Home To You (20 page)

“She’s going to hate me. She’s been hurt by her ex, and she’s going to think I did the same thing.”

“Then you have to prove to her that you’re not usually a dirtbag. Look, I’ve known Kendall for a long time. She’s reasonable, and if she’s sleeping with you, she cares about you.”

“I need more time.”

“No, you’re all out of time. If you wait any longer, you’re just being a selfish prick.”

*

Kendall hollered out the door, “Jack, breakfast is ready.”

“Sweetheart, we’ve got company. You might want to get dressed.”

Shit. She knew cooking almost naked was a mistake. She ran to the bedroom and threw on clothes, and hoped to hell she wasn’t still blushing when she stuck her head back out to find Jack and Jaime in what looked like a Mexican standoff. As soon as they saw her, the two of them went from looking like they were about to beat the crap out of each other to best buds. “Everything okay?”

“Hey, Kenny.”

“Jaime, what are you doing here?”

Jaime grabbed her and wrapped her in a bear hug, lifting her right off her feet, and gave her a kiss on the cheek before setting her gently back on the floor. “I just dropped by to check on you. How’s it going, beautiful?”

She looked from Jaime to Jack and back again. There was definitely something going on between them she wasn’t privy to, and it didn’t look anything like a bromance. “I’m doing well. Breakfast is ready and I made a ton of food, so why don’t you come join us?”

“Don’t mind if I do. Thanks.” He shot Jack a smug grin and sauntered in, pulling off his hat and coat.

Kendall didn’t have time to figure out what was going on between them, so she ran back to the kitchen to get another place setting and more coffee.

She set Jaime a place and told the guys to dig in while she went to hunt down her coffee. She needed a cup with an alarm that went off when she moved more than three feet away from it, because she was forever losing her coffee. When she returned, the guys had their heads
together, and they were fighting under their breath. “Okay, what’s going on? I know something’s wrong, because neither of you have touched the food.”

Jaime looked up from his cup and shrugged. “Addie came by the shop the other day asking me to check on you. She said you were up here all alone, and, with the storm coming, she was worried you’d run out of food.”

“I’ll give her a call later.” She turned to Jack. “Addie’s a bit of a worrywart. She wasn’t happy I came up here on my own. I’m surprised she hasn’t stopped by before now.”

She served them both the buckwheat pancakes she’d made, which looked so good, she’d even taken a picture to post on Pinterest when she got home.

Jaime took the syrup Kendall passed to him and drowned his sausages.

Kendall risked a quick side glance at Jack. He looked almost ill for a nanosecond.

Jaime took a bite, groaned, and speared another sausage. “If Addie says anything, you tell her I lent you my truck to go shopping in Concord, okay? Oh, and you picked up a part for me. It was the only way I could keep her from coming out here and finding you and Romeo.”

“Okay. But I’m not too worried about it. I’m sure if I call and tell her about Jack, she won’t freak out too badly.” She reached over and gave Jack’s thigh a squeeze. “She’s a little overprotective. Besides, it’s about time Jack met some people. It’s not as if he’s been hiding back here—he just hasn’t had a car.”

Jaime looked up from his plate and shot Jack another look.

She cleared her throat. “And speaking of cars, how’s the Jeep coming along?”

“It’s finished. You can pick it up today, if you want. It’s in the garage at the house, and I plowed the lane.”

“How much is it going to cost? I forgot to pack my checkbook, so I need to stop by the bank and get cash. I wish I’d thought of it when we were in Concord.”

“Don’t worry about it. Jack paid for the parts, and I just worked on it in my free time. It was no big deal.”

Jack glared at Jaime, and Jaime glared right back between bites of food.

“What’s going on between you two?”

Both men shoved pancakes in their mouths and the groan fest began. She was used to people praising her food, but, right now, it only annoyed her. She sat back, sipped her now-cold coffee, and watched them. “You might want to slow down. This isn’t a competition.”

“The faster we eat, the sooner Jaime will leave.”

