by Tara Randel
Michelle sidestepped as Jenna bolted out of the freezer. Once in the kitchen, she jumped up and down to warm herself up.
Wyatt closed the door. “I’ll get the safety release looked at. In the meantime, if you have to go inside the freezer, prop something in front of the door to hold it open. Wouldn’t want anyone getting stuck inside again.” He winked at Michelle.
She laughed. “Yeah. That would be horrible.”
He glanced at Jenna. “I’m going to take off. Tell the girls hi for me.”
Jenna stopped jumping. “Right. I was going to pick them up.” She scrambled to find her cell phone on the counter. “Thanks,” she called out to his exiting back, grabbing her purse to leave.
“Hey, do we need a system here?” Michelle asked. “You know, if you get locked in the freezer with Mr. Hottie, leave a dishtowel on the door latch?”
Jenna felt so embarrassed. “That will never happen again,” she said to Michelle. “I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll go over the inventory then.”
“Whatever you say, boss.”
* * *
LATER THAT NIGHT, after the open house at school, Jenna stood in the pain reliever aisle at the drug store, the bright fluorescent light adding to the pounding in her head.
The girls had come home from school very subdued, barely touching dinner. With no one to watch the twins, Jenna’s only option was to take them along with her to the first parent/teacher open house. She was tempted to stay home to nurse the headache that had started earlier, but the girls wanted Jenna to see their special art projects displayed in the classroom.
The twins were still much too quiet during the school visit, and their behavior screamed a warning. By the time they got in the car to head home, their unhappy faces were pale. When Abby complained about not feeling very well, Jenna felt her forehead. Warm to the touch. They must have come down with a bug.
They’d trouped to the pharmacy section, where Jenna had a conversation with the pharmacist on which brand of fever remedy to buy for the girls. Now, five minutes until closing, she scoured the shelf for the right box.
“Jenna, can we go home?” Bridget asked, hanging listlessly from her arm.
“Sure, honey.” Jenna grabbed the recommended medication and herded the girls to the checkout.
“I want to go to bed,” Abby whined.
“Soon.” Jenna paid for the purchases. As they walked through the door, she nearly collided with Wyatt.
“Hey.” He grinned at Jenna, then the girls. At their less than energetic greeting, Wyatt looked at Jenna questioningly.
“The girls have a slight fever,” she explained.
“I feel icky,” Bridget complained.
“And Jenna has a headache too,” Abby volunteered.
His concerned gaze pinned hers. “Can I do anything?”
“We’re headed home. The girls need to get into bed.”
“I’ll follow you.”
“What?”
“You don’t feel good and the girls are out of it. I’m coming to help you.”
“Wyatt, there’s no—”
“No complaints, Jenna.”
Too tired to argue and secretly glad he insisted, Jenna nodded. Ten minutes later they were in the house. Jenna steered the girls to the kitchen for a spoonful of medicine.
“I’ll make you some tea,” Wyatt said. “Go get the girls ready for bed.”
As she passed him, Jenna touched his arm. “Thank you, Wyatt.”
He shrugged and got to work.
By the time she had the girls in bed, Wyatt and a steaming cup of tea were waiting in the living room. He handed her two capsules of pain reliever and she chased them down with a long drink from a glass of water. Switching to the tea, she took a sip and sank into the soft couch, rubbing her temples.
“Don’t tell me those few minutes in the freezer today did you in.”
She managed a small smile. “It’s a combination of little sleep and whatever the girls were exposed to.”
He took a seat beside her, his weight on the cushion rolling her into his side. When she tried to move away, he threw his arm around her shoulder and tucked her close. “Relax,” he whispered against her hair.
She should move, she told herself, but she was tired, her head hurt and his warmth lulled her into tranquil contentment.
“Will you keep the girls home from school tomorrow?” he asked, stroking her hair.
“Yes. They need to rest.”
“How about you?”
She stirred, pushing herself to sit up as reality intruded on her serene mood. “I’ll have to figure out how to watch them and get some work done. Maybe Michelle can bring some supplies here so I can start cooking.”
Wyatt gently tugged her back against him. “How about you all take a break?”
“I can’t. I have to get ready for Friday night. And the engagement party Saturday.”
“Michelle is competent. I’m sure she can handle one day without you.”
“She is.”
“But?”
Jenna grinned against his chest. “But I’m one of those people who like to be right in the middle of business.”
“Or, you could take a day off, trust your employee and feel better for Friday night.”
“There is that option.”
“The smart option.”
She snuggled closer, her lids growing heavy. She hadn’t felt this safe, this protected in...well, she couldn’t remember when. The past few months had been a whirlwind of emotional ups and downs, from moving cross-country to getting settled here in their new home. Now with a new business to run, Jenna realized Wyatt was right. She needed a day to recharge her batteries before the busy weekend ahead.
“You win. I’ll take tomorrow off and trust Michelle to get started on the food prep.”
“That’s my girl.”
