Even worse, what did his actions say about him? That he would have had sex up against a wall– with a married woman? Drooling from afar was one thing, but giving in to temptation was entirely different. That he could even do it– the knowledge that he was capable of it– sickened him. To his core, Jake had truly believed he could never be one of those guys.
He didn't have a problem owning the fact he'd initiated the kiss. He'd been fighting the attraction for so long, he'd surrendered to a momentary lapse in sanity. But Jen sure as hell hadn't fought him. Without doubt, she was equally guilty. If Alex hadn't interrupted. . .
The shrill ring of his phone interrupted his frustrated thoughts. Jake was relieved to put the issue aside. The relief didn't carry over to his voice, he discovered when he barked into the receiver.
He listened as Harry launched into a detailed synopsis of his concerns regarding the Willoughby deal. His cousin had never mastered the art of small talk, preferring to leap right into the issues, assuming others would be able to follow his runaway train of thought. Harry had a one-track mind when it came to business, and for that, he was grateful. Jake was the first to admit he was more of a big picture guy. In fact, he hated dealing with the minutiae.
"Whoa. Hold up there, Hoss." He couldn't help grinning when he pictured Harry scowling on the other end of the phone. His cousin hated being forced to explain anything that to him– was crystal clear. "Clarify. What do you mean when you say 'too big a risk'?"
"I mean exactly that. If you take a look at our cash flow, we're going to be really stretched on this Baltimore deal. And I don't see a hell of a lot of profit to justify it."
"H, we'll make a profit-"
"If everything goes flawlessly, I agree. We'll make about three percent."
"Well, what's wrong with that?"
"Jake, you know as well as I do, something always goes wrong. And this time, there's no room for mistakes. The bid was lean because you wanted to win," he reminded. "I know you're expecting this to be a steppingstone to the Baltimore market."
Yawning, Jake switched the phone to hands-free. Checking his watch, he settled down for what would surely be a long conversation. "That's exactly what Willoughby is gonna deliver. It's high profile, high visibility. It's the Inner Harbor, for God's sake."
"All I'm saying is there's no margin for error. His people are difficult to work with at best. I've already changed the damn contract three times and we won't be on site for another eight weeks."
Jake heard the unmistakable edge to his cousin's voice. "What else? Don't hold back."
"I'm not trying to be an alarmist," Harry admitted. "But we can't afford a huge frontload of cash on this deal. Not when we've never worked for Willoughby before." His sigh was audible on the other end of the wire. "What it boils down to is this. We don't know how they pay. Willoughby can talk all he wants, but if he jerks us around on the pay applications, it could be disastrous."
"You're thinking worst-case scenario. It won't come to that."
"We both know you're going to do what you want-"
Jake stiffened. "You know that's not true." The day was disintegrating rapidly. "I don't do a damn thing without discussing it with you and Jeff first," he argued.
"And then you go right ahead-" There was a long pause on the other end before his cousin spoke again. "Look, forget it. I don't want to get into this with you. I'm giving you a heads-up, that's all. It's my job to tell you what I think."
Checking his mirror, he changed lanes. "Harry, you've caught me on a bad day. I didn't get any sleep last night and I'm mean as hell."
"It must be catchy. Jenna just told me she was up all night, too."
Helplessly, his heartbeat accelerated at the news. He shook his head. Dude, you're pathetic. Even that admission couldn't stop him from trying to learn more about Jen's misery. "What's wrong with her?"
"She's not in the greatest mood, Jake. I didn't think it smart to provoke her."
He'd been useless enough for one day. Tired and irritable, he forcefully shoved Jenna from his head. "Harry, I'll be out of the office all day. I'm headed to Winchester to check the apartments and that warehouse job." Rubbing his gritty eyes, he forced himself to think. "How about we get together tonight? You, me and Jeff . . . review all the details on Willoughby. I want to hear your concerns." He paused, his cousin muttering agreement. "Square it with Jeff and call me this afternoon with a time and place."