“And miss a third cup of coffee?”

“You’ve only had one.”

“I know. The first is to warm me up, the second is to enjoy after we eat, and the third to savor on the walk back.”

“Then I’d better put on another pot.” She hightailed it into the kitchen and reheated her cup in the microwave while she made fresh coffee. She really missed her Keurig—well, David’s Keurig. But, then again, there was something about listening to the gurgle and perk that reminded her of home and family.

She popped her head around the corner. Both men were going at it again in angry whispers and pointing their forks at each other. She was glad she hadn’t bothered to set out knives. She took a deep breath and grabbed the fresh pot. “You guys doing okay?”

They sat ramrod straight when she rounded the
corner, as if they had been caught lighting matches behind a barn.

“We’re fine, gorgeous.” Jaime’s smile looked tight and drawn. “I may have to steal you away from Jack.” The name Jack came out on a hard consonant, with a whisper of an -
ass
at the end.

“Try it, and you won’t ever eat again.”

“Why’s that?”

“You’ll be dead.”

Jaime guffawed. “You’re the one on borrowed time. All I have to do is sit back and wait.”

“What are you two talking about?”

“How much will it cost me to get you to leave right now?”

Jaime picked up his plate. “It’s only fair that I do the dishes after such an amazing breakfast. I should walk up here for lunch and dinner. I’ll get to eat great food and make my hands Palmolive soft.”

Jack took the plate out of Jaime’s hand. “That won’t be necessary. I’m sure you have other things to do.”

“Not at the moment. Hey, Kendall, aren’t your parents due back tomorrow?”

Jack gripped the plates so hard, his knuckles turned white.

“Umm, I’m not sure. What day is it?” She was glad she hadn’t eaten much. The thought of leaving Jack turned the coffee in her stomach sour.

“Tuesday. The airport opened back up this morning, and most of the roads are cleared.”

“No, they’re coming home on Thursday, if I remember correctly. But, then, I left their itinerary in Boston.”

She watched Jack visibly relax.

Jaime raised an eyebrow. “You’re not picking them up at the airport?”

“No, the Grand Pooh-Bah gave them the trip. I’m sure he arranged for a limo.”

Jack looked like a guy with a bad case of colitis. “You saw that on their itinerary?”

“No, but my parents didn’t ask me to pick them up, and since they thought I’d be in Boston, I’m sure they would have. Besides, the Grand Pooh-Bah had a limo take them to the airport. I’m sure even he would realize they’d need a ride back.”

“Come on. This guy can’t as bad as you make him sound.”

She couldn’t help but laugh at the look on Jack’s face; it was as if he were insulted for the poor little rich boy. “Ask Jaime—he was best friends with him growing up.”

Jaime just smiled. “Oh, he’s worse. Jax and I have been friends all our lives, and you know he’s never once invited me to visit him in Chicago.”

“Chicago? Hey, Jack’s from Chicago too.”

Jaime shook his head. “What a co-winki-dink. Well, I’d better hit the trail.”

She got up. “I thought you wanted another cup of coffee.”

Jaime tugged on his coat. “I just remembered I have something to do. I’ll take a rain check. Your Jeep is out of the garage, and I left the keys in it for you, so whenever you want to drop by to get it is fine.”

“Are you sure I can’t pay you for labor?”

“I’d rather trade in food. When you get tired of Jack, you just come down to my place. I have an extra bedroom, and I’ll give you carte blanche at the grocery store.”

Jack stood, pushing his chair back so hard, Kendall was surprised it didn’t hit the wall. “I’ll walk you out.”

Kendall rose and followed him to the door “Thanks for coming by, Jaime, and for all your help with the Jeep. I really appreciate it.” She gave him a hug.

“You know where I am if you need anything, Kenny. Anything at all.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine.” She pulled away, and the look he gave her made her feel like someone had walked across her grave.

Jack gave her a worried look and then followed Jaime out. It was a wonder she wasn’t overcome with testosterone poisoning with those two. She picked up the dishes and tried to figure out what the hell just happened.

