by Jeannie Moon
“Nate was staring at Jenna’s boobs.” Harper sipped her champagne and her husband rolled his eyes.
“Could you stop saying that?” Nate was getting pissed.
“Were you?” Caroline asked.
“I’m not talking about this.” Just because every other person at the table seemed to lack a filter didn’t mean he did.
Jason, Kevin, and Josh laughed. Kevin reached around his wife and patted Nate on the shoulder. “You say that like you have some kind of choice in the matter.”
“Look, she’s nice. She doesn’t know us well, so let’s try to keep this polite.”
“I’m very polite.” Harper waved the champagne flute around before Kevin grabbed it from her. “You were the one objectifying her.”
Jason poured himself a glass of wine from one of the bottles sitting on the table. “We established in church that she’s beautiful and that Nate actually likes her. So he’s not just checking her out. You, Harper, are late to the party. “
“This is my worst nightmare,” Nate moaned. “It’s like middle school.”
Meg laughed. “Why should you get off the hook? We’ve all had to deal with it from this crowd. When a possible hookup looms, no one is safe, as we all embrace our inner middle schooler.”
“A hookup? Why was I not informed?” Harper demanded.
“I’m going to get some air,” Nate muttered. He didn’t waste any time, making a beeline for the large stone terrace that looked out over the lawn all the way to the water. The sun had started to set and the weather was beautiful, with a cool breeze blowing in off Long Island Sound. It was the perfect for a temporary escape.
This was the craziest balancing act yet. For ten months, since he first met Jenna at Owen and Kim’s engagement dinner, he hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her. Every word she uttered, every smile, every laugh haunted him. And after all this time, he still hadn’t done anything to take it further.
Nate wasn’t a believer in insta-love. His feelings for Jenna had grown over the past months. They’d spent time together at parties and dinners. She was always included because she was Kim’s best friend, and each time they were someplace together, her spirit lit him up. She made him want—she made him want everything.
“God, I’m such an idiot.”
“Why are you an idiot?”
Turning, Jenna was right behind him. Her fingers were woven tightly together and she looked nervous. Tense. Like she wanted to be anyplace but that wedding.
“Are you all right?” He took a tentative step in her direction.
“I’m not sure.”
“What do you mean?” It was a real possibility he’d blown it with her. Obviously, she was more sensitive than he thought. “I’m really sorry about before,” he apologized. Again.
Damn. She looked so fragile. Sad. Every protective and proprietary bone in his body went on alert.
“That’s not it,” she shrugged. “I know you were just kidding around. I just . . . I thought this would be easier,” she whispered. “You know, Kim’s wedding. As much as I’m happy for her and Owen, she was supposed to marry my brother. I guess it’s another reminder for me that he’s gone.”
Jenna’s brother, Tom Albanese, had been dead almost two years. Now, based on how things had unraveled before he died, he doubted he and Kim would have walked down the aisle anyway, but that wasn’t making this any easier for Jenna and her family, who were trying to be supportive.
“Does that make any sense?” she asked quietly. He wasn’t sure what he should say. She seemed desperate for someone to talk to, someone who wouldn’t judge.
He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her to a quiet seating area. The brown rattan furniture was shaped like cubes, with large deep seating areas filled with beige cushions. He settled her into one of the chairs and took the one adjacent to hers. Close, but not too close. “It makes perfect sense, and you have a right to feel however you want. My older brother died when I was fifteen. It’s been twenty years and while I don’t think about it all the time, I’m still not over it.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She sat, collapsed almost, onto the large sofa. “Was he much older than you?”
“Two years. He was my best friend.”
“You do understand then, don’t you?”
Nate nodded and watched her every move before rising and sitting next to her. “I do. I understand how it can affect pretty much everything in your life for a while.” Lightly taking her hand, Nate continued. “Look, let’s stick together today. Okay? The crew at our table is crazy, but they’re good people and mostly harmless. It will be fun.”
“Really? You guys all have such a history. I don’t feel like I fit in. I mean . . .”
“Fit in? Everyone likes you, and you might as well get used to the insanity, since you’re stuck with us now.”
“I don’t exactly run with your crowd, Nate. You’re not going to see me in five-hundred-dollar shoes or hanging out on a yacht. This is Kim’s new gig, not mine.”
Each question brought a little more of Jenna’s insecurity, her fears, to the surface.
He’d caught some of the derision from a few of Kim’s friends and relatives after the church service. There were lots of comments about how her life was going to change because she’d married money. It wasn’t the first time he’d come across the attitude. Jenna, no doubt, had her own feelings about how money could change things between people. Add that to feeling out of place, and the sadness Jenna felt over her brother’s death, and her uneasiness was making much more sense.
He’d never seen Jenna look worried or vulnerable, but knowing how she felt, how grief could overtake you at the strangest time, Nate thought, if nothing else, he should offer a lifeline. But there was something else and he couldn’t put a finger on it.
“Why do I get the feeling there’s something else eating at you?”
