by Tara Randel
“Must have made you very popular.”
Jenna moved the lumber closer to where Wyatt was working. “With the parents, sure. The kids? Not so much.”
“They didn’t like you helping around the house?”
“No. It made them look bad if they didn’t step up.”
“I can see that.” He laughed. “My brother, Josh, and I were super competitive, even with our chores. He never did like it when I bested him.”
“Take the times your brother was ticked at you and multiply it. My life in foster care.”
He looked up from the two pieces of wood he’d fastened together. “So how did you deal with the other kids’ attitudes?”
“That’s where the cooking came in. I learned early on that a pan of brownies can solve any problem. Short term, anyway.”
“Seems like you did a lot of figuring out on your own.”
“It wasn’t all bad, but yeah, I learned to fend for myself. So now I can fix just about anything with my tools and whip up dinner without breaking a sweat.”
“I imagine the foster moms liked your culinary talent, too.”
“Yeah, but I really cooked for the kids. With so many coming from difficult backgrounds, I found making them something special counted for a lot toward keeping peace in the house.”
Wyatt looked up from a container of bolts, wiping his forehead with his shirtsleeve. “That explains the cookies.”
“What do you mean?”
“For you, cooking is a way of giving to others. You wanted to thank me with your cookies, but I have a feeling you also thought the gift might make me feel better.”
Was she that obvious? Apparently. “Busted.” She snuck a peek at him. “Did it work?”
“Best cookies I ever tasted.”
She should really ignore the heart-squeezing, sappy sensation reducing her to a giddy teenager, but she didn’t want to. For just a little while, she’d relish the feeling.
But on the heels of the realization came the reality that with Wyatt’s loss, he didn’t expect anything more between them than friendship. Unfortunately, she’d let herself read more into his offer to help. Sure, she had his male attention. He couldn’t completely hide his interest—after all, he was a guy. But long term? That was a whole different discussion. One they might never get to. So right now, if enjoying the sunny day with a handsome man scored an eight on the happiness scale, she’d take it.
Before long, they’d constructed the frame. Admiring their progress, Jenna finished off the last swig of water in her bottle. “How about a break?”
“Sounds good.”
They moved to the shade of the patio. Jenna retrieved fresh water from the kitchen. She’d just handed Wyatt a bottle when her cell phone rang. Barbara’s name showed up on the caller ID.
“I should answer this.”
Wyatt nodded as he sauntered back to the swing set, giving Jenna some privacy.
“Hello, Barbara.”
“I know you asked me to give you a break when you left LA, but I have some news.”
Jenna held back a sigh. “Okay.”
Barbara paused, uncharacteristic for her frenetic agent. A tingle of unease formed in Jenna’s belly.
“It’s about the show.”
“Do they want me back earlier than we talked about? I appreciate the extended hiatus, but I’m not ready—”
“No, in fact they’re giving you more time.”
Wait. More time? “That’s good, right?”
“Only if we’re not worried about the new show they’re going to preview in the open time slot.”
“New show?”
“Apparently they found another interesting chef who not only cooks but gives fitness advice as well.”
“Fitness?”
“Silly, I know. Who wants to think about exercise when they’re cooking? Anyway, I reminded them we have a contract and while they are aware of the terms, they’re using the clause stating they can push back your show’s timetable if there are scheduling differences. Your move to Florida constitutes scheduling differences.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll move back to LA.”
As much as she wanted to respond with a resounding no, she had to be wise. Think through her options and determine how best to proceed. Until she decided whether or not to partner with Nealy, she couldn’t shut every door. “Do we have to give a response to the network or are they going ahead with their plans?”
“It was up in the air. I’m thinking they wanted to scare you into returning earlier, but I can’t deny the excitement in the executive’s voice about this new premise.”
Jenna fought the butterflies in her stomach as she gazed over the backyard. She loved the peace and quiet here, loved that the girls had settled in without too much of a fuss. Yes, they’d only been in school two weeks, but, so far so good. Wyatt had pulled out his cell to make a call and she watched him pace, urgently trying to ignore the jolt of pleasure his presence managed to ignite in her. They’d worked well together, even had a bit of fun, but she knew better than to get ahead of herself. Right now, his scowl as he spoke didn’t bode well for the remainder of their time together. Still, there was something about the man...
“Jenna? Are you still there?’
“Can you give me some time? I need to check into some things here.”
“What kinds of things?” Worry laced Barbara’s voice.
“Just an idea my friend mentioned. In light of what’s going on with the network, I need to be prepared for the worst.”
“I warned you this might happen, Jenna. In this business, it’s all about opportunity and timing. I’m not sure about the timing of your move.”
“C’mon, Barbara. You know why I left.”
“Yes. Rod tailing you was problematic. But he’s found other stories to focus on.”
“Do we really know that for sure?”