J
ax wanted to kill Jaime. He gave Kendall a kiss before he followed his ex–best friend out, thinking he’d have to wait to get far enough away so Kendall didn’t hear Jaime’s screams.

Jaime stepped off the porch and knocked his shoulder. “Sorry, man. I went too far. But in my own defense, I didn’t know you told her you were from Chicago.”

Jax stuffed his hands in his pockets and trudged down the lane. “I don’t lie to Kendall.”

Jaime shot him a what-the-fuck? look.

“I just didn’t tell her my full name. I’ve never lied to her about anything. She asked me where I was from, and I told her.”

“Right, Jack. You’re absolved of all sin. Feel better now?”

He looked around, noticing how the snow-covered trees cut the bright blue sky. He felt like shit.

“She talked about you—the Grand Pooh-Bah—and you didn’t tell her. You had the perfect opportunity.”

“With you right there?”

“At least you’d have some protection.”

“Jesus, Jaime. I’m going through hell here, and you’re roasting marshmallows and enjoying the show.”

“You’re not the only one in deep shit, Jax. Kendall’s never going to forgive me for going along with your plan. You’d better tell Kendall I advised against your dastardly little plan. But, then, by the time I found out about it, it was already a done deal, wasn’t it? The only choice I had was to go along with it or blow it for you. And God help me if Addie gets wind of it. Fuck, you have no idea the shit storm you just rained down on me.”

“Did you try to talk me out of it?”

“Hell, I don’t remember. All I know is that for the first time in years, I looked at you and you looked like my best friend again. I don’t know what the hell it is about Kendall, or maybe it was the knock on the head, but it was like the prick you’ve been since you went away to that hoity-toity boarding school disappeared. I was just happy to have the real you back, man.”

“All these years you thought I was a prick?”

“Well, yeah. Whenever we got together, all you would do was talk about work. If you weren’t on the phone, you were on the damn computer.”

“I had responsibilities.”

“Right. And no one but you could handle that stuff when you were on vacation.”

“Exactly.” Jax took a deep breath of crisp air and felt it in his stomach muscles. He couldn’t keep the smile off his face. Kendall had just about worn him out last night. He couldn’t believe she was the same woman he found sobbing in a car a few weeks ago.

“So, tell me: who the hell is running the show now, Mr. Irreplaceable?”

He thought about it and shook his head; he had no idea. He hadn’t even thought to ask, and he hadn’t missed his work or the people he worked with. “I don’t know.”

“Well, they must have found someone because the world hasn’t come to a screeching halt, and I’m still getting my statements. My money is still being managed. Maybe you’re not so irreplaceable after all.”

“For both our sakes, I hope you’re right. I didn’t mean to be a prick, though.”

“You know, Jax, I’m starting to think this bump on the head was the best thing that ever happened to you. You always looked so miserable and stressed, and, well . . . I don’t know. Isolated. Since you came back from spending Christmas in New York with Rocki, you’ve been different—in a good way.”

“Thanks. Um, look. I can’t remember if I had my assistant schedule a limo for Grace and Teddy. I need to call her and make sure.”

“So call her.”

“Yeah, well, that’s the thing. You didn’t program my office number into the phone, and I don’t know it.”

“I have your office number at home. I’ll call Anne.”

“Who the hell is Anne?”

“Anne Pivens, your secretary.”

“Oh, Mrs. Pivens.”

“You didn’t even know her first name?”

“Of course I know her first name—I just don’t think of her by her first name. She’s been Mrs. Pivens since I got there.”

“Well, Anne and I have become friendly over the years—I call, you put me off, she feels bad and tells me how you’re doing. I’ll make sure she knows to take care of the limo.”

“Thanks. Oh, and Jaime?”

“Yeah?”

“If you ever make a play for Kendall again, even in jest, I’ll break both your legs.”

