His Ever After (Love, Emerson B) - Isabel North(ang.)

Contents Title His Ever After Copyright Dedication CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER THREE CHAPTER FOUR CHAPTER FIVE CHAPTER SIX CHAPTER SEVEN CHAPTER EIGHT CHAPTER NINE CHAPTER TEN CHAPTER ELEVEN CHAPTER TWELVE CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHAPTER FOURTEEN CHAPTER FIFTEEN CHAPTER SIXTEEN CHAPTER SEVENTEEN CHAPTER EIGHTEEN CHAPTER NINETEEN CHAPTER TWENTY CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE CHAPTER THIRTY CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE About the author Artfully Yours Technically Mine

HIS EVER AFTER by Isabel North

HIS EVER AFTER (Love, Emerson #3) Jenny Finley is finally back on her feet, two years after her ex-husband left her as a single mom with a ruined credit score and no home. She has a steady job, a fantastic daughter, and exciting plans to start her dream business as a landscape designer. Everything's going great until the night her not-so-secret crush, Derek Tate, six feet plus of sweetness and oh-so-much sin, shows her he could rock her world…or bring it crashing down. Derek is patient and persistent, and he makes it clear there's no going back. Can Jenny resist his wicked smile...does she even want to? Stuck between a hot mechanic and a hard place, should she take what Derek's offering, or shut him down for good? His Ever After is a standalone friends-to-lovers romantic comedy in the Love, Emerson series.

Copyright © Isabel North 2017 First edition All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, places, organizations, business and events are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

DEDICATION

To my sister

CHAPTER ONE Six months earlier “A toast!” “Lila!” Jenny reached over and tugged Lila’s arm. “Sit your ass down.” “Today,” Lila continued, “is a great day!” Jenny glanced around. Yep. People were looking. Clenching her teeth in a big fake smile, she tugged again. “Sit.” Lila pried Jenny’s fingers away and raised her glass high. Groaning, Jenny dropped her head in her hands. “Please sit.” Lila did not sit. “Today, my dearest friend, you have achieved.” “Yes. I have. Thank you so much. Now I’m begging you. Please sit. No one cares about my achievement. You’re disturbing the peace.” Behind the bar, Kurt snorted as he wiped down the gleaming wood. “Peace?” he said. “We get

peace in here on a Friday night, my business is in trouble. Disturb away, Lila.” “Must you encourage her?” Jenny asked Kurt. He shrugged and gave her a wink before ambling off to serve a customer at the other end of the bar. Lila sat down with a thump. “I care,” she said. “Huh?” “You said no one cares about your achievement. I care.” It was true. Lila Baxter had cared since their first day of elementary school, when Megan Rivas had pushed Jenny into the dirt, stolen her lunch, and refused to give it back until Lila had sat on Megan and started pulling her hair out. Strand by single strand. Jenny and Lila had ended up in the principal’s office in the very first hour of kindergarten, setting a school record and earning a reputation for troublemaking they’d more than lived up to as they blazed through the education system. Lila had continued to care, even when she went away to college in Seattle while Jenny stayed in their small town of Emerson and made the big, huge, enormous stupid mistake of marrying Dean Hansen. She’d cared when Jenny’s father had died, and when Jenny had her daughter Kate, and then she’d cared enough to kick Dean in the junk when Jenny couldn’t risk losing her custody case. Or risk an

assault charge. “Fuck the cops,” Lila had said, before letting Dean have it with a Louboutin to the groin. Hard to believe Jenny’s bestie was an awardwinning realtor and a successful member of Emerson’s business community. “I know you care, Lila. Means a lot.” “Can I finish my toast now?” “Please.” “Give me a boost up onto the bar first.” Jenny sighed. “Really?” “Nah. I know how you hate to be the center of attention. I can keep it classy. Low-key. Raise your glass.” Jenny did. “Empty? We can’t toast with empty glasses.” Lila pounded on the bar. “Kurt! We need refills!” “He’s busy, Lila.” Lila ignored her. “Kurt!” “In a minute!” he yelled, serving the boisterous group of guys who’d bellied up to the far end of the bar. “Forget it,” Lila yelled back. “I’ll help myself.” Kurt pointed at her. “You get behind my bar again, we’re gonna have a problem.” “I won’t break anything this time.” “Sit your ass down.” Lila sat. Jenny licked the last traces of salt from the rim

of her glass. “Why does it work when he says it?” “Because it entertains me when a man tries to tell me what to do. Of course, every now and then I actually have to do it and make them think they’re getting somewhere, or they stop. This is one of those times.” She leaned forward then backward on the high stool, trying to catch Kurt’s eye. “Seriously, how long does it take to serve beer? It’s not a cocktail. He doesn’t have to make it first.” As soon as Kurt had brought them fresh margaritas, Lila held up her glass. With a smile, Jenny held up her own. “My dearest friend,” Lila began, “congratulations on your fine achievement.” She paused as they clinked. “You now have a very fancy piece of paper that says you’re really good at digging dirt. I am so proud of you.” “Jerk. It’s not just digging dirt.” “I’m sorry. You’re right. Moving it around, too. And sticking plants in it.” Today Jenny had received her certificate in landscaping and horticultural design from the tiny local community college, and yeah. Hell yeah, it was a fine achievement. It had taken her two years of part-time study which she’d somehow managed to fit in around being a single mother and working at the garden center, but she’d done it. She was now one step closer to fulfilling her

dream of having her own landscaping business. That dream might still be a million light years away, but as of today, it was a million light years minus one step. Since Jenny was a twenty-eight-year-old single mother/divorcee/orphan, she knew how important it was to celebrate each and every good thing that came along. Which was why she was here tonight with Lila, to cut loose in a way she rarely did. Kate was having a sleepover with Jenny’s sister, Elle. If Jenny wanted to, she could stay at the bar until it closed, order herself a giant pizza, eat the whole pie, then fall asleep face down in the empty box. She yawned. Probably she wouldn’t do any of that, though. It was—she checked her watch. Wow. Nine p.m.—and she was exhausted. “Oh, no,” Lila said. “Don’t even think it.” What? That a bubble bath followed by bed sounded more fun than staying at the bar until last call? The pizza part of the plan, she’d keep. “When did we last have a girls’ night out?” Lila said. “We come here all the time.” “To eat in the restaurant. Or for one drink before you have to go pay the babysitter. God bless Elle for moving back to Emerson. There’s nothing like taking advantage of family for providing free childcare.”

Jenny narrowed her eyes. “Except I didn’t take advantage of Elle. You did, when you set this up without telling me.” “You’re welcome.” Because Jenny wouldn’t have asked, and Lila knew it. Even though Elle was happy to look after Kate whenever she needed it, Jenny pretty much figured she’d used up all her take-advantage-of-family currency back when she was a kid herself. Their mom had run off into the great unknown when Jenny was six, their dad’s response had been to run off and hide in a bottle, and twelve-year-old Elle had shouldered the responsibility of keeping the Finley household together. “When was it?” Lila kicked the rung of Jenny’s bar stool. “When did we last have a proper night out?” “I don’t know.” Jenny rolled the stem of her glass between finger and thumb. “Was I even in my twenties?” “Come on. Let’s work it out. There must be a time in the last eight years that we—” Lila cut off abruptly, and scratched her head. “Never mind.” Jenny stared at her, then remembered. “Right. My divorce party.” She laughed. “This beats the hell out of last time, then.” She held out her glass and Lila clinked. “Girls. Enough with the clinking,” Kurt said.

“Once is acceptable. Lame, but acceptable. Twice is sad. I’ve lost count how many times you’ve done it tonight. Enough. You’re lowering the tone of my fine establishment.” “Girls?” Lila sat up straight. “Fine establishment?” Jenny sat up straighter. Kurt’s eyes twinkled. He was in his mid-thirties, a shade over average height with a way-pastaverage powerful build, and Lila had made it her life’s goal to get into his pants. Not being a coy woman, she had come out and stated it to his face on their first meeting. Kurt had laughed and managed, thus far at least, to resist her determined charms. He set another round of margaritas down in front of them. “Ooh,” Lila said. “I do like a man who can anticipate my needs. Good boy.” “I didn’t anticipate.” Kurt crossed his arms over his chest and pointed a single finger at the other end of the bar. “They’re courtesy of your latest admirers.” As one, Jenny and Lila leaned to get a good look at the guys who’d sent them drinks. Jenny slumped. At the boys who’d sent them drinks. They were probably only a handful of years younger than her, but she felt a century or two older. At least. Make that a geological era. They

were wearing button-down shirts, khakis, and bright, carefree smiles. To Jenny, they looked like they’d hatched yesterday. “Hmm,” Lila said. “No hmm,” Jenny said. “This is supposed to be a child-free evening.” Kurt let out a booming laugh. “Gonna go tell them that.” “I’ll do it.” Lila slid off her stool and sashayed over to the men, who watched her approach with hopeful faces. “She is extremely direct, isn’t she?” Kurt laid his forearms along the bar and leaned into them, head angled to watch Lila go. To watch Lila’s ass go, Jenny noted with a smile. “She’ll let them down gently. She’s direct, but she’s never cruel.” Kurt’s eyes came to her. “You Lila’s wingman? Talking her up to me?” Jenny shook her head. “I absolutely think you should stay away from her.” “And why is that? Going to keep me for yourself?” Jenny snorted her drink with surprise. “No,” she said indignantly, alcohol stinging her nasal passages. “You sure about that?” “Yes. One: you’re not my type.” “I’m a hot bartender who happens to own the place. Honey, I am the type of every woman here.

And, if they’re honest with themselves, half the men. Make that three-quarters.” “Not me.” “Let’s check again at closing time, shall we?” “No. Because, two: I see the way you look at Lila.” Kurt’s expression didn’t change, but Jenny noticed a subtle tension in his broad shoulders. “And three: I see the way Lila looks at you. She’s got dibs. Sisters before misters. You could offer yourself up to me naked on a platter and I’d still say no.” “Why is Kurt naked on a platter?” Lila slid back onto her stool. She held up a hand, palm out. “Never mind. I don’t care about the why. Just, yes please.” Kurt reached out, gave a lock of Lila’s hair a playful tug, then walked off to serve another customer. “He touched me,” Lila breathed with rapture. Jenny sipped her drink. “You ever think about playing hard to get?” “Nope. You ever think about playing at all? If you want Kurt, I’ll step aside for you.” Jenny gazed at her, horrified. “I don’t want Kurt!” “In God’s name, why not?” “I don’t want anyone.” Jenny was off men.

Forever. “I think you’re crazy,” Lila said. “I think I’m smart.” Look what had happened last time she trusted a man. All her worldly goods were repossessed, she was tossed out of the marital home, and her credit score ruined. “I think you’re taking it all too seriously. Kurt would be fun. And also, in case it has evaded your notice, he is gorgeous.” Jenny glanced over at Kurt. Lila was right. Kurt was, indeed, easy on the eyes. That didn’t mean much to Jenny. Her ex-husband, Dean, was easy on the eyes. Elle’s metal sculptor boyfriend, Alex, was startlingly good-looking, if you went for towering, brooding artists. Jenny’s best male friend, Gabe Sterling, billionaire and all-round pain in her ass, was his own rough-edged brand of fine. Sometimes Jenny felt as if she was surrounded by beautiful men. It made for a pleasant view, but otherwise, they were wasted on her. She had more important things to be worrying about. Top of that list was being a great mother. “No to Kurt,” Jenny said firmly. Lila sagged on her stool with exaggerated relief. “I thought you were going to go for it.” “I’ve told you a hundred times, Lila. There is no guy on Earth who can tempt me enough to take a

chance on him.” “That so?” Lila crossed her legs. One foot bounced slowly, like a cat twitching its tail. “Have you forgotten about the existence of Ryan Reynolds?” “He’s married.” “In fantasyland, no one is married.” “Then sure, fantasyland Ryan Reynolds can tempt me. He is very welcome to tempt me as much as he likes. But my original statement holds. There is no guy on Earth who can tempt me.” “What about Gabe?” The wild-affair-with-Gabriel-Sterling boat had sailed soon after they’d met a few months ago. Jenny had hacked through the ropes and shoved that boat out to sea with a jaunty salute. An overwhelming, charismatic man like Gabe was dangerous. He could make a woman feel like the most important thing in the world, right up until he got bored. And a man like Gabe got bored easily. “Gabe’s a friend.” “Friend with benefits?” “More like an annoying brother.” “Stepbrother?” Lila lifted and lowered her brows. “Ew.” “I get the feeling he’d go for it if you would. And if you need some hints on how to seduce a guy, you know I’m here for you.”

“Because you’re so good at it.” “I am extremely good at it.” Jenny looked meaningfully over at Kurt, who was flirting with a brunette in a business suit at the other end of the bar. “He will be my greatest conquest,” Lila said. “I’m playing a long game. You wait. I will have him wrapped around my finger any day now. I will have him, and I will have his beautiful babies.” You had to admire Lila’s confidence. “No to Gabe, no to Kurt.” Lila tapped her chin. “If only I could think of another hot single guy hanging around in Emerson.” Don’t say it, Jenny thought. Don’t say his name. Lila pursed her lips as she scanned the room behind them. “What about Derek Tate?” Damn it. “Is he here? He isn’t here. Is he?” Don’t look. Lila sipped her margarita and shook her head. Jenny relaxed. “Don’t do that to me.” “You deserve it.” She wished she did deserve Derek. She’d do almost anything to deserve Derek. But even if she, angry bitter divorcee that she was, did deserve a man with his good humor and his smiling warmth, she couldn’t have him. She’d made a vow to never let her guard down, and to focus on what was important: Kate, her daughter, and providing her daughter with the

stable home environment and happy childhood that Jenny had never had. She’d made a mess of it thus far, what with picking Dean the compulsive gambler as Kate’s father, who had sold their home out from under them to pay his debts, then ran off to Atlantic City, or Vegas, or wherever it was compulsive gamblers ran off to after they’d destroyed their family. Sex with Derek, a man who lit her up with just a smile and teased her to distraction every time she allowed him to get close, was a temptation she could not, would not, afford. If he was hanging around thirteen years from now when Kate headed off to college as a welladjusted, secure, and happy young woman, then Jenny would revisit the question. Until then? “No to Derek.” Jenny had to raise her voice to be heard. The bar had filled up and was getting noisy. They’d arrived when it was still early, but by now the after-work crowd was looking to blow off steam from the long hard week. “You may be the only woman under ninety in Emerson who would say no to Derek Tate,” Lila said. “What can I tell you?” Jenny shrugged. “I don’t get the appeal.” Lila threw back her head and laughed. “I don’t!” Jenny giggled, then squinted at her

margarita. It was her third, and should definitely be her last if she was giggling. Or maybe it was the thought of Derek that made her giggly. She scowled. “Be honest,” Lila said. “Circle back to that naked-on-a-platter scenario. Derek Tate, naked before you. Seriously, you’d say, ‘No, thanks,’ to that?” At the thought of Derek naked, Jenny’s heart tripped and her cheeks heated with a heavy, sudden throb. “You realize,” Kurt said as he passed, “if I heard two guys discussing either of you like this, I wouldn’t take kindly to it?” “Aww,” Jenny and Lila said in unison. “Objectify me all you like,” Kurt said, “I have no problem with it. Can’t speak for Tate, though. How d’you think he’d feel, if he was standing behind you right now, listening to you talking about him naked?” “Lila,” Jenny said, “I’m not sure, but I think the bartender just scolded us.” Kurt gave her a dangerous smile. “Jenny Finley, if I ever get lucky enough to be the man who scolds you, trust me, you won’t be in any doubt. And I won’t be using words to do it.” “He makes me want to be really naughty,” Lila said as Kurt moved off. “He makes me consider it,” Jenny said. Big lie.

Kurt intimidated the shit out of her. “Back to Derek.” Lila dragged her attention from the crowded room behind Jenny to focus on her face. “Yes, indeed,” she said loudly. “Back to Derek.” “I’m going to put this to rest once and for all. Are you ready? Here we go. I absolutely, categorically, do not see Derek Tate in a sexual way.” Lila cocked her head to one side, her smile growing. “You want to know what I see when I look at Derek?” “Not really.” “I see six feet—” her eyelids flickered as she broke off, then continued, “—make that six feet and one inch of a body to die for, with eyes like a dark summer lake and a smile so dirty, you know he’s going to do something awful to you. Better yet, he’s gonna make you beg for it. And those dimples! I want to stick a finger in each of his dimples and my tongue in his mouth.” “Hey, Derek,” Jenny said brightly, waving at a spot over Lila’s shoulder. Lila didn’t even blink. “I’m not falling for that stupid he’s behind me prank. Enlighten me. I have to know. What do you see, if you don’t see what the rest of us do?” “Honestly?” “Honesty would be nice. But from you, when it

comes to men and relationships and feelings, honesty would also be novel.” Jenny pulled a face at Lila, took a sip of her drink, set it on the bar and said, “I see snot-bubble kid.” “What?” Lila managed to choke out between laughs. “Snot-bubble kid. When we were in elementary school, don’t you remember, he always had this little snot bubble. All the time. Like he had a cold, every day, and no one ever taught him how to blow his nose.” “Wow. That’s…quite the image.” “It’s what I see.” It was what she tried to see every time she ran into Derek which, in the last few months since he’d helped a friend of his repossess her furniture, was a lot. “Quite the memory, too,” Lila said. “He was a year ahead of us. When did you keep seeing him and his snot bubble?” “Mrs. Tate was one of Elle’s best clients, used to get Elle to babysit Derek all the time. You know how Elle always had to take me along on jobs with her. When she didn’t dump me with you and your mom, that is. I adored Mrs. Tate.” “Jenny—” Lila said, mildly uncomfortable. “I used to pretend she was my mother, did you know that? Yeah. Derek was definitely my favorite of Elle’s babysitting gigs.”

Lila clapped her hands. “Back to sex!” Jenny eyed her. “Do you have a hormone problem?” “I can see how you’d think that, but it’s just because I have hormones and you don’t seem to.” Hah. Showed what Lila knew. Jenny could lust with the best of them. She just couldn’t act on it. “Can we change the conversation topic entirely please? How about we get back to my dirt and my big plans for moving dirt around in aesthetically pleasing ways?” “I will allow a topic change. But only if you admit it, once and for all. Tell me, here and now, that you don’t see snot-bubble kid, you see the same gorgeous dream guy as I do when I look at Derek.” “Fine. Yes.” Lila opened her eyes wide, as if she hadn’t expected Jenny to ever admit it. “Yes?” “Yes. Of course, yes. I see the same as you, I feel the same as you. Except for the fingering his dimples thing. That’s weird.” Lila shrugged. “I like it weird. So, you admit you find Derek attractive?” “Yes. I find Derek Tate incredibly attractive. He gives me butterflies in my stomach and X-rated feelings in other significant body parts.” “See?” Lila leaned an elbow on the bar. “I told you she did.”

Jenny frowned. “What?” “Not talking to you,” Lila said. “Talking to him. Hey, Derek.” “I already played that prank, and you expect me to fall—” Jenny began. At the same time, a deep voice with a familiar husky edge said behind her, “Evening, Lila.” Jenny went rigid, and forgot to breathe. A muscled forearm slid around her waist and pulled her back against a hard chest. She stared ahead, frozen, until a warm hand came beneath her chin and tilted her head up and back. She gazed into Derek’s amused face. “Jenny,” he said.

CHAPTER TWO I am going to kill Lila. This time for real. Jenny had grabbed Derek’s arm with both hands and was holding him against her rather than pushing him away. Shit. She tugged. Derek let her go at once. He released her chin before she got a chance to order him to, and stepped around her stool so she could see him without having to crane her neck. Derek Tate, the man her heart and those other significant body parts wanted with a fierce, untamed longing. He also happened to be the man her head and every ounce of her hard-earned selfpreservation instructed her to shoot down as hard as she could. Derek was tall, with wide shoulders and lean hips, and long, powerful legs. He’d recently downgraded his usual biker beard to sexy scruff, which Jenny was secretly pleased about because she could see his dimples again. He’d also cut his unruly dark blond hair. It was still long enough to tie back if he felt the urge, and managed to find a

hair tie robust enough to contain it. She was on the fence as to whether or not she approved. “I suppose you heard all that,” Jenny said. “I did.” Fabulous. She knocked back the dregs of her margarita. “Ah, well. Don’t feel bad. You seem to have conquered the snot.” “I was more interested in the fact that, despite all your statements to the contrary, you think I’m hot.” Time to brazen it out. Jenny swiveled on the stool and leaned her back against the bar. She ran her eyes over him in an exaggerated, lingering assessment. “Course I do. What’s not to like?” Derek’s lips hitched in an almost-smile. “You done? Or d’you want me to do a little twirl?” “Would you?” Damn it, he did, showing off a broad back and a fantastic ass in worn denim. She cut a look at Lila, who fanned herself. Jenny felt a giggle rising in her chest, and squashed it ruthlessly. Facing them again, Derek hooked his thumbs in his back pockets. “Verdict?” “Someone’s been doing his squats and lunges. Or is it yoga? Pilates?” “I lift weights, Jen, as you know—” Jenny widened her eyes and shook her head at him, but it was too late. “—since you saw me at the gym,” he said,

dropping her in it. “Wait, what?” Lila’s attention snapped to Jenny. “You went to the gym?” “Just once.” “Without me?” “It was a one-time thing, Lila, I swear.” “You said we’d go together!” “Thanks a lot, Tate,” Jenny said. She turned to Lila. “I walked in the door, and I walked right back out. That’s it. I was there five minutes. Ten, tops. It doesn’t count. I bailed before I even touched any equipment. I didn’t even change!” No. She’d dug deep, dredged up the courage to march through the doors and ask for an application form. She’d sat on a chair in the reception area, clicked the top of the complimentary pen, looked with casual interest through the enormous glass window into one of the workout rooms, and locked eyes with Derek. He’d been doing bench presses at one of the weight stations. He sat up and wiped the sweat off his face with a small towel. He was straddling the weight bench, his T-shirt was plastered to his chest, and the tattoos on his arms gleamed under the bright lights. He’d seemed surprised to see her there on the other side of the glass. At first. Then he smiled, as Derek always did when he saw her, but that smile had held enough raw heat and danger that Jenny

dropped the pen and the clipboard, and she ran. God, she’d felt like an idiot. What had she been thinking, anyway? She hated gyms. Hated them. Unlike Lila, who went every day, sometimes twice, and deserved the fantastic athlete’s body she had worked on for years. Oh, right. She’d been thinking about Derek. She’d been thinking about how his recent friendliness had tipped over into flirting, and how his flirting had been growing more and more serious. At the same time, her comebacks were either losing their power to keep him at arm’s length, or Jenny had stopped trying hard enough. She’d looked at her out-of-shape body in the bathroom mirror one morning, gone lightheaded at the idea of Derek seeing her like that, and decided that it was time to kick off the post-divorce makeover. Then she’d seen Derek in the gym radiating strength and vitality, thought, Hell no, I’m never getting naked in front of that man, and ran. “I cannot believe you went to the gym without me,” Lila was muttering. “It was a mistake. A moment of insanity. I’m sorry, I’ll never do it again. Me and gyms are over. I do not belong there.” Derek was watching her with a contemplative expression.

Trying to distract Lila, Jenny said, “Weren’t we talking about how sexy Derek is?” He gave a rumbling laugh. “I’m sexy now? All your secrets are coming out tonight, Finley.” “Kurt!” Jenny called. “I need another drink!” Derek laughed again. “Nice to see you both. Jenny, thanks for the ego stroke. Lila, go easy on her.” Derek gave Lila’s shoulder a light squeeze. “Exercise isn’t for everyone.” “Hey, I exercise,” Jenny said indignantly. “I’m a single mother, I run around all the time. I burn calories like an Olympian!” “Uh-huh.” Derek lifted a hand and turned to go. “I don’t like spandex,” Jenny said to his departing back. She raised her voice to make sure he heard over the noise of the crowd. “Doesn’t mean I’m unfit or don’t like to exercise. I love to exercise!” “That went well,” Lila said. Jenny tore her eyes off Derek, who’d made it across the room and joined a group of his friends. “I don’t really mind about the gym thing,” Lila continued. “It was all for show. I thought maybe I should shut you guys down before people around you started having spontaneous orgasms from all the sexual tension you were throwing off. Sitting this close, I know I’ve had two. What about you, Kurt?” ****

Derek kicked back and let the chatter and noise of the bar wash over him. He joined the boisterous conversation around the table now and then with a smile or a comment, but he was giving it—maybe— ten percent. The rest of his attention was all for Jenny Finley. It was a surprise to see her at Kurt’s on a Friday night. The bar-restaurant was a popular hangout for Emerson residents of all ages, served great wings and better fries, but he rarely saw Jenny here. He rarely saw her at all. Mostly, he saw her running. Like that day at the gym. Lila, of course, had noticed him come in and head in their direction. Being about as subtle as a brick to the face in her matchmaking, she’d tricked Jenny into the startling confession that she did, after all, find him attractive. It was good to hear. Derek gave zero shits about his looks, but he did care what Jenny thought of him. Although he didn’t even like to admit it to himself, her determined rebuffals had been starting to chafe. Chafing aside, it was good to hear because he was desperately, endlessly, in love with the woman. Now that she’d admitted she was attracted to him, and she knew that he knew it, Derek had something to work with. As children, he and Jenny had been close. As teens they’d been friendly (him) yet distant (her).

As adults, they’d only recently reconnected. It had not been under the best of circumstances. He was repossessing her household goods at the time. Although if you wanted to get picky about it, since Derek was a mechanic and not a repo agent and thus hadn’t been doing it legally, it counted as theft. Which Jenny had accused him of. Many, many times. At high volume. But what else was he supposed to have done? A client and friend of Derek’s had come in to pick up his van before going to his next job. He’d asked Derek if he knew a Jenny Hansen, and was she the type to go after a guy when he showed up on her doorstep to strip her house of all valuable items to pay her ex-husband’s debts? Derek had confirmed that yes, Jenny was indeed the type to go after a guy, and she was the kind of woman to do it with a baseball bat and a wicked aim, not her fingernails. Of course, Derek had offered to go along and help out, smooth things over. He couldn’t abide the thought of the little girl he used to play with standing there crying—or wielding a baseball bat—while strangers dismantled her home. That Jenny had assumed he was a repo agent wasn’t his fault. And okay, he hadn’t

bothered to clear up the misunderstanding, because she’d have thrown him out. Happy to give her someone safe and familiar she could get angry with, Derek had let her think the worst. Damn, did she get angry. Derek shifted on his seat, remembering her flushed cheeks and sparkling light-blue eyes. She’d been on crutches with a broken leg at the time, and she hadn’t needed a baseball bat to underscore her fury. She had managed to crack him in the shins three times before he’d laughingly wrestled the crutches away from her. Derek hadn’t minded bearing the brunt of Jenny’s anger. He’d preferred her anger, in fact. It had only lasted until she discovered that he hadn’t been there officially. What had followed was worse. She’d dismissed him. The harder Derek chased, the faster Jenny ran. Eventually, a man had to ask himself if he was barking up the wrong tree. Going on tonight’s confession, coupled with the looks she kept shooting him across the bar, he guessed not. Game on, then.

CHAPTER THREE

“Am I boring you?” Lila said. Jenny jerked upright, opening her eyes wide. “What? No.” Lila yawned. “Just boring myself, then? Cool.” Jenny echoed the yawn, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. She blinked rapidly. “What time is it? And did I fall asleep in the nachos?” Lila checked her phone. She pulled a face. “Ugh. This is pathetic. It isn’t even ten.” “And the nachos?” Jenny patted her hair, checking for salsa. “It’s possible. Pretty sure I was talking to Kurt at twenty after nine, which leaves approximately fifteen minutes unaccounted for, during which we may have both fallen asleep.” Sitting there like a pair of old ladies on a park bench having a nap in the sun. Awesome. “We are total rock stars,” Jenny said. “Right?” Lila examined Jenny’s hair. “All clear.

No salsa. No cheese.” Jenny yawned again. “I don’t think we’ll be closing the bar down tonight, Lila.” “Thank God. I was in the office at six this morning. I want to go to bed so bad.” She broke off to watch Kurt walk past. When she didn’t say anything more, he stopped and stared at her for a second, shook his head, and walked on. “You see that?” Lila drooped and rested her forehead on the arms she’d crossed on the shiny wood. “I couldn’t even make it into a dirty comment to tempt Kurt. And that one was easy.” “You won’t hate me if I float the suggestion we wrap this up?” “Bless you, no.” “We are still rock stars, though?” “Yep.” “Good. For a moment there, I thought we were a worn-out old part-time student slash part-time garden center employee slash full-time mother, and a workaholic gym bunny.” “I take offense at that term.” Lila slid off her stool. “I am not a workaholic.” She smoothed down her shirt. “And you’re not old.” Jenny felt it, though. Man, did she feel it. “Also, lest we forget, I am no longer a student,” Jenny said. Lila held up a hand and they high-fived. Getting a bottle of tequila down from the top shelf, Kurt glanced over and winced at their clumsy

almost-miss. “Neither of you are driving home. Gimme your keys. I’ll call a cab.” “We’re tired, not drunk,” Jenny said. “With that aim, you’re still not getting behind a wheel. Rock star.” Jenny wrinkled her nose at him. “Wasn’t going to, anyway. It’s a nice night. I think I’ll walk home.” The time for driving had passed when she’d decided to have a second drink. She wasn’t stupid. “I know where you live, honey,” Kurt said. “Take you an hour and a half to walk home.” “I’m in shape. I exercise. I am perfectly capable of walking for an hour and a half.” Maybe she was stupid. Hiking home in the dark didn’t sound like fun. “Don’t have to give yourself blisters to prove it, Finley,” Derek said behind her. To Kurt, he said, “Forget the cab. I’ll take them home.” “I don’t think we’ll all fit on the back of your Harley,” Jenny said, “but thanks. We’ll stick with the cab.” Derek grinned. “Told you a hundred times, Jen, bike’s a Triumph. And I’m driving tonight.” “Then let’s go.” Lila tugged Jenny off the stool. “Unless you want to wait for the cab, and seeing as this is Frank’s busiest night, it might be quicker to walk after all.” She had a point. Frank, once a feared high school principal, although before Jenny’s time, was

now Emerson’s premier cab driver. “Are you sure, Derek?” Jenny asked. “I’d hate for you to go out of your way.” “Mmm.” He put a hand to the small of her back and started her moving through the crowd. “You know I’d drive around the world for you.” Jenny glanced up at him, startled, but he’d said it absently and was now doing a few guy-takingleave-of-his-buddies hand gestures and chin lifts to the group at his table. Or he was telling them to go fuck themselves. She didn’t speak dude. “We’re leaving, then,” Lila said. “Great. Oh. Silly me. Forgot one thing.” She popped up onto her toes, leaning into the bar. “Kiss goodnight?” she said to Kurt and batted her lashes. He clenched his jaw and gave a single shake of his head, but his eyes were laughing. Jenny reached back, hooking Lila around the waist. “Hard to get,” she whispered. “Give it a shot.” “I’m wearing him down, I can tell.” “Be careful, Lila, because I think you could be right. I don’t know if even you could handle Kurt.” “I do know I’d die happy trying.” Jenny groaned. “Why the groaning?” Derek glanced down at her, easing them through the crowd. “Thinking about Kurt,” Jenny said.

Derek tensed. “And me,” Lila chimed in. “She was thinking about Kurt and me. Together.” Derek arched a brow. “I know,” Lila said. “She’s a freak like that. My little deviant.” “Shut up,” Jenny said. “And I call shotgun.” “Nooo.” Lila quickened her pace. “You know I get sick in the back.” **** The interior of the car was quiet. It was almost eerie, considering the noise Jenny and Lila had been making in the bar. Before they’d wound down like over-tired kids up too late on a holiday, that is. It had been entertaining to watch. One minute they were laughing and chatting, then Jenny had leaned an elbow on the bar, rested her chin in her hand, and her eyes had turned soft and dreamy. Perhaps he’d imagined the soft and dreamy bit, because he longed to see Jenny like that rather than on guard and wary, but they’d definitely been unfocused. He’d watched her eyelids flutter down as Lila laughed at something the guy trying to pick her up said. Then Lila had leaned around to see Jenny’s shut eyes, propped her own elbows on the bar, and promptly napped herself. Right now, Lila was sitting in the back of Derek’s SUV and—yep, Derek checked in the rearview—she was asleep.

Jenny wasn’t. Jenny was busy regretting calling shotgun, because it meant she was next to him. When he’d changed gear and his knuckles had brushed the side of her thigh, she’d gasped and twitched away as if he’d leaned over and stuck his hand between her legs. Since then, she’d kept herself sitting very upright with knees pressed together, instead of the comfortable sprawl that had been responsible for the inadvertent contact. And the interior of the car, while quiet, was charged with an electric awareness that prickled and snapped over Derek’s skin. He took in a deep breath, flexed his fingers on the wheel, and smiled. Suddenly, Jenny reached forward and flipped on the stereo. Britney Spears at full volume blasted through the speakers. Jenny and Derek both lunged to turn the stereo off, fingers tangling. “I’ve got it,” Jenny said, choking on her laughter. “I’ve got it!” She slapped his hand away. Music safely off, she thudded back against her seat then twisted to check on Lila, who was still asleep. Biting her lip, she glanced over at him. “Britney? I’m shocked, Tate. I would have picked you as a Selena Gomez fan.” He pointed at the stereo. “That was Burke. Guy

who works for me. He borrowed the car yesterday and changed the station.” “Uh-huh.” “Yes, uh-huh. I don’t listen to Britney or Selena. How dare you? I’m a Taylor Swift boy, all the way.” Jenny huffed with laughter again. “Do you mind…?” She gestured at the stereo. “Knock yourself out. Anything rock.” “I know.” She fiddled with the buttons until she found a station playing classic rock, and left the volume low. Derek idled at a stop light, waiting for it to turn green. The streets were empty, even though it was a Friday. At this time of night, most folk in Emerson were already where they wanted to be—either at Kurt’s or one of the other two bars in town, or home for the night. In an hour it would get busier as those who were out headed homeward. Right now, they could have been the only two people on the planet. Three people, he amended when Lila sat up abruptly. So abruptly, both he and Jenny flinched. Lila checked the left window, the right, then braced her arms on the seat backs. “Make a left here,” she said, voice gruff. “No, go right,” Jenny said. “We’re already over halfway to my house. It’ll be more efficient if you drop me off first.” The light turned green. Derek turned left.

“Derek,” Jenny said. “It’s quicker to drop me off first. Turn around.” “No.” “You can do it here. Back up into that driveway, and turn around. Hell, the road’s clear. Pull a U-ey. Derek.” He cut her a look. “Who’s driving?” “You are, but—” “No buts. I’m driving. You’re being driven. Sit back and enjoy the ride.” “That’s not really my thing.” Not being in control? No kidding. “I hadn’t noticed.” Jenny’s glare heated the side of his face, then she leaned forward and changed stations, punching up the volume. Britney once again filled the car. Within seconds, Lila was singing along. Jenny joined in. What the hell. Derek joined in, too. “Well, that was embarrassing,” Jenny said ten minutes later, waving to Lila as Derek pulled away from the curb. “Let’s make a pact right here, and never tell anyone ever that you, me and Lila had a three-way sing-a-long to Britney’s greatest hits.” Eyes on the road, Derek took one hand off the wheel and held it out, pinky extended. Jenny solemnly hooked it with hers, gave a gentle shake, and she sat back with a sigh.

“What was the big celebration at Kurt’s all about?” Derek asked. “I don’t often see you out on a Friday. Where’s Kate, by the way?” “My darling daughter is having a sleepover with her very best friend in the whole wide world, Gargoyle.” Gargoyle, Alex Zacharov’s morbidly nervous mutt, a big stupid dog with a fetish for teddy bears, and a drool problem. In other words, Kate was with Elle. Which meant Jenny was going home to an empty house tonight. Hmm. “You ever think about getting her a puppy?” Derek asked. “Yes. Then I remember that I am already run ragged without having to add dog poop and walkies to my to-do list.” Jenny rolled her head against the back of the seat to look at him. “She wants one, though. Know how I can tell? She only asked once. She knows I can’t afford it. What kind of kid doesn’t beg and pout for a puppy? What kind of kid even cares about whether or not her mom can afford it?” “The good kind.” “Damn straight. She’s the best.” Kate was a five-year-old sweetheart. Bright, funny, totally her own person, with an attitude that said the world could get with the program or get out

of her way. Reminded him of Jenny as a kid. “Must have gotten mostly Finley genes.” “Yeah.” Streetlights strafed Jenny’s face, revealing her tense expression, and then they were out of town and she was in shadow again. Derek changed the subject. “Celebration. Come on. What coaxed you out of your hermit existence?” She straightened. “I do not have a hermit existence. Is that what you think? I’m a hermit?” “I never see you around anymore.” “Because I see you first.” She winced a little, as if she’d revealed some big secret. As if he didn’t already know she backed away from him every chance she got. “You and Lila kept clinking glasses.” He tapped her knee. “Tell me why, so I can congratulate you.” “Mostly that was to piss Kurt off.” “And?” he pushed. Seeming almost shy, Jenny lifted and lowered a shoulder. “No big deal. I got my certificate. Landscape and horticultural design.” “Jen, that’s great.” “It’s a start.” “It’s an achievement.” Her lips twisted. “The way you and Lila say it, an achievement—” she raised clenched fists in the air and opened them, pow, “—you’d think I qualified for a seat on the first colony ship to Mars

or something.” “Hey.” She didn’t look at him. “Hey.” Derek put a hand on her thigh, gave it a quick squeeze. “It’s an achievement. Don’t play it down. You did great. I know it wasn’t easy.” Their gazes locked for an instant before he had to look back at the road. He didn’t want to ruin this special moment by mowing down any wandering wildlife. In that brief instant, he saw that she was truly pleased. Being Jenny, she tried to brush it off. “You know, huh? How do you know?” “Been keeping tabs on you.” That surprised her. “Oh,” she said in a small voice, then cleared her throat, probably to bounce back with something fiery. Before she could speak, her stomach rumbled. It wasn’t ladylike, either. She pressed her abdomen and said in a horrified whisper, “Be quiet!” “Are you talking to me or your stomach?” Derek asked. “What stomach? I heard nothing.” It rumbled again. “Fine. I’m hungry. Get over it.” “Again…me, or your stomach?” A bubble of laughter escaped. “Stomach, of course. You never pay attention to what I say.” “Now that isn’t even a little bit true, Finley. I don’t do what you say. I pay plenty of attention to

what you say. And even more attention to what you don’t.” Derek took his cell phone from the console and passed it to her. Jenny looked from it to him and back again. “Call for pizza,” he told her. She raised her brows. “Order whatever you want. Extra jalapenos.” Jenny swiped through his phone. “This is a nice photo of your mom. How is your mom?” “She’s good. Stop looking at my photos, and call for pizza.” Jenny swiped through a couple more screens then turned the phone to face him, tutting. “Derek Tate. I am appalled. Naked selfies?” He did a double take but she’d moved the phone and he couldn’t see the screen. “Interesting.” Jenny settled back into her seat. “This happens to be a photo of either random car parts or one of Alex’s more avant-garde metal sculptures. It is not, in fact, a naked selfie. However, your reaction suggests that there is a naked selfie somewhere in here for me to find. Keep your eyes on the road. I’m going to have a poke around.” “You want to see me naked, Jenny?” Derek said. “I’m happy to give you the live show any time.” Jenny fumbled the phone and dropped it in the footwell. “Shit. I think I called someone, and not Domino’s, either. I mashed the screen.”

“Get it, and hang up.” She lunged forward and said, “Ulk,” as the seatbelt caught her. She started yanking at it hard enough it locked. “I’m stuck. Stupid seatbelt.” She yanked it again. “Easy.” Derek reached over. “Stop yanking, you’re making it worse.” He smoothly loosened it. “There you go. Takes a gentle touch, is all.” “I’m gentle. Seatbelt is too sensitive.” Jenny’s voice was muffled as she bent to scoop up the phone. She straightened, cheeks flushed and long strawberry blonde hair all over the place. “You should fix that.” “Are you going to hang up or not?” Derek said. A small, irritated buzzing came through the phone’s speakers. Great. Probably a customer, wondering why their mechanic was calling way past ten on a Friday night. “Oops. Don’t worry. I’ve got this.” Jenny lifted the phone to her ear. “Hello?” she said, sounding bright and peppy and nothing at all like her. “Hello? Steve? You’re not Steve? Can you get him for me?” She waited, listening. “All I know is, I dialed Hot Buns in my contact list, and Hot Buns is Steve, and I got you, so… Who? Derek Tate? Who’s Derek Tate? That’s the name showing up on caller ID? Uhoh. Oh, this is embarrassing. Is Derek about six foot —” Derek held up a finger.

“Make that six foot one,” Jenny said, “with dimples and… Yes, that’s right. Pretty blue eyes.” She laughed. “He does have ridiculous eyelashes. You’re so right!” Derek shook his head, flipping the turn signal and taking the unlit road down to Jenny’s tiny house by the woods. Jenny chattered on. “You know what I did? I was at Kurt’s and I put my phone on the bar, and this Derek Tate was trying to pick me up and I was all, ‘Hell no, mister, you may be pretty but I like my men taller, like six foot two at least’. He had his phone on the bar next to mine and I think I must have—hold on, I’m checking—ugh. This is not my phone. I took his by mistake. I am sorry. I hope I didn’t disturb you, or interrupt anything important.” Parked, Derek switched off the engine, unbuckled his seatbelt, and turned to face Jenny. Wrap it up, he mouthed at her. She winked and continued her conversation. “Okay. That’s good. Hey, it was nice talking to you. Once again, I really am sorry. Guess I’d better go find this Derek and switch phones with him. All right, then. You take care. Night!” She hung up and tried to give him the phone. “Phil says hi.” Derek winced. “Phil is not a buddy?” “Phil is my accountant.” “It was an accident.”

“Yep.” He took the phone off her, swiped at it, then passed it back. “Order the pizza. Extra jalapenos.” “I’m home now. I can order my ow— Oh. Hi. Yes, extra jalapenos, please.” Derek bit back a smile. “Right,” Jenny said. “I was getting to that. Large pizza to put those jalapenos on.” He waited for her to finish the order and get out the car. “You seem flustered tonight, Finley. Good thing you didn’t drive.” “Yeah.” She tossed him his phone. “Although, I’m thinking I should have insisted on the cab.” Derek followed her onto the porch. “Glad you didn’t.” “I must be drunk,” she said with rare honesty, “because I’m kind of glad, too.”

CHAPTER FOUR

Jenny dropped her keys on the table in the tiny hall, and told herself to stop breathing like she’d run a hundred meter sprint. It’s just Derek. Her heart picked up speed as he crowded in behind her. Jenny leaped away the moment their bodies made contact. “Come on through to the kitchen,” she said over her shoulder, managing to keep her escape down to a fast walk. The hardwood floor creaked and complained under Derek’s solid weight as he followed. “Wow.” He stopped in the doorway and gazed around. “It’s looking great in here.” “Thanks. It’s taken a while, but I think it’s pretty much done.” It had taken months, money, and unflagging determination, all fueled by the ever-present drive to give Kate the kind of childhood Jenny had never had. Her home didn’t look great.

It looked amazing. Jenny and Elle had grown up in this house. Elle had moved out—and away from Emerson—when she’d gotten a job as a nurse in a Seattle ER years ago. Jenny had moved out when she’d married Dean and they set up home in a stylish new-build in the expensive part of Emerson. Apparently the mortgage had always been a struggle, even before Dean had discovered the exciting ups and downs of a gambling addiction. When the Hansen finances had imploded, they’d done it with the force and implacability of a dying star, collapsing into a black hole that damn near sucked Jenny and Kate into it. And would have, but for this house. Ironic that it was the very same house that she and Elle had vowed never to return to, once they’d broken free. Jenny’s father had been an alcoholic from the time her mom left them when Jenny was six, all the way up until the year before he died of liver failure. In that final year, he’d gotten sober and tried to mend fences with his daughters. He’d left them their childhood home, owned free and clear, no mortgage. Better than that, he’d left the house tied up in such a way that Dean hadn’t been able to touch it when he was trying to pay off his debts. Jenny wondered sometimes if her father had

sensed a fellow addict in Dean. He’d never been a fan. But then, her father hadn’t been a fan of anything much other than alcohol. You want some tea?” Jenny asked. “I can make us some tea. Chamomile tea.” “How about a tour instead? I almost don’t recognize the place.” The last time Derek had been here, he’d been helping Jenny and Elle evict the squatter son of their ex-tenant. He’d then helped them clear out all the tenant’s hoarded junk. He’d even helped paint some of the rooms, before Jenny put her foot down and refused to let him help any more. Now, she whisked him through the house to show it off, finishing up the tour in the living room. Derek hadn’t said another word, but then he couldn’t have gotten a word in, even if he’d wanted to. She’d babbled the entire time. Like a moron. Which made the silence that fell when she stopped talking all the more awkward. Derek stood in front of the couch, taking up space in her tiny room, and tilted his head to one side as he studied her. Jenny studied him right back. When he opened his mouth to finally say something, she slapped a hand to the center of his chest and pushed him backward. He collapsed onto the couch with a startled laugh, looking up at her. She grabbed the

television remote and held it out to him. Derek wrapped warm fingers around her wrist. He gently took the remote, but kept a light hold of her, opening his mouth again. “Where’s the pizza?” Jenny said before he spoke. “They’re not usually this slow. Oh, right. Friday. Busy night.” She nodded at the television. “Watch whatever you like. I’m going to make that tea.” She moved away, but since Derek didn’t let go, she didn’t get far. He reeled her back until she stood between his spread knees, staring down into his dark blue eyes. Derek rubbed the sensitive skin on the inside of her wrist with his thumb before letting go and relaxing against the couch in that loose-limbed way he had. “If you don’t want me here, I can leave.” No. Stay. Jenny swayed toward him, caught herself and stood rigid. “Hell, no. I’ve got a large pizza coming, you’re not going to leave me to eat it all by myself. Because I will, Derek, and my ass will not thank you.” “Sure? You seem…uncomfortable.” “I’m not uncomfortable.” He raised a brow. “I’m not uncomfortable,” she said again, and cocked a hip. She stuck her hand on it. “See?” “Yeah. You look real at ease.” Derek arched his back and slid down an inch further.

He was so at ease he was making her look bad, that was all. “I don’t want you to go,” she said, surprised by how fierce she sounded. Surprised even more by how much she meant it. She wasn’t sure that it was smart to make him stay…but she was dead sure she didn’t want him to go. Ugh, she was a mess of conflicting emotions. She should have seized on the opportunity to shut the evening down. He handed it right to her, and she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Jenny wanted Derek here, sitting on her couch, watching her with steady focus. She wanted to keep talking to him, keep sparring with him. She wanted to keep looking at him, have him keep looking at her. She wanted him. Shit. Derek took in a deep, slow breath that stretched his T-shirt over his broad chest. She was still standing between his legs. He’d closed them, not enough that he was trapping her, but enough that his heat surrounded her. He stroked the backs of his fingers up the outside of her thighs. Jenny’s knees went weak and everything from the neck down felt as if she’d been zapped with electricity. The sensation was nerve-tingling and sharp, riding the edge of being unpleasant.

