By the end of the day, I was ready to just go home and soak in the tub, but my mom had already invited me for a birthday dinner. I couldn’t exactly back out when I was the guest of honor. I headed over to her house right after work, hoping tonight was just relaxing.
The door swung open and my dad stood there, smiling down at me. “Hey, there’s my girl.”
“Dad,” I smiled, stepping into his outstretched arms.
Ever since my admission that I was in love with Jack, my dad hadn’t been so hard on me. He’d switched from angry to almost heartbroken on my behalf. I couldn’t deny that I was a little happy I’d finally let the cat out of the bag. It was nice to not have him looking at me in disappointment.
“How was work today?”
“It was fine,” I answered, slipping off my shoes. “How was your day?”
He shrugged. “Retirement is boring. I’m thinking about going out to find another job. I could be a Walmart greeter or something.”
I snorted. “You wouldn’t last five minutes.”
He frowned. “Well, probably not. Maybe I could go work at Home Depot.”
“You’d spend too much money,” I smirked as we headed back to the kitchen. “The Home Depot is a woman’s Hobby Lobby.”
“Hobby what?”
“Never mind,” I waved him off. “Hey, Mom.”
“Oh, I’m so glad you’re here. I have all your favorites for tonight.”
I stared at all the food in awe. It was enough to feed several small families. “Mom, this is great, but we’ll never eat all this.”
She waved me off and bent over to pull yet another pan out of the oven. “Oh, I invited a couple of people over in honor of you coming home.”
Groaning, I held my forehead, trying not to lose it. The last thing I wanted was to get together with other people right now. The doorbell rang and my dad ran off to the living room as my mom handed me some plates for the table.
“Just set these out so we can eat.”
“Mom, you said it was a family dinner.”
“It is a family dinner.”
“Christy!” a tiny voice shouted from behind me. I spun around to see Brody barreling toward me. I just barely braced myself against the table as he flung himself against me.
“Brody.” I turned to my mother and glared.
“Are you surprised?” he asked, obviously thinking this was some sort of surprise party. Which it was to me. A big, fat surprise that I wasn’t at all interested in taking part in.
Jack walked around the corner, a grin on his face. He was freshly shaven and had on regular clothes, so he’d taken the time to go home and change before coming here. He walked up to me and handed me a small present wrapped with a bow. Leaning in, he pressed a kiss to my cheek, lingering just a tad too long. As he stepped away, my eyes met my dad’s, who was grinning like he’d just pulled a fast one.
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” I said, not sure what else to say.
“Well, when your mom said she was having a birthday dinner for you, I couldn’t tell her no.”
“I thought you wanted to cook dinner for me?”
“That was just to throw you off,” he grinned. “Let’s face it, your mom’s cooking is ten times better than mine on the best of days.”
Still holding the package in my hand, I walked over and set it on the counter.
“Aren’t you going to open it?” he asked.
“I’ll do that later. Let’s eat before the food gets cold.”
“We have time,” he said, still smirking at me.
“Oh, go on. We have plenty of time,” my mom said, pushing me back to the counter.
Sighing, I picked up the package and carefully started to unfold it. I didn’t want to know what was inside, and I definitely didn’t want to open it in front of everyone. With everyone staring at me, I finally pulled off the wrapper and opened the lid. Sitting in the box was a silver locket. My eyes shot up to meet Jack’s, and I saw the uncertainty flicker across his face.
“Well?” my mom urged. “What is it?”
I pulled the locket out and opened it up. Inside was a picture of Jack and me…my favorite picture, the same one I had framed in my apartment in Chicago. Feeling like I was about to start crying, I ran out of the room, shoving past Jack to get away from him. How could he do this? How could he take one of my happiest memories and shove it in my face like this? As long as it was in the past, I could remember the good times and forget about the rest. But now I was back home and he was pushing me to remember everything we once shared. It wasn’t fair.
I locked myself in the bathroom, shaking because I was so angry. If I went out there now, I would lose it. I couldn’t see Jack or my parents right now. And I especially couldn’t see Brody. I would have to put on a good face for him, and I didn’t have that in me right now.
I startled at the knock on the door, but didn’t answer.
“Christy,” Jack said quietly from the other side. “Let me in.”
“Give me a minute.”
“Christy, I’m not going anywhere. Just talk to me.”
Knowing he wouldn’t go away, I flung the door open, but refused to look at him. He entered and closed the door behind him.
“What’s wrong? Do you not like it?”
“It’s very nice, Jack.”
“Then what’s wrong?”
Sighing, I shook my head. “Jack, we can’t just go back. You can’t remind me of the good old days and think it’ll change everything.”
“That wasn’t my intent.”
“Then what was?” I snapped, my head whipping up to meet his gaze.
“I just…I’ve always liked that picture, and I thought you might like it too.”
“You’re trying to manipulate me. But I’m not the same girl I was seven years ago. I’m not going to come running just because you call, and I’m not going to melt just because you give me something pretty.”
He frowned slightly and I was afraid I’d given away my secret.