Her expression stilled, grew even more serious. “You don’t give up, do you?”
“No, I don’t. Especially when a friend is hurting.”
Jenna didn’t respond right away, but looked out to the shore. The water was smooth as glass, much like her expression. “I don’t want to lose her again.”
“Who? Kim? Why would you worry about that?”
She leaned back. “After Tom died, she cut us all off. And before you say anything, I know marrying Owen isn’t the same thing, but her whole life is about to change. I’ve seen it happen. Money comes into play and suddenly you’re separated from your old life and all the people you knew.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I must sound jealous, don’t I?”
She locked her deep brown eyes right on his, and Nate wondered if Jenna could see his heart. He felt that if she could, that if she went deep enough, she’d know all his secrets.
“You sound human. You’ve been through a lot, but you need to have more faith in Kim. It’s only money, Jenna.”
“Only money?” She bit her lip, obviously growing frustrated. “To you, it’s only money. Trust me, it can change everything.”
Nate rose, figuring the best way to solve this problem was to get Jenna back to the party. Kim and Owen were married. There was no way to undo her brother’s death. Life moved forward, but as Nate gazed down at the usually exuberant woman, he could see there was nothing easy about what she was feeling. And it was plain that talking about it wasn’t going to help, so he decided to just help her have a good time. Sometimes that was enough.
“Take my hand.” He stood, and reached out, completely enjoying the surprised look on her face when she realized what was happening.
“Why?”
“Because you’re feeling like a fish out of water. Out of place. You’ve got a lot on your mind. Walk back in with me. Don’t just be my partner today. Be my date.”
Damn. Had he just said that?
“You
r date?” The way she responded, almost reeling back, made him think he’d completely misjudged how things were going with her. Maybe she really didn’t like him.
“Wow. I didn’t think I was that bad,” he joked, recovering from her reaction. “I’ve got a pretty good job and my mother keeps telling me I’m handsome.”
Jenna shook her head. It was easy to see how nervous she was, but she still managed a smile. “That’s not it.” She chuckled. “I’d say your mother is right about the handsome part, and I’ve heard you’re pretty well set, but, um . . . to be honest, I didn’t think you liked me very much.”
What? “Why would you think that?”
“Because you barely ever talk to me. You avoid me like the plague and I get the sense that, I don’t know, I’m just not your type of person.”
“Not my type . . .” Boy, he’d really messed this up.
“I’ve offended you. I’m sorry.”
“No. You haven’t.” You’ve just let me know how much work I have to do. “I’m a little confused about the ‘type’ thing, but we’ll work on that.”
“I also don’t know anything about you. Nothing except that you’re the CFO of Reliance and a billionaire.”
He felt himself grin because it was true. While Jenna was pretty much an open book, he hadn’t given up much of himself. That was easy to remedy. Nate had nothing to hide. “What do you want to know?”
“Tell me where you grew up.”
“My family has homes in Old Brookville and Bridgehampton. I lived most of my life in Old Brookville.” Her face blanked when he dropped the names of the two wealthy towns where he’d lived.
“Oh. My mom was a secretary and my father was a city cop. I grew up in Seaford. Probably very different from the way you grew up.”
“Did you have family dinners, fight too much with your siblings, and hate doing chores?” he asked.
“Of course.”
“Then it wasn’t so different.”
Jenna opened her mouth to speak, then shut it just as quickly. It took a second, but finally, her shoulders relaxed for the first time that day and a smile softened her lips. When her fingers tangled with his, Nate gave them a gentle squeeze. This was progress.
“My parents lived their work,” he continued. “We breed and train show horses. I grew up on a horse farm.”
“Seriously? That’s so cool.”
“You like horses?”
She nodded. “I love them, but I’ve ridden only a handful of times. I wanted lessons in the worst way, but it was just too expensive.”
Nate had just been handed a gift. “I could teach you.”
The way her eyes popped in surprise and pure delight was the best thing that had happened to Nate all day.
“Really? I mean . . . you don’t have to.”
“Why not? I don’t mind. Unless, of course, you don’t want to.”
“That’s not it.” There was something sad in the way her head dropped. “Are you always so nice?”
“I guess not, since you just admitted you thought I didn’t like you.” He stopped when he saw her frown because he didn’t want to make her feel bad. “I try to be, I guess. Jason and Owen have told me I lack the asshole gene.”
“That’s a very good thing, trust me.”
“You sound like you speak from experience.”
Finally, Nate felt like he was getting to the root of the problem with Jenna. He knew she’d had a crappy experience in California, that she had an ex, but that was all. He didn’t know specifics.
But he wasn’t going to find out anything today because Jenna clammed up and changed the subject. “Do you ride a lot?” she asked so quietly that he could barely hear her.
Knowing it would do no good to push her about her past, Nate nodded. “It’s my addiction.”
“It’s a great addiction to have.” She looked up at him, flashing a smile of thanks. “I’m glad we talked a little. It’s nice to know you don’t dislike me.”