“I hear ya. I love Kendall like a sister. Believe me, she’s not my type. You have nothing to worry about there, bro.”

“So, what’s your type?”

“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”

*

Kendall did the dishes and thought about how to handle her parents. She wasn’t looking forward to telling them about her breakup, and then there was the whole issue with Jack. How was she going to explain that?

Jack must have walked all the way to Jaime’s, because he’d been gone a long time.

The kitchen was clean, the bed was made, and a crazy sexual bucket list had been written. And then she started sanding the last coat of mud. They’d be able to paint soon, and the room would be done.

Maybe she and Jack could take off to Boston for a few days and have some more time together without having to explain their relationship to her parents. She didn’t want to go back to the apartment, but when she pictured herself there with Jack, it didn’t seem too terrible at all. And if David ever caught wind of it, he would definitely be put out, and that worked for her too.

“Kendall?”

“In here.” She’d closed the door to keep the dust inside the bedroom—not that it really worked. Dust was like ghosts; it seemed to walk right through walls, no matter how careful you were.

Jack pulled his overshirt off as he came through the door, leaving him in a T-shirt. “You don’t have to do this. It’s messy and dusty.”

“It gives me an excuse for another shower.”

He climbed the ladder behind her. “You’re looking forward to our next shower?” His lips skimmed her jawline, and she leaned back into him, turning a little for a kiss.

“Oh yeah. Sex in the shower is on my sexual bucket list.”

“You have a list?”

“I do now.”

“Really? Wow, this I gotta see.”

“Oh no, you don’t. My list is private.”

“Not if I’m expected to perform these sexual feats, it’s not.”

She felt his erection against her bottom and she pressed farther into him. “Mmmm. If you keep that up, we’re never going to get this room done.”

“So?”

“So, I was wondering if you wanted to go to Boston with me for a little while. I have to pack my apartment and give my landlord notice. I thought since no one knows I’ve been here, except Jaime and Addie, it would also give us a little more time together without having to tell my parents.”

“You and me in Boston? Sounds good. When do you want to leave?”

“Before my parents get back. I’m really not looking forward to having to tell them about David in person. And then there’s the whole situation with us.”

“Situation?” His hand wrapped around her waist tightened, and tension shimmered around them.

“Come on, Jack, they’re my parents. They’re not going to be happy when they find out we’re together so soon after David dumped me. I’d like time to ease them into it.”

“Oh, okay. We can take as much time as you need.”

“You don’t mind?”

“No. Why would I? If we can get the room sanded, we can put a coat of primer on this afternoon, and this evening we can paint it and put the furniture back.”

Kendall smiled and felt all gooey on the inside.

“What?”

“I like the
we
part.”

Jack kissed her quickly. “You don’t happen to have spanking on your list, do you?”

Spanking? No. Not that she couldn’t add it, and it definitely expanded the possibilities. She’d read
Fifty Shades
, mostly for kicks during her monthly book club—not that they actually ever read full books, but after a glass or two of wine, the ladies really got into reading excerpts. “Do you want to spank me?”

“That depends. Are you a naughty girl or a nice girl?” His voice got all deep and gravelly, and just the sound of it was enough to make her hot.

“Nice is so overrated. I’m really getting into the whole naughty thing.”

He slid his hand over her rear, and she had to squeeze her thighs together.

“You have the greatest ass I’ve ever seen. Half the time I don’t know if I want to kiss it or spank it. Right now, I want both.”

“Jack, what else is on your sexual bucket list?”

“With you?”

“Well, I’m not interested in what you want to do with someone else.”

“Sweetheart, there’s no one else I want to do.”

“Good answer.”

He ran his hand around to her front and slipped it into
the waistband of her pants and under her panties. “After our first kiss, it was all I could do not to rip off your jeans and take you up against the wall like an animal.”

“Oooh.”

“Yeah, oooh. And seeing you on your knees between my legs—well, you know damn well what I was thinking then. But you already checked that one off your list, didn’t you?”

“I really liked it.”