“Stay,” she said. “Eat. It’s been ages since I got to hang out with a buddy. Buddy.” She ruffled his hair and stepped out of reach. Derek’s eyes narrowed at the hair ruffle. “Hmm,” he said. The doorbell rang. About time. “Ooh. Food.” Derek stood. “You get plates. I’ll get the door.” Jenny heard the rumble of Derek’s voice as he paid the pizza guy. Making a mental note to pay Derek for her half, she scurried into the kitchen. She grabbed plates and napkins, shot into the living room and set them on the vintage steamer trunk she used as a coffee table, then bolted up the stairs. When she got back, he’d already opened the box and put a slice on her plate. He lounged on the couch, a game played on the television, and he chewed thoughtfully as she strolled in. Jenny settled herself cross-legged on the floor on the opposite side of the coffee table, and popped the tab on the can of Diet Coke he’d set by her plate. Derek finished chewing and leaned to one side to get a good look at her. “What are you wearing?” “Don’t pretend you don’t know about pizza pants.” Jenny bit into her slice. He shook his head in question. “Pizza pants,” she said, “are the pants you wear when you pig out.” She hooked a thumb in the waistband and pulled it out a few inches.

“Elasticated.” Also pink plaid, faded, and contender for the least sexy loungewear in the known universe. “Normally I wouldn’t wear these in company, but this ain’t a date, and I don’t need to impress you. Burn in hell, skinny jeans. I’m letting it all hang out.” Derek gave a snort of amusement, was distracted by the excited sports commentator on the TV, then asked, “Is that why you also took your makeup off? You’re letting it all hang out?” “Yep. I don’t think Dean saw me without makeup until we’d been engaged for months.” She replayed the comment and clarified, “But you and me, we’ve known each other forever. There are no illusions between us. Let’s not forget, I’ve seen your snot bubble.” “I was a kid, Jen. I had allergies.” She grinned at his aggrieved tone. They worked their way slowly through the food. Maybe it was the pizza pants, or the sight of her makeup-free face, or maybe she’d read too much into his earlier touch, but the electricity that had made her so jumpy faded into the background and the mood lightened. It was probably the latter. Derek Tate was an easygoing guy, friendly. He was physical, his touches didn’t mean anything. They were buddies. Somehow, Jenny ended up on the couch with her

legs stretched out and her feet in his lap, not giving a damn about the food baby that made her stomach strain against the elasticated waistband of her pizza pants. The game finished and Derek surfed through the channels until he found an action movie. Despite the heroic screaming and various explosions, Jenny’s eyes drifted closed. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this relaxed. Had Derek infected her with his chill-out cooties? Was he contagious? They’d talked, and laughed, and hung out, and now her limbs felt boneless. She was warm. She was safe. She could quite happily fall asleep… right…here. “Jen.” Derek’s voice was soft. “Baby.” “Shh.” She didn’t open her eyes. Even her face was relaxed. The couch shifted as he moved. “It’s late. I’m gonna go.” Jenny frowned. Reaching out an arm, she dragged the blanket from the back of the couch and pulled it over her head. Cozy. There was a pause, then Derek removed the blanket. “You can’t sleep on the couch. Lock up behind me, then go to bed.” Jenny grunted in disagreement, groped for the blanket again, and found his hand instead. She

blinked her eyes open a crack to see him standing over her, his face in shadow. Her fingers tightened on his, then fell away. “Come on.” Bending, Derek slid one arm behind her knees, one behind her shoulders, and lifted her up against his chest. He paused at the doorway and shifted her. The light switch clicked and the room behind them went dark. Jenny kept her eyes shut. That way, she could pretend she was dreaming. She’d had dreams like this before, dreams of Derek Tate carrying her to bed. Lots and lots of them. Lots. Okay, daydreams. In her daydreams, of course, things were more urgent. Grasping. Panting. Pushing, seeking. But this was soft and gentle. Safe. She didn’t have to force herself to put a stop to it. It was all right if she stayed here in his arms and let him take her to bed, not having to worry about everything for once. “You are shameless,” he told her in his low, husky voice as he walked them into her bedroom. “I know you’re awake. You’re too lazy to get your own ass up the stairs.” Jenny smiled. “Yeah. I learned this move from Kate. Always wanted to try it out. Works like a

charm.” Her words were slurred with exhaustion. Derek lowered her, sliding her up the bed until her head hit the pillows. The mattress beside her dipped as he leaned in, pressing a featherlight kiss to her forehead. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked directly into his. He stared at her for a long, silent moment, before pulling away. Derek stood there for another few seconds, then he moved. Her hand caught his again. He took in a sharp breath. “You have to let me go, Jen.” Her fingers tightened. She didn’t let go.

CHAPTER FIVE

Warm. She was warm. All the way down to her bones. And relaxed. Jenny pondered it. Nope. She didn’t think she’d ever been this relaxed. In her entire life. She didn’t move. She lay there and enjoyed the unfamiliar sensation of everything being…perfect. Soft and warm and perfect. Apart from the solid chest under her cheek. That wasn’t soft. The T-shirt fabric was, sure, but the body underneath? Mmm. Solid, hard muscle. And beneath that, a strong, steady heartbeat, pounding into the hollow of her palm. Jenny’s eyes popped open. She was lying on someone. All that beautiful relaxation was blasted clean out of her and every nerve snapped to painful, quivering awareness. The large frame beneath her didn’t move. Good.

He was still asleep. Because it was, without question, a man in bed with her. The only person Jenny had had in her bed in the last three years was Kate, and as her daughter was all grown-up (she said) at five years of age, those occasions were restricted to scary thunderstorms, nightmares, and stomachaches. Kate… No, it was all right. Kate was at Elle’s. Thank God for small mercies. Kate wasn’t going to bounce in with her usual Saturday morning ebullience and find her mother lolling around in bed with a strange man. Even as she thought it, Jenny knew that she wasn’t with a strange man at all. No way would she ever relax around a stranger. No way would she fall asleep in any man’s presence, unless she felt safe enough to let down her guard. There was only one man on the planet who made her feel safe enough for that. Derek. What had she done? Jenny squeezed her eyes tight. She’d asked him to stay. She hadn’t come out and said it, but she hadn’t let him leave, either. He’d driven her home, they’d had pizza, he’d carried her to bed…and when he’d tried to leave, like the gentleman he was, she’d refused to let him

go. He’d settled her in the bed then taken off his boots and climbed on beside her. He could have stripped them both naked and climbed on top of her, and Jenny wouldn’t have had the strength of will to resist him. But he didn’t. He hadn’t. Instead, he’d gotten comfy against the pillows, stayed on top of the covers, and dragged her into his arms. She’d relished his hold for maybe half a minute before she fell asleep. And now, here she was. Plastered against him, her head tucked into his shoulder, with one possessive hand laid on his chest. Right over his heart. His strong, steady heart that was not for the likes of her. A heart that had, she registered, increased in speed. He was awake. Shit. What was she going to do? Shit. She had to do something, say something, because otherwise he was going to kiss her, and then she’d be lost. With a lurch of self-loathing, Jenny knew what she had to do to shut this down. To shut him down. For good. But, oh, she’d didn’t want to do it. Hating herself, Jenny slid her hand over his chest, lower, and wrapped an arm around Derek’s lean waist. She pulled him in closer as she tipped her head back and kissed the base of his throat.

“Mmm,” she said. “Gabe. I didn’t hear you come in.” Derek had been still beneath her all this time, but at Gabe’s name, somehow, he went even more still. Every muscle locked tight. You’ve done it now, girl. Sell it. Ignoring the panic that began to rise as her lizard brain screamed at her, danger-danger-danger, Jenny nipped at his throat again. To her surprise, Derek let her. She pressed a light kiss at the corner of his mouth. Wasn’t he going to say something? Stop her? His jaw tensed, but he didn’t speak. Instead, he turned his head a fraction toward her. Jenny’s lips parted and she took in a soft breath, shifting against him. Don’t do it. Don’t kiss him. She was supposed to be pushing him away, tearing down her dreams once and for all. Her lower lip grazed his. Her pulse went crazy. And still he didn’t move. It wasn’t going to work if Derek didn’t do what she was counting on him to do: be hurt that she’d mistaken him for another man. Be disappointed in her. Be angry that she’d asked him to stay when she was involved with someone else. Derek. Don’t let me kiss you. He didn’t stop her. He was going to let her kiss him after all, wasn’t he?

Bluff called, Jenny drew back. She didn’t get far. Moving so fast it startled a gasp out of her, Derek whipped a hand around the nape of her neck and his fingers dug in. Hard. Not painful, not quite, but he wasn’t going easy, either. “Jenny,” he said in a rough growl. “Open your eyes.” Jenny shook her head. She couldn’t. She couldn’t. His thumb swept along her jaw, brushed over her trembling mouth. “Open your eyes,” he said again, lower. Jenny braced against his chest and pushed up to her forearms. She blinked down at him. “Derek?” she said, trying to sound surprised. “What are you —?” “Quiet.” “But I—” He gave a single, sharp shake of his head. Jenny was quiet. Derek’s gaze moved over her face and, damn it, her mouth trembled again. Fullon lip quiver. His fingers at her nape flexed. “Gabe?” he said. “Gabe Sterling? Are you kidding me?” “No, I—” “Quiet.” Jenny reached back and tugged at his wrist. “Make up your mind. You asked me a questi—”

Her words cut off as Derek rolled into her, catching both of her wrists in his hands and holding them beside her head. “Derek—” He didn’t have to tell her to be quiet again. All he did was stretch his hard body out over hers, and Jenny snapped her mouth shut. They stared at each other. Derek broke the silence. “Want to tell me why you wake up with a man in your bed and you think it’s Gabe Sterling?” “Not particularly.” His dark blue eyes bored into hers. Okay. She’d guessed that Derek would be angry. She’d counted on it. But she’d also expected him to be more hurt-angry and less…furious-angry. “Can’t you connect the dots?” she asked. She really didn’t want to say it out loud now. Not to this Derek. To last night’s Derek, yes. This Derek? No. “Humor me,” he gritted out. “I’m sort of seeing him.” Ugh. She was going to hell. And somewhere in a penthouse in San Francisco where Gabe lived, the poor man probably just got hit with a queasy feeling of horror, like a perverted goose had walked over his grave. “How ‘sort of’ are we talking here?” Derek snapped. “You two dating?” “God, no. I don’t date. It’s a hookup.” Nope. Wrong thing to say. Way wrong. Derek

dropped more of his weight onto her. “You’re sleeping with him?” Jenny bit her lip, gave a little shrug, and nodded. “Since when? How long?” “It’s none of your business, Derek.” “No? Sure feels like my business. I’m the man lying between your thighs.” Come on, Jenny. You can do this. Be a bitch. It’s for your own good. For his. She tipped up her chin. “You’re not there by invitation.” Derek made a noise of frustration. “You kissed me.” “I thought you were Gabe.” Sorry, Gabe. “You went to bed with me.” “I fell asleep with you. I was half-asleep still when I thought you were Gabe. He has… I gave him a key.” Good one. “I gave him a key, and when he’s in town he drops by.” “What about Kate?” Her eyes narrowed. A pulse of anger beat through her. “Do not even go there, Derek.” “Too late. I’m there. What about Kate? What does she think about your hookup using your bathroom in the morning, drinking your coffee, eating breakfast at your table?” Jenny struggled, heaving against him. He didn’t budge. “She doesn’t think anything. She doesn’t know. That’s why I gave him a key, dumbass.” “Sterling sneaks in, gets some, sneaks out?

That’s how it works?” “Yes! That’s how it works! And it works perfectly!” She thrashed under him. “It’s the perfect solution!” “Stop moving, Jen.” He tightened his grip. “Quit it.” “No. I’m angry.” Derek cracked a short, disbelieving laugh. “What the hell do you have to be angry about?” “You! I’m angry at you. How dare you bring Kate into this? I’m a good mother. I’d never expose her to my sex life. It’s the whole point of this stupid thing with Gabe. I can’t bring another man into her life. I won’t risk her happiness.” Derek’s expression softened but Jenny couldn’t slow down, couldn’t seem to catch her breath or get the words out fast enough. “She’s just a little girl, Derek. She’s got so much love to give, and no defenses whatsoever because she doesn’t know how utterly shit life can be.” Jenny shoved against him. “She’ll find out soon enough, I can’t protect her forever, but not yet. Not yet. I can’t call myself a good mother if I stand by and let her get attached, let her offer all that love to someone who doesn’t care. She matters, and I can’t…I can’t have a man walk away from her again. Not like Dean did. He just left us. He left us, and I won’t let anyone else ever do that to her. I won’t.”

“Shh.” Derek released her wrists. “You have to understand, I—” “Shh.” Jenny fisted his T-shirt, holding on. “Stop shushing me! I won’t be quiet, and I won’t shush.” “It’s okay. Jen, it’s okay.” Derek eased off her and rolled to his side, curling her into him. Jenny fought free of the covers, kicking them down to her feet, and tangled her legs with his. Her arms went around him as his locked tight around her waist. She burrowed against him, tucking her head into his neck. Derek stroked her hair in long, soothing sweeps. The room, which had been filled with their raised voices and her anxious, ragged panting, fell quiet. He continued to stroke her until she stopped shaking and the storm of frustration and panic that had slammed into her without warning blew itself out. “I can’t do this with you, Derek,” she said eventually. “I… I can’t.” “I know, baby.” She continued, whispering into the heat of his throat, “I had a shit childhood. You must know. You were there. Then I went ahead and screwed up my adulthood. I chose the wrong guy. Now Kate has a shit father, like mine. I can’t fix that. But I am not going to be a shit mom, like mine. What I want,

Derek, does not matter. Kate does. I’m sorry if you thought we could be more, but we can’t. I’m seeing Gabe. It’s on the quiet. No one knows. No one can ever know, not even Elle. It’s nothing important. It’s barely even real, it’s a…a hookup.” Derek sighed, and pushed her gently to her back as he sat up. Jenny’s arms spasmed around him and she had to make herself let go. She scrambled against the pillows as Derek moved to the edge of the mattress. He rubbed his hands hard over his face, then stood and grabbed his boots. He stamped them on one after the other, and turned to her. “You’re worth more than a hookup, Jen. I get that you’re protecting Kate. I respect it. But you matter, too. Your happiness matters.” She gave a wry half-smile and shrugged. He watched her, face unreadable. “Does Sterling make you happy?” “Gabe’s important to me. I like him a lot.” Not a lie. Perhaps that’s why Derek seemed to believe her. He came to the head of the bed. Slowly, holding her gaze, he reached out and took her chin in a gentle grip, tilting up her face, like he’d done in the bar last night. Except now, he wasn’t smiling. It wasn’t dark and crowded. It was the two of them, in her sun-filled

bedroom, and there was nowhere to hide. Jenny tried not to lean into his touch but she wasn’t entirely successful. His eyes sharpened as he studied her. He made a small noise in his throat and some of his frustration cleared. One of his dimples flashed in his cheek, there and gone. What? It was all she had time to think before her wits scattered again. He bent his head. A hair’s breadth away from making contact, he stopped, hovering above her lips. “I won’t kiss you,” he said, words vibrating over her skin. “Not even goodbye. Your kisses belong to another man right now, and I don’t share. But, Jen? If I find out you’re free again, fair warning. I won’t mess around. And I won’t let you mess me around, either. Tell me you understand. Tell me you get what I’m saying to you.” “I get it. We’re done.” She clenched her fists. “No, honey.” He shook his head. “Next time, you’re mine.”

CHAPTER SIX Present “Are you ready?” “Yes!” Jenny took in a deep breath. From this point on, there was no going back. “Got your things?” Kate spun around to show she was wearing her brand-new backpack. “Great,” Jenny croaked. “Mom. Are you going to cry again?” “Again? What’s this ‘again’? Who’s crying?” Kate threw her arms around Jenny and squeezed tight. “I’m so excited,” she said, words muffled by Jenny’s sweatshirt. “Me too.” Jenny cupped the back of Kate’s head for the short moment her daughter clung. “My baby. All grown up. Off to sc-hool.” “Mom.” Jenny flapped a hand. “I’m fine. We talked about this. It happens to moms.” She cleared her

throat. “Let’s go, kid.” “Yay!” Kate ran out of the house, tripped on the bottom porch step, bounced back up and stood expectantly by the car, wiping muddy palms down her pants leg. Jenny closed her eyes briefly. Three seconds until her daughter looked like an urchin. That was a record, even for Kate. “Okay, turn it around. Back in the house. Quick.” “It’s just a little dirt.” Kate looked down at her pants and wiped at the smears of mud. Yeah. That helped. “Come on. Hurry. Do you want to be late?” “No!” Kate shot up the driveway and into the house. Jenny chased her up the stairs to her bedroom, where Jenny took care of grabbing clean pants from the dresser while Kate kicked off her sneakers. Her backpack kept swinging around her narrow shoulders and bumping her. She dropped it to the bed and concentrated on undressing. “Here.” Jenny handed Kate the clean pants, Kate handed her the muddy ones. Jenny ran them to the laundry hamper in the bathroom and darted back. Kate had shimmied into the pants and had one sneaker on, looking around for the other. “I can’t find it,” she said. “Wear your purple ones.” Jenny pulled them out

of the closet. “I can’t wear my purple ones!” Kate sounded horrified. “I have to wear my lucky ones.” Jenny glanced around, didn’t see the rogue sneaker. She crouched and peered under the bed. “Did you find it?” Kate asked. “Is it under there?” “Yep.” How? “I’ll get it.” Kate dropped flat and started to squirm. “No, you don’t.” Jenny hauled her upright. “You stay clean and tidy. Until you get to school. Then get as messy as you like, and it’s your teacher’s fault.” She dropped to the floor and army-crawled forward until she could sweep her arm all the way under the bed. Her fingertips made contact with the sneaker, she dragged it toward her, and tossed it out. The reverse crawl was a whole lot less graceful, and by the time Jenny was clear, Kate had both sneakers on. Jenny sprang to her feet. “Let’s go!” They ran down the stairs, out the house, and were almost out of the driveway when Jenny glanced in the rearview mirror at Kate’s excited smile. Jenny returned the smile, then registered the empty seat beside Kate. “Backpack!” She threw the car into reverse.

Kate clapped her hands over her face. “I left it on my bed.” “No problem.” Jenny switched off the car and lunged out. “Don’t move.” She bolted up to the house, up to Kate’s room, and grabbed the backpack. “Are we going to be late?” Kate asked as Jenny pulled out of the driveway for the second time. “Not if I have anything to do with it. I don’t think we’ll be able to see Auntie Elle before school, though.” Kate, still bubbling with enthusiasm, wasn’t too bothered. Jenny, however, felt like crap. She’d promised to take Kate over to Alex and Elle’s house so Elle could see Kate before her first day of kindergarten. She hated breaking promises. Jenny called on the hands-free. “Elle?” “Hey,” her sister said at the other end. “Are you guys almost here?” “Nope. We had a blip.” “I fell over,” Kate shouted from the back seat. “Uh-oh,” Elle said, amusement clear. “Yeah. Wardrobe change. I’m sorry, Elle. We’re not going to make it.” It was only a ten-minute drive, but those ten minutes were in the wrong direction. Once there, it would be at least ten minutes for Elle to get emotional and take photos, then another

five minutes to peel Kate away from the dog. Another ten on top, just to get to the point they were at right now. Jenny had left a buffer for the inevitable emergencies like muddy pants, missing sneakers and forgotten backpacks, but that was cutting it too fine. “It’s okay,” Elle said. “I’ll see you after school, Katie. You can tell me all about it.” Elle hid her disappointment, but Jenny knew it was there. Damn. “Sorry,” Jenny said again. “Don’t worry about it. But I still want photos.” “Really? You want me to make your niece look like a dork in front of everyone? I thought you liked her.” “Yes, really. And she won’t look like a dork. Trust me, everyone will be taking photos. This is what proud parents do.” Okay, Kate wouldn’t look like a dork. Jenny would. “Make it a good one,” Elle continued. “I’m going to get it framed and hang it on the wall. I bought the frame already.” “Photo. Right.” “Make her stand still for it.” “Now you ask the impossible.” They finished the call and Jenny pointed the car toward Emerson. Every now and then, she glanced at Kate. Her daughter’s earlier enthusiasm was

fading in direct proportion to how much farther they got from home and how much closer they got to town. “Mom?” Kate spoke up after a while. “Kate?” “Were you excited on your first day of school? Or…were you mostly excited but also a little bit… um…scared?” Jenny had bawled the entire day. From the moment her mother had pried Jenny’s clutching hand from around her own, hooking her instead onto the teacher like a terrified little monkey, until her mother had turned up—late—hours later. Hours that had felt like a lifetime. “Excited and scared,” she said. “Definitely both. It’s exciting, but it’s okay to be nervous. And I know for a fact everyone else will be.” “Will they?” “Oh, yeah.” Kate stared out the window, then cocked her head to one side. “Mom?” she said. “Kate?” “The car’s making a funny noise.” Jenny listened. Shit. Goddammit. Not now. Hold on, car. You can do it. I believe in you. Another thirty minutes, then you can go ahead and breakdown. Let me get Kate there first. She eased her foot off the gas and gripped the steering wheel. “It’s fine, honey, I—”

They both yelped when the car bunny-hopped. Jenny checked the rearview mirror. “Okay?” “Yes. Why did it—” The car choked again, and shuddered. Decelerating, Jenny eased to the side of the road. They were traveling at about ten miles an hour when the car stalled and stopped, its butt hanging out. Probably not enough to get clipped by passing traffic, but she wasn’t taking any chances. Jenny sprang out and ran to the back door. She unbuckled Kate and pulled her out. They stood side by side, and stared at the car. “This doesn’t look good,” Kate said. Jenny, chewing on the edge of her thumbnail, grunted. Kate sighed. “Is it going to explode?” “Of course not.” The car was hissing like an angry cat. Steam was coming from under the hood. Jenny wrapped an arm around Kate’s shoulders and walked them further away. “Stay there,” she said. Jenny went back to the car and grabbed her phone from the center console. She almost didn’t want to look at the screen. The way this morning was going, there wouldn’t be a signal, and she’d have to flag someone down and send for help. Because no way was she going to hitch with a stranger and take her daughter along for the horror ride. She checked the screen. Thank God. It was

working. She called Elle, and was sent straight to voicemail. On the off-chance that Alex might answer his phone—which in Jenny’s experience had happened exactly never—she tried him. Voicemail. Hah. Lila. Lila would come get them. Voicemail. “Would somebody,” Jenny snarled, “please answer their stupid phone!” Poking the screen furiously, she called Lila again. The third time, it connected. “What?” said Lila. “I’m busy. Take a hint and leave a message.” “Help.” “What?” Lila said again. The attitude was gone and concern took its place. “Jenny, what’s wrong?” “My car died.” “Calm down, and— Hey, watch it!” Lila snapped, attitude back and dialed all the way up to one hundred percent. Jenny blinked. “Watch what?” “Sorry. Wasn’t talking to you. Some jerk was grinding up against me in line at the coffee shop. He won’t be trying that again anytime soon.” “Lila! Focus! My car is dead and I’m stuck on the side of the road and I have to get Kate to school!”

“Shoot, you’re not even there yet?” “No! Help!” “Weeellll—” Lila dragged the word out. Jenny gave Kate an encouraging thumbs-up and strode away a few paces to hiss, “No. There is no ‘well’. You’re her godmother. You get your ass here right now and pick us up. Please.” “Honey, I want to, you know I take my godmother duties very seriously, but I don’t think I’ll be able to swing it. I have…uh…I have a house to show in Mayfield. I’m kind of pressed for time.” “You can’t be that pressed if you’re standing in line at Megan’s coffee shop.” “I need my coffee.” “I’ll buy you twenty coffees. Pick us up. Coffee’s on me. For a month.” “No can do. But do not despair, my friend. I am sending help.” “What?” “Sit tight. Ten, twenty minutes. Rescue is on the way!” Lila disconnected. Jenny stared at the cell phone in her hand. “Goddammit.” She dialed Lila again. Voicemail. “Is Lila coming?” Kate asked. She was collecting rocks and arranging them at the side of the road a safe distance from the car. “Don’t worry,” Jenny said. “Help will be here soon.” She hoped. She really hoped.

Ten minutes later, Kate had gotten bored arranging her rocks and a familiar car came into view, driving toward them. Lila had come after all. Jenny waved…and continued waving as Lila blew past them with a cheerful beep of her horn. Jenny and Kate stared, turning in unison to watch as Lila vanished into the distance. “Shall we walk?” Kate said. Even if they ran, they’d be hours late. “I’ll call a cab.” “Or we could ask Derek.” Jenny’s head came up. “I can’t call Derek,” she said, even as she clenched her hand around her phone. She still had his number in her contact list. Hadn’t been able to bring herself to delete it. She had changed it to Hot Buns so she didn’t have to see his name and get a lurch of…whatever that feeling was…whenever she saw it. Could she call Derek? Jenny chewed her lip. No. No, she couldn’t call him, what was she thinking? What was Kate thinking? “Why would I call Derek?” Jenny said. “You don’t have to call him, I said ask him. He’s already here.” Taking Jenny’s hand, Kate hauled her along the side of the road. “Hi, Derek!” There he was. A black SUV had pulled over a short distance behind her hissing car. A tall, familiar

figure was leaning against the hood. He was wearing a baseball cap that cast his face in shadow, his usual T-shirt and jeans, and work boots. Jenny’s mouth went dry. “Derek!” Kate dropped Jenny’s hand and ran over to him. “Hi.” “Hey, kid.” He grinned down at Kate. When he looked over at Jenny, his smile faded. He dipped his chin. “Jen.” “Hello,” she said stiffly. Silence fell. “I’m starting kindergarten today,” Kate said, glancing between them. “That right?” Derek said. “Yep.” “Bet you’re gonna crush it.” Kate lifted and lowered a single shoulder, then sighed. “It’s not going so well,” she told him. “You’re not there yet.” “I know. We’ve been trying to get there all morning.” “You’re having problems, I take it?” Derek said to Jenny. “No. Everything’s fine.” “Oh. Okay.” Derek pushed off his car. “Mom,” Kate said. “Derek, wait.” Jenny shoved her hair away from her hot face. “Everything’s not fine,” she admitted.

“That explains the steam coming out of your car. You guys need a ride into town?” “I’d hate for you to go out of your way—” “Mom.” “Yes, Derek, a ride into town would be delightful, thank you so very much.” His lips twitched. Derek took the booster seat out of Jenny’s car and made quick work of installing it in his SUV. They put Kate in the back, then he had Jenny sit in her car and steer while he put a shoulder to the rear bumper to heave it clear of the road. “Any time now,” Jenny called out the open window. “Whenever you’re ready.” She waited, drumming her fingers on the wheel. “What are you doing back there, tickling it?” The light changed and she looked up into Derek’s dark blue eyes. “No, I’m not tickling it,” he said. “I strained so hard I nearly blew a vein.” Jenny slid out. “I thought you lifted weights.” “Weights. Not cars. Not cars up a hill. Get back here and give me some help.” “Leave it. I don’t even care anymore.” “Might get hit.” She threw her hands out. “I don’t care.” “Person hitting it might care.” “Good point.” Jenny followed him to the rear of the vehicle, spread her feet wide, and braced her hands on the back.

Derek stared at her. “You expecting me to frisk you or something?” “No. I’m going to push.” “Try it this way.” He bent his knees, set a broad shoulder against the bumper, and nodded at her. Right. Don’t ogle his biceps. Jenny copied his stance. I can’t help looking. They’re bulging. “On three,” she said. “Push it now.” Jenny scrambled to keep up, threw her weight behind it, and what do you know? They managed to shift the car. “Catch it!” she yelled as the wheels scrunched over loose gravel and they stopped pushing. Shaking his head at her, Derek strolled to the open driver’s door. He angled into the seat and put the parking brake on. He reached an arm behind him, hooked something from the back, and unfolded to standing. “You need this?” Kate’s backpack. Good grief, it was lurid yellow with black stripes and a cartoon bee’s smiling face on it, you would not think it was easy to overlook. “Thanks.” Derek locked the car and pocketed her keys. “I need those,” Jenny said. He strode past, caught her arm and hustled her to the SUV. “Later.” They loaded up. Derek checked his mirrors and pulled out. “All right back there?” he said to Kate.

“Yep.” “Here you go, honey.” Jenny passed her the backpack. “I forgot it again,” Kate said. She sounded so mournful that Jenny couldn’t hide her smile. She glanced at Derek and met his eyes. They were soft and amused. Until Kate added, “Don’t tell Uncle Gabe I keep forgetting it, Mom. It’ll hurt his feelings.” All Derek’s warmth vanished. Oblivious to the sudden drop in temperature, Kate continued, explaining for Derek’s benefit, “Uncle Gabe came from San Francisco last week especially to bring it for me because he said I needed to have a cool backpack for my first day of school. Wasn’t that nice of him?”

CHAPTER SEVEN

Derek faced front. “Yeah,” he said to Kate. Someone should give him an award right fucking now, because none of the jealous anger that rocked him at her casual mention of Gabe Sterling showed. Uncle Gabe. Derek’s fingers clenched on the wheel. “He’s a prince.” “I thought that, too, but actually, he’s not,” Kate said. “I asked him. He’s just a billionaire.” Just a billionaire. Kate unzipped the backpack—which Derek had found kind of cute until he knew it was from Sterling, and now he noticed that the stupid bee had a sinister, mocking twist to its smile—and busied herself rooting through it. Derek cut a look at Jenny. She’d winced when Kate mentioned Sterling, and was studiously avoiding his eyes. “It was extra nice of Gabe,” Kate continued, “since he doesn’t come over all that often anymore.

He didn’t suddenly stop coming over like you did, Derek. Gabe loves us. But he still doesn’t come to Emerson as much as he used to.” “No?” Derek managed to force out, feeling the burn of her artless comment. He didn’t want to hear any more, but he wasn’t about to sit there and ignore the kid because he didn’t like what she was saying. Jenny shifted in her seat. “Nope,” Kate said. “Hardly at all since he found out about the baby.” Derek lost his breath. “The baby,” he repeated. “Yes. Gabe doesn’t like coming here because of the baby. He can’t bear it, he said.” Derek snapped his head to Jenny, but she was looking out the window. “Okay.” Derek flipped on his signal, and pulled over. He put the SUV in park, braced an arm on the back of Jenny’s seat, and turned to Kate. “Hang on a minute, sweetheart.” “But—” “I need to talk to your mom real quick.” Jenny was clutching the strap of the seatbelt across her chest. “No, Derek!” Kate said. “I’ll be late. I don’t want to be late, Mom says you never forget your first day at school and I’m having a good one! It’s why Gabe got me the backpack! I’m wearing my lucky sneakers!”

“One minute. I promise I’ll get you to school on time. Trust me?” Kate made him wait for it before she grudgingly said, “Okay.” “Jenny?” Derek kept his voice tightly controlled. “Out of the car.” “We don’t have time for this. Kate’s right. You don’t forget your first day. God knows I’ve never forgotten mine. Can we please go?” Derek didn’t reply. “Fine.” Jenny unbuckled and jumped out. Derek rounded the car and, eyes on hers, carefully shut her door so Kate wouldn’t hear them. Then he backed Jenny against it. He wanted to lean his body against her from head to toe. Settling for second best, he stood as close as he could without flattening her. “Baby?” He brushed a piece of red-gold hair from where the wind had blown it across her mouth. “Sterling’s baby?” Jenny’s eyebrows flexed. “When’s it due?” Even to him, his question sounded rough. “Uh…” Jenny calculated. “Four or five months? I’m not sure.” “Shouldn’t you be sure?” “What? Why?” Derek gazed at her stomach. He reached out a hand but closed his fingers tight before he touched

her. He didn’t have the right. If he didn’t have it when she was having a secret affair with Sterling, he sure as hell didn’t have it if she was carrying his baby. “Ah, Jen.” “What?” She sucked in a breath. “No!” With a startled laugh, she grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. “No, not me. I’m not having his baby.” His hand glided over her soft stomach and he shifted closer. He pressed his fingertips in, lightly, his blood heating at the gentle yield of her flesh under his touch. “Are you sure?” “Yes, Derek, I think I’d know if I was pregnant. You actually have to be having se—” She broke off. “Wait.” She slapped his hand off her stomach. “This is fat. Not a baby.” “Then who’s having his baby?” “Nora is having his baby, you jerk. Nora is pregnant, not me. He can’t bear leaving her in San Francisco and she won’t take time off work to run around the country with him whenever he wants. Seriously, Tate?” She fumed up at him, her cheeks flushed. “I look five months pregnant to you?” You look perfect to me. “I don’t know how big you’re supposed to be at five months. I’m a guy.” “You’re a jerk.” “Are you okay with it?” “With you being a jerk? No!” He couldn’t help himself. He tucked her hair

again, even though the wind hadn’t given him an excuse to do it. He smiled, the relief that she wasn’t having another man’s child lifting him high. “Are you okay with the asshole knocking up another woman?” “Oh.” Jenny bit her lip. “Yes. I am one hundred percent okay with it.” “You two aren’t…?” She glared at him. “Jenny—” A light but insistent tapping on the window interrupted them. Kate was looking out, her expression anxious. “This isn’t finished,” Derek said in Jenny’s ear, and relished her responsive shiver before moving away. Ten minutes later they were at the elementary school. Kate’s bubbly enthusiasm had turned flat as day-old beer. “We made it!” Jenny cheered as Derek parked. She popped the seatbelt and turned. “Yay!” Kate, who was clearly supposed to join in with the yay, did not. She’d threaded her arms through her bee backpack and held it snuggled against her chest like a teddy bear. Her eyes were huge in her small face, and her jaw was set. “Let’s go.” Jenny hopped out. Kate watched her go, then leaned forward and hissed at Derek, “Drive!”

He laughed. “You’ll miss all the fun if I do that, sweetheart.” “Come on.” Jenny had opened the door. She reached in and unbuckled Kate. Kate promptly buckled herself back in. “We’re late,” she said. “Never mind. Better try again tomorrow.” “We’re not late. Derek got us here right on time. Like he said he would.” Jenny flashed him a grateful smile. “Now, come on. Everyone’s almost in.” The parking lot behind them, which had been busy with parents and kids when they’d arrived, was already quieter. Jenny unbuckled Kate again and coaxed her out, closing the door. With them gone, the interior of the car was suddenly, shockingly empty. Derek heard the murmur of their voices outside, but they didn’t move off. He buzzed down the window. “It’ll be fun,” Jenny was saying. “And it’s only for a few hours, then we’ll go and tell Auntie Elle and Gargoyle about your day.” Kate’s reply was quiet. Derek got out and sauntered around to join them. “Want to know something cool?” He leaned against the car beside Kate, who had her back plastered to it like she was trying to become one with the paint job.

She shook her head. “I met your mom here.” Kate looked up at him. “You did?” “Yep. When we were your age. And your Auntie Elle went here. Lila, too.” Kate glanced over at the old building. There were only a handful of people left in the lot now, and Jenny was casting anxious glances at the time on her phone. “It’s cool you get to join the club today,” Derek said. Kate pushed off the car. “Unless you don’t want to,” he added. “You can always give up and go home. Eat some cereal. Watch cartoons. Like any other boring day.” He ignored the side-eye from Jenny. “Although, I’m betting you don’t want to do any of that. You’re a Finley. Well.” He shrugged. “You know.” Kate eyed him. “What do I know?” “You Finley girls. Not the type to hide. Always up for trouble and adventure.” “My surname’s Hansen.” Derek mentally winced. Right. He’d never been able to think of Jenny as Jenny Hansen even when she was married. He’d never thought of her daughter as a Hansen ever. “But I am a Finley.” Kate tossed her head. “And I like adventure.” “Yeah?”

“Yeah!” Derek gestured at the school with an open hand, as if inviting her to a smorgasbord of magical delights. “Go get it, kid.” Kate bolted. “Wait!” Jenny yelped, and darted after her. “Photos! I promised Elle photos!” She caught up. “Mom, I gotta go.” “We’ll be quick.” She smoothed Kate’s flyaway auburn hair, put her backpack on the right way, and took a long step back. “Smile!” she said, aiming her phone. Kate threw her arms up in the air and grinned wide. Jenny took a photo. “Turn to the left.” Kate did. “Turn to the right.” Kate did. “Funny face!” Kate did. “Yow,” Jenny said. “That was a good one. Selfie shot.” She crouched down and they leaned their heads together, making faces. “And that’s the one for Elle’s wall. All right. What do you say, kiddo? Are we going in there to kick some butt or what?” “Yay!” Kate said. She pulled away from Jenny and startled Derek when she ran over to him and hugged him tight around the waist. “Thank you for coming to get us, Derek.” Before he could close his arms around her or reply, she’d darted off and was halfway across the schoolyard.

Yeah. Just like her mom. **** When Jenny came back out of the building, Derek was leaning against the side of his SUV, ankles crossed and face angled to the sun. She walked to him with her distinctive, determined stride, and Derek admired the view from behind his sunglasses. “You waited,” she said and leaned beside him. “Yeah. I was going to leave you stranded, but you were in and out so fast I missed my chance for a clean getaway.” “Thank you, Derek. Man, that was close. I thought she was going to freak out and point-blank refuse to go in. I don’t know what I’d have done.” “Dragged her in kicking and screaming?” She snorted. “That’s what my mom did. So, no.” He nudged her shoulder with his. “Eventful morning.” “You’re telling me. My baby’s at school.” Jenny stared off into the distance. “I can’t believe my baby’s at school. It all happened so fast.” “This morning?” “Birth to this.” She flapped a hand at the school building. “Next thing you know, she’ll be graduating high school, and then she’ll be bringing her own daughter here.” They digested that in companionable silence, which lasted until Derek said, “You’ll be a

grandmother.” Jenny sucked in a breath and turned to him. “What is wrong with you?” “Getting into the pensive existential mood.” “Don’t stand there and tell me I’m going to be a grandmother! I am a young and vibrant woman!” “Yeah, you are.” He grinned at her outrage. “Now get in the car. Gonna drive you home.” Her outrage deflated. “You don’t have to worry about that.” “And yet I will.” Derek walked around to the driver’s side and slid in. “Call me old-fashioned, but abandoning you with no transport just doesn’t sit right.” Jenny stayed outside. He leaned over and opened the passenger door. “Scared?” She lifted her chin. “Of?” “I don’t know.” He ran his gaze over her thoughtfully. “Me?” Jenny scoffed. “No? Then how about that awkward conversation we’re going to have about you, Sterling, and his baby mama?” “I’m not scared of you or a conversation, Derek. I happen to have business in town and I don’t need a ride home right now.” He grinned. “Liar.” She stood there, glowing in the bright light,

framed in the doorway of his car, and brazened it out. “Thanks again. From the bottom of my heart. Now, please give me my keys.” She stuck out a hand and wiggled her fingers. He shook his head. “Nope.” “Yes. I need my keys.” “Your car is dead. You don’t need your keys.” “I need them so I can give them to the tow guy,” she said with exaggerated patience. Derek waited. “The tow guy who is not you,” she said when she caught up. “You’re right, the tow guy is not me. It’s Burke. And you don’t need to give Burke the keys because I will be giving them to him in about twenty minutes when I get to the garage and send him to fetch your car.” He started the engine. “When he brings it back, what do you want me to do? Bury it, or cremate it?” “Neither, I want you to fix it!” “I accept the job.” “No. I meant I have to get it fixed, not that you have to fix it.” “Might take a while, depending on what’s wrong with it.” “Derek—” “Might be you overheated the radiator, might be something else. I won’t know until I get under her and get my hands dirty.”

Whatever Jenny had been going to say cut off with a strangled laugh, then she looked annoyed with herself. “Derek, I don’t want you groping my car.” “Any particular reason why? Because it’s what I do. I’m a great mechanic. I’ll charge you for parts, labor’s free. And I’ll take care of shifting it from the side of the road before someone boosts it, or it gets towed for being abandoned. Any particular reason why that sounds like a bad deal to you?” Jenny stuck her hands in her pockets. “Jen?” Derek prompted. “I’m thinking.” “Me, too. The only answer I can come up with is, it’s the same reason you’re pretending that you have business in town rather than letting me take you home.” She chewed her lip. Uh-huh. “Mind shutting the door for me?” he asked. She slammed it and he powered the window down to say, “You’re a coward.” Jenny’s eyes flashed. “I am not a coward.” “No? Prove it.” She pointed at him. “Fix my damn car, Tate.” “Oh, I will.” “You better.” “Baby, I’m gonna fix the hell out of it.” She laughed at him through the window. “You are such a pain in the ass.”

He winked. “I’ll take care of your car, Jen. And then, when you want it? You come get it.” She registered the hot promise he knew was showing on his face, and she said in a firm voice, “My car. I will come get my car.” “That, too.” “Do not for one minute think I haven’t noticed you’re using the exact same technique on me that you used to get my daughter into school.” “Worked on Kate. Is it working on you?” “If we weren’t in a school parking lot, I’d be flipping you off right now. In fact, I’m doing it. Mentally. Both fingers.” Shaking his head, Derek released the parking brake. Jenny stepped back with a quick wave and he drove away, even though he wanted to toss her in the SUV beside him, drive them back to his apartment, and when they ended up in bed, which would be approximately three seconds after they burst through the front door, this time she’d have her eyes wide open and she’d know exactly who she was with. He drove away because he was a patient man, and when it came to Jenny Finley he had all the patience in the world. And the determination to match. He’d warned her six months ago that if he ever found out she was free, he wasn’t going to mess around.

Didn’t mean he wasn’t going to play. And this time, he was playing for keeps. This time, he wasn’t going to lose.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Derek was right. Jenny didn’t have business in town. As she was already there, and getting there in the first place had been quite the challenge, Jenny decided a triple chocolate muffin and a gallon of coffee were well-deserved. It wasn’t too far to walk to Megan’s coffee shop—the very same Megan who had stolen Jenny’s lunch on their first day of elementary school—and once she was at the coffee shop, she’d be halfway to Lila’s office. Once she’d cooled down and re-energized, she’d enjoy marching right on into that office and giving Lila hell for sending Derek to rescue her, as if he was a modern-day knight, making Jenny the loser damsel. Then she’d thank Lila for helping Kate get to school on time. After the yelling. Sweating under the hot sun and the extra fifteen pounds of weight she couldn’t seem to shift, although in all honesty she hadn’t ever tried very

hard, Jenny trudged on through the pretty tree-lined streets of Emerson. At the coffee shop she added a bottle of water to her order, engaged in some trash talk with a busy Megan, and sagged at a corner table under the ceiling fan. The Rivas family had been running Emerson’s premier coffee shop since before coffee shops became cool, or so Megan claimed, and when her grandmother died, Megan had taken over. Megan was not a sentimental woman. She had stripped the old shop down to its bones and renovated it from the ground up. It was light and airy with pale wooden floors and creamy yellow walls, smelled divinely of sugar and coffee, and Megan didn’t mind if you sat at your table for hours. A good thing, because Jenny was exhausted. She was starting to think that maybe she’d skip the yelling-at-Lila part of her day, and sit under the fan until it was time to collect Kate. She had almost finished her coffee when, as if by magic, a muffin appeared on the table before her. Jenny blinked at it. “And also,” she said, in case the universe wanted to continue making amends for her disastrous morning, “I would like Chris Evans on rye, and a million dollars.” “Who wouldn’t?” Megan said, pulling out a

chair opposite. Jenny tutted as Megan sat, and looked at her phone. “Slacking off already? It’s only ten a.m.” “You want the muffin?” “I want the muffin.” “Then how about a ceasefire?” Megan’s dark eyes twinkled. “We keep calling ceasefire on our legendary enmity, Meg, people are going to start talking and get the wrong idea about us. Think we’re friends or something.” Jenny bit into the muffin, and moaned. “Holy crap this is good. What is it?” “White chocolate and cranberry.” Jenny despised white chocolate, and yet the muffin was still delicious. “You have a gift.” “I know.” Megan lifted a hand to her barista and pointed first at Jenny and then at herself, with all the nonchalance of a Wild West saloon hostess ordering a round of shots. The barista nodded. Jenny watched with suspicion. “Why are you feeding me free muffins and topping up my coffee?” “I want gossip.” “I don’t gossip.” “Hence the bribery.” Megan thanked the barista when he scuttled over and set a coffee in front of both of them. “I can’t be bought.” “But it seems you can be tempted.”

“I don’t follow.” Megan sat back and raised her eyebrows. “Derek Tate,” was all she said. A crumb went down the wrong way and Jenny took a slug of coffee. Shit, that was hot. “Derek Tate? Hmm. Gossip about Derek? I hear he’s a great mechanic.” “I hear he’s great at a lot of things. I’m interested in whether or not he can breach the Finley defenses. Lay siege to your citadel. Storm your castle.” “What makes you think Derek is interested in breaching my defenses? What makes you think Derek is interested in breaching my anything?” “Because he was in line behind Lila when she got your distress call, and I saw that man run out of here like his very fine ass was on fire. Finley, why are you still driving that piece of shit car?” “Because up until today, it was a reliable piece of shit.” “You had it in high school.” And it had lived in her dad’s garage while she was off in the land of the oblivious with Dean, driving around in a flashy Mercedes she’d had no idea they couldn’t afford, and had the thrill of watching get loaded up on a flat-bed and taken away. Lucky for Jenny, the Honda had still been in her father’s garage when she and Elle had moved back home.

“I’m saving up for a truck,” she said to Megan. “Right.” Megan wasn’t interested. “So. You and Tate.” “No. There is no me and Tate.” “This is not what I’ve heard. Five different conversations I’ve had already, all about how you and Derek took Kate to her first day of school together.” “We didn’t do it together. Derek happened to be there. He gave us a ride.” Megan looked skeptical. “Apparently the three of you make a nice little family. Very photogenic.” “Ugh. Elle was the one who wanted photos. I told her it was dorky.” “Photogenic as in you looked good together. You were taking photos? Dork.” “Elle said everyone would be doing it!” Megan shrugged. “Eh. That could be normal. What would I know? I’m not a mom, thank God. Not my scene.” “I can assure you that despite whatever these misguided gossips are saying, there is no me and Derek. We are not a family. I’ve been there, done that, and I am not even approaching dumb enough to go for round two. I am crushing it as a single mother. I don’t need anything or anyone getting in my way. Especially Derek Tate.” “Well, that’s boring. Hardly worth the bribe. You should pay for the muffin.”

