| |
––––––––
“I WAS THINKING THAT I’d call this the Sunset Room since it has the most windows facing west. What do you think?”
Jessica’s opinion had been sought repeatedly on Monday morning as Zelda gave her the promised tour of the house. The first floor held the kitchen, pantry and laundry room, dining room, parlor and living room, as well as Zelda’s bedroom and another bedroom that would be reserved for family. Upstairs, there were six bedrooms, three on each side of a wide hallway, four of approximately the same size, and two smaller ones. There were two bathrooms upstairs, one below. Zelda had a permit to add a bathroom to the largest bedroom, but the others would share. Even the attic that ran the length of the house could eventually be converted into a couple of additional guest rooms.
Now they were in the corner room at the end of the hall. It was simply furnished like the others, but it was evident that someone was occupying it. A dresser drawer was partially open. Jessica saw some shirts neatly tucked inside, men’s shirts. The queen size bed had a rumpled look to it, as though hurriedly made that morning. A pair of work boots stood in one corner. Glancing into the bathroom directly across the hall, she saw a razor on the counter, the cap off a tube of toothpaste. She grinned at that. She and Ethan shared a bad habit.
“I think I like this room the best,” she said. “They’re all lovely. But this is the warmest.”
“I wondered if I should wallpaper?”
“Hmm. Not in here, I think. But the room could be made even warmer with pale yellow walls. Keep the wainscoting butter white for contrast. To be honest, Zelda, I don’t think wallpaper would be suitable for anywhere in this house, except for a striped print in the parlor, perhaps. There are so many rich and varied paint colors these days. You’d be amazed.”
The older woman looked pleased. “I am already. All of your suggestions have been so helpful. I wish...”
Jessica observed Zelda’s radiant expression give way to one of pensiveness. “You might think I’m a foolish old woman,” she said, perching herself on the corner of Ethan’s bed. “But this curious feeling has been nagging at me since the moment you arrived. A serendipitous feeling.”
How strange. So, Jessica wasn’t the only one who’d had a curious sense of impending... She didn’t know what. She waited with bated breath.
Zelda smoothed one hand over the bed quilt. “I know Andrew is approving of what I’m doing because everything has fallen into place so effortlessly, as though angels had a hand in it. Our neighbor, Jake Lancaster, is able to do all the necessary construction work beginning next week, but only because the job he was scheduled to do had been postponed. Lindy Matthews was looking for a part-time job to occupy her mornings when she doesn’t give piano lessons. And now you arrive out of the blue, just when I was looking for an interior designer. I love all your suggestions. I’d hate to go through the whole process again with someone new.”
Jessica smiled tremulously. “I’m happy you like my ideas. But I’m not certified—”
“What’s a piece of paper?” Zelda retorted kindly. “Ninety-nine percent of the job is possessing the creative talent to begin with. And you’ve got it, young lady.” Her eyebrows arched persuasively. “I know you’d planned to travel to the coast. Would it be too much to ask you to delay your trip for a week or so? Just enough to help me select the paint and carpet samples, and purchase a few new furnishings?”
Jessica was flabbergasted. Yet, something stirred deep inside of her. “Well, I’m not sure...”
“Staying in this house for a few more days will give you a better feel for the kind of atmosphere I hope to create. I’ve lived here all my life, but I would never have thought of all the wonderful things that you have.”
Even as she was rapidly caving in to Zelda’s beguiling charm, Jessica thought about Ethan and what his reaction might be to her staying. “Your grandson expects me to leave today,” she protested weakly. “He doesn’t want me here.”
Zelda waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t think Ethan knows what he wants at the moment. But this is my house. If he’s uncomfortable with you staying, then he can leave.”
“I don’t want to cause any friction.”
“Oh, there’s friction already.” Zelda winked, smiling mischievously. “A little more won’t do any harm.” She took Jessica’s hand. “I need you, Jessica. Please stay.”
***
“JESSICA LIND-MALLORY, what were you thinking? Why didn’t you tell us before the ceremony that there was something wrong? To cause such a scene! The press has been having a field day! Your poor stepfather can’t even set foot outside without some nosy reporter asking questions. What are we supposed to tell everyone? And the cost—”
“You’d rather I married that two-timing rat?” Jessica interrupted her mother’s tirade with comparative calm.
Lorna sighed harshly over the phone line. “I’m completely shocked. Shocked. I had no idea that Preston was that sort of person. I simply can’t believe it.”
