“You’re not going back? I figured we could go for coffee or something. Plus, we’re sleeping under the same roof.” He took a step toward her and reached for her hand—she retreated a step back. Like some crazy two-step of the exes. Was he flirting?
Livy chuckled and shook her head, turning towards her car. His confidence was slightly nauseating. It would be awkward enough sleeping a few doors down from him. And she certainly didn’t care to say goodnight to him right outside her room. “I’ve got some errands to run, Sam. You’re on your own.”
She turned to say goodnight but was cut off by the closing of his car door. He didn’t even look back at her as he revved the engine and steered the car across the gravel lot. He always was sore when he didn’t get his way. Nothing had changed really, just passing time blurring reality.
Livy took her time driving back into town, her only errand avoiding Sam the rest of the evening. And thinking of Jack, of course. She longed to tell him about her unexpected day and yearned for the comfort of his arms. How would Jack react to knowing Sam was here in Laurel Cove? How did he feel about Claire? Maybe he’d spoken with or seen her today.
She held down the center button of her phone and gave instructions, “Call Jack.” The automated voice accepted the command and Livy listened, waiting for Jack’s voice to greet her.
On the third ring he answered. “Hey, you.”
She sighed into the receiver. “Hi. You won’t believe the day I’ve had. How are you?”
“It’s been an interesting day, really. Owen came over and we talked a while, but I got a lot of things off my chest. What happened today for you?” His low voice sounded exhausted, his drawl even more pronounced.
If it wasn’t so late into the evening and she wasn’t almost back at the inn, she might have turned the car around and headed up to the cabin. Now probably wasn’t the time to drop the news of Sam on him. “Um, it’s probably best to tell you in person. Are you up for breakfast tomorrow?”
“Yes, please.” If a smile had a sound, Jack’s voice delivered it. How wonderfully skilled Jack was in making Livy feel special in the subtlest ways.
They set a time and said goodnight. The brief call centered her. She’d sleep well tonight after all, with the promise of seeing Jack in the morning.
***
Jack set his phone on the wide, flat arm of his Adirondack chair. The short call from Livy was just what he’d needed. His gaze returned upwards, where stars blanketed the dark sky over the Blue Ridge. The gray clouds that hovered on top of Laurel Cove earlier had been swept away on a strong spring wind. From where Jack sat on his back porch, the sight was brilliant.
And the world was quiet.
He hadn’t received a response from Claire since sending the brief text after Owen left. Set against the drama brewing with Claire, Livy was a bright beacon of hope, fun, and—yes—love. The dreamy image of her emerald green eyes and affectionate smile filled his mind. Closing his eyes, he could almost smell her sweet scent.
But as much as he tried, Claire once again invaded his mind, like a mean girl pushing her way to the front of a line. Even when Claire had resurfaced shortly after the divorce, Jack never considered getting back together with her. And at the moment, forgiving her seemed no more likely. Lord, please intervene. I know my anger isn’t pleasing to you. Help me find the forgiveness I need to give Claire so that I might fully live into your plan for my life. And, Lord, if it is part of that plan, please continue blessing my relationship with Livy. I love you, Lord. Amen.
A familiar ding sounded from his phone. Loved hearing your voice. Can’t wait to see you.
Jack’s mood lifted, accompanying the smile that broke across his face. Their breakfast date couldn’t come soon enough. He also couldn’t imagine what it was she had to tell him. He’d detected a hint of nervousness in her voice, but compared to his predicament with Claire, nothing could be too big of a deal. Right?
CHAPTER
Twenty-One
E ven from a distance, Jack’s rugged good looks warmed Livy’s cheeks when she spotted him waiting outside Brewed. It was hard to tell if the knots in her stomach were from the excitement of seeing him or anxiety about telling him that Sam was in Laurel Cove. Instead of running to him, she returned his wave and strolled as casually as she could.