“I gotta tell you, for someone who’d never tried it before, you’re a natural. That was the best I’ve ever had. If you get any better at it, I might not survive.” He slid his hand lower and sucked in a breath. “Kendall, damn, you’re so hot and wet.”

She couldn’t believe what he could do to her with just his voice. She held on to the ladder and ground into his hand. “I’m thinking we need a break. Either that or we’re going to end up making love on the ladder.”

“Sounds interesting.”

“Really?”

“But dangerous. And, right now, it might just be combustible. I’d be in hot water if we burned down the cabin.”

“So, no chutes and ladders?”

“Not unless it’s an adult version of the board game.”

“Then I guess you’ll have to get your ants out of my pants.”

“We could play Operation later.”

She bumped her bottom against him. “Or Monopoly. You still can’t count. I would win.”

“You would cheat.”

“Yes, but you wouldn’t know.”

Jack’s palm landed on her backside with a decisive thwack and a sting that left her throbbing. “Get back to work, and I promise to haul you over my knee later.”

“Oh, my.”

*

The next morning Kendall woke up to moaning. And not the good kind. “Jack, what’s wrong?”

He rolled over, and she got her first look at him. He was pale, a little on the green side, and sweating profusely.

She pushed the hair off his forehead, which was clammy. “Headache?”

“Like you read about.”

“Why didn’t you wake me?”

“I thought it would go away.”

Men could be such babies. “It looks like you were wrong. Didn’t any of your nurse girlfriends tell you that you need to stay ahead of the pain? That means Motrin as soon as you feel one coming on. Have you taken anything?”

“No.”

“What do you need?”

“A bullet.”

“Very funny. Motrin and Tylenol, or are you ready for the hard stuff?

“The hard stuff.”

“Okay.” She swung her legs over the edge of the bed. “Where is it?”

“Medicine cabinet.” Jack groaned again and covered his eyes with his arm.

She got out of bed, and a shiver ran through her—she
wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or concern for Jack. His color was off, plus the pain she saw in his eyes and the strain in his body—everything about this scared her. Should she take him to the hospital?

She shaded her own eyes as she turned on the obnoxious overhead light and opened the medicine cabinet. She pulled down a prescription bottle, but it was prescribed for Jackson Sullivan. “I don’t see it. Are you sure you put it in the cabinet?”

“It’s on the second shelf.”

There was only one prescription bottle in there—right next to the Motrin and Tylenol
. TAKE TWO EVERY FOUR HOURS
AS NEEDED FOR PAIN.
But the prescription was for Jackson Sullivan. Jax never came to the cabin. He hadn’t been there in years. Why would he have a prescription here?

“Jack, Jackson.” She heard blood rushing through her ears. “Oh, God. No. He can’t be.”

She looked at the date of the prescription. Last month. December. She remembered her mother saying that Jax was coming before Christmas for a ski vacation. Her face tingled like a million bees were stinging her, their buzzing filled her ears, and her vision grayed. Her hand shook so badly, the medicine sounded like a maraca.

Jack—her Jack—was Jax. She closed her eyes, and her hand clamped onto the edge of the porcelain sink. She couldn’t deal with it now. No, she’d medicate him, and once he got better, she’d kill him.

Kendall blinked her eyes, trying to clear the gray fog closing in on her and realized she was holding her breath. Not good. She took a deep breath and blew it out slowly, then another. She was fine. She was in control. She was
strong. She was also an idiot. Jack—Jackson. Wow, how could she have fallen for that? He’d even told her his parents had died—she’d never put the two together.

She remembered Jax’s parents and their funeral. The whole town showed up to pay their respects. Everyone loved Jack and Marie Sullivan. She remembered Jax that winter day, wearing a black suit and overcoat. He looked nothing like the boy she’d followed around the summer before—no, he looked like a man. A stranger—his expression blank, his eyes dead. He looked as if he were made of wax, like one of the statues she’d seen at Madame Tussauds the time her parents took her to New York.