My Sweetheart (10 page)

             
“Actually, we just lost a guy. Jane you know Tristan. He messed up his ankle last week and we’re a man short. We have a game Monday. Come an hour early and I’ll give you the basics.”

             
Rob grinned and nodded his head. “I’ll be there. I haven’t played any sport since baseball. It’ll be good to get out and have some fun. Plus knowing Jane will be there on the sidelines waiting for me. What could be better?” he said and then leaned down to kiss Jane’s cheek.

             
Jane cleared her throat and smiled up at Rob. “You’ll be amazing honey. I can’t wait to see what you can do,” she said putting her arm around Rob’s waist.

             
Tate glared at Jane for one dark moment before nodding his head once. “Good. I look forward to seeing you both on Monday then. We’ll let you get back to your date,” he said coolly and then took Alea by the arm and walked off.

             
She and Rob leaned up against his car and watched them walk away silently before Rob stood up and opened the door for her. As they drove away he shook his head. “I didn’t really believe it at first, but you’re right. He’s got it bad for you, but he’s fighting it. When he saw me kiss you, you should have seen his face. He looked like he wanted to tear me apart with his bare hands.”

             
Jane sighed and pushed her hair over her left ear. “Well, maybe he’ll think that I’ve moved on now. I can’t stand the idea of him thinking I’m sitting at home every night crying my eyes out over him. And there he was out with Miss Universe. She’s so gorgeous, isn’t she?” she asked miserably, already knowing the answer.

             
Rob shrugged. “Yeah, she’s pretty to look at but she has mean eyes. I think you’re ten times more attractive than her.”

             
Jane blinked in surprise. “Are you just saying that? Come on, what makes this work between you and me is total and complete honesty.”

             
Rob looked over at her and raised an eyebrow. “Self-esteem issues much? Seriously Jane, she is beautiful, but like I said, it’s easy to see she’s mean on the inside. Any man with eyes and a heart can see that. Tate’s a freaking idiot to be with her instead of you. You’re not only gorgeous, but you’re smart, intelligent, hardworking and loyal. But the best thing about you is that you have a kind heart. That’s what makes someone truly attractive.”

             
Jane frowned and turned in her seat to look at Rob. “Rob, if you can see Alea and me so clearly, why couldn’t you see Kit? She was dying for you to ask her out those first couple months we were here, but all you saw was some shallow party girl.”

             
Rob closed his eyes for a moment and his shoulders slumped. “Because I just couldn’t believe it. Here she was, flat out the most gorgeous woman I’d ever met. And I’m not just talking gorgeous, I’m talking if God created one woman with me in mind, it was Kit. And there she is and I can’t take my eyes off her, but I figure there has to be a catch. No one could look like that and be good on the inside too. I doubted her. I didn’t have faith in her or life or whatever. Getting dumped makes you cynical and bitter and I was both. I let it cloud my judgment and I lost her. I’ve sworn I’ll never do that again. Now when I look at a woman, I look at her heart first and her face second.”

             
Jane leaned her head against the seat and reached out a hand and touched Rob’s arm. He looked at her in surprise and smiled slightly.

             
“I’m sorry Rob. She was always meant to be with Hunter though. Maybe God was teaching you a lesson so that you’ll look closely before letting the woman who is meant for you get away.”

             
Rob covered her hand with his briefly before answering. “Maybe,” he said and pulled up in front of the bakery.

             
Rob walked her to the door and gave her a quick hug. “You know, you’re not a bad kisser. Maybe we should practice though?” Rob asked lightly.

             
Jane grinned at Rob and yanked on his tie. “Uh, I think that kiss in front of Tate put you way past your limit for the night.”

             
Rob laughed and turned and walked down the steps, turning back to look at her over his shoulder. “See ya Monday then.”

             
Jane grinned and went inside, locking up immediately. She hurried upstairs and saw that Kit had left the light on in the family room and reached in to turn it off as she walked by.

             
“Not so fast Jane. We’ve been waiting up for you.”

             
Jane sighed loudly and slipped her heels off as she walked into the small cozy room. Kit and Hunter were snuggled together on the couch and Layla was curled up on the recliner with a book.

             
“Where’s Michael? He didn’t want to be in on the interrogation?” she asked crossing her arms and leaning against the door frame.

             
Layla smiled and yawned. “Oh he wanted to be here, believe me. But he’s over waiting to interrogate Rob. Michael’s mom is babysitting Stella for us.”

             
Jane laughed and hoped Rob survived
The Talk
he was about to get. She glanced at the clock and stretched. “Can we do this tomorrow? I’ve got church tomorrow and I’ve been dancing for hours.”

             
Kit frowned and shook her head. “Fraid not princess. Sit down and give us all the goods or we won’t let you go to bed.”

