This Time Forever

by Mona Ingram

  She nodded, mute.

  “I’ve wanted to do that and more. But as I said before, I can wait.” He pulled back and looked at her as though memorizing her features. “Good night, Lexie; I’ll call you.”

  Once inside, her unsteady legs carried her to the window in time to see him drive away. She brought her fingertips to her lip where it still sizzled from his kiss. Was Jesse Cooper going to break her heart? She wasn’t sure she cared any more... not when he affected her like this.

  Chapter Fourteen

  “HOW WAS YOUR DATE?” Carly greeted her with a saucy grin the next morning. “Did he dress up?”

  Lexie tried to recall. She could remember every touch, his scent, the timbre of his voice and the way he made her feel, but she had to concentrate when it came to his clothes.

  “Oh yes,” she said finally. “He wore a crisp white shirt, open at the neck, and a dark jacket.”

  “Yummy.” Carly turned a dozen slices of bacon and cracked half a dozen eggs on the flat-top. “A few of the guys are having a late breakfast.”

  Lexie nodded. “All right. While you take care of that, I’ll put together some chicken pot pies and some mac and cheese for lunch. Where’s Brandon this morning?”

  “He’ll be along later to help at lunch. I think he’s at City Hall checking on something to do with the Youth Centre.”

  They worked companionably, with Carly delivering the food to the deck while Lexie manned the kitchen.

  Lexie grabbed a pot of fresh coffee. “I’ll see if they want refills,” she said and walked out into the sunshine. A good-natured group, the construction workers greeted her warmly, and she was pleased to discover that she knew all of their names. One of them drew her aside and inquired about setting up a special brunch for his grandmother’s birthday. Lexie offered several menu suggestions, and they’d just agreed to discuss it further with the man’s wife when movement inside the restaurant caught her eye. She looked up, and her jaw dropped.

  “Hello, Lexie.”

  “Chris! What are you doing here?” He stood in the opening between the outside patio and the inside area. Her stomach roiled to see him in a place where she’d finally found contentment.

  “So.” He glanced around, his gaze sweeping briefly over Larry’s crew before returning to her. “I should have known you’d end up in a joint like this.”

  There was something wrong about him showing up like this, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. What was he talking about? Whatever it was, she wasn’t going to let him disparage the diner. And for damn sure, she wasn’t going to let him push her around.

  Larry’s crew watched with interest, and a couple of them partially rose in their seats, ready to come to her aid.

  “It’s okay,” she said. “I know him.”

  She turned back. “I work here, Chris and I don’t appreciate you barging in like this.” She lowered her voice and led him back inside the restaurant. “I know you were let go, but I can assure you I had nothing to do with that.”

  “Sure you didn’t.” Hatred blazed from his eyes. “Do you think I’m stupid or something?”

  She refused to back down. “No, Chris, I don’t think you’re stupid, but...”

  He cut her off with an abrupt slash of his hand. “You can forget the goody-goody act. I know all about you and Cooper. I know he took you to the Bistro last night. Was it a full service date?”

  She stared at him, uncomprehending.

  “Come on, Lexie. Don’t feel badly if you slept with him. Everyone else does.”

  It took a moment for his words to sink in. “You know Jesse?”

  “ ‘Jesse’,” he said, his tone mocking. “You bet I know him, particularly since he fired me.”

  Lexie frowned. “Okay, Chris. You’ve got me. What in the world are you talking about?”

  He was silent for a moment and she saw comprehension dawn in his eyes. “You don’t know, do you?” He threw back his head and laughed. It was a bitter, ugly sound. “You really are a stupid bitch, Lexie. Jesse Cooper owns the Bistro.”

  Lexie heaved a sigh of relief. Chris was mixed up. “No, Chris, you’ve got it backwards.” She spread her hands to encompass the diner. “Jesse owns this restaurant, not the Bistro.”

  Larry had risen silently to stand behind her and she turned to him now. “Explain to him, Larry. Chris is the former manager of Bistro Provencal in Victoria and he seems to think that Jesse owns that restaurant as well.”