Jenny crammed the last of it in with one enormous bite. “Nope.” Megan headed back to her kitchen, leaving Jenny to finish her coffee and ponder her next move. The tender skin at the back of her heels had started to throb in a threatening manner, suggesting that she’d developed blisters during her trek from the elementary school. Wasn’t she supposed to be crushing it as a single mother? Hard to believe in that statement if she began her day being rescued by Derek, and by lunchtime she was blistered and limping into the doctor’s clinic where Elle worked, to borrow her big sister’s car and once again make her problems Elle’s. That reminded her. Photos. Jenny picked up her phone, navigated to the pictures she’d taken earlier, selected the best ones and sent them over to Elle. She shot a guilty look around to check no one was paying attention, then sat back and gazed at the last photo she’d snapped. She had no idea why she’d taken it. It hadn’t even been deliberate. The photo was of Derek and Kate. Her daughter had surprised him, but Derek hadn’t been uncomfortable with her show of affection. Of course he hadn’t. Derek was one of the most easily affectionate people Jenny knew. It was one of the things about him that drove her nuts. He was

so at ease in his own skin, so laid-back, that he could hug people and express himself like it was no big deal. Kate was the same. She had her skinny noodle arms around Derek’s waist, her head tipped back, smiling big. Derek’s head was tipped down, he was smiling equally big, and they looked like they were modeling in a catalog or lifestyle magazine for some sort of father-daughter— Realizing what had just passed through her mind, Jenny poked at the screen. Delete photo? the phone asked. She hit OK before she could change her mind, and the moment disappeared for ever. Blowing out a short breath, she navigated to her contact list and called a cab. By the time Frank picked her up from where she was loitering outside Megan’s, Jenny had a solid plan. Because she didn’t know how much her car repairs would cost, fifty dollars or five hundred, she couldn’t risk splurging on a rental to tide her over. If the job was quick and cheap, she’d be left paying for a car she didn’t need. If it was slow and expensive, she’d need to be careful with money, and swanning around town in a rental would be living beyond her means. Instead, she decided to hope it was a simple job, and went ahead and booked Frank for the mornings

and afternoons to get Kate to school and Jenny to work for the rest of the week. After some haggling, Frank agreed to a frequent flyer discount. Problem solved. Except she’d soon have to face Derek, and have that uncomfortable conversation about Gabe and the impending Sterling baby. But that was another problem, and she’d successfully put it off until the end of the week at the earliest. She’d take a win wherever she could find one.

CHAPTER NINE

“Derek!” “What?” “Phone!” Derek wheeled out from under Jenny’s car and sat up, wiping his hands on a grease rag. “Who is it?” Burke leaned his upper body through the office doorway. “Harry’s kid.” Sighing, Derek pushed to his feet. He didn’t exactly like Harry’s son, Marshall, but since the man owned the premises Derek ran his business from, he was obliged to take the call. “Thanks,” he said, accepting the phone from Burke. “Get the door?” Burke ambled out of the office, shutting the door with a soft click behind him. Derek perched a hip on the edge of the desk and lifted the phone. “Marshall. What can I do for you?” “Hello, Derek. How’s things?”

“Good. You?” “Yes. Uh. Listen, there’s something we need to talk about.” Derek had started working for Harry Rawlings straight out of high school, and when the old man retired a few years later, he’d given Derek the option to buy him out. Harry was a good man. He’d known that a twenty-two-year-old Derek couldn’t put together enough money, and they’d made a deal. All Harry had wanted was enough income to keep living his life his way, and he didn’t need a lump sum for that. Derek had bought the business in installments while renting the premises, leaving Harry free to jump on his beloved Harley and ride off into the sunset. For Harry, the sun had set six months later when his heart ran out of juice in a small town in Montana. Harry had been an old-school mechanic, seeing to Emerson’s basic automotive maintenance needs and barely changing the prices since he’d started the garage back in the late sixties. Derek took over, shook things up, and the business boomed. He was proud as hell of what he’d built. Marshall’s voice recalled him to the present. “Thing is, Derek, I’m retiring in a couple of months.” Derek blinked. Harry had been old as dirt when

he’d died, but Derek hadn’t realized that Marshall was close to retirement age. “Good for you.” “Yeah. Wife and I are moving south.” “Florida?” “Texas. Wife’s from there, never much liked the northern climate. Anyway, I’m starting to wrap things up before the move.” Derek’s shoulders tightened. “Uh-huh,” he said, and even he could hear the growl of impatience. “I’m selling the house, and the…the garage. Listen, I thought about it, and it doesn’t make sense to hang on to the place.” Marshall was some sort of salesman, mattresses or furniture or whatever, and had never had any interest in Harry’s work. He lived in Emerson but had never once come to visit his dad. Derek hadn’t even met the guy until Harry’s funeral. “I don’t know about that, Marshall. It’s a good investment. Solid. Money you can count on coming in.” “I know, I know. But like I said, I thought about it. I’m sixty-eight and I don’t plan on moving again once we’re settled in Texas. I’m looking to buy the best house I can. Getting a nice lump sum from selling the garage makes sense.” “This is not good news for me, Marshall.” Derek’s fingers tightened on the phone. “I get that. It’s why I called. I wanted to give you a heads-up, and see if you’re interested.”

“In buying the building?” Derek made good money, but not that good. “Yeah.” “I don’t think—” Marshall talked over him. “Thing is, I can’t guarantee that the buyer is going to want to buy as a rental.” “What?” “That’s how I’m going to list it, of course, but I want this done nice and quick. If it doesn’t attract anyone who wants to buy to rent it out, then I’ll be forced to sell it to anyone interested.” “Gonna make it real hard for me to keep running my business, Marshall, if you sell the building out from under me.” “I know. Shoot. I know. But my hands are tied.” “Are they?” He didn’t know the man’s life, maybe they were, but…fuck. “Don’t worry, it won’t be for a few months. We haven’t even found anywhere in Texas yet. But it’s happening, and I hoped you’d buy the garage. Dad loved that place. It’d be kinda nice, you know, that even with Dad gone and me and Julie moving, Rawlings’ Auto Repairs will still be here in Emerson. Family legacy, and all.” For the life of him Derek couldn’t think of a reply that didn’t begin with fuck you and your family legacy. He glared at the floor and kept quiet. “Anyway, I wanted to call and tell you myself. I

really hope you’ll consider buying it.” He had to at least run the numbers whether he liked it or not, didn’t he? Derek ended the call and sat staring at the calendar on the wall opposite. The calendar was stuck on the wrong month, April, and had a picture of a kitten sitting under a tiny umbrella. Disturbingly, despite being under the umbrella, the kitten was wet. It was Burke’s choice. The guy was a bear of a man who looked like he’d lean more toward a calendar that had Miss April as a statuesque woman in a tiny bikini—or no bikini—rather than a bedraggled kitten, but Burke had a whimsical side that he didn’t even try to hide, so. Kittens. Derek rubbed his hands over his face. The day had been going so well, too. Apart from two key moments. The first was when he’d been at Megan’s, standing in line behind Lila when she’d answered her phone and said, “Jenny, what’s wrong?” That had gotten his attention. Then she’d told Jenny to calm down, and that had really gotten his attention. He’d leaned over Lila’s shoulder, bumping her right into the counter. Scowling like she was going to shank him with the plastic stirrer clenched in her fist, Lila had turned on him with an angry, “Hey!” When she’d seen he was the one who’d bumped

her, she smiled. With teeth. The worry that had gripped Derek when Lila told Jenny to calm down—why, what did she have to calm down about, what was wrong, was she okay, what?—faded at Lila’s smile. She wouldn’t have been smiling if it was anything serious. Which wasn’t to say he’d stopped worrying entirely. Anyone who knew Lila knew to worry when she smiled with teeth. He’d impassively returned her gaze while she finished her conversation and then informed him that Jenny and Kate were sobbing on the side of the road somewhere between Emerson and Jenny’s house. Did he want to do anything about it, or— Derek didn’t know what the alternative option was. He’d hurried out as soon as he’d heard the word, sobbing. Of course, they hadn’t been sobbing at all. Although for a second, when she had spotted him, Jenny had looked like she was considering it. After the obvious relief, that was. And the flattering, and intriguing, flash of yearning. The relief that they were safe and unhurt had lasted up until Kate dropped the bombshell about Sterling. Fucking Gabe Sterling.

Derek used to like the man. He’d like him still, if not for the fact Sterling was running around on the sly with Jenny. He was Alex Zacharov’s best friend, and seemed to come and go as he pleased. Derek supposed a billionaire was free to do pretty much whatever he wanted, when and wherever he wanted to do it. He wasn’t envious of Sterling’s billionaire status. He was envious of his sleeping-with-JennyFinley status. And, briefly, of his impregnating-Jenny-Finley status. Call him a Neanderthal, but that was an honor that Derek had been planning on claiming since before Sterling had ever set foot in Emerson. Although, he probably shouldn’t phrase it like that. Even to himself. Derek’s whole world had stopped when Kate mentioned the baby. When Jenny had said the baby was due in a few months, that stopped world had iced over. And then everything had heated and started right back up when she’d smacked him, telling him she was fat, not pregnant. The fat comment was bullshit, but thank God, thank God she wasn’t pregnant. For three whole hours, the future that Derek wanted with a fierce, unquenchable desire, had

looked like it was within his reach. Then came key moment two: Marshall Rawlings wanted to sell Derek’s garage, putting his livelihood at risk. As he’d said to Rawlings, this was not good news. But he’d find a way. Derek stared at the calendar. The wet kitten gazed mournfully back. With a sound of impatience, Derek strode over to the wall and flipped the calendar to the correct month. He rolled his eyes when he saw the picture. This kitten was on a tiny picnic blanket, a what-the-fuck look on its face as it glared at the spread of miniature knitted cupcakes and sandwiches. He grinned. He’d find a way to keep the garage. And he’d find a way to keep Jenny.

CHAPTER TEN

Hiring Frank to drive her around was a valid solution to Jenny’s problem, but it wasn’t a whole lot of fun. Jenny liked her independence. Waiting around for a ride was all right once in a while. Twice a day, it got old. Not to mention expensive, even at Frank’s special rate. After four days, she was done. Unfortunately, after four days, she still hadn’t heard from Derek about her car, and every time she picked up her phone to call for an update, she chickened out. It wasn’t the car she was worried about. If the thing was unfixable, she figured Derek would have told her the same day. No, what gave her palpitations was the conversation he’d warned her they were going to have. The conversation about Gabe. The man Jenny, in all her gutless wisdom, had used as a shield to hide behind when she’d woken

up, found Derek in her bed, and freaked out. Not her finest moment. Not one of her best ideas, either. Jenny knew that. She’d known it at the time. She’d known it at an even deeper level in the following months when Derek kept his distance. It still surprised her how much that had hurt, Derek being…polite. One of Derek Tate’s defining characteristics was how relaxed he was. Physically. Socially. He never lost his temper; she’d not once, in all the years she’d known him, seen him in a bad mood. Jenny wasn’t even sure Derek knew what a mood was. Up until the morning she’d sent him away, she’d thought it was his ease that made him so great to be around. After that morning, she discovered that she’d been wrong. The few times they had run into each other, he’d treated her the exact same way he treated everyone else. Meaning Jenny had been hit with the realization that Derek had never before treated her the same way he treated everyone else. With her, he’d been teasing and pushy and fun. And when he stopped, she missed it. She missed him. The worst was the night she’d been eating at Kurt’s with Kate, Elle and Alex. Derek had passed their table en route to the bar, and he’d paused to say hi.

Politely. Her hypersensitive skin had registered his body heat, warming the air between them as if reaching out to her, and at the precise moment that she had looked up into his familiar face, Jenny had missed him. The ache of it had left her breathless. She hadn’t known you could miss someone even while you were looking into their eyes. And then that morning five days ago. He’d heard about Gabe’s baby, the fact that some other woman —not her—was having it, and boom. The old Derek was back. Her Derek. “I’d offer a penny for your thoughts, dear, but the way you’re blushing tells me you’re not likely to share.” A quavering old voice broke in on Jenny’s musings. She was watering the hanging baskets at the garden center, and smiling like a fool. Blushing, too? Great. She straightened her face. “Enjoying my job, Mrs. Bressler,” she said and released the trigger on the hose. “Mm-hmm.” “Don’t stand under the basket, it’s dripping on you.” Jenny curled a gentle arm around Mrs. Bressler’s hunched shoulders and steered the old lady from under the enormous arrangement. “I know, I know.” Mrs. Bressler allowed Jenny to relocate her. “Feel like brightening my day and

sharing what put that smile on your face? Or should I say what young man?” She raised thick white eyebrows. Jenny scowled. “Hah!” Mrs. Bressler made a fist and pulled her elbow back a slow half-inch. “Called it.” “There is no young man!” “Liars go to hell, dear.” “They do? Darn. Wish I’d known. Never mind. Since I’m headed there already, one more isn’t going to change my final destination.” Mrs. Bressler cackled. “Confirmation. You’re really not very good at this. Good job you’re pretty.” “Why, thank you.” The old lady grinned. Mrs. Bressler had the distinction of being Jenny’s very first client. Okay, Jenny didn’t have her business set up yet, and Mrs. Bressler paid in cookies not money, but to all intents and purposes, and as far as Jenny was concerned, Mrs. Bressler was her first genuine client. Her plan had been to get her professional landscape and horticultural design qualifications, and strike out on her own. It hadn’t happened. Yet. She’d played with Lila’s yard, and she’d done her own twice. She’d hacked back the wilderness that was

Alex’s yard, swearing to him that she’d burn his shrubbery to the ground and salt the earth if he allowed it to fall back into the hellscape of rusted rejected metal sculptures and tangled overgrown lawn it had been before she’d worked her magic on it. Now, it was gorgeous, with paved paths and colorful beds. He’d even let her build a romantic gazebo, an adorable little wooden structure with fairy lights threaded through the latticework sides. It wasn’t that she was dragging her heels, Jenny told herself. It was simply that starting a business was a big deal. For a single mother and sole breadwinner of the family, it was a terrifyingly big deal. Jenny had decided that it made sense to keep her job at the garden center and focus on adding to her savings account until she had enough of a buffer that she could take the jump, with a well-prepared soft landing in case it didn’t pan out. You know. For a change. Until then, she had folk like Mrs. Bressler. At the last count, Jenny had somehow collected eight senior citizens with varying yardwork needs—or in Ms. Irwin’s case, window box needs—who kept her on her toes. Mrs. Bressler had started it the day she came to the garden center and spent a full hour debating the

virtue of azaleas over roses, until Jenny had offered to take a look at her yard and give her a professional opinion. It turned out that Mrs. Bressler didn’t actually have a yard, she had a postage-stamp-sized patch of gravel with a few sad cracked pots. That was then. Now, she had a dainty wroughtiron table and chair set arranged on a minuscule patio that Jenny had laid. The seating area was screened in by a rose-covered trellis, and the remaining space was filled with a cluster of brightly-glazed mismatched pots that Jenny checked on every couple of weeks. “What can I do for you today, Mrs. Bressler?” she asked. “Are we thinking a new pot?” “I brought a picture. Hold on a moment.” Lifting her enormous purse high against her chest so that she could squint into it, Mrs. Bressler dug around. After some muttering, she pulled out an iPad. Jenny stuffed her hands in her pockets and forced herself not to interfere as Mrs. Bressler hung her purse in the crook of her elbow, flipped open the iPad case and poked at it. After she’d nearly dropped the iPad three times before she’d even managed to hit the power button, Jenny reached for it. “No.” Mrs. Bressler smacked Jenny’s hand away. “I can do it. I am great with technology. Ask Edie Irwin. On second thought, don’t. She can’t tell

her microwave from her television set.” “Let’s sit over here on the bench. I’ll take a load off while you try to remember your code.” Mrs. Bressler did not resist as Jenny directed her to the bench by the herb display. She sat with a sigh. “Ah. Here we are.” She unlocked the device, tapped around for a few minutes more, then turned the iPad to face Jenny. Jenny caught it before it hit the ground, pretended Mrs. Bressler absolutely hadn’t dropped it for real this time, and scanned the picture the old lady had pulled up. She rolled her lips in, contemplated the sky for a moment, then said, “That’s a jar of jelly.” “What? Did I get the wrong…?” Mrs. Bressler leaned over, then sat back. “No, that’s the right picture. And it’s jam, not jelly. Yes. That’s what I want.” Jenny looked at Mrs. Bressler. “Do you need me to buy you some jam?” she asked. “You want me to go to the store for you?” “I can buy my own groceries, thank you, dear. I want to make it. Strawberry jam. From scratch.” Huh. “You want strawberries.” “Going to be a challenge to make strawberry jam without any strawberries.” “We do have strawberry plants, but—” Jenny shot a furtive glance around “—it would be cheaper to buy them fresh from the grocery store.”

“When I say from scratch, I mean from scratch. I want to grow the strawberries. Harvest them.” Mrs. Bressler brought her arthritis-knotted hands together in a squishing motion. “Make jam out of them.” Good thing she wasn’t trying to make chicken pot pie from scratch. “We can do that. But it’s kinda late in the season.” As in, too late. “They’re already fruits, not flowers. We may have a few everbearing varieties flowering, but it makes sense to hold off a bit, plant some runners in October and make the jam next summer.” Mrs. Bressler patted Jenny’s knee. “Come now, dear. What are the odds I’ll still be here next summer?” Jenny blinked. “Excellent, I hope.” Mrs. Bressler laughed as if she’d said something funny. Jenny didn’t join in. Mrs Bressler sobered, shaking her head. “If I want to make jam, I need to make it now. This year.” Jenny processed the heavy implication. “You’re not…you’re not dying?” “Yep. Reeeeeal slow. But it’s happening.” “Are you sick? Why didn’t you say something, I —” “I’m not sick, honey. I’m old.” She sighed and held her hands up to the heavens. “So, so old. So old. About those everbearing varieties. What are

they?” “Uh, they’ll be good for picking maybe mid- to late-September.” More like tomorrow. “I think we’ve got a couple of varieties that’ll go to first frost.” “Those are the ones for me!” “All right, then.” Jenny helped Mrs. Bressler up and they headed for the vegetable section. Agonizingly slowly. “I have to ask. Why strawberry jam?” “I’m getting into homesteading.” Mrs. Bressler paused for a break. “It’s the latest thing.” It was? “I decided I’d start easy with the jam. Then maybe I’ll get adventurous.” Don’t say chicken pot pie. “I’m thinking squash, but I’m open to being persuaded about potatoes.” “We have some baby squash. We could tuck them into your garden with a bit of rearranging, no problem. Potatoes might work. With your limited space, we’ll have to wait until the strawberries are over, as you’ll need a large pot. I’ve already got one in mind for your strawberries, and there isn’t enough room for two.” “Squash it is. But what can I make? The whole point, Jenny, is vegetable patch to plate.” “I’m not much of a cook. How does soup sound?”

Mrs. Bressler considered it. “Soup could work.” They arrived at the vegetable section at long last. Mrs. Bressler shooed Jenny on her way so she could browse the plants and choose a container— Jenny nudged her firmly in the direction of the stackable planters—and promised to come and tell Jenny her selection after she’d had a coffee in the attached cafe. Jenny got back to her watering and that’s where Ronnie found her ten minutes later, stomping up with a stern expression on her tanned, seamed face. “Hi, boss,” Jenny said. “Taking your sweet time with the baskets, aren’t ya?” Ronnie said. “I was helping a customer.” “Do that a lot, I noticed.” “All part of the job.” “Yeah. Except it’s come to my attention you do it after hours, too, and I know I’m not paying you for that.” Jenny’s stomach dropped. “You moonlighting?” Ronnie barked. “No!” “Not what I’m hearing. That customer you spent the last hour helping, isn’t she one of your ladies?” “She’s not paying me, Ronnie, and neither is anyone else.” Apart from cookies. “I just help some of the older customers out every now and then. They need help deciding what to do with their

yards. Once they’ve decided, they need someone to help dig and do the heavy lifting. That’s all.” “I don’t like it.” Shit. Ronnie continued, “Time to stop your afterhours garden fairy shtick. We need to rethink your employment.” Great. She was about to get fired? Again? Jenny had worked at the garden center before Ronnie had bought it. When she’d slipped on a wet paving stone and broken her leg, the former owner had fired her. She really didn’t want losing her job to become a habit. “You’re seriously going to fire me for helping out senior citizens?” “No!” Ronnie jerked with surprise. “It’s time to stop selling yourself short, Jennifer,” she said, frowning. “You’re qualified, but more than that, you’re talented. You’re sure as heck keen. You go out of your way to mess about with plants and yards. Most people don’t have it in them to get that excited about dirt.” She lifted her chin at the lanky teenager over by the mulch and compost section. “Next to you, Abel is my most motivated employee.” As they watched, Abel yawned. He stretched, exposing a strip of grub-pale skin between his cargo shorts and polo shirt. He finished his yawn, spotted a customer heading his way, and with practiced ease, ambled off toward watering cans and hoses.

Ronnie turned back to Jenny. “You’re better than that.” She hitched a thumb over her shoulder at the departing Abel. “What are you saying? Do you want me to be a supervisor or something? Motivate the team?” “Most of the team are between high school and college, or they dropped out of college to concentrate on their music or their YouTube channel, or they’re my lazy-ass nephew.” That was Abel. “If you think you can motivate any of them, please, knock yourself out. But I had something else in mind. “I want you to be a consultant. Garden design. You’re doing it anyway on your own time, might as well do it during work hours and get paid. Who knows, maybe that’ll free you up to get a life where you don’t spend your free time dead-heading old ladies’ geraniums.” “Garden design consultant?” “Don’t go thinking it’ll be as fancy as it sounds. I intend to pimp you out as project manager and labor, too. Gonna brand you as the Swiss army knife of garden needs. Been waiting months for you to quit and set that shit up on your own but you haven’t done it yet. I’m going to take advantage of you while I can.” “I don’t know what to say.” Ronnie grunted. “Say, ‘Yes, boss. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I will do a great job and

bring in a lot of money’.” “Yes, boss. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I will do an amazing job and bring in loads of money.” Jenny held up a hand for a high five. Ronnie glared at her until she dropped her hand. “Got a project lined up for you. Be a good trial. Put you on it, see how it goes. Goes well, we’ll look into making it formal.” “A project already?” Jenny zinged with excitement. “What is it?” “The community center wants to overhaul their land at the back. Get the structural stuff and planting done now ready for next spring. Jennifer, I’m warning you, the place is a freaking wilderness. Could be bears.” “Wildernesses are my specialty.” She’d done Alex’s yard, hadn’t she? By her estimation, no one had done anything there for the last thirty years, other than mow the grass. And the grass had been waist-high before she’d started on it. “They better be, since as I mentioned, you’ll be designer, project manager, and labor. Translation: you’re on your own. Less they get volunteers. You can work that out with the committee.” “When do they want me to start?” “I’ll call and tell them we’ll take the job, get the ball rolling.” Jenny was already sketching out ideas in her

head when Mrs. Bressler found her an hour later. The old lady was behind a cart, throwing her slight weight into it and managing to propel it along at a snail’s pace. Jenny took over and whisked them off to the vegetable section, where she selected some plants. She deposited Mrs. Bressler and the plants at the checkout, and ran back to snag a terracotta strawberry planter which she carried to the till in time to get rung up. “What do you think?” Jenny stood beside the tall planter, showing it off like a game show hostess. Its old-fashioned style was a perfect fit for Mrs Bressler’s pretty garden. “Ooh. Aah.” Mrs. Bressler eyed the planter, nodded her approval, and Georgia behind the checkout scanned the barcode. Jenny heaved the purchases into the cart and pushed it out to the parking lot. She loaded up Mrs. Bressler’s car, slammed the trunk shut, then realized that there was no way the old lady would be able to get the planter out herself. With images of her trying it anyway and ending up flattened in her driveway beneath it with only her shoes and curly white head showing, Jenny said, “Do not hurt yourself trying to lift the planter. Leave it and I’ll swing by and sort it for you. My shift’s done in thirty minutes.” “Nonsense, dear. I know you don’t have your

car and Frank’s playing chauffeur. Tell him to pick you up from my house later. I’ll sit here and listen to my book on tape until your shift is over. We can have tea. I have cookies.” “Can’t say no to cookies.” She should say no to cookies, because apparently it wasn’t clear from looking at her that she wasn’t, in fact, five months pregnant, but whatever. **** Enough was enough. She was being driven around by old ladies, and paying more than she could afford for her own personal chauffeur. Jenny took a deep breath, and made the call she should have made days ago. The phone at the other end rang twice before Derek picked up. “Jen.” “Hey, Derek. Listen, I need to know about my car.” “I’m good, thanks. You?” “Yes. Good. How about my car? Is my car good?” “It’s fifteen years old, so no. It’s not good. And it’s a Honda. It’s never been good. What it is, is fixed.” “Oh, thank God. Thank you.” “Welcome, honey.” “Is it ready to come home?” “Yeah,” he said, amused. “You want me to drive

it over?” “That’s okay. I’ll get Frank to bring me to the garage.” “Frank? Taxi Frank?” Derek inhaled sharply. “Do not tell me you’ve been using Frank to get around since Monday.” “I will not tell you that.” “Are you serious?” “You don’t have to sound so angry about it, Derek. What’s wrong with me using Frank?” “Shit. You’re serious. Come on. Do you really think I would have left you if I thought you were going to use a taxi?” “Where is all this hostility for taxis coming from?” “Why the hell didn’t you borrow Elle’s car?” Jenny pulled the phone away from her ear an inch. “Uh, because Elle was using it?” “She could have borrowed Alex’s! You could have borrowed Alex’s! He barely ever uses it, anyway.” “I don’t see why my car breaking down means my entire family has to start playing automotive musical chairs.” “I can’t believe you are so stubborn.” “Then you don’t know me very well. And what is stubborn about solving my own damn problems without inconveniencing everyone else?” “Sure. Because Elle would have said, ‘You’re so

inconvenient, Jenny, wanting to drive my niece to school in comfort rather than a taxi’.” “If you’d stop berating me for one second—” “Forget inconveniencing Elle, what about me? I have three loaners. Three. You could have had any one of them.” “That’s very generous of you, but I couldn’t impose.” “No. God forbid Jenny Finley accepts help without an epic screaming battle first.” “Is this the part where I’m supposed to apologize for being independent?” “There’s being independent and there’s being a dumbass, Jen.” “I see now why people like taking their car to the mechanic about as much as they like going to the dentist. Name-calling and yelling.” “Can’t speak for what happens at your dentist appointments, but I’m not calling you names. You are a cab-hiring dumbass. That’s a fact. I concede that I may be talking louder than usual, but I’m not yelling. Yet. I’m frustrated. I don’t like you struggling when there’s no need. You never need to struggle. All you ever need to do is let me know what’s going on.” Jenny steadied herself and softened her voice before she said, “It’s not your business what’s going on.” He was silent for a minute. “Right.”

“Break it to me gently, Tate. What’s the damage?” “We’ll discuss it when you get here.” “Is it bad?” “No. It was fixed two hours after Burke brought it back to the garage.” “For God’s sake. Are you telling me I’ve been driving around in a taxi unnecessarily for four days?” “Just now you’re getting that it was unnecessary?” “Why didn’t you call me?” “I was waiting for you to come to me. I won’t be making that mistake again.” The back of her neck prickled at the rough note in his voice. “Where are you now?” Derek asked. “I’m coming to get you.” “No! I’m on my way to the garage. Be there in ten minutes.” “You’re in the taxi right now, aren’t you?” “Maybe.” Derek sighed. “See you in a few.” Jenny disconnected, then rolled her head against the car seat and looked at Frank. “Sorry about the yelling,” she said. Frank shrugged. “Only problem I got is when my passengers start puking.” “I can understand that.”

“Car’s all fixed, then?” “Yep.” “I’m going to miss driving you and Kate about.” “Thanks, Frank. You’ve been great. If ever I’m without transport again, you will be my first call.” Frank sucked his teeth and shook his head. “Thinking maybe Tate should be your first call.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Jenny stood outside Derek’s garage and gazed around. Odd to think that she’d never been here. Then she wondered why she found it odd. She knew Derek had worked here since he finished high school a year before she did, and he’d told her that he owned the business now. Once he’d come clean about not being in the debt collection industry, that is. A chain-link fence stretched the length of the property on one side, behind which a full spectrum of cars were parked, from rusted junkers to a gleaming burgundy Dodge Ram. On the other side was a small building that she guessed was storage or offices, and dead ahead was the open bay of the workshop itself. From inside came the beat of a loud stereo. If she wasn’t wearing her thick-soled work boots, she’d be able to feel the heavy bass thump from the ground up. A power tool screamed high and sudden, making her flinch.

Jenny cast a quick look around, wondering if there was another door she was supposed to use, then told herself to stop dithering. She pulled her shoulders back and marched in through the open bay doors. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust. The sun was high and scorching, and inside the building it all seemed a washed-out sludgy gray. Her vision cleared to reveal there were four… workstations?... in the front part of the garage, and possibly more in the back. One car was up on a lift. One had a pair of legs sticking out from under the chassis. One looked like it had had its nose caught in giant pincers—Jenny had no clue how Derek was going to fix that—and the other car appeared to be in the middle of an autopsy. A thin man stood over the stripped carcass, hands on hips as he stared at the spread-out parts, lost in thought. Jenny fought the urge to slowly back away. She couldn’t, not when she was so close to regaining vehicular independence: behind the car on a lift, she’d caught sight of her Honda. She was surprised at the rush of affection that washed through her when she saw the familiar green. After this week, she was never again going to take her faithful car for granted. She was even, she promised, going to wash it regularly. Because someone here had, and it looked fabulous. Chrome sparkled. The green paintwork gleamed.

Don’t even get her started on the crystal clear windshield. She double-checked the license plate. Yeah, it was her car. Okay. Great start. Now, where was Derek? She eyed the protruding legs, concluded they were much too short and much too feminine to be Derek’s. She glanced around and noticed a large interior window in the side wall. Ah. Office. Was he in there? If not, perhaps someone who could give her the bill and the keys was. Jenny strode for the office, slowing when she saw that Derek was indeed there, on the phone. From the looks of things, this really wasn’t his day. The tense expression on his face said he was having another fun conversation. Probably he’d had the same expression when he was talking to her ten minutes ago. He was staring at the floor, one hand clasped over the back of his neck, mouth tight as he listened to the person at the other end. For some reason she’d expected him to be wearing coveralls with his name embroidered in a patch over the breast. Instead, he looked like himself, in jeans and a tee. Just…dirtier. Jenny swallowed. Eyes fixed on Derek, she didn’t see the large man in front of her until she walked into him. He grabbed her elbows to steady her then snatched his

hands away and hopped back as if she’d screamed bloody murder. “Oh,” Jenny said. “Hi.” “Hi.” His voice was low, quiet, and did not at all match his intimidating bulk. “I’m Jenny.” She stuck out a hand. The man looked down at his grease-stained hands, visibly panicked, and dug around in his pocket. He hauled out a rag and scrubbed. His cheeks began to turn pink and he scrubbed harder. He huffed out a breath, then shook hands, releasing her—once again—as if she’d screamed bloody murder. “Burke,” he muttered. “Hey, Burke. I’m here to collect my car.” “Yep. You’re Derek’s lady.” She scratched her head. Derek’s lady? “Any chance you can get me the keys and the bill?” She gestured in the direction of the office. “Derek’s busy. I don’t want to disturb him.” Burke glanced at the office. “Uh, yeah.” He pointed at the floor in front of her. “Wait right here.” “Right here,” Jenny agreed. He took two steps, then turned back and pointed again, saying earnestly, “Right here. Don’t wander about. Lots of ways to get hurt.” He waited for her to nod before he powered off. Sweet guy. She watched Burke enter the office. Derek’s

head came up, but he continued with the call that still had him frowning. Burke gently straight-armed Derek to one side, away from the desk. He gathered a clipboard from the desktop, swiped some keys from a board on the wall, and headed back her way, closing the office door behind him. “What was the problem?” Jenny asked. “And do I need to worry about it happening again?” “Oil was low. All but gone. You should watch that.” He paused, waiting. “I will,” Jenny said, because he seemed to need her agreement. “Radiator was dry and the head gasket blown. And the fan belt needed replacing.” “That was it?” He ducked his head with a smile. “Yeah.” Jenny blinked at the way the smile transformed his homely face. She realized she was staring when his cheeks began to turn pink again. “Great,” she said. “Uh, how common is it for fan belts to… break? Erode? Snap? Curl up and die? I don’t know what they do when they don’t work.” “Common enough. You should get your car checked on a regular basis. It’ll be spotted in routine maintenance.” “Hah. That’s where I went wrong. My car has not seen a mechanic for about as long as it’s been

since I’ve seen a man’s—” She cut off, she and Burke exchanged horrified glances, and Jenny burst out laughing. “Delete that,” she said. “Done.” His cheeks were scarlet but his pretty hazel eyes shone with amusement. God help this man if Lila ever discovered his existence. Big, sweet, shy and blushing? Kurt would be yesterday’s news. And Burke wouldn’t stand a chance. He’d be Mr. Lila Baxter in less than a week. “Derek got under your hood and had a good rummage around. He was thorough, didn’t leave a thing untouched—” Jenny stared at Burke. That is not a sexual comment. He’s talking about your car, not you. Do not smile. “—he filled your tank all the way up, radiator and oil, too. You’re good for fluids—” Don’t do it. “—inspected everything, made a few minor tweaks like giving you a hose—” I’m going to do it. “—you know, a new one for the radiator, and it’s all in working order.” Burke held out the keys. “You’re good to go.” He dropped them into her waiting palm. Jenny kept her face straight. “How much do I owe?” Burke flipped through the clipboard, folded a

few sheets back and read the total. “Just parts, says here.” He tugged the sheet loose. Jenny was about to take it when a sharp rap on the office window made them both start. They turned to face Derek. He was still on the phone but he was standing by the glass, his eyes on Jenny. He gave his head a single shake. Jenny and Burke froze. Jenny unfroze first. She made a grab for the bill. Derek was now pointing at Burke and shaking his head. Burke whisked the bill out of her reach. “Give it,” Jenny said. “Uh, I don’t think Derek—” “Burke.” Jenny darted a look at Derek. He held up his hand. Five minutes, he mouthed. Jenny shook her head. Derek nodded. “Burke,” she said. “Give me the damn bill.” The big man lifted it higher. Jenny tracked it, feet above her head. She took a step closer. He was even taller than Alex, and Alex was six four. “Give it. Or I will climb you.” Paper cracked in the air as he whipped it down and held it out, eyes wide. Jenny was pretty sure she could hear Derek laughing. “Sorry,” she said. “I was bluffing. I wouldn’t climb you.” She folded the bill, stuffed it in her

cargo shorts pocket, and hustled to her car. She leaped in, fired up the engine. Burke followed her, looking agitated. “You’re not supposed to drive out of the—” She waved him off. “Got to go. Big hurry. Have to pick my daughter up from school.” Nope, Kate was at a friend’s house until after dinner. “Tell Derek I’ll mail him a check. Or PayPal. Whatever. It’s cool, he knows I’m good for it.” “Yes, but clients aren’t supposed to drive out of the workshop, you have to wait for someone to bring it—” “Nice meeting you, Burke!” she called, drove out and onto the forecourt, wincing when she heard her tires chirp as she pulled onto the road. She was mobile again. Jenny buzzed the window down, punched the stereo up, and sang all the way home with the wind in her hair and her heart light.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Derek banged on Jenny’s front door. When she’d come into the garage earlier he’d been on the phone with Martin Bradford, his contact at the bank, feeling him out about a loan. The call had not been going well. Then Derek had seen Jenny talking to Burke. Her deer-in-headlights response when she saw him in the office had made him smile. He was more interested in the look that had followed. Her eyes had been wide, her lips slightly parted, and she’d stared at him with an irresistible mix of challenge, desire, and denial. The first two he was happy about. As for the third? He’d always known he had his work cut out. He raised his hand to knock again, and Jenny snatched open the door. She was in jeans and a button-down shirt, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. “Hi.” She attempted

to step out onto the porch and shut the door behind her. This move would necessitate Derek stepping back to give her room. Derek calmly stood his ground. Jenny, under the mistaken impression that he was going to be polite, fetched up against him, and she had to tilt her head back to meet his amused eyes. “Nice body check,” he said. “Now let me in.” “Can’t,” she said. “Busy. I’m about to do some yoga.” She did not leap away from him, as he’d expected her to do. Derek smiled. “Yoga?” “I’m a huge fan. Huge. I’d go so far as to say an aficionado.” He shifted, walking her backward across the threshold. “It’s almost like you’re saying the first thing that pops into your head in a feeble effort to keep me out.” He shut the front door behind him, and leaned against it. “Yoga in jeans sounds like a shortcut to chafing and wedgies.” Jenny rolled her eyes at him. Derek followed her into the kitchen. The large table was littered with crayons and sketchpads and enormous books. Some lay open to show full-color spreads of fancy-looking gardens, and the rest were piled in a messy stack, pages bristling with sticky notes. He wandered over and angled an open sketchpad toward him. He propped a hip against the table as he flipped through.

Jenny was a talented artist. She had filled the pad with a mix of garden plans and doodles, interspersed with beautiful studies of plants, a couple of manga-style cartoons of Kate, and at the very back, a dragon. Derek took in a breath. It was an almost perfect replica of the dragon tattoo that coiled around his left arm. Smiling, he looked up and caught Jenny watching him warily. He tilted his head to one side, but didn’t say anything. He set the sketchpad on the table. Straightening, he closed the distance between them. “Why are you here?” she asked as he approached. “Oh, I think you know why I’m here.” Jenny bit her lip. “Don’t you?” he prompted. “I told Burke I’d mail a check. Did you need payment in cash instead? Or are you going to take my toaster? Coffeemaker, perhaps?” The last word came out in a squeak as he put his hands to her hips and lifted her onto the counter. “You’re going to have to get over that someday, Jen.” He pushed her knees apart, hooked his hands behind them, and tugged her toward him. “It was a long time ago. And I was doing you a favor.” He braced his fists either side of her hips, leaning in. “I know,” she said with a scowl. “But you are right. I did come here about the

bill.” “Oh.” “You got it on you?” “It’s on the table. Move, and I’ll grab it.” “Hmm.” She squirmed against him, then shoved with a laugh. Derek allowed her to push him an inch away and slide down his body. Jenny rifled through the mess on the table and pulled the bill out from the very bottom of the stacked books. “Here you go-oh!” He’d been waiting for her, leaning against the counter, ankles crossed. When she came back to him, he picked her up again and set her on the counter in the same spot. Jenny clutched his forearms. “Derek!” He adjusted her until her ass was right at the edge and she was tucked against him, and held out a hand for the bill. Jenny’s fingers clenched around it. She gave him a suspicious look. “Don’t you want the money? Why do you even need this?” “Need to check the amount. I might have undercharged you.” She thrust it at him. “Here.” He scanned it. “What?” Jenny said. She got close, trying to read it upside down. “Did you miss something off?”

“No, it’s all there.” Derek folded the bill and stuffed it in his back pocket. “But the price has changed.” Jenny stared at him, then poked him in the chest. Hard. “You said you’d charge me for parts. You are not fixing my car for free, Derek. I will not take advantage of your sweet nature.” “I ain’t that sweet, honey. I never said it was free. Said the price had changed.” She narrowed her eyes. “I am not going to sleep with you for fixing my car.” “No,” he agreed. “That is not why you’re going to sleep with me. You’re going to sleep with me because, sooner or later, you’re going to get tired of pretending that you don’t want this as much as I do. And, honey? It’s going to be sooner.” “Wow.” “That it?” he asked after a beat of silence. “That’s all you got? I was expecting a tirade.” “A tirade? I’m sorry, I’m too busy reeling at your arrogance to muster up anything as dramatic as a tirade. But rest assured, as soon as I’m done with the reeling, a tirade is incoming.” “Thanks for the heads-up.” “Sure.” “Since we seem to agree that I won’t be charging you in orgasms, we’d better hash out exactly how you’re going to pay me back.” Jenny’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes

sparkling. “I’m great at garden design.” She waved a hand at the sketchpad. “You need something landscaped?” “I have an apartment. No yard.” “I’m good with window boxes. Ask Ms. Irwin.” “Another time.” “What is it I’m going to give you, Derek, if not orgasms or a window box? Should I bake you cookies?” He shook his head. “Cookies aren’t going to cut it.” He leaned in, placing a hand at the small of her back so she couldn’t shuffle away. Not that she even tried. He placed his mouth at her ear. “What I want,” he said, low, appreciating her responsive shiver, “is pizza.” He stepped back. “Pizza?” “Yep.” Derek sauntered out the kitchen and into the living room, where he flung himself down on the couch. He heard the solid thud as Jenny hopped down from the counter. She marched in to stand before him. “Pizza?” she said again. Derek lifted his boots to the coffee table. Jenny leaned down and smacked them off. “No boots on the table.” He braced his arms behind his head and grinned up at her. “All right,” she said. “I can do pizza. I already know how you like it. Extra jalapenos. I’ll order it

and have it delivered to your apartment for, what, seven? Or is that too early?” “If you’re talking about today, yes, it’s too early. The pizza is pending. And don’t send it to my apartment. We’ll be having it here.” “We?” “I want a do-over.” Jenny studied him. She opened her mouth to say something, but cut herself off. “I am referring to the last time we had pizza,” Derek said. “I remember it.” “Then you’ll remember what happened the morning after? What I told you?” “Other than the jalapenos, the details are fuzzy…” He reached out, snagged her wrist, and fell back, pulling her down on top of him. “I said if I find out you’re free again, you’re mine.” Jenny landed with a shriek. She propped herself up on her forearms. “What makes you think I’m free?” “Sterling is having a baby with another woman.” Her eyes dropped. He caught the point of her chin between finger and thumb, and turned her face to his. “Somehow I doubt that you’re good with carrying on a secret affair when he’s some other woman’s baby daddy.” Jenny hiccupped a small laugh. “Maybe it’s a

relief to share the load. Maybe I can’t keep up with his sexual demands.” “That’s not what I want to hear, Jen.” “What can I tell you? Gabe may have turned forty last month, but you couldn’t tell by his stamina. And of course, he’s got all that experience.” “I was thinking more that if you can’t keep up with Sterling’s demands, you’re gonna have a problem keeping up with mine.” He settled her more comfortably against him. “I want to hear you say it. Your affair with Sterling is over.” Jenny exhaled slowly and chose her words with obvious care. “I can assure you that there is nothing sexual whatsoever between me and Gabe.” Derek’s arms tightened. “You telling me you’re free?” She hesitated then nodded. “Yeah. Yes. I’m a free woman.” Derek brushed her hair from her eyes. “Are you okay with it?” he asked. “Being free? Hell yeah. Right where I want to be.” He scanned her for signs of hurt, but she seemed positively chipper. “It was an amicable breakup?” “Yes. Amicable. No drama. None at all. Went straight back to normal. It’s almost as if nothing ever happened. I’m thrilled for him. He’s going to be an amazing dad.”

“Good—” “And we’re still friends. In fact, best friends. Lila is my best girl friend, and Gabe is my best guy friend.” Derek tightened his jaw. “What does that make me?” “My mechanic?” Jenny smoothed a palm over his chest, her attention fixed on it as if it was the most interesting thing in the world. She added after a brief hesitation, “You haven’t talked to me for six months, Derek. I know I deserved it, but…it wasn’t very friendly of you.” He examined her face again, and blew out a surprised breath. There it was, the hurt he’d been expecting her to feel over Sterling. “I made you unhappy, baby?” “I’m a big girl. I can handle some frost.” Not from him, though. “I never intended to hurt you.” “I know. I never intended to hurt you, either.” Jenny was still stroking his chest. Her palm coasted over his pecs and stopped, her brow furrowing. She lifted up a little. “What’s that?” She’d found his piercing. Well. She’d found one of them. Suppressing his smile, Derek shrugged. Jenny brushed her fingertips over it again, seeming fascinated. She went back and forth a few

times, then glanced up at him through her lashes. He waited. She lifted a hand and touched a fingertip to the small barbell he had in his eyebrow. Then she dropped it to his chest again and brushed over the one he had in his nipple. She squinted at him. He grinned. “Are you going to show me or not?” she demanded with a breathlessness that she was trying, Derek could tell, to make sound like annoyance. “Are you going to ask me nicely?” “Maybe I’ll stick my hand up your shirt without asking at all. You know. Like a dude. It’s all right, baby, I just want to touch you a little bit. It’s no big thing. I won’t even take off your bra. Swear.” “Mmm,” Derek said. “Your man voice—I’m assuming that’s what the last bit was supposed to be —is very arousing. You keep sweet-talking me like that, I can’t promise to control myself.” “Derek.” He did an ab curl, taking her with him. He reached for the hem of his tee, lifted it up and over his head, and tossed it over the back of the couch. Then he lay back down. Jenny remained bolt upright, straddling him.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Jenny stared down at Derek. Holy. Shit. Her hands hovered over him but she didn’t touch. She didn’t even know where to start. Derek was a well-built, solid man, but she’d never realized quite how…big…he was. His shoulders were wide and muscled, his chest was broad, and his arms were flat-out beautiful. All of this was covered with tanned skin. And tattoos. She’d seen the ones on his arms before, of course. Many times. He only had one tattoo on his body, and it was an exquisite angel on his ribs, wind-ruffled wings spread wide and a sword in one hand. Much as Jenny liked tattoos and muscles—hello, who didn’t?—she couldn’t seem to drag her attention off his nipple piercing. “Aren’t you going to touch it?” Derek broke in on her scattered thoughts. “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?” he murmured back, lips curving in a slow smile. Jenny stared at the metal and clasped her boobs protectively. She realized what she was doing when Derek’s eyes flared, and she dropped her hands. They landed on his ridged stomach. She decided to go ahead and leave them there. “Doesn’t it hurt?” she demanded. “I can’t even imagine the pain of having someone pierce your nipple. And I have given birth. I have the capacity to imagine a lot of pain.” Derek took her wrist and slid her hand up over his abs, leaving it on his chest. He settled back and watched her. Jenny sucked her lower lip between her teeth. She touched him. The metal was warm from his body heat, and slipped smooth against her cautious fingertip. She circled the rounded ball at one end. Then she took it between finger and thumb and wiggled it. Then she tugged it lightly. Derek hissed, his neck arching. Jenny snatched her hand back. “I’m sorry!” “Don’t be. I like a bit of pain. Good thing, as it happens. You do not have a subtle touch, Finley.” She snapped her gaze up to his, indignant. “I am as gentle as a kitten! I am the queen of Jenga. I am the reigning family champion at Operation.” His hot chest under her exploring hand heaved

with laughter. “I am freaking gentle!” “No, baby. This is gentle.” Derek had been holding her hips, and now one hand drifted around to the small of her back. He eased below the waistband, callouses playing whisper-soft against the fragile skin above her panties. And almost without her noticing, even though she was looking right at him, he dipped his entire large hand down the back of her jeans and into her panties, and cupped the naked curve of her butt. Jenny jerked, her knees tightening around him. “May I remind you, Tate, before you start groping — “You started the groping, the way I recall it—” “—that I have you in a very vulnerable position.” Damn her voice for coming out high and breathy. “Is that a fact?” She tweaked his piercing again. She wanted to make him jump. Only Derek didn’t jump. He took in a deep breath, and his eyelids lowered. His eyes were a hot dark gleam behind his ridiculous lashes. “Oh.” Jenny had a moment of clarity. “When you say you ‘like’ a bit of pain…” “I’m not finishing that sentence for you.” Derek slid the hand she’d somehow forgotten he had in her panties back out and up her spine to play with

her hair. He took the tie out and hummed with approval when her hair fell down around her shoulders. “Is this a sexual thing?” Jenny said. “All the piercings?” “No. They make me feel pretty.” She stared at him. Could not tell if he was being serious. “Rebelling against your parents, being the pastor’s son?” He lifted a brow. “Hard to rebel against parents who would support you in all and any life choice you care to make, bar crime. You know my mom, Jenny.” Yeah, Jenny knew Mrs. Tate. If Derek said he wanted to dye himself blue, Mrs. Tate would supportively try to pick out the shade with him, and then she’d send him a hand-crafted greetings card, with glitter, saying something like, ‘So, You’re Blue: That’s Great!!!’ “You like my tattoos,” Derek said. She wanted to lick his tattoos. He studied her. “You don’t like the piercings?” She didn’t quite know how she felt about them. “This is my first time, is all. Seeing a piercing other than, you know. Ears and face.” She traced his eyebrow. “I like this one. As for the other? I don’t know. I am aware of the Internet, I’ve seen pictures. I’ve just never touched one before.” And she couldn’t stop touching Derek’s. What

the hell, he liked it, right? She kind of thought she did, too. She flicked it. Derek shifted under her, and Jenny got a thrill of pure feminine power. Now that, she liked. “I’m wondering,” Derek said, catching her wrist and bringing it up to his mouth. He turned it, pressed his lips against the sensitive underside and continued to speak against her skin, “if you plan on kissing me any time soon?” Jenny stroked her thumb over his cheekbone. “I’m considering it.” “Anything I can do to sway you? This, maybe?” His fingers threaded through her hair and fisted lightly as he drew her down. She stretched out on him full-length. Derek’s dimples flashed. “Kiss me, Jenny,” he said, “and I’ll let you play with my other piercing.” He rocked his hips up into hers. “It’s the best one.” Jenny had been a second away from laying her mouth on his, but at this she pulled back. “You haven’t really got a piercing down there, have you? You’ve bragged about it a lot, but you haven’t really. Have you?” “I don’t brag. Kiss me, and you can find out.” “Are you kidding? I can’t concentrate on kissing you if I’m thinking about that. It’s one thing to be pierced here, and here—” she flicked his barbells, “—but come on. For real?”