“If you want proof, talk to Amber. Assuming she’s brave enough to tell the truth. May I speak with Blake now?”
“But, darling. I want to know exactly what happened. And I want to make sure you’re all right.” Lorna’s voice cracked. “I simply don’t understand why you couldn’t have told me that you were having second thoughts. Why you couldn’t confide in your own mother—”
Because you wouldn’t have listened. “Please, I want to talk with Blake.”
There was a slight commotion on the other end of the line, muffled words from her mother and a placating response from her stepfather, before his brusque voice finally came on the line. “Jessica, honey, I’m glad you called. Are you all right?”
“I’ve been better. I just need to be by myself for a while. Sorry I had to leave the way I did.”
“You said that in your note, otherwise I would’ve called the police. I just don’t like the thought of you out there on your own.”
“I’m twenty-five years old. I can take care of myself.”
“I know, baby, I know. What did Preston do exactly?”
Jessica hesitated, pressing her fingers to her forehead and knitting her eyes shut. This was the worst part. His own daughter was involved; Blake loved Amber and Jessica equally. “I had to drop off some things at his place the day before the wedding. He was in the bedroom...with Amber.”
“Are you sure about what you saw?”
“Quite sure.”
Blake expelled a sharp sigh. “I blame myself for this. I spoiled that girl. After her mother left us, I just couldn’t say no to her. She was jealous of you. She always had to have everything that you had. I guess that included Preston.” He paused. “Do you want me to fire him?”
She gave a bitter laugh. “That’s a tempting idea, but no. I can’t be that petty. He’s an excellent campaign manager, Blake. And maybe this is all for the best. I would never have succeeded as a politician’s wife. Maybe Amber is his better match after all. She adores the limelight.”
There was a contemplative silence before Blake offered gently, “It seems I’ve been blind. You are your father’s daughter through and through, as your mother often reminds me. I know you’ve never been truly happy in our social set. In a while, after this has all settled down, you’ll find yourself a good, honest man.”
“I have no intention of marrying anyone,” she declared unequivocally.
Blake chuckled. “Don’t be too sure about that, honey. Now, please tell me where you are.”
Jessica opened her eyes and gazed through the front screen door towards the pink rose bushes alongside the garden fence. She was standing at the phone table tucked beneath the stairs in the front hall. “I’m staying in King’s Valley. I met this lovely woman who is converting her home into a bed and breakfast. She’s asked me to stay for a couple of weeks to help her with the interior decoration. I said that I would.”
“Good for you,” Blake said with evident relief. “That’s just the kind of break you need, and I’m glad you won’t be alone. I’ll reassure your mother that this is the best thing for everyone.”
“I feel badly about the impact this might have on your campaign. From what Lorna said, it sounds like the media has been relentless.”
Blake laughed. “At the risk of sounding crass, any kind of news coverage is better than none at all. Especially when it’s free. Maybe I’ll garner some sympathy votes from the constituents who’ll take pity on me for having such a fickle stepdaughter.”
Jessica smiled into the phone. Blake could always cheer her up. And he’d been so good to her, giving her the love and affection her mother couldn’t seem to express. If there was anyone she regretted hurting, it was him. “Thank you for being so understanding, Blake. I love you.”
“And I love you too, peaches. Give me the phone number there in case we need to contact you.”
She slowly repeated the number that was written on the base of the phone. “And Blake? Please tell Preston that I’ll make arrangements to have his car returned to him by the end of the week. I’m sure he’s concerned about it. Assure him that it’s still in one piece. Not a scratch on it.”
Echoing her stepfather’s goodbye, she set the phone in its cradle and turned towards the stairs. She froze when she saw Ethan standing just outside the kitchen doorway. From his fierce expression, he’d obviously been standing there for a while and had heard the latter part of her conversation.
“You’re staying?” he asked in a disbelieving growl.
She nodded mutely.
“Here?”
“Yes.”
“Gram!”
Zelda came hurriedly from the direction of the laundry room. “Where’s the fire?”
Ethan stepped fully into the hallway, hands braced on his hips. He looked at his grandmother accusingly. “Is it true? You’ve asked her to stay?”
Zelda raised herself to her full height, looking him square in the eye. “Jessica’s an interior designer. I was planning on hiring one, but she’s perfect for the job. I’ve invited her to stay until all the rooms are planned, and she has generously agreed.”
Ethan flung his hand in Jessica’s direction without looking at her. “She isn’t even certified.”