  Larry couldn’t meet her eyes. “He does own the Bistro, Lexie. He’s owned it for six months now.”

  Lexie watched his mouth form the words but there must be something wrong with her hearing. Had he just said that Jesse owned the Bistro?

  “But,” she said, struggling to make sense of it all, “if that’s true, why didn’t he tell me? Why didn’t he say something?”

  “Because he’s a lying bastard, that’s why.”

  She’d forgotten about Chris. She turned to him now, her words icy cold. “Stop it,” she said, her voice surprisingly calm. “Haven’t you done enough already?”

  Chris’s smirk was wiped out as Larry seized him by the arm. “You’re not welcome here,” said the foreman. “I’ll see you to your car.” Chris tried to bluster, but two of Larry’s crew appeared behind him, and he wisely let himself be led out.

  Lexie staggered backward and sat down heavily in one of the inside booths. All sound faded into the background as she tried to sort out what had just happened. Snatches of Chris’ tirade bounced around inside her head. ‘Don’t feel badly if you slept with him. Everyone else does.’ ‘You really are a stupid bitch’ and ‘Jesse Cooper owns the Bistro’.

  None of it made sense. She looked up as Larry came back into the restaurant. “Is it true, Larry?” As she spoke, she shook her head. “Tell me it’s not true.”

  He sat down and looked at her across the table. “I’m sorry, Lexie. I had no idea you didn’t know.”

  “But...” She closed her eyes. “I worked there. Did you know that?”

  He nodded.

  She was getting a headache. “None of this makes sense,” she said, almost to herself.

  “Lexie.” Larry rose and leaned over the table, his voice low and intent. “This is something you have to sort out with Jesse. I don’t feel comfortable talking about it.”

  She searched his face. “I understand,” she said finally. “Thanks for your help.”

  “It was the least I could do.”

  She smiled up at him through her pain. It wasn’t Larry’s fault that Jesse had lied to her. She dropped her head into her hands and relived the first real conversation she’d had with Jesse. She’d told him about working at the Bistro, and he’d had lots of opportunity to tell her he was the owner at that point. A chill tiptoed down her spine as she recalled telling him about Chris... about his stealing, and about the way he’d treated the suppliers. While it might be true that he needed to know that information, Jesse had used her to get it, and she wasn’t sure if she could ever forgive him for that.

  Technically he hadn’t lied to her, but to her way of thinking, what he’d done was equally as bad – perhaps worse, if that was possible. And to think that she’d been falling in love with him! She really did have the most abominable taste in men.

  Energized by her anger, she strode quickly to the kitchen and grabbed her purse. She checked her phone, relieved to see that at least she had some battery life.

  “Hello, Lexie.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I’ve been thinking about you.” An aircraft engine roared in the background and he was silent for a few moments until the sound faded. “How are you this morning?”

  “Confused.” She searched for the right words, but nothing came to mind. She should have prepared a speech.

  “Lexie? What is it?” The concern in his voice was almost her undoing.

  “Chris was just here,” she said, her words devoid of emotion. “You know... Chris Manley from the Bistro?” She emphasized the restaurant name.


  An ominous silence greeted her from the other end. When he finally spoke, his tone was brusque. “I’ll be right there,” he said, and disconnected.

  Lexie stared at the phone for several long moments. She should call him back and tell him not to bother, but the truth was, she wanted to see him. She wanted to see him now, while her anger still simmered.

  She looked up to find Carly watching her. The young woman was obviously confused, but knew better than to ask questions. Lexie turned away from the questioning eyes, then found the strength to turn back.

  “I guess you heard most of that,” she said with a trembling smile.

  “Yeah.” Carly made a face. “That guy was creepy.”

  Lexie rolled her eyes. “And to think I’ve been working with him for almost five years.”

  “How did you manage that? I wouldn’t have lasted a week.”

  Lexie gave serious consideration to the question. “I let him walk all over me, for the most part. I won’t let that happen again.” She gestured to the oven. “Check the pies, would you? I think they’re done.”

  Carly removed the chicken pot pies, their crusts golden brown. Lexie glanced at them and nodded her approval. “Did you know that Jesse owned Bistro Provencal in Victoria?”