“You’re killing me,” Derek said. “I’m trying to be a gentleman. You are not making it easy.” “Nothing about me is easy.” “I’d noticed.” He broke off to stare at her lips with such intense focus, goosebumps prickled over Jenny’s skin. “God,” he said, deep voice edged with something that sounded like despair. His fingers in her hair flexed. “You can look in a minute, baby. First I have to…” He exhaled sharply and his hold in her hair tightened. Derek drew her down even as he arched up, closing the distance between them. “Jen,” he said on a groan. “Waited so long for this. For you.” He kissed her, hard. Derek held her face between his rough palms and angled her how he wanted. He stroked his tongue against hers in a confident demand that made her lower body tighten in a sudden, brutal clench. One hand curled at her neck. The other hand skimmed down her spine and he gripped her ass with raw possession. Jenny gasped and moved against him, feeling his length pressing into her hip. Derek tore away and threw an arm over his eyes. His chest heaved beneath her. “Shit.” Jenny bit his neck, tasting the heat and salt of his skin. So quickly it forced a sharp pant out of her, Derek flipped them, putting him on top and her

back to the cushions. He slid a knee between hers and pinned her with his gaze as he used that knee to open her legs, making room. He settled his weight on her. “Now, where were we?” He pretended to think. “Ah, yes. I was about to show you my cock.” Jenny’s face flamed. Derek’s eyes widened and he burst out laughing. She shoved him. “Don’t you dare laugh at me, deviant.” Still shaking with amusement, he swept her hair back. “Why did that make you blush? I put my tongue in your mouth, and you bit me. I had my hands in your pants, and you yanked me. I mention my cock, and you blush?” The fact of it was, Jenny Finley was all front, and she was terrified that Derek was about to find her out. Jenny wasn’t inexperienced when it came to sex. She preferred to think of herself as a specialist. She was a specialist in having sex with her ex-husband. And no one else. Ever. Dean was nothing like Derek. Dean was a traditionalist. Sex had been kept to the bedroom, under the covers more often than not, and that had been fine by Jenny. Dean had never once pinned her to the sofa in broad daylight and offered to show her his dick piercing.

He’d never offered to show her anything. “Honey,” Derek said. “If you don’t want—” “I do.” She gripped his muscled arms. “I want. But I’m kind of freaking out.” “Mmm. What’s freaking you out?” He shifted off and she grabbed for him blindly. “Hey,” he said. “I’m not leaving you. Not going anywhere.” He settled on his side then dragged her against him, hooking her thigh around his hip and bracing an arm on the side of her that was open to the room. “Comfy?” Jenny nodded. Derek considered her. “Let’s switch,” he said. He lifted her with shocking ease, moved her over him, and tucked her so that his large body was between her and the room, and she was surrounded by him. He swept a hand down her thigh. “Up,” he said. Jenny obediently slung her leg over his. Derek smiled, his face soft and warm. “You are a puzzle, Jenny Finley. But I think I’m starting to work you out.” Jenny didn’t think a trained professional could work her out, but what did she know? She wanted Derek so badly she felt like her skin could barely contain so much raw desire, and at the same time she was scared. She knew she had no reason to be, but…she was. “What’s freaking you out?” Derek asked again.

“Us?” He flexed against her. “This?” Jenny stared at Derek’s very obvious erection. Jesus, it looked big. “The thing is, Dean was what you could call…preppy.” “Got a few things I’d call Dean Hansen. Preppy doesn’t even make the top hundred.” Jenny grinned, pressing her forehead to his throat. “You’re kind of outside my comfort zone, Derek.” A gentle touch feathered over the nape of her neck. “Fun, isn’t it?” “Eh.” Derek nudged her face up to his. “Preppy Dean,” he prompted. “I like you,” she said. Derek bent his head and dropped a hard kiss on her lips. “I know.” She mumbled against his lips, “What if I don’t like your piercing? What if it…bothers me?” He laughed. “I don’t think you’re taking me seriously, Derek.” “I am. You’re not gonna have a problem with it.” “How can you know that? Okay. Confession time.” “This is going to be good.” She drew a pattern over his chest. “I may have looked up piercings on the Internet. On Alex’s computer, of course. There is no way I’d use my

laptop, Kate would somehow know.” “Ah.” “I didn’t melt in a puddle of lust, Derek.” “At pictures of random dudes’ cocks? I’m stunned.” She wrinkled her nose. “Shouldn’t I have felt a little, you know? Frisson?” “There is no ‘should’, baby.” “Derek.” She glared at him. “What if it grosses me out?” He shrugged. “Then it grosses you out.” That simple? “I have to tell you right now, if you look at any part of me and then tell me I gross you out, I will have a big problem with that.” “You think I don’t get what this is about?” He ran a finger along her jawline. “You’re not worried about not liking my piercing. You’re worried about hurting my feelings.” “Is that so strange? Men can get weird about women looking at their dicks and saying, gross.” “We’re talking about my piercing. Not my dick. That’s where the piercing happens to be. You hate it that much, I’ll take it out.” Instead of reassuring her, this made Jenny mad. “And what about this one?” She flicked his nipple. “Or this one?” His eyebrow. “What if I make you take these out, and then tell you I want you to laser off your tattoos? Next thing you know, I’m cutting your hair and putting you in khakis and pastel

Ralph Lauren polo shirts and loafers, Derek. What happens then?” “You are pretty full of yourself, aren’t you?” She jerked away. “What does that mean?” “Just because I offered to take out my dick piercing if you can’t stand it—although I think you might like to give it a chance—doesn’t mean you can push me around.” He cupped her throat with a warm palm. “Please,” Jenny scoffed. “You are so easygoing, I can push you around like a shopping cart.” “You think you’re the boss, Jen?” Derek’s eyes were alight with amusement. “Want to take stock of where you are right now?” Jenny froze. Then she heaved against him and shoved at his shoulders. “Ooh. A tussle.” Derek captured her hands and subdued her with infuriating, arousing ease. Pressing one of her hands into the cushion by her head, he dragged the other down his chest and over his ridged abs, all the way down to his jeans. “Now.” He rocked into her. “You doing the honors, or am I?” Jenny’s mouth went dry and her heart slammed in her chest. She blinked up at him. “Me? Okay, then.” Derek leaned back and used his free hand to undo his belt, eyes steady on hers. The sound of the metal clinking was loud in the otherwise silent room. Derek dragged the belt

loose, and tossed it over the end of the couch where he’d earlier tossed his T-shirt. Jenny didn’t move, other than to drop her gaze to watch his long fingers work on the fly of his jeans. For God’s sake. She could have an orgasm watching the businesslike way he did that, flicking open the button and drawing the zipper down. Slow enough she heard the tick-tick-tick of the metal teeth separating. He reached in, and took himself out. “Holy crap,” Jenny breathed. “You’re a monster.” “That’s a nice kick to my ego’s nuts.” “No, no,” she said, taking him in her hand. She shivered at his hot, hard weight. “You’re beautiful, but… Damn, how do you stay conscious when you get a boner? Is the piercing necessary? Did you have to get it to preserve structural integrity? Is it like a support beam? You have to have it, or you sprain something? Maybe get a hernia?” “Stop trying to squeeze your legs shut,” Derek said. “You’re going to crack me like a walnut. I’m not that big.” “Yeah, Derek. Yes you are.” “I’ve seen bigger.” “Were you at the zoo?” “Jen.” “Yeah?” His hand covered hers, and squeezed. “You’re

not throwing up or fainting or saying ew, gross. Can I take this as a good sign?” “Yes.” “If I let you go, you’re not going to run screaming?” “Nope.” “All right.” Derek eased back, she lost her grip on him, and he relaxed flat against the cushions. His cheekbones were flushed, his eyes glittering. He tucked his arms behind his head and took a deep breath. “Have at it.” Jenny got to her knees and straddled his thighs. Wow. When she didn’t do anything other than stare, Derek gave a strained laugh. “Touch me.” She did, running her palm from root to tip. He jerked under her, expression tightening. Jenny concentrated her attention at the head, where he’d been pierced with another barbell. She circled it with an exploratory fingertip. “Does it…” She cleared her throat and tried again. “Does it feel good?” “Yeah,” Derek said, voice rough. He moved his hips restlessly. Jenny reached out and laid a hand on his cheek. He turned his face into it, pressing a kiss to her palm. “And when you’re having sex?” He nodded, scraping his stubbled jaw against her skin. “Feels better for you.”

Jenny tilted her head, attention back on the piercing. She rubbed a thumb over it. Like the one in his nipple, it was hot, warmed by his body heat. “Guess that would really hit the spot,” she mused. “Yeah,” he said again, then suddenly curled up to sitting. He hauled her tight against him, threaded both hands into her hair, and kissed her. His eyes were shut, and the glimpse of his face she had before he took her mouth with his own made her moan into the kiss. Her hand was trapped between them. Might as well do something useful with it while it’s there. She gave him a single, firm stroke. Derek went wild. After that, everything was a blur of heat and panting, thrusting and grabbing. Jenny struggled against Derek, trying to tug his jeans down to give her more room. Somehow they ended up on the floor, Derek on top. Great. Much easier to get at him like this. She hooked his waistband and wrenched down. As soon as she’d gotten his jeans over his ass, she rolled over him and did her best with the access she’d gained. He let that continue for all of two seconds, then he went for the hem of her shirt. Her arms clamped down, trapping the fabric. Before the idea of Derek

seeing her love handles could toss her out of the moment, he growled and rolled them again, putting her flat to the floor. He unsnapped her jeans and drove a hand in, knowing fingers going straight to the target. He sucked in a breath when he felt her. “Fuck, Jen,” he said. “You’re so—” She arched against him, nearly bucking him off when he stroked into her, and he laughed. “I need more—” he started to say, then gave up talking in favor of kissing her again, devouring her mouth. He did this drawing back and up, teasing her into following him until it was his turn to be straddling her. “These are coming off,” he said, tugging her jeans. “I need more. I want to see. I need all of you, Jen. God, please, don’t tell me no.” Keeping her eyes on his fierce, hungry face, as if looking away from him would puncture the bravado that had gotten her this far, Jenny didn’t protest as he unzipped her jeans. His hot gaze flicked up to hers…and he stopped. “Honey,” he said, coming back down over her. “Shit, I didn’t mean that. Tell me no. You can always, always tell me no.” His fingers dug into the back of her neck as he held her for a soft, gentling kiss. He leaned his forehead against hers, holding himself still with obvious effort. His chest rose and fell with quick breaths.

“It’s not no,” she said, hating how uncertain she sounded. “It’s not yes, either, is it?” he whispered. It was I want to but I don’t know if I can. Fact of it was, Jenny’s sex life up to this point had been mostly satisfying. Mostly for Dean. He’d been a considerate lover, but on those occasions when she wasn’t as into it as he was, he’d had a tendency to get impatient with her. Of course, that made it even harder to get on board, and then all hope of having an orgasm was out the window. She knew Derek wouldn’t be like that. She knew it in an odd, searing way that rattled her to her core. He’d be patient, and kind, and gentle. He was being gentle right now, his breaths evening out. The problem was, she didn’t want Derek gentle. She wanted him like he was a minute ago: out of control, skin sheened with perspiration, all slick muscles and hot friction against her. And he did feel so, so good against her. Everywhere. His bare skin, his heavy weight that should feel oppressive but didn’t, his erotic movements, his unrelenting heat. She didn’t want it all to fade away and get toned down and civilized so he could coax her into pleasure first. It might all fade away so much that he decided it wasn’t worth the bother to build back

up. They might end up having a cup of chamomile tea in the kitchen, and chatting about window boxes again. “Not me today,” she said. “Just you.” “We don’t have to do anything today.” She clutched him. “I don’t want to stop.” Derek’s penetrating gaze tracked over her face as if he was working something out. “Okay.” “You’re not…mad?” Ugh. Why did she ask that? He wasn’t going to get mad, this was Derek. “Know what, forget I said that. But if you were thinking about getting mad, buddy, then—” Derek put a hand over her mouth. “I said I need all of you, Jen. I need this.” He cupped her between the legs. “And this.” He kissed her forehead. “But most of all—” he ducked his head to lay his lips over her heart, where he whispered, “—I need this.” “My God. You’re romantic.” He winked. “Also not about to turn down the beautiful woman who wants to give me an orgasm.” He turned them until he was once again on his back, and flung out his arms wide, offering himself up to her. “Have your wicked way with me. Here, I’ll help.” He put her hand on his erection and stroked their fists up and down a few times, showing her how he liked it. When his hand fell away, Jenny continued on

her own. As an experiment, she tugged on his nipple piercing. Derek’s teeth dug into his bottom lip and his body rippled beneath hers. “You’re determined to drive me crazy,” he said, eyes closing. Jenny had never seen anything so sexy in her entire life as Derek Tate, on her living room floor, about to lose it. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his softly. He wrapped her hair around his wrist and held her as he sucked and bit at her mouth until she opened. He panted against her, hips jerking, until his desperate breaths turned short and harsh. With a husky groan that raised the hairs on her arms, he shuddered his release. Jenny’s heart thrashed in her chest as she watched the tension drain from Derek’s powerful muscles and he lay with complete abandoned satisfaction before her. She blinked a few times. She was pretty sure she’d had her own orgasm, or something damn close. From watching him. “So,” Derek said when he’d recovered and had finally stopped kissing her, “I’m thinking it’s safe to say that the cock piercing doesn’t gross you out.” “Safe to say,” Jenny agreed. Once they’d gotten off the floor and set to rights, Jenny walked Derek to the front door. There, he drew her into his arms as if he wasn’t ready to

leave, even though he’d told her seconds ago that he had things to do. He tipped her chin up, his eyes searching hers. His dimples made an appearance. “Beautiful,” he murmured. Sure. She gave him an awkward smile in return. He shook his head at her. “I’m gonna push you, Jen,” he said, expression growing serious. After what they’d done, she’d expected him to be even more than his usual laid-back with satisfaction. Instead he seemed sharper, more alert, more focused. “I want you. I want this. Us. And I’m going to push until I get it. I think you know how I feel about you pushing back. Do it. Fight me. I enjoy a challenge. But talk to me. And most importantly, Jen, next time I see you? I want you to remember one very important thing.” “Yeah?” she said. “Don’t forget the extra jalapenos.” Jenny opened the front door and pointed. “Out.” Some reckless impulse made her smack his ass as he went. Derek turned on his heel, snatched her through the open doorway and thrust her back against the wall of the house. He licked her mouth open and kissed her, harsh and dominating. Their teeth clicked together. “Try that again,” he said in a low voice, “and I

will spank you.” “I’ll keep it in mind.” “You do that.” After a minute, Jenny laughed. “Weren’t you leaving?” “Yeah.” He bent his head and feathered his lips up the side of her neck. “I’m rethinking it. What about you?” He nibbled at her skin. “I would be rethinking it,” she said, “except for the fact I’ve got to pick Kate up in an hour.” Derek flashed her a dirty grin that made her knees weak. “I can get a lot done in an hour.” “I have no doubt.” She gave him a closedmouthed kiss and pushed him back, trying to look severe. Failing. “Leave.” With a casual salute, Derek went to where he’d parked his bike alongside her car. Jenny watched as he slung a long leg over the bike, putting on his helmet with the unconscious grace of long practice. He backed out of the driveway and glanced over at her, standing on her porch. Jenny gave him two thumbs up. Even over the rumble of the engine, she heard his deep laugh as he rode away.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

The week without her car hadn’t exactly been filled with deprivation and suffering, but Jenny couldn’t deny that having her wheels back made life easier. Alternatively, the reason for her new and improved mood was not, in fact, the car, but the man responsible for fixing it. Derek. What had she been thinking, rolling around with him on her living room floor? Right. She’d been thinking, yes. Oh God, there. Kiss me again. I want you. At last. That sort of thing. Then she’d stopped thinking and started feeling, and everything was simple. Until she’d started thinking again. Back to complicated. She should have pretended she was still having a secret affair with Gabe. It had worked like a charm last time, and she’d gotten on just fine without

Derek and his kisses. Instead, she’d confirmed that she was a free woman, Derek had made his move within minutes, and now Jenny knew in graphic detail what she’d been missing since she’d told him that stupid lie. She also knew what she’d be missing in the future. Because as amazing a kisser as Derek was— she got a shiver every time she brought up the memory of his firm hands on her, his wicked tongue in her mouth and the way he put his whole body into it—Jenny knew that the smart thing to do was to keep him at arm’s length. She’d buy pizza to pay him for fixing her car, and they’d go back to being friends. Kate finished up her first week of elementary school and, initial wobble aside, she seemed to be taking to it well. But that was her girl. Adaptable. Ready, willing, able and flat-out determined to enjoy herself. Jenny herself had been cautious as a child, wary of strangers and new situations. Seeing Kate’s open-hearted approach to life and the confidence that Jenny had worked hard to nurture through and after the divorce made Jenny feel that, maybe, she was doing an okay job of this single-parenting gig. On Saturday morning they went over to Alex and Elle’s. The instant Elle opened the front door, Kate jumped into her arms, chattering with loud

enthusiasm even though it had been mere days since she’d last seen her beloved aunt. Leaving them to it, Jenny carried the box of muffins from Megan’s through to the kitchen, and set it on the counter. She filled the kettle at the faucet, put it on to boil, and yelped when something wet squelched at the back of her knee. She turned to find Gargoyle behind her, one of his toy bears clasped in his large, damp jaws. He’d pressed the toy to her bare leg, and now he had her attention, he chomped it a few times, making it squeak. Dropping it at her feet, he gave her a meaningful look. Jenny slid the toe of her boot under the bear and, with a practiced flip, sent it flying across the kitchen floor. She knew better than to pick it up. Gargoyle was the sweetest, softest dog in the whole world and she loved him probably as much as Kate did, but damn could he drool. Gargoyle snatched up his bear and pranced over to her, tail high and ears pricked. “Again?” Jenny asked him. Gargoyle gave her a look that said, yes, lady. Again. “Here we go.” Jenny launched it toward the back door at the same time as the door opened and Alex walked in. Alex calmly bent at the waist and steadied Gargoyle as the large dog crashed into his legs.

Alex wrestled the bear off Gargoyle and tossed it out into the backyard. Just as calmly, he fielded Kate as she came flying through the kitchen and cannoned into him, her eyes on the vanishing dog. Alex rested a large hand on the top of Kate’s head, gazing down at her. “Kindergarten still okay?” he asked. “Yep.” Kate nodded. “Good.” Kate held out her little fist for a bump. When Alex stared at it, then at her face, she settled for punching him in the arm, and rushed after Gargoyle. “You should think about getting her a dog,” Alex said to Jenny, rubbing his arm. “People keep telling me that. I do think about it. Then I think about picking up poop and walking the dog and taking the dog to the vet, and I decide to bring her over to play with your dog instead. All of the benefits, none of the hassle. Muffin?” She held out the box. Face brightening, Alex came over to investigate. Jenny contemplated him as he washed his hands and deliberated over the muffins. Alex Zacharov was hot. Pure, smoking hot. Tall and dark. Lots of muscles from all that welding and metal sculpting he did. Expression set to permanent scowl, except for when he looked at Elle. When he looked at Elle, it was either so soft and

smitten you had to look away. Or it was so carnal and sensual you really had to look away because, ew. That’s your sister he’s looking at. He had a couple of inches on Derek, Jenny mused. And heavier muscles. Derek was rangier. Loose-limbed and relaxed. Sunshine to Alex’s thunder. Alex, still debating the muffin selection, slid her a sideways glance. “You measuring me for a suit or something?” he said, sounding entertained. “Body bag. In case you’re dumb enough to hurt my sister.” Alex grunted. He’d heard a hundred threats from Jenny by now. He hadn’t ever seemed fazed. After he and Elle had been together for six blissful months, Jenny had stopped meaning it. But she liked to throw one out every now and then, to keep him on his toes. “Why are you eyeing me up? I’m dressed, aren’t I?” Alex asked. “Yes, Alex. You are indeed dressed.” This wasn’t the ridiculous question it should be. Once, he’d answered the door wearing nothing but a pair of boxer briefs. While Jenny had admired the view, she could only pray that she’d clapped a hand over Kate’s eyes fast enough before Alex had made as much of an impression on Kate as he had on Jenny. “Then why are you eyeing me up?” he asked

again. “I’m not eyeing you up. For goodness’ sake. Here.” She took three muffins out of the box, one for Kate, Elle, and herself, and pushed the rest toward him. “I was…” What was she doing? “Comparing.” Alex switched out one of the muffins she’d set aside with one from the box. “Who are you comparing me to?” “To whom am I comparing you?” Jenny asked, correcting his grammar with a sweet smile. His teeth flashed white in his dark stubble. “Stop stalling. Don’t bother. I know to whom. Derek Tate.” He stuffed a muffin in his mouth and chewed. “Right?” he mumbled through the mouthful. Jenny made a performance of flicking crumbs off her shirtfront. Alex swallowed, and nodded. “Derek.” “Why would you even go there?” Jenny demanded, her voice coming out higher than usual. “Elle showed me the photo.” Alex shoved the rest of his muffin in his mouth. “What photo?” He had muffin stuck in his stubble. Jenny licked her thumb and reached up to wipe it away. Alex’s eyes widened and he craned his head back. “Stop it.” “Hold still. You’ve got food on your face. Alex.

Hold still.” He ducked. “I don’t want your mom spit on me.” She snatched the cloth from the counter but by the time she got it close to him, he’d scrubbed a hand over his jaw and was giving her a challenging glare. “Yeah,” she said, “you got it, champ. What photo did Elle show you?” “The one from Kate’s first day. On her phone.” He picked up the box and headed for the back door. “Bring my coffee out to the barn, will you? And thanks for the muffins.” “I am not your waitress,” Jenny yelled after him. “I’ll still give you a tip,” he called over his shoulder. “Yes to Derek.” “No to Derek. There is no Derek!” “Oh, good,” Elle said behind her. “I wasn’t going to say anything because I know how rabid you are about your private life, but since you brought him up, what’s going on with you and Derek?” Jenny groaned. “There is no Derek.” “I have the most adorable photo that suggests otherwise.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Jenny busied herself making tea as Elle darted out of the kitchen. When she came back in, she was carrying her cell phone. It looked less like a phone and more like a prop from a sci-fi film. Jenny

jerked her chin at it. “One of Gabe’s?” “Hmm? Yes.” Elle glanced up from scrolling. “Birthday present.” “You’re an idiot. You know he’ll be monitoring you on it.” Gabe had a terrible habit of stalking the people he cared about. He was a billionaire tech genius, his thought processes and moral code were atypical, to say the least, and he had zero concept of personal boundaries. In Jenny’s opinion, Gabe would make an excellent supervillain. As it was, he didn’t have an ounce of evil in him. Villainy was out, and Gabe had assumed the role of irritatingly protective and wildly inappropriate older brother instead. “Either I allow him this,” Elle said, “or I have to worry about him coming up with something even more outrageous. Like a spy drone. Besides, it’s fun. I like to send Alex kinky sexts and photos of weird shit. Look at this one.” Jenny recoiled when Elle held the phone out. “Hah,” Elle said. “It’s my bent arm.” She admired the screen. “Could be my butt, couldn’t it?” “Why would you want Gabe to see a photo that could be your butt?” “Think of it as a game of chicken. Eventually, Gabe is going to break. He won’t be able to help

himself. He’ll have to ask me what is up with all the weird photos. Look at this one.” Against her better judgement, Jenny looked. And shuddered. “You’re my sister! I can’t see that! Nobody should see that!” “It’s not what it looks like!” “I still don’t get what you’re doing.” “Neither will Gabe,” Elle said with satisfaction. “Call it the price of my privacy.” Jenny put Elle’s muffin on a plate and placed it in front of her, along with a cup of tea. She sat across from her sister and picked at the chocolate chips in her own muffin as Elle continued fiddling. “Ah.” Elle found what she’d been looking for. “Adorable photo.” She turned the screen to Jenny. Jenny snatched the phone from Elle. “How did you get this?” she said, appalled. “You sent it to me.” “I…what? No. I didn’t.” “You did.” “Did not.” “Did too. On Monday. It’s one of Kate’s first day photos.” Jenny stared at the picture of Kate and Derek. She thought back to when she’d been sitting in Megan’s. She closed her eyes and groaned. She’d selected all the photos she’d taken in the parking lot and attached them to an email. She must have included

the last one, the Derek one, by mistake, before she deleted it. Her thumb hovered over the screen for a moment. She swiped. “Don’t you dare delete it.” Elle lunged across the table. “Too late.” Jenny gave her back the phone. Elle frowned. “I liked that photo. It was cute.” Jenny sipped her tea and shrugged, pleased with herself. “Good thing I already forwarded it to Derek on Monday,” Elle said. Jenny choked. “You didn’t.” “Was I not supposed to? He’s in it. I assumed he knew you were taking it.” “I didn’t take it on purpose. My finger slipped.” “Uh-huh.” Elle grinned. “Spill.” “There is nothing to spill.” “Talk, Jenny, or I won’t tell you if I really did send it to Derek or not.” Jenny glared at her. “He’s been helpful with the car, that’s all. And…friendly.” Her stomach clenched as she remembered how friendly they’d been on her living room floor. Jenny blew her hair from her hot face. “Derek is a friendly soul.” “Yes, he is. That’s all.” “Of course, if there were more to it than Derek being friendly, and if someone was being defensive

about her love life and whether or not she should get back on the horse which, by the way, she totally should get back on the horse, and if the horse is Derek she would be crazy not to get on that, then I’d say go for it. Let me know when I should invite Kate for a sleepover. On the other hand, if he’s being his usual friendly self, then—” “You are such a dork, Elle, I swear—” “—then I would say I’m going to invite Kate for a sleepover and you should invite Derek for your own special sleepover—” “You can stop talking any time now—” “—grab that bull by the horns and make it more than friendly. You deserve some romance, honey. It’s been long enough since your divorce.” “I’m confused. Is Derek a horse or a bull?” Jenny sighed. “And it’s not about my divorce or how long it’s been.” Elle braced her elbows on the table, leaning in. “What, then? Because I know how you feel about Derek.” She held up a hand. “Don’t bother. I saw you two together months ago when I moved back to Emerson. Something was happening, and then it stopped. I didn’t pry. But that photo says maybe it’s starting again, and I want you to know, it’s okay for you to have something with Derek.” “I don’t need your permission to date, Elle,” Jenny said. “I’m not giving you permission to date. I’m

giving you encouragement to find happiness. I think Derek makes you happy.” “That doesn’t matter. I’m focusing on Kate. I have to focus on what’s best for Kate. You, of all people, know why.” “I know. I agree. I don’t agree that you exploring something with Derek and you providing a stable childhood for Kate are mutually exclusive.” “She lost her father.” Elle scowled. “Dean didn’t die. He walked away.” “Same result. My girl has no father. And before you say it, I know. Derek would be a great dad.” Stupid photo. “But if her biological father found it easy enough to walk away from a kid as amazing as Kate, what’s to say Derek won’t?” Elle gazed at her with sympathy. “Because it’s Derek,” she said simply. “He’s not perfect, Elle.” Eh. He might be. “Screw perfect. Derek is loyal. He is steadfast. He might not look it, with his tattoos and his piercings but he’s—” Elle broke off and sat up straight. “You’ve seen it, haven’t you? He really has a genital piercing?” “No! Seen what? No! Also, don’t say it like that. Genital piercing? Only you could make something cool sound medical and weird.” Elle slapped the table with both palms. “I want details. Right now.”

“I am not giving you details about Derek’s piercing.” She cut off and rolled her eyes when Elle grinned wide. “Fine. I didn’t say can’t. I said won’t. Yes. I’ve seen it.” And played with it. “Are you happy?” “Probably not as happy as you. Okay.” She waved her hands. “I want details but I respect your privacy.” “It’s not about my privacy, it’s about his,” Jenny snapped. “You’re protective of him. Sweet.” “You know what? No more muffin for you. Too busy prying.” She leaned over and snatched Elle’s muffin from her plate, ate it in front of her. “Mmm.” “You are such a child.” “I am a responsible mother and adult.” Jenny licked her forefinger and scraped every last crumb from the plate. She sat back, raising a brow. “I saw the box,” Elle said. “I know you brought more.” “Alex took it with him to the barn.” Elle jumped up. “Back in a minute.” She ran for the barn. “Wait. Take his coffee.” Elle circled back, collected the mug Jenny had prepared when she’d made their tea, and ducked out the back door. Jenny called Kate in for her muffin and a glass

of juice while she made another pot of tea for her and Elle. She wiped down the counters, looked around for something else to do, and when she couldn’t find anything, she sat at the table. Angling her chair to keep an eye on the door, she slipped her phone out of her pocket. She opened the text messages and smiled at the photo of Derek and Kate she’d texted herself from Elle’s phone before she’d deleted it. Catching sight of Elle coming back from the barn, carrying the box of muffins, Jenny tucked the phone away. “You didn’t send it to Derek, did you?” she asked as soon as Elle was in range. “What, the photo? No. Wish I had, though. I can’t believe you deleted it. It was cute.” “Uh-huh. Anyway. I have news. Ronnie asked me to be the consultant slash project manager for a garden design job.” “Jenny, that’s huge!” She grinned. “I know.” “What’s the project?” “The community center.” “Yikes.” Elle pulled a face. “Yikes?” “Take it you haven’t seen the community center garden recently?” “No. Is it bad?” Elle nodded, her eyes wide. Jenny sat back. “Ronnie said there may be

bears. I assumed she was joking.” Elle laughed. “No bears. Just a whole lot of vegetation. If anything, Sleeping Beauty’s castle might be back there. Take your machete. You’ll be fine.” Jenny pulled out her phone and made a note: Sleeping Beauty play fort. She didn’t have her brief yet, but it was a fair bet that a children’s play area would be part of the design. “You’re excited about this, aren’t you?” Elle was watching her. “Yeah. I’m ready, Elle. It’s taken a while to get here, but I’m ready for change. I can feel it coming. And I’m not afraid of it anymore. I’m…I’m starting to think that I’m finally okay. Ulk.” Elle had jumped up and dragged Jenny into a hug. Jenny squeezed back. “Why are we hugging?” she whispered. “Because you said you’re okay. I’ve waited a long time for you to be okay, after that asshole Dean—” Kate and Gargoyle barreled through the back door and Jenny gave Elle a warning pinch. Elle yelped indignantly and Jenny ducked out of reach before she could return the pinch. As they were leaving an hour later, Elle said, walking them to the car, “Good luck with the community center on Monday.”

“Thanks.” “It’s right next to the clinic. We should get lunch. And, Jenny?” Jenny rolled down her window. “Call me when you want…when Kate wants a sleepover.” Jenny wrinkled her nose. “Kate doesn’t want a sleepover.” “Yes, she does,” Kate said from the back seat. “Next Friday!” “Sound good?” Elle asked. “Subtle.” Jenny started the car. “Subtlety is my superpower.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

“Jenny!” Startled by Lila’s shout, Jenny overbalanced and began an inexorable fall into the thicket of brambles she was cutting down. She threw out her arms in the classic windmill position, and then Lila was there, grabbing her shirt. She hauled Jenny upright. “Don’t sneak up on me like that,” Jenny said, turning to Lila. “Yow.” Lila took a long step back. “Who won the fight? You or the wildcat?” “Huh?” Lila gestured at her. “You look like you’ve gone a couple of rounds with a cougar.” Jenny wiped her brow with her forearm. “It’s just a few of scratches.” She dropped the pruning shears and stripped off her work gloves. “What’s up?” “I decided to come and see how it’s going. How long have you been at it?”

“Two days.” When Jenny had shown up at work on Monday morning, Ronnie had filled her trunk with tools, taken a quick look at Jenny’s sketches, grunted approval, and sent her off to the community center. Expecting to meet with the committee and do a small presentation or a pitch, Jenny had taken her sketches with her, ready to blow them away with her designs and ideas. She never got the chance. The committee had turned out to be one woman, who’d introduced herself as Barbara, the chump who’d been home sick with food poisoning when they’d handed out responsibility for the project, and was still pissed about it. Barbara’s brief had been simple. She’d taken Jenny to the back of the community center, stood at the edge of the creeping wilderness, and said, dramatically, “Help.” The land was overgrown to the point of utter neglect. Brambles encroached upon the building from the property line in a thorny, billowing tide. Some patches of grass were visible, although the small oases of green were in the process of being choked out by a rippling, luxurious crop of weeds. Jenny was going to need a scythe to get through that lot. She hadn’t been able to hold back her fierce smile.

“I can help,” she’d said to Barbara, voice throbbing with determination. “Can I start now?” “Knock yourself out. You got a cell phone with you?” “Yep.” “If you get lost back there, call the firehouse. I’m not coming to find you.” Barbara shuddered. “Gives me the creeps.” It gave Jenny chills, too. The good kind. She could do something great here. She knew it. It was going to be amazing. Right now, though, she’d been hacking for two days, and she’d barely made a dent. She was having the time of her life. Lila had been digging around in her purse, and hummed with triumph as she pulled out an aerosol can, popped the top, and sprayed Jenny in the face. Jenny sputtered, rearing back and scrubbing at her eyes. “What the hell—” “Calm down. It’s a refreshing mineral water mist, not Mace. I promised I’d never do that to you again.” They’d been twelve when they’d found a canister in Mrs. Baxter’s purse while searching for lipstick, and had decided to see how bad it could be. They drew straws. Jenny went first. One emergency room trip and a furious Elle later, and Jenny had been left with an understandable wariness of getting sprayed in the

face with anything. Although she had to admit, the mineral mist was refreshing. “You could have opened with that,” she said. “I could have, but every second counts with heatstroke. You are seriously red. Another refreshing spritz?” Jenny closed her eyes and lifted her chin. “Spritz me.” Lila obliged, then recapped the spray. “I brought lattes. Is there anywhere good to sit? I don’t want to hang out down here. I watched Jurassic World the other night, and I’m still jumpy about velociraptors. There could be a whole pack hiding in that jungle.” “Let’s pretend for a moment that velociraptors are real—” “They’re real.” “If there are any, they’re not hungry. I’ve been here for two days.” “They could have been watching you. Biding their time.” Lila’s pupils shrank. “Now I scared myself.” Jenny took Lila to the small terraced area at the back of the building. Lila left Jenny and ran back to her car, returning with a two-cup carrier of iced lattes, and a folded picnic blanket under her arm. “One more thing,” she said, and clattered off on her high heels.

Jenny flattened a patch of the long grass and spread out the blanket. Sitting cross-legged, she opened up the first-aid kit she kept in her backpack, and cleaned her scratched-up arms with a medicated wipe. Lila returned, walking with a deliberate catwalk strut as she held out a large metal A-frame sign like a ring girl at a boxing match. Jenny, who had been applying a bandage to a sluggishly oozing scratch, froze. “What is that?” she said. “You like it?” Lila dumped the sign, kicked it open with a practiced move, and stepped to one side. Jenny scrambled over to kneel in front of it. “I love it.” Finley Landscaping, the sign proclaimed in bold turquoise script against a sunny yellow background. Below was an email address, Jenny’s cell number, and right at the bottom, Ronnie’s Pots & Plants. Jenny put a fist to her mouth. “I love it,” she said again. “I love you. This is awesome!” “It was a rush job, but I know a guy. If you don’t like the colors, we can get it redone.” “It’s perfect. Lila. Thank you!” Lila scuttled back when Jenny jumped up and went to hug her. “You are sweating like nobody’s business, and this blouse is silk.” But her smile was wide, her eyes dancing.

They sprawled on the picnic blanket and settled in to eat lunch. Lila’s was a salad with about four pasta noodles and an olive in it. Jenny’s was a PB&J and an apple. Tomorrow, she might get crazy and add a cookie. Or twelve. She was burning calories like a lumberjack on this job. At this rate, she could eat an entire box of Megan’s muffins for lunch, and still lose weight. Lila had kicked off her stilettos, untucked her blouse, and lay on her stomach. She sucked noisily on the straw stuck in her skinny iced latte. Her ankles were crossed in the air, her chin was in her hand, and she was staring at Jenny. Jenny, crunching her apple, stared back. This had been going on for some time. Eventually, Jenny couldn’t take it anymore. She finished her apple, tossed the core into the brambles for the velociraptors, and said, “What?” Lila reached the bottom of her latte and drew out the gurgling drain noise as long as she could. She propped her chin in both hands. “Something’s going on with you.” “A lot’s going on with me.” Lila’s eyes narrowed as she assessed Jenny. “Did you go to the gym without me again?” “No. I promised it was a one-time thing, and I keep my promises. Besides, I don’t need to go to

the gym. I think I’ve lost five pounds already.” “The way you’re sweating, I wouldn’t get too excited. It’s probably water weight.” Lila slapped at a fly. “I definitely prefer the gym. Air conditioning. And prettier surroundings.” “This will be pretty when I’m done.” “But since you’re designing this as a garden for the enjoyment of toddlers to seniors and everyone in between, it’s not going to have the kind of pretty I’m talking about. As in, hot men lifting weights. What’s going on? I sense something…different.” Jenny hesitated. Lila sat up. “Tell me.” “I kissed Derek. I kissed him a lot.” “What? When? Was it good? Forget that, of course it was good. Is he a face holder? He is, isn’t he? Tender cheek cupping, am I right? Does he play with your hair?” “He does everything. That’s all I’m willing to share.” “Hell no, it is not. I’m your best friend. Your best friend who brings you refreshing mineral mists and cool new business signs.” She shook Jenny’s empty latte cup at her. “And ice-cold caffeinated beverages. Details. Gimme.” “Nice try.” Lila sighed. “Hit me with the highlights, then.” “He came over to discuss the bill for fixing my car and we ended up…fooling around.” Jenny

remembered the feel of Derek shuddering in climax beneath her, and bit her lip. “Wow.” Lila pointed at Jenny’s arms. “You’ve got goosebumps even though it’s hot enough I can hear my sunscreen hissing into vapor as we speak. It must have been something.” “It was.” “And out of nowhere. What made him decide to stop giving you the polite-but-distant treatment?” Jenny rubbed the back of her neck and slid Lila a glance. “Uh-oh. I know that look. What did you do? Did you jump him?” Jenny took a deep breath. “Remember about six months ago when Derek drove us back from Kurt’s?” “Yes.” Lila tensed. “You slept with him!” “No! Well, kind of.” Lila looked like she was going to burst. She waved her hands incoherently. “I slept with him in that he was there overnight. In my bed. With me. We had pizza, he carried me up to bed, and I guess I kinda—” she rolled her eyes at herself, “—I snuggled him a bit. Next thing I know, it’s morning, and he’s still there, and it’s perfect.” “You had sex with him.” “I did something stupid.” “You didn’t have sex with him?”

“I panicked. I pretended that I thought he was Gabe because Gabe and I were having a secret affair, and Derek got…mad.” “Why would you even do that?” “I told you, I panicked! I wasn’t ready! It seemed like a great idea! Then my car broke down, and Kate made a comment about Nora being pregnant. Derek thought I was pregnant, which was hella flattering, let me tell you. Point is, I couldn’t pretend to be seeing Gabe anymore. Derek fixed my car, came over about the bill, and we ended up on the floor.” “The floor? He’s an animal. Way better than tender cheek cupping. You lucky thing.” Jenny was almost sure that she was the one responsible for them ending up on the floor, but there had been so much wild heaving and thrashing it was hard to be certain. “Lila.” She dropped her voice low. “He’s going to have sex with me.” “You. Lucky. Thing.” Lila turned serious. “You do feel lucky, don’t you? I know I talk a lot of shit, but Jenny, Derek wanting you is irrelevant if you don’t—” “I do. I want him.” She heaved a sigh. “Oh God, I want him. I just don’t know how to do it.” “Again? Okay. When a man and a woman love each other very much—” “Funny, except I don’t need the birds and the

bees talk, what with having had my own little bee. I have a bee! I have a daughter. How do you have sex with a child in the house?” Lila shrugged. “How complicated can it be? Parents do it all the time.” “Derek isn’t a parent. I’m the parent. I don’t want to be a bad mother, having trysts with my lover with my child a couple of rooms down. It feels skeevy.” “Don’t do it at your house, then. It’s not the only option. And yes, you’re a mother. You’re a woman, too, Jenny. If you were taking random guys home on a Saturday night I’d be all, ‘Hey, lady, take better care of my goddaughter and protect her home environment’. But we’re not talking about random guys. It’s one guy. It’s Derek. Kate knows him. You trust him. Whatever you’re doing with him, it isn’t casual.” “It’s casual. It has to be casual. The only possible way we can have anything is if I keep it casual.” Lila’s eyelids flickered and she smoothly corrected, “Whatever you’re doing, it’s no big thing, it’s just fun.” No big thing? Right. Derek had kissed her, and Jenny’s whole world had changed. Now he knew that all he had to do was remove his shirt, unbutton his jeans, and she was helpless. He’d told her he was going to push. He’d told

her she could go ahead and fight. He wasn’t going to stop. She didn’t want him to. Ever. The fact of it was, Derek Tate had already seduced her. They might not have had sex yet, but it was a matter of opportunity, nothing else. Her stomach twisted, low. This was happening. She was going to do it. But she was going to keep it casual. On her terms. Derek could take it or leave it. She really hoped he took her. It. She really hoped he took it.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Derek closed the hood of the Tahoe he’d been working on and headed to the office to grab a bottle of water from the fridge. He was halfway across the workshop before he registered the stranger standing by the open bay doors, looking around with interest. Changing direction, Derek strolled over to the visitor with a smile. “Can I help you?” The man was wearing a dark suit, had an enormous camera in one hand and a tablet in a leather case in the other. He shifted when Derek spoke, and stepped sideways into a puddle of rainbow-streaked oily water. He raised his dress shoe and examined the sole, lip curling in disgust. “No. Thank you.” Derek folded his arms over his chest as the man slung the camera strap around his neck and flipped the tablet screen toward him with a practiced move. He typed something on it with spider-like speed. “Derek!” Another man, short and stocky, with

thinning silver hair, came in behind the first and strode over to join them. “Marshall,” Derek said, shaking hands. “Wasn’t expecting a visit.” He looked from Marshall to the man and back. His jaw tightened. “How are you doing?” “Good, thanks. Yes. Good. You?” “Confused.” Derek sent a pointed look at the stranger. “Ah. Right. Derek, this is Jim Lassiter. My realtor. We’re here for him to get an idea of the place, take photos, assess the market value and all that.” Burke, close by, was listening. Dani was throwing interested glances their way. Annoyed, Derek said, “Shall we discuss this in my office?” It didn’t sound even remotely like a polite suggestion. Marshall’s eyes widened at Derek’s command, but he said, “Sure, sure,” and followed after Derek. The realtor’s camera flashed behind them. Derek flinched. It took all he had not to spin around and snatch it off the little weasel. Once in the office, he gestured the men to the couch he and his employees used on breaks. They sat. Derek didn’t, choosing to perch instead on the edge of Harry’s battered old desk. He blinked again when the camera flashed as Lassiter took a shot of the view through the large window that looked out into the workshop. “Cut it

out,” he said. “I do need to take photos,” Lassiter said mildly. “Not right now, you don’t,” Derek told him. Lassiter set the camera down on his lap, folded his hands, and smiled. Derek turned to his landlord. “Marshall, you can’t show up without calling ahead first. It’s my place of business. Until today, my employees didn’t know their jobs are at risk. I haven’t decided how to deal with it yet, and you’re forcing my hand. This is not cool.” Marshall’s ruddy cheeks darkened, contrasting with his neat silver beard. He fidgeted like a chastened preschooler. “I didn’t think it would be a problem. It’s just to value the property. I haven’t seen it since Dad died, can you believe? Lassiter here’s going to be managing the sale, and he hasn’t seen it at all.” “I get that. You still should have called ahead to agree a mutually convenient time.” “I didn’t think you’d mind. Again, sorry.” He cleared his throat. “How are things progressing with the bank?” “I’m working on a loan. It’s looking good. Doable, if we keep to what we agreed.” Marshall nodded and settled back into the couch. “Of course.” Lassiter scooched to the edge and angled his upper body toward his client in an attempt to block

Derek as he said in a low voice, “I wasn’t aware you had already reached an agreement with a buyer.” “Nothing formal,” Marshall said cheerfully. “Perhaps we should make it formal,” Derek said. “Perhaps we should hold on that until I’ve had a chance to appraise the property,” Lassiter put in. “If you think that’s best,” Marshall said. Derek was about to object when Marshall continued, “But my preference is for Derek to have it. I want Rawlings’ Auto Repairs to stay on-site.” Lassiter shifted even further to the edge of the couch. Another inch and he’d fall off. “I wouldn’t advise being too hasty. This building has the potential to sell well, Marshall. Very well. After a bit of work, that is.” “Can’t put a price on legacy, though. Eh, Derek?” Marshall braced his hands on his thighs and heaved up, obliging Lassiter to also rise and get out of his way, or be jostled off the couch. “As we’re here already, d’you mind if we go ahead and get it done?” Derek did mind. He minded a lot, but if he said no, they’d be back again another day. The prospect did not fill him with joy. “What’s going on, boss?” Burke asked later when Derek, drinking his water, stood keeping an eye on Lassiter as the twitchy little creep poked around, sneering at everything. From the cars they

were working on to the puddles on the floor. Derek swallowed and recapped the bottle. “I’m thinking of buying the garage.” “Huh,” was all Burke had to say on the matter. Didn’t help that he managed to load it with enough surprise and doubt that he might as well have slapped Derek on the back, doubled over laughing, and demanded to know when, exactly, Derek had won the lottery/inherited a fortune from a heretofore unknown rich relative/robbed a bank. When the time came for Marshall to leave, his obvious nostalgia went some way to easing Derek’s concern that Marshall would sell the building out from under him. “You sure you want to sell?” Derek asked, walking him out into the sunny forecourt. Marshall sighed. “I don’t,” he admitted, “but I have to. The wife wants a pool. If I sell, we’ll have enough for a house with a pool. I hear it gets hot down in Texas.” He laughed. Derek didn’t join in. “I am sorry, Derek. It’s one of those things, you know? I want to sell it to you. Don’t you worry about Lassiter. He’ll try and persuade me to go with the highest bidder, but I’m not a bad man, and I’m not as easy to control as he thinks. I’ve got his number. I also mean what I said about legacy. I’ve lived in Emerson all my life. Feels strange to be starting over somewhere new. Unsettling. I’m sixty-

eight, for crying out loud. I like the idea of this still being here.” Derek managed to dredge up a smile. “Get the loan and the place is yours, son. Unless,” Marshall added, eyes twinkling, “someone offers me millions for it. In which case, you’re out. Ha ha.” “Ha,” Derek said politely, and breathed a sigh of relief when the men left. **** “He’s under there.” Burke’s voice boomed overhead, and the floor rang with the sound of his boots walking away. Hoping it wasn’t Marshall again, back to take another run at ruining his day, Derek angled his head to look out from under the jacked-up Chevy. His visitor crouched, braced a hand on the concrete floor to stay balanced, and Jenny came into view. The irritation that had been eating away at Derek since his earlier meeting with Marshall vanished. “Hi.” “Hi.” She leaned her weight into her hand and sent a nervous look under the truck. “Is this safe?” she said. “It doesn’t look safe.” “It’s safe.” “It looks as if it’s going to drop on your head.” “It’s not going to drop on my head. Even if it does drop, the wheels will keep it clear.” This last bit didn’t seem to reassure her. At all.