“So? She doesn’t need to be.” Zelda crossed her arms over her chest. “I’ve had enough of this argument. My mind is made up. And if you can’t speak to me in a normal tone of voice, don’t speak to me at all.”
Ethan opened his mouth, on the verge of responding, and then snapped it shut. Pivoting away from his grandmother, he caught Jessica’s imploring gaze, and reciprocated with a look that was an odd mix of anger and uneasiness. His chest rose and fell under the weight of his breath as he fought to keep his emotions under control. He looked as disgusted with himself as he was with her when he just shook his head and brushed past her to the front door, letting it slam shut in his wake.
The two women looked at each other. It was Zelda who broke the silence, grinning ruefully. “Well, now that that’s all settled, I could do with a piece of chocolate cake and a cup of tea to wash it down. How about you?”
***
HE DIDN’T JOIN THEM for dinner that evening.
Jessica had occupied the remainder of the day viewing each room again while jotting notes on a legal pad, but the task only took half of her attention. The other half agonized over her impetuous decision. Had she done the right thing? After Ethan’s quasi-apology the day before, she’d assumed that things would be better between the two of them. More fool she. Despite his avowal that he now believed her story, he was blatantly opposed to her staying. Why? Because she reminded him of his ex-fiancée? That was the only reason she could think of, aside from the fact that he objected to his grandmother’s plans for the house.
She wondered whose feelings were more important, his or Zelda’s? This was Zelda’s home, Zelda’s dream. Already Jessica adored the older woman. Her own grandparents had passed away before she was born, so she’d never experienced that particular familial relationship. And what was really best for her? To sit on a beach and rehash over and over the mistakes she’d made over the last few years, or to keep her mind more healthfully occupied with a task that both challenged and excited her? In her gut, she knew that she was meant to be here. As soon as Zelda had voiced the invitation, Jessica’s innermost being had shouted a resounding Yes. And if Ethan didn’t approve of the turn of events, he was welcome to leave, just as Zelda said. Still, she hated to be the cause of a rift between those two.
The dinner conversation was dominated by talk of the renovations. They would go to the paint store tomorrow, Zelda decided, and select samples. It wasn’t until Jessica was helping with the dishes that they heard the front screen door bang shut and the heavy tread of booted feet ascend the stairs.
“Still sulking,” Zelda muttered disappointedly. “He probably had dinner over at the Lancaster’s. And I baked a lemon meringue pie just for him. It’s his favorite.”
Jessica made an impulsive decision. “If you put a slice on a plate, I’ll take it to him. I want to talk with him.”
“That’s a lovely idea.” Zelda cut a generous slice of pie and scooped it onto a plate. She waved Jessica out of the kitchen with an encouraging smile and a rascally twinkle in her eye.
A little more courage was something she could use right now, Jessica thought as she walked upstairs and cautiously approached Ethan’s door. The door was ajar. She knocked hesitantly.
“Come in.” His voice was foreboding.
She was startled to find him in the midst of packing. An open suitcase lay on his bed. “You’re leaving?”
He didn’t bother to look up. “For the time being.”
She observed him for an anxious moment as he rolled some dress socks and tossed them into the suitcase. She almost forgot the pie plate in her hand until it began to slip free. She tightened her grip. “I suppose it’s too late for your grandmother’s peace offering then.”
He shot a glance at the pie. “You can set it on the dresser.”
She stepped farther into the room, setting the plate on the dresser as directed. She moved quickly out of his way as he came over to retrieve more items from a lower drawer. His arm grazed lightly against her shoulder as he walked past her.
The room had seemed so much larger when she and Zelda had examined it that morning. Now Ethan dominated it with his presence. Leashed anger was evident in the controlled motions of his taut frame. He seemed to soak up every bit of energy in the room, leaving scarcely enough air for Jessica to breathe.
She sidled towards the door, momentarily conceding defeat. If anything, his mood was even grimmer than it’d been earlier. Perhaps she should give him the breathing space he was so clearly demanding. When he returned, they could talk this over like adults. But then she thought of Zelda and how the woman had stood up to her grandson’s accusations earlier that day. Jessica just couldn’t allow this man to leave without trying to make things right, for Zelda’s sake if nothing else.
She paused, her hand on the knob, and squared her shoulders. “Look, I’m sorry if you don’t approve of my decision to stay. But I’ve given your grandmother my word. Throwing a temper tantrum isn’t going to change my mind.”
