by Cher Carson
Jake rose with the rest of the guests when the bride appeared on her father’s arm. There was a collective gasp in the small church when the guests caught sight of her. There was no question, Ava looked stunning, but Jake’s mind’s eye could only see Jess wearing that long white veil and gown. He’d never wanted anything so much.
Jared sat down first, tugging on his daddy’s hand to prompt him to take his seat. Jake was one of the last people to sit down. He was too caught up in his fantasies to hear the minister ask the guests to be seated. He stared at Jessica, willing her to spare him a glance, but she was immersed in watching her best friend marry her soul mate.
“Dearly beloved,” the minister said. “We are gathered here today…”
Jake tried to focus on the vows the couple exchanged, the tears in his friend’s eyes as he recited his handwritten vows to his bride, but his mind kept wandering. He was imagining what he would say to Jess if they were standing up there. He’d thank her for being his soft place to land when life dealt him a hard blow. He’d tell her how much he appreciated her for loving his little boy unconditionally. He’d tell her how sorry he was that it took him so long to realize that she was the greatest gift God had ever given him.
“Daddy,” Jared whispered, “I think we supposed to stand up now.”
Jake looked around and realized that the wedding party was already making their way out of the church, followed by their guests. “Uh, sorry, bud, I guess my mind wandered for a minute there.”
“Did you see Jess blow me a kiss?” he asked, giggling.
“No, I must have missed that.”
He’d missed out on so much lately. He was barely able to go through the motions anymore. He could barely function at work. He hadn’t gone to the gym for weeks; he hadn’t even been to the Carltons’ for Sunday dinner. It was too painful to be in a house that reminded him of Jess at every turn. It was bad enough sleeping in his own bed, on sheets he’d washed several times, but still seemed to hold her scent.
“Is it time to go to the ‘ception?” Jared asked.
Jake smiled as he stroked his son’s hair. “I think you mean the reception, and yes, it’s almost time. But first we have to make our way outside to wish the bride and groom well.” And hopefully catch one more glimpse of Jess before she snuck away in the waiting limousine.
Jessica looked up at her date and forced a smile. “I want to thank you for coming with me, Bill.”
He smiled as he brushed a strand of hair off her cheek. “You know how many people told me they were shocked to see you here with me today?”
She frowned. “Why would they say that?”
“They said they always thought you’d eventually end up with Jake McCoy.” He held her closer as he kissed the top of her head. “I remember how you felt about him back in college. You were convinced that you were gonna marry that guy someday.”
She swallowed, trying to force words past the lump lodged in her throat. “I was just a kid back then. What did I know?”
“I saw the way he looked at you today,” Bill said, pulling back to look her in the eye. “He’s in love with you.”
Jessica shook her head, trying to deny his claim. She couldn’t allow herself to see something that wasn’t there, not again. She’d wasted too many years fantasizing about a future with that man. “You’re wrong. I’m sure he just missed having me around, you know, to talk to.”
“My brother’s coming to pick me up,” Bill said, quietly. “I told you he lives in Lindsay now, right?”
“What? Why are you leaving?”
“You need some time with your family. You can’t come back to San Francisco with me until you figure out whether that’s really where you want to be.”
“But I already told you—”
He placed a tender kiss on her lips to silence her.
A hand coiled around Bill’s shoulder, pulling them apart. “You mind if I cut in?”
There was no way Jessica could mistake that voice or the trace of anger lingering beneath the calm façade.
Bill looked down at her. “You mind?”
Jessica nodded. It was silly to think she could avoid Jake all evening. It was time to come to terms with her past, so she could move on to her new future. “No, it’s okay. Do you have to leave now?”
“Yeah, my brother’s going to be here in a few minutes. Will you call me tomorrow, let me know what your plans are?”
“Sure.”
Bill kissed both of her hands before offering one to Jake. “Take care of her, okay? She’s one incredible lady.”
When Jake sensed that his competition was willing to back down, his eyes softened. “You can count on it.”
Jessica drew a deep breath as she stepped into Jake’s strong arms. They hadn’t danced together in a long time, but she would never forget the feeling of being wrapped in his arms and lost in his unique scent as they swayed to the music.
“I’ve missed you so much, baby,” he whispered, his voice deep and raspy.
She looked up, surprised to see his eyes were reflecting something she’d never seen before. “I’ve missed… everyone, too.” She couldn’t admit she missed him. Giving him an opening would be too easy.
His hand glided up her bare back, tangling in her hair. “How could you do that to me?” His voice sounded so raw, like the words were being ripped from his throat by force.
“I didn’t do anything to you, Jake.” She wished she were immune to his pain, but she still loved him too much to pretend she didn’t care that he was hurting. “I did what I felt I had to do to spare myself anymore heartache. Surely you can’t blame me for that?”
“No,” he said, brushing his lips across her cheeks. “I don’t blame you for anything, angel. This was all me, all my fault.”
She didn’t know what he was trying to say or even what she hoped he meant. “Um, it looks like Ava is getting ready to throw the bouquet. I should make my way over there.”
He held her tighter, pressing her body against his. “I don’t want to let you go… ever again.”