“Even if it…? Derek, come out.” The hand not braced on the floor landed on his thigh. Derek took in a deep breath. Jenny’s fingers dug into the fabric of his jeans and she tugged. “Come out. Right now.” Amused, he wheeled himself out. “You worrying about me?” “Yes. I don’t want to see you crushed by a car.” “Aww.” He sat up, bringing him eye level with her in her crouch. “You care.” “I don’t want to see anyone crushed by a car. Can you imagine the cost of the therapy?” Derek kissed her quickly, steadying her when she wobbled. “What can I do for you, baby?” “Huh?” Jenny was staring at his mouth. “Yes. Um, I’m here to talk. About the pizza.” Derek stood, pulling her up with him. His gaze moved over her face. “No. You’re here to wriggle out of it.” “Not true.” Derek made a soft noise and caught her slender arm, lifting it to examine the long scratches. “Ignore that,” she said, easing away. “I am waging war on brambles. Don’t worry. Despite how it looks, I’m winning.” She was wearing cargo pants, work boots, and a dirt-streaked T-shirt. She’d caught the sun—mainly her nose had caught the sun, going by the strip of shiny pink skin down the length of it—and her

strawberry blonde hair was tied back. Damp tendrils were escaping the ponytail, and Derek hooked a stray wisp behind her ear. He let his fingers drift down her neck, and felt her shiver under his touch. “You should think about wearing long sleeves,” he told her. He tapped her nose. “Maybe a hat.” Jenny slapped him away. “I did wear a hat, and have you been outside today? I almost had to strip down to my underwear, it was so hot. Long sleeves would kill me.” “Now I’m thinking about you in nothing but your underwear and work boots.” She glanced down at her boots with a frown, then grinned at him. “Oh, very sexy.” “Yes.” “Stop looking at me like that.” Derek stepped closer. “Can we go somewhere private?” she asked. He took her hand and dragged her after him, heading for the office with long strides. Hurrying to keep up, Jenny laced her fingers with his. “Just to talk,” she said. “Not just.” He opened the office door and stood aside to usher her in. Jenny balked at the threshold. “Yes, just. Talk about pizza.” “Don’t forget the wriggling.” She marched past him. “I already told you I’m

not here to wriggle out of it.” “Good to know. However, I was talking about the wriggling you’ll be doing when I get you on my couch. Or the desk. Haven’t made my mind up yet.” Jenny scooted out of reach, and he laughed, shutting the door and leaning against it. His laughter drained away when she stuck a hand in her pocket and drew out some cash. “Here.” She held it out. “I need to pay my bill.” “We’ve been over this,” he said, clenching his jaw. “I know. But things have changed.” She continued to hold out the money until she got the message he wasn’t going to take it. She set it on the cluttered desk instead. “Jen—” “Derek, it’s important to me.” He closed the distance between them, nudging her back against the desk. She bumped into it and he put a hand either side of her hips. This close, he could feel the body heat radiating from her, soaking into his front. “We agreed—” “I know. But that was before. Now it feels weird.” He studied her face. “Before what? Before I kissed you?” “Yes. And before I… You know.” Her eyes dropped to his jeans.

He leaned in, bending to put his lips against her neck. He tasted her skin and murmured, “Before you made me co—” Jenny jerked her head back and clapped her hand over his mouth. Derek blinked. “The door is shut, the stereo is on, no one can hear us,” he said against her palm. “Good point.” She removed her hand. “I’m trying to say I need to pay the bill the right way, Derek. Before we were intimate, paying with pizza would have been fine. Like a friend thing. Now… it’s weird.” “You’re grasping at straws, trying to back out of us, aren’t you?” “No.” Jenny stunned him by looping her arms around his neck. “The opposite. I’m trying to clear the way. If you’d take the goddamn money, I won’t feel like I paid you with sexual favors.” He unwound her arms, taking care to avoid the angry-looking scratches. “I’d never ask that of you. Fuck, Jen. What kind of man do you think I am? I’d never ask that of anyone.” She patted his chest. “I know you wouldn’t. But the fact is, you fixed my car, and I gave you an orgasm.” “I—” “And I kinda want to invite you over for pizza tomorrow, and I want it to be clear that it isn’t payment pizza.”

Derek broke away, reached around her and snatched up the money. He stalked around the desk, opened a drawer, threw the money in, and slammed it shut. “You get that this is ridiculous,” he told her, leaning into his bunched fists. “I was trying to be romantic. Take care of you. Not make you feel like a whore. Now I feel like an asshole.” Smiling, Jenny mirrored his posture and leaned toward him from the other side of the desk. “Derek?” “Yeah?” “Would you like to come over tomorrow night and have pizza?” Derek slid a hand under her chin and ducked his head until they were only a whisper away. “Yeah.” Jenny’s russet lashes drifted closed for a second before she pulled back, her eyes going to the window that overlooked the workshop. For fuck’s sake. Derek strode over to the window and snapped the blind shut. He returned to Jenny, scooped her up, and walked them over to the couch. He sat down, arranged her to straddle his lap, and held her there with a firm grip on the back of her neck. She was breathing fast. “Let’s have the rest of it,” he said grimly. She squinted at him. Derek relaxed his grip enough to curl his thumb around and stroke the sensitive patch where her

shoulder met her neck. Jenny arched into his touch. “You know what I’m talking about, don’t you?” he said. “This is where you tell me you want to keep me as your dirty little secret.” She’d been supple and responsive in his hold, but now she stiffened. “That’s not what I want.” She bit her lip. Derek arched a brow, waiting. Jenny scanned his face, trying to get a read on his mood. He didn’t give her anything. Truth was, he was pissed, and he wasn’t going to make it easy on her. Not this time. She shifted in his lap. “Okay, maybe it is kind of what I want, but it’s almost certainly not why you think. It’s complicated.” “I’m a smart guy.” Except for when it came to falling in love with difficult women. “Why don’t you give explaining it a shot.” “Okay. The reason I had a… That thing with Gabe wasn’t…” She cleared her throat and tried again. “It was right for me because it made things simple.” “And you want simple.” She nodded. “I need simple. I don’t have the luxury of allowing complications in my life. It’s not just my life we’re talking about.” Derek rested his head back against the couch. “Kate,” he said. “Yup. My reasons for…the Gabe thing…they

stand. Nothing’s changed. I have to protect her, Derek.” Derek understood. He admired her determination to be a great mom. Still, he was pissed. Jenny was also protecting her own heart. From him. Didn’t she get that this was it? He didn’t want to date her. He wanted to keep her. He didn’t want to be on the periphery of her little family of two. He wanted to be the foundation they built a new family on. Together. “Kate likes you,” Jenny was saying. “A lot. She was confused last time you were in our lives. She got used to you being there, and then you were gone.” “Not my fault,” he gritted out. Her cheeks were pink but she looked him straight in the eye. “I’m not proud of myself for pushing you away. That’s on me. I shouldn’t have let you get close in the first place. But I did. Her father disappeared, and suddenly Kate had three new guys in her life. You, Gabe, and Alex. Of the three of you, Gabe and Alex stuck around. You didn’t.” “I didn’t leave you.” Jenny tried to climb off his lap. His hold tightened. “Don’t even think you’re going anywhere,” he growled. To his surprise, she didn’t fight it. “I’ve struggled

with this. I know that by trying to keep Kate from having another man fail her—” he winced, and she stroked his cheek, “—I made the wrong choices. I created the very situation I was trying to avoid, and I made you complicit in it. I can’t do it again. Not to Kate.” She ran a hand through his hair. “And not to you. I’m not okay with hurting you. See? Complicated.” “I think you’re making it more complicated than it needs to be.” She should marry him already. Derek opened his mouth to say it, then he got an image of a Jennyshaped hole in the wall as she bolted, and bit it back. “Start slow with me, Derek. Please. I’m not saying I want you to sneak in under cover of night, or pretend we’re not friends. I suppose I mean I don’t want to go from zero to sixty.” “Lucky for you I don’t mind being a dirty little secret. I especially don’t have a problem with the dirty part.” He realized how anxious she’d been when the tension drained away at his teasing, and she slumped into him. “We can start slow,” he continued. “I respect and understand you needing to think about your daughter. Even though it hurts my fucking feelings that you don’t trust me enough to know I can handle her with care, we’ll do it your way. I’m in

your life, I’m in Kate’s life, and that’s not changing again. If you try to push me away, I won’t permit it. I shouldn’t have last time. And that one’s on me. So we’re clear, I’ve learned, and it’s not happening again.” “Sounding pretty bossy there, Tate.” “Not done.” “Extremely bossy.” “We can go slow. In public. As far as anyone else is concerned, we’re friends. Though, the way you look at me, I think the only person you’re fooling is yourself.” “Bossy and arrogant. Keep it up.” He grinned. “No problem. Friends in public. In private—and Jen, I’m making it my top priority to get you in private—we go my speed.” She chewed her lip, pupils wide. Then she nodded. “Kiss me,” Derek said. “Actually, now we’ve got that straight, I have to be going—” He growled and twisted, taking her down to the cushions. “You are a patient man, Derek Tate,” Jenny said, and kissed him. He broke away long enough to whisper, “Hope you understand quite how patient I am.” She didn’t. Yet. She would.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Then again, maybe he wasn’t patient after all. Derek’s cell phone chimed as he was closing up the garage and leaving the next night. He read the text message and let out a hard breath of irritation. Jenny had canceled on him. He finished setting the alarm and closed the gates, locking them. He crammed his helmet on and slung a leg over his bike. A quick stop at the pizza joint, and thirty minutes later he stomped up Jenny’s porch steps, pizza box in one hand, carrier bag with soda and sides in the other. He pounded on the door. “I’m coming, I’m coming! Calm down!” Jenny shouted. She opened up, and frowned at him. “Oh, good,” Derek said, taking in the faded plaid lounge pants she was wearing, the fluffy socks and oversized T-shirt. “You’re dressed for the party.” “What?” “Got your pizza pants on.” He thrust the box at her and muscled in.

“Derek, didn’t you get my text?” “Yeah, I got your text.” He dropped the bag on the floor and hooked an arm around her waist. “And you’re not canceling on me again,” he said against her mouth. “You are mistaking being patient for being a pushover, and we already established you can’t push me around.” He nipped her lower lip and released her. “I’m not playing games. Kate really is sick.” “You invited me over to spend time with you.” “But Kate—” “Is not going to confuse me showing up with food as me showing up with my worldly possessions and moving in.” “But we can’t—” “I want to be with you, Jenny. Do I want to make you scream? Yes, I do. Do I also want to hang out at home, kick back and watch some T.V.? Yes, I do. If I stand by while you keep throwing up roadblocks, we’re never going to start this thing.” “I get that. But I don’t think tonight’s the right night to start.” “I don’t think the right night is going to happen. I’m making it happen.” “Hi, Derek.” Kate wandered from the living room into the hall. She drifted to a halt and leaned against Jenny’s legs. Jenny dropped a hand on top of her head. Yikes. Kate’s little face was wan, her hair was

somehow both lank and sticking up in patches, and she was wearing dinosaur pajama bottoms paired with a unicorn T-shirt. “Hi, sweetheart,” Derek said. Kate wiped her nose on the ragged piece of tissue she was clutching, and coughed. Her glittering, red-rimmed gaze landed on the pizza box Jenny was holding, and tracked down to the bag with soda bottles showing. She brightened. “Do you want to come and watch my movie?” she asked him. “I was supposed to have dinner with Gargoyle and Auntie Elle tonight, but Ricky Berger gave me his cold and I wanted to come home.” “Bit early in the year for colds, isn’t it?” Derek said to Jenny. “Are you sure it’s a cold? Does she need to get checked out?” Jenny gave him a hard look. “Having been a parent for six years straight, I know a sniffle when I see one. But thanks for the suggestion.” Now Derek had two pairs of Finley eyes glittering at him; one with fever and one with annoyance. No, sir, this night was not going as planned. He was starting to get the feeling that the universe was testing him. He grinned. Jenny passed the pizza to Derek and switched Kate’s used tissue for a clean one she took from her pocket. “Derek can’t stay,” she said to Kate. “We don’t want him to get sick, too, do we?”

Kate shrugged. “I’m sure he’d leave the pizza,” Jenny said. Wow, Derek mouthed at her. Jenny winked. “It’s a dragon movie,” Kate told him. “I guess you don’t like dragons anymore.” She flicked a cautious look at him, attention going from his tattoo to his face. “I love dragons,” he said promptly. “Me, too.” Kate tugged at the hem of Jenny’s Tshirt. Jenny sighed. “Go snuggle back down, Kate, and we’ll bring the food in.” “I’ll wait to press play!” Kate ran back to the living room, wobbled at the door, caught herself on the doorjamb, and swung out of sight. Derek watched her go. “Don’t kick me in the balls for asking, but are you sure she’s okay?” “She’s fine. It’s a cold with a low-grade fever. I gave her some Tylenol. You want to worry about someone, you’d better worry about yourself.” “Why’s that?” He followed her into the kitchen. “I hope your immune system is firing, buddy. Kids swap infections and viruses and diseases among themselves like they swap trading cards, or Pokemon, or whatever the latest thing is. Which is why I was trying to ease you out of an evening spent breathing the contaminated air of my delightful child, who has already thrown up once. My guess, more is coming.” She put the pizza down

and turned into him, shuffling her socked feet between his motorcycle boots. She slid her arms around his waist. “I’m glad you’re too dumb to take a hint.” He grazed her mouth with a soft, teasing kiss. “I’d risk a cold for you, Jenny Finley.” “Let’s revisit that statement after thirty-six to forty-eight hours’ incubation time, shall we?” Her hands wandered to his butt. “If you can’t fight it off with your manly constitution, I will bring you chicken soup.” “Sounds nice. Will you bathe my fevered brow? Sponge me down?” “Of course.” Derek circled her wrists and pulled her exploring hands away. “You’re going to give me a boner if you keep doing that,” he said when she raised her brows. She grinned. “The logistics of this are starting to dawn on you, aren’t they?” “Derek!” Kate hollered from the living room. “I’m pressing play!” “Go get infected,” Jenny said. “I’ll sort the food.” She went to pat his ass as he passed, and he caught her hand with a warning look. “Remember what I told you would happen if you tried that again?” “Mm-hmm.”

He moved off, holding her gaze. She smacked him lightly. Derek heaved in a breath, crowding her. Jenny tilted her head to one side, her eyes dancing. “Derek!” Kate called again, sounding fretful. “You’re an evil woman. I’m starting a tab,” Derek told Jenny, and went to watch a movie about dragons. **** Halfway through the movie Kate crashed, her upper body in Jenny’s lap and her gangly, dinosaur pajama-clad legs sprawled over Derek’s. Jenny rested the back of her hand against her daughter’s forehead. Kate’s temperature was down, but she was still clammy. Jenny glanced up to find Derek watching her rather than the flickering screen. “What?” she asked. Derek shook his head. “How’s she doing?” “She’s fine. These things tend to die down as quickly as they flare up. She’ll be cranky for a day or two, but she’ll be back to normal by school next week.” “Good.” The screen filled with a flaming explosion, lighting the side of his face. “She likes dragons, huh? Is this new, or has she always liked dragons?” Jenny gave his tattoo a pointed glance. “You

know why she likes dragons, Derek.” Kate had been fascinated with them from the day she met him. “Yeah. And dragons are better than bees, right?” “What?” It took Jenny a moment to remember the bee backpack Gabe had given Kate. “Dragons are better than bees,” Derek confirmed for himself. “She’s not into princesses and the like?” “Does this look like a girl who’s into pretty, pretty princesses?” Jenny gestured at Kate’s outfit. “It’s quite an ensemble.” “Tell me about it. All the other little girls are in fairy wings and princess dresses and having tea parties. My girl likes dragons and dinosaurs. She went to a birthday party a year ago, and they all watched Beauty and the Beast. The dancing spoons freaked her the hell out. Don’t get me started on the stove. I had to pick her up early. Then she had nightmares about the closet. The actual closet. She’s not scared of monsters in the closet. She thinks the closet is going to start talking to her, and sing, and make her wear dresses.” Derek smiled. “She’s a cutie. But then you know that.” “Yeah, I do.” Derek slid Kate’s legs off his thighs and started to gather the dirty plates. “You’re going?” Jenny asked, kicking herself for

the note of disappointment that colored her quiet question. “Not a chance. I’m gonna clear up.” Jenny found the remote and stopped the film. “All right. Thanks. I’ll take her up to bed and get her settled.” She flicked through the channels until she found a game and left it on for him. Derek leaned forward and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. Their eyes met and held. Jenny caught her breath at his expression. She couldn’t quite work it out, but it looked a whole lot like… contentment. As if there was nowhere else Derek would rather be right now, on a Friday night, than right here, watching a kid movie with her and her clammy daughter. Which was crazy. Kate sat up, sneezed, and flopped back against Jenny. “Is it over?” She frowned at the television and then stared at Derek blankly. Derek smiled at her. “You fell asleep,” he said. Kate relaxed. “Oh.” “Come on, Kate,” Jenny rubbed her upper arms. “Bedtime.” Grumbling, Kate slithered off the couch and stood on unsteady legs. “Someone should probably carry me,” she said, eyeing Derek. Derek quirked a brow at Jenny and once she’d nodded, hiding her smile, he scooped Kate up.

“Lead the way,” he said to Jenny. Kate dangled dramatically in his arms, enjoying Derek’s attention as he carried her out of the living room. Upstairs, Jenny and Kate had a brief argument over whether or not Kate needed to brush her teeth and wash her face again since she’d already done both two hours ago when she came home and threw up. Derek solved the argument by strolling past Kate’s room and walking her into the bathroom. He flipped the toilet seat down and sat Kate on it. Her daughter was exhausted but, true to form, was determined to get what she wanted. Squinting at Derek through eyes that were doing their best to close, she informed him, “You have to come and watch the rest of the film next week, because you need to know how it ends. I can’t tell you because it would spoil it. So you should come over again.” “How about I set it up with your mom?” Derek said, deep voice amused. She nodded, then jumped up and clumsily hugged him. Taken by surprise, Derek steadied himself against the sink and curled an arm around her narrow shoulders with a soft laugh. “Hurry and get to bed,” he said. “Okay.” Kate thumped back down onto the closed toilet seat and took the toothbrush Jenny

held out to her. “Night, Derek,” she said through a foaming mouthful of toothpaste. “Night, sweetheart.” Derek winked at Jenny and left her to finish settling Kate. Once Kate was tucked into bed and already snoring, Jenny headed back downstairs, still trying to wrestle her emotions under control. It was just pizza and a movie. It felt easy and natural? Big deal. Derek was a laid-back guy. Everything felt easy and natural around him. Of course it felt like he’d been part of their lives forever. Everyone probably felt like that around Derek. Jenny came to a sudden stop in the kitchen. He’d tidied up. Their dirty plates were in the dishwasher. He’d taken the trash out. He’d turned off the television and the lights. She checked the front door. Locked. From the inside. He’d tidied up, shut the house down, and gone to bed. Jenny stormed upstairs and flung herself into the bedroom. He’d better not be lying there naked. If he was stretched out on her bed like a feast of muscles and tattoos, flaunting that piercing she could not stop thinking about, then she was going to let him have it. A piece of her mind.

Not sex. She wasn’t going to jump on him. But if he thought he could go ahead and— Jenny shut the door behind her and flattened herself to the wood, staring across the room. He wasn’t naked. Oh. This was a good thing. It was great. She wasn’t disappointed at all. “Why do you look like you want to kill me?” Derek asked. He’d kicked off his boots and lounged against her pillows, ankles crossed and arms behind his head, making his biceps bulge against the sleeves of his T-shirt. Jenny rearranged her face. “I was expecting you to be naked.” “Happy to oblige.” He sat up, a hand going between his shoulder blades to pull his T-shirt off. “I figured you’d find it weird with Kate here. My mistake.” “No! Keep your clothes on. I was angry for the presumption of you getting naked.” “But I’m not. No need for anger. Turn that frown upside down.” Jenny strode across the room and put a knee to the bed. “Still a bit of presumption going on, don’t you think?” Derek caught her around the hips and lifted her over him. “Called trying my luck.”

“Hmm. You can’t stay the night, Derek.” “Yes, I can. I will.” Jenny gazed down into his dark blue eyes. “We’re not having sex.” “Not tonight,” he agreed. “Pretty much worked that one out the moment I saw Kate was here rather than with Elle.” “Then why did you stay?” He studied her, long enough that she began to fidget. His hands went to her waist and he gripped her firmly. His thumbs stroked along the bottom of her ribs. “I want to spend the night with you. I want you to fall asleep knowing I’m here. Feeling me here. And when you wake up, I want you to smile at me, say my name, and kiss me.” His hands tightened and he arched her toward him. “Can you give me that, Jen?” “Sure.” Her voice came out in a croak, and she scowled. Derek took a deep breath, his body relaxing under her. “But—” “But I’ve got to be gone before Kate gets up.” His eyes closed in a slow blink. “Dirty little secret. I remember.” “I don’t want you to be a secret, Derek, I—” “I know.” He tipped her off him none-too-gently and she landed with an oof. “Now, get naked,” he told her. Jenny rolled off the bed. “I’m not getting naked. No sex tonight.”

“I can’t even look?” “No!” “I promise not to touch.” “Right.” Jenny whipped the T-shirt she slept in from under the pillow, and stalked for the door. Derek propped himself on his elbows, watching her go. “You don’t trust me?” Jenny snorted. “Of course I trust you, Derek. You’ve never been the problem. I don’t trust me.” His low laugh followed her out the door. When she came back from the bathroom, face washed and moisturized, teeth brushed, she slid beneath the covers while Derek went for his turn. He shut her bedroom door with a quiet click and walked to the bed, stood looking down at her. Was she doing the right thing, letting him stay? Kate wouldn’t know. Jenny gazed up at him. The corner of his mouth hitched in a smile as he reached out and brushed his knuckles down her cheek, along her jaw. “Tell me to go,” he invited her. That cinched it. She shook her head, threw back the covers, and scooted over. Derek didn’t need any further encouragement. He shucked his jeans and his shirt, kept his boxer briefs on, and slipped into bed beside her. Before Jenny had time to stiffen up and start fretting about him feeling her squishy bits through her thin T-shirt and panties, he pulled her into his arms and tugged

the covers over them. “Jenny,” he breathed into her hair. She trembled, her face tucked into his throat. “Yes?” “Before we can go to sleep, I have two very important questions for you.” Oh God, what? “Yes?” “First the obvious question…are you the big spoon, or the little spoon?” “The big spoon. Roll over.” He didn’t move. She squeezed his ass. “Over you go.” Derek was silent for a beat. “I’m the big spoon.” What a colossal surprise. “Shall we flip for it?” “Good idea.” He flipped her, and she muffled her shriek in the pillow. Jenny fitted herself into the curve of his long, hot body. He tangled his legs with hers and wrapped an arm around her waist. He kissed her neck; soft, light kisses that made her sigh. “What was the second question?” she asked. “Hmm?” He took her earlobe between his teeth and licked it. “Ah!” Jenny kicked back involuntarily. “Sorry. Ticklish.” Derek laughed against her. “Noted.” “The second question?” “Are you aware that it’s not much past nine p.m.?” “Early bed. Welcome to the life of a parent.”

She traced a fingertip up and down the forearm he’d banded around her. “Is it too early?” She hadn’t even considered the time. She was exhausted after working at the community center all week. For Jenny, this was heaven. Derek probably hadn’t been to bed this early on a Friday night since…since he was Kate’s age. “You can go downstairs and watch television if you like. You can still stay.” “I don’t want to watch television.” “Um. I’ve got a Kindle. Did you want to read?” Bad idea. If he said yes, he’d see what sort of books she had loaded onto her Kindle. And then he’d get all excited. He might even read out loud to her. And then she’d get all excited. “Forget that,” she said. My battery is dead. Reading the Kindle is out.” “Jen. Relax. I don’t want to do anything other than be here, holding you.” “You’re not bored?” He slid a muscled thigh between hers and pressed his hips into her. “Does this feel like boredom to you?” Nope. It felt like an enormous erection, nestled in her butt. Shit. Now she was wide awake. He kissed the side of her head. “Sleep well, baby.”

Hah. As if she’d be able to sleep with him and his erection behind her, all smooth skin and heat. No problem. She’d catch up on sleep tomorrow. For now, she’d lie here and soak in the unfamiliar sensation of being held through the night. She didn’t want to miss a second of it. Derek’s breathing slowed and his weight settled into her back. This, Jenny thought, might be her very favorite sleeping position ever. No, she thought when she woke the next morning, this position was her favorite. She’d climbed on top of him during the night. Derek was sprawled beneath her, Jenny was plastered against him from head to toe, and he had one large possessive hand resting on her ass. Her head came up and she met his sleepy gaze. “Morning,” he said, his blue eyes dark. Jenny shivered. “I love your voice,” she said without thinking. “Mmm.” She loved his growl, too. “Morning.” She propped her chin on her hand. Derek brushed a thumb back and forth over her lips, watching as if fascinated. “Say my name,” he said, voice deep and husky. “Derek Michael Tate.” His chest shifted and he gave a surprised laugh. “You know my middle name?”

“Derek Michael Tate,” she said in a passable imitation of his mother. “Stop pulling Jenny’s hair!” Derek stared at her. “Congratulations. You have discovered the solution to morning wood. Please never, ever imitate my mother again when we’re in bed. Or ever.” Jenny giggled. Derek’s grip on her tightened and he hauled her up his body until they were nose to nose. “Kiss me good morning.” Jenny laid a soft kiss on his smiling mouth, and he made that rumbling mmm noise again, the one that sent shivers through her. And a minor spasm. Derek sat up, taking her with him. He cupped her face and, expression intent, he kissed her lips, her forehead, then he lifted her off him. “Gotta go,” he said, moving to where he’d left his jeans and Tshirt folded on her dresser. Jenny drew her knees to her chest and managed not to make a noise of pure want as she took in his broad back and the utter male poetry that was his flexing ass as he strode across the room. He grinned wide when he turned and caught her at it. She wrinkled her nose at him, then sighed. She was hopeless. She walked him down to the door and Derek kissed her again as they stood on the porch in the cool damp of the dawn. He pushed his bike down the driveway and down the road from the house

before starting it and riding away. Jenny leaned against the doorjamb, the air winding around her, stealing the warmth of their night together, and watched him go.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

For what may be the first time in her short life, Kate slept late, and Jenny left her to it. Knowing her daughter’s resilience, she’d be up and bubbling with energy soon enough, so Jenny decided to take advantage of the unusual peace and quiet. At least, that had been the plan. Instead, she found herself sitting at the kitchen table, a cup of tea cooling in front of her as she gazed out into her backyard, mind occupied with thoughts of Derek. For God’s sake. She was smiling again. Sitting there, smiling. Like a besotted idiot. A firm knock came at the door and she jumped up so eagerly that the chair nearly fell over. Real cool, Jenny. She fast-walked to the door. She’d be astonished if it was Derek. What possible reason could he have for coming back so soon? She took a second to straighten her face and stop smiling, damn it. Then she opened the door, and she had no

trouble whatsoever not smiling. “Dean,” she said blankly. “Hello, Jenny.” Dean ducked his head and leaned toward her. As he did, Jenny leaned her upper body back, putting out a hand, palm against his chest, to stop him. Dean straightened with a laugh. “Awkward. I was just going to kiss your cheek. Muscle memory. I didn’t think.” Jenny stared at him. “What are you doing here?” “I came to see you.” She frowned. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” he asked. “Why?” “Honey.” “Ugh. Come in. But you don’t get to call me honey anymore, remember?” “Yep. Sorry. Again.” “Is that why you’re here?” she asked over her shoulder as they went to the kitchen. “Apologies?” “Thought you weren’t interested in my apologies?” “I’m not.” “Then, no. I’m not here for apologies. I wanted to catch up with the mother of my child. Is that so strange?” He was standing close beside her as she filled the coffeemaker. Too close. His heat pressed against the bare skin of her arms, the scent of his familiar

cologne battled with the aroma of freshly-ground coffee, and she didn’t like it. It felt wrong. “Go sit down,” she snapped at him. “And yes, it’s strange. Last time I checked, we weren’t exactly on catch-up terms.” Dean scraped a chair over the floor as he pulled it out from the table. He sat, stretching out his long legs, angled toward her as she made the coffee. “We’re not enemies, either. Are we?” Jenny finished preparing his coffee without answering and took it, along with her refreshed cup of tea, to the table. “You remember how I like it.” Dean smiled over the rim of his cup. Dean Hansen was a good-looking man, and he knew it. His golden brown hair was in an expensive cut and, even on a Saturday, styled. His body was toned. His smile was killer. He’d never ruin his perfect skin with tattoos, or his well-groomed eyebrows with a piercing. Or his dick. Jenny choked on the thought, her tea went down the wrong pipe, and she coughed until her face turned red. She breathed in through her nose until she’d gotten it under control, and blotted her tearing eyes. Dean’s smile turned quizzical. “You okay?” “Oh, yeah.” “Good.” Dean lifted his cup and took another

meditative sip of coffee. The expensive watch on his wrist caught the light. Jenny blinked, and it hit her. The Dean sitting before her looked like the Dean she’d married, not the Dean she’d divorced. That Dean had been a mess. The stress of his debts and the divorce had left them both a mess, if she was honest. But Dean seemed to have bounced right the hell back. Jenny’s hackles went up. Not with jealousy—she was doing just fine, thank you very much—but with suspicion. “Why are you here? As in, why are we catching up now?” Dean ran a hand through the side of his hair and clasped the back of his neck. “I don’t know. It seemed like the right time. I’m doing good. I wanted to check that you were, too. You and Kate. Where is my daughter, by the way? Not still in bed? It’s after ten.” Jenny’s brows rose. “We’re doing fine. Both of us. And yes, Kate is still in bed, since she managed to catch a cold from a classmate and was sick all day yesterday.” She waited a beat. “Kate started kindergarten.” Dean nodded. “Is she enjoying it?” “You care?” A pained expression crossed his face. “I care. I never stopped caring. Caring was never an issue.” Jenny knew that. He cared about Kate, heck, he cared about Jenny. The problem was, he hadn’t

cared enough. They’d had this argument over and over again. Jenny had held that if he’d cared enough, he’d have stopped gambling before they lost the house, and everything in it. Dean had maintained that the reason he’d gambled more than he should have was because he cared so much. They’d never managed to agree on it. The only things they’d agreed on was that their marriage was over, and that Dean wouldn’t fight for shared custody of Kate. He hadn’t been in a position to fight for anything at the time. He’d been broke, hounded by creditors, and his brilliant solution had been to leave. “Can I see Kate?” he asked. “I don’t want to wake her.” Dean’s face tightened. “Seriously, she was throwing up and everything yesterday. You can see her if she gets up before you go, but I’d rather not disturb her.” “Of course.” “I’ve never kept her away from you, Dean.” Even though she could have. Jenny had worked hard to find some compassion for Dean. She’d had to dig deep, but she’d managed to conjure some up. For Kate’s sake. He was her father. She had a right to know him, to see him, if that was what she wanted. Jenny had worked even harder to make sure that

Kate would never need Dean. As far as Jenny was concerned, it was punishment enough that he’d lost his family and had only seen Kate twice since the divorce. Although, he didn’t look as if he was suffering much now. “You’re looking good, Dean,” Jenny said. He arched a brow. She rolled her eyes. “Not like that. Are you serious?” Dean chuckled. “Hopeful, but not serious.” “Don’t bother with hopeful, either.” “I’m messing with you.” “Uh-huh. So. Why are you here? In your fancy clothes with your very nice watch. And are any angry men going to be breaking down my door to chase you around and strip those fancy clothes and very nice watch off you?” Dean shifted his jaw from side to side. “I deserved that,” he said. “You think?” “Never stop being feisty, honey.” “If the divorce didn’t knock it out of me, nothing can. Still not your honey.” Dean burst out laughing. He stopped suddenly, but the humor remained when he said, “I fucked up letting you go, didn’t I?” “You know it.” You didn’t let me go. You walked away.

Dean tapped a forefinger on the table. “This is nice.” “My table?” “This. Us. Hanging out, talking. Not shouting.” “I’m going to make this real clear, Dean. There is no ‘us’. I don’t want you to think—” “No, no.” He held up his hands. “I’m not going there. I don’t want you back.” “Good.” “I’m in a good place, Jenny. I don’t want to mess up again. We don’t work.” Jenny felt something deep inside ease at his statement. The last thing she needed was Dean trying to get back in her life. “But I do want to be in your life again.” Damn it. He continued, “In Kate’s life. It’s taken me time to get my head straight but yeah, I’m looking good, I’m feeling good. I’m doing good.” “You got help? Stopped gambling?” Dean’s eyes flickered from hers and he swallowed. Ah. No. He hadn’t stopped. He was just winning. “I’m living in Mayfield,” he said. “I’m renting at the moment, but I’m thinking about buying a house.” “You should give Lila a call. I’m sure she could find you something special.” Dean looked horrified. “I dread to think what

Lila would do. Find me a property cursed by vengeful spirits and sitting on a sinkhole, probably.” “To be honest, I don’t think she’d bother with the house, I think she’d find a sinkhole and drop you in it, but who knows?” “Yeah, I’m not going anywhere near Lila. Not after she kicked me in the junk. My balls still hurt when it rains, you know.” “I hear old injuries do that.” “So. You’re okay with me seeing Kate now and then?” “I’m not going to lie, Dean. I don’t want you around.” “I guess I can understand that.” “But I won’t stop you. I’m not making you into some sort of villain, because that shit isn’t healthy. If Kate wants to see you, then yes. You can visit. I’m telling you right now, though. This Dean, the one I see in front of me? This Dean can visit. With his nice haircut and fancy watch and good mood. The wreck you were last time Kate saw you? No. I don’t want that man in her life. I don’t want my daughter to go through what I did. “You don’t know what it’s like to watch your father…disintegrate…in front of you. Fail you, every single day. If you stay on top of things, I’ll allow you in. You slip? I’m stronger, now, Dean. I won’t hesitate again. I have custody. I will shut you out, and I’ll enforce it.”

His mouth tightened. “I don’t—” “Dean.” “Fine.” Jenny gazed at him. “You want another coffee?” Unable to meet her eyes, Dean rubbed his hands over his face. “Sure.” The mood had been ruined, though, and neither of them were comfortable. They chatted about superficial topics. Dean’s manner was stiff. Jenny’s wasn’t much better, distracted by his unexpected reappearance. She’d seen him a handful of times since the divorce. Spoken to him on her cell once, when she’d told him to lose her number. “Listen,” Dean said. “I have to go. Before I do, I…well, there’s no good way to say this. I’m just gonna come out and say it.” Jenny stilled. “I told you I’m doing good. What I should have said was, I’m doing really good.” “Congratulations?” “I want to give you some money.” “Huh.” Not what she’d expected him to say. “Child support.” “I don’t want your money, Dean. I don’t need it, either.” “Kate’s my responsibility, too.” “Wow.” “I know! All right? Fuck, Jenny, I know I fucked up!” His face darkened.

Jenny got to her feet. Yeah, she was rethinking the whole be cool and let him see Kate thing right about now. “Dean,” she groaned. “Why couldn’t you have stayed away?” “Because I wasn’t in a position to do any good or be any good for either of you then. But now I am.” “For how long? You’re still gambling.” “I never said I was, and that’s beside the point. I want to give you money.” It had taken Jenny a long time to get herself stable, and to pay Elle back for all the help she’d given when she’d moved back to Emerson. This was her life, her house, and her daughter. “You don’t get it. We don’t need you.” “You are so fucking stubborn, Jenny, you always have been and I swear—” “Daddy?” They both swung to face the doorway where Kate was standing, her eyes large and wary. “Hi, baby.” Dean reached out to squeeze Jenny’s arm, mouthing, I’m sorry. He waited for her to nod before striding over to Kate and snatching her up. Kate was rigid for a moment before she gave him a tentative hug back. Jenny’s heart ached at the cautious way her daughter held herself. Dean noticed it, too. He set her down but kept a hand on her shoulder as he crouched. “How are

you, honey?” Kate nodded. Her gaze flickered to Jenny, then to her father. “Where’s Derek?” she asked Jenny. Oh, no. Dean’s face froze but when Kate looked back at him he was smiling. “Derek’s at home,” Jenny said. “Derek Tate?” Dean asked. “He brought us pizza,” Kate told him. “We watched my dragon movie. Mom, you two didn’t finish watching it after I went to bed, did you?” “Nope.” “Good.” Kate looked at her father solemnly. “Daddy?” He heaved a broken-sounding breath. “Yeah, baby?” “Guess what?” “What?” “I go to school now.” “You do?” Jenny left them in the kitchen talking before she burst into tears. She wasn’t sure what those tears would mean. Anger at Dean, frustration. Sadness for the happy family they’d all lost. A mix of all three. Dean stayed through lunch. Kate seemed happy to have him there, but when he left, she wandered out to the backyard and stayed close to Jenny as she weeded the herb garden.

The afternoon had turned heavy and dark, with low clouds sulking on the horizon, giving Jenny a dull headache. “Did Daddy come back because he’s jealous of Derek?” Kate asked without warning. Jenny sat back on her heels and stripped off her work gloves, jamming the trowel in the dirt. “Your father didn’t know about Derek. He came to see you. He wanted to see how you’re doing.” Kate gave her an unreadable look, then held out her arms at her sides, turning her whole body into a question. “We’re doing awesome, aren’t we?” she demanded. “I think so,” Jenny said. “I think so!” “Then I guess we are.” “Will he ever come back?” Kate asked. “I know he’s going to try.” Another of those unreadable looks. “So, maybe,” Kate said. Jenny laughed. “It’ll be nice, though? To see your Dad now and then?” “Yes.” Kate didn’t sound a hundred percent certain about this, and Jenny couldn’t blame her. She hadn’t seen Dean for long enough that he must be fading into a semi-stranger to her. Like the distant relatives you see at weddings and christenings and funerals. If you were like most people. Jenny, Kate and

Elle were the only Finleys left. No distant relatives for them. Which was another reason, like it or not, that she had to give Dean a chance to be in Kate’s life, even in a small and contained way. **** “I’m sorry, Derek.” Martin Bradford leaned back in his black leather office chair, lacing his fingers over his midriff. “I can’t sign off on it.” “You have to,” Derek said. Derek had gone to high school with Martin. He was a stuffy little prick back then, he was a balding stuffy little prick right now, and he was enjoying the fuck out of himself. “Can’t,” Martin said. “I want to. But can’t.” “Right.” Derek had been to the bank three times to meet with Martin about financing his purchase of the garage. Up until five minutes ago, he’d been feeling confident. Up until five minutes ago, Martin had been making encouraging noises, letting him think it was all going to work out. “Derek, it’s too big a sum. While your business is doing great, the economy is tight. You’re asking for more than the bank is comfortable lending. The bank. Not me. If it was down to me, I’d take the risk.” Derek met his sincere gaze and realized with surprise that Martin was telling the truth.

Okay, it was possible that Martin wasn’t enjoying himself after all. There was a good chance that was sympathy in his pale brown eyes. Regardless, he was turning Derek down. “Shit.” Derek laid his forearms on his thighs and dropped his head into his hands. He was going to lose the building. Nowhere else in Emerson would do. He’d driven around, in case the town he’d lived in all his life had sprouted a suitable property without him noticing, but no. And he didn’t want to move the business to a different site. It belonged where it was. “All hope is not lost,” Martin said. Derek snorted a short laugh. “We can’t finance the full sum, but what I’m going to do is, I’ll push the bank to go as high as I can. Get Mr. Rawlings to accept that.” “He won’t.” “Ask him. Ask him to accept a smaller amount, and stay invested. You said he was nostalgic about it?” “Yeah.” “Lay it out for him. Paint a picture. It stays Rawlings’ Auto Repairs, on the site where his pops founded it in the sixties, or it gets turned into a Starbucks. Trust me, that’ll frighten him. He takes a smaller lump sum, and gets the remaining balance paid out over ten years. It won’t make that much of

a difference. We’re talking about a narrow margin here. Convince him, man. You can do it. Use some of that Tate charm.” Derek glanced up at Martin and caught a faint tinge of pink on the man’s cheeks. He smiled. “Think that’ll work?” Martin cleared his throat. “I think it’s worth a shot.” “All right.” Derek got to his feet and held out a hand. Martin jumped up, gave him a firm clasp in return. “This is a local bank. We want to support out local business owners. We’re invested in your success.” “Thanks for the encouragement, Martin. I appreciate you taking an interest.” Martin turned a little pinker, but he held Derek’s gaze and gave him a professional nod. Tate charm, huh? Derek left the bank and headed to Megan’s. He stood in line, gazing at the pastry display case without really seeing it. Between trying to convince Jenny they belonged together and trying to get Marshall to not destroy his business, Derek was going to strain a muscle using the Tate charm if he wasn’t careful. If Jenny found out about Derek’s precarious financial situation? No amount of charm would be able to talk her into letting him into her life on a permanent basis.

