Jack uttered a small laugh and shook his head. “A woman from town—Denise—helped me with the furnishings. I may be good at a lot of things, but interior design isn’t one of them.”
Ellie laughed reflexively, nervously, feeling again as if she were treading into water of unknown depth. “This isn’t Sara’s room, is it?”
“No,” said Jack. “No one has ever stayed in this room.”
Ellie didn’t ask, but she got the feeling Jack had designed the room for her. “Look, Jack, I appreciate the offer, and the room is lovely. It’s just—”
Jack held up a hand. “Say no more. I won’t pressure you into doing something that makes you uncomfortable.”
Jack had always been respectful, even to a fault, but Ellie wasn’t looking for respect at that moment. She didn’t want him to take no for an answer. She wanted him to sweep her up in his arms and make love to her the way he had years earlier.
Turning away, Ellie took a step into the hall and stumbled. But Jack snapped into action and caught her before she fell.
“Easy.”
Ellie locked eyes with him, and for a moment, her entire body went numb. At the same time, she reconsidered her decision to leave.It’s only one night.What’s the worst that could happen?
“Ellie?” His voice broke the spell.
“Sorry, I’m fine. I just lost my balance, that’s all.”
Jack steadied her and asked if she was okay to drive.
“I’m fine,” she reassured him, “but thank you.” Knowing she must go, she tried once more to leave but fell back against the door.
They locked eyes again, and Ellie felt impaled by his gaze. Before she realized what was happening, Jack had his arms around her, pulling her into a kiss.
When they parted, Ellie looked up at him through her lashes, hoping he’d kiss her again.
“I’m sorry.” A look of shame crossed his face, and he turned away.
No, don’t be sorry.“For what?”
“I shouldn’t have taken advantage of you like that.”
Ellie reached for his arm and pulled him to her. “Jack,” she said, gazing into his blue eyes, “There’s nothing to be sorry for. I’m not a girl anymore, and I’m perfectly capable of making my own decisions, even after three glasses of wine.”
She circled her arms around his neck and drew him into a long kiss that left him short of breath.
“I love you, Ellie,” he whispered against her lips. “I never stopped loving you.”
The sudden sensation of falling made her clutch the doorframe. “I love you too,” she said, then put a finger to his lips. “Which is why I must go.” Carefully, she made her way downstairs and grabbed her purse. “Thank you for dinner,” she said, stopping on the front porch. “It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. And the house is lovely.” Her gaze met his.
“You’re welcome.” He smiled warmly. “Maybe we could do it again sometime.”
“Maybe,” she said, wondering if she had let a golden opportunity slip through her fingers.
CHAPTERTWENTY-SIX
Red Skyat Morning
The day of the funeral, Ellie woke to the throbbing pulse of rain. Parting the drapes, she found the world dull and dreary as a dark sky wept above her.
Taking advantage of being the first one up, Ellie locked herself in the bathroom and filled a tub with hot water. And as she sat there with her eyes closed, replaying the previous evening’s events, she thought of Jack’s lips against hers, the heat of his warm breath on her skin. After a sharp intake of breath, she opened her eyes and stopped herself, surprised at how easily the thought of him aroused her.
Toweling off, she went to her room and put on a robe, then searched the closet. Finding her black dress, she laid it across the bed, along with her shoes and gloves. And it was at that moment the reality of Clara’s death hit her.
At breakfast, the mood was somber. Ellie and Amelia whispered about Ellie’s dinner with Jack before Marie came in to get coffee.
