Chapter 26
Jack was thundering down the beach on his morning run. He was desperate to utilise all the pent-up energy building inside him. His head kept rewinding to that phone call off Tara’s ex. He’d love to meet the man and give him a piece of his mind, but knew that would only cause more trouble for her. Instead, he’d decided to show support in any way he could. Also, what his sister had suggested a while ago had given him a lot to think about.
When Natalie had advised that he simply ask Tara if there was any connection to their dad, Jack had dismissed the idea. He’d said there’d be little point, as both had already brushed over the matter – somewhat lamely, in his opinion. But that was before he had seen Tara’s missed call on his dad’s mobile. That was cast iron proof that the two clearlydidhave some kind of association. Why lie? That was the question that really troubled Jack. Was there something ominous behind it all?
The more he mulled it over, the more puzzling it became. Yes, his dad did have a past, but he honestly seemed happy and content with his mum and had been for some time now. Ever since that horrendous period when his affair came to light, his parents had managed to patch up their marriage and stay strong together. And as for Tara, well, he really couldn’t see her as ‘the other woman’. It just didn’t fit. Yet, ring him she did.But why?was the burning question that Jack could not dismiss. He needed to address it. Come clean and tell Tara what he knew and ask her to explain. He had to. It was going to come between them if he didn’t know, forever taunting him. In order for the relationship to progress, and he very much wanted it to, he had to get it out in the open.
Having made his decision, Jack slowed down and came to a halt. Leaning over and panting heavily, he waited for his heart rate and breathing to return to normal, then walked back up the beach to his house.
He felt better for having a plan and his mood lifted. His gaze spread over the turquoise bay, waves shimmering in the sunlight. He inhaled deeply, loving the moist, salty air. Looking to the sandy floor at the clumps of green samphire growing there, he bent down to pick some. Whilst deciding what to cook with it for dinner that night, an idea came to him. He’d invite Tara, and Calum too if he wasn’t elsewhere.
Once home, he rang to see if she was free that evening.
‘I am actually. Calum’s at his friend’s tonight,’ she said, happy to accept his invitation.
‘Good. Come about seven? Is that OK?’
‘Great, thanks, see you then.’
So, maybe tonight would provide a good opportunity to confront her, thought Jack pensively.
Jack’s jaw dropped when he opened the door to Tara a few hours later. Tara looked amazing. She wore an off-the-shoulder, green, silky top, with white, slim-line capri pants. The outfit complimented her svelte figure and emerald eyes.
‘Hi.’ She smiled, passing him a bottle of wine.
‘Hi.’ He gulped and stood aside to let her in.
All the time Tara was taking in his appearance and liked what she saw. Jack’s wide shoulders and muscled biceps were evident in the black polo shirt he wore, as were his thick, strong thighs in the fitted black jeans.
‘Something smells good,’ she remarked, following him into the kitchen.
‘Samphire and lemon salmon linguine,’ said Jack, hovering over the oven. ‘It should be ready in five minutes. Time for a drink first.’ He took out a corkscrew from the kitchen drawer and proceeded to open the wine. After pouring it into two large glasses, he passed one to Tara. ‘Cheers.’ They clinked glasses.
‘Cheers.’ Tara took a large gulp. Hell, that hit the spot. ‘So, how are the twins?’ she asked with a smile.
‘Oh, doing fine apparently. They’re all Robin talks about these days,’ he laughed.
Tara laughed too. ‘Naturally.’
‘I don’t think it’ll be too long before they can come home, according to him.’
‘That’s good news.’
‘Yeah, it is, especially after their dramatic arrival.’ He looked straight into those beautiful bright green eyes of hers. ‘You do realise how tremendous you were that day, don’t you?’
‘Just doing my job,’ she brushed away, a touch self-conscious.
‘No, you saved the day, Tara,’ he stated, still holding her gaze. Why couldn’t she take praise? Had she been robbed of her self-worth? Once again his anger level started to simmer.
‘How’s the renovation coming along?’ she asked, eager to change the subject.
‘All good. It’s gradually beginning to take shape. The first two apartments have all the internal walls in place,’ replied Jack as he went back to the oven. ‘It’s ready. Let’s eat.’
It didn’t take them long to finish the meal. Both were hungry and relished it. Jack had surpassed himself.
Tara sat back with satisfaction. ‘That was delicious,’ she declared. It was a real treat to have a meal cooked for her. It had been some time since anyone had. Richard was a good cook too…
‘OK?’ asked Jack, seeing her face fall slightly.
