Trust Again (4 page)

When she caught a break, he strolled over. “Congratulations.” He pulled out the gift bag he’d been hiding behind his back. “This is for you.”

Ellie looked at Jacob and then at the pink bag he was holding out to her. “Thanks. I’ll open it later.”

“Can I come by when you close? I’d like to buy you a cup of coffee at Ginger Snaps.”

Ellie shrugged. “Okay, I guess.” She looked at the gumball machine clock on the wall. “Six o’clock.”

Jacob smiled and turned to leave.

Without thinking, Ellie grabbed his arm. “Thank you. For coming, I mean.”

“You’re welcome.” He winked.

The ringing phone grabbed her attention. “Oliver’s Toys and Treats.”

Silence.

“Hello? Oliver’s Toys and Treats.”

Heavy breathing.

Ellie’s heart threatened to pound out of her chest. She slammed the phone down. Just a wrong number. That was all. Maybe from now on she’d have Payton answer the phone.

***

Ellie counted the register and waved bye to her employee. “Help yourself to a bag of candy.”

Payton grabbed a few chocolate turtles from the bin. “Thanks, Ellie.”

“Sorry we had to work so hard today. I’m sure the buy one get one free grand opening sale brought in more people than normal.”

Payton shrugged. “I like to stay busy.”

Ellie wiped down the counter top. “Great. Well, I will see you tomorrow.”

No sooner had Payton walked out the door did Jacob walk in.
Darn. She’d forgotten to open his gift.

“Ready for that coffee?” Jacob grinned.

“Just a sec.” Ellie pulled the gift bag up from behind the counter. “I got busy so I kind of forgot about this.”

“That’s okay. Open it now.”

Ellie pulled out the pink tissue paper and looked down in the bag. A fuzzy, caramel-colored bear and a tiny black box. She ignored the box and removed the bear. “Thanks. It’s sweet.”

Jacob licked his lower lip. “Look at the bow.”

Ellie looked at the pink bow around the bear’s neck. Grand Opening and the date were embroidered on the ribbon. “This is sweet, Jacob.” What a thoughtful thing for a man to do.

“I know.” He snickered. “Now open the box.”

Her stomach knotted. Surely he didn’t get her jewelry. She lifted the lid on the square box and laughed. “A candy necklace.”

He smirked. “You like it?”

“Like it? I love it.” She put the stretchy band of tart candy around her neck and bit off a piece. She hadn’t had one of these since she was ten. “You want a bite?”

He shook his head. “Not tonight. But thanks.”

Ellie turned out the lights, so he opened the door for her and stood beside her while she locked up. They walked down the sidewalk lined with Bradford pear trees to the diner. Main Street was quaint and Ellie was glad to be a part of it. The air had chilled, and Ellie got goosebumps right before Jacob pulled open the door to Ginger Snaps, where the air was as warm and comforting as a slice of homemade pie. They took a seat in a corner booth. Jacob reached over and moved a strand of Ellie’s hair away from her face. His finger grazed her cheek and made her heart speed up. “The wind must have blown it,” he explained, then grabbed a menu.

A familiar redhead stood in front of them. “What can I get ya?”

Jacob looked up. “Maisie! What are you doing still working here? I thought you were helping Ryan at the clinic now.”

“I’m just fillin’ in. Ginger will be back tomorrow.” She pointed at Jacob and winked. “He’s a catch.”

Ellie twirled her earring and pretended to study the menu. Though some girls might, she didn’t feel at all ridiculous wearing an edible necklace. “I’ll have coffee. Three sugars.”

“Coffee for me also. Two sugars.” Jacob looked at Ellie. “Are you hungry?”

She was starving, but her stomach was too nervous to eat. “No. But you go ahead.”

He handed back their menus. “Just coffee. Thanks, Maisie.”

The redhead nodded. “Be right back.”

“You remember Maisie from the canal. She used to work here, but now she helps Ryan out part-time at his veterinarian clinic.” Jacob smiled.

Ellie spun her earring around. “I met her briefly.”

“She thinks she needs to take care of me or something. She’s pregnant, so it must be that nesting thing everyone talks about.”

Maisie sat two large mugs of steaming coffee in front of Jacob and Ellie and an extra large plate of home fries smothered in cheese sauce in between them. “These are on the house.”

When Maisie left, Jacob looked at Ellie. “See?”

Ellie nodded, feeling a bit awkward. Jacob lifted a cheesy fry. Her growling stomach insisted she eat, so she took one as well. The greasy stick smothered in gooey cheese made her eyes close in delight. “Oh my gosh! Those are good.”

Jacob took another. “They are, aren’t they?”

They both chewed, glancing at each other every so often. Once the food was gone and they’d gotten a refill on their coffees, Jacob grinned. “I’d like you to go on a date with me tomorrow night.”