             
Jane looked to Hunter with pleading eyes but he grinned at her and held up his hands. “Don’t look at me Jane. I’m not going to save you. Besides, I’d like to know how Rob treated you too,” he said, his mouth grim and his eyes serious.

             
Jane sighed and flopped down on the couch. She went through everything up until they met Tate and stopped, blushing as everyone continued to stare at her.

             
“Well? What happened then?” Layla prompted curiously.

             
Jane pursed her lips and stared up at the ceiling. “Okay fine, he kissed me. But only because we had agreed beforehand that he would if it was in front of Tate. He did it as a favor,” she said in a rush, watching as expressions from murder to confusion to doubt raced across her sisters’ faces.

             
Kit shook her head. “Yeah, well Rob’s big on kissing. Are you sure it was just for show? I don’t want this fake rebounding thing you two have going on to turn into something more substantial,” she said worriedly.

             
Jane rolled her eyes and studied her nails. “Well, he is a good kisser, but it was just for show. Honestly. And there was Tate with Miss Universe on a date of course. Rob said he looked really ticked so that’s a plus. It’s so hard knowing that Tate knows exactly how I feel about him. I think he
wants
me to be at home crying over him. Serves him right seeing Rob kiss me. Oh and Rob is going to play rugby with Tate and his buddies starting Monday.”

             
Layla wrinkled up her nose and leaned back in her chair, clasping her hands together. “Well, as far as Tate knowing how you feel about him, we all know he has feelings for you too. He’s not that good at hiding how he feels regardless of the choices he’s making so don’t feel too bad. But I’m worried about Rob playing Rugby with him. We all saw how Tate threw Garrett down and he was a Marine. You don’t think Tate would injure Rob do you?” she said, looking worried.

             
Kit gave a half smile and shrugged. “There was a time I dreamed of Rob getting smashed up, but now that he’s being so sweet to you and helping you deal with Tate, I guess I don’t want him to end up in the hospital.”

             
Jane bit her lip frowning. “Well Rob’s not some wimpy guy you know. He was a professional athlete. I don’t think we have anything to worry about.”

             
Hunter cleared his throat and smiled at her. “Jane, have you met Tate? I don’t care who Rob played baseball for, Tate could squish him like an ant if he wanted to.”

             
Jane sighed. “
Fine
, I’ll try and convince Rob to back out. I just thought it would be a good way to put distance between me and Tate and still get to hang out with my new friends.”

             
Layla stood up and stretched. “Well, Rob’s a big boy. Let’s warn him but in the end, the decision will be his. Besides, how hurt can he get? They’ll be on the same side, right?”

             
Jane relaxed and smiled. “You’re right. There’s no way Tate would purposefully hurt Rob if they’re on the same team.”

             
Kit and Hunter stood up too and everyone surrounded her to give her a good night hug. Jane grinned and had to admit it was kind of sweet that they’d waited up for her. She waved goodbye to everyone but as soon as she got in her room she looked down at her phone and saw a text from Rob.

             
Seriously? Your new brother in law just threatened to string me up. Whatever you do, don’t tell               anyone I kissed you. My life is at stake.

             
Jane lay down on her bed and texted Rob back.
Too late. They understand though. Your life is               only in danger from Tate. We’re all worried he’s going to kill you during Rugby. Maybe you               should re-think Monday.

             
Jane blinked in surprise as he texted her back immediately.
Not backing down from Tate. But if               anything happens to me you and your sisters have to sing at my funeral and provide the               refreshments.

             
Jane grinned and put her phone down before turning over on her back and staring at the ceiling. Tate wouldn’t really hurt Rob. What would be the point? He didn’t want her, so why should he care if Rob did?
Not that he did
.

             
Jane went to sleep that night and dreamt of Tate. He was standing in front of their glass case in the bakery shop and he couldn’t decide on what he wanted. She finally screamed at him to hurry up and pick but he shook his head, looked at her sadly and walked out without choosing anything.

             
Monday evening rolled around and Jane was surprised to find that she was nervous. She was meeting Rob there because she had to work and Tate had promised to teach Rob the game an hour before. She held her stadium blanket in one hand and a plate of triple decker mint brownies in the other.

             
“Jane! Up here.
Hurry!
We have to talk!”

             
Jane looked up into the bleachers and saw Meredith and Tawni sitting at the top by themselves. Jane waved and hurried to sit by them.

             
“Hey guys. What’s up?”

             
Meredith flipped her long blond hair over one shoulder and glanced at Tawni. Tawni looked darling as usual with her short red hair and freckles.

             
“You tell her,” Meredith ordered.

             
Tawni looked horrified and shook her head. “No way. This is
all
your fault Mer.”

             
Jane smiled curiously and wrapped her blanket around her shoulders. Now that it was September it was starting to get chilly at night.

             
“What’s up Meredith? It can’t be that bad.”