And Derek wanted permanent. He collected the tray of coffees and drove back to the garage. He could do this. He’d get Marshall to agree to the new terms. Then, when the time was right, he’d come clean and tell Jenny that, yes, he had a massive loan but it wasn’t the same as Dean and his massive gambling debts. Jenny trusted him. He knew it, deep down. He just didn’t think she knew it yet.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

“I’m impressed, Jennifer,” Ronnie said. She stood with hands on narrow hips, gazing around the half-done garden with approval. Maybe third-done. “It’s taking a little longer than I expected,” Jenny said. Ronnie’s weathered face creased into a smile. “It takes the time it takes. I know you’re putting the work in. It can take until Christmas for all the committee cares. They’re not planning their big fanfare opening until a Spring Fair. Festival? Some such nonsense. I stopped listening soon as I heard the word clowns.” They both shuddered. “I like the sign.” She nodded at Lila’s sign, which Jenny had okayed with Barbara to leave standing at the back entrance. “Although, I have some suggestions.” “Want your name bigger?” Jenny asked. “How did you guess?” Ronnie’s name and that of the garden center was a fraction of the size of Jenny’s. A person would

have to be crouching, and possibly using a magnifying glass, to read it. “It was a present from my friend Lila.” “I like it. Like the branding. Order another one —equal sizes for the names, please—and I’ll set it up at the garden center. I’m already getting inquiries from people wanting to book you.” “You are?” “When you’re done here, we’ll have another couple of jobs lined up. Your days of working the till and watering the hanging baskets are over.” Jenny beamed. Ronnie gave her a critical once-over. “You should think about getting serious about the sunscreen.” “I use sunscreen.” “Switch your brand. I can see my reflection in your nose, it’s so shiny.” “Gross.” Jenny grabbed the baseball cap she had in her backpack and jammed it on her head. She’d live with hat hair. Ronnie’s gaze tracked up. She contemplated the cap. “My name’s not even on that one, is it?” The cap was another branded gift from Lila. “There isn’t any room.” “Fine. Then how about you get me one with my name on it.” She clapped Jenny on the shoulder. “I’ll tell Lila when I put the order in for the new sign.” Jenny hesitated. “I want to say thanks,

Ronnie. For making this happen.” Ronnie shrugged. “I’m at a place in my life where I can take the risk. You’re talented. You’re young. I get that you were too scared to rock the boat. Starting anything new is a risk, even more so when you’ve only just stopped taking on water.” “I wasn’t scared,” Jenny protested. “That wasn’t why I didn’t set up the business on my own.” “You’d be a fool not to be a little scared. More of a fool if you let it keep you frozen in place, though. I’m always happy to give someone a shove when they need it.” About to protest again, Jenny snapped her mouth shut. “Give me a tour,” Ronnie invited, eyes twinkling. “We can see if it’s worth rounding up those volunteers the community center was talking about.” Jenny felt proprietary toward the garden at this point. She’d done most of the back-breaking work of clearing already. You know, the part where help would have come in useful. “I don’t need volunteers. I’m managing on my own. I like doing it myself.” Ronnie sniffed. “We’ll see.” Jenny walked her boss—partner—around the site, pointing out where she’d prepared the ground for the raised beds, and where the children’s

playset was going to go. Even more impressed, Ronnie strode off with a spring in her step and plans to update the garden center’s website with a dedicated section for Jenny’s designs, along with lots of in-progress photos. Jenny had turned back to work but hadn’t had the time to get started when someone called her name. Dean came toward her over the stretch of lawn that she’d carved out and mowed in multiple sessions until it had a velvety nap that felt glorious to any hot and sweaty gardeners who decided to take a break and lie face down on it for ten refreshing minutes. “Hey,” Jenny said, surprised to see him again so soon. She took in the tight line of his shoulders and the expensive sunglasses hiding his eyes. The hair at the back of her neck prickled. Dean rubbed his smooth jaw, then snatched his sunglasses off. He’d stopped a little too close to her, his loafers mere inches from her work boots. Refusing to give ground, Jenny tipped her head back. “I’ve been thinking,” Dean said. Never a good opener. “About Kate,” he said. Worse. “Okay.” Dean’s expression was an odd mix of irritation

and reluctance. He shoved his hands in his pockets and paced a short distance away, then back. “I’ve heard rumors.” “About Kate?” Dean gave a scornful laugh. “No. About you.” “I don’t—” “And Derek Tate.” Jenny’s lips tightened. “Rumors.” “Yeah, rumors.” “Where are you hearing these rumors?” He twitched his shoulders. “Around.” “Is that for real, Dean, or have you been stewing on what Kate said when you dropped around uninvited, unannounced, and unwanted at the weekend?” “What does it matter? Either way, he’s in your life. Isn’t he?” “I’m friends with Derek, yes. Which has absolutely nothing to do with you.” “But it has something to do with Kate. If he’s in your life, he’s in her life, too.” Dean stopped in front of her again. “I heard he took her to her first day of school.” “He gave us a ride. My car broke down. Where did you even hear that?” “Megan’s.” Jenny scanned his face. He was working himself up to something. Don’t, Dean. Please don’t. He rubbed his jaw again, then firmed it and

looked down at her from his greater height. “I was all right with you having full custody when it was you, on your own. If you’re going to date, I’m going to have to reconsider my position.” Dread hollowed out Jenny’s stomach with a swift, efficient punch. Anger wasn’t far behind. “You’re kidding me.” “No.” “Is this jealousy, Dean? Because I can’t understand why out of nowhere you—” “It’s not out of nowhere.” “Nowhere! Kate’s seen you twice since you left us. And what is this ‘if you’re going to date’? What does me dating have to do with you?” “If you’re bringing men into Kate’s life—” “‘Bringing men’? It’s Derek! One man.” “I guess I never expected you to…you know.” He made a frustrated noise. “What?” Jenny demanded. “Move on?” Dean started to shake his head, then changed it to an abrupt nod. “You moved on, Dean.” “I wasn’t any good for you, either of you. It was the right thing to do.” Debatable. “You moved on. Kate and I moved on, too. We were supposed to move on. This is the way it’s supposed to be.” “I get that. I don’t know how I feel about you moving on in a Derek Tate kind of direction, is all. I

mean, Tate? He’s got a pierced eyebrow, Jenny.” Jenny grinned. “That he has.” Dean glared at her. “You’re smiling because you like it, right?” “I’m not discussing Derek’s piercings with you, Dean. I don’t want to discuss anything with you right now. Go away.” Dean made his frustrated noise again. “I am allowing you access to Kate even though I have no legal or moral obligation to,” Jenny said. His eyes narrowed as she continued, “It doesn’t give you a right to tell me who I can have as a friend.” “Maybe I need to look into my rights.” “You signed them away, and then you walked away. You didn’t want the responsibility of a child, and you sure as shit didn’t have the money to support her. Now you should think about leaving while you’re ahead and before you really piss me off.” Jenny lifted her chin to gesture over his shoulder. “Unless you want to stick around and say hi to Lila.” Dean whirled around. Lila and Elle, who were meeting Jenny for lunch, had appeared at the other side of the building. Lila stopped, an arm out and barring Elle’s way. As they watched, she thrust the lattes she was carrying at Elle, never taking her eyes off Jenny

and Dean. “Hi, guys!” Jenny waved, then pointed at Dean. “Look who’s here!” Lila bent a leg, caught her ankle in one hand and used the other to very slowly remove one of her stilettos. “I think Lila’s excited to see you,” Jenny told Dean. Lila dropped the shoe, then removed the other one. She’d lost four inches in height, but it didn’t put a dent in the waves of danger rolling off her as she shimmied her tight pencil skirt an inch or two above her knees. Dean turned his back on Lila—brave man—to say to Jenny, “I’ll go. But we’re not done talking about this.” “We’re done,” Jenny said. Then, “Uh-oh. Now she’s running.” Without looking behind him, Dean strode off, sliding his sunglasses on and trying to look casual about it, but fooling no one. As Lila attempted to streak past her, skirt rucked up to mid-thigh, Jenny put out a hand and dragged her to a halt. “What the hell is that loser doing here?” Lila screeched. “Leaving,” Jenny said firmly.

CHAPTER TWENTY

By the middle of the week, sunscreen and shiny noses were no longer a problem. It had rained for two days straight. Here she was on Wednesday, and it was still coming down. Whenever Jenny leaned forward, water streamed from the bill of her cap in stuttering ribbons. She kicked the shovel into the waterlogged dirt, put some weight into it, and the blade slipped. She went down to her ass. Third. Goddamn. Time. She loved working outdoors, she did, but on days like this, she questioned her career choice. She got to her hands and knees and pushed up. Slid in the mud, back down to a knee. Up again. She swiped the mud off as best she could. It wasn’t quite lunchtime, she’d been at the community center for three hours, and she’d achieved precisely nothing. Apart from getting wet and falling over.

Screw it. If she was honest, it wasn’t the rain distracting her. She had things on her mind, the second most bothersome being Dean and his unwelcome reappearance in her life. Jenny wasn’t too worried. Indignant though his comment about ‘bringing men into Kate’s life’ had made her, she understood where he was coming from. She’d be a screaming hypocrite not to. After all, it had been her main concern, hadn’t it? Which brought her to the number one most bothersome thing on her mind. Derek. Was she really going to do this with him? On the Saturday morning when she’d watched him leave, she’d hated herself a little. Derek was so out there. So much his own person. The pastor’s son who had piercings and tattoos and didn’t offer any excuse or explanation for it. Didn’t even see a need to. He accepted himself without reservation, like he accepted everyone else. Derek was friendly. Open. Warm. All the things Jenny had never been. She was guarded, cautious, held back. Watching him leave her house the way he did— early so Kate never knew, pushing his motorcycle so he didn’t wake her—made Jenny realize she was

holding him back. She didn’t want to drag him into the darkness with her. She wanted to step into his light. She was scared about starting something serious with Derek. She was even more tired of being scared. Jenny trudged across the waterlogged lawn to huddle under the overhang of the community center building. She stuck her hand in her pocket and pulled out her phone. Heart pounding, she swiped at the screen, brought up her contact list and hit dial. She listened to it ringing at the other end. And ringing. Ringing. About to chicken out and hang up, she was already pulling it away from her ear when he answered. “Hey, Jenny.” “Derek,” was all she managed. Her voice was strangled. She sounded like Kermit the Frog. She cleared her throat. “Jen? You okay?” “Yep. Yes. I am fine.” “Good.” A silence fell before he prompted, sounding amused, “You need something?” “Yes!” Awesome. Now she was shouting at him. “Baby—” “Are you, uh, busy right now?”

“Nah. I’m stripping an engine but it’s not a priority, got it for a week. Why? What do you need?” Jenny gripped the phone. Say it. Get it out. He’ll take it from there. “You,” she said. “I kind of need you.” “Yeah?” Derek laughed. “What happened? I know your car didn’t break down again because I gave it a thorough going-over. Get a flat?” Okay. He hadn’t picked up on the sex vibes she was beaming at him. “No.” “What do you need, Jen?” “You,” she said again, then breathed into the phone. She was having trouble getting enough oxygen while not giving into the urge to fling the phone away from her and run. She sounded like a pervert. Upside: it seemed to tip him off. Derek’s voice sharpened. “Where are you?” “If I tell you, are you going to come get me?” Her flirty vibes weren’t working either. She could tell by the way Derek clipped out, all business, “Tell me where you are.” “I’d rather tell you where I’m going to be in, say, twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic.” “Where?” “Home.” “I’ll be there.” Jenny hung up and stared at the phone.

I just made a booty call. She stuffed the phone into her pocket, sprinted through the rain to pack her tools away, and darted to the car. This was not the most well-thought-out booty call. She was cold, muddy, and soaking wet, and she’d underestimated how long it was going to take her to get home. Traffic was slow. Then again, up until ten minutes ago she’d been a booty call virgin. She decided to cut herself some slack. She was taking the final turn that led out of Emerson when she glanced in the rearview mirror and saw a headlight fire up as she passed. The motorcycle that had been waiting in a side street pulled out, falling in behind her. It was Derek. Jenny tapped the gas as she exited the town limits. He dropped back, keeping his distance on the wet road until she made it home. He roared up into the driveway as she opened the car door and got out. She slammed it, staring at him. The rain had stopped and the sun had come out with a vengeance to glitter on the driveway, bouncing shards of sparkling light off the roof tiles. Derek turned off the bike, staring at her. At least, she thought he was staring at her. She couldn’t see his face through the visor.

Slowly, he took off his helmet and set it behind him. Just as slowly, he kicked his leg over the bike and stood. Jenny ran for the porch. She fumbled the keys and it took her three goes to get the damn thing in the lock. Derek thudded up the steps behind her. And then he was against her, hard body flattening hers to the wood. He swept her damp hair to one side and, lowering his head, he opened his mouth over the join of her neck and shoulder. She felt his lips, then tongue, then teeth. Jenny jerked against the door. She’d been going for playful, but Derek’s overtly sexual kiss/bite suggested that he wasn’t in the mood for playing. He held her there for a long moment, until the steaming air seemed to shimmer around them. Then he twisted the key in the door, shoved her in, and followed. The hall filled with the sound of their rapid breathing. Derek’s face was drawn tight. He focused on her, dark blue eyes searing hers. He didn’t say anything, but the question was clear. Is this what you want? Jenny nodded and, holding his gaze, went to toe off her boots. He shucked his leather jacket and dropped it to the floor. He kicked off his boots. Stripped the

long-sleeved T-shirt over his head. The white Tshirt he wore under that was next, and then he was standing there in nothing but his jeans. Waiting for her. Jenny was still wrestling with her boots. With the stupid laces on her stupid boots which—argh— were knotted tight and soaking wet and she couldn’t. Get. A. Grip. Cheeks burning, she crouched and went for it, yanking and tugging. “Motherfucker,” she said. “Goddammit.” She glanced up to see Derek leaning one broad shoulder against the wall by the living room doorway, fighting a smile. She threw up her hands. “So much for sexy.” His lids lowered. “You want sexy, leave the boots on.” Jenny stood and stared down. “Really?” “Yeah. Get your shorts off.” “I’ll feel like an idiot naked and in these boots.” Derek ran his hot gaze over her. “Don’t forget the mud.” Jenny swiped at her cheek. She really hadn’t planned this well, had she? Derek strolled over and put a finger beneath her chin. “Want me to get them off for you?” He could keep looking at her like that, and they’d melt right off. Derek dropped to his knees.

Or he could do that. That would do it. “Oh.” She swayed and clutched his shoulders, as if him kneeling before her had stolen her balance. Derek grasped her hips and kissed her stomach. She sucked it in and he laughed against her. His fingers went to her laces, and he tugged gently. Then he tugged not so gently. Then he sat back on his heels, frowning, and worked at it. “How tight did you tie these?” he said. “You know what? Forget it.” “Derek, I’m not having sex in my boots.” “Not today,” he agreed. “Luckily, I can fix this.” He stood to his full height, hefting her up into his arms. Jenny shrieked and clutched him. He strode into the kitchen, sat her on the counter by the sink and opened the drawer in the cabinet to the left. He pulled out a pair of scissors and cocked a brow. “You’re going to cut them off?” Jenny said. “Bit extreme, isn’t it? And how did you even know which my junk drawer was?” “Junk drawer was an educated guess.” He tucked the point of the scissors into the mess of laces, and cut. “As for it being extreme, yes. Don’t be fooled. I might seem calm but I’m riding the edge here, Jen. Either it’s this, or I will have you naked on your kitchen floor, wearing your boots.” He paused and bit his lower lip. “Mmm. We’re definitely gonna do that one day soon. Today, I’m

being a gentleman.” “Some gentleman. You ruined my footwear.” “Yep. You’re next.” Derek yanked her boots off and leaned away, dropping the scissors back in the drawer. He caught the nape of her neck and kissed her. Hot, open-mouthed, demanding. “Put your arms around me,” he said against her lips. Jenny did, wrapped her legs around his hips, and he carried her out the kitchen and up the stairs. They didn’t break eye contact once. Even when he tripped on the top step. Jenny let out a peal of laughter. He smothered it with a grinning kiss. “This is going great,” he said. “I don’t know why you’re laughing.” “Because I’m happy,” she said recklessly as they made it to the bedroom. “Good. I want to make you happy.” He lifted her a little and she took the hint to unwrap her legs. Slowly, Derek slid her down his body. As soon as Jenny’s feet hit the ground, she pushed him backward. Derek yielded to her shove, doing a terrible job of hiding his smile. Jenny pushed him back another step. His legs hit the bed and he sank down. She kicked his feet apart and stood between his spread knees. He leaned into his hands, watching as she began to wrestle with the buttons on the placket of her polo shirt. She never did the stupid buttons up because it made her look like a dork but she’d gotten tired of

the cold rain sliding into her cleavage. Of course, today had to be the day she did them up to the top. But Jenny had other things on her mind. “Since we’re doing this, Derek, there are a few things you need to know.” Stretch marks. Cellulite. Love handles. “Need help with that?” Derek asked. “No! I am perfectly capable of undressing myself!” Not thus far, she wasn’t. She saw him think it. Derek kept the observation to himself. Instead, he said mildly, “You’ve got three seconds to get it off, or I’ll strip you.” Jenny’s eyes locked with his. “Three,” he said. Giving up on the buttons, she grabbed the hem and yanked her shirt up. “Two.” “Shit.” Her voice was muffled by the fabric as she tried to get it over her head. The neck hole was still a fraction too small. She got it stuck on her jaw. Yanked again. Derek stroked her quivering stomach over the tank top she had tucked into her shorts. Jenny lurched back and he caught her, holding her in place. “One,” he said. Jenny gave an almighty yank and emerged flustered.

Reaching up, Derek pushed her hair off her hot face. “This, too,” he said, plucking at her tank. “I need to warn you first—” she began. Derek untucked the tank and drew it up and over her head. Jenny went still. So did Derek. Her boobs were at his eye level, and Derek made a noise at the back of his throat. It was almost a moan, and there was not a damn thing helpless or pleading about it. It sounded…hungry. Jenny was small, but she was curvy. She wasn’t toned and fit like Lila. Although she was strong, her muscles weren’t defined and on the surface, they were quite content living under her extra fifteen pounds of padding. She had bits that jiggled. Mostly around boobs and butt, which was great, but there was plenty of softness in between. She’d borne a child, and she carried the marks of that time on her body. Marks she was proud of, except… Derek had probably been anticipating taut muscles and smooth, unblemished skin, and now he was faced with the reality of all that she was and oh God remember to breathe. Her palms turned damp and she clenched her fists, narrowing her eyes at him. Yeah, buddy. This is me. Get a good look. Derek exhaled a slow breath and managed to

tear his gaze away from her boobs long enough for her to see that the dark blue iris was almost eaten up by his dilated pupils. Jenny unzipped her shorts and shoved them down her thighs. They hit the carpet with a wet thump. She put her hands on her hips and lifted her chin. “Nice panties,” Derek said. “Really nice panties,” he said, lower. “Take them off.” “You first,” she said. A dimple flashed in his cheek as he hooked his thumbs in the elastic and stripped them down. Jenny’s mouth dropped open. “I meant you take your jeans off first,” she said, shrill. “Oops.” Derek reached out and flicked open the front clasp of her bra. He drew the straps slowly off her shoulders, standing as he did until he was towering over her. He waited. When she didn’t move, just stared at his chest, he bent to say in her ear, “You take my jeans off.” Jenny curled a finger in the waistband and tugged him closer until the warm denim gently abraded the skin of her stomach and thighs. She glanced up at him and got a bolt of pure lust for her trouble when she saw his eyes fixed on her breasts. This was getting more real by the moment. Swallowing hard, she unsnapped his jeans. She lowered the zipper.

And then she stopped. This time when she glanced up, he was watching her. “Kiss me, Jenny,” he said.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Derek was doing his best to play it cool, but damn. Damn. He was on fire, and if he didn’t keep it together, he was going to fall on her like an animal. In his whole life, he’d never seen anything as beautiful as Jenny Finley, naked before him with her hands on her hips and her nose in the air, daring him to…what? Change his mind when he saw her soft curves? Was that what he was supposed to do? Say no, thanks, when he saw her cellulite? Did she think he needed to be warned about the silvery stretch marks on her petal-smooth stomach, sweet lines of vulnerability and grace that he wanted to drag his mouth over, and down, and down, until she was screaming his name and begging for more? He couldn’t wait to uncover all her secrets, to explore and map every single perfect and imperfect inch of her body, have her do the same to him. He

vibrated with the effort it took to hold himself back. But he did. Something was going on with Jenny, something other than the natural hesitation Derek expected from a woman as guarded and elusive as she was. He wanted everything. He wanted all of her, wanted every part surrendered to him. He breathed hard through his nose and instead of throwing her on the bed behind him and driving home, he said, “Kiss me, Jenny.” He closed a firm hand over the back of her neck, holding her quietly, and gazed down into her wide eyes. He slid his thumb up and down the tendon in her neck. He waited. Letting out a sigh, Jenny went up on tiptoe and pressed her lips to his. Derek wove his fingers through the wispy, stilldamp hair at her nape and kept her mouth on his as he sank back onto the bed, pulling her down with him. Jenny climbed onto his lap, one knee either side of his hips. She changed the angle of their kiss, her tongue flicked against his lips and dipped inside, and Derek lost it. Spreading his fingers wide along her delicate jaw, he opened her mouth with his and kissed her hard; deep, wet, tongue stroking over hers in a blatant thrusting rhythm. When she was panting against him, her pulse wild under his touch, he broke away.

He lifted her and twisted, lowering them to the mattress. With one arm around her waist and the other planted in the mattress, he slid her higher, keeping himself pressed tight until they were in the center of the bed, her head on the pillows. Bracing his weight on his elbows, he stared down. “Boy, you have some smooth moves,” she told him, trying to catch her breath. Derek’s grin faded as he watched the humor drain from her face. She shifted against him. He settled more of his weight on her. Jenny’s eyebrows contracted and she stretched, then suddenly arched, hard, trying to lift him off. Not happening. He shook his head at her. “Derek,” she said. “Yes.” Her beautiful eyes filled with a sudden rush of tears. Derek made a sympathetic noise. She heaved against him again and he eased all of his weight down, pinning her. He cupped her cheek with a steady palm. “It’s okay,” he said. Her hands had been resting on his chest, light and passive despite the rest of her body’s attempts to put some space between them. At this, she dug her short nails in to his pecs. Then her hands flew up and into his hair and she dragged him down,

kissing him wildly. Abrupt, biting kisses, on his mouth, his jaw, his neck. Shit. He hadn’t thought he could get any harder. He couldn’t stop himself from moving against her, luxuriating in the roll of his hips. Once. Twice. Three times. Derek groaned and held himself still. If she kept this up, he was going to come before they even got started. “Shh,” he said. “Shh. I’ve got you.” Jenny growled and kissed him harder. He caught her hands and held her wrists by her head, gazing down in delighted amazement. “Easy.” “No! Why? I don’t want easy!” “Settle.” Jenny’s eyes flashed. “Do not tell me to settle. Make up your mind. First you want me, then you don’t. Stop—” “I always want you. I have always wanted you and I always will. That doesn’t change, Jen. Not ever. But you’re not rushing this.” She gave him a mutinous look. “I like it fast.” “Such a pretty pout.” He kissed her. Closedmouthed. Hard. Almost a punishment. “I like it slow. And I’m in charge.” Jenny sucked in air, as he’d known she would. “That’s what you think.” But she didn’t push him away. “I’m going to take my time with you, Jenny. I’ve

waited for you. So long. You think I’m gonna let you rush us through it, then run me out that door? Not a chance.” The tension left her as she relaxed in his grip, the flare of desperation fading. “I don’t…” she started to say something, then trailed off and bit her lip. “What?” Derek rubbed his thumb where she’d bitten. “What?” “I don’t know how to go slow.” “It’s easy. Nothing to it. All you have to do is trust me.” She snorted and rolled her eyes. Derek grinned. “Trust me. Enjoy it. Enjoy the journey. I’ll get you there. Why worry?” Her gaze dropped. “You might…not…get me there,” she said in a small voice. She darted him a look, then seemed to find the ceiling behind his head very interesting. Ah. Here it was. Derek waited until she looked at him again. “Is that a problem for you?” “No, I don’t mind. I just don’t want you to be disappointed if I don’t, you know. Have an orgasm. As long as you get yours.” “Baby.” Derek swept her hair off her face. “I was asking if you find it difficult having an orgasm, not do you mind if I go ahead and see to my own pleasure. I’ll be disappointed as hell if you don’t get yours.” She stiffened. “No pressure.”

“On the contrary. Lots of pressure.” He slid a hand between them and coasted it over her stomach. “Little bit here.” He brushed his fingers low. “Little bit there.” Jenny’s muscles jumped and she gave a tiny gasp. He smiled. “Maybe over here.” He went deep and her gasp this time was loud. “Lots and lots of pressure, Jenny. Over and over and over. Until I find what you like. What pleases you. That’s why I’m so happy I’ve finally got you under me. Do you understand? I want to see you wild. I want to make you scream.” Jenny studied him. Derek studied her right back. “Do you have difficulty with it? Because I’m not here to judge. I don’t care how long it takes, or how many times I have to try. If it doesn’t happen today? Don’t care. We’ll go again another day. And again.” He flexed into her. “And again. Eventually, I’ll find the way.” “Sometimes, with Dean, I didn’t manage to… connect.” Derek did not want to be talking about Dean Hansen right now. He did, however, want Jenny here with him. All the way. “That was you and Dean. Do you think you’re going to have a problem connecting with me?” Jenny’s eyes were filled with passion as she pretended to consider this. “I will admit, it doesn’t seem likely. But—” “No buts.” He bent down to give her a swift nip.

“Unless you want to give butts a go, in which case…” She giggled. Derek framed her face. “This is about you and me, here and now. I want to make you feel good. You don’t like what I’m doing, stop me. You want me to try something new—” he pinched her butt, “—speak up. I can take direction. You want to break for a glass of water and a snack, you get bored and want to stop altogether, tell me. “Jenny. It’s me, damn it. I’m with you. I’m already having the time of my life.” He had one hand between her thighs, and the other had been stroking her side in long, soothing sweeps. She’d begun to tremble, delicate shivers of her satiny skin beneath his touch. She shifted, and cleared her throat. “All right, then,” she said. Derek’s lips twitched. “All right?” She nodded. “All right. You may proceed.” “Well, since I have your permission.” He jumped up, scrambled out of his jeans, grabbed the condom he had ready in his pocket, and jumped back on her before she’d had the chance to react. “Let the games begin.” “Let the games begin? Really?” He nodded enthusiastically. Jenny tweaked his nipple piercing. “For a while there you had me fooled and I thought you were

kind of cool, Tate. But, ‘Let the games begin’?” “Quite the attitude from a woman who can’t get her own boots off. And wears her shirt buttoned up all the way to the top.” He chucked her under the chin. “Both of those things were because of the rain.” “Sure. Blame the weather.” He dropped the condom on her chest. It landed with a light smack. “You’re a stealth nerd. Don’t worry. I love you.” Shit. Jenny was fiddling with the condom wrapper and her head shot up. “What?” “You’re a stealth nerd,” he repeated. “And I love it.” He cocked a challenging brow. Call me on it. I dare you. Jenny gave an awkward laugh. Derek took the condom off her. “We’ll get to that in a minute. I do believe I owe you an orgasm first, since by my count I’m one ahead.” She arched her back as he dipped a hand between her legs. “How d’you want it?” he asked politely. “Like this?” He moved his hand. “Or…?” He drew his bottom lip in between his teeth and began to lower himself down her body, narrowed eyes on hers. “You talk a lot, Tate,” she said. “Can we please get on with it?” “I’m going to take that as you choose, Derek. Good news: I choose both.”

Derek continued downward, slid his hands beneath her butt, and lifted her to his mouth. He could, he decided, quite happily stay right where he was for the next hour. Or for eternity. However long it took. Conscious of her nerves, he was settling in to bring her gently and tenderly to the point where she’d be able to stop worrying about having an orgasm and let it happen, when she grabbed a double fistful of his hair and yanked. “Ow.” Derek flicked his gaze up. “Too much?” “OhmyGod. Noitsnottoomuch. Justkeepdoingitlikethat. Sonofabitch.” Okay. “Justlikethat.” Jenny panted again, bucking against him and nearly dislodging him. “RightthereohmyGod. There. Theretherethere.” Derek grinned and nipped the inside of her thigh, making her yelp. He changed his hold and flattened her to the mattress, pinning her with a hand spread wide on her stomach. Since she seemed to be enjoying herself—loudly—he forgot about tender and gentle and worked her how he wanted. Jenny lasted about three more gasping minutes before she screamed, and convulsed. Derek gave her a final, leisurely kiss. He propped his chin on her lower stomach, grazing her with the scruff on his jaw. “Good?” he said.

Jenny’s chest was heaving, one arm flung over her face, flushed bright red. “Did I not scream yes loud enough for you?” “You also called me a son of a bitch.” “You’re the devil. I always knew it.” “So, not good?” She slapped at him clumsily with a limp hand, catching him across the cheek. She followed it up with a soft, lingering caress. “Do you want an award?” “I’m sure there are certificates for this sort of thing on the Internet. You could print me one out if you like. I’ll frame it and put it on the wall in my office.” Jenny snorted. “Sexy,” he said, crawling back up her body. “Jenny.” He tugged at the arm she still had over her eyes. She clenched it tighter. “Look at me, baby.” “I can’t.” “Why not?” “I’m embarrassed.” “Because you tore out a good chunk of my hair?” “I didn’t!” She appeared from beneath her arm to check, then fell back with relief. “Asshole.” “Good?” he asked again. He wasn’t asking for a performance rating. “Still with me?”

She gave him a shy smile that twisted in his chest, and nodded. “I’m sorry for pulling your hair. I didn’t… I have no idea why I thought I wouldn’t…” She trailed off and shrugged. “It’s us, Jen. It’s chemistry. Now you know. Sex doesn’t have to be complicated.” “It usually is.” “Not here. Never with me.” He stretched over her and she wrapped her arms around him. “How are you so confident?” she asked with a flash of desperation mixed with anger. Her arms tightened. “Why is all of this easy for you? How come I’m a mess and you don’t suffer even a glimmer of nerves?” “Because there has never been any question in my mind that all this—” he gave a lazy thrust against her, “—would be amazing.” “Ah. I see. You are protected by your armor of impenetrable arrogance.” “I have no armor when it comes to you, Jenny. I’m confident because when I’m with you, so long as I am with you, I’ve already won. Anything else is a bonus.” She opened and shut her mouth, but no sound came out. “Plus,” he said, “Dean is a shit lover, and I have sex magic. Now.” He stroked between her legs. “Time for orgasm number two.” Jenny tried to clamp her thighs shut, a futile

effort as he had his hips lodged between them. “We’re even. And who cares about keeping count? Not me. Where’s the condom?” “I gave you two options and you declined to choose, remember? I chose both. Try to keep up. One down, one to go. Then the condom.” “Derek.” She curled a hand behind his neck and drew him down. “I want you inside me.” “You sure? Won’t take me a minute.” He moved his fingers. She kissed him, sucking his tongue into her mouth. She was sure. Derek found the condom, rolled it on, and then finally, finally, he was where he’d dreamed of being for so long. He hissed as he guided himself into her tight heat, soaking in the sensation, relishing the utter perfection of their fit. Jenny stared up at him, her eyes wide and stunned. He had no doubt his were the same. She lifted her knees, pressing them to his sides. Derek waited for her to adjust around him then began to move in long, slow lunges that rocked her up the bed. “Hold on to me,” he said. “Hold tighter.” She crossed her ankles at the small of his back and slid her arms around him, curling them up to his shoulders. Couldn’t get closer.

Couldn’t be better. “Don’t let go of me, Jen. Don’t let go.” “I can’t.” She panted against the side of his neck. “I won’t.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Jenny contemplated the display case in Megan’s coffee shop. Today was definitely a muffin day. Ronnie and Abel were due to drop off the herbs for the sensory garden, and Jenny had a long day of planting ahead of her. With all the outdoor labor she was doing these days, she was in danger of getting almost toned. At the very least, she could afford the muffin. “Stop drooling all over my display case,” Megan said. “You know my no-smudge rule. And we both know you’re going to have the chocolate chip.” “Yes, I’ll have the chocolate chip. But I’m feeling daring today. Throw in a banana and walnut.” “Living wild.” “I am indeed.” She really, really was. Wild with Derek. In the week since she’d booty-called him, they’d been together three more times.

Once, he’d brought a picnic lunch to the community center and driven her out of town to a local hiking trail and picnic spot. He’d jumped on her the moment she finished her sandwich, and she’d experienced her very first outdoor sex, with the twigs, leaves and dirt in her hair and clothes to prove it. Once, after dropping Kate off at school, Jenny had surprised him at the garage. She hadn’t trusted the lock on his office door, so Derek had dragged her through to the attached bathroom, held her up against the wall and driven her out of her mind. And the third time, they’d passed on the road as he was heading to her house at the same time as she had been driving to the garage. Technically this one didn’t count as full sex. He’d followed her home, leaped into the car with her before she’d even had the chance to open her door, given her a brutally quick orgasm courtesy of some dirty talk and fast hands, and ridden off for a meeting at his bank before she could return the favor. She was living wild, and loving it. Jenny straightened, bumping into the person queuing behind her. Before she could turn to apologize, she froze. Along with the coffee shop’s scent of vanilla and cinnamon and chocolate, another delicious scent filled her nose. Distinctive. Like sunlight, pine, motor oil, and happiness.

Derek. Warm hands caught her upper arms to steady her, lingering a second before letting her go. Jenny’s heart slammed in her chest. Pow. Derek moved closer. She felt his attention lock on the back of her neck, his heat sinking into her. “Coffee with that?” Megan asked her. All her senses attuned to the man behind her, Jenny struggled to reply. “Mm-hmm. Yes. Please. Thank you.” Megan’s eyes flicked up to Derek, back down to Jenny’s face. Jenny glared at her. Megan shook her head and turned to make the coffee. Jenny stood there, breathing him in. Derek’s chest brushed her tense back, and her stomach twisted at the erotic memory of the last time she’d felt him there. Naked. Hot. Holding her down as he moved inside her. Crap. Now she was sweating. She didn’t speak to him. She couldn’t. If she opened her mouth and tried to say anything, all she’d do was moan. Derek shifted his large body behind her. Under cover of the messenger bag she wore slung over her shoulder, he slid a hand around her hip. The curve of her hipbone fit in the hollow of his palm. His fingers spread wide, and tantalizingly low. He held her, grip firm.

Heat rushed through her. Don’t freak out. No one can see. Jenny stared at the display case as if the meaning of life rested within. Why was Megan taking so long to make her coffee? One of Derek’s boots tapped Jenny’s heel. Without thinking, she widened her stance. Big mistake. He nudged her foot farther to the side, and eased a leg between hers. Subtly. It wasn’t like he bent her over the display case or anything. The line behind them was packed tight enough that everyone was crowded close. He hadn’t done anything outrageous. It just felt that way. Jenny heaved in a breath and cautiously turned her head, making it seem as if she was looking for a free table. As she did, Derek turned toward her, making it seem as if he was looking down into the display case. She could see the scruff on his jaw, the steady pulse in his strong throat. And the dimple in his cheek. Bastard was enjoying himself. Standing there, examining the muffins and pastries, turning her on like nobody’s business. Turning her on with one hand on her hip, and one foot between hers. That’s all it took. All right. She was game.

Jenny shuffled back and leaned against him, fulllength. “Oh,” she said, blinking up over her shoulder. “I’m sorry. How clumsy of me… Well, hey there, Derek.” She stepped forward, obliging him to release her hip. “Jenny.” “How are you?” “Good. You?” “Great. How’s your mom?” she asked brightly. “Also great. Dad, too.” Jenny clutched the strap of her messenger bag. “Come on, Megan,” she called. “Are you grinding the beans by hand? Individually?” “I’m down a barista today. You’ll have to wait.” The people in the queue behind them groaned. “You’ll all have to wait,” Megan said. “Excuse me a minute.” Derek slung a muscled arm around Jenny’s waist and tugged her into him as he leaned over and pretended to study the display case. “You’re blocking my view.” He held her easily, tipping her off-balance and to one side so he had a clear line of sight to the display. “I’m in the mood for something sweet. Any suggestions?” Jenny dug her fingers into his strong forearm. “Try the muffins.” “Which one would you recommend?” Jenny glanced around. No one seemed to be paying them any attention. “Chocolate chip.”

Derek sucked his teeth and made a tutting sound. “Not a huge chocolate fan.” “Psychopath. Try the banana and walnut, then.” “Eh.” “Lemon and cranberry.” “Well…” “Blueberry.” “Blueberry, huh? Sweet and juicy.” He turned and looked down, his eyes gleaming. “Just how I like it. Thanks.” He returned her to her original position as Megan set her coffee and muffins on the counter. Jenny swayed and caught herself against the case front. Scowling, Megan reached under the counter and pulled out a cloth, tossing it at Jenny. “Wipe your paw prints off my glass.” Jenny snatched the cloth out of the air a second before it smacked her in the face. “What?” “No-smudge rule. I’m serious. Paw prints off. Or I shall withhold.” “Come on,” someone in the queue behind them said in a whiny tone. “I shall withhold from you, too, if I hear another peep,” Megan called. The whiner didn’t say anything else. “You’re a jerk, Megan.” Jenny bent at the waist to clean the glass. Derek groaned as her butt made accidental contact with his groin. “Oops.” She

turned and looked over her shoulder. Derek’s eyes were dark and narrowed. “Watch out back there,” she said. “I need some room to work.” This time the contact wasn’t accidental. A possessive hand landed heavy at the base of her spine before he snatched it away. Gotcha. “Jesus,” Megan said. Then, “Think you’re done, Finley.” Jenny tossed the cloth back at Megan and dug out her wallet. “What do I owe you?” “Nine bucks.” Jenny handed the money over. “Thanks.” “Yeah. And next time, can you two be more subtle with the foreplay, please? This is a family place.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Ronnie and Abel unloaded the garden center truck and drove off. Jenny was setting the plants still in their pots out on the prepared bed, deciding on the precise arrangement, when Dean came striding across the lawn. Again? “I thought you were living in Mayfield,” she said, putting a large rosemary to one side and tucking her work gloves into her belt. “Why are you always here?” “I’m not always here. This is the third time. And I can’t stay long.” “Sounds good to me.” “Jenny, I’ve been thinking.” “Less good.” Dean shoved his hands in his pockets and toed at the grass. “You’re making changes I’m not happy with.” “Is this about Derek again?” “Yes, it’s about Derek. It’s about Derek taking my place.”

“Dean…are you jealous?” He gritted his teeth. Jenny couldn’t help it. She laughed. “I cannot believe you’re jealous. You don’t have the right to be jealous of the man I’m with.” “Maybe not. I think I do have the right to be cautious about the man my daughter spends her time with, which is what she’ll be doing if you get serious with Tate.” Jenny’s lizard brain woke up, sensing danger. Dean continued, “I guess I didn’t see this coming, Jenny. I never pegged you as the happilyever-after kind of woman. You’re an amazing mother, and that seemed to be enough. You’re hardly romantic. I figured that having a guy around wasn’t a big deal for you. You were never much into sex after Kate. As for intimacy, forget about it. You’re too independent. I don’t think you ever let me in. Half the time we were married I felt superfluous.” “Half the time we were married, you were absent. You were at a poker game. Or the track. How many times did you go to Vegas and tell me it was a work trip…?” Dean took his hands from his pockets and held them up in the air, stepping back. “I didn’t come here to fight. I came to set up a meeting. Which, by the way, I could have accomplished with a simple call if you’d give me your phone number.”

“A meeting?” “A drink. Casual. Nothing to worry about, nothing formal. And I don’t want you to freak out, but I’ll be bringing my lawyer.” “What?” “You’re freaking out.” “I’d be an idiot not to. Who brings a fucking lawyer to a casual meeting?” “Someone who wants to ensure their rights are being taking into consideration.” The top of Jenny’s head was going to blow off with rage. “You don’t have any rights.” “We’ll see. I know that you’re struggling for money—” “Do you now?” “—which is why I wanted to give you some, if you’ll recall, but you refused. Don’t feel that you need to lawyer up, too. I know there’s no way you can afford it.” Jenny stared at him, all smug and satisfied in his (current) financial superiority. “Let’s take it one step at a time,” he said. “I’m hoping that when we all get together, you’ll be reasonable.” “Hard to feel reasonable when you’re threatening me, Dean.” “I’m not threatening you. I’m making a statement. You have to take me seriously, and thus far I don’t think you’ve given my concerns any

consideration whatsoever. My hope is that if you and I sit down and we have a lawyer present, purely in an observatory capacity, then you’ll focus on what’s important, get your head straight, and give me a chance.” Jenny’s jaw had dropped at Dean’s staggering statement. When he finished talking, she held up a finger and said, “Give me a minute?” Dean nodded encouragingly. She waited until the adrenaline pumping through her system lowered from full boil to a gentle simmer. “Okay,” she said. “You’ve decided that you don’t want me to have a romantic life because you don’t want Kate to have another man as a father figure. And because you’re doing well financially and can afford it and you know that I’m not doing financially well and I can’t afford it, you want to take advantage and reopen the question of custody and/or visitation rights.” “I’m not doing this to take advantage or because I don’t want you to have a romantic life. I’m doing this to protect Kate. And you, Jenny. I want to protect you, too.” “I’m not yours to protect. And how long is this random protective urge going to last, anyway? Until the next bad bet? Which, gotta tell you, Dean, is a lot closer than you think, if you go ahead with this nonsense.” Dean’s lips tightened.

“Do you even realize what you’re doing right now?” Jenny asked. “Yes.” “You realize you’re gambling with me?” He laughed. “That’s ridiculous.” “You think I don’t see what you’re doing?” “I’m protecting my interests.” “No. You’ve looked at your situation. You’ve looked at mine. Based on the disparity, you’re gambling that I can’t fight you. You’re trying to force me into giving in. Giving you a say in my life. A say you absolutely do not deserve.” Dean didn’t deny it. Jenny shook her head. “Remember that you dealt these cards.” She was still fuming an hour after Dean had left, having agreed to meet him at Kurt’s in two days. Dean’s biggest problem? He was never satisfied. Jenny had been willing, if reluctant, to allow him back into Kate’s life in some small measure. But this, pushing to gain some control over them? No. Scratch that. Dean’s biggest problem wasn’t that he was never satisfied. That was his second biggest problem. His biggest problem was that the man couldn’t bluff for shit. That’s what all his bluster was. A bluff. A kneejerk reaction to seeing her moving on, to realizing what he’d lost.

Like it or not, Derek Tate was going to have what Dean had thrown away. And there was nothing Dean could do about it. Unless he pulled a dick move like this one. The thing was, while Dean couldn’t bluff, Jenny could. So she’d agreed, and Dean had no idea what kind of anvil she was going to drop on his head.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

“Derek. Someone to see you.” Dani rapped her knuckles on the side panel of the Chevy Derek was under. Derek wheeled out, expecting to see Jenny. Hoping to see Jenny. That hope evaporated when, instead of muddy boots, a small pair of shiny black stilettos came into view. One toe was tapping, giving him a flash of red soles. Slender legs disappeared into a narrow black pencil skirt, into which was tucked a sleeveless rose silk blouse that revealed toned arms. Lila was looking good, as always. Her expression, unusually, was not so good. “Get up, Tate,” she snapped. “You and I have to talk.” Derek stood. “I’m up. Talk.” “To be clear, when I said we have to talk, I meant you’re going to listen and I’m going to yell. You want me to do it here? Or shall we take this somewhere more private?”

Derek didn’t want Lila yelling at him anywhere, but the tension rolling off her in waves suggested it was going to happen anyway. “I’d prefer to contain it.” He gestured her toward the office. “What—” he began as the door clicked shut behind them. Lila stepped into him, one hand on his chest, and shoved him back against it. The breath whooshed out of him. Derek blinked. She was strong for such a little thing. Fuck that, Lila Baxter was strong, period. “You,” she yelled, “are an asshole!” She was also loud. “Lila, calm down. Don’t try to chest-bump me, you nut, you’re too short. And you’ll hurt your boobs. I said don’t.” He moved her aside. “What is wrong with you?” “What’s wrong with me? I like that. What is wrong with you? I stumbled across an interesting piece of information this morning, Derek. So interesting, I had to run right over here and hear it from the source because I don’t want to believe it. I really don’t.” Derek crossed his arms over his chest, glaring down at her. “What Jenny and I do is none of your damn business.” She jerked her head back. “None of my business? It’s all my business, mister. All.” “None. Our sex life is private.”

Lila burst out laughing. “Bitch, please. Jenny tells me everything.” Derek shook his head slowly. No, she didn’t. Lila scowled. “She won’t tell me anything, and that is not cool, but man is she private. If you’d care to share, please do.” She waited. “No? Shame. I’m not even talking about your stupid hot nasty sex life, anyway. I’m talking about you being about to lose your goddamn business, making my girl two for two when it comes to loser men who can’t keep their finances straight.” “My finances are even less your business than my hot nasty sex life.” “You’re right. Except for when your finances threaten Jenny’s future. What’s going on, Derek? This place—” Lila encompassed the garage with another of her extravagant hand gestures, “—is listed for sale. And not by you.” “It shouldn’t be listed anymore. Marshall promised he’d take it down.” “I can assure you it is, and he didn’t.” “Goddammit.” Derek sat on the edge of his desk and gripped the back of his neck, staring at the floor. “Talk to me,” Lila said. “Marshall Rawlings, Harry’s son and the owner of the building, wants to retire to Texas. His wife wants a nice big house, and the house has got to have a pool, so Marshall’s selling this building, and

putting my business and my employees’ jobs at risk.” “I can understand the pool. I hear it gets hot in Texas.” “Lila.” “Okay. He’s selling. You’re not buying?” “I’m trying. Got turned down for the loan, but it was a lot. No surprise there. Martin Bradford at the bank said he’ll get me the max he can, but everything depends on me convincing Marshall to take a smaller amount—and a smaller pool for his wife—and a regular income to cover the rest.” Lila perched next to him. “Think he’s gonna go for it?” “I don’t know. I thought so. We had an understanding. He likes the idea of Rawlings’ Auto Repairs continuing on, thinks of it as some sort of family legacy. Hard to believe he’s sincere about it anymore. He said he’d get Lassiter to take the listing down, and that obviously hasn’t happened.” “Lassiter? I know him. Guy’s a prick. Great real estate agent. Total prick. He’ll do anything for a big fat commission.” She dragged out the word anything, opening her eyes wide and nodding. “Which he won’t get if Rawlings sells to you. Trust me, he’s running around trying to come up with a better offer.” She nudged Derek with a shoulder. “Tag me in.” “Tag you…?”

“You are sweet as honey, boy, but you do not know how shit is done. You and Marshall do your gentlemanly agreement family legacy crap. I’ll get in the ring with Lassiter and I will knock that fucker clean out the fight.” Lila leaned into her hands and swung her legs. “You have to understand something, Derek. I love Jenny like a sister. I want her to be happy. Her mom left when she was six, her dad was an alcoholic, her husband turned out to be a gambling addict. Her life has been a mix of bad luck and bad choices. But you?” She shrugged. “I’ve never seen her this happy. You make her happy. I want her to stay that way, her and Kate. And I’m ruthless when it comes to getting what I want.” “I am aware.” “We didn’t run in the same circles, but d’you remember me in high school?” He nodded. “Adolescence was not kind to me. When you’re the fat chick with orthodontics and glasses, it’s brutal. You either put your head down and you get through it. Or you raise hell. I went with hell, and Jenny rode shotgun. She had my back, every damn day. She always has. I’ve got hers. Tag me in.” Derek thought about it. “I don’t want Jenny to know,” he said abruptly. “It’s taken forever to get her to take a chance on me, and she’s cautious, Lila. She’s worried about how Kate’s going to take

having a new guy in her life instead of Dean—” “Pfft. Kate loves you.” “Yeah? She’s pretty great, isn’t she?” “Kate’s adaptable. She will not be an issue.” “Marshall’s timing sucks. The woman of my dreams is finally free, and practically on the same day Marshall pulls the rug out, leaving me about as attractive a prospect as Dean. “I want her for good, Lila. How am I supposed to manage that if I lose the building? Even if I pin Marshall down and get him to sell to me, I’ll be asking Jenny to trust herself—and her daughter—to a man with enormous debt. I know I can make it work. But do you think she’ll be able to see any difference between me and Dean?” “There’s a huge difference. Dean is a compulsive gambler. He’s up, he’s down. He’s here, he’s gone. You’re a rock. You’re just going to be a rock with a bitch of a mortgage.” “Will Jenny see it that way?” Lila chewed her lip. “Eventually,” she said. “Yeah. When will ‘eventually’ kick in? After five more years of me chasing her? I want our life now. I want a home and a family with her now. I used to think I was a patient man, but I’ve got to tell you, when it comes to Jenny Finley?” He shook his head. “I’m all out of patience.” “You are so sexy.” “Lila.”

“Sorry. It’s all the clenching fists and the red face and the growling.” She patted his bicep. “You have a good point. Once Jenny makes up her mind, that woman is tough to move. I’m not going to hide things from her if she asks me outright, but listen, this is your private business. Sure, I may have stumbled across it and an argument could be made that the code of sisterhood requires that I inform her at once, but…” “But?” “As well as being too sexy for your own good, Derek Tate, you’re a good man. You make her happy. I can keep my lips zipped until you get it sorted. Also, I have a great surprise face. What?” She held up her hands, looking from one side to the other. “I never knew! Whaaat? No idea!” He squinted at her. Lila sagged. “The sisterhood is going to expel me for my egregious betrayal. I’m not fooling myself here. I am a terrible person. But I’m an awesome friend. I refuse to stand by while my bestie lives her life as a spinster in her little house in the woods until her daughter grows up and leaves the nest. Because we both know that’s a very real possibility. In fact, Derek, I think you’re the only man she’d ever take a chance on. Lucky for Jenny, I have her best interests at heart. You gonna let me go after Lassiter?” “Can I stop you?”