Ellie motioned to the table between them. “What? You mean this wasn’t a date?”

Jacob laughed. “No. I have something a little better than coffee and free cheese fries in mind.”

Ellie giggled. Why not? He couldn’t be too bad if a pregnant woman doted after him. “Okay.”

Jacob’s eyes widened. “Okay?”

Confused at his reaction, she tilted her head.

He rubbed his beard. “But I had a whole speech planned and everything.”

She opened her mouth in surprise. “You did?”

Jacob shook his head and laughed. “No, but I would have thought of something good.”

Ellie put her hand up to her face and laughed.

He pulled out his wallet and placed a ten on the table. “I’ll pick you up at seven-thirty.”

Chapter Five

Ellie snuggled deeper into the soft blanket on her sofa. As much as she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about Jacob and their date tomorrow night. The stuffed bear next to her didn’t help either. She was beginning to see Jacob as a teddy bear himself. All this time she’d been thinking about what if things didn’t work out. But what if they did? She would have to tell Jacob she was unable to have children. Why was life so complicated? The fact that she would never be able to carry a child was a fact she’d learned to deal with long ago. When she still loved Bryce, he had insisted she get her tubes tied. Come to find out, he just didn’t want a child coming between them. After the realization of what she’d done took hold, she was horrified. She’d adopt and still be able to be a mom. It wasn’t the end of the world for her, but bringing someone else into the equation could be a problem. Worried, she bit her lip.

One of the reasons she’d started working at the candy shop in New York was to surround herself with children on a daily basis. It worked as a sort of therapy for her. After a while, she’d finally accepted the fact that the customers’ children would be the only kids in her life. But the moment she escaped him, she’d promised herself she’d adopt a baby and finally fill the lost piece of her heart.

She was determined to become the type of mom she’d always longed for. Ellie picked up the bear and held it close. Feeling her eyes misting, she squeezed them tight. No more tears. Time to move on.

***

With Ryan and Maisie’s suggestion, Jacob had a romantic date planned. Not only was he on his way to pick up Ellie, he’d gotten another job today. He smiled just thinking about it. A new housing development was going up down the street from his apartment complex and he was the new foreman. He pulled his truck up to Ellie’s place and parked. Before he could open the door, she walked outside. Good thing he was sitting because her looks blew him away. Wearing a tight fitting shirt and long skirt with high heeled boots and her strawberry hair in big spiral curls bouncing as she walked.

He got out and opened the door for her. “You look amazing.”

She blushed and lifted her skirt to get inside of the truck. “Thanks.”

Jacob took a deep breath before getting back in. Man, she never looked so pretty and not fancy pretty, just naturally pretty. Was the gloss on her lips flavored? Maybe strawberry to match her hair.

Ellie looked at him and her eyes widened. She smiled. “What?”

Jacob grinned. “Nothing. Just happy you agreed to go on a date with me.”

She rubbed her shiny lips together. “Me too.”

“I thought we’d walk around downtown.” He pulled back onto the road.

Ellie tucked a stray curl behind her ear. “Okay.”

***

She hoped he couldn’t see her hands shaking. Ellie glanced at Jacob as they walked side by side down the city sidewalk. Smaller than
New York City, but much larger than Pleasant Valley. The sky had turned a pinkish hue as the sun set behind the buildings. Jacob, dressed in khakis and a fitted, dark teal dress shirt, looked like he could be on the cover of a magazine. His hair wasn’t as messy as usual, like he’d taken extra care to brush it just right. He smelled like naughty and nice rolled into one. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt desire the way she felt the moment Jacob causally slipped his slightly rough hand into hers.

They walked along hand and hand until they reached a horse and carriage. Jacob stopped her. “This is our ride.”

Ellie looked at him and her eyes widened. “Really?”

He nodded and helped her into the black buggy. Ellie sat down on the seat and looked to the white animal in front of them, head held high as if he were proud to be pulling the carriage. Night, white horse. Knight, white horse. Close enough? Joy and hope filled her soul as Jacob sat close to her and pointed out the architecture of the tall buildings surrounding them.

A breeze blew and Ellie couldn’t help but shiver. There was a fleece blanket folded up in the seat. His face was inches from hers as he tucked the blanket around her.

“Jacob?” she whispered.

Green eyes searched hers. “Yeah?”

Without debate or hesitation, she said, “Kiss me.”

He tenderly pressed his lips to hers. In seconds the kiss deepened and Ellie felt something that she’d never felt before. In his touch, she knew he’d never hurt her. And that made her almost fall in love with him right then and there.