“Well, hey there.” Livy raised a hand to block a harsh glare. Before she could focus on his face, Jack’s tall shadow moved in front of the sun. His large, smooth hands embraced her face as he pulled her close for a sweet, tender kiss. Rising to her tiptoes, Livy threw her arms around Jack’s neck and gave in fully to him. Everything else faded—the sun warming her skin, the noise of town around them, and her worry over Claire and Sam. Being in Jack’s arms was where she belonged.
“Oh, darling.” Jack’s whisper raised the hairs on the back of her neck. “I’m so sorry.”
Their embrace was tight and lingered long enough that Livy’s stretched calves began to burn. “There’s nothing to be sorry for.” She followed Jack’s lead toward the bench in front of the coffee shop.
“Yes, there is. I put you in a very tough situation the other night. I was selfish and didn’t think of how you’d feel. I let my anger get the best of me.” Jack’s hold on Livy’s hands was almost crushing. She freed them and touched his cheek.
“Jack, I’m no stranger to being hurt. Do you feel better after talking to Owen?” She searched his eyes for a clear answer but found none.
“Yes…” He closed his eyes, leaning into her hand. “And no.”
The rumbling engine of a passing truck offered them both a moment to pause. Livy watched it disappear. The turmoil she heard in Jack’s voice was all too familiar. But she was invested in him, in them as a couple. If they were going to have a chance at a healthy and thriving relationship, she had to let him work through this. Her head knew that, but the thumping in her chest told her that her heart wasn’t so sure.
“I didn’t realize until I talked to Owen last night how much I was still holding on to. Even before you came to town, I hadn’t heard from Claire in quite some time. I’d moved on, or at least I thought I had.” He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, and looked at the ground.
Livy’s hand traced across his wide back. She knew all too well the complications that lay in the wake of being jilted. Especially with Sam in Laurel Cove. Her heart did an entirely different sort of flip than when she’d set her eyes on Jack just moments before. More of a sinking into the pit of her stomach. How would Jack react to hearing Sam was in town?
Jack straightened. “Owen helped me see how stuck I’ve been. I haven’t dated in over a year. I haven’t returned to fixing up houses. I haven’t fully enjoyed the things in life I used to.” He took Livy’s hand and searched her face. “Until you.”
There was no mistaking the adoration in his eyes.
“Since you came back into my life I’ve dated, obviously. I’ve put time and energy into fixing up Gram’s house with you. And anyone in their right mind can see I’m enjoying a lot that life has to offer me now.”
Livy savored his words. “Me, too, Jack.” But she had to ask, “So, that’s the ‘yes’ you meant to feeling better. What’s the ‘no’ part?”
Jack released Livy’s hand and rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, I have to find a way to truly forgive Claire for me—for us—to have a healthy, full future. And I’m not quite sure how to do that.”
She didn’t have any advice. Though she’d forgiven Sam, how could she articulate how she did it? “I wish I knew a way to help you figure that out. Forgiveness is so hard. Do you plan to go talk to Claire?”
Jack stood and paced the length of the sidewalk in front of the shop. “I’ve come too far to rehash everything, and I can’t risk giving her any false hopes. I think it’s best that she figures the rest of her issues out on her own. At this point, forgiveness has to take place in my heart, on my own.”
“I know what you mean…”
Jack cut Livy off before s
he had the chance to mention Sam’s unexpected arrival. “Well, that’s enough of that. How about that coffee?” He reached for her hand. His charming smile took the words right out of her mouth. They made their way into Brewed and took seats at their usual table. What would it hurt to wait until after breakfast?
***
“Thanks, Mer,” Jack said as Meredith placed a plate of blueberry scones on the table, but his eyes were busy taking in the sight of Livy sitting across from him. Her delicate hands wrapped around her steaming mug. A slightly curled strand of chestnut hair cascading down the soft curve of her neck. The round line of her full lips. They’d only been apart one full day, but he’d experienced a newfound appreciation for her. When her green eyes traveled from her coffee up to his face, his breath caught for an instant.
“Jack, there’s something I need to…”
“You are so beautiful.”
Her mouth turned up at the corners. He reached for her hand, stroking his thumb across its soft skin.