  The young woman shook her head. “No. I just found out a couple of days ago that you’d worked there.” She offered a shy smile. “You didn’t say much about yourself.”

  “How did you learn that?” asked Lexie. But it didn’t really matter. It had never been a secret.

  “I don’t remember who told me.” Carly lifted her shoulders. “People gossip, but in your case it was good gossip.”

  “They might change their minds if they knew I’d walked out.” Lexie’s top teeth worried her bottom lip. “It was the day before I showed up here. Not a very professional thing to do.”

  “What did he do that made you angry enough to quit? Chris, I mean.”

  Lexie grinned to herself. Trust Carly to understand that it would have taken something major for her to walk out. She told her about the cheese suppliers.

  “You mean Golden Valley? I know Jan and Anneke. Well, I don’t know them all that well, but they’re friends of my aunt. I’ve been to their farm a couple of times.” She paused. “A setback like that could really impact their business.”

  “ ‘Impact their business’?” Lexie gave a short laugh. “You’re beginning to sound like a real entrepreneur. But yes, they were our major cheese supplier and that’s why I left.” She sighed and looked around. “And now it looks like I’m going to be doing the same thing all over again. I’m going to get a bad reputation, but I can’t stay here.”

  Carly’s face fell. “You’re leaving?” She looked around wildly, as though an alternate solution would present itself, then her shoulders slumped. “Please don’t,” she pleaded. “You’re just what this place needs. Maybe Jesse will come up and explain everything.”

  Lexie shook her head. “You’re right about that. He’s on his way, but there’s nothing he can say that will change my mind.” She picked up her purse and started to fidget. “I should just leave right now and be done with it.”

  “No!” Carly grasped Lexie’s arm, then realizing what she’d done, released it. “Please wait. Please at least listen to what he has to say.”

  Carly studied the young woman. “All right,” she said, aware as she spoke that her tone was sulky. “I’ll stay and hear what he has to say. But I’m doing this because you asked, not because I owe him anything.” She turned away before Carly could see the tears welling in her eyes. “I have a few things in the cabin. I think I’ll go and pack them now. Might as well be ready.” She left the restaurant before she changed her mind.

  Lexie took the side exit so she wouldn’t have to talk to Larry’s crew, but they were back at work and didn’t notice her as she made her way to her cabin. She’d only occupied it a few nights, and already she hated the thought of leaving, but it had to be done. Everything she’d brought fit into her back pack, and she stood on the front porch for a few moments, breathing in the sweet, fresh air. Then she tossed her back pack into her car and headed for the large rock where she’d waited for him that first day. It seemed fitting to say goodbye at the same spot they’d first met. She sat down to wait.

  Chapter Fifteen

  LEXIE CAME ALERT AT the familiar sound of the powerful Pratt & Whitney engine. She’d relaxed during the short wait and had found herself daydreaming. Dangerous, but so easy to do when it came to Jesse Cooper. The trouble with their relationship – if it could be called a trouble – was that she’d ‘known’ him for so much longer than he’d known her. Watching him all that time through the plate glass of the fitness studio might not count to some, but she realized now that she’d been hungering after him in the same way a parched man seeks a cool drink of water. The way he moved, his confidence, the way he smiled... those images were seared in her memory and it was unlikely she’d ever forget them.

  Her anger still bubbled under the surface, but it was mixed with sadness now. Sadness that she’d never get to know the only man who’d interested her all these years. Would he even remember her a few years from now? Probably not... especially if the newspapers were to be believed.

  There was a slight chop on the waters of the cove, but Jesse landed the Beaver with the assurance he displayed in everything he did. He didn’t look for her until he’d tied off, and then he turned and looked straight at her, as though he’d known she’d be waiting in that precise spot.

  A brief nod indicated that he’d seen her, and he climbed the path with those long, powerful legs that made short work of the steep slope. Her traitorous heart banged against her rib cage as he stood before her, eyes glittering as a slight breeze rumpled his hair.