             
Meredith closed her eyes and bit her lip and looked just like a guilty five year old. “Well, before I tell you, in my defense, I did it to make everyone else happy. Honestly, everyone’s been after me to date and socialize. So that’s what I’m
trying
to do.”

             
Tawni looked at Meredith with a horrified shake of her head. “Mer, I’ve met Kam’s uncle Toa and his aunt Pika. I can’t believe you got yourself into such a mess. What a disaster.”

             
Meredith groaned and covered her face with her hands. “And now it’s all going to be ruined,” she said and then slowly raised her head to stare at Jane with red rimmed, desperate eyes. “Unless
you
help me.”

             
Jane blinked in surprise and shook her head. “Meredith, stop being a drama queen and tell me what you did.”

             
Meredith stuck her tongue out at her and sighed. “Well, I didn’t want to say anything, but ever since the party on Saturday Kam and I have been talking. And then, he sort of asked me out and we went to the movies last Friday night and it was so much fun Jane. And when he took me home, he kissed me,” she said, her eyes going soft as she scanned the field for Kam.

             
Jane grinned and hugged Meredith. “I’m so happy for you! But how is that a disaster? Everything worked out perfectly.”

             
Tawni snorted and Meredith glared at her. “Well, there’s one little problem. I’m not even sure how it happened, but I sort of invited Kam and his parents over to my house for dinner,” she said sounding terrified.

             
Jane sat back and blinked in surprise. “Oh
wow.
You are in so much trouble.”

             
Tawni nodded in full agreement. “Pika is famous for being a good cook. If Meredith doesn’t pass the test, then this relationship might be over before it even begins.”

             
Meredith looked depressed at the thought and hugged herself. Jane frowned and couldn’t help thinking that maybe a relationship built on the love of food might not be the best foundation, but she decided to keep her thoughts to herself.

             
“Well, here’s a thought. So Pika’s a great cook. I bet she’s a great
Samoan
cook. What if you made them an Italian dinner or Mexican? There’s no point in trying to compete with her on her home turf. Give them something amazing to eat and something different so there’s no basis for comparison.”

             
Tawni smiled at her, her light blue eyes lighting up as she thumped Meredith on the back. “Jane, you are brilliant. Who can’t make tacos?”

             
Meredith nodded her head, as she pursed her lips. “Okay, there’s hope. Jane, you
have
to help me. Come to my house and make sure I don’t screw up anything and then leave right before they get there.
Please
,” she begged, clasping her hands together.

             
Jane laughed and shook her head. “Of course I’ll help you. It’s all for love right? How could I refuse? Let’s make a shopping list during the game. You can prep most of the food beforehand. Easy.”

             
Meredith made a loud whooping sound and pumped her hand into the air, making everyone in the stands turn around and stare. Tawni grabbed her hand and yanked it down. “Control yourself Mer. Toa and Pika just looked back at you. They’re here to watch Kam and Tate play today. Make a good impression,” she hissed, before smiling serenely.

             
Meredith winced and composed herself. Jane grinned and then saw all the guys run onto the field. Time for the Haka. She smiled as she saw Rob stand to the side, watching the chant and movements. And then her eyes were drawn to Tate, standing a few feet away from him. He’d taken his shirt off with the rest of the team. She tore her eyes away from the sight of a gloriously bronzed six pack and wished she’d worn a few rubber bands on her wrist. She’d have to come late from now on. Watching the Haka was not helping her fall out of love. At all.

             
The game began and she cheered for Rob. He’d never played rugby before in his life, but he caught on fast and was excellent at tackling. The next time the other team had the ball, Rob and Tate went after the same guy, jumping at the same time, taking the guy down and rolling into a snarl of legs and arms.

             
Jane gasped and stood up trying to see if Rob was hurt. Rob stood up grinning, holding the ball and then the man from the other team stood up. Tate was still on the ground.
Not moving
. Jane squeaked and ran down the bleachers and over to the field, ignoring everyone and running to Tate’s side.

             
Rob was there, kneeling down by his side looking concerned. Tate was awake, but he was gritting his teeth in pain.

             
“
What’s wrong
?” Jane demanded, picking up Tate’s hand and scanning him for blood.

             
Rob shook his head and winced. “Looks like a dislocated shoulder. He’ll be okay, we just need to get it back in the socket.”

             
Tate groaned and shook his head. “I’d rather have a professional opinion Rob. Someone can take me to the emergency room.”

             
Jane looked up and the whole team was now surrounding them and she began to feel a little strange being the only girl on the field. Kam winked at her.

             
“Cupcake can take Tate to the ER. We got a game to win. That okay with you Tate?” Kam said, picking his cousin up in his arms easily and walking toward the parking lot.

