He met my gaze. His deep blue drew me in, a sparkle dancing in them. His throat bobbed with a swallow. “There’s not much I’ve forgotten about you, Miranda.”
The breath in my lungs froze.
What was that supposed to mean?
I didn’t have the chance to respond. He ran his hands over his head. “I need to apologize for being so nosy last night. I’m not sure what I expected. You don’t owe me any explanations.”
I nodded like I agreed. But I didn’t. I owed him lots of explanations.
“It’s no big deal.” I waved a hand.
“It is a big deal. I want you to be able to trust me, and me trying to pry information out of you to satisfy my curiosity is crossing a line.”
“I—I really appreciate that.”
And it was obvious he appreciatedme. His eyes left my face and worked downward, lingering a few moments onseveral places. And it wasn’t the first time he openly checked me out. When he met my gaze again, he arched a dark eyebrow. Like he meant for me to see. Meant to make me squirm.
Warmth spread through me as my imagination started misfiring. Did Jack like what I was wearing? I’d pulled on a pair of skinny jeans and pink tank with an unbuttoned chambray shirt over the top to keep myself warm in his freezing house. The idea I might be a tease to him was oddly satisfying. Kind of wanted to drive him crazy.
Why, Miranda? That’s horrible.
I shifted, changing the topic. “So, how far did you go?”
“About six.” He said it like running six miles was a walk in the park. He asked, “Do you have plans today?”
“Uh, well, I think I’m going to look for a job.”
He raised his eyebrows. “You know you don’t have to do that.”
“Of course I do! Why wouldn’t I need to provide financially for myson?”
He held his hands up in surrender. “You’re right. Sorry. What type of job?”
“Something I can do here. Answer calls. Virtual assistant. Something like that.”
“That’s a great idea.” He stood, kicked his tennis shoes off, and picked them up. “Is it going to take you all day?”
“No, I’m just researching some ideas at this point.”
“Good! Because today we are going to make sure you remember how to shoot a gun?—”
“Jack! No.”
“I’m going back to work tomorrow. Have to know you’ll be okay here by yourself.”
“A gun seems like overkill.”
“It’s absolutely not overkill. Thought we could go to themall and make a fun day of it. We’ll hit up the family-friendly range that’s just outside of Nashville.”
When I opened my mouth to protest, he said, “Kacey, do you want to go to the mall?” Jack eyed me, knowing full well he just won.
Kacey squealed.
TWENTY-ONE
Then
Jack
