She never forgot the quiet, subtle way Jack judged her. Judged them. And yet… she still couldn’t deny her attraction to him—especially later on when he’d turned up inLA.
His father had been a kind man. Tall, lean and with a long beard that didn’t mask his knowing smile. “It’s sad that both his parentsdied.”
Consuelo frowned. “His mother isn’t dead. She leftthem.”
Left? An acidy liquid spilled in her stomach. Lola dropped the tortilla onto the plate and straightened. “I thought she died.” Her father had said Jack had lost his mother as a young child, and she never recalled seeing anyone with him or his dad around the ranch. And when they got married… Hhmm. He never talked about his mothermuch.
Consuelo gave a long sigh. “She left Jack when he was only six. Poor woman wasn’t cut out for motherhood.”
“And she never cameback?”
Consuelo shook herhead.
No wonder the guy’s so obsessed about marrying and starting a family.“How can you be sure? As far as I know, shedied.”
Consuelo smoothed her hand over her apron, then nodded to herself. “I’m sorry. Earl told me this in secrecy. When Jack’s mother left, his father had a really rough time and when he finally snapped out of it, Jack started saying his mother had died when he was at school. I’m guessing Jack’s dad went along with it, and when they moved to Hope Springs for a new start, that’s what they told everyone. One night though after too much to drink, he spilled the beans toEarl.”
Lola took another bite of the food, hoping the spices would melt some of the ice forming in her stomach. Jack’s mom had run out on him, and he was such a stubborn mule he never even trusted her with the truth. Talk about issues. “Where’s Jacknow?”
“He’s gone to Houston for a meeting. Will be back later.” Consuelo rose to her feet. “Eat some more, mija.”
Lola glanced at the plate, but somehow the image in front of her was just a colorful blur. Lola’s mother didn’t qualify for any parenting award, but deep down she knew Margo loved her. Sure, during her teenager years they’d had their share of arguments. And although she’d preferred to live with Daddy after they divorced when she was ten, she saw her mother every weekend.
Her chest contracted. Would Jack have turned out differently if his mom hadn’t abandoned him? I won’t go there.
No wonder he hated her. After losing the baby, she’d lefthim.
God, he’d been so happy when she’d gotten pregnant, and now she knew why. He’d wanted a new beginning. The family he never had… but she wasn’t the one to give it to him. As far as she knew, Jack Canyon still meant trouble.
Lola steppedout of the 1990 silver Ford truck she’d purchased in town. Slamming the dusty door behind her, she second-guessed her decision. She’d spent the whole day talking to Cody, using him just for the strictly necessary, and making calls, trying to wrap her head around the paperwork to open her B&B. Not to mention she’d cruised the internet like a madwoman to learn how-to tutorials most women her age, who hadn’t been fed with a sparkling hot pink spoon carved with diamonds knew how todo.
A woman like Mel, the vet she’d spotted checking the animals a few times. Besides a wave from the distance, they hadn’t exchanged many words. Why would they? After all this was Jack’s friend. Oh by the way, we’re not married, but we slept together. But really didn’t mean anything. What would you say, Mel, if youknew?
To Jack, she bet it hadn’t meant much. What about toLola?
She opened the door and closed it behind her with a sigh. Pepper barked all the way from the top of the stairs and ran down to greet her. She bent a bit and let him nuzzle on her face, never needing so much comfort.
“Hi.” The deep voice made her standup.
Turning around, she found Jack on the couch, with his iPad in hand, wearing a shirt and lounging pants. The lack of shoes brought a scary sense of intimacy, along with his long legs crossed one over the other. The first time they faced each other, after less than forty-eight hours of the sexual setback. Just yesterday, he’d flown to Houston and apparently slept over. Maybe to avoidher.
He tore his gaze from the screen and lifted it to meet hers, and the misleading vibe of informality died right there. Artic coldness coated his blueeyes.
“Havingfun?”
“Business.” He tossed the tablet to the side and stood. “Earl told me you’ve met with a handyman and have been making plans to implement changes.”
“Nothing too drastic. I’d like to make the downstairs bedrooms wheelchair accessible, and one of the bathrooms on the en suite upstairs needs updating.”
He gave her a slow nod. “And you never considered asking me, since I own half of this place?”
“I never knew you had a calling for interior designing.” Without waiting for his reply, she sauntered into the kitchen for a glass of water. The baked apple pie on the counter caught her attention, and she sliced a small piece. Soon, he walked into the kitchen.
Heat coiled very low in her stomach. She and Jack, alone in the kitchen? Best not leave it to chance. Forgoing a plate and silverware, she grabbed a napkin where she placed the pie and dashed out of the kitchen.
She turned around, and found him pacing in circles, his eyes looking somewhere beyond the walls and tacky kitchen decorations. A strong man walking in circles like a bull locked in a horsepen.
He lifted his hand to his neck, rubbing it. “The cottage where your dad left all his stuff.” His pacing stopped and he darted his attention to her. “You should go through those boxes to see what’s worth keeping. Pretty soon, third-generation mice will carve their names on the cardboard.”