             
Jane ran to keep up and barely heard Tate mutter something under his breath. Kam laughed and headed straight to her car. She unlocked the door for him and Kam slid him in. She leaned over and buckled him as gently as she could but by the way his face turned pale she could tell he was in pain. She shut the door and looked up at Kam smiling down at her.

             
“Meredith told me about you and Tate. He’s a lucky man,” he said and turned and jogged back to the game.

             
Jane blushed and knew she would kill Meredith later. She hurried around the side of the car and jumped in, driving quickly out of the parking lot. “St. Joseph’s is just down the street Tate. Hold on,” she said trying to be comforting.

             
Tate kept his eyes shut and didn’t say anything. When they arrived she was able to get him a wheel chair and got him inside quickly. They still had to wait twenty minutes to see a doctor but that gave her time to help him fill out his forms. Tate answered her questions briefly and kept his eyes closed as much as possible.

             
Jane sighed in relief when a nurse took Tate back to see the doctor. She ran down to the cafeteria and got a drink just so she had something to do. She smiled to herself thinking about Rob as she walked back up to the waiting room. She’d left him without a second thought and hoped he wasn’t mad at her.

             
She sat down and started thumbing through a magazine. A half an hour later Tate walked down the hallway toward her, looking grumpy. She smiled and put the magazine down before standing up.

             
“Hey there. Was it dislocated like Rob said?” she asked curiously looking at the sling his left arm was in.

             
Tate made a growling sound in his throat and nodded jerkily. “Yeah, it was pretty simple to get it back in the socket. At least it wasn’t broken. I hate desk duty,” he muttered.

             
Jane put her hand on his back as they walked out of the ER together. “I’ve heard it’s pretty painful to fix a dislocated shoulder. Are you okay?”

             
Tate shrugged with his good shoulder. “It wasn’t fun. Jane, do you mind just driving me home? The doctor gave me some pain medicine and it’s going to make me kind of fuzzy soon.”

             
Jane nodded and opened the car door for him. She helped him get buckled again, leaning over him and realized this time he was staring straight at her, watching her. She blushed and pulled back, shutting the door and rushing around to the driver’s side.

             
On the way back to Fircrest it was so silent she felt like screaming. “Um, Tate would you like me to stop at the store for you? Do you need anything before we get to your house?”

             
Tate shook his head and pointed to the road up ahead. “Take a left at the next light and then take the first right.”

             
Jane followed his directions and he pointed her to a small little ranch house with a neat yard. “Is this your house?” she asked curiously. “I thought you lived with your aunt and uncle.”

             
Tate shook his head. “Nope, I’m on my own. I have been for a few years,” he said without any expression.

             
Jane frowned and glanced at him as she pulled up to the curb. “Come on. Let’s get you inside and comfortable,” she said and got out of the car.

             
Tate had already taken off the seatbelt and opened the door. She stood back for a moment but then stepped forward and gently pulled on his good arm to help him stand.

             
Tate looked a little embarrassed and muttered his thanks. She followed him to the door and he sighed. “
Great
. I left my keys at the game. I’ve got a spare but it’s kind of hard to get to.”

             
Jane smiled. “Just tell me where it is and I’ll get it. Come on, you need to get inside. Tell me,” she urged.

             
Tate pointed at a large tree to the side of the house. “I put it up in that tree with a rock over it.”

             
Jane looked at him with her mouth open. “You have got to be kidding me! I’ve gotta climb a tree? Most people put it under the door mat,” she said irritably.

             
Tate smiled. “Hence the need for police officers. If you’re not up to it. I can call someone else to help me.”

             
Jane glared at him and then walked over to the tree. Tate was so tall all he would have to do was reach up to the nearest branch and pull himself up. She wasn’t 6’2” though. She glanced around the yard and noticed a plastic lawn chair. She jogged over and grabbed it and set it down right under the limb she wanted. She stood on the chair and pulled herself up, flipping her body over and up. She was desperately glad she’d worn jeans today. She balanced on the branch and then scooted over toward the trunk. She found the rock and the key immediately. She slipped it in her pocket and then used the branch to flip down, gasping a little as the bark scraped her tender palms.

             
Tate frowned and walked over. “You hurt yourself. Come inside so I can look at it,” he said, motioning with his chin toward the house.

             
Jane followed him, taking the key out of her pocket and groaned a little when she got some blood on her jeans.
What. A. Pain
.

             
Tate glanced at her quickly, stepping aside so she could unlock the door. She pushed it open and stepped inside the dark house. Tate followed her and flipped on the lights.

             
“Come in the kitchen,” he said walked down the hallway and turned another light on.

             
Jane followed him and waited as he pulled a chair out from the little table for her to sit down in while he rummaged for Band-Aids and antiseptic. Jane took the opportunity to look around and smiled. It was a small house but very clean. His attempts at decorating consisted of a few family pictures, a television and a large leather couch. The kitchen was the same. Clean but bare. It was obvious a bachelor lived here.