Her heart started racing. “Jake, I have to.”
“Come home with me tonight, sweetheart? Please. We need to talk. There are so many things I need to say, so many things I should have said before you left.”
Jessica looked around, hoping to find an escape route. Five minutes alone with Jake would un-do all the grueling work of the past several weeks. She couldn’t risk it. “Where is Jared? Isn’t he staying with you tonight?”
“No, he was tired, so his Nana and Papa took him back to their place.” He smiled. “I saw you dancing with him earlier.”
She’d missed that kid more than she thought possible the past few weeks. It was almost as if Jake had one half of her heart and Jared had the other half. “He’s a good dancer, must take after his old man, huh?”
Jake grinned. “There’s no one else I’d rather dance with than you, Jess.”
Yet she’d seen half a dozen women ask him to dance tonight. He was definitely one of Brant’s most eligible bachelors, and she knew it was only a matter of time before one of them stepped in to fill Diane’s shoes.
“I have to get over there,” she said, taking a step back as the song ended. “I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”
Jake watched her take a spot among the chattering women, all anxious to claim the customary reward. All the single ladies were hoping they would be the next in line to find wedded bliss, but Jessica stood just outside the group, as though she secretly hoped someone else would steal the coveted prize.
Ava turned around to look over her shoulder. “Okay, on the count of three, y’all. One… two… three.”
Jake watched the small bouquet of white roses sail over the heads of the other women as Jess took a step back, trying to let someone else secure the spotlight. But the flowers came down, almost on top of her, and she had no choice but to reach out and grab them.
Jake grinned and winked when she shot a nervous little glance in his directi
on. The fates were definitely aligning in his favor tonight.
Chapter Fourteen
Jessica was waiting at the bar for a glass of white wine when her father came up behind her.
“In case I forgot to mention it, you look beautiful, sugar.”
She nodded her thanks to the young man who filled her order before turning toward her father. “Thanks, Daddy. It was a beautiful wedding, wasn’t it?” She smiled. “I’ve never seen Ava look so beautiful or so happy.”
Merle nodded as he glanced across the dance floor at the bride, who was dancing with her groom. “They make a fine couple. She’s good for Craig.”
Jessica took a sip of the wine. “I think so too.”
He pointed a beefy finger at her. “I should put you over my knee for what you put us all through, young lady.”
Jake came up behind her and settled an arm around her waist. “I was kind of hoping you’d reserve that privilege for me, Merle.”
Jessica turned ten shades of red.
Merle chuckled. “On second thought, you’re right; you might be just the man for that job.”
Jake touched his scotch glass to her father’s. “I promise you that her sin won’t go unpunished, and I’ll be damned if I ever let her pull another stunt like that again.”
Jessica felt like she was invisible. They were talking about her like she wasn’t even there. “Excuse me! I’m not some disobedient child who got a D on her report card.”
Jake’s hand dipped lower, skimming the swell of her bottom as she gasped. Was he crazy? They were in a public place, standing face to face with her father, no less.
“Do you need a ride home, honey?” Merle asked, extracting his car keys from his pocket.
“Uh, I…”
“That won’t be necessary, Merle,” Jake said, as though the question had been directed at him. “Jess is coming home with me tonight.”
Her mouth fell open. When had she agreed to that, and what must her conservative father be thinking of Jake’s announcement?
Merle raised an eyebrow as he looked Jake over thoughtfully. “That thing we discussed…”
“Consider it a done deal,” Jake said, setting his glass on the bar before extending his hand to her father.
Merle smiled and winked as he gripped Jake’s hand. “Damn glad to hear it, and not a moment too soon as far as I’m concerned.”
Jessica kissed her father’s cheek, silently seething inside. Whatever Jake was up to, it wasn’t going to work.
Jake waited until Merle was out of earshot before pulling her body flush against his. He nibbled a moist trial down the side of her neck as her pressed his arousal into her stomach. “Let’s get out of here, baby.”
She pushed against his shoulders. “Stop it! Someone will see us.”
“I don’t care.”
“Jake, stop!” She tipped her head back to look at him. “How many drinks have you had tonight?”
He nodded toward the glass he’d abandoned earlier. “That was my second. Trust me; this has nothing to do with the alcohol.”
“Then what is this about?” Her eyes drifted closed when he drew her earlobe between his teeth. “Please, God…”
“You still want me to stop?” he whispered in her ear.
“Yes, no, I don’t know.” She sighed. “I can’t think straight when you’re doing that.”
He chuckled in her ear. “Let’s go back to my place. You can figure out how you feel about it there.” He tried pulling her toward the door.
“Wait, I have to say good night to Craig and Ava first.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “Fine, but can we make it quick?”
Jessica led him by the hand to wish the bride and groom well, sharing hugs and kisses with both of them, before making their way to the entrance.
Jessica almost ran right into her dance instructor, Rachel, who was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
She gave Jessica a watery smile. “You look beautiful, Jessica. It was a lovely wedding. Will you thank Ava for inviting me? I really have to go.”
Jessica held her new friend at arm’s length. “You’ve been crying. What’s wrong?”