“Thank you. You’re sweet.”
“You know, I was thinking…it’s supposed to get pretty warm this weekend. Maybe we could dust off my canoe and head for the lake.”
From behind him, the bell rung above the door to the shop. Livy looked past his shoulder in the direction of the noise. Her eyes widened before darting back to Jack. She hunched her shoulders and turned toward the window as if trying to hide.
“Liv, what is it?”
She gave her head a short shake and whispered, “Jack, I’m sorry. I was trying to…”
“Well, hey there. Isn’t that what y’all say down here?”
Jack turned toward the unfamiliar voice. A tall man with jet-black hair stood at their table with a hand extended to Jack, but his dark eyes were focused on Livy. She offered no introductions, her eyes begging Jack for something, though he wasn’t sure what exactly. Jack’s chair made a severe scraping sound against the linoleum floor as he stood. The man’s cold hand returned a shake firmer than Jack expected.
“Morning. I’m Jack Bowden. And you are…?”
“Sam.” Both men turned at the sound of Livy’s timid voice. “This is Sam Battaglia.”
Livy’s Sam? Jack jerked his hand back. The man let out a casual chuckle, igniting something inside Jack. What in the world was he doing here all the way from New York? Had they been in touch? How long had he been here? Why hadn’t she told him Sam was here in Laurel Cove? All of the questions swarmed in his head, a tornado of confusion. He looked to Livy and found in her eyes something akin to a child being caught doing something she shouldn’t. A look all too familiar stole his breath. She’s not Claire. But the room became a swirling sea of confusion.
“I—uh—I just realized it’s about time to open the store up.” He reached for his wallet and took a ten-dollar bill from its folds. It fluttered to the table, landing on top of the untouched scones.
“Jack …” Livy reached for his hand, but he stepped away before her fingers could grasp his.
On his way to the door, he made brief eye contact with Meredith, standing a few tables away holding a full coffee pot. He couldn’t take the pity he saw. He had to get out of here.
In a few long strides, Jack stood on the sidewalk, the cool air hitting his flushed face. He looked down the street both ways before turning toward the Bowdon’s Supplies sign. She’s not Claire. But his chest thundered and beads of sweat formed along his forehead. Was this a panic attack? He unlocked the door, stepped past Rex, and retreated to his office. He’d just sunk into his desk chair when he heard Livy’s voice and the creak of the front door.
“Jack? No, Rex, not now.”
Jack pushed off on one foot, rolling his chair to face the window behind his desk. His eyes shut and he swallowed past the lump in his throat. He wasn’t ready to hear her explanation. He couldn’t lose her. Quick footsteps approached, stopping at the office door.
“Jack, please. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you first thing this morning. Will you please look at me?”
Jack slowly turned back around in the chair, elbows resting on the edge of his desk. Her green eyes glistened with threatening tears. She’s not Claire.
She took another few steps into the office and took the seat opposite him. “Sam showed up completely unexpected yesterday. Except for that call from him my first day in Laurel Cove, I hadn’t heard from him. Then, there he was at the inn and …”
Jack sat up straighter. “Wait. He’s at the inn? Well, that’s convenient.” Jack heard the cutting tone of his own words. That wasn’t fair.
“Believe me, I was just as surprised as you are, but you and I both know there’s no other hotel in town.” Her head shook. She sat back in the chair and sighed, hands folded in her lap. She looked past him toward the window. The morning light streaming in illuminated gold flecks in her eyes. Was this their first fight? Even if it wasn’t truly a fight, he hated it. She leaned over and reached for his hand across the desk. “Jack, can you hear me out and let me tell you the rest?”
There was more? He took a deep breath and braced himself. “Sure.”
She sat back in the chair and looked down at her hands. “We went for dinner last night. I guess I felt like after our history, and him making the trip, it was the nice thing to do.”
The dizziness returned. “You went out with him?” Jack dropped his head into his hands. If there was any question whether he harbored anxiety and trust issues post-Claire, this confirmed it.
“Please, just let me explain.”