  “I’m sorry, Lexie.” He regarded her steadily. “I’m sorry you had to find out that way. The guy’s not only a cheat, he’s a complete ass for coming here.”

  “This isn’t about Chris, Jesse. This is about you.” She wasn’t sure what she’d expected, but it wasn’t the flash of irritation she saw in his eyes. She continued anyway.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” She pointed angrily to the deck. “You sat beside me up there while I told you I’d worked at the Bistro, and you didn’t say a word. Why, Jesse? Just tell me that... why?”

  “Because you were telling me things I need to hear. Both about the Bistro and about yourself. I considered stopping you a couple of times, but to be honest, I was learning things about the restaurant I needed to hear. And then I got that phone call about Luc, and all bets were off.”

  “Okay. I’ll give you that, but you had other opportunities... other chances to tell me. And then to take me there last night! I’m beyond mortified.”

  “Why, Lexie?” He braced one foot on the rock and leaned forward. “Why? Are you ashamed of being seen with me?”

  “Don’t be silly.” He was turning this all around. “You used me, Jesse. You used me to find out about Chris, and I don’t appreciate it.”

  “I don’t recall asking you about him, or about the restaurant for that matter. Anything you told me was purely voluntary.” He leaned closer and pinned her with his gaze. “And before you ask me why I didn’t stop you then, it was because you were confirming for me what I’d suspected for a few months. I may not know about the restaurant business, Lexie, but I know when I’m being screwed by my employees.” His expression softened. “Fortunately, it was just Chris and one other, but I don’t tolerate stealing.”

  “That’s another thing,” she said. “Why in the world did you buy a restaurant when you admit you know nothing about running one? Even someone like you in an unrelated business must know that restaurants have a high mortality rate.”

  “I won it in a poker game.”

  “You what?”

  “I won it in a poker game.” He shoved his hands in his back pockets. “Okay, that’s not exactly how it happened.”

  “See? You’re incapable of tellin
g the truth.”

  Anger flashed in his eyes. “I’ve never lied to you, Lexie. Withheld the truth maybe, but I’ve never lied.”

  “It’s the same thing.”

  “No. It’s. Not.” A muscle in his jaw clenched. “Do you want to hear about this or not?”

  She shrugged.

  “Well you’re damned well going to hear it. You’re right, I don’t know anything about the restaurant business, and the truth is I didn’t want the Bistro. But a friend of mine owned it and he put it up as collateral in a poker game. When he couldn’t pay up, he turned to me for a loan.” He looked away, unable to meet her eyes. “Turned out he wasn’t such a good friend. He walked away and left me with the restaurant. That was six months ago, right about the time Luc came into my life.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “I still can’t believe he went all in with a pair of fours.”

  “So what else do you own?” she challenged. “A winery? A cheese farm? Or is this diner your only other folly? Come on, Jesse, what else are you waiting to spring on me?”

  He glared at her. “What do you want from me, Lexie? I said I’m sorry for not telling you. What more do you want?”

  Desperation tinged her voice. “I’ve been used and manipulated all my life, Jesse. I thought when I found you I’d found somebody different.” She dropped her head. “I guess not.”

  “Well that’s where you’re wrong, Lexie Swinton.” He prodded himself in the chest with a forefinger. “You think you know who I am, but you don’t know me at all.” He took a few steps away, then turned abruptly. “That first day we met, you said you know me, but the truth is, you only know what you see through the window at that fitness place you go to. You’re safe up there on your treadmill, pretending to know what I’m like, maybe even indulging in a fantasy or two about the pilot, but you have no idea who I am. I’m not some slick businessman in a three-piece suit. I didn’t go to Harvard Business School or any other damn school. I don’t belong to the Union Club. I’m just an ordinary guy. I make mistakes, and when I do, they’re usually epic. But I never lie... ever.” His gaze darted around the Cove, taking in the trees, the diner, the cabins. “I’m me, Lexie. A guy who’s a bit rough around the edges, but not afraid of hard work. I’m someone who knows what he wants and goes after it.” He stood there for a moment, breathing deeply and looking at her. “And I want you” he said, his voice a soft caress.