She sniffled as she shook her head. “Nothing, it was nothing. Honestly, I have to go.”
Jake frowned. “Hey, Rachel, if someone said or did something to upset you, you know you can tell us, right?”
“It was nothing.”
Tucker approached them, glaring at Rachel. “Are you still here?”
Jessica’s mouth fell open. She’d never seen her brother so openly hostile toward a woman he barely knew. Or did they know each other? Had something happened between them in the weeks since she left Brant?
“Tucker, don’t be so rude. I’m just trying to find out what’s bothering her,” Jessica said.
Tucker sneered at her. “Didn’t she tell you? I told her to get the hell out. She doesn’t belong here.”
Jake glared at him. “What the hell is wrong with you? She’s an invited guest. What gives you the right to ask her to leave?”
Tucker glared right back at his friend as he folded his arms over her chest. “In case it slipped your mind, I’m the goddamn Chief of Police in this town, and when someone’s running an illegal rub and tug in her back room, I make it my business.”
Another tear slid down Rachel’s cheek as she looked from Jake to Jessica. “That’s not the way it is, I swear. Those girls are…” She shook her head. “Forget it; he’s already made up his mind about me. No one will believe me over him.”
Jessica took Rachel’s hands, wishing she could kick her brother where it hurt. He could be such a bully sometimes. “I’ll believe you, honey.”
Rachel smiled. “That’s sweet of you to say, but I don’t want to cause any more problems between you and your brother. I’ll just be on my way. I need to get home anyhow.”
“Don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out,” Tucker muttered.
Jake elbowed him in the ribs. “If you don’t shut up, I’m gonna throw you through those goddamn doors.”
Rachel squeezed Jessica’s hand. “It was nice to see you again, Jessica.”
“Wait,” Jessica said, grabbing her friend’s wrist. Rachel seemed so lost and alone, as if she didn’t have a friend in the world or a safe haven to call her own. “Don’t let my brother run you out of town. Please. You have Dixie and me and Ava. We’re your friends. We care about you. We don’t want you to go.”
Rachel brushed a tear off her cheek with the back of her hand. “Thanks for saying that. It means a lot.” She shrugged. “I don’t know. We’ll see.”
“We’ll see?” Tucker said, taking a step forward. “I told you to pack up your shit and get out of town before I throw your sweet little ass in jail.”
“You can’t do that!” Rachel sobbed. “I haven’t done anything illegal.”
“Really? So the girls who were giving blowjobs in your backroom weren’t working for you?”
She looked so desperate, so helpless. “I was just...” She looked to Jessica for support. “I was teaching massage to pick up a few extra bucks. I posted flyers looking for massage clients, but I didn’t know my apprentices were doing anything more than that until…” She thrust a finger in Tucker’s direction. “He told me and threatened to throw me in jail.”
Jessica turned on her brother. “Are you so dense that you can’t see she’s telling the truth?”
“Watch it, little girl,” Tucker growled. “I’m in no fuckin’ mood to listen to you tell me how to do my job.”
“I don’t want to cause any more trouble,” Rachel said, raising a hand. “I’m going. I’m sorry,” she said, looking at Tucker. “Really, I am.”
He scowled as he watched her leave. “Crazy bitch,” he muttered.
Jessica pushed him hard. “You can be such an asshole sometimes. Can’t you see she’s a sweet girl who’s just trying to catch a break?”
Tucker scoffed. “She’s working as a madam when she’s not teaching wannabe st
rippers to pole dance and you’re trying to tell me she’s a sweet girl?”
Jessica set her hands on her hips as she glared up at her brother. “Don’t you ever get tired of being so goddamn self-righteous?”
Jake smirked. “She’s right, you know.”
“Fuck off,” Tucker said, waving his hand toward the door. “Get her out of here. I’m tired of dealing with all this shit tonight.”
Jake grinned. “Gladly.”
Jessica was quiet on the ride back to his place, and Jake tried not to push her, but his concern made it impossible not to pry. Her entire life had changed since the last time they were intimate—new town, new friends, new job, new home, new boyfriend? Jake had to know.
“So your date, what was his name?”
She cleared her throat and clasped her hands in her lap. “Bill.”
“Right, Bill. Ava said you two went to college together?” He gripped the steering wheel, trying, but failing, to act nonchalant. Talking to the woman he loved about the new man in her life was torture. “I don’t remember you mentioning him back then.”
She shrugged. “I don’t recall. I may have.”
Jake sighed when it became obvious she wasn’t going to offer any new information. “Jess, I need to know if you have feelings for this guy.”
She looked out the window. “He’s a nice guy. I like him a lot.”
He felt the frustration in the tense set of his jaw. “That doesn’t really answer my question. Can you see a future with him?” He didn’t know how he would respond if she said she could. He wanted her to be happy, but he couldn’t stand by and watch her build a life with someone else.
“It’s too soon to tell.”
He breathed a sigh of relief. They weren’t there yet, and if tonight went as planned, they would never get there. He reached across the seat to claim her hand before brushing her knuckles with his lips. “I missed you so damn much, sweetness.”