“I guessed that.”
Knowing we can’t attract unwanted attention, I continue to watch my father. I don’t turn around the way I want to so I can look into Jenson’s brilliant green eyes and tell him how much I’ve missed him.
“I’m sorry about your…divorce.”
“Huh.” I start tapping my foot on the tiled floor, the only sign of my unease as I pretend to be deeply engrossed in Dad’s never-ending words of wisdom and cheer for Auntie Sue.
His voice goes so low I have to strain to hear him. “Honestly, in terms of the divorce, I’m sorry only if you’re hurting. I never liked that asshole. You were way too good for him.”
I stop tapping my foot as the tension leaves my body. “Thank you.”
Jenson touches my back lightly. I start to lean into him without thought, but he removes his hand just as fast. “I wanted to call you when my mom mentioned your separation—you have no idea how much—but I didn’t think it would help.”
No, it probably wouldn’t have. To be wondering about us, about him, about his current love life, would probably not have helped while I was in the process of finalizing my divorce.
I tug at the strap on my silver dress, wondering what he’s wearing and if his hairstyle’s still the same. The curiosity is killing me.
Like he can read my mind, Jenson lets out a long exhale.
His hot breath hits my bare neck, and I shiver.
“I’d like to see you later,” he says. “In private.”
Eight words that hit me like an arrow to the gut.
Before I can answer him, I hear him shift and then…silence. I know he’s gone. My heart is pounding, and my palms are sweating because I haven’t been this single—and this close—to Jenson Beau in a long time.
* * *
Kyle races over to me after dinner where I’m sitting on the couch next to Mom at the back of the hall. I invite him into my lap and give him a hug.
“I missed you, Livia.” He twists around so he can look up into my face.
“I missed you too, sweetie.”
Between Kyle’s blond hair, green eyes, and trusting gaze, it’s like looking at a miniature version of his father. Jenson has an extra wickedness to his gaze, though, a sexy mischievousness that always drove me wild with need.
My breath catches in my throat.
“And they say that tomorrow’s supposed to be even hotter than today,” Mom continues her rambling about the weather forecast.
Talking about the weather is something my mother likes to do, especially at public events with roving cameramen. Weather is safe that way, comforting.
“July heat is just so muggy, you know?”
“I know.” Kyle snuggles further onto my lap, and I kiss his head.
My searching gaze locates Jenson, and I finally get to check him out like I’ve been craving to do.
God, he looks good.
So good.
Those green eyes and blond hair, combined with a mouth that always takes me back to our first kiss…
He turns his head, and his gaze shifts around the room. I know he’s looking for me, but I’m still out of view of his line of sight. I enjoy ogling him secretly—admiring his chiseled jaw with its trademark sexy stubble, his muscular ass in those black dress pants, and the way his chest fills out his green striped dress shirt. He was a star quarterback in high school, and he may work behind the scenes now rather than playing, but his body still screams athlete. He looks fit like always, and I swallow down my lust. His body never seems to suffer the way his heart does.
“There’s nothing like humidity,” Mom says next to me. “Gets under your skin.”