There was no response. He closed the lid on the suitcase and zipped it shut.
“I think converting this house into a bed and breakfast is a wonderful idea,” she went on, her voice gaining momentum and strength. “Your grandmother has put a lot of thought into this and, from what I’ve experienced of her hospitality and graciousness so far, I know that she’ll make a success of it. The least you can do is support her decision.” She released a placating sigh. “Look, I know I haven’t been here for that long but—”
All at once he twisted towards her, his eyes slicing into her. His voice was low yet vibrating with intensity. “You have been here for two days. Two days. I know my grandmother better than you ever will, so don’t you dare presume to lecture me.”
“But—”
He raised his hand, effectively cutting her off. Her heart thumped wildly when he strode towards her. “The fact that you’ve managed to charm her in such a short time shouldn’t surprise me. Your kind learns how to trick and beguile with pretty smiles and looks while you’re still in the crib.”
He was standing very close now. She felt the heat of his fury. He spoke as if the words were being wrenched out of him. “What’s your scheme, princess? What do you hope to gain by staying here?”
Jessica’s eyes widened. She shook her head vehemently. “Nothing! I like Zelda. I only want to help.” She made a move to open the door.
He grabbed her wrist, staying her. “Why?” he persisted gruffly. Was there uncertainty in his voice? Was his hand shaking, or did she merely imagine it? “Why do you want to stay when I’ve made it more than clear that I don’t want you here?”
Frantic at his touch, disturbed by his looming presence and the abrupt change in his tone, she tugged at the doorknob. But he pushed the door shut with his other hand, successfully trapping her body between his and the door. She pressed back against the paneling, heat rushing to her face. He was mere inches away from her. Her body began to quiver. Not with fear. No, it was something else entirely, something too mystifying and new to fathom.
“I—I’m staying for Zelda. She needs me.”
Her voice broke as she raised her eyes to his and completely absorbed his fierce expression. His eyes were so close, dark and piercing. A pulse beat visibly along his brow. He seemed as disturbed and confused as she by the sudden electric charge in the air.
“Let go of me... please,” she whispered, at the same time swaying instinctively towards him.
His expression altered as his searing gaze tracked across her features. She gave a helpless gasp, and his eyes focused on her mouth. He clasped her other hand, slowly raising both of her arms above her head, until he encircled both wrists with one large hand. The motion brought her body in startling contact with his. His grip wasn’t strong; she could’ve broken free if she wanted to. But she realized with a rush of feeling that she didn’t want to. Every fiber in her being sang with strange anticipation as he pressed closer, his hard chest brushing against her breasts.
He brought his other hand to her neck, his fingers grazing the soft pale skin, his thumb finding her chaotic heartbeat and lingering there. His hand shook. He met and held her eyes in a fiery exchange. “I knew you were trouble the minute I saw you,” he muttered on a ragged breath. His fingers swept up her neck to her jaw, angling her head closer. His breath was hot against her ear as he bent to whisper intensely, “Don’t you get it, Jessica? Don’t you know why I don’t want you here? Why—” He broke off, his question left unspoken as he covered her mouth with his own.
There was a barn on her father’s ranch in Texas, a big red barn that had seemed five stories high to her child eyes. One summer, Robby had dared her to jump from the hayloft door onto a hill of fresh straw below. He’d already made the jump, and he stood looking up at her with his reckless freckle-faced grin. And because she worshipped her big brother, because she wanted to do everything he did, she took that last inching step from the ledge, spread out her arms, and launched into space. That feeling of suspended weightlessness, heart in her throat, eyes squeezed tightly shut as she plummeted down, that very same feeling swept over her now as Ethan McAllister kissed her.
She was aware of every sinew and bone and nerve in her entire body: knuckles rasping against the smooth wooden door panel, breasts, rising and falling in rhythm with her agitated breathing, rubbing against his rock hard chest, knees failing to support her, legs threatening to collapse, her back sliding down the door until he quickly released her hands and wrapped his arm around her waist, tugging her away from the door, silently urging her to use his body as a prop as she sank into him, willingly and wholeheartedly, returning his kisses measure for measure.
If he’d intended to punish her with his kiss, or to repulse her into running away, his plan was failing miserably. His firm mouth had softened within seconds of contacting hers, his lips turning pliant and mobile as they explored the lushness of hers. The hand at her jaw slid upwards, fingers spreading across her silken cheek. Jessica made a happy murmuring sound in her throat, her freed hands wrapping around his back as she pressed closer, eager to deepen the kiss.
