by KaLyn Cooper
She was grateful to be on land.
Her legs felt weak, and she wasn’t sure if it was part of gaining her sea legs or if it was from that kiss.
Jack’s kiss.
Actually, she’d started it. She had meant to lightly peck him on the cheek. Okay, she couldn’t lie to herself. She’d meant to barely touch her lips to his. In thanks. That was all. A friendly kiss to say thank you. He’d done so much for her that day. He’d taken her to Isla Mujeres, he’d watched Addi while she dived on the Virgin Mary, he’d helped her release Jimmy’s ashes. Then he’d held her as she cried. He deserved a thank you.
And a small kiss was an acceptable means of showing thanks. She’d seen women do it all the time. The fact that she had never kissed a man in thanks before meant nothing.
She was moving forward, and there would be a lot more firsts in her life from now on. She had finally completed everything she had promised Jimmy. Everything. Her tears afterwards were her last. She’d felt relieved, as if a great burden had lifted when she’d dried her face.
All of Jimmy was finally gone, except for the best parts…memories. They would live forever inside her, and Addi would know she had been loved by her father.
Her mother hadn’t needed a man to help her raise Jillian, so she could raise Addi on her own. She would raise her daughter by herself. No man could ever replace Jimmy in her heart. He held a special place there that his memories now filled.
He would always be a part of her life, but she needed to move onward. It wasn’t like she’d stood still the past two years. That would have been impossible. She needed to finish her research there in Mexico, defend her thesis in the spring to get her doctorate in May, and hopefully accept a full-time position in the university’s anthropology department.
She had a plan, and there was no room in it for a man. Not now. Maybe never again.
But the way Jack kissed. Oh…my…God. Never in her life had she imagined someone kissing like that. It had been light, and then it had been intense. And he’d been aroused. She’d felt his impressive erection pushing against her as he attacked her mouth with the same fervor as he moved against her. He’d probably be a wonderful lover.
What the hell was she thinking? This was Jack. He put the man in manly. He could have any woman, so why would he even give her a second look? He wouldn’t.
He had responded to the adrenalin surge from the overwhelming day they had shared. She had been handy, so when she’d kissed him in thanks, his hormones had taken over. That was all there was to it.
It was what had happened to her; she was sure of it. There was no other explanation for the way she’d kissed him. She had simply gone insane. She’d allowed a man, practically a stranger, to kiss her and rub up against her. How sane was that? It wasn’t.
Besides, Jack had no interest in her as woman. How stupid could she be? Pretty stupid for even thinking he might be turned on by her. He was just being a man.
He was a good man. That’s why he had brought them to his cousin’s restaurant for supper.
Solidly holding Addi’s hand, Jillian carefully made her way over the twisted boards of the dock and into the tropical restaurant. The smell of fried onions and peppers filled the air to the high ceilings and clung there, ignoring the attempts of the paddle fans to dissipate the fumes out one of the three open sides. Small wattage bulbs hung from the ceiling without shades and swayed slightly in the breeze. Dozens of families already gathered in groups at long tables that reached from one side to the other. Everyone seemed to know each other.
When Jillian and Addi entered, the noise level dropped but didn’t cease. Some people smiled at them, especially the younger men. She felt like an intruder crashing a family reunion. The crinkling of newspaper spread out rather than tablecloths didn’t hide the whispered Spanish questions. Who are they? Tourists? Here? No, tourists don’t come here.
“Jack Girard,” a deep voice boomed. Long, black hair flew as the man in his mid-twenties gracefully leaped over the bar and barreled toward them. Jillian’s first instinct was to grab Addi and run as fast as she could. He was built like a tackle football player and rushing right at them.
Jillian tried to step backward and ran into something immovable and hard. She instantly recognized his scent.
Jack.
He placed his hands on her shoulders, and she couldn’t move if she’d wanted to. The tremor that ran through her whole body seemed to embed her feet into the concrete floor.