A warm rush of affection filled Jenna at Wyatt’s words. She could almost envision cuddling with him on a regular basis. Almost, being the key word, because he still hadn’t gotten to a place where he wanted a serious relationship. For now, in the dim shadows of her living room, curled up beside the man who held her heartstrings, she’d enjoy the illusion of them as a couple. In the bright light of day, she’d be more sensible.
“I can watch the girls on Friday if they still need to stay home from school,” he told her. “I don’t have a charter scheduled.”
“Wyatt, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“Sure you could. Besides, I’m offering. I’m pretty sure I remember how to take care of a sick kid.”
“They’ll be cranky.”
“I can handle it.”
Her lids drooped again.
“Okay?”
“Yes.” She paused and then shifted to get more comfortable. “It’s so odd. With you, Nealy and Dane and the rest of the wonderful people I’ve met here in Cypress Pointe, I have more of a support system then I ever did in LA”
“And how does that make you feel?”
“Like I’m being questioned by a psychiatrist.” She giggled. “Seriously, I can’t tell you how relieved I am to have all of you.”
“Sounds to me like you’re finally willing to let people lend a hand.”
“It hasn’t been easy. My entire life I’ve never given anyone a glimpse of the real me. I’ve always been guarded, probably to keep from being disappointed again and again. But here, it’s different.” She turned her face to him. “I’m different.”
“It’s not so bad, is it? Asking for help?”
“Not that I asked, since you insisted on coming over, but yeah, it sure takes the burden from my shoulders.”
“As long as you’re in Cypress Pointe, you aren’t alone.”
At his quiet statement, tears
rushed into her eyes. Wasn’t this what she’d longed for her entire life? To belong? To be loved? While Wyatt promised to figure out where he stood in the love department, she had most definitely fallen in love with him. How could she not? She’d seen him overcome great pain and sorrow, becoming a stronger man in the process. A man whose broad shoulders carried heavy burdens, but who didn’t succumb to the weight. A man she could easily share her life with.
A tear slipped from her eye, dropping onto his shirt. He must have noticed, because he shifted.
“What’s wrong?”
She couldn’t reveal her overflowing heart to him. Not right now. Even though her feelings had been building, the revelation was too new. She didn’t want to ruin the fragile bond by blurting out the truth when he might not feel the same. Yes, he was the real deal for her, but there were things she still hadn’t shared with him. Things he needed to know if they were to have any kind of relationship.
One thing she hadn’t told him about was Rod because she hadn’t wanted the ugliness to drive Wyatt away. Since he had no love for the entertainment industry due to his wife’s betrayal and dream to make it big in LA, how could she admit to the terrible side of fame? Maybe once this busy weekend came to a close she’d sit down with him. Reveal her concerns. See where they went from there.
He nudged her. “You asleep?”
“Close. I should probably let you leave so I can go to bed.”
“How about I hang around? Once you’re settled, I’ll let myself out.”
“You’re too good to me.”
He chuckled. “Trust me, it’s not a hardship.”
She blinked away the tears that welled in her eyes. “And while I appreciate it, I should see you out now.”
At the door, he ran his thumb over her cheek. “Call me if you need anything. Anytime, it doesn’t matter.”
“We’ll be fine.”
He gave her one last lingering look. “Talk to you tomorrow.”
She lifted a heavy arm to salute him.
His laughter carried on the breeze as she closed the door.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
AFTER A GOOD night's sleep, Jenna was raring to go. The girls were a bit more run down and took another day to get back to normal. Just to be on the safe side, Jenna kept them home from school. She wanted them to stay put the night of the soft opening, but the girls were heartbroken they’d miss the party. Wyatt suggested she ask his parents to bring the girls to the event. That way, if they became tired, his folks could take them home while Jenna finished up for the night. His parents’ readily agreed, thrilled to spend time with the girls.
Jenna’s cooking marathon turned out far better than she’d hoped, if the guests’ positive response was an indicator. People mingled, admiring the transformation of the old restaurant. Jenna answered questions all night long, booking a few events and having a great time getting to know the people of Cypress Pointe better. When her dry throat made it tough to talk, she stepped aside for a much-needed break and watched the crowd.
People were enjoying a night out, laughing and chatting. At the food-sampling table, the delicious aroma of savory bacon-wrapped beef, sweet and sour meatballs, spicy chicken wings, and tangy queso dip tantalized guests. The mayor stuck to the table most of the night, waxing on about how fortunate they were to have a famous chef living in their small town.
The twins played a starring role as well. Who could resist their bright smiles and endless chatter? And who knew they would be such talented salesgirls? For Jenna, they proved to be the biggest delight of the night.
She drained the rest of her lemon-flavored water, ready to get back to work, when the front door opened and, with a flourish, in waltzed her agent.
“Surprise!”
Jenna made her way through the guests to greet Barbara with a hug. “You’re here.”
“Did you think I’d miss your special night? Besides, it wouldn’t have been a surprise if I told you.”
“When I didn’t hear from you I assumed you weren’t coming. If you’d called, I could have picked you up at the airport.”
