Chapter 5
Callie looked around the kitchen, noting Heather had done a great job of cleaning everything. There was nothing left to do. Sitting at the square wooden table on the side opposite Jack, she laced her hands together in her lap then repositioned them onto the surface of the table. Why was she this anxious? It was Jack. She texted him almost every week, had video chats a few times a month if possible, and sent him constant e-mails and shots of Jonathan. Why was sitting here so hard for her?
Maybe because Jack was here in the flesh. The gorgeous, manly flesh. The snug t-shirt that showed off his lean muscles left little to the imagination and she was glad he was sitting because the faded jeans he had on molded to his hips and thighs dangerously. It had been one of the first things she’d noticed when he’d walked in. His long legs had always caused butterflies in her stomach. Too much man for her to take in at one time. Especially when she knew it was taboo to have him now. Things had changed way too much.
He took another big bite, chewed, then looked her in the eyes. It was unnerving.
“How have you been, Callie?”
“We’ve been fine.”
“Jonathan’s awesome, I know. But how haveyoubeen? Are you getting by? Do you need me to send you more money?”
She shook her head. Jack shouldn’t have to worry about her or Jonathan. He had enough to do in keeping away from anyone who worked for Victor. “You send us more than enough each month. You don’t have to do that. My parents were well off and left me plenty to buy this house. Plus I make an excellent salary. I got my CPA last year and because my boss allows me to work from home most days, I don’t have day care costs. I can get by without what you send. You can keep it if you need it.”
“What do I need money for?” Jack grumbled. “I usually stay in the office trailer on the construction site. Aside from food and a few clothes, there’s not much else I require. I want to make sure you and Jonathan have enough to live on without having to give up too much.”
“We’re fine,” she assured him. “With all I get from your cousin, I’m doing great financially.” She wouldn’t mention all the things Victor bought for them.
“My cousin?” He frowned, confused. “Why is Scott giving you money? I told you I can send more. Scott pays me well enough I can afford to take care of my son.”
“No, Jack, that isn’t what I meant.” Reaching out, she touched his hand, immediately feeling the electricity coursing through her. She didn’t pull away, teasing herself with the contact. “Scott doesn’t give me anything directly but Holland Construction has me do all their accounting work. And Scott has even sent a lot of his contractor friends my way. They all ask for me to do their books and my boss is thrilled at how much business I’ve brought in to the company. It’s one of the reasons he lets me work from home most of the time. I need to go in a few hours a week but that’s all.”
He nodded and finished the last bites of his sandwich. She took the opportunity to study him. His shoulders sagged and there were dark circles under tired eyes. But not simply he-needed-a-good-night’s-rest tired. It looked like he had the weight of the world pressed down on his shoulders. And he did. What must it be like for him to always be looking behind him, wondering if someone would come along and take a shot at him? It scared the hell out of her knowing it could happen. One more reason for her to try and remain detached when it came to Jack. She couldn’t get any more emotionally involved than she already was.
He stifled a yawn, wiped his mouth on a napkin then rose. After putting his plate in the sink, he washed his hands and turned to lean against the counter. “Thanks for the food. I guess I’d better be going now. I’ve taken up enough of your time. And thanks for letting me put Jonathan to bed and for all the news you send me. I appreciate it.”
His shoulders rose and fell in a sigh then squared once again. How could she send him off to another five-hour drive? He’d only arrived here a few hours ago and it would be well past midnight before he reached his destination. That was insane, especially noting the fatigue blanketing his face.
“Why don’t you stay here tonight?”Damn, what the hell am I thinking?Longing crossed Jack’s features and she regretted her words. She still desired him but this couldn’t happen again. “You can sleep on the couch or the recliner. It’s quite comfortable.”
Conflict warred across Jack’s face, along with disappointment. Had he expected to share her bed? The memories of when they’d done so in the past flicked through her mind. Was Jack remembering similar things? Like their first time together?
She’d invited him over one Friday night after work to watch a movie with her. Angelo had been away for the weekend and she’d wanted some company. Not that Angelo spent a lot of time with her anyway. He had otherfriendshe’d rather be with. Jack had agreed and they’d gotten Chinese food and watched an old classic.
She’d started to cry at one scene and he’d teased her. She’d playfully slapped at him and the resulting tussle was something she’d never forget. Before the movie ended, they’d stripped to their underwear and were kissing as passionately as the couple on the screen. They hadn’t stopped at kissing, and had ended up in her bed all night.
Callie swallowed, remembering how gentle and tender he’d been. Her inexperience had been evident and he’d taken his time, making sure she was fulfilled and satisfied before he took his own pleasure. Callie had fallen irrevocably in love with him then, though she’d never said the words. Would they have made a difference? Or scared him enough to back off?
Heat rose to her cheeks and she stood to wash the plate he’d left in the sink. He’d always been able to make her blush for the tiniest things. Even her memories of him did it. Nothing had changed.
“It’s probably not a good idea for me to stay, but thank you for the offer. I’ll get a large coffee before I hit the highway and I’ll be fine. I’m on a motorcycle so the cool breeze will keep me awake. You don’t need to worry about me, Calico.”
Callie dried her hands then moved closer.Danger, danger. Bad idea.Reaching out, she laid her fingers on his arm.
“You look exhausted. A motorcycle is hardly safe when you’re tired. If you left now, I’d worry about you until I knew you were back safely. So if you stay here, I can go to bed, fall sound asleep, and be well rested. You can do the same and leave in the morning, afteryou’rewell rested.”
Did that sound reasonable? She was trying to keep emotion out of it, though with Jack it was never easy. Unfortunately, nothing with him had ever been easy.
“Are you sure, Callie? I don’t want to put you out but I also don’t want you staying up worrying. I’d feel guilty keeping you from your beauty rest.”
“Because I really need it?” She narrowed her eyes at him. Crossing her arms over her chest, she playfully pouted. “Maybe I don’t want you to stay anymore.”
His hearty laugh took Callie’s breath away. She hadn’t heard Jack Holland laugh in far too long. Occasionally he’d chuckle if Jonathan did something silly during their video chats but it was usually much more subdued. His desire to bewithhis son, instead of seeing him on a video screen, always came through.
“No, Callie,” he replied, his eyes intense as he became serious. “You could go for months without sleep and still be the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met. That hasn’t changed.”
Her cheeks grew warm from his flattery. She never could resist when he complimented her. A grin slipped onto her face as she rolled her eyes. “Buttering me up so you can stay? Well, you can. I know Jonathan would be thrilled to see you again in the morning.”
