming sense of doubt. Resa and Sam approached her, their eyes riveted by the action Jack was getting by the bar.
“God dammit! That woman is like a freaking bad penny. She keeps turning up, trying to confuse him. I’m sorry she’s here.” Sam shook his head in disgust. “Tessa’s the last thing he needs right now. Look at her, making a spectacle of herself.”
“No, it’s okay. They’re married, and it looks like they have some unfinished business.”
Sam shook his head vehemently. “Were, Jem. They were married. Maybe she has unfinished business, but Jack doesn’t. He’s through with her.”
“The way he’s holding her doesn’t look like he’s as done as you think.” Jem’s eyes narrowed when Jack grasped Tessa’s shoulders. Good God, she was angry and had no right to be. Jack’s chest heaved as if he had been running sprints while the bitch gazed lovingly up at him. The expression in his eyes was unreadable when he glanced toward her, then back at Tessa, whose arms were still around his shoulders, the bitch’s fingers stroking his neck possessively. When he looked back at Jem, his brows were drawn together, his lips tight.
“Let
’s go, Resa,” she said flatly as she grabbed her purse out of her friend’s hand. “It’s late. Sam, thanks. It was a nice evening. See you soon.”
As Jem caught Jack’s eye, she resisted the childish urge to flip him off and lifted her hand to wave good night instead. She turned to take her jacket from Resa and walked toward the door without another word.
“Jem! Wait!”
Jem pretended she hadn’t heard Jack’s voice from across the room. Didn’t stop. Holding her head high and biting her lip, she walked out the door.
Chapter 14
The renovation work on the café started early Monday morning. A full crew of workers, including Avery, took over the space like a swarm of bees. Dave Saunders kept everyone busy, prepping for the demolition necessary in the kitchen. Jem saw Jack arrive midmorning from her apartment upstairs.
She prepared lunch for all six workers and came down just after eleven to borrow Avery to help her transport food and soft drinks downstairs. Jack glanced in her direction when she walked through the door, dropped the clipboard he was holding and walked over to take the heavy tray she carried. She hadn’t spoken to him since Saturday night in the pub, when he’d kissed his ex-wife. Her greeting was subdued and reserved as he set the dish on the counter.
She’d left the pub confused. And angry. At herself, at Jack, and at his freaking ex-wife. The signals Jack had sent all evening long seemed unmistakable. He liked her and enjoyed himself enough in her company to greet her with a kiss. He definitely took advantage of every opportunity presented to touch and flirt with her. It was obvious, from his words and actions, he’d like to get her naked. To make sure she enjoyed it. But the moment Tessa showed up, it was as if Jem ceased to exist. She still ached with the constricting pain she’d felt in her chest when he kissed the other woman.
She’d agonized about her reaction with Resa. Her best friend, as always, was like a little angel sitting on her shoulder, whispering in her ear. “Jem, you only saw what your pain allowed you to see. I saw Jack pushing her away. Sam said Jack is over her, and based on what I witnessed, he’s right. Chick’s history.”
“It hurt so damn much. I could see her shoving her tongue down his throat and grinding on him. What red-blooded male doesn’t respond to that?” Jem asked.
“The kind who wants nothing more to do with his ex-wife.” Resa shot Jem a mischievous look. “Think of Jack like a lottery ticket, sweetie. You gotta play to win.”
Jem was still laughing at Resa’s analogy when she helped carry her suitcases down to the rental car. Their weekend visit had been a short, activity-filled adventure, ending too soon.
Now, Jack took the tray from her, brushing her hand with a brief electrifying touch. Echoes of Resa’s recommendations rattled around her brain.
Jack attempted to pull her away when the workers came to get their meal, but Jem put him off with the pretense of explaining the dish she’d prepared. She smiled at each man, serving the incredible-smelling turkey casserole dish with cranberry salsa. Once the workers filled their plates, Jem handed Jack one, which he promptly set aside on the counter. He took her hand and gestured toward the kitchen, but she shook her head. He tugged until she capitulated and reluctantly followed him through the swinging doors. She turned her face as he leaned forward to kiss her properly, his lips connecting with her cheek.
“Okay. You’re unhappy with me. I’m sorry things ended the way they did on Saturday,” he said, getting right to the heart of the matter. “Talk to me, please. Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I’m thinking that your workers might want seconds, so I better get back out there.”
“Oh, no. Not yet. Why the cold shoulder, Jem? Why do I suddenly feel like I should be wearing Artic survival gear?”
“It’s a shame you didn’t manage to keep your eyes open Saturday night. You and your wife made that kiss look smokin’ hot. You need t-shirts and flip-flops, not a snowsuit.” She shook her head, disgusted with how petty her voice sounded.
“First, she’s my ex-wife, and second, Tessa kissed me, not the other way around.”
Jem wouldn’t make eye contact with him. “It didn’t look as though you were complaining too much. But she is your wife, and you know, I’m just a friend, a job.” She tugged, but he held onto her wrist tenaciously.