“Christy, it was just a memory. I’m sorry to upset you. I’ll take it back and…” He ran his hand over his jaw and sighed. “I just wanted to do something nice for you.”
And just like that, I was back in Jack’s clutches. He had a way of making me want to give anything for a moment with him. And seeing him vulnerable like this, knowing that he went out on a limb to make me happy when I’ve been less than welcoming to him, really told me how hard this was for him.
“It’s very nice. I’m sorry I lost it. I just…”
“I know,” he said, as if he read my mind. His face lit with a smile. “Let’s just go eat dinner. I know Brody is starving and there’s no way I’ll get him to leave the house until he’s had his fill.”
“Alright,” I smiled.
“So, we’re okay? You’re not going to whip me with that, are you?”
“With a necklace?”
He shrugged. “Well, I’ve heard of worse.”
I didn’t know what he was talking about, but right now it didn’t matter. I just needed to get through this dinner. Slowly, Jack was breaking down my defenses. It was so obvious that he was eager to get me back. I just wasn’t sure my heart could take it.
I stood from the table, ready to get out of here. I’d listened to my parents gush over Jack for the last two hours. If I had to listen to one more minute of it, I might have to kill someone. Brody was eating it up, listening as my parents reminisced about old times. Thank God they didn’t bring up the porn incident. I had let that slip on accident, but now that it was out there, I knew Jack would hear about it at some point.
“I’m gonna get going.”
“So soon?” my mom asked, shoving back from the table. “But we still have pie.”
I faked a yawn. “I’m tired. It’s been a long day. Besides, I’m sure Jack has to get Brody to bed.”
“I do,” he nodded. “I’ll walk you out.”
I was hoping to slip out on my own, but as long as we got out of
there, that was really all that mattered.
“Oh, wait!” Mom said, rushing over to her Tupperware drawer. “I have so many leftovers. You both need to take some home. Maybe you could even get together for a meal.”
She grinned at us, loving playing the matchmaker. We waited for a few minutes as she bustled around the kitchen, gathering up leftovers for us both. As soon as I got mine, I was headed to the door. Jack could deal with my mom on his own.
I rushed out the door and headed for my car, but when I got inside, the car wouldn’t start. “Come on,” I urged the car, hoping it would magically turn over. Still nothing happened.
Jack tapped on my window. I opened the door and got out.
“Problems?”
“It won’t start.”
“Do you want me to take a look at it?”
“No, that’s okay. You need to take care of Brody. I’ll just call a tow truck.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah.”
“Well, how about I give you a ride?”
My dad walked out, his arms crossed over his chest. “Everything okay out here?”
“Her car won’t start,” Jack said loudly.
My dad frowned. “We should call the shop.”
“I will. Can you give me a ride, Dad?”
He winced as he came down the steps, then bent over to rub his knee. “Damn knee just isn’t the same since I retired.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, annoyed at his theatrics.
“Jack, maybe you could take her home for me. I wouldn’t want to get in an accident on the way over there.”
Jack chuckled under his breath. “Sure, I can take her.”
“This really isn’t necessary,” I huffed in irritation. “I can just walk home.”
“You could, but that would be a little too much like you trying to escape me,” he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth.
Pursing my lips, I didn’t want to let him know that’s exactly what I was doing. “I would really appreciate a ride.”
“Well, let’s go,” he grinned, jerking his head toward his truck. I waved goodbye to my dad, who happened to be walking just fine now that I was riding with Jack.
“No police car tonight?”
“Brody doesn’t like it. He says he feels like a criminal sitting behind the bars. Isn’t that right, buddy?”
“Just like Uncle Josh.”
I grinned down at him. The kid was pretty funny. Jack opened my door and helped Brody into the back, then held out his hand for me. I stared at his outstretched hand for a moment, then took it, trying my best to ignore the way his warmth radiated through me.
As we pulled up to my house, nerves fluttered through me. I wanted to ask him to come in, but at the same time, I knew that was a mistake. I couldn’t get that kiss out of my head, but I was still having a hard time believing that he actually wanted to kiss me. It still felt like I was just the rebound for Natalie.
I opened the door and hopped out, grabbing the bags of leftovers. Jack jumped out and hurried around to my side. “Let me take that for you.”
“It’s okay. I’ve got it.”
“Let me do it, okay?” He reached for the bag, his hand brushing against mine. His body was practically flush up against mine, and as I looked up into his eyes, something passed between us. Not knowing what else to do, I stepped back, releasing the bags.
“I’ll just grab my mail.”
I turned and headed for the mailbox. I heard Jack tell Brody to get out of the truck so they could help me take the leftovers in. I shook off my nerves as I grabbed my mail. I didn’t need to think about Jack in my house, or his son either. They weren’t mine.
I smiled tightly at them as I walked to the front door and opened it up. Turning on the lights, I headed through the house to the kitchen. “You can just set them on the counter,” I pointed at the island.
“Are you sure you don’t want help?”
“No, it’s fine.”
Jack set them down and started to unload the bags while Brody ran around. I started going through my mail to distract myself. There was an envelope addressed to me with no return address. Opening it up, I wrinkled my nose at the cheesy birthday card.