But all at once he was pulling away from her, abruptly releasing her mouth, head rearing back, eyes wide and blazing. He maintained his grip around her waist only long enough for her to find her bearings. Still, she swayed like a sapling in a windstorm when he finally released her and had to brace herself against the door.
For several pulsating moments, the only sound in the night-enclosed room was their breathing, rapid and harsh. She watched, bereft, as a myriad of emotions played across his features; his face, for the first time, lay open for her to read. She wanted to tear her gaze away when she saw hot desire fade into confusion, then grim distaste aimed, so it seemed, at her. Her heart crashed to the pit of her stomach as he slowly moved the back of his hand across his mouth before turning to the bed and picking up his suitcase.
Eyes wide, she stepped out of his way when he came to the door and reached for the handle. She thought he was going to leave without a word until he paused on the threshold, glancing back at her with a blank expression. But there was no mistaking the ice in his voice when he said, “I’ll be away for a few days. No doubt you’ll tire of your little decorating project once you realize how much hard work is involved. I don’t expect to find you here when I get back.”
Then he was gone.
***
WHEN JESSICA JOINED Zelda for breakfast the next morning she searched the older woman’s face for signs of distress, but Zelda was as cheerful as ever. As she poured them each a cup of coffee, she said, “Ethan’s gone away for a few days. He had some unfinished business to take care of in the city.”
And that was that.
Zelda took her into King’s Valley later that morning. They stopped at Ernie’s Auto Repair to tell him about Preston’s car. The middle-aged, pot-bellied man promised to drive out to the farm that afternoon and tow the car back to his shop. Jessica wrote down Steve’s contact information and asked Ernie to call her stepfather’s secretary once the car was fixed.
Next, she and Zelda went to a department store where Jessica purchased several pairs of jeans and casual shirts, a pair of sneakers, one pair of casual sandals, and a floppy sun hat. Lorna would’ve been in fits; there was not one designer label amongst her purchases.
After a quick lunch at an outdoor café overlooking the river that meandered through the town, they strolled over to Wakefield Hardware and spent the better portion of two hours gleaning over paint samples and purchasing the necessary supplies. Afterwards, Zelda said there was still plenty of time to show Jessica some of the downtown area.
King’s Valley had been established in the late 1800s and many of the original iron front buildings of that era still stood. Most of the shops along Main Street were eclectic gift shops and clothing boutiques, offering unique items to attract out-of-town visitors. Zelda was more interested in poking in and out of the antique shops, seeking Jessica’s advice on several pieces of furniture she thought might be suitable for the house. When Jessica asked what sort of budget the older woman had set up for her project, Zelda lifted her shoulders diffidently. “There’ll be enough.” Then she chortled. “But don’t be afraid to barter, dear. I like to know I’m getting a good deal.”
Their last stop of the day was a thrift shop managed by the local hospice. Two women of Zelda’s age stood behind the sales counter, engrossed in an afternoon tea party. China cups and plates were spread over the counter; steam wafted from a pretty flowered teapot on a tray. They glanced up as the front bell rang. Their faces were immediately wreathed in smiles. “Zelda, honey, what brings you to town?” one asked.
“I want to introduce my new interior designer,” was the pleased reply. Zelda took Jessica by the elbow. “These two ladies are my dearest friends, Bert and Jo Wakefield. They’re the ones who took me on that trip where I first thought about the bed and breakfast idea. Bert, Jo, this is Jessica Mallory.”
Hands were shaken. Tea was offered. Jo was just biting into a scone when her eyebrows shot up. Crumbs flew as she looked at Jessica, astounded. “Aren’t you the one who was on the front page of the Sunday paper?”
“That’s right!” her sister chimed in. “You jilted your fiancé at the altar. How in the world did you end up here?”
The story, an abridged version, was relayed to an eager audience. The three women shared matching expressions of disgust when they heard what Preston had done, then pride when Jessica told of how she’d managed to escape.
“That took a lot of courage,” Zelda said with much admiration. She patted Jessica’s hand. “Thank you for telling me what happened. I didn’t want to pry, but I must admit I’ve been very curious!”
“It’s just like something out of a Victorian novel,” Bert said, her expression dreamy.
“They didn’t have sports cars back then,” her sister reminded her, rolling her eyes.