Later, he planned his call to Jenna carefully. He should've already called in to let her know where he was. But since he'd waited this long, he might as well time it to his advantage. Like clockwork, she went to lunch every day around twelve-thirty. Sure, it was sort of wimpy to call when he knew she'd be gone, but, he still had no idea what to say. Since it would likely be awkward, why not postpone it as long as possible?
Releasing a relieved sigh when her voicemail picked up, he left a terse message and hung up. His thoughts drifted back over the conversation with Harry. It would be good to hash it out, he realized. They all had to be in agreement for this venture to be successful.
"I want this job," he admitted. Linc had never scored a deal this big. Jake knew his dad would be proud, but building a job locally was hard enough. It required effort and meticulous attention to detail. Working out of town was exponentially harder, with a pile of additional problems that didn't arise when you worked close to home base. Baltimore was three hours away, and they had to maneuver around D.C. traffic to get there. The Willoughby job could lead to more work than they ever dreamed of . . . or it could end up a logistical and financial nightmare. "We all need to be on the same page for this one."
***
"Is your Christmas shopping done?" Mona pushed her plate back. "I shouldn't have eaten that dessert."
"I still need a few last minute things for the kids." Jenna had picked at her salad, not really hungry. Since Mona had proven to be such an easy woman to talk with, she had secretly harbored the hope of gleaning information about her enigmatic, eldest son. "I mentioned to Jake I was thinking of getting them a kitten, since they've been wanting a pet."
"Pets teach responsibility." Mona carefully blotted her lips with her napkin before continuing. "What about your husband? What did you get him?"
Her fork frozen midway to her mouth, Jen groped for a suitable answer. Perhaps it was the easy familiarity she shared with Jake, but she'd noticed lately that she was growing careless. Inherent in forming a relationship with Mona was the potential risk of talking too much. What if she slipped? The information would find its way back to the Traynors. Maybe not to Jake, but certainly to his father or Jeff.
"I- we. . . uh. . . don't really exchange gifts anymore." Glancing across the table, she weighed the effect of her statement. "You know– tight budget. We'd rather spend it on the kids."
Mona nodded. "I remember those days. It seems like those years last forever." Her smile was wistful as her voice trailed off. "You reach the stage where you finally have money, but the things you thought you couldn't live without . . . you realize you don't need them." She gazed out the window. "Or you discover you don't know each other well enough anymore to buy him something special."
Clearly, Mona was remembering a particularly painful incident from the past, something to do with Linc. Clearing her throat, Jen sipped her water, averting her eyes until the awkward moment passed. Searching for a safer subject, she asked the older woman's plans for the holidays. "Are you going anywhere special?"
"Linc owns a farm an hour west of here. It's one holiday the entire family never misses. Linc will be there with his girlfriend du jour, but thankfully, I'm still invited. I've always had hopes of seeing more grandchildren racing around out there. It's such a lovely spot." Sitting back, Mona's eyes flashed with frustration. "If either of those boys ever settle down, that is. Andrea's two kids are nearly teenagers. Don't even ask me where those years went."
Mona released a long, exasperated sigh. "Linc picked up an old, wooden sleigh a few years back. Jake he
lped him refurbish it. They even have horses to pull the damn thing. Just no children to ride in it."
"There's still hope. At least you've been able to enjoy your daughter's children." Jen tried not to sound wistful. "Your Christmas sounds wonderful. I miss not having family close by, especially at the holidays."
"That part is nice," Mona admitted. "No matter who's not speaking to whom, we still spend Christmas day together out at the farm. It's a Traynor tradition." Her eyes sparkled when she leaned in to meet Jen's gaze. "This year I'm cornering Jake. I'm going to make him sit down and talk with me. What do you think?"
"Do you think that's wise?" The mental image of those all-knowing eyes icing over, of Jake discovering he was trapped, she had all she could do to refrain from shuddering. One thing was certain. Mona certainly had guts.
"Probably not, but I don't care." The older woman chuckled. "He's had ten years to stew about my marriage. I think that's more than enough time to get over it, don't you?"
