Chapter 36
Jack woke with a long, lazy and satisfying stretch, then glanced at Tara sleeping peacefully. Hell, she was even more gorgeous asleep. He watched her exquisite body gently rise and fall, one that he’d eagerly explored last night – and she too had got very accustomed with his, he reflected happily whilst chuckling to himself.
Tara stirred and slowly opened her eyes. For a moment she halted, waking to unfamiliar surroundings, then smiled at seeing Jack’s face hover over her.
‘Sleep well?’ He gave a sexy grin.
‘Hmm, not bad,’ she replied with a low chuckle.
‘Breakfast in bed. You stay there,’ ordered Jack before kissing her lips.
‘Sure?’
‘Yeah, just chill. I won’t be long,’ he said whilst getting up and slipping on his jeans.
As Tara’s eyes slid over his tanned, firm body, images of last night flashed into her mind. And what a night it had been, full of urgent passion. Jack’s body and hers instinctively moved together, almost as one. They had responded in unison, like long-lost lovers, not like the first encounter it actually was. Tara felt like she’d known Jack all her life, such was the connection between them.
Jack, too, was musing on their lovemaking and couldn’t help the wide beam refusing to disappear on his face. He also hadn’t ever felt such a bond. No doubt about it, they were most definitely compatible. He busied himself heating croissants and making coffee, then trayed it up and went back upstairs.
Kicking the bedroom door open, he entered to find Tara stood by the balcony wrapped in a towel. Her hair was wet from the shower. She had her back to him and was admiring the bay.
‘I’d never get tired of this view,’ she sighed.
‘I don’t. It changes daily, depending on the weather and time of year,’ replied Jack, putting the tray on the bedside table. ‘Do you want breakfast out there?’
‘That’d be lovely.’
He moved to push the balcony doors open and came back for the tray.
‘I better get dressed,’ said Tara quickly, collecting her clothes and heading for the bathroom. She put on fresh joggers and a T-shirt, then joined him to sit at the bistro table. Once again her eyes admired his side profile, lit up by the hazy morning sunshine. ‘Thank you.’ She smiled as he poured her coffee and handed over the croissants. ‘This is a treat.’
Jack assessed her relishing her breakfast. He liked a girl who wasn’t afraid to show her appetite. He recalled cooking dinner for one or two who’d only pecked at the food he’d made them and had been irritated by it.
‘What do you normally have for breakfast?’ he asked.
‘Hmm.’ She wiped her mouth from flakes before answering. ‘Not much to be honest. Don’t have time. Mornings are rushed, getting Calum off to school and going in to work.’
‘But that’ll be different now, won’t it? With your part-time hours?’
‘Yes, it’ll be a welcomed change,’ she said with a broad smile. It took some getting used to, having more time to herself and Calum… and now Jack. She eyed him over her coffee cup.
‘What?’ he laughed, sensing her sizing him up.
‘How many times have you done this?’ she asked, head cocked to one side.
‘Eaten breakfast out here? Many times,’ he replied glibly.
‘No. How many times have you eaten breakfast out here witha woman?’ she corrected.
‘Honestly?’ Jack looked at her.
‘Yes.’ She stared back.
‘None. You’re the first.’
There was a pause. Whilst not entirely expecting that answer, she was glad of it. But was it the truth? Her eyes narrowed in contemplation. Why would he lie? To make her feel special? She already did. Jack had shown nothing but care and consideration.
‘What are you thinking, Tara?’ he gently asked, wanting to know what was going on inside that pretty head of hers.