“Hola, primo.” The vibration of Jack’s voice rumbled in his chest, which was pressed against her back. “Miguel, what are you cooking us for supper?”
“I make for you anything you want for my favorite Chel cousin.” At the word Chel, all mouths shut and gazes flew to them. The people suddenly knew who Jack was, tied by blood to the island, like themselves.
The Mayan giant didn’t seem to notice. “For the beautiful woman, I make it very especial fish, caught a few hours ago by our cousin, Jesus.”
With Miguel’s uniquely Mayan long nose and high cheekbones, he could never deny his ancestry. Penetrating dark eyes scanned every inch of her face then Addison’s. Once again, Jillian resisted the instinct to withdraw. His gaze rose to Jack’s. She felt rather than saw Jack’s nod.
“For your brother’s adorable chiquita, I have mac and cheese, a favorite of my own children.” He started barking out orders in a mix of Spanish and a modern form of Mayan. Paper was spread, silverware suddenly appeared, and she had a cold beer in her hand when Jack guided her into a chair.
A pithaya sliced lengthwise was placed in front of Addi with a child’s spoon. “It’s dragon fruit, darling.” Jack coaxed, “Try it. It’s good.” Addi just stared at him so he picked up the small spoon and made exaggerated movements as he scooped out the white fruit and chewed. He rubbed his hard, flat stomach. “Mmmm. My favorite.”
“Me.” Addi opened her mouth.
Jillian scooped out several pieces and laid them on the table in front of Addi, who immediately grabbed a piece and licked it. Her eyes got huge. She popped the piece in her mouth and chewed. She rubbed her rounded baby belly and mimicked Jack’s “mmm” before she grabbed the next piece.
“My work here is done.” Jack took the seat on the other side of Jillian.
He was so close she could feel the body heat radiate off his skin. He smelled of the sea and man. She inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with his unique scent. It calmed her and excited her at the same time. She knew he’d protect her from the men who stared at her a little too long with desire evident in their eyes. The idea of Jack looking at her that way, wanting her body, heated her very core. She remembered the kiss on the boat and touched her lips with her fingertips.
“Are you okay?” Jack slid a piece of mango between his lips. Lips she knew were softer than expected.
“Yes. I’m actually better than I have been in a long time,” Jillian admitted.
“Really?” Confusion covered Jack’s face.
“I feel free for the first time in years.” She looked down at her ringless hands.
“Huh?” Jack grunted.
Jillian shot her gaze to his eyes. “I loved your brother. He will always be with me, here.” She placed a fist over her heart then reached beside her and hugged Addi. “And here.”
Jack’s brows were pulled together with two short creases between them. Just like Jimmy’s. They were so different, yet alike in a few ways that showed at the oddest times, like now. How could she explain her feelings to him?
“Don’t get me wrong, Jack. I’ve been a widow twice as long as we were married. We’d only lived together a few months when Jimmy came down here to spend Christmas with all of you and—”
“Why didn’t you come with him?” Jack interrupted.
For so many reasons, but which one should she tell him? That Jimmy hadn’t asked her to come? He rarely talked about anyone in his family except Jack. He’d once told her that he wanted to protect her from his family.
“I did
n’t want to leave my mother alone at the holidays.” There. That was true and wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings.
“That was just before I shipped out for Afghanistan.”
“Yes.” Jillian jumped on that train. “Jimmy was so excited about seeing you before you left.” Shadows crossed Jack’s handsome face. Then it hit her. That was the last time he had seen Jimmy. She needed to change the focus.
Picking up where she’d stopped, Jillian explained, “He returned from Christmas and whisked me off to Vegas. I thought we were just going to play tourist, take in a few shows, and spend time together somewhere warm. He proposed the minute we checked into our hotel, and we were married within hours. Ten months and sixteen days later…” Her throat constricted so tight she couldn’t say the words.
Jack’s highly muscled arm came around her, and a strong hand gripped her shoulder reassuringly. His touch took her breath away.
“It’s all right.” Jack’s warm moist breath caressed her ear. Every nerve in her body went on alert.