Bert ignored her. “So, Ethan found you in the field. How romantic!” She clasped her hands over her heart. “What did you think when you first saw him?”
What she thought and what she eventually decided to share with the women were two vastly different things. How could she describe her first reaction when Ethan stood in the dappling shade of the oak tree and returned her startled gaze? The bewildering feelings that had made her shiver with curious longing? Now, it didn’t seem real. “I was just glad to see another human being.”
The drive back to the house was accompanied by a contented silence until Zelda said, “When Ethan left, I worried that something might have happened between the two of you last night. I was worried that you might leave too.”
“No. I made a promise to you, and I’m going to keep it.”
Zelda sighed with relief. “I know Ethan has come across as something of a bully since you’ve been here. He hasn’t always been that way. In fact, of all my grandchildren, Ethan is the most good-natured. He’s the sort who gets along with just about everyone. And his heart is kind.” She laughed suddenly. “I remember one summer when he was about eleven; he found a transient camp near the creek on the back edge of the property. They were a raggedy bunch of characters, all men, who would probably have frightened anyone else. Ethan invited them up to the house for dinner. I nearly keeled over when he brought them through the door.”
“I can imagine!”
“Well, it just proved how different the observations of a child are from those of an adult. Under all the filth and grime, Ethan recognized some good men who’d had more hard luck than any one person should endure. They kept us fascinated with their stories all during dinner. I admit I was concerned that they might decide to stick around the place after that, but their camp was gone the next morning. They left a nice thank you note and a wood carving of a lion for Ethan. I’m sure he still has it.”
“That’s a touching story,” Jessica agreed, trying to imagine Ethan as a kind-hearted little boy. She paused before saying, “He must’ve been pretty devastated when Angelica broke off their engagement. Just because he didn’t want to work at her father’s firm anymore.”
“So, he told you?”
“A little.”
“The male ego is a powerful thing,” Zelda commented, pursing her mouth. “Bruise it, scratch it and you can count yourself lucky if the man doesn’t retaliate in kind, or worse. And if it’s a woman who does the damage... Well, I’m glad it happened. None of us liked Angelica much. The one time she came to the farm for a family barbecue, It was all I could do to stop Nate from pushing her into the creek. I know Nate tried to talk some sense into his older brother, but Ethan was enraptured by her.”
Uncontrollable envy pinched Jessica’s heart. “Was she very beautiful?”
“I guess she’s what some men consider to be beautiful these days. Tall, skinny, blond. She was smart too. But cunning with it, if you know what I mean.”
Jessica knew what she meant; Zelda could’ve been describing Amber.
“She could never hold a candle to you though, Jessica,” Zelda continued. “You’re a beautiful woman. But your beauty isn’t manufactured, and your smile isn’t phony.” Her lips curved in a sly smile. “And I think my grandson is wise enough to see the difference.”
***
THREE DAYS PASSED AND Ethan did not return. As it was, Jessica was so consumed with her tasks that she didn’t have any spare time to think about him. Except at night, in those hazy moments just before she fell asleep. She would see his eyes, dark and scorching; feel his mouth burning against hers. It was impossible to block out the memory of his kisses, much as she wanted to. Lying in her bed, she would push her flushed face into her pillow as she recalled her instantaneous reaction to his touch. She hadn’t put up an ounce of resistance, falling into his arms as easily and quickly as a pebble dropped in a pool of water. Never had she felt that way with Preston; never had she felt such a feeling of total rapture and surrender.
He hadn’t wanted to kiss her; she acknowledged that now. He’d meant to intimidate her, his kiss only given to enforce his strong will over hers. And what had she done? Melted into him willingly, encouraged him. Sure, the last moments of their embrace had been deeply passionate, but any man would feel desire for an attractive woman who’d literally thrown herself at him, no matter how much he might despise her presence. He must think she was easy, or too naïve to understand the real motive behind his kiss.
It was good that he hadn’t returned yet. She needed more time to pull herself together, to restore her defenses and batten down the hatches. No way in heaven was she going to permit him to even get close to touching her like that again. The idea that she’d allowed him to get so near in the first place distressed her, considering that less than a week ago she was to have married Preston. Oh, Ethan must think her a fickle, heartless woman, just like his former fiancée. Jessica’s actions had simply confirmed his opinion of her and “her kind.” She had to prove him wrong. When he came back, she would pretend that his kiss had meant as little to her as it obviously had to him. She’d treat him as Lorna would’ve expected her to treat him: with cool ladylike disdain. She would—
“Ow! Gosh double-dang darn!” In the process of removing a nail from the wall, the hammer slipped out of her fingers and landed on her big toe.