Barbara waved her off. “Nonsense. You’ve been busy.”
“Where are you staying? I have room at my house if you need a place to crash.”
“I booked a room at the B and B in town.”
“How long will you be here?”
Barbara sent her a sheepish look. “I must be totally honest with you, Jenna. This is a combo trip. I’m here for you, but it’s also a business trip for a new client. I’m meeting up with a location scout who’s checking out the area for a new sports reality show to be filmed in Tampa.”
“A new client?” When Jenna saw the twinkle in Barbara’s eye, she laughed. “Stop playing coy with me. Tell me who it is.”
“If I must.” With her flare for the dramatic, Barbara should have been an actress. “Pamela Fontaine.”
“Why does that name...” Jenna froze. “Wait. Isn’t that the actress Rod’s been tailing?”
Barbara looked momentarily chagrined. “He was. Now that I’m working with Pamela on this new show and a network sitcom, she’s super busy. He’s dropped out of the picture.”
Jenna tried to ignore the tingle at the base of her neck. “What do you mean?”
“He’s out on bail, awaiting his court date,” Barbara explained. “Didn’t the police department inform you?”
She’d been so busy lately, had she missed a call or a voice mail message?
“I don’t like this.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not like he’s going to follow you to Florida. Not with his legal problems.”
Jenna disagreed. She didn’t trust Rod and the fact that Barbara’s new client had ties to Rod made her uneasy.
“Why would you—”
“Jenna, don’t worry about a thing. I have everything in hand. Tonight is about you.” She glanced around the room. “What an excellent turnout.”
“What. Oh, yes.”
Barbara studied Jenna with a critical eye. “Hmm. I don’t think I’m on board with the uniform, catchy as it is, but we’ll talk later.” Taking her arm, Barbara said, “Introduce me to your guests. And I want to have a conversation with this friend of yours who stole you away from LA.”
Jenna showed Barbara around, making small talk even though she couldn’t ignore the nagging sense that something was wrong. When Barbara and Nealy began to talk, Jenna stepped aside, lost in her thoughts.
“What happened to the smile?” Wyatt asked as he sidled up beside her, a glass in his hand.
She hadn’t seen him yet this evening and now was especially glad of his company. He had shaved recently, she could smell the masculine scent. He looked way too good in a button-down shirt and casual slacks. “Just getting tired.”
“You? You have enough energy for three people.”
“Don’t forget, I’ve been working around the clock to get ready for tonight. I guess it finally hit me.”
He watched her, the concern in his eyes telling her he doubted her story. “You know, if you ever need to talk, I’m here. It’s about time I return the favor.”
“I’m fine.”
“I thought you were working on reducing that independent streak.”
She shrugged. “Old habits...”
“Can be changed,” he finished.
Should she confide her worries to Wyatt? If her concerns were unfounded, how paranoid would she look?
“It’s probably nothing, but—”
“Excuse me, Miss Monroe. Do you have a minute?”
Jenna turned to find a young woman standing beside her, holding a small recorder. Instantly her stomach clenched.
“Mandy Rose, Cypress Pointe Weekly. I wanted to get a few comments about tonight’s success.”
“I r
eally don’t have the time right now. I have to attend to my guests.”
“It’ll only take a minute.”
Jenna’s voice grew more firm. “Not now.”
Wyatt’s brow rose at her curt tone.
“I’m sure the readers would love your insight into the food world. Hear about your new business endeavor.”
“Please, if you would, talk to Nealy Grainger. She can answer all your questions.”
“But I—”
Not waiting for the reporter’s response, Jenna strode away, beelining for the kitchen, her sanctuary. When she nearly collided with Michelle, who was carrying a fresh tray of hors d’oeuvres to the sampling area, she opted for escaping out the back door instead.
* * *
SURPRISED BY JENNA’S abrupt reaction to the reporter, Wyatt followed her to the alley, where she was pacing along the pavement. “What was that all about?”
Jenna’s head shot up. “Wyatt, I don’t want to talk right now.”
Instead of taking her hint, he walked closer. “This is more than you being tired, which I don’t believe by the way.”
“Did you not understand? I don’t want to talk.”
“Okay. Then I’ll wait out here with you while you pace.” He leaned against the side of the building, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Wyatt, go back inside.”
He kept quiet.
“You are maddening, you know that?”
“Maybe, but something is going on with you. It’s not like you to be so cross with anyone, let alone a reporter.” He uncrossed his arms and pushed away from the wall. “Jenna, you’ve listened to me. You’ve helped me get a handle on my grief. I only want to return the favor.” He stepped closer to her. “I’m a good listener.”
Jenna ran her hands over her face. “I’m just overwhelmed by tonight.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Wyatt,” she started in a quiet tone. Tentatively met his gaze. Had he finally worn her down? “This may or may not be anything to be concerned about.”
“Try me.”
“Where do I start?” Jenna began pacing again. “It goes back to why the girls and I left LA”
“And why was that?”