She forced air into her lungs. “I loved Jimmy. I will always be thankful for the time we had together, short as it was.” She swallowed the rise of regret. There was no changing the past, only controlling the future. “But he’s been gone for more than two years, and my life has moved forward at lightning speed.”
She kissed Addi on the forehead, pulling out of his embrace. Turning in her chair to face him, she said, “Today I completed the last promise I made to Jimmy. I put his remains to rest in the Caribbean Sea he loved so much. He would want me to move on with my life.”
Jack’s mouth drew into a tight line. He nodded. “Yes, he’d want you to be happy. So what are you going to do? What are your plans?”
This was a topic she could handle. “I have to meet some professors from the University of Yucatan at Tulum tomorrow—which reminds me, are you sure you don’t mind me borrowing a car?”
Jack didn’t answer for a long minute. “Why don’t you let me take you? There are some police checkpoints along the way, and cars often get stopped. It’s one of the most visited Mayan sites, but tourists are targets for gangs, and an attractive woman alone…I’d feel better if you’d let me drive you there.”
Police. Checkpoints. Gangs. Jack would protect her. “That would be wonderful. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not a problem. I’m happy to do it.” One corner of Jack’s mouth kicked up. “Are we taking Addi?”
“No, your sister said she’d watch her for me. She’s used to little kids.”
“Didn’t Mother offer? Speaking of my mother, how did things go at the beach today with you three ladies?”
“Two. Your mother never joined us.”
“That figures.” The scowl on Jack’s face said so much more than his words. “She probably got tied up with work.”
“I’m not sure.” Jillian hoped that was it, rather that her mother-in-law was avoiding her only granddaughter. She could understand the woman not wanting to spend time with her, but to sidestep Addi was unconceivable.
“Mo,” Addie called while patting Jillian’s arm.
“How do you ask?” Jillian corrected.
“Mo’ peas.” Addie showed two rows of tiny teeth.
Jack handed her a small bowl of fruit. “Our meal should be ready soon. Need another beer?”
“No, but thank you. Do you think they could put some water in a plastic cup for Addi?”
“No.”
What? Astonished, she looked at Jack.
“Darling.” Jack’s smile reached into her chest and squeezed her heart. He was so good-looking when he smiled, and he did it so seldom that it might have been the shock factor that threw her. His deep voice reverberated. “You’re in Mexico. You don’t drink the water.” He shook his head. “Let me see what I can find for her.” He ran his big hand over Addi’s head then walked toward the bar and his cousin.
Before Jack returned, the biggest red snapper Jillian had ever seen was laid in the center of the table. It had to be at least three feet long and surrounded by grilled vegetables and potatoes.
A local man, in his early thirties she’d guess, moved Jack’s chair and sidled up beside her with a two-foot-long knife. He stared down at her cleavage, unabashedly grinning. She turned her back to him and tended to Addi.
“I’ve got this.” Jack’s brusque voice bore no question.
The man stepped away quickly, leaving the utensils. Expertly, Jack fileted the fish and served them. Jillian cut some of the food into small pieces for Addi before she attacked her own. She was starving. Today had taken more out of her than she’d thought.
“What time do you want to leave tomorrow?” Jack asked, then forked fish into his mouth.
“I need to be there by one, so let’s say eleven thirty? Will that give us enough time to get there?”
“That works for me.” He served himself a large helping of fish.
“How is your meal, Chel cousin?” Miguel asked Jack as he placed a plastic bowl filled with macaroni and cheese in front of Addison. When the baby smiled up at him, the big man returned her smile and commented, “She has gringo eyes, but not the milky green of her mother’s.” He left unsaid they were the blue of her father’s.
“Thank you, Miguel. Everything is wonderful.” The man vanished after Jillian’s compliment.
They devoured the meal like starving escapees, eating in silence in a room filled with noise. Everyone else seemed to know each other. They’d smile as they bantered and called to each other. It was as if they were one big, extended family. Jillian was envious of their relationship, then realized these people were Addison’s distant family. By blood, she was a Chel.
