When he returned to the kitchen, they worked together to set the table and get the food on. Robert lit the candles he now regretted placing on the table before going to pick up Jessie. He’d been going for a romantic dinner, because he’d wanted his intentions toward Jessie to be clear.
But romantic meant intimate, and he’d forgotten how powerful that intimacy could be. He felt like a teenager all over again. There had been plenty of times in the past when he and Jessie had made out, that he’d been hard pressed to keep the promise he’d made to her and not cross the line they’d agreed upon, but now that she was back, he never wanted to let her go.
Jessie’s eyes closed in appreciation when she took her first bite of chicken. “Mmm...this is delicious. I can’t believe you made this all by yourself.”
“Hey, I can cook...a little. Actually, Amy coached me with all of this.” He made a circle above his plate with his fork.
“It’s amazing.”
Robert couldn’t appreciate the food’s taste because of the knot in his stomach. He had a lot he wanted to say to Jessie, but he wanted to make sure she wouldn’t reject him first. They ate in silence for a while before he found the courage to broach the subject.
“So, how is school?” He forced himself to take a bite of the seasoned rice, so she couldn’t tell he was holding his breath.
“Crazy and very stressful. But I loved it. I can’t wait to finish developing my lesson plans for the rest of the year.”
Yes!Robert sucked in a sharp breath, inhaling into his airway the last few grains of rice in his mouth. He coughed again and again until tears blurred his vision.
“Are you okay?”
He took a drink of water, trying to calm his irritated esophagus. “I’m fine. In fact, I’ve never been better.” He cleared his throat. “I’m glad you’re enjoying teaching.”
He lifted his glass for a second drink because his throat still felt like it was trying to kill him.
“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about for a while now.” Jessie took a quick breath, then continued. “Who is Debbie Wheeler?”
Robert spit water across his plate.Jessie had met Debbie?
“Um...when did you meet Debbie? What did she say to you?”
Jessie’s eyebrow raised, and her lips turned up in a slow smile. “Why don’t you tell me about Debbie? Who is she to you?”
Robert stifled the urge to groan. “She’s a nuisance.”
He noticed Jessie didn’t answer either of his questions, but he was determined to be completely honest with her. He told her how Debbie returned to Providence a few years ago as a widow. She’d married a wealthy, older man, who left his fortune to her when he died.
“She has chased Ben, Jake, and me relentlessly over the past couple of years. She’s generous with her money, so I’m sure she’s a pleasant person, but she gives off this vibe of desperation. It’s very off-putting.”
“It must have been difficult to see both Ben and Jake get married.”
“You have no idea.” And not just because Debbie doubled her efforts to get his attention. He’d envied his brother and cousin, desperately wanting a wife to come home to every evening. What was the point of having this big house when he had no one to share it with?
“Debbie is very attractive,” Jessie said, watching him.
Robert shrugged. “I suppose, if you like that type.”
“But you don’t like her type?”
“Nope,” Robert said without hesitation. “She’s not my type.”
“What is your type?” Jessie leaned forward, a twinkle in her eyes.
You. You’re my type. It’s only ever been you, Jess.
Robert bit his tongue to keep from blurting the thoughts racing through his head. He smiled. “Hmm... I need to think about that.”
He took a bite of his chicken, pretending to think while he chewed. Jessie was right; it was delicious.
“I like tall women with two-toned hair and amber eyes that sparkle when she’s angry or excited.”