Nate shook his head. “I’m sorry you felt that way.”
The music stopped and they heard the band leader say that the next course would be served.
“I guess we should go back in.” Jenna nodded toward the large French doors leading into the reception room. “More food.”
Nate extended his hand. “I heard the second course is lobster. I don’t want to miss it.”
Jenna stared once again at his outstretched hand, and Nate wished she’d just do something. But she stood there, staring, thinking. Finally, they made eye contact, and Nate wanted nothing more than to find the person who had hurt her and make him sorry for it. There was such hesitancy in her eyes. So much pain, but then, like a miracle, Jenna found her courage, reached out, and took his hand.
Nate threaded his fingers through hers like it was the most natural thing in the world. The size and shape of her hand fit his. This wasn’t something he’d talk about. His friends would have a field day busting on him if he did, but Nate believed that certain people were made for each other, and here was a little more proof that Jenna was made for him.
He felt a little shudder and he wondered if she felt it too. There were few things in this life more perfect than feeling like you fit. He fit with Jenna.
Chapter Three
He should be funny.
—#5, Jenna’s Boyfriend List
His hand was warm, so very warm. When he’d danced with her earlier, they kept their touch light, but now, his hand completely surrounded hers, and when her heartbeat finally settled, Jenna felt comfort. Nate, with his sweet manner and soulful eyes, induced a feeling of contentment that filled her.
He was looking at their joined hands and she was surprised by the feel of him. His hands should have been soft, his nails polished and manicured. He was a billionaire businessman, but the hand that held hers was firm, a little rough. A workingman’s hands.
When he pulled her up, she stumbled a bit on the blasted heels. That’s when Nate’s other arm came up and circled her waist.
“You okay?” he asked as he steadied her on her feet.
She’d been cursing the shoes all day. Kim wanted all the attendants in these gorgeous Kate Spade pumps with spectacular heels, but Jenna couldn’t enjoy wearing the gorgeous designer shoes because she was terrified she was going to trip. “I feel like such a klutz,” she admitted. “I’m not good in heels.”
Nate nodded his understanding. “Me, either.”
It took a second to process what he’d said, but when the grin broke across his face, and his eyes lit up, Jenna burst out laughing. Dropping her head on his shoulder, his one hand held tight to hers while his other rested easily on the small of her back. Their laughter blended together and it felt so good to be able to share it with someone.
It felt good to be held.
It felt good to be happy.
“I didn’t know you were a high heels kind of guy.” The giggles escaped as he tilted his head forward and examined her face.
“It’s my guilty pleasure.”
“The things you find out about people . . .”
He stepped away, but kept hold of her hand, his smile sweet and playful. Who would have thought the accountant was a joker. “You ready? I’m getting hungry and I don’t want the waitstaff to take my plate away before I’ve had a chance to eat.”
“How could you be hungry after the cocktail hour?” The cocktail hour that kicked off the reception had more food than she’d seen in a long time, and, coming from a big Italian family like she did, that was saying a lot.
“That was forty-five minutes ago.” He patted his stomach. “You’ll soon discover I have the appetite of a teenage boy. I’m always hungry.”
Jenna couldn’t help but wonder what Nate did to keep in shape, other than riding. Earlier, as he’d pulled her gently into the ballroom for their first dance, she was able
to admire his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and very fine ass. Even his tux, which he filled out beautifully, couldn’t hide his physique. She could do worse for a wedding date. Much worse.
When they slipped into the dining room from the terrace, the band was playing background music. People were milling around, chatting, or at their tables enjoying the appetizer. Mr. and Mrs. Torres were beaming and talking with Owen’s parents like they were old friends.
Jenna spotted her parents and her sisters at a table with a few other neighbors, forcing smiles, and looking as conflicted as she had been feeling earlier. She didn’t think it was possible, but Nate had made it better for her. If nothing else, she could focus on celebrating Kim’s happiness, on the love her friend shared with Owen.
“I’m going to go check on my parents.” Her hand brushed his arm, signaling he could let go of her hand, but he didn’t.
“Where are they sitting?”
He still had her hand.
A quick nod across the room, indicating the general direction of their table, had him tugging her along once again. “Nate, what are you doing?”
“Going with you to meet your family?”
She stopped in her tracks. “Why?” He wanted to meet her family? The family who would jump to conclusions? The family who would interrogate him? The family who would ask him about his intentions toward her? About his bank accounts? If he liked kids? “You want to eat, don’t you? Appetite of a teenage boy? Isn’t that what you said?”
Nate’s head tilted to one side. Kind of like a puppy that had just heard a funny noise. “Why? Why what? I don’t understand.”
Jeez. He really didn’t. This guy . . . this MBA-toting, super-rich CFO was clueless about the right time to meet the family. Where the hell did this guy come from?
“I just don’t want them to get the wrong idea about us. My mother has a very active imagination.”
He chuckled, warm and low. “Active how?”
“Like she’ll be naming our children the second she shakes your hand. Good God. Don’t you have crazy parents?”