“I’ve been keeping tabs on him in hopes that once he lost interest in you, you’d come back.”
“And you know for sure he’s moved on.”
“It appears so. There is a new girl making news in town. She’s signed on to one of the celebrity dance shows and he’s been following her rise in popularity. Actually, she’s given him access to her life, so she’s making his job easier.”
“Why on earth would she do that? Why would anyone want him interfering in their life?”
“Because she’s thinking long-term, my dear. Rod is part of her strategy to make it big.”
Jenna shivered. “Well, more power to her. I just hope she knows what she’s doing.”
“Not your problem. You have your own career to worry about.”
Jenna knew Barbara was concerned about her biggest client moving far away from the limelight. And while Jenna loved her work, she didn’t see it meshing with her family life.
“I’ll get back to you soon, Barbara.”
“Before you make any decisions, talk to me,” she said before signing off.
Jenna set her phone on the patio table. Grabbing her water bottle, she made her way back to Wyatt. As much as she wanted to keep working on the playground set, this newest development took the wind out of her sails.
“Problem?” Wyatt asked, removing his sunglasses when she joined him. She glimpsed the concern in his eyes.
She rubbed her temples and grimaced.
“Sorry. None of my business.”
“No. It’s fine.” Right now she didn’t want to dwell on her problems. She’d do plenty of thinking later, most likely much later while she tossed and turned in bed. “I could ask you the same. I saw you talking on your phone. Looked pretty intense.”
His eyes grew shadowed, his answer terse. “Family.”
Okay, sh
e didn’t get all the dynamics with Wyatt, but she was learning. One-word answers meant change the subject.
“Gotcha.”
When he raised a brow, she said, “Work issues.”
“Ah. Does that mean you’re moving back to LA?”
“Why would you automatically assume that?”
“The troubled expression on your face. You’ve got a weight-of-the-world vibe going on.”
She almost laughed, except he’d hit too close to home.
“Nothing I won’t survive.”
He picked up his drill. “If you ever need someone to talk to...”
“Thanks.” She grabbed her hammer and paused. “Actually, I would like to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
“You’ve lived in Cypress Pointe a long time. Do you know anything about the restaurant for sale on South Main?”
“Duke’s Grill?”
“I’m not sure. I didn’t notice a sign on the building.”
“It’s got to be the same place. Guy named Duke Skinner used to own it. Before Cypress Pointe became a tourist destination, it was the favorite restaurant in town. I worked for him one summer when I was a teenager.”
“Why did he close down?”
“Not sure.” He looked at her curiously. “Why do you ask?”
Should she tell him? All morning thoughts of the restaurant space had been hovering on the fringes of her mind. After Barbara’s call, she realized she had to check it out in order to consider all her options before dealing with the television executives about her cooking show.
“A long time ago I used to work for a caterer. Nealy knows this, so she suggested we work together. She’ll plan events, I’ll cater.”
“Sounds interesting.”
“I haven’t quite figured out how that would impact my current career, but if I decide to join Nealy, I’d stay put in Cypress Pointe and have time for the girls.”
“Is your own business something you want?”
“Yes.” Even as she said the word out loud, she acknowledged the truth behind it. “This morning when I walked by the restaurant, it hit me. We could do this. The location is great. I could transform the dining room to make it inviting for clients. Of course, I’d have to check into the kitchen first, so I jotted down the Realtor’s number.”
When he didn’t say anything she went on. “I want a stable home life for the girls. Traveling back and forth to LA isn’t going to cut it and honestly, I’m not sure I want to go back.” She bit her lower lip. Wow. She’d said that out loud too. “Having my own place here in Cypress Pointe might be good for us.”
“Do you know anything about running a business?”
“Before I got involved with the cooking show, I played around with the idea of opening a restaurant one day. I took business classes, just in case.”
“So your answer is...?”
She laughed. “I know how to run a business in theory.”
“Theory and real life don’t always go hand in hand.”
“I know. That’s why I’m torn about checking out the place.”
“On the other hand, you’ll never know what you could have if you don’t try.”
“You’re a philosopher now?”
He grinned. “More like meddler. You don’t have to listen to my advice.”
“There was advice in there somewhere?”
“Convoluted, but yeah.”
“So what I’m hearing is that I should go for it?”
“Check out the space. See if it’s something that appeals to you, something you can work with. Then decide.”
“Solid advice. I guess I’ll give the Realtor a call.”
He glanced over her shoulder then met her eyes again. “I could come with you if you want. A second pair of eyes might help.”
Her heart fluttered at his offer. “I’d appreciate it. I have to admit, I’m kind of nervous at the prospect of trying something new when I have a pretty sure thing in LA”
“But if you don’t look into it, you’ll always wonder, what if.”
She had to admit, he was right. Saying all the right things.