Can’t wait to see your beautiful face. See you soon. Xoxo
Huffing in irritation, I tossed the card into the garbage.
“What was that?” Jack asked, already bending over to snatch the card.
“It’s nothing.”
He opened it up, frowning as he read it. “This is from your ex.”
“Yeah, I got that.”
“Why is he sending you birthday cards?”
“Because he obviously thinks he can win me over with a card.”
Jack grabbed the envelope out of the basket, shaking his head. “There’s no return address on the envelope. He’s been here, Christy.”
“Yeah, well, what’s new.”
“Are you serious right now? The man came back and you’re just shrugging it off?”
“Because he’s not dangerous.”
I got to work putting away all the leftovers, trying to ignore Jack.
“Christy, we need to file that restraining order.”
“I’m fine with that, but you said to wait until you got the results back from the prints.”
He sighed, running his hand across his jaw. “It would be best, but maybe we shouldn’t wait.”
“If that’s what you think is best.” I didn’t want to argue with him. I knew that Thomas wasn’t an issue, but he was right. I needed to stop this before it got out of control.
“I’m going to check out the house.”
I grabbed my glass of wine and headed for the couch. “Do whatever you need to.”
“You know, it’s slightly disturbing how little you’re worried about this.”
“It’s slightly disturbing how much you’re worrying about this,” I retorted.
Scoffing, he turned to his son. “Brody, stay with Ms. Christy for a few minutes.” He turned to me with serious eyes. “I’ll be right back.”
I raised my wine glass. “And I’ll be right here.”
Shaking his head, he walked out of the room. I picked up Brody and put him on the stool. “So, do you want some dessert?”
“Do you have chocolate cake?” he asked excitedly.
“No, but I have apple pie that my mom made.”
His eyes widened. “Do you have ice cream?”
I tapped him on the nose and grinned. “I think I do.”
Turning, I opened the freezer and grabbed the half pint of vanilla ice cream. Holding it up, he started clapping excitedly. I scooped out some ice cream on top of a slice of pie and slid it over to Brody.
“This is just like at Carly and Josh’s house!”
“Do you get lots of pie over there?”
“Just really good food.”
“So, you and your dad don’t really eat a lot of home-cooked meals.”
“No, but it’s okay,” he shrugged. “Daddy’s really busy.”
I nodded just as Jack walked back in the kitchen. He stared down at the ice cream and narrowed his eyes at me. “Hey, buddy. I see Christy gave you ice cream right before bed. That was so nice of her.”
I grinned at him. “I do what I can.”
“The house is clear, in case you were wondering.”
I took a sip of wine. “Not really.”
“I have the security company coming by tomorrow to install everything. You should really be here for it.”
“What time?”
“Noon.”
“I can’t just leave the daycare for that. It’ll have to be another time.”
“No, it has to be tomorrow. The next appointment isn’t for two weeks.”
“Well, then I guess I’ll have to wait two weeks.”
Sighing, he rubbed his face. “Fine, I’ll come over and make sure it gets done right.”
Lord, this man was being way too overprotective.
“Do you want us
to stay tonight?”
“For what reason?”
“Because of what happened,” he said, nodding his head to the garbage.
If this man only understood that I had bigger demons than my ex-boyfriend, he wouldn’t even think twice about Thomas. But I wasn’t ready to share any of that with him.
“I really need to get to bed, so…”
His jaw clenched in anger, but he nodded and grabbed the empty plate in front of Brody, carrying it over to the sink. “Let’s get going, Brody. It’s time for bed.”
I followed them to the door, ready to kick them out and be done with this night. But when we got to the door, Jack’s eyes flicked down to the locket dangling around my neck.
“Happy birthday, Christy.”
My heart twisted at the sincerity in his voice. I grabbed him by the sleeve and pulled him in for a hug. “Thank you for the necklace, Jack.”
I took just a step back. Our eyes locked and for just a moment I thought he might kiss me, but then Brody groaned about how long this was taking, breaking the spell.
“I’ll see you later,” he whispered.
I shut the door, leaning back against it. “I’m so screwed.”
19
Jack
“Why are we coming here again?” Corduroy asked as we pulled into Christy’s driveway.
“Because her security system needs to be installed and she can’t leave.”
“Right, so we’re dropping all of our duties for the day to watch over the installation. Gotcha.”
“I need to make sure she’s safe,” I sighed. “Last night, I had dinner with her and her parents—”
“Whoa, when I said to do the parents thing, I didn’t mean to take it that far.”
“What choice did I have? She won’t see me. I sent her flowers asking her to dinner and she turned me down. So, when her mom called, I knew it was my only chance.”
He shuddered. “I can’t even imagine what it’ll be like when I have to meet Abby’s parents.”
“I’m guessing before you get married would be a good idea.”
“Well, yeah, but it’s not like they live close by. I have some time. You, on the other hand, are going to have to live in the same town as her parents. Don’t fuck this up.”
Four Horsemen: A Small Town Romance (A Good Run Of Bad Luck Book 5) Page 16