"That part you're definitely right about. The rest. . . I'm not so sure."
"So Jen– how often is your husband gone? It must be difficult with him on the road so much."
Her body stiffened to red alert status. She still hadn't recovered from bobbling Mona's question about Christmas presents and here she was . . . intercepting an incoming round. Her expression carefully neutral, she paused, taking the time to formulate an appropriate response, aware that she had to exercise caution. "He. . . uh-" Dammit, Jen, focus. "Rick's on the road for several weeks at a time," she blurted. This was old hat. She'd handled these questions a million times. "It's hardest on the kids. But, he's never had a job that he didn't travel." He'd rarely had a job, period.
Mona picked up her coffee, scowling at the ring of liquid in the saucer. "Why do waiters have such difficulty with refills?"
She leaned back in her chair with a mental sigh of relief. Thankfully, Mona tended to flit from one topic to the next. Another nice save for Team Stone.
"Will he be home for Christmas, dear?"
"I–uh. . . I'm not s-sure yet." A bead of perspiration trailed down her spine. The restaurant was beginning to feel warm. "We-we're crossing our fingers," she finished with a weak smile.
"Jeffie tells me Jake helped with your son when he was in the hospital? It must be so difficult for you. Why, you're practically a single parent."
"I don't know what I would have done without him." Forcing a relaxed smile, Jen's toes curled up inside her pumps. "My son Alex adores him."
Mona nodded approvingly. "He is amazing with children. He's always been wonderful with Andrea's two." Burrowing into her purse, she surfaced with a compact. "He'd make a wonderful father," she muttered. "If he would ever settle down."
"Does he see anyone? Seriously, I mean?" Unable to resist the horrific impulse, Jen had the same frisson of anxiety she'd experienced in fourth grade, passing a note to her friend and hoping she didn't get caught.
Mona thought for a moment. "I don't think so. Not that he confides in me, but I'd certainly hear about it from Jefferson if he was seeing someone special."
"That's too bad." Sipping her water, she tried not to contemplate the relief churning through her system. This situation had the markings of a disaster. And not just a little one, but a disaster of epic proportions. Her hand was still shaking when she set the glass down.
Mona glanced up from the tiny mirror. "I'm afraid he's just like Linc. When he's too old to do anything about it, he'll realize he should have had a family."
"You never know. Someone could come along . . . and sweep him off his feet." Under the circumstances, Jenna thought the smile she managed was appropriately teasing.
"Was that how it was for you, dear? Did Rick sweep you off your feet?"
Good Lord, was there no end to this minefield of a lunch? "Um, I guess you could say that." Knocked her flat was a more accurate description. Her hand tensed into a fist. Glancing down, she was relieved to find she was clenching the napkin. "It– was so long ago, I scarcely remember."
"Goodness, look at the time. I'm sorry, but I should run." Mona stood suddenly, scooping the check up from the table. "Finish your lunch, dear. I'll take care of this on my way out."
Slumping back in her chair, she was too drained to move. Jen had only just realized her fatal error. Mona Traynor was masterful. She presented the facade of a pampered executive's wife. But, lurking below the surface, just out of sight, she was pure steel, with a mind like a sharpened bear trap. One step inside and she'd lose a limb.
With earth-shattering clarity, she knew there could be no more lunches. It was too dangerous. If Mona ever became suspicious, she'd have her cornered in a heartbeat. Something about the older woman made Jen want to confide in her. That sweet, motherly exterior made her feel guilty about the lies she'd told. She felt a stab of remorse over the continued deception. Lately, it had become increasingly difficult to live with. Their new lives were established now. She should be reaping the benefits. Jenna should be surrounded by new friends - at work and at the kids' school. But, the longer she clung to the lies that had gotten her there, the more she was forced to cover up– and the more isolated she grew.
"Dear God . . . she's coming back." Jen cringed at the fear she heard in her voice. What could she possibly want now?
Like a whirlwind, Mona returned to the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Jen, I just had the most wonderful idea."
"W-what's that?"