“Nope.” “Then take him out. And I’ll work on Rawlings.” **** After Dean left, Jenny worked hard throughout the afternoon, preparing the ground for the community center’s new patio. She threw herself into it, using the intense physical labor of whacking her shovel and, on occasion, pickaxe, into the dirt as a way to burn through her frustration with Dean. The odd thing was, she wasn’t as frustrated with him as she’d expected to be. She was irritated as hell because Dean, as always, was underestimating her and overestimating himself. Schooling him was going to take time she would rather spend doing basically anything other than interacting with a man who wanted to take advantage of someone he perceived as weaker, and sugarcoated it as wanting to protect them. Perceived being the key word. Dean didn’t know who he was messing with. He didn’t know her anymore, if he ever had. Jenny might not have the money to throw around on a new custody case, but she had something better. Enough intelligence to know how to de-escalate a situation. And friends who could help her do it. She turned her plan over during the rest of her work day, packed up her tools, and sat in the shade

of a small maple as she placed a call. The phone rang three times before he answered. “Hi, Jenny.” “Hi.” She stalled. Wow. That was quick. Jenny scowled at the grass. Okay, she had the intelligence to come up with a great plan and she was blessed with a friend who could help her do it, but her independent nature wasn’t ever going to be happy asking for help. “What’s up?” Gabe Sterling asked. At the same time, Jenny said, “How are things in San Francisco? How are Nora and the baby?” “Miracles sent from on high.” He wasn’t even being flippant. The man adored his wife and unborn child. “Jenny?” She realized she’d missed what else Gabe had said. “Yes?” “I asked what’s up?” “I can’t call to chat?” “You regularly call to chat. You never call with that tone of voice.” Jenny wrestled her pride into submission and cleared her throat. “I, uh…kind of need you. Well, not you personally. I need to borrow an asset of yours.” “Name it.” “I need a lawyer.” “Are you in trouble?” he demanded, going from

lazy and amused to sharp and alert. “No.” Jenny heaved a sigh. “I am having an exhusband situation. It’s nothing major.” “Dean, huh? Not a problem. I’ll destroy him. What are we thinking? You want me to put him in prison? Make him leave the country? I can do anything but kill him. That, I can arrange. I’ll contract it out to my brother.” “For God’s sake, Gabe, you have to stop telling people your brother is a contract killer. He’s in the Navy.” “Whatever. Choose Hansen’s future, and I’ll fix your problem.” “No! I don’t need you to fix it for me. I don’t need people to fix things for me, I’m fixing it myself. I have a plan. I know your company is based in San Francisco, but do you have any lawyers who are licensed to practice in Washington?” “One of my companies is based in San Francisco, and I have lawyers who are licensed to practice everywhere.” “Great. All I need is to borrow the meanest lawyer you have. I need a scarecrow.” “I’m hoping that’s an analogy or a metaphor. If I order my best lawyer to stand in a field and scare birds, he’ll make me give him an obscene bonus.” “It’s an analogy. I can’t actually afford a lawyer. All I need is for it to look like I can.”

“You don’t have to afford a lawyer. I’ll afford it for you.” “The whole point of my plan is to avoid anyone having to afford anything. I’m bluffing.” “Is Hansen threatening you?” Gabe’s voice crackled with suppressed anger. “Yes, but it’s nothing to worry about. I’ve got this, Gabe. He made the foolish decision to gamble with my life. I’m going to play him at his own game, and I am going to shut him down.” “I’m coming to Emerson.” “No! That isn’t necessary.” She didn’t even want Gabe in the same state as Derek. “I want to have a chat with Dean Hansen. I think I want that chat face to face.” “I think that’s a terrible idea.” “Pity. I’m coming.” “Gabe, I don’t want you to come here. I’ve got it under control. I want to do this my way.” Silence. “Please don’t make me regret calling you. I don’t want to start a whole legal nightmare over Kate. I will not have her be the prize in a tug of war. Hence my plan. He’s bluffing. I’m bluffing. Dean will blink, I promise you, and we can avoid all legal proceedings. He thinks I can’t afford a lawyer. If I make him think that not only do I have one, I have one who can crush his, he’ll back down.”

“Hmm.” “C’mon. My way’s best. Little bit of smoke and mirrors, little bit of attitude and front, Dean realizes he can’t mess with me, boom. Problem solved.” “I like it. All right. I’ll send someone.” “Weren’t you listening? You don’t have to send anyone. Get with the plan, Gabe. Smoke and mirrors. All I need from you is a lawyer who’s briefed so that when they get a call from Dean or his lawyer to check up on me, they don’t say, ‘Who the hell is Jenny Finley?’, they say, ‘Of course, we are handling her case, and did you know I eat small-town lawyers for breakfast, lunch and dinner?’ See? This is elegant. I end his stupid play with a five-minute phone call.” “That is elegant.” “So, yes?” “Are you sure you don’t want to do it for real? Say the word and I can make Hansen go away for good.” “Do not have him killed. Don’t have him thrown in prison. I just want him…schooled.” “I’m honored you asked me, Jenny.” “You were the obvious choice.” “You didn’t think about asking Alex? He’d throw down for you in a second.” “For a smart guy, you sure are missing the point. I’m not asking you because I need a big strong man to throw down for me. I’m asking you because you

have a legal department I can borrow. I know Alex is loaded, what with being Mr. Rock star Sculptor and all, but he doesn’t already have his very own lawyer I can pretend is mine, getting him involved would lead to spending actual money, aaaaand we circle back to the me-affording-it problem. “Besides, if I ask Alex, he’d tell Elle, she’d go after Dean, and then it’s all a big thing. Or he might not tell Elle, but he’d go after Dean himself. Once again, it’s all a big thing. You, Gabe, are the one I can trust to be logical.” “You have failed to take into consideration how pissed off I am to hear that Hansen is threatening you.” “Yeah, well, unlike Alex and Elle, you can’t do anything rash because you’re in San Francisco—” “I’m in Seattle right now.” “—and you’re a smart guy.” “I’m a genius.” “—and, again, unlike Alex and Elle, you can set aside emotion for long enough to run through the various outcomes and realize that my way is the best way to do it.” “All right. I like your plan. Not all of it, but most of it. Go ahead and give them Bill’s name.” “Bill? As in Anderson?” she squeaked in alarm. “Bill Anderson?” He was Gabe’s CEO, and top contender, as far as Jenny was concerned, for most intimidating man on the planet.

“The very same. He’s with me in Seattle.” “You don’t have to bother Bill with this, Gabe. Seriously. Any lawyer will do.” “Bill’s the best. He will scare the shit out of any crows that need scaring.” Bill could vaporize any crows that needed scaring with nothing more than a steely glare. “I say again, any old lawyer will do. Any old lawyer would be better. No one will believe the CEO of your billion-dollar company would be interested in my case. It’s overreaching.” “Bill’s the best. You’re having Bill. As for believing it, they won’t have a choice when he confirms it in person.” “It’s over the top. I’m trying to avoid drama. I don’t need a dry ice machine and a light show.” “Oh, Bill hates drama. Also, oddly enough, dry ice machines and light shows. He had a bad experience at a Cher concert back in the day. Ask him about it some time. Get him drunk first. As for Dean, Bill will shut this shit down surgically. No fuss. No screaming.” “Okaay.” “I’ll brief him and he’ll be ready to take the call. Before I go, though, I have a question.” “Shoot.” “I get why you didn’t want to loop Alex or Elle in on this, but why ask me? Why didn’t you ask Tate? Didn’t think he’d step up?”

“For the last time, don’t need a man. Need a prop. And, are you kidding me? Derek would freak out even harder than Alex or Elle… Wait. Why are we talking about Derek?” “I saw the cutest little photo of him and Kate on her first day of kindergarten. You have my approval, Jenny. Proceed with happily ever after.” That photo! Why had she taken it? “You hacked Elle’s phone, didn’t you?” Jenny demanded. “Don’t be ridiculous, I didn’t hack it. I cloned it.” “Why would you even do that?” She knew why. He had a God complex. “You know why,” Gabe said. “I have a God complex.” Jenny growled. “Do you have any idea how creepy that is? Cloning the cell phone of your best friend’s girlfriend?” “Creepy is regrettable, but unavoidable. It’s necessary. I like to keep an eye on Alex. It’s a habit. And he never uses his own phone.” For a long time, Gabe had watched over Alex— whether Alex liked it or not—seeing it as his bestfriend duty to balance out Alex’s temperamental artistic nature with his own practical, if somewhat atypical, common sense. Since Elle had come into Alex’s life, Gabe had learned to let Alex go. Mostly because Elle could out-practical Gabe without breaking a sweat.

Even knowing his temperamental buddy was in safe hands, however, Gabe would never stop looking out for him. “By the way,” Gabe said, “I have to ask. Does Elle think she’s being funny with all the sexts?” “Yep.” “And the weird photos?” “Supposed to confuse you.” “How is her bent arm confusing?” “You’re supposed to think it’s her butt.” “Huh.” Jenny directed the conversation away from her sister’s goofy sense of humor and back on track. “Aside from being creepy, I can’t begin to tell you the gross violation of privacy that surveilling her phone constitutes.” “Jenny. I gave Elle the phone. She knows I’ll hack anything if I’m bored, or curious, or have five minutes’ downtime. It’s not a violation of privacy. It’s our own special way of communicating. If I was hacking someone who didn’t know me all that well, someone like, say, Derek Tate as a random example, then that would be appalling behavior.” Jenny sucked in a breath. “You haven’t hacked Derek.” “I haven’t?” “Gabe.” “That would be so very illegal.” “Don’t hack Derek.”

“…” “Promise me right now that you’ll leave him alone.” “…” “Don’t you dare hack Derek. I am serious. There will be consequences.” “Fine. I’ll stop looking into him.” “You’ll stop? Are you telling me that you have been looking into him?” “Need I remind you of the cute photo? I had to look into him.” “Gross violation! Privacy!” “Do I have to go over this again? If it’s on the Internet, it’s up for grabs.” “It wasn’t on the Internet.” “You took the photo on your phone, you sent it to Elle, it exists in cyberspace, therefore it belongs to me—” “Gabe, stop. I have to go and pick Kate up. Leave Derek alone. And thank you.” “My pleasure, kid.” “Love to Nora and the spawn.” “Say hi to Derek for me.” “Sure. Wait—” But Gabe had disconnected on a laugh.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Derek swept Jenny’s hair back over her shoulders and framed her face with his hands. She was lying on top of him, in her pajamas, her muscles soft and warm despite the long day. After getting home from work she’d taken a quick shower, cooked spaghetti for dinner, and Derek had come over to eat with them. Kate had chattered at him happily throughout the entire meal. Jenny had barely said a word, content with watching them. She’d had the strangest feeling in her chest. It was a feeling she’d recognized, even though she hadn’t felt it for a long time. Possibly since her early twenties. It was hope. Naturally, this made Jenny cautious. She’d been thinking about telling Kate that she and Derek were seeing each other. Jenny had no doubt that Kate would be thrilled. Not just because Kate had always liked Derek, but because Kate

could tell he made Jenny happy. And her baby girl had spent long enough worrying about Jenny being happy. It wasn’t the right time, though. Yet. While her heart was all in, her brain told her there was no harm in taking it slowly. It had only been two weeks since they’d made love. She was pretty sure that was what had happened. Her booty call for some impromptu sex had in fact been making love. On her side? She heaved a gusty sigh. Yeah, she’d been making love. On Derek’s? She couldn’t swear to it, but she was almost convinced he’d said I love you. He’d covered quickly. But he’d said it. She thought. Unless she was thinking it because she wanted him to have said it. The fierceness with which she wanted him to have said it, I love you, was…unsettling. Jenny couldn’t remember wanting anything that badly from another person in her life. It was another reason to be cautious. She’d wait to tell Kate. Until she got a handle on her emotions. Until she’d fixed the Dean situation. Jenny registered Derek’s grin. “What?” she asked. “I can feel your brain working.” Derek squeezed his hands together lightly. “It’s humming.” “That’s not the part of me that’s humming right

now,” she told him. His eyes darkened. “Cruel woman.” She traced his smile with a fingertip. “I’m torturing myself as much as you. Maybe more.” Derek had stayed over two other nights, and he was staying tonight. It felt as if he’d always been here, in her bed. They hadn’t done anything when he stayed. It didn’t sit right with her. To sneak him in for sex when Kate was in bed felt wrong for Kate; to have sex with him then shove him out in the morning before Kate was up felt wrong for Derek. But falling asleep in his arms felt like the most perfect thing in the world, and she wasn’t going to miss a second of it. Except tonight. Unless she was very much mistaken, Derek was about to push her off. She enclosed his strong wrists with her fingers and pulled his hands from her face, pressing them to the pillow either side of his head. His pupils, already wide with a combination of low light and desire, dilated. “What are you doing, Jenny?” he said, voice husky. “I’m restraining you.” “Are you, now?” She nodded, tightening her grip. “You’re not leaving.” “I need to leave.”

“No.” She clamped her thighs around his narrow hips and leaned some weight into her hands. His wrists flexed under her fingers then he arched up and kissed her. It was a whisper of a kiss, a soft stroke of his mouth over hers. He was gentling her. Jenny nipped him. Derek dropped his head back to the pillow and groaned. “Stop tormenting me.” She soothed the spot she’d bitten with another kiss. “I’m not tormenting you,” she murmured against him. Derek flexed again. “You are. This isn’t going anywhere tonight. There’s only so much I can take.” She kissed the corner of his mouth. “You can’t take—” she kissed the other corner, “—a tiny bit more?” Derek’s lips parted. “No,” he whispered. She looked down into his heated eyes. “Don’t go.” “I have to.” “You stayed before.” “It’s getting harder.” Jenny glanced down between their bodies and raised a brow. “Not what I meant,” he growled. “I want to sleep with you.” “I want that too, baby, but I’m done. I can’t

control myself anymore. I know you don’t want this to happen yet. If I stay, it will.” “I trust you.” Her fingers laced through his. “I don’t,” Derek said, and in a sudden move he reversed their positions. “I can’t sleep. I lie here with you against me all night and I can’t shut my eyes because I can’t believe I’ve finally got you. And you’re so close, Jen, but it’s not close enough.” He lowered his head and muttered, “It’s never close enough.” He kissed her. Usually Derek tasted like humor and light, and teasing passion. This was different. There was nothing teasing about this kiss. It was sharp-edged and dark, and she felt the need in him unraveling as he slid his tongue against hers. He gripped her jaw with one hand and slanted first one way then the other, filling her over and over, breathing hard. Jenny whimpered and wrapped her legs around his restless hips, locking him to her, welcoming everything he gave. He slid a hand into her hair and tugged, hard enough to sting but not hard enough to hurt. He ravaged her neck with harsh, sucking bites and she clutched at his muscled sides, pulling him into her, again and again. Derek broke the kiss and rolled them. The sensation of his weight being snatched away left her disoriented for a moment, and she swayed on top of him. Bracing a hand on his chest, she

pushed herself upright and straddled him, letting out a shaky breath. He held her waist in possessive hands. “Still trust me?” he said with a dark smile. “Always.” Jenny shifted off him. She stayed kneeling as he got to his feet and stood, staring at her. “What?” she said with a little laugh. “You really do trust me, don’t you?” She reached up to smooth the small crease between his brows. “I said it, didn’t I? Derek? What is it?” “Nothing.” “You sure?” “Everything’s fine.” He caught her hand as it fell away, and kissed her palm. When her soft smile faltered, he cupped the back of her neck and dragged her into another searing kiss. Jenny watched him leave her bedroom, heard the front door open and shut. Thoughtfully, she traced the small crease between her own brows. Tomorrow, she decided. Tomorrow she’d fix the Dean problem. Then it was time. She’d tell Kate about Derek. **** Derek stuffed the grease rag in his back pocket and folded his arms over his chest, watching the man stroll into the workshop like he had a right. Lassiter stopped a few feet away, and Derek knew. He knew. “No,” he said.

Lassiter pursed his lips and gave a slight shrug. “I’m afraid, yes.” “Marshall and I had an agreement.” “Yes, he told me. He also warned you the agreement wouldn’t hold if someone offered him millions for it.” Derek popped his jaw. “You expect me to believe that someone offered millions?” “It’s a valuable property, and Marshall’s intent was to sell it to you at your price unless someone offered a ridiculous sum. And they did.” Lassiter’s smile spread slow. “Truly ridiculous.” “This is bullshit.” “Marshall never should have strung you along. I always knew I could get better than he would settle for. Thought I’d lost my commission when he made me take it off the market. Lucky me, an interested party contacted me the very same day. When it came down to it, Marshall’s need to leave a family legacy couldn’t stand firm against double the asking price.” “Someone is willing to pay double?” “Yes. He wants to expedite the sale.” “It’s over, then,” Derek said. “Yes.” “So why are you here?” “Marshall insisted I give you a chance to match the bid price. Can you? No? Didn’t think so. Not that there’s any point. The buyer has indicated that

he will go higher every time. He wants it, and he wants it now. I’m not at liberty to reveal his identity, but trust me. You cannot beat this man.” “I can’t go ten bucks over. Marshall knows that. It was real generous of him, sending you to rub my nose in it.” “I’m also here for another reason—” “I don’t care.” “I do,” Lassiter snapped. “She is making life very difficult for me.” Derek, who had been walking away, stopped and spun to face Lassiter. He smiled. “You talking about Lila Baxter?” Lassiter’s face was red. “Call her off.” Derek laughed. “No.” “It’s done. All over but for Marshall’s final signature. You’ve accepted it. Tell Baxter to accept it, and move on.” “Sure. I could tell her. But you have to know, no power on Earth—or in Hell, come to that—can stop Lila doing what she wants. Sucks for you to be on her bad side. My thinking is, she’s not going to let this go anytime soon. Reap the whirlwind, Lassiter.” “This is just business.” Derek strode forward until he was standing over Lassiter. The shorter man took an involuntary step back then stood his ground. “This is my life,” Derek said. “My future. My

family’s future. You and Marshall, between the pair of you, have thrown it all into chaos. It isn’t ‘just business’. I’ll tell Lila to leave you alone, but for her own reasons, she’s as invested in a future that involves me having a functioning business as I am. My guess is, you have made yourself a professional rival the likes of which you can’t even begin to imagine. I’m all about forgiveness. I understand mercy. Lila? Not so much.” “But she—” Derek pointed at the open bay doors over Lassiter’s shoulder. “Exit’s that way.” He strode to his office, slammed the door, and dialed Marshall. “Hello, Derek,” Marshall said at the other end, sounding cautious. “Gonna keep this short, Marshall.” “Before you—” “Harry gave me a job the day after I graduated high school. He encouraged me, supported me, made me partner then sold me the business. He was a good man, and I owe him a lot.” “Shoot, Derek, I’m sorry that—” “Out of respect for Harry,” Derek said on a sigh, “I’m going to wish you and your wife the best.” There was a silence at the other end of the phone. “You…?” Marshall said. “Hope you’re both very happy in Texas.” “That’s very kind of you, Derek. I know that

Dad loved you and…well, he’d kick my ass for selling.” “Yep.” “But you understand, right?” “No, Marshall, I don’t. I don’t have to understand. You did what you did. You did it for you. You wanted more than I could offer, and it’s your choice to make. We’re done. All the best. Email me the details about vacating the property.” “The new owner was unclear as to his plans, so maybe he’ll—” “I’m hanging up now, Marshall.” “Okay. And, hey, if we ever come back to visit, I’ll bring the car in for a tune-up.” “I wouldn’t. Might cut your brake lines.” “Uh...” “That was a joke. Bye, Marshall.” “I’m sorry, Derek.” “Yep.” He hung up. Well, fuck. Fuck.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The meeting with Dean couldn’t come quickly enough for Jenny. After the night before, when Derek had refused to sleep over, she just wanted things to be straightened out. She had it all lined up. She worked at the community center garden, and arranged for Elle to pick Kate up from school, take her home and feed her. Jenny didn’t anticipate it would take long to crush Dean like the insect he was—not that she would crush an actual insect, she preferred to gently but firmly relocate them. With any luck, she’d be done by Kate’s bedtime. Halfway through the day, Jenny tweaked the plan and called Elle to ask if she’d be an amazing sister, and keep Kate overnight. Once this was done, Jenny knew that she’d be in a celebrating mood. She intended to share that celebration with Derek. She’d make Dean back down, and then she’d

ask Derek to sleep over. She would come clean to him about Dean, and tomorrow she’d come clean to Kate about Derek. Jenny was excited about the Derek coming over part. The rest, she just had to get through. Her first hint that things weren’t going to run as smoothly as she’d hoped was the appearance of Lila at her back door when Jenny had gotten out of the shower after long hours of laboring in the sun. “I have something to tell you,” Lila announced as she marched into the kitchen, “and you can’t freak out.” “The only reason you’d tell me I can’t freak out is because you know that whatever you’re about to tell me is totally going to make me freak out.” “Brace yourself.” Jenny stared at Lila. Lila stared back. “I’m braced!” Jenny almost yelled. “What is it?” “Derek is in monster debt.” Jenny groped for a chair and sat with a heavy thump. “It’s not that bad.” Lila positioned her own chair in front of Jenny’s, sat, and leaned forward to pick up Jenny’s hands, clasping them with a strong grip. “He’s lost his garage.” “Is that it?” Jenny sucked in a deep breath, held it, and released it in a slow and relieved exhale. “I thought you were going to tell me he’d had an

accident or was in hospital or…” She shuddered. “You’re the worst, Lila. He’s lost his garage? I don’t care, it doesn’t matter, so long as he’s all right.” “I’m not sure we can call him all right. He’s going to be in a hell of a mood. As far as I know he hasn’t had an accident, and his health is fine. Although, you’d know better than me. What with you having been up close and personal enough to assess the muscle tone, aerobic capacity, stamina and recovery time of Derek I’m-so-fine Tate.” Right. She hadn’t told Lila. Jenny scratched her head. “His middle name is Michael.” “Not to me. To me, it’s I’m-so-fine.” “Lila.” “Yes?” “I’m kind of seeing Derek.” Lila clapped her hands to her cheeks and made an exaggerated surprised face. “I know you are, dork. Everyone knows you are.” “I didn’t say anything because it’s new.” “Are you kidding me?” “What?” “You two have been circling each other since you divorced Dean. It isn’t new. It is long past due.” She eyed Jenny. “Make it up to me by giving me details. I want a play-by-play.” “Ha ha. No.” “My luck to be stuck with a BFF with privacy

issues. Never mind. I have an amazing imagination.” “Don’t imagine Derek naked.” Lila closed her eyes. “Mmm.” Jenny leaned over the distance between them and poked her. “Stop it.” “Can’t make me.” “How did he lose the garage? Is his business in trouble?” Lila sighed and opened her eyes. “Goodbye for now, naked Derek. Until later. Okay. The business is thriving. Derek’s the best mechanic for miles around. That boy can print his own money as far as it goes. Sadly, he cannot print enough to buy the building. He owns the business, but his old boss’ son owned the building, and this guy has up and decided he wants to retire to Texas. He sold it.” “Why didn’t he sell it to Derek?” “Derek couldn’t get a loan. It was too much.” With a decisive nod, Jenny got to her feet. “Where are you going?” Lila demanded. “Going to call Derek. I have some savings. I was putting it aside for when I set up my business, but since Ronnie got involved, the money’s sitting there accruing interest.” Lila stared at her. “I’m going to co-sign Derek’s loan,” Jenny explained, pulling her phone out of her backpack. Lila lunged and slapped the phone out of her

hand before she could place the call. They both stared down at where it lay on the kitchen floor. “Lila!” “Overreaction. I’m sorry.” Lila crouched gracefully, snatched up the phone. “Not cracked,” she said, turning it to face Jenny. “Phew.” Jenny held out an imperious hand. “No.” Lila put it behind her back. “You can’t give him your savings.” “I can. I will.” It probably looked like madness to Lila. Get shot of a debt-ridden husband, only to throw her savings after a soon-to-be-debt-ridden boyfriend? Probably that looked like madness to anyone, unless they happened to know Derek like Jenny did. Trusted him like she did. Derek was nothing like Dean. While Jenny wasn’t thrilled to hear he was about to lose the garage, she could handle it. They could handle it. From the moment Derek first kissed her, she’d known that was it. She was in for the long haul. Good and bad. “I’m doing it,” she told Lila through gritted teeth. “Very romantic, but you’re too late to save the garage. He’s lost it. He’ll have to find another site. Don’t worry, you can still ride to the rescue. With the economy like it is, and having to finance the

relocation, he’ll still have a monster debt. When I say monster, we are beyond velociraptors. We’re talking King Kong here. Or Godzilla. Which one’s bigger?” “I don’t know. I can handle either of them. Both of them.” “You’d take on King Kong and Godzilla for Derek?” “I’d take anything on for Derek. I love him.” Lila burst into tears. Holy shit. What is happening? Jenny ran for her backpack again, rummaging around and hauling out a packet of tissues. She held one out to Lila. “I’m so happy,” Lila said, gulping sobs. “That’s so beautiful.” Jenny scowled. “Girl, get a hold of yourself.” Lila dragged Jenny into a rib-cracking hug. “I’m so happy for you. I was scared you’d to freak out and go all ice queen on him and live in your little house all alone forever more with nothing but the occasional visit from your grown-up daughter, and woodland creatures for friends.” Ice queen? “But you love him.” “I do.” Lila pulled back. “Does Derek know?” “I think so.” “You haven’t told him yet?” Lila shoved her. “Better believe if I ever find a guy I can stand for

more than a week, if such a guy exists, I won’t sit around not telling him things. I’ll be all up in his face from the get-go. He will be in no doubt as to my feelings.” Was anyone? Ever? “I’ve got some stuff I have to straighten out first,” Jenny said. “I was planning to tell him tonight.” Lila, being Lila, picked up on the first point. “What stuff?” Her brows lowered at Jenny’s shifty look. Then, making the cognitive leap as Jenny both knew and dreaded she would, Lila demanded, “Dean stuff?” Jenny hadn’t mentioned Dean to Lila for the same reasons she hadn’t mentioned it to anyone other than Gabe. Lila’s expression said, very clearly, that she wasn’t going to let this one go. Jenny sighed, and explained. “You and Derek are as bad as each other,” Lila said when she’d finished. “He is going to lose his mind.” “No he won’t. He might not throw a ticker tape parade with joy, but this is my problem to solve. I’m doing it my way. He has got no reason to lose his mind.” “With that attitude, I am already fearing for Jerek’s future as a couple. Jerek. You sound like a science fiction romance hero. Who abducts virgins and keeps them in his space harem. Wait. I think

I’ve read that book.” “I don’t have to justify how I deal with my daughter and my ex-husband to anyone.” “Lots of fear.” Jenny waved this away. “It’ll be different when we’re married,” she began, and flinched when Lila shrieked. “Married?” “Of course, married. What? You think I’m playing around?” “Is Derek aware that he’s getting married?” “I haven’t told him I love him yet, no he doesn’t know I’m marrying him.” “Maybe you should keep that particular ace up your sleeve. Propose after you tell him that you went to Gabe for help rather than him. It might deflect the jealous rage.” Jenny considered Lila. “Why would Derek be jealous?” “Because you’re running to your pet billionaire for help rather than confiding in the man you intend to spend your life with?” “I’m not running to Gabe, I’m borrowing the name of his lawyer as a bluff.” Lila looked at her. “Shit,” Jenny said. “He’s going to think I went running to Gabe.” Lila nodded. “I can’t tell him about any of this now. You can’t

tell him about this, either.” “As it turns out, I’m not that good at keeping secrets.” “You will swear on the sisterhood.” “I could do that. I have to warn you, there’s a chance it might not stick.” Lila held up a finger and thumb. “Slight chance.” “I never thought Derek would see it like that. But you’re right, he totally will.” Jenny rested her face in her hands and mumbled, “At the time, it seemed like the smart thing to do.” “While a lot of our very best stories begin with ‘it seemed like the smart thing to do’, I kinda don’t think this is going to be one of those stories, Jenny.” “It’s okay. There’s no need for Derek to know about Dean or Gabe. There’s no need for anyone to know. I don’t like keeping secrets—” “Hah!” “—and maybe one day will be the right day. But maybe not today. Today, I’m going to squash Dean, and move on. Happily ever after. It’s going to work out. It is. What can go wrong?” **** By the end of the day, Derek was wiped. He closed up the garage and stood there staring at the Rawlings’ Auto Repairs sign. He became aware of a large, solid presence beside him. “Everything okay?” Burke asked. Derek rubbed a hand over the back of his neck.

“No.” He hadn’t told the guys about the sale yet. The time was coming he’d have to. God knew when the new owner was going to want them out. He could get notice to pack up the workshop tomorrow. He might not get notice at all. As Marshall had started to say, maybe the new owner was looking for a rental property. His luck, the new owner wanted to open a Starbucks. He glanced at Burke. “Want to go get a drink?” Burke shrugged. “Sure.” Derek did a double take. It had been a joke. Burke never went to Kurt’s, even though the men were close. Burke rarely went anywhere. He was the most self-contained soul Derek had ever met. “Yeah?” he said. Burke shrugged again. “Look like you could use the company,” he said in his gruff voice. “All right. Let’s go.” It was quiet when they walked into Kurt’s. As quiet as Kurt’s got, anyway. People were eating in the restaurant area and the bar was beginning to fill with the after-work crowd. Derek strolled up and ordered a couple of beers. He and Burke sat on stools at the far end of the bar, closest to the television, and Derek zoned out. Burke was quiet beside him. Derek’s mind was running through options and

he was trying to stay positive and find a way to solve this nightmare rather than fall into despondence, when he heard Jenny. He turned on his stool, a smile breaking over his face as she and Lila came in, heading for the booths. He was about to slide off and intercept her but she walked past without seeing him, all the way to a booth where two men sat. One of them was Dean Hansen. Her ex-husband. Dean was smiling at Jenny. And Jenny? She was smiling back. Derek stalked after her, reaching her as she was about to take a seat. “Jenny.” She spun around and when her eyes collided with his, she paled. “Derek,” she said breathlessly. “What are you doing here?” His gaze flickered from her to Dean. He gritted his teeth. “That’s my line.” “Um.” Jenny tucked her hair behind her ear. Her hand trembled, making Derek even angrier. Dean stood. “Hey, Tate.” Derek whirled on him with a snarl. “Sit down.” Startled, Dean thudded back to his seat, along with the other guy who’d stood when Jenny had approached. Derek assessed the stranger and discarded him as unimportant. His attention went back to Jenny. “You want to tell me what’s going on, Jen?”

Dean spoke up before Jenny could answer. “What’s going on is family business between me and Jenny, and we’re on a clock, so if you don’t mind?” Derek didn’t even look at him, kept his gaze on Jenny. Her face was tense and she glanced over at Lila as if desperate. Derek touched her chin, bringing her attention back to him. He tilted his head. “Honey,” he said. Jenny clasped his wrist. “It looks bad, I know it looks bad, but Derek, I’ve got it under control. I promise.” Her fingers tightened and she shifted toward him. “Jenny,” Dean said. “We haven’t got all night.” They both ignored him. Jenny’s fingers tightened again, a gentle squeeze. “This won’t take long, and then I’ll explain. Okay?” “Mind if I sit in?” “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She bit her lip. “You seem kind of mad already.” Already? As in, he’d get more mad if he sat in? “Been a hell of a day. Got a feeling it’s going to get worse.” “It isn’t. It isn’t. This is just bad timing. I’ll get it done, and we’ll talk. Okay?” “Come on, Derek.” A fist wrapped in the back of his T-shirt and tugged, hard. “Buy me a drink,” Lila said. “Come on.”

Derek scowled over his shoulder. Lila was leaning back, still with his T-shirt in her grip. “You’re going to rip my shirt clean off,” he said. She gave an extra-hard tug. “Oh, the horror, please no. Lord save me, anything but a shirtless man. Come on.” “Stop pulling me.” Lila stepped to one side and held out her arm like an usher. Derek glanced down into Jenny’s worried face. “Make it quick?” he said. Chewing her lip, Jenny gave him an abrupt nod. Fuck it. Derek bent his head and kissed her, fierce and claiming and he didn’t give a damn who saw. He feathered his fingertips around her throat and didn’t stop kissing her until he’d felt her relax and sink into him. Then, although it went against the grain, he left her as she’d asked, and strode to the bar. He placed a hand at the small of Lila’s back, scooting her none-too-gently ahead of him. “Well?” he demanded when they reached the bar. “Margarita, please.” Not what he’d meant. Derek lifted a hand to Kurt and pointed at Lila. Kurt nodded. Derek tried again. “Well?” Lila hopped up onto Burke’s empty bar stool— he must have slunk off at the first sign of drama,

and Derek couldn’t blame him—and rested her elbows on the bar. “Nope. You can wait and get it direct from Jenny.” Derek swept up his bottle and drained the beer. He grunted his thanks when Kurt put Lila’s margarita and a fresh beer in front of them. “Sooo,” Lila began. “About the garage.” Derek cut her off with a sharp shake of his head. “One problem at a time, Lila.” “It’s all going to be fine,” she reassured him, patting his arm. Was it? He hadn’t spoken out loud, but Lila repeated, “It’ll be fine.” Then five minutes later, she looked in the long mirror behind the bar, and said, “Uhoh.” Derek followed her gaze, and stiffened. Uh-oh indeed.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

“That was interesting,” Dean remarked, and knocked back the last of his whiskey. Jenny sat opposite him and his lawyer. “Hi.” She held out her hand to the lawyer. “Jennifer Finley.” The man reached across the table and gave her a light press of his hand, along with a short nod. “Raymond Hubble. Ms. Finley, I’d like to begin by reassuring you that this is nothing formal. It’s a casual conversation between ex-spouses about their daughter. I’m here in a neutral and observatory capacity.” “Dean mentioned you’re on the clock.” She smiled. “Is Dean paying you to be here?” Mr. Hubble hesitated. “Yes.” “Then this is formal, and it isn’t neutral.” “We’re off to a great start,” Dean said with heavy sarcasm. “No, wait. The great start was when your boyfriend attempted to swallow your tongue in front of half of Emerson.” Jenny felt her eyebrows crawl to her hairline,

then she burst out laughing. “Since we’re not bothering to be polite, then, can we get to it? I haven’t seen Derek since last night, it’s been a long day, and I’d like to give him another chance at swallowing my tongue. Or maybe I’ll swallow his.” Dean flushed. Hubble cleared his throat. “May I jump in?” “Aaaand not in an observatory capacity either,” Jenny said. She sat back and waved a hand. “Be my guest.” “Ms. Finley, the purpose of meeting with you this evening is to open negotiations on the custody and visitation rights my client has over his daughter.” “No,” Jenny said. “I beg your pardon?” “I do believe you heard me the first time, but I don’t mind repeating myself. No. The purpose of this meeting is for Dean to bully me.” “Now wait a minute—” Dean protested. “To bully me into letting him claw back the rights he was more than happy to give up when we divorced, and somehow thinks is okay for him to want again because his gambling is working out. For now.” “Jenny—” “You are of course entitled to your opinion, Ms. Finley,” Mr. Hubble said. “How kind.”

“The fact remains, my client finds himself in improved circumstances and in the position of being able to offer his daughter things that he wasn’t able to offer at the time you divorced. A father. Financial support.” “My finances are adequate to meet Kate’s needs. She already has strong, stable male role models in her life, and I expect she will soon have a strong father figure.” “Tate?” Dean snarled. “I am talking about Derek, yes.” “He is not raising my child.” “Derek will be involved in raising our child, since he will be permanently in both our lives. Do you hear the vocabulary I’m deliberately using, Dean?” “Tate.” Yeah, she’d gotten the message that Tate was all Dean could hear. “I said our child. Yours and mine. I’m not withholding her from you. I’m not pretending she’s not your daughter, too. There isn’t any reason for this. I understand it’s a knee-jerk reaction to seeing me move on. But it’s not cool. We can stop it here. What do you say?” Dean’s gaze tracked over to where Derek sat at the bar. Derek had one boot hooked on the rung of the stool and one planted on the floor, watchful gaze on them. Ready to move.

“I say no.” “Dean, take some time and let it percolate. Nothing’s happening immediately. I know it all feels like a big change, but it isn’t. If anything, the big change in Kate’s life is you coming back, not Derek being in it.” She winced and shook her head. “Forget that. Just, think. Please. I know what you’re doing. It’s silly.” Silly was the wrong word to use. Dean went rigid and his face locked down into that stubborn expression Jenny knew well. He wouldn’t be swayed. “You know what I’m doing?” he said. “Right. I’m bluffing. That’s it, isn’t it?” “Yup. And I’m calling it.” She allowed herself a dangerous smile as she mirrored his crossed-arm posture. “We both know I always kicked your ass at poker.” “This is hardly poker, Ms. Finley,” Mr. Hubble chimed in. “This is the well-being of a child.” Dean, however, showed a flicker of doubt in the face of Jenny’s confidence. She continued, “You expected me to be naive enough to come here today without my own legal counsel, didn’t you?” Dean’s doubt drained. “I know you can’t afford a lawyer.” “Do you? Do you know for sure? Or are you gambling on it?”

“Raymond is costing me a shit-ton an hour, because he’s a great lawyer. But he doesn’t have to be great, Jenny. All he has to do is drag out a custody case long enough to burn through what small amount of money you have, and then you’ll have to settle. You’ll have to do it on my terms.” “Dean.” Jenny hated the way her voice sounded, soft and hurt. “You really want to ruin me twice? Because you’re jealous of Derek?” He shifted his jaw from side to side. “It’s not about Derek.” She looked at him. “It’s not,” he said. “Why don’t we stop the grandstanding, and lose the lawyer? You and I can have a drink. When you’re ready, we’ll call Derek over, and the three of us can talk.” Dean leaned back and gestured at his lawyer. “Raymond brought a proposal.” Jenny eyed the document Mr. Hubble tried to pass her, but didn’t take it. “Guess that’s my cue to call in backup.” Mr. Hubble set the document on the table and slid it toward Jenny. “If Lila kicks me in the junk again, swear to God I’ll prosecute this time,” Dean said. “My lawyer is right here.” “Hah. You’re going to wish I called Lila to nail you in the nuts, but no. I mean my lawyer.”

“You don’t have one,” he scoffed. “You don’t want me to have one, Dean. You don’t know me anymore.” If he ever did. “You don’t know my life. You have no comprehension of the resources at my disposal.” “I do know you can’t afford a lawyer better than mine.” “That’s your gamble. And you’d be right.” She picked up her phone. “But my buddy, a man I trust to have my back, is rolling in it. I’m talking shove his doubloons around with a backhoe, swim in it, totally Scrooge McDuck it. Next to Lila, he’s my best friend. When I told him about you, he insisted that his top guy would represent me. He’s pretty sure it’ll be an afternoon’s work.” “You got yourself a sugar daddy, Jenny?” She controlled herself. It was tough, but somehow Jenny managed not to lunge over the table, grab Dean by his tie, and bang his head against the wood. “Friend. His name’s Gabe Sterling.” Dean appeared entertained. He made a show of looking around. “Is he here? I’d like to meet him.” “No he’s not here—” “How about his top guy? He here?” Mr. Hubble had taken a laptop from his briefcase and opened it up. “No,” Jenny said, “he’s not here, what with this being nothing formal and you assuring me that I

didn’t need legal counsel of my own. I can always go ahead and give him a call, though.” She turned to Mr. Hubble. “If you’re looking Gabe up, the surname is Sterling with an e, not an i. You know what, type in tech billionaire. He’ll be on page one of the search results.” Jenny rested her chin in her hand and waited. Dean was the first to look up, incredulous. “This guy?” he said. He the lawyer’s laptop to face Jenny, pointing at the screen. It showed a picture of Gabe, smiling at the camera like he wanted to bite it. Or have sex with it. Possibly while biting it. Also, the photo was from back in his fauxhawk days. Taken with the tattoos visible at his shirt collar and where he’d pushed the shirtsleeves over his forearms, he looked…not much like a billionaire. But maybe like someone who was going to go after Dean with a lead pipe and a lustful enthusiasm for his kneecaps. Either way, he worked. “How do you even know him?” Dean said. “How would you even meet him? He’s a tech genius from San Francisco and you’re…you. From Emerson.” “Have you ever heard of Alex Zacharov, the famous sculptor? No? Anyway, Alex is Elle’s fiancé. Gabe is Alex’s best friend. They’re more like brothers.”

Dean, who had always been oblivious to Elle’s polite dislike of him, brightened. “How is Elle?” Jenny shook her head. “Still pissed at you.” The brightness dimmed. “I can understand that. And,” he said, “I don’t believe for a minute that this dude is providing you with a lawyer for free.” “Call him.” Dean looked at Jenny. “What? Sterling?” “No, the lawyer. Sorry, I never said his name. Bill Anderson.” Mr. Hubble squeaked. Dean looked at him, wide-eyed. “I’ve heard of him,” Mr. Hubble said, looking rattled. “Is he any good?” Dean asked. Mr. Hubble gave a hollow laugh. “I’ll call Bill for you.” Jenny hoped her cell phone still worked after Lila had spiked it into the kitchen floor earlier. “Right.” Dean was watching her closely. His cheeks were flushed. He was enjoying this. “D’you think I’m stupid? You could call anyone. I’m not falling for your tricks. I’m calling your bluff, Jenny. I’ll call Sterling Enterprises, and we’ll see if they put me through to this Anderson. I’ll make sure to tell him its regarding his important client, Jenny Finley from Emerson.” “Go ahead. He’s expecting you. Do it.” “No need,” a voice said behind her.

Jenny turned on the bench seat and looked up into the amused face of Gabe Sterling, and the somewhat less-amused face of Bill Anderson. “Oh, shit,” she said.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“Oh, shit to you, too,” Gabe said. Bending down, he gathered Jenny up into his arms for a big hug. Gabe was warm, and solid, and familiar. Jenny couldn’t help giving him a big squeeze back. She briefly rested her forehead against his chest and murmured, “You bastard. You just got me into so much trouble.” “I’m here to get you out of trouble.” She patted his waist. “I appreciate that.” Keeping Jenny tucked into his side, Gabe turned to face Dean. Bill had sat down in the booth opposite Mr. Hubble and was gazing placidly at the other lawyer. Gabe lifted his chin at Dean. “This the ex?” “Yup.” “Are we playing with him, or do you still want this shut down nice and surgical?” Gabe asked Jenny, his eyes on Dean, who blanched. “I vote we play.”

“I prefer surgical.” Which it would have been with a phone call, the way she’d planned it, rather than having Gabe show up like hired muscle. She had to roll with it now, didn’t she? Jenny risked a quick peek over at Derek and, when her gaze clashed with his, wished she hadn’t. Gabe followed her attention. “Hey, Tate.” He raised a hand in greeting. Derek thrust up from the stool and stalked over. “Hmm,” Gabe said. “This doesn’t look friendly.” Jenny realized she was still standing in Gabe’s embrace, and shoved him away. He glanced at her, brows going up. By the time she’d gained a little space between them, Derek had made it to the booth and stood in front of her, toe to toe. He was trembling with suppressed emotion. She had a horrible feeling it might be rage. She’d never seen rage on Derek before. His face was set, mouth a hard line. He looked like a stranger. “Jen. What is this?” “This?” she said, whirling a finger in the air to encompass the men she’d somehow found herself surrounded by. Dean, Gabe, Derek. “I believe the technical term is clusterfuck.” Derek stared down into her eyes, and Jenny lost her breath. Maybe flippant wasn’t the way to go. Derek reached out and took her hip in a possessive grip but then, instead of pulling her away from

Gabe, from Dean…he gave a light push. He pushed her away. Away from him. Turning on his heel, Derek left without another word. “Ah,” Gabe said as they watched him stalk out of Kurt’s. “‘Oh, shit’. Think I get it now.” “I’m sorry,” Lila said, rushing up. “I tried to stop him, but he wouldn’t wait.” She came to a halt beside Gabe and craned her head back to look up at him. “Hi.” “Hellcat,” Gabe greeted her. “Wet dream,” she replied. “How’s your wife?” “Still putting up with me.” “Let me know if that changes.” “Nope.” “What the hell is going on, Jenny?” Dean broke in. “I’m squashing you,” she said with distraction, staring at the door Derek had disappeared through, feeling as if he’d taken all the oxygen in the room with him. “What?” “Okay. Here it is.” She spun and laid her hands flat on the table. “I’ve been handling this as delicately as I can. I had an elegant solution all planned out, but it doesn’t seem to be working, so. Here comes the sledgehammer.” Dean’s nervous gaze flicked to Gabe and Lila.

Jenny rapped her knuckles on the table, bringing his attention back to her. “You’re not getting custody of Kate. Not ever. Not shared, not full, nothing. End of story. You know what I hate, Dean? Debt. I hate debt. I hated your debt, and I have an extreme aversion to getting into debt myself. Asking someone for help, especially when I can’t pay it back, ever, is the worst kind of debt for me. But, no joke, I will sell my soul to protect my daughter. My pride can take a running jump.” She turned to Gabe. “Forget the bluff. I want to hire Bill for real. Loan me a couple of hundred thousand to bury this jerk? I’ll babysit anytime you like until your son is eighteen.” “You got it.” “Wait.” Dean jumped up. “Jenny. This is spinning out of control.” “On the contrary. This is me taking control.” Dean said again, “Wait.” He ran his hands through his hair, and dropped them limply to his sides, palms out. “I’m sorry.” Jenny waited, but he didn’t say anything else. “Shall we get started?” Bill said into the charged silence, opening up a wafer-thin laptop and placing it on the table between him and Mr. Hubble, whose eyes showed white around the edges. “No,” Dean said. “I don’t want…” “Do you fold?” Jenny asked when he fell silent again.

He gave an abrupt nod. Sighing, Bill dropped his head back and aimed a long-suffering stare at the ceiling. “Really,” he said to Gabe, shutting the laptop with a discreet click. “I told you we didn’t have to come in person.” Gabe waved it away. “We were in Seattle. It’s a short drive. It’s not like we helicoptered in.” “It’s not a short drive, and now I’ve missed my squash game.” Jenny grabbed Dean’s arm and pulled him aside. His lawyer followed, hovering beside Dean until Jenny gave the man a pointed glare. Clearing his throat, Mr. Hubble said to Dean, “I’ll invoice you,” and left them. Jenny looked at Dean. Her lips twitched. Dean glared, then his shoulders slumped. “Did it again, didn’t I?” “What? Screwed up?” “Yeah.” “So bad, Dean. So bad.” “I don’t know what to say to you.” “I know what to say to you. Go away. Leave me alone. Don’t try to hurt me again.” He gave another short nod. “And in a month or two, maybe we try this properly.” “I don’t really want full custody.” “I know. You’re shit at bluffing, remember? I get that you’re going to find it tough, me and Derek,

and the implications for Kate. It’s why I suggested you lose the lawyer and the three of us sit down and talk.” “I don’t even understand why you’d be willing to do that.” “For Kate. Don’t you get it yet? I would do anything for Kate.” Dean touched her shoulder lightly. Jenny drew back, shaking her head. His hand fell away. “I’m sorry.” She’d heard I’m sorry from him more times than she’d ever heard I love you. “Go away, Dean.” She said it with a smile. He did. Jenny turned back to the booth to find Lila, Gabe and Bill all watching. “You are so classy,” Lila told her. “I’d have kicked him in the nuts again.” **** Jenny thanked Gabe and hugged him goodbye, gave Bill a wave, and high-fived Lila on the way out. Then she leapt into her car and went after Derek. Her plan had worked…in a manner of speaking. It had solved the Dean problem. But it had created a Derek problem. And Jenny was just as determined to solve this one. She started with calling him from Kurt’s parking lot, and was unsurprised when he sent her to voicemail.