Jack’s nerves exploded and he shot a look up into her pleading eyes. “Explain what, Livy? How I’ll have to compete for your affections with a man who didn’t know what he had when he had it? How everyone deserves a second chance, and you owe it to him to hear him out after he’s come all this way?” Jack swallowed hard past the lump screaming in his throat. He slammed his eyes shut, turned back toward the window, and ran his fingers through his hair. Images of Claire in bed with another man flashed in his mind. Sam’s arrogant laugh, the soundtrack to this nightmare.
“I’m not Claire, Jack.”
She’s not Claire. How did he convince himself he could trust Livy? “Maybe I just need some time to think. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Please, Jack …”
The pounding in Jack’s ears was almost deafening. It took several deep breaths for it to quiet. When he turned around, the room was empty.
A few moments later, the click of the front door sounded and Jack perked.
“Hey, man. You here?” Jasper’s voice echoed.
Jack’s heart sank. Had he just let the woman he loved walk right out the door—and possibly right into the arms of another man?
CHAPTER
Twenty-Two
H ot tears flowed down Livy’s cheeks as she climbed the hill toward the inn. Things had gotten so turned around. Jack didn’t even let her explain everything. Of course, she hated the way Jack and Sam met, but Jack hadn’t given her any chance to tell him that she had no intentions of rekindling anything with Sam. If only he’d listened.
She paused and bent at the waist, leaning on her knees as a wave of sobs threatened.
“Liv. Wait up.” Sam’s voice sounded behind her.
The last thing she wanted was to deal with him. Not here. Not now. She resumed her climb toward the inn and the sanctuary of her room.
“Man, you’re fast.” Sam caught up with her as she crested the hill and followed the white picket fence along the inn’s yard.
“Not now …” Livy bit her bottom lip to stifle the cries that begged to release. As she reached for the latch on the gate, her hand grazed against something sharp. “Ouch! For goodness’ sake, what else can happen?” The thorny stem of a rose bush growing around the gate’s post must have been the culprit. Her eyes searched the sapphire sky as if God would send an answer on the mild mountain breeze.
Sam took her hand and inspected the scratch. His tender eyes searched her face as he bent to graze his lips across the ba
ck of her hand. Livy pulled back, shaking her head.
“Oh, come on.” His dark-brown eyes twinkled with the seductive charm she knew too well. He closed the short distance between them with one step. “You know I can’t stand to see you cry,” he whispered.
Since when?
“You always were the emotional type.” The subtle double-edge in his voice was all too reminiscent of the Sam she knew. “I’m not surprised Farmer Jack wasn’t up for fighting for you.”
As his words hit her, Sam pulled Livy to him and kissed her hard. She wriggled her hands between their bodies and pushed hard against his chest, releasing from his grip.
A deep breath gave life to her confidence that had begun to take root here in Laurel Cove. She wasn’t some injured prey, easy to take down, already weakened by another fight. No, it wasn’t that easy. Not anymore.
Livy turned, her steps wide and determined up the walkway to the porch. “Go home, Sam.”
“Don’t walk away from me, Olivia.”
How dare he think he could boss her around any more. “Watch me.”
His steps sounded behind her. “I’m not leaving this hillbilly town without you. You don’t belong here.” His curt, annoyed voice bellowed through the lobby as he followed her through the front door.
“She most certainly does, young man.” Aunt Bea stepped from behind the desk, positioning herself between Livy and Sam. She held her arms wide as if ready to protect Livy from whatever might come next.
Sam scoffed and kept walking toward them. “You stay out of this, old lady.”
“Well, I never! Didn’t your mama teach you any manners?” Aunt Bea stepped toward Sam, shaking a finger in his face. “Too bad for you I’m the owner of this establishment, and we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone who can’t mind their manners. I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave—immediately. I’m also born and raised here in these parts. I’d reckon the whole town wouldn’t mind one bit if I spoke for them all and asked you to leave Laurel Cove altogether.”
Someplace Familiar (Laurel Cove Romance Book 1) Page 21