"Christmas, Jenna! You should bring the kids out to the farm for Christmas." She clapped her hands joyfully. "Isn't it perfect?"
As the blood drained from her head, Jen wondered whether anyone would notice when she slumped from the chair and toppled to the floor. Her brain was suddenly devoid of a single intelligent thought. "I– I. . . don't know, Mona. If Rick comes home-"
"Of course, dear. If your husband's in town, then certainly you'll want to stay home as a family." Pulling out a chair, she perched on the edge of the seat. "It would be lovely. Your kids would enjoy a day at the farm." Mona didn't even pause for a response. "Linc will be thrilled. Someone will actually ride in his sleigh this year!"
Speechless, Jenna watched as the whirlwind stood again. "Please say you'll consider it if the three of you are going to be alone."
"Of course I'll . . . consider it. Thank you so much for inviting us."
"Bye, Jen. We'll talk next week."
Dammit, why hadn't she just killed Rick for good? Before she started at Specialty? After the temporary sputter, Jenna's brain jolted into gear again. This wasn't so bad. This was fixable. Rick would simply be coming home for Christmas, that's all. One day next week. . . she'd pick up the phone and call Mona to decline the invitation. 'Rick's come home a little early', that's what she'd say. 'And we're all going to. . .' She shrugged helplessly. Where the hell were they all going on this delightful family trip? To Cleveland– yes, they were going to Cleveland . . . to celebrate. Problem solved.
This time.
But, when would it rear its ugly head again?
Mona had weaved her way through the dispersing lunch crowd when she turned back again. Swallowing her panic, Jenna pasted on a smile and waited for the next bomb to drop.
"If Rick should come home, that's even better. I'm planning a little cocktail party for the twenty-third." Mona smiled over the heads of the remaining diners. "I can't wait to meet him."
Chapter 9
Jenna had all she could do not to bang her head against the steering wheel as she drove back to the office. Her blouse clung to her body as though she'd just run a 5k. The conversation had started so innocently. "It's all Jake's fault," she muttered. If he hadn't been such a bastard that day, she never would have gone to lunch with his mother in the first place.
"Six months. . ." Nearly six months of good, solid lies were unraveling before her eyes. And Mona wasn't even doing it deliberately. How to fix it? Her heart launched into her throat when she thought of another ramification. Jake. What would he think? Mercy�
� what if they were trapped together on Christmas Day? After last night?
Her mouth dropped open. Good Lord– what if he thought she'd done it on purpose? What would the boss say about his love-struck assistant infiltrating the family Christmas? He already disapproved of her relationship with Mona. She stifled a groan. No way in hell would Jake want her there.
Jen's mind whirled with all the horrible possibilities. What if he brought a date? How would she feel about that? Disgusted, she shook her head. "Like you have any choice?" What if he thought she was stalking him? Before the frantic wave of panic overwhelmed her, she released several deep breaths. She needed a plan– a rock solid, airtight plan. And it had to be simple. The lying thing was getting out of hand.
"I know!" She could create a temporary Rick– maybe rent one for the night. That would take care of the cocktail party. Or, maybe one of her brothers would be willing-
No– too risky. None of the Stone brothers were equipped to handle subterfuge of this magnitude. Could she manage an entire cocktail party with a Rent-a-Rick? And not blow it? She'd practically soaked through her blouse during lunch with a harmless, middle-aged woman. How the hell would she endure several hours of evening-wear?
"One of us will get sick." Jenna brightened at the thought. "The flu. . . on Christmas Eve." Aside from leaving it dangerously close to the last minute, it was a perfect plan. Except . . . What if Mona sent someone over to check on them?
Somehow, her car managed to drive itself back to work. Jenna discovered she'd already parked in a space outside Specialty by the time she mentally shoved the problem aside. The bomb Mona dropped at lunch had only succeeded in diverting her attention temporarily. Her pulse skittering, she suddenly remembered her larger, looming problem and quickly scanned the parking lot for Jake's truck.
Trusting Jake (Blueprint To Love Book 1) Page 12