His apartment was next. She hadn’t been there before, but she knew where he lived. Again, she was unsurprised when she couldn’t see his bike outside. Or his SUV. Rawlings’ Auto Repairs was her last stop. By the time she’d pounded on the locked-tight door and scanned the lot without seeing his bike—although the SUV was there—panic was starting to creep in. She turned her car homeward and drove on autopilot. What if Derek was really angry? What if he was angry enough to call it done? Her fingers tightened on the steering wheel. Tough. Jenny wasn’t done. She’d never be done. She was almost certain Derek felt the same. Almost. Gabe showing up in person was unforeseen. In retrospect, she should have expected it. He was the most generous soul she’d ever known. Add to that his protective streak and his fierce loyalty, and it was a no-brainer. Dean wasn’t the only one who’d screwed up today. Her biggest mistake, though, wasn’t in failing to predict Gabe’s arrival. It was in using him as a shield to protect herself from Derek six months ago. Which neither Gabe nor Derek knew about. Wow. Maybe this was karma, biting her in the ass.

Jenny pulled into her driveway. She dropped her forehead to the steering wheel. She didn’t know how to fix this. All she knew was, it was going to be damn hard to explain to Derek when she couldn’t find him. She sat there in the car, drained. Should she go and pick Kate up from Elle’s, since the romantic night she had planned seemed to be doomed? Jenny sniffed. She should, probably. But she wouldn’t. Apparently, she was going to sit in her silent car and snivel. Like that was going to help. When she was done with sniveling, maybe there would be ice cream. Or maybe she’d drag herself into the house and curl up on her bed and try to pretend tonight hadn’t happened. Or… Jenny sat up. Was that a motorcycle she heard? She cocked her head and listened as it grew louder. Yep. Bike. She yanked open the car door and stumbled out in time to watch Derek turn in to her driveway and kick out the stand, removing his helmet. Jenny didn’t run this time. She was too nervous to take her eyes off him. Derek closed the distance between them and stood before her, as he had at Kurt’s, vibrating with emotion. Jenny swallowed,

then slipped her fingers into his belt loops. He didn’t say anything, and the ability to speak seemed to have deserted her entirely. She took a step back and tugged. Derek’s eyes narrowed but he allowed her to draw him up the driveway and onto the porch. She fumbled with her keys, dropping them twice. Derek didn’t move to help. Jenny’s palms were damp with nerves. This wasn’t going well at all. Why hadn’t he thrown her up against the door like last time? Or said something, at least? It was because, when he did speak, it was going to be bad, wasn’t it? As in, it’s over. She wrestled the door open and stepped in. He didn’t follow. Panic. A streak of it, from the top of Jenny’s head, all the way down into the floor beneath her boots. Like a bolt of lightning, leaving her queasy and electrified. Derek braced his arms in the open doorway, poised on the threshold as he studied her face. What did he see? Anything? Because she was trying to read him, and she got nothing. Letting her breath out in a little gasp, she hooked a hand in his belt—subtle, Jenny, why not just grab him by the junk—and tried to pull him in. She could read the expression on his face now.

Distant. No. Jenny went up on her tiptoes and kissed him desperately. For a horrible moment, he didn’t respond. She felt the vibrations of his anger surrounding her. Then he made a savage sound at the back of his throat, drove one hand into her hair and cupped the back of her head, and clamped the other hand on her ass as he hauled her against him, hard. He tilted his head to the side, opened her mouth with his, and then he was kissing her. Jenny wound her arms around his neck and, when he dragged her up his body, she wrapped her legs around his waist and held on. He strode inside, kicked the door shut, then spun them both and shoved her against it. The hand in her hair tightened, holding her as he kissed her without any of his usual finesse. Just raw, animal hunger. Jenny did her best to gentle him, to calm it down, but Derek wasn’t going to be gentle this time. All right, then. She kissed him back harder. She was lightheaded and starving for breath when he broke away to grate out, “Well?” She stared into his eyes. “Make love to me.” “I’m furious.” “Make furious love to me.” Derek gave his head a single, sharp shake.

Had she gotten it wrong all along? Jenny touched the tip of her forefinger to his bottom lip, drew it back and forth. “Have furious sex with me?” Derek released her. “No.” Jenny steadied herself, and set her shoulders. “Yes.” She pointed at the floor. “Right here.” “It’s never sex with you,” Derek said. “It’s always love. It’s always been love.” With that, he reached for her shirt and ripped it open. Ooh. Game on. Jenny shrugged off her shirt, unbuttoned her jeans, and went for his. He slapped her hands away, took hold of her waistband and yanked her jeans and panties down in one merciless move. She braced herself against him as he tore off her boots, then she squeaked when, instead of straightening, he lashed an arm around her waist and dragged her down to where he knelt. She lifted his T-shirt over his head and tossed it away. Derek shoved his jeans down to mid-thigh and bore her down to the floor. He snatched his wallet out of his back pocket and dropped it on her quivering stomach as he kneed her legs apart and slid an arm behind her and up along her spine, protecting her—sort of—from the hardwood. Jenny plucked the condom from his wallet, and got it on him in record time as he watched, eyes

black with desire, breathing hard. The second he was covered, he was inside her. After that first thrust he held still as they both moaned. He drew his hips back in a long, slow drag. Jenny dug her nails into his muscled back. “Move,” she said in a hoarse voice. “I’m ready. I’m ready. Derek, please.” No more encouragement needed. Derek drove into her with aggressive, claiming strokes. He tightened the arm he had locked around her waist, lifting her up and into him even as he used his weight to pin her. “You’re mine,” he said between harsh pants. “Say it, Jenny. Say it now. You’re mine.” She tried to, she did, but he ground into her, his piercing rubbed deep inside, and all she managed was a stunned, broken noise halfway between a sob and a scream. “Mine,” he said again. “Not Hansen’s. Not Sterling’s. Mine.” “Yours.” Jenny framed his fierce face with shaking hands. “I’m yours.” “Always.” “Yes, Derek. Always.” He lowered his head and groaned into her open mouth as he took them higher and higher until every part of Jenny tightened in a single sudden rush, then shattered. She screamed as Derek stilled in her arms and gave himself over to his own

orgasm, right behind her. The hall filled with the harsh, staccato sound of their breathing. Jenny wheezed a little. Derek levered his weight off her and, though he seemed to be having trouble opening his eyes all the way, looked down at her. “I have a splinter in my ass,” Jenny told him. “I don’t think I have any skin left on my knees,” he told her, and flopped onto his back.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

When Derek had seen Jenny sitting across from Dean Hansen and some other guy, about whom everything screamed lawyer, he’d been angry. When he’d seen Gabe Sterling saunter in, accompanied by a man who was clearly also a lawyer, his anger had flashed to fury. It hadn’t been too hard to put things together. Dean was going after Jenny. It must have been bad, because his little Miss Independent had called for help. Sterling. She’d called Sterling, not Derek. The fact that she’d been astonished to see Sterling there didn’t do anything to calm Derek down. And when Sterling had swept Jenny into an affectionate hug and then—the fucker—snuggled her into him while he stood beside her in Derek’s place, Derek had seen red. He didn’t even remember crossing the bar. One

minute he’d been beside Lila, and the next he was staring down into Jenny’s guilt-pale face. He did remember leaving. Leaving had taken effort. He’d had to force himself to do it, before he flipped a table, or punched Sterling in the throat. And he’d really, really wanted to do both. Derek was an easygoing guy. Everyone said so. Derek agreed, he was. Easygoing. Cheerful. Had a tendency to look on the bright side. Took life as it came. Found all the joy in it he could. But man, the last six months had done a number on him. He slanted a look at Jenny. She lay there, her skin gleaming with her exertions and his, her breasts heaving as she caught her breath. He tensed his muscles so he didn’t jump back on her, demand her to tell him again that she belonged to him, that she was his. He got to his skinned knees and pulled up his jeans. Before Jenny could do more than push to her elbows, he bent and scooped her into his arms. Juggling her up and over his shoulder, he strode for the living room. “Ack,” Jenny said, and pinched his butt. “Put me down.” “In a minute.” “Right n-ow!” She yelped as he swatted her in retaliation for the pinch.

Derek made it to the couch and tossed her on it. She landed with a solid whump, and he landed on top. “What are you—” she flailed at him as he calmly gripped her knees, opened her legs, and fitted himself between them. “Hush.” Her eyes flashed. “You and your goddamn shushing! No!” He went nose to nose with her and whispered, “Hush.” He got comfortable, snagged one of her slender wrists and pulled it down between them. He tucked it at the small of her back, and did the same with her other hand. Her eyes widened as he lowered his weight. She was effectively stuck. Jenny didn’t make any attempt to move. She also didn’t stay quiet. “Derek, I’ll hush in a minute, but not right this minute, because this is the part where I explain.” He couldn’t stop the grin from breaking free. She softened under him. “All right,” he said, and rubbed a thumb over the curve of her cheek. “Ladies first. Why?” “Why…Dean? Or…why Gabe?” “Why both.” “I had a plan.” “Guessed that much.” “It didn’t quite work out as I’d hoped.”

“Still not telling me anything I don’t already know.” Jenny slid a foot restlessly up and down the back of his calf, then squirmed until she’d hitched her leg high over his hip. Just so happening to pop a hand free, which she used to fiddle with his nipple piercing. She sent him a look from under her lashes. Derek waited. “Dean was trying to renegotiate custody of Kate.” He went rigid. Jenny grabbed his ears. “I fixed it! I made him back down.” Derek disengaged her approaching-painful hold on his ears. “Did you? Or did Sterling?” “I did.” She scowled. “It was a great plan. And then Gabe showed up.” Derek bit back a smile. He didn’t know why he kept feeling the urge to smile when he was still angry. Oh, right. The woman he adored had made wild and passionate love to him, and now lay beneath him, her limbs wrapped around him. That was why. “Honestly,” she said, “the whole thing is a crapload of nonsense. And it’s your fault in the first place.”

“My fault, huh?” “Yes. For being so irresistibly sexy that I couldn’t say no.” She gave Derek another of those under-the-lashes glances that she had to know he wasn’t going to fall for, ever. “Dean turned up at my door the morning after you first spent the night.” Derek reared back. “Hansen’s been hanging around for six months?” Jenny’s cheeks tinged pink and she traced a circle around his nipple piercing, then gripped it and tweaked it. “Um. No. Oops. Not that time. The second time. Couple of weeks ago. Come back here.” He allowed her to coax him down. “Dean turned up and Kate mentioned you to him, and that was it. Boom. Green-eyed monster. I have no idea where it came from, no clue at all, but apparently the concept of any other guy in our lives hit Dean with the stupid stick.” “It cannot have been the biggest surprise to the man.” Derek smoothed her hair back. “It was, though. Dean said that he didn’t think I was the happily-ever-after type.” Derek’s brows snapped low. “The hell does that mean?” She shrugged. “He never thought I’d be with anyone else.” “Ever? Were you supposed to be pining for him,

or…?” “Nothing like that. And, I can see where he’d get the idea.” “That you should be alone?” “That I’d choose to be alone rather than risk Kate’s security. My heart. But he was wrong.” She cupped his cheek. “I choose you.” Before Derek could respond, she added matter-of-factly, “Because I love you.” He fell on her. He’d had her minutes ago, and at her words the need to claim her again roared over him, slamming into him out of nowhere. Jenny laughed into his ravenous kiss and encouraged him as he rocked powerfully against her. He tore his mouth away to kiss and suck his way down her neck, her breasts, back up to her mouth. The thrust of his tongue matched the thrust of his hips, and he reached down between them to guide himself home when he stopped. “Don’t you dare stop!” Jenny gasped. “Have to. No condom.” She bit his shoulder. “I don’t care. Keep going.” “Jenny. I can’t. We have to at least discuss it first—” “I’m healthy. Had a check-up a couple of months ago. Are you healthy?” “Yes—” “Let’s go.” She slapped his butt. His Jenny. Tells him she loves him, then slaps his

ass. Again. “Seriously, woman,” he said. “Final warning.” Jenny reached between them, took him in her hand and angled him. He pulled his hips away with a hiss. “We can’t. Be responsible.” Her eyes turned distant for a second. There we go, she’s being sensible about this. She wasn’t being sensible. She was calculating. “I’m good. Wrong time of my cycle to get pregnant.” “I’m not taking the risk.” Derek glared at her. “When I make a baby with you, Jen Finley, it won’t be a gamble. It will be deliberate.” “When?” she echoed. “When. There will be candlelight, and rose petals, and a bed. There will be no splinters, no grazed knees, and it won’t be on the couch. It will be romantic as fuck.” “That’s lovely,” Jenny said, eyes shimmering. She grabbed him. “But I’m feeling about as romantic as I can stand. And I want you now. In me.” Holding her gaze, he slid his hand down and in. She sucked in a breath as he stroked her. “How’s that?” “Good,” she said contemplatively. “Although, I had another part of you in mind.” He made an adjustment, turning his wrist. “Better?” Her neck arched and she stuttered out a sigh. “I

suppose it will do.” “Don’t you worry about my ego.” “You know you drive me wild.” She tangled her hands in his hair and kissed him. “And I promise I’ll get around to finding you a certificate of achievement or something, so when you have these moments of doubt you can look at it hanging on your wall, and be reassured.” “Keep looking at me like you do,” he told her. “It’s enough. You’re enough. You’re everything.” Derek watched, rapt, as Jenny lost herself to his touch, loving her uninhibited response as she climaxed again, this time slow and sweet. He took her cries into his mouth and continued to kiss her, lazily, while she came back to reality.She relaxed for about three seconds before she started to heave at his shoulders. Derek raised a brow. “Trying to go somewhere?” “Trying to roll you. Your turn.” “I’ll take my turn in a minute. When we’re done talking about Dean.” “Right. I got distracted. Where were we?” “You love me.” She blushed, and Derek shook his head. “I love you, too. You know that, right?” Jenny ducked her chin. “I kinda suspected you might.” Derek shifted to his side and tucked her against him. “Dean got hit with the stupid stick…” he prompted, playing with her hair.

“Right. And decided to start throwing his weight around. I don’t know if it was the idea of you in our lives, or because I wouldn’t take his money. Either way, staying true to form, his answer was to gamble. He planned on frightening me with a lawyer, because he knows I can’t afford one. And I can’t. Which is why I called Gabe.” Derek had to make an effort to keep his voice polite. “Now we’re getting to the interesting bit. Why him and not me? Because I’m yours, Jenny. Not Sterling. Me. I stand between you and threats. Not Sterling.” “I know.” She stroked his neck soothingly. “I was bluffing. I had an elegant plan. I wanted to borrow one of Gabe’s lawyers and use the threat of him to back Dean down. All I needed was a name, I wasn’t at any point going to actually hire a lawyer. What with not being able to afford one. Gabe sure as hell wasn’t supposed to show up.” “But when you told Sterling what Dean was doing, he dropped everything to rush to your aid. Like he’s your white knight.” “Gabe’s whimsical.” “He’s overstepping. You’re mine.” “Do you think you could pound your chest when you say that, maybe grunt a bit? Because I’m not getting it from the repetition alone.” Derek growled. “I promise you, Gabe and I are not like that. One

day I’ll explain the, uh, the nuances of our relationship, but Derek? Gabe has never meant to me what you do. No one has.” He wound a lock of her hair around his finger and tugged. “Okay. You’re a resourceful woman who is more than capable of making her own decisions and determining the course of her own and her daughter’s life. And I admire the bluff. Very devious. I still have one question, and this is the big one. Why didn’t you come to me?” “Simple. I wanted to clear all the obstacles away before I told you you’re marrying me.” He blinked. “I did think about asking you to come to the meeting, but…” She trailed off and stared at his chest. He lifted her chin to make her meet his gaze. “But?” “I didn’t want to burden you.” “Not a burden.” “Are you sure? I thought you’d be busy trying to solve your own problem.” Derek went cold. “You know,” Jenny said. There was no accusation in her voice whatsoever, but it still burned when she continued, “You lost the garage.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

That shut him up. Derek did nothing but stare at Jenny for a long, painful minute. Then he said, eloquently, “Shit.” She kissed him. This time he yielded when she tried to roll him over. She stretched out and sighed happily. Propping her chin on her stacked fists, she watched him think. “Lila cannot keep a secret to save her life,” he grumbled. “Why did you even try to keep it a secret from me?” “Are you kidding?” Apparently it was obvious to Derek. It was still a mystery to Jenny. “No, I’m not kidding.” He pressed a hand to the small of her back as if to hold her there. As if she was going anywhere. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted you?” “Days and weeks?” “Months. Years. Sometimes I think I’ve always wanted you, Jen. And then I got you.” His fingers

spread wide. “You were free of Dean, of Sterling, you were giving in at last, and then Marshall hit me with the news that he’s retiring. Turned me into what has to be the least attractive romantic proposition in the world to a woman who divorced a husband who ruined her financially, and followed that up with dating a fucking billionaire.” She wrinkled her nose. “Go ahead and stop worrying about Gabe. Pretend he’s irrelevant.” “If I’d told you I was facing a financial struggle, you would have shut me down.” “I wouldn’t.” “Jen. Our entire courting history pretty much consists of you shutting me down. Over and over again.” He had a point. For God’s sake, the first time they’d gotten close to starting a real relationship, she’d used Gabe as an excuse. “So, you were going to get me good and stuck on you before you revealed that I’d hitched myself to another financially-troubled man?” she said. “When you phrase it like that, I sound—” “Ruthless? Not quite the gentleman everyone thinks you are, and I have the splinters in my ass to prove it?” She ticked the list off on her fingers. “You are also determined, patient, creative.” He nudged his hips into hers. “Spectacular lover.”

“Spectacular lover,” she agreed. “Thanks for reminding me. And most importantly, you are going to let me co-sign a loan, because I have some money saved, and I believe in you.” She yelped when he snatched her hand, curled it into a fist, and held it between his palms. “I am not taking your money.” “We’ll discuss it.” “Will we, now?” “Yes. We’ll discuss everything. Because I’m in, Derek. I love you. I’m with you. All the way. I want, and I need, all of you. As in, this.” She stroked his erection. “And this.” She stretched up to kiss his furrowed forehead. “But most of all—” keeping her eyes on his, she lowered to press her lips over his heart and whispered, “—this.” How d’you like me now, Tate? You’re not the only one who can be romantic. Slowly, Derek sat up. Jenny’s pulse accelerated. He tipped her off him, set her on the couch and stood, zipping up his jeans. “Wha—” she began. Gripping her jaw, he bent to lay a devastating kiss on her stunned lips. “Do. Not. Move.” He strode out. “Derek!” He reappeared in the doorway, wrenching his Tshirt on over his head. “Condoms,” he said. “Going to get them. Lots of condoms.” He pointed at her.

“Stay there. Stay naked. I’ll be...” He ran back in, kissed her again, then ran out, yelling from the hall. “Stay!” “Derek!” He groaned and swung back into view. “What?” “Can you pick up a pizza while you’re in town?” “You got it.” **** Derek slipped out of bed the next morning, trying not to wake Jenny. She flailed upright the moment he moved, looking around in a panic. “Hey,” he said, sitting on the edge of the mattress. “I’m here.” Jenny flopped back, yawning. “Morning.” “I’m heading out,” he told her. “Got to get to work.” She swiped for her alarm clock and squinted at the display. “How can you possibly be awake? It’s still early.” He’d gotten back with the condoms and the pizza, and they’d worked their way through both. It was three a.m. before Derek had fallen asleep, with Jenny draped over him in what he’d learned was her favorite position. Now, her eyelids were heavy. She yawned again. She was exhausted. Derek, on the other hand, was wired. Jenny threw back the covers. “I’ll make you breakfast before you go.” He tossed the covers over her face and she

fought them before she emerged, spluttering. He leaned down, pulling the quilt tight over her arms and trapping her. “No need.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Bring me coffee later instead.” “Will do.” He grinned, and left. Riding his bike into Emerson, Derek had plenty of time for thought. A lot of that thinking time was spent on Jenny. The taste, the feel, the sweet reality of having won her. Made him feel like a goddamn king, to hear her say those words, I love you. Even though the fate of his garage was a dark cloud on the horizon, Derek’s eyes were filled with the sun. He’d find a way to make it work. If he could get Jenny Finley to love him, finding new premises for Rawlings’ Auto Repairs would be a piece of cake. He’d miss this place, though. He unlocked the gates and drove onto the forecourt. He wouldn’t miss the stress it had caused since Marshall blindsided him. From start to finish, it had all had happened so quickly. He’d assumed this kind of sale took time, with months of back-and-forth negotiations and legal processes, but the garage had been yanked out from under him in a matter of weeks. It had taken longer to buy his apartment. The buyer must be as motivated as Rawlings, was his best guess.

He’d find out soon enough. If he was lucky, he might not have to move, might even get a better rental agreement out of the whole situation. If he was less lucky, he’d have the nightmare logistics of packing up the workshop and shipping it to a new location. Either way, he’d manage. Derek started work fitting a new exhaust pipe to an old Toyota, playing the stereo loud. He didn’t hear the car drive in, but the movement alerted him and he glanced over, expecting Burke. A sleek black vehicle ghosted to a stop. Derek strode over to the stereo and switched it off. He stood in the open bay door, arms braced over his chest, as Gabe Sterling unfolded from his Aston Martin. “Your car makes a hell of a statement,” Derek said to the man. Sterling took off his mirrored aviators and hooked them in the front of his T-shirt. “You know, I’ve heard that before. What does it say to you?” “I’m a pretentious dick.” “Yes, but what does the car say to you?” When Derek didn’t crack a smile, Sterling winked. “I’ve heard the pretentious thing before, too.” “I’m shocked.” Sterling skimmed a palm over the pristine black hood, and gave it a fond pat. “No one’s ever said it about my girl, though.” Derek grunted, eyeing the car. “What’s the

problem?” Derek hoped it was a biggie. He didn’t wish Sterling ill—poor bastard lost out on Jenny, after all, and Derek could be magnanimous—but he’d love the chance to have a poke around. He was a great mechanic. Hadn’t gotten his hands on an Aston Martin before. Likely a gorgeous machine like this was outside his skill set. Damn, Derek wanted to get under the hood and find out. Sterling’s amused voice broke in. “You want me to leave you and the car alone for some quality time?” “Probably not a good idea. Can’t promise I’d behave myself.” He laughed. “I’m not here about my car, but if you want to give her a thorough going-over, be my guest.” He tossed his keyring at Derek, who snatched it out of the air and stared at it blankly. “The problem seems to be between you and me.” “I don’t have a problem with you, Sterling.” “Then the hostility is because of…?” Derek clenched his jaw. “All right. You want to know?” “I would, yes.” “Jenny,” Derek said, and left it at that. Sterling looked at him, turned to look over his shoulder as if expecting to see Jenny there, then turned back to Derek. “Gonna need a little more.”

“Okay. I get that you guys have your own relationship, and I’m not dumb enough to tell her who she can and can’t have in her life. It was good of you to come running to Jenny’s aid, but she doesn’t need you anymore. She has me.” “Huh,” Sterling said. “I’m aware that she has you. I know what’s going on between the two of you, and congratulations, been rooting for you. Regardless, Jenny did need me. She called and told me so. If she ever needs me, I’ll come running. I always will. You being with her won’t change that, Derek.” “Fair enough. So long as you’re clear that you lost your chance. If this was some big swoop in to save the day and get her back move, forget it.” “It was a swoop in to save the day move. At least, it was a swoop in to watch my little firecracker squash her ex-husband move.” Sterling’s sharp green eyes glinted with challenge. “She isn’t your firecracker,” Derek snapped. “Oh, but she is. Always will be.” “She’s with me. She chose me. Not to sneak into her house at night for a hookup.” “Okay.” “Not to have a secret affair with.” “Glad to hear it.” “For good. You don’t get to have Jenny again.” Sterling rocked back on his heels with an enormous grin. “Have her?” he said. “You mean

sexually?” “Yes, I mean sexually.” “I have never had and will never have Jenny Finley sexually. I have her in my life. I have her as a friend. Sexually?” He shook his head. “Jenny isn’t my type. My type is five feet and six inches of awkward, who also happens to be pregnant with my child, and married to me.” “You’re married?” Sterling held up his left hand and proudly pointed at the ring Derek hadn’t noticed until now. Because, you know. He was a guy. “You mean you never… You and Jenny never…?” “No. Jenny Finley is the sister of my heart. Sister. I’m a pervert, but I ain’t that perverted.” Derek eyed him. “You were never even tempted?” “Did you not hear me when I said sister?” “You two never even kissed?” “If I didn’t know from the background check I ran on you that you are an only child, Tate, I’d be worried. No kissing.” “I don’t get it. Why would she…?” Derek clasped the back of his neck and stared at the ceiling. He groaned. “Son of a bitch. I fell for it.” “Did she tell you we were together?” Sterling asked. Derek nodded, and Sterling’s laughter filled the

garage. “Goddammit,” Derek said. “She told me you two were hooking up on the quiet. A secret affair.” “That explains your less-than-friendly attitude. Hah. This is funny, awkward, and yet at the same time, surprisingly convenient.” Derek looked at him in wordless question. “Funny,” Sterling said, “because she played you. Kate is the spit of her mother, and you’re the man who gets to parent that girl through adolescence. Good luck with that. Awkward, because you think I had your woman, and I didn’t, but I do own your garage. And convenient because, hey. Wedding present.” Derek blew out a hard breath. “Oh, you asshole. You? You’re the buyer?” “I am the buyer. I like Emerson. I’ve been looking to invest in property here for a while.” Sterling turned and made a frame out of his hands as he squinted at the back wall. “I’m thinking about turning it into a coffee shop. Hardwood floors. Tables over there. What d’you think, a little bookstore area? If not books, something cute. Like yarn. Nora’s cousin, Anna, is an interior designer. I’ll get her to come up, take a look.” “A coffee shop,” Derek repeated. “Yes. Is there room in town for one more? Megan’s is good. But it’s always been a fantasy of mine.”

“To own a coffee shop.” “Yes.” “In Emerson.” “Well, not always in Emerson, I didn’t know Emerson existed until Alex moved back here a couple of years ago. When this place came up for sale and I was alerted to the opportunity, I thought oh, why not?” “No,” Derek said. “No?” “You are not turning my garage into a coffee shop.” “Wedding present it is. I don’t think Megan would have been pleased with the competition, anyway.” “You are not giving me my own garage as a wedding present, I don’t know you that well. I don’t know anyone well enough that I would accept a present that big from them. I’m including my parents!” “You’ll get to know me.” “I don’t think I want to.” “Tough. Jenny’s the sister of my heart. Makes you a brother. Can’t stop this, man. You’re marrying into my family. So, do you want a bow on it, or do you want to sign the papers and we’ll go celebrate with a beer?” “It’s nine o’clock in the morning, I’m not going for a beer at nine o’clock in the morning.”

“So, a bow?” “No bow. No beer. And I don’t want your charity.” “It’s pronounced ‘present’.” “Gabe, for the love of God…” Derek sputtered. He couldn’t give Derek the garage. It was insane. Gabe leaned against his car. “You know the most frustrating thing about being a billionaire?” “Having to wear a suit?” “That’s the second most frustrating thing. The first is how fucking hard it is to get the people you care about to accept a gift.” “Happy to take the beer. Later. At the appropriate time for drinking alcohol. I cannot take a building from you.” “Eh, it was worth a shot. I didn’t think you’d go for it.” Gabe reached in through the Aston Martin’s open window and pulled out a manila folder. He strolled across the distance between them. “I was serious about investing in property, though. Here.” “What’s this?” “Rental agreement.” Derek took the folder reluctantly. He examined Gabe’s face. Gabe held his gaze. “It’s only a big deal if you make it one. I’m your new landlord. That’s all.” Derek flipped through the document. Whether it was the night of passion with Jenny or the fact a billionaire tried to give him a building, he couldn’t

make sense of it. “It’s a trap,” he said. “Why would I want to trap you?” “I haven’t worked that out yet, and it’s making me very nervous.” Gabe clapped him on the shoulder. “It’s not a trap. It’s a standard rental agreement. You’ll find that the terms are the same as you had with Rawlings.” Registering that Derek was still uncomfortable, Gabe continued, “Is it any different paying me than paying the bank, if you’d gotten the loan? Or paying rent to any other landlord?” “Suppose not.” Derek tapped the spine of the folder against his thigh. “If you and Jenny had been a thing, then, yeah. Since you were never together, you’re no longer Jenny’s billionaire ex-boyfriend. You’re just an everyday run-of-the-mill billionaire.” “Run-of-the-mill sounds almost as bad as average.” Gabe shuddered. “I prefer unconventional.” “Don’t you rich folk call yourselves eccentric?” “No, that’s what you poor folk call us. We call ourselves whatever we like. I like unconventional.” Derek laughed. Then something Gabe had said earlier sank in. “Wait. Background check?” “Ah. Hoped I’d slipped that one by you.” “You ran a background check on me?” “How else do you think I found out your exlandlord was selling your premises out from under you?”

“I don’t know. Lila, I guess? She’s the only one who knew, and as it turns out, she’s not very good at keeping secrets.” “Lila played you, too, did she?” “I’m starting to think it’s not as hard as my male ego would like.” “It wasn’t Lila.” Gabe took out a cell phone, swiped, then passed it to him. Derek accepted it gingerly. Damn thing looked more expensive than his Triumph. He looked at the screen, and blinked. It was a photo from the day he drove Jenny and Kate to school. They were in the parking lot. Derek was smiling down at Kate, who had her arms around his waist and was leaning back to smile up at him. The connection between them was clear. Guilt dug into Derek like a blunt knife. When the photo was taken, Kate hadn’t seen him for six months. He sure as shit hadn’t deserved the way she’d looked up at him, with such open trust. Going forward, he vowed, he would deserve it. Every single day. “Cute photo,” Gabe said. “Yeah.” Derek’s voice was gruff. “I gave her the backpack.” “I got her there.” Derek stared at the photo a moment longer, then his head snapped up and he glared. Gabe smiled. “What now?”

He thrust out the phone. “Have you been spying on me?” “Paranoid.” “Why do you have a photo of me on your phone, Sterling? Either you’ve got someone following Jenny or someone following me. Not cool.” “Elle sent it. More likely than me having you followed, isn’t it?” Oh. “Yeah.” “Don’t get hung up on the background check.” Gabe brushed this off with a dismissive wave. “I do it to everyone.” “Now who’s paranoid?” “It’s not paranoia. I’m a curious man, and apparently I have a problem with boundaries.” Derek eyed him. “You don’t say.” “Jenny’s important. She matters. She deserves the best. Kate, too. I have resources. I saw the picture. Anyone with half a brain can see where you all are headed. I did what any big brother would do. Asked around to see if there are any red flags.” “And?” “Apart from being declined for a loan and about to lose your garage, no flags at all, Tate. You’re a choirboy. With a cock piercing.” **** Jenny stood in front of the garage bay door

alongside Lila. Jenny was holding the tray of coffees, Lila had the muffins. As Jenny watched, Derek laughed at whatever Gabe had said. Gabe joined in. They shook hands, and followed it up with a bro hug. Jenny’s stomach dropped. She’d have been less surprised if they’d started rolling around on the floor trading punches. “We should run,” Jenny said to Lila. “Right? Whatever they’re talking about can’t be good. Can it?” “Kiss him,” Lila whispered. “I will in a minute.” “I’m talking to Derek.” “Come on, quick. Before they… Oops. Too late.” Derek and Gabe had turned to stand, shoulder to shoulder, and were looking at her. “Hi, guys.” Tamping down her nerves, Jenny straightened her spine and sauntered across the forecourt. “Who wants coffee?” She took one of the cups from the tray before Gabe, the rabid caffeine fiend, could knock her over, and handed it to him. “Here you go.” She handed the one she’d picked up for herself to Derek. “Thanks,” he said. “You’re welcome. No problem. Hi. What’s going on?” Derek gave a dark laugh. “Clarity. Clarity is

what’s going on.” Nope, things were not looking good. “Can I interest you in a muffin?” “Not if it’s chocolate.” “Blueberry.” She held it out to him. Derek accepted the muffin, took the folder he had tucked under his arm out and slapped it lightly against Lila’s chest. Lila jumped and grabbed it. “Check that out for me, will you?” he asked. “No offense,” he said to Gabe. “Due diligence.” Gabe shrugged as Lila said, “Ooh,” and opened the folder up with excitement. Whatever she read made her eyes grow big, and dart between Derek and Gabe. “Jenny?” Derek hooked her elbow. “With me, please.” “Wait,” Gabe called after them. Derek turned back impatiently. Gabe grinned. “My keys? I’m heading back to San Francisco. Unless you want to hang on to the car, have a little slap and tickle? You’re very welcome to. I’ll steal Alex’s truck. He’ll never notice.” Derek was tempted, but he might never give it back “Here.” He dug the keyring out of his pocket and walked it over, taking Jenny with him. “Gabe, you’re leaving already?” Jenny said. “I didn’t get to thank you properly for Bill. I didn’t get

to thank Bill properly.” “Forget it. Come and stay with us before Nora has the baby, and bring me a bag of Megan’s house blend with you. Woman refuses to ship me any.” “Will do.” She went to hug Gabe as usual, then remembered Derek and stiffened. She stuck out a hand instead. Gabe laughed and hauled her into a full-frontal hug, lifting her until she was dangling a foot off the ground. “I’ve missed you, lover,” he said. “Now. Kiss me goodbye. Make it wet.” “Very funny.” Derek plucked Jenny from Gabe’s arms and dragged her into his side. “I’ll kiss you goodbye,” Lila said to Gabe, still flipping through the file. She looked up at him with a smile full of teeth. “Once we’ve cleared up this little point right here, that is.” “Which point?” Gabe scowled and leaned over her shoulder to read where she was tapping her finger. Leaving them to it, Derek towed Jenny after him. She ran to keep up, and as soon as he’d shoved her into the office, she opened her mouth to defend whatever stupid game Gabe was playing. She never got the chance. Derek backed her into the door and braced a hand either side of her head. She took hold of his hard waist. “I have no idea what that whole kissing crap was about—” she

began. To her astonishment, Derek brushed it off. “That was for my benefit,” he said. “Your buddy’s a douche.” “Hey!” She smacked him. “No one talks about Gabe like that!” Everyone talked about Gabe like that, but Jenny wouldn’t hear it. “He’s a douche. He does it on purpose. Deep down, though, I can tell he’s a good guy. I can totally see how you’d fall for someone like him. How you’d end up inviting him into your bed. Sneaking around. Seizing the opportunity to have a wild affair. To experience your moment of passion in the blazing sun of his billionaire attention.” Derek ducked his head and nibbled on her lips. Jenny arched away, narrowing her eyes. “You know.” “Oh, yeah, baby. I know.” “I don’t,” someone else said in a gruff voice, “and I don’t want to. If y’all will be kind enough to step aside, I’ll get out of your hair.” Jenny screamed and Derek flinched as Burke stood up from his seat behind the desk. “When did you get here?” Derek demanded. “About ten minutes ago.” “Why are you hiding…? Oh. Right.” Derek shuffled Jenny aside, opened the door and glanced out, then said to Burke, “She’s busy arguing. Make a break for it.”

Avoiding Jenny’s gaze, the big man sidled out through the door and disappeared into the gloom at the back of the garage. Derek closed the door behind him and gave the office a thorough scan before taking up his original position. “Where were we? Here?” He kissed her neck. “What was that about?” Jenny asked. Derek slid a leg between hers. “Burke? He’s scared of Lila.” “Has he even met Lila?” “No. He’s trying not to. I think he’s got a bit of a crush.” “Aww.” “Jenny.” “Admit it, you think that’s sweet, too.” “I think it’s adorable. I also think you played me.” She tugged her lower lip between her teeth. “In my defense, telling you I was sleeping with Gabe was a spur-of-the-moment thing. It wasn’t well thought out.” “Not like your genius plan to borrow his lawyer and bluff Dean. Not like that plan.” “Hard to believe, but no, it was not even as good as that plan. So, you know we never had an affair?” “I know.” “He told you?” “Yes.”

She smoothed her hands around to his back and tucked them under his waistband. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to do. I woke up and you were there. I wanted you to stay there so much Derek, and I couldn’t handle it. It was too perfect. Everything about you is too perfect.” “I wouldn’t go that far.” She pinched his lips together, stopping his words. “You are, and I’m not listening to any arguments. You’re perfect for me. And it takes a lot of getting used to, you know?” “Mmmph mmph?” What does? “Getting what you want. I woke up in bed with you, it was perfect, and it scared the shit out of me. It was too soon. And then, as time went on, I got used to the idea of it, and you would barely even look at me. I missed you.” She caught his face between her hands and kissed him fiercely. “I missed you, and if my stupid car hadn’t choked when it did, I’d have stuck a screwdriver in the back tire, and called you myself. “I wouldn’t have done it on Kate’s first day of kindergarten, though. I’d have chosen a good day. Blocked out a morning. I don’t think I could have ignored it for much longer.” “What if I hadn’t come? What if I’d sent Burke with the tow truck?” “I’d have tried it again.” “Or, you could have called me without stabbing

your car. Any time in the past two years, Jenny. You could have called me any time, and I would have come.” She sighed. Derek’s dimples flickered in his cheeks. Jenny cupped his face, stuck the tip of one forefinger in one dimple, then inserted the other into his other dimple. “Stop fingering my dimples,” he said. “Make me.” Derek caught her wrists, transferred them to one hand and stretched them over her head. “It has come to my attention, Tate,” she said, “that you seem to like holding me down. I’m starting to think you have a kinky side.” Derek gave a delicious, dirty laugh. “Starting to? The cock piercing didn’t tip you off?” “It should have, shouldn’t it?” He nodded. “I’m sorry.” “I don’t want your apology, baby. All I ever wanted was for you to choose me. And you did.” “I did. I do. I always will.” She pulled at her wrists until he freed them, and went to frame his face again. He jerked his head back. “I’m serious. Don’t finger my dimples.” “I’m not fingering… Derek, come here. I’m not going to touch your dimples. I’m being romantic. I was trying to be romantic. You ruined it.”

Derek picked up her hands and placed them on his cheeks, rough with stubble and bunched with a broad smile. “Try again.” “Okay. I did choose you. I do choose you. I always will choose you. And I would like to marry you and make a family with you. I’m ready for anything you want to give me.” “Mmm.” She ignored the pulse of arousal that threatened to derail her at the look in his eyes, and continued before she lost her thread again, “Any time you want to ask, you go ahead.” “Are you proposing to me?” “No.” “Sure sounded like it.” “I’m proposing that you propose.” “All right. I’ll take it under advisement.” He bent and murmured against her lips, “Did you have a particular timeframe in mind?” “Sometime this century,” Jenny said. She gasped when his tongue dipped in for a swift, teasing stroke. “Other than that, I’m wide open.” Derek grinned. “Good to know.” She’d intended the comment as a flippant joke, only it came out as her deepest truth. Jenny was wide open to this man in every possible way. His patience, persistence and determination had broken down every barrier between them, left her nowhere to hide.

She had no walls left, nothing to protect her. Derek’s grin faded. “What is it?” he asked, drawing her closer. She shook her head. “Jenny—” The foundations of her world had changed and she should be terrified, but she wasn’t. She just wasn’t. She picked up his warm hand and placed it on her chest, holding it there with an almost painful pressure. “What is it?” He shifted against her. “Jenny. Look at me.” She did. She let him see the truth in her eyes, and she could tell the moment it sank in. The hand on her chest swept up to her throat and curled around her nape. He pulled her roughly up onto her toes to meet him for a passionate, consuming kiss that finished with his laughter rumbling through her. “I love you, Derek,” she said, and held on tight.

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE Six months later Derek sat at one side of the kitchen table. Kate sat at the other. She was staring at him. Don’t say anything. Give her time. It’s a lot to process. Kate tilted her head to one side and considered him with somber, thoughtful eyes. Derek cleared his throat and sat back. He cleared his throat again. Dry. Was it hot in here? He grabbed for the glass in front of him and took a gulp. “That’s mine,” Kate said. Yup. It wasn’t his water. It was her glass of milk. “I’ll get you another.” “No thanks.” Okay. Derek drummed his fingers on the tabletop. Kate pursed her lips. “Do I have to call you

Dad?” “No.” “Because I have a dad. And that’s his name.” “I know, sweetheart. You can call me what you want.” She brightened. “I like Colin.” “No, I… I didn’t mean you could rename me. I meant you can keep calling me Derek, or… Call me Derek.” “Can I call you Stepfather?” “That’s a little formal.” “I like it, though. I’m going to call you Stepfather.” “Or you could keep calling him Derek,” Jenny said, joining them, thank fuck. She dropped a hand on Kate’s head as she passed, smoothed down her flyaway hair. “Don’t tease him, Kate.” Kate grinned at Derek. He narrowed his eyes. “Are you messing with me?” “Yes.” “So you think it’s a good idea?” “So long as I don’t have to call you Dad.” “You don’t have to call me Dad.” “Because it would probably hurt his feelings.” We wouldn’t want that. “I know.” “And so long as I don’t have to wear a dress.” “Ever, or to the wedding?” “Ever,” Kate said craftily.

“Can’t promise that.” Derek shook his head. “What if a prince shows up wanting to marry you? You’d have to wear a dress. It’s the law. You’d be a princess.” “Don’t give her nightmares, Colin,” Jenny said. “Fine. You don’t have to wear a dress to the wedding, unless you want to, and you can decide whether or not you want to closer to the day.” “In that case, yes,” Kate said. “You can marry Mom.” “Thank you, sweetheart.” “And I want a baby brother.” Derek crossed his arms over his chest. “The negotiations are over. You should have asked before you said yes.” Kate scowled. “Because what if we do have a baby, and it’s a sister?” “That would be better. But I don’t mind which.” “In that case…” Derek stood, crossed the kitchen to Jenny and dropped to one knee. He took out the ring Elle and Lila had helped him choose. “Jennifer Finley, would you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife?” Jenny turned from where she was making them sandwiches for lunch, and did a double take. “Why do you look surprised?” Derek asked. “You knew this was coming.” “I didn’t know the ring was coming. Now.

Today.” “I thought this was a good day to do it. You knew Kate and I were having the talk. We talked.” “Three seconds ago.” Derek exchanged worried glances with Kate, who’d jumped down from her chair and came to stand beside him. Jenny was making a high-pitched mmmmmmm noise. “I think I know what this is,” Kate said to Derek, putting a hand on his shoulder to lean in. “She did it on my first day of school.” “It’s happy, though?” Derek asked. Jenny wanted to marry him. He knew that. They’d discussed it. After three months of Derek easing into their lives, with Kate taking it as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he had moved in with them. After another three months, they decided he’d talk to her, man to girl, and if she still seemed on board with everything, they’d make it official. Jenny had said yes to this plan. One of Derek’s favorite things was to make Jenny say yes to him. With the lock he’d installed on their bedroom door and a well-honed sense of when to muffle her cries, he made her say it a lot. So why were her eyes shiny and— “I think mostly it’s happy,” Kate said. “At least she’s not crying, which is what she did when… No,

she’s crying. Mom.” “I’m happy. These are tears of joy. This happens.” “Mom, you’re freaking Derek out.” Kate looked at Derek and rolled her eyes. Derek looked at Kate. He had a necklace in his pocket that Elle had also helped him choose, as a present for Kate. It was a delicate silver chain with a pendant, a little dragon in flight. He hadn’t been sure about it as a gesture, thought it was kind of corny, kind of cute. Now he was flat-out scared. He didn’t want to make both Finley women cry in the same day. Or ever. Derek stood up and drew Jenny into his arms. She collapsed against him, fighting sobs, as he put the ring on her finger. “Shh,” he said, stroking her back gently. “Always shushing me!” “Always making so much noise.” He held her away and wiped her cheeks. “Okay?” “Yes.” Jenny sniffed. “I’m deliriously happy. Yes, I will marry you. Thank you very much.” She pecked a firm kiss on his lips, and returned to making sandwiches. Concentrating hard on buttering a slice of bread, she added, “And also, I’m pregnant.” Kate and Derek stared at each other. Kate held up her hand for a high five. Derek slapped it. Kate

threw herself at her mother. “I’m going to be such a great sister!” she cheered. She bounced to Derek, hugged him, then yelled, “I’m going to call Auntie Elle!” and disappeared. “Pregnant?” Derek whispered. “Already?” They’d only stopped using birth control six weeks ago. He crowded Jenny against the counter, his chest to her back, and wrapped his arms around her. Nudging her head to one side, he pressed a soft kiss to her neck. Jenny gripped his forearms. “Yes,” she said. “You should know, I was very emotional when pregnant with Kate. There. I warned you. I hope you’re proud of yourself, Tate. You’re stuck now.” “Right where I want to be, honey.” “Well, I hope so, because this is it.” “Right where— “Can’t change your mind, even if you want to.” “I don’t—” “You’re having a baby. I’m having a baby. I’m having another baby. Oh, Derek, it’s not even the emotional stuff. I’m going to throw up so much. I’m not even kidding. Then the baby will be throwing up. And the diapers. You have no idea what is coming for you. No idea.” Derek started laughing as he loosened her whiteknuckled grip on his arms and turned her around. He tipped her chin up and kissed her roughly. “I’m game. Bring it on, Jenny Tate.”

About the author Isabel North writes contemporary romance fiction and believes that love, like life, is best served with laughter. Her stories feature alpha heroes with a sense of humor, and quirky heroines who can handle the awkward moments on the way to their happily ever after. Isabel is the author of the Love, Emerson series, and if she isn't writing, she's reading. Or eating ice cream. Sometimes both at the same time.

twitter.com/isabelnorthauth isabelnorthauthor.wordpress.com **** Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed His Ever After. If so, don't forget that you can leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads, which helps readers like you to find it.

ARTFULLY YOURS (Love, Emerson #1) Elle Finley is looking for more. Tired of chaotic ER shifts and a home life that revolves around Netflix, pizza, and sleep, when her injured sister needs her help back home Elle jumps at the chance to shake things up. She’s not prepared for the sexy stranger next door who seems intent on sweeping her off her feet and then doing other—more exciting—stuff to her. Metal sculptor Alex Zacharov can’t believe his luck when the girl he fell in love with eighteen years ago walks right back into his arms. Although he recognizes her in a heartbeat, she has no idea who he is, or what she means to him. Alex is more comfortable with a welding torch and hot metal than with dating and romance. He’s focused, intense, and used to getting what he wants…and he wants Elle. Even if he has to learn how to date her first. Amazon | Goodreads

TECHNICALLY MINE (Love, Emerson #2) Nora Bowman’s love life just imploded. A road trip —not running away!—leads her to San Francisco and possibly the most beautiful man she’s ever seen in real life. And Nora saw all of him. Literally. Which is awkward, because he’s her new client. On the plus side, she’s discovered a new kink for tattooed bad boys. Who knew? Tech millionaire Gabe Sterling has everything—but the one thing his money can’t buy is happiness. When he hires the latest in a long line of interior designers to remodel his secret hideaway, he never expects to fall for the designer’s quirky assistant. Gabe should be focusing on Sterling Enterprises’ ground-breaking new project, but Nora is driving him to distraction. Will he choose the job and level up from millionaire to billionaire, or will Gabe choose a life with loveshy Nora…if, that is, he can convince her to take a chance on him. Technically Mine is a fun, sexy story about finding your home—even if you have to run away from it first.

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