She glanced at her daughter, who seemed perfectly at home scarfing the last of her mac and cheese.
Jack finished the beer, wiped his hands on paper napkins, and asked, “After Tulum, then what?”
“Since your mother hasn’t given the boxes to Dr. Tzuc—yet—I’d like to look through them one more time to be sure none of my research got mixed with Jimmy’s, in case I need it to defend my thesis in the spring.” She sighed. “I wish Jimmy had been able to complete his research.”
“I want to look through all that stuff myself before she gives it away.” Jack stood. “You two ready to go?”
Jack waved to Miguel across the way. The big man steamrollered through the restaurant and embraced Jack in a manly, back-pounding hug. “Glad you brought such beauty to my restaurant,” he said in English as he stepped back.
He looked at Jillian. “You and chiquita are welcome anytime. On me.”
“Thank you, Miguel. The fish was delicious and thanks for bringing Addi macaroni and cheese. It’s her favorite.”
“You are most welcome, prima.” He’d called her cousin. She was flattered by the acceptance.
Chapter Eleven
Jack carried a sleeping Addison to Jillian’s room and gently placed the little bundle on the pink flowered sheets. She was such a darling little girl. So sweet. He loved kids, and they seemed to like him too. As he carefully lifted the lightweight blanket over her, he decided that someday he’d like to have a few children of his own. Maybe three.
Where the hell had that thought come from?
As he reached the open door, a soft hand alighted on his forearm and sent a powerful wave of heat to his cock. He stopped and turned toward Jillian. With only a child’s nightlight to illuminate her fine features, she was almost angelic. Long hair flowed down her back, and her pale face void of makeup turned up to his. Ethereal. She was the most stunning woman he’d ever seen.
“I wanted to thank you…again…for everything you did for me today.” Jillian’s eyes dropped to his lips. She was remembering their kiss when she’d said almost those same words a few hours ago. Her lips had been so soft, yielding. The taste of her filled his mouth and begged for more. His cock swelled to the point of pain. He wanted her more than his next breath.
She had given him the green light, hadn’t she? He dis
tinctly remembered her saying that she was moving forward with her life. It had been two years. He wasn’t sure what the normal grieving time was, but two years sounded like a long time. He forced air into his lungs. He’d let her make the next move and hoped she’d do it soon. Very soon.
“Glad to be there for you.” Cordial. He could say the right thing, pleased complete words could actually come out of his mouth.
She stepped closer. She smelled like sunshine and the ocean after a great day on the water.
“I appreciate your helping me put Addi to bed. With all the baby bags and a sleeping child—”
“Fuck it.” The whispered oath came out on a breath he couldn’t hold any longer.
Jack grabbed her full hips and pulled her to him. He smashed his mouth over hers and dove in while she tried to continue her sentence. He had to have her taste on his tongue. Now.
When her hands grabbed his shoulders, he was afraid she might push him back as he sucked her tongue into his mouth. But she didn’t. She hung on as if for dear life. With both hands, he cupped that fine ass of hers and pulled her even closer, hips to hips, mound to erection.
Damn. He could feel the heat between her legs radiate through the layers of clothing straight to his cock. He rocked into her as he mimicked the movement with his tongue.
She pulled back from the kiss. “Jack.” His name was a plea. He heard the want in the single word.
“Right here.” Jack kissed the corner of her mouth before he took a journey down to her jaw. With just the tip of his tongue, he licked the line where her pulse raced downward to her collarbone.
His hand was unbuttoning her blouse when she panted out, “Jack…please.”
He couldn’t wait any longer, so he slid his hand inside the one-piece bathing suit she still wore. Goddamn. Her breast was heavy and filled his hand. She was much bigger than he’d thought, but he wasn’t complaining. And they were real.
Jack had dated enough enhanced women to know the difference, and there was a difference. He’d never held a real breast this size before.