“Ex-wife. Sugar, I want you as more than just a friend. You know that. I kind of thought on Saturday you shared the idea. I’m sorry you were upset.” He pushed her chin up and made her meet his gaze. “Listen to me. Really listen, please. That chapter of my life is over. I’m done with her. Since she broke up with Randy, she has been calling, emailing and texting, trying to pick up where we left off. It’s how she operates.” He smiled ruefully. “I’ve tried to be polite, you know, putting her off, declining her attempts to get back together. But Tess was never a good listener. She only hears what she wants to hear.”
“Oh.” Jem ruthlessly tamped down the hope springing up at Jack’s words.
“You left too soon, or you would have seen me step away and tell her, again, it’s over.”
“What happened with your marriage? Wait. Don’t answer. It’s not my business.” Jem’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment as she withdrew the question.
“No, it’s okay. You already know most of the story. We got married pretty young, my junior year in college. Tessa wanted to be an NFL wife. She thought marrying me was the answer to her prayers. Even though I’d told her repeatedly it wasn’t the life I wanted, I probably could have made it in the pros.” Jack shifted his weight, relaxing against the wall. His fingers warmed the sensitive skin where he held on to her wrist. “But ever since I was a kid, I wanted to build things. Houses, barns, furniture. You name it…I wanted a chance to create it.
“Once she figured out I wasn’t declaring for the draft when I graduated, she started looking around for my replacement. Our marital status didn’t seem to matter to her.” Jack frowned and shoved his hand through his hair as he continued. “Long story short, she asked me for a divorce and hooked up with one of my teammates from Boston College. Cleveland drafted him, but Randy had more ambition than ability and got cut in training camp. I heard he’s working as a personal trainer now. Tessa wouldn’t marry him after that, and started looking for the next potential chump who could help her realize her dream of being a football wife.”
Jem stayed silent as Jack continued his story, maintaining his hold on her wrist as if afraid she’d run away before he had a chance to finish. Riveted by his tale, she wasn’t going anywhere. She couldn’t believe how stupid his ex-wife was. Jack was a wonderful man, who had been crazy in love with Tessa. He might still be in love with her. Yet she’d walked away from him, from their marriage vows.
“She has friends in Granite Pointe who keep her updated on what I’m doing. She never asks me, but she knows. When she hears something is going right in my life, it’s like she doesn’t want me to be with anyone else. She gets in touch with me, saying things like she’s made the biggest mistake of her life leaving me, she wants me back…she loves me.” Jack shook his head and grimaced. “Like a damned idiot, each time I break down and let her reel me back in. You know, I end things with the woman I’m with at the time and start talking to Tessa like an adult. Every time—every damned time—when she has me back on the hook, she turns away and finds some other dream to pursue. She doesn’t want me, but doesn’t want anyone else to have me, you know. That makes me the bigger fool.”
“So, besides Tessa being crazy beautiful, she’s the tiniest bit crazy?” Jem asked.
“Christ, I loved her, even after she broke my heart. I thought she loved me, too. God, I don’t know why I’m telling you this.” He laughed at himself, pulling her wrist up until her hand rested on his chest.
“No, keep going. I might as well hear everything.”
“After a time, I realized the little bit of love she showed me wasn’t enough. I deserved more. Eventually, I discovered I didn’t want her—I didn’t love her, anymore. Since
I’ve met you, I have a much clearer idea of what I do want. It’s never going to be her again. I’ve told you before, I want to be your friend, and we are. Friends. I think. But I’d like it to be more.” He looked intently at her, raising goose bumps on her arms. “Give us a chance, Jem. What we’ve started can be a great. I know it can. Honestly, I’d like us to be together.” He stopped and waited for her response.
She lost her breath at the thought of spending time with this gorgeous man, in and out of bed. She looked away. No question, if she got involved with him it was going to be a complicated, crowded relationship. It would be her, plus Jack, plus all their baggage and damage from other loves.
And how was that any different from every other couple in the world?
She had developed strong feelings for this man after knowing him such a short time. It seemed to be a no-brainer. But, she had doubts. About herself—and Jack. Worse, she doubted the unknown of what their experiences with their exes brought. Caro used to say nothing ventured, nothing gained. Jem had put aside her fears and hesitations over reopening her aunt’s—no, now her—café in this small town. She’d chosen to make a new life here and she knew she could make the café work for her. The change in her life didn’t have to end there.
This incredible, blazingly attractive man asked her to ignore the noise in her head, as well as the history they’d both bring, and build a relationship with him. She wasn’t sure she could do what he was asking. Even Resa’s voice from its perch on her shoulder didn’t feel strong enough to break through her anxiety.
Smiling shyly, she shifted her weight toward him. In spite of her doubt, Jem said, “I’d like us to be more too, I think. I just don’t know how to get past… You told me before you’d be patient, and I’m hoping you didn’t lie. I’d like to see where this goes. But it may take time. Can you…are you…willing to be patient?”
Cooking Up Love Page 14