“Now, now, we don’t like that kind of language around these parts,” a male voice chided with mock severity.
Jessica swung towards the doorway, her face breaking into a grin. “Sorry, Jake. I didn’t know there were tender ears around.”
Jake Lancaster leaned against the doorjamb, arms folded across his chest, a leather work belt straddling his lean hips.
They’d met two days before when he’d shown up ahead of schedule to begin work on the new bathroom, and they’d formed an instant friendship. He was in perfect accord with her design ideas and was impressed that she’d discovered a few holes above the attic that needed repair.
According to Zelda’s introduction, Jake was an integral member of the McAllister family, having been their next-door neighbor for all of his thirty years. The love and respect between him and Zelda was obvious in the way they greeted each other, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek, followed by a teasing camaraderie that ensued throughout the day.
What had struck Jessica when she first met him was how tall and well-built he was. Standing slightly over six feet, he had the shoulders and arms of a professional boxer, tapering down to a trim waist and long powerful legs. Given his model-worthy physique, his face came as something of a shock to her. Jake was not a handsome man in the classic sense. His features were too sharp, his nose too square, his mouth too severe. Close-cropped black hair merely emphasized the angularity of his facial structure. But his eyes redeemed him, silvery blue with a thick dark fringe of lashes; they returned her inspection with frank honesty. His manner was confident, his smile warm.
As they worked companionably together over the next few days, Jessica often found herself comparing Jake to Ethan. If Ethan had been even half as friendly as Jake, she was sure that things would have been dramatically different. Ethan had such a nice smile when he chose to use it; his eyes crinkled at the corners when he laughed...
“There she goes again, drifting away from us.”
“I’m sorry. I was just thinking.”
Jake strolled towards her and retrieved the hammer, returning it to her. “You’ll break your toe if you don’t keep your mind in the present.” A smile softened his warning.
“Thanks, Jake.”
He glanced about the room. “Almost done with the prep work?”
“Yep. Putty’s next. Then the primer. What do you think of the color?” She indicated the small splash of color she’d brushed on the wall opposite the window. She’d taken her time choosing the appropriate colors, coming in to study each room several times during the day to see how the color was affected by the varying degrees of natural light.
“Hmm,” he replied, taking a look at the paint can. “Perfect Peach. I like it.”
“Good. I should be ready to start painting tomorrow. How’s the new bathroom coming along?”
“It’ll take two weeks at least. We’re going to have to wait on that claw foot tub you wanted. I called the distributor this morning. They say it’s a special order. Could take up to six weeks.”
“I wouldn’t worry. We have a couple of months.”
“Will you be staying that long?”
She gazed at him searchingly, wondering if his inquiry stemmed from more than polite interest, but his eyes were clear. “I was only planning to stay until the colors are selected and the furnishings ordered. But I just couldn’t see Zelda hiring a painter when I enjoy doing this myself. I know Ethan isn’t going to be too thrilled to have me stay longer, but—” She shrugged.
Zelda had told Jake about Ethan’s objections to the bed and breakfast. Jake was in full agreement with Zelda’s plans. “Ethan’s had a lot on his mind lately. Don’t take anything he says too personally.”
Oh, but I do, she thought. “I guess you know him almost better than anyone.”
“We grew up together. Of all Zelda’s grandkids, he’s the closest to my age.” He chuckled wryly. “We did some pretty crazy things together. He had a wild streak, just like his little sister.”
“I can’t picture Ethan as wild and crazy. He comes across as someone who keeps a tight hold on his emotions.” She searched the wall for more nails, her ears twitching for Jake’s response.
“Well, he did change a bit when he started dating Angelica,” came the considering reply. “He was caught up in a slick city job, living in a different world. When he decided to move here and we began designing his house, he was back in his element. But Angelica wasn’t pleased, to put it mildly.” Jake paused. “I guess it’s going to take a little more time before we get the old Ethan back.”
“He must really have loved her,” Jessica reflected, peering over her shoulder at him.
“Love?” He gave a firm, negative shake of his head. “He might’ve thought so. Man, is he going to be in for a shock when the real thing comes along. I’d like to be around to see his face when it does. He’s been razzing me about my feelings for his sister. Payback time is long overdue.”