“Agreed. I’ll call and set up an appointment. How about later this afternoon?”
“Impatient?”
“No. I have decisions to make, so the sooner the better. Besides, I figure the Realtor will jump on it and you’re off today, so it works.”
“I can make it later this afternoon.”
“Great. It’s a big step. You might ask questions I wouldn’t think of.”
“Glad to help. It’s good to have dreams and ambitions.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Dreams and ambitions are good for you, too, you know.”
“My life changed after Jamie died.” He picked up the drill to check the bit. “But not only because of my son.”
Jenna ducked under the beam they’d assembled for the side A-frame. She got his grief for Jamie, she just wished he could move forward with his life.
“It didn’t help when my wife left me for the fame and fortune of Hollywood.” He paused a beat. “And for her agent.”
Surprised that Wyatt was laying it all on the line, Jenna forgot to lower her head as she backed out and hit the beam with a thud. “Ow!”
“Hey, are you okay?”
She rubbed the back of her head. “I’m not gonna fib. That hurt.”
“Let me see.”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“Humor me.” Wyatt came up behind her, gently brushing her hair away from her scalp, lightly touching the area. “Just because you like being independent doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask for help now and then.”
“It’s less about independence and more about embarrassment. I’m always so clumsy around you.”
“It’s endearing.”
“Embarrassing.”
He chuckled, moving closer. She could feel his body heat along her back as he checked out her head. “I can feel a bump starting.”
She swallowed. “Any blood?”
“No.”
She turned to tell him she was grateful for looking, but he stood so close, the words died on her tongue as she felt his breath on her cheek. His gaze met hers before moving to her lips. She inhaled, waiting for his next move. She really wanted him to kiss her. But if he did? So many conflicting thoughts ran through her mind, all overpowered by her wanting this man to kiss her.
“You’re thinking too hard.”
“Sorry. I can’t help it.”
“Sure you can.”
In slow motion, he leaned down to capture her lips. She froze, until he stepped even closer, his hands moving from her head, down her neck to her shoulders. She returned the kiss, resting her hands on his hips.
They stood under the hot Florida sun, sharing what Jenna knew was the most important kiss of her life. Birds sang nearby. A lawnmower droned in the distance, but all she could focus on was the warmth and mastery of Wyatt’s lips. No other man had ever come close to stirring her the way he did.
But Wyatt doesn’t do permanent, a pesky voice reminded her.
She broke the kiss, staring up at him, thinking it was the best kiss ever and that Wyatt wouldn’t let this turn into a relationship. The doubt in his eyes spoke of his reticence.
He dropped his arms to his sides. “I couldn’t resist.”
She backed up, not sure what to do next. She’d wanted him to kiss her, and he sure did. But to what end? He’d made it clear he didn’t want an emotional entanglement. After everything she’d been through lately, she wasn’t sure her heart could take being broken. Because Wyatt definitely had the power to bring her to her knees.
“Um...” Jenna glanced at her watch, searching for any excuse to cut the a
wkward tension between them. “It’s almost noon. Want me to throw something together for lunch?”
“Is that professional jargon?”
“Hardly, but you know what I mean.”
“I do, but I’ll have to pass.” He gathered up his tools. “I need to be somewhere, but thanks for the offer.”
She tamped down the disappointment of his refusal as her curiosity rose. Where could the man who barely left his cottage need to go? And when did it become her business?
Switch gears already. “It’s the least I can do after you helped get this playground set started.”
“It’s for a good cause. The girls will love it.” They walked to the patio. “Let me have your phone.”
She tilted her head in question.
He held his hand out.
She handed him her cell. He punched in a series of numbers. “Text me when you set a time to view the restaurant and I’ll meet you.”
She stared at his number, sensing that giving a little of himself away, even just a phone number, was a big deal for him. Her pulse leaped. Silly, but there it was. “Thanks. I will.”
“It’s a date.”
She rolled her eyes.
“What?”
She waved her hand. “It’s nothing.”
He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting.
“Okay.” She laughed. “I finally get your meaning of the word date.”
He frowned for a second before enlightenment dawned. “Oh, when I said date you thought...”
Her cheeks burned. “Sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry. I guess I should have been clearer.”
Yeah. The whole not getting emotionally involved thing. Even though he’d kissed her. Why did he kiss her, exactly? She wanted to ask, but was afraid of his answer. “I shouldn’t have jumped to that conclusion.”
He paused, his body language screaming discomfort. “I’ll be more careful next time.”
If there was a next time. Argh. She sounded like a love-starved twit. Now would be a good time for the ground to open up and swallow her whole.
“So, ah, text me.”
“I will.” She graced him with a wide, unconcerned smile to cover her embarrassment.
He replaced his sunglasses as he disappeared around the corner of the house. In the silence she cringed, the voice inside her head reminding her Wyatt didn’t do forever.
