Chapter 32
Since he was driving, Jack had only drunk one glass of champagne. Nevertheless, his spirits soared as they travelled back to his house.
Tara sat back in the passenger seat in total contentment. Her mood too was lifted. The day had gone better than she could’ve wished for and it only promised to get better…
She stole a sideways glance at Jack. Hell, he really was handsome. His smoky-grey eyes concentrated on the road ahead, whilst his tanned, muscular arms handled the sports car easily. He had a confident aura, not in an arrogant way, more self-assured, comfortable to just be himself. There were no pretences, hidden agendas or silly mind games, which she’d grown accustomed to in the past. With Jack, what you saw was what you got. And she liked what she saw.
As they approached Samphire Bay, a crackling, sensual tension sizzled between them, each knowing full well how the afternoon was about to pan out. For Jack, it was a moment he’d long waited for and the suspense nearly killed him. For Tara, she’d welcome the warm, soothing sensation of skin on skin, the closeness and comfort it brought. It had been so long since she’d had that kind of pleasure, but she was ready to share it with Jack. He made her feel safe.
Jack turned onto the coastal path leading to his house and noticed in the distance a car parked on the driveway. His heart dropped when realising it was his mother. Bloody hell, of all the timing.
‘We’ve company,’ he stated dully.
Tara looked surprised. ‘Who?’
‘My mother,’ he replied in a flat tone.
She didn’t quite know how to react. Obviously she was disappointed not to have Jack to herself, but not wanting to appear rude, simply answered, ‘Oh, right.’
‘Hopefully I’ll be able to, you know, wrap things up quickly with her,’ he said, knowing it was unlikely. There’d be no chance of his mum going anywhere, not when a new girl was on the scene. Then a dark thought suddenly struck him. What if his dad was with her? He looked at Tara contemplatively and hoped he wasn’t. The last thing he wanted was any awkwardness at this stage. There was a time and place for that matter, and this definitely wasn’t it. Getting out of the car, he thanked God his mum was alone.
‘Darling! I was just about to drive off when I noticed your car on the coastal path,’ called his mum.
Great, thought Jack, excellent. A few more minutes would have seen him clear.
‘So, you must be Tara.’ Jack’s mother beamed as she held out a hand.
‘Lovely to meet you,’ smiled Tara with a handshake.
‘This is an unexpected visit, Mum,’ said Jack with a wry grin.
‘Nonsense!’ she scolded. ‘Anyone would think I hardly came to visit.’ She looked at Tara and rolled her eyes.
They followed Jack up the wooden steps to the door and inside. Jack’s frustration rose when his mum headed straight to the kitchen to put the kettle on. She was clearly in for the long haul. He exchanged a look with Tara.
‘Sorry,’ he mouthed.
Tara grinned back. Evidently the afternoon wasn’t going to go quite as planned. Oh well, never mind. There’d be other times; judging by the desire in Jack’s eyes, she didn’t doubt it.
‘So, Tara, come and tell me all about yourself,’ said Jack’s mum, patting a stool at the kitchen island next to her.
‘Mum,’ cut in Jack with embarrassment.
Tara laughed and sat down as instructed. ‘Not a lot to say really. I’m a doctor, a divorcee and have a son called Calum.’
‘Not a lot to say!’ she exclaimed, knowing Tara’s input with Robin and Jasmine’s twins. ‘I’ve heard all about your heroic help with Jasmine.’
Tara smiled modestly while turning to look at Jack.
‘You were a hero, Tara. I’ve told everyone about you,’ he said calmly, holding her gaze steadily.
All this wasn’t lost on his mum, whose face lit up with joy. Could this be the one? She saw the admiration in her son’s eyes; it was palpable. Then she remembered the reason for her visit.
‘I’ve some wonderful news,’ she announced. Not waiting to be asked, she told them straight away. ‘Natalie’s pregnant!’
‘Isn’t that Natalie’s news?’ asked Jack dryly.
‘Well, yes, but I’m sure she won’t mind me telling you.’