When the kiss ended, Jacob put his arm around her. The moon rested against a purple sky, making the carriage ride under the stars feel like a fairy tale. She didn’t want the night to end. But moments later, the horse came to a stop and her little piece of fantasy concluded. Jacob folded the blanket back up and helped her out. Ellie walked up to the horse and patted his soft mane. Jacob took her hand and they slowly made their way back to the car. She wanted to know more about Jacob. She had to know more.

“Do you have any family here?” Ellie asked.

“No, my mom passed away before I moved here. Ryan is my only family. I’ve known him forever.”

“I’m sorry.”

Jacob’s hand squeezed hers. “Don’t be. I’m fine.”

“Thanks for this. I have to say it is
the
best date I’ve ever been on.”

He grinned. “Me too.” He stopped walking and turned to her. “Ellie, I don’t know what it is, but you make me want things I thought I’d never want again.”

Ellie bit her lower lip. “I feel the same.”

“I want to see where this relationship could go.” His face became serious. “But I need to tell you something first.”

Panic threatened to take her breath. The perfect moment was about to end.

Jacob motioned her into a Starbucks. He order them both a hot chocolate and once they were seated sipping on the hot liquid, Jacob began, “I was married to a woman I thought I would be with forever. Things started out great. A couple years into the marriage she turned cold and distant.” He looked up to the ceiling. “I found out she was cheating on me.”

She placed a hand over his. “I’m sorry.”

“I divorced her, but I still loved her. About six months later, she said she wanted me back. We were going to try counseling.” He paused to take a drink, then set his cup down. “Fate had something else in mind. On my way to see Kate, I had a run in with a semi.” He pulled up his sleeve and pointed to the three-inch scar on his arm. “I broke some bones. Guess who never came to see me at
County Hospital?”

Ellie swallowed. “Kate?”

“Yeah. I guess I was too much of a burden with broken bones. Ryan and Maisie stayed with me and helped nurse me back. The important thing is that I fell out of love with Kate. I was free.”

Ellie sipped her hot chocolate. “I’m glad. Thank you for telling me.” A little voice told her to tell him her secret.

“After I was lied to and it ended my marriage, I don’t want to have lies in a relationship again.”

She wanted to tell Jacob everything. But this was only their first date. Ellie wasn’t ready. Not yet.

“Ellie, I know you’ve been through something. I can see it in your eyes.”

She sighed. “You’re right, I have. But I’m not ready to talk about it.”

He placed a strong, warm hand over hers. “I’m here when you are.”

She wanted to tell him… she did. But how did you tell someone that you were abused and let it go on and on? Ellie closed her door and locked it. She took off her boots and curled up on the sofa. He was the complete opposite of Bryce, which had to be a good thing. Ellie closed her eyes and could feel Jacob’s warm arms around her. Promises of a start of something new made her feel a spark of trust.

A knock on the door startled her as always. “You home?” Viola’s voice said through the door.

“Yeah,” Ellie called back and got up to let her nosy friend inside.

With a glass of wine in hand, Viola strolled into Ellie’s living room and sat down on her sofa. “So, how was the date?”

Ellie’s eyes widened. “How did you know I went on a date?”

Viola laughed. “Did you forget where you are already?” She took a drink of the crimson liquid. “Besides I saw you get into his truck earlier.”

“It was fine.”

Her friend raised an eyebrow. “Fine! Fine? You have to give me more than that.”

Ellie shrugged. “I’m sure you’ll hear about it soon enough.”

Viola pouted her full lips. “But I want to hear about it now.”

“Okay. We went downtown and he took me on a carriage ride, then we got some hot chocolate before coming home.”

“That’s the short version. Now, I want details!”

“I’m afraid those are the only details you are getting.” Ellie forced a yawn. “I need to get to bed.”

Viola finished her drink and stood up. “Okay, but just remember, I give great advice.” A smirk danced across her lips. “And I set the two of you up.”

***

Watermelon. Jacob could still taste Ellie’s flavored lip gloss. He had opened up to her, hoping she would do the same. He could see in her eyes that she wanted to. God, what had happened to her? Was it as bad as Kate cheating on him? He looked out to the sky. Time couldn’t go fast enough. He was seeing Ellie again tonight.

“First house is framed.” Doug, one of the guys on his crew, brought him back to the present.

“Good. Go ahead and start on the next one.”

Doug nodded and took off. Jacob leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes again. Even the sound of hammering disappeared when he thought of Ellie. He rubbed his face. Last night was so amazing. How was he going to top that? An idea popped into his head, so he got online to see if there was a way to set it up.

***

“Thank you for my new Easy-Bake Oven,” a little girl with a ponytail and two missing teeth told Ellie before leaving the shop.

Ellie smiled and waved. “You’re welcome.” Even with all the adorable children that had been in today, she had a hard time keeping Jacob off her mind. She was tossing around the idea of canceling their date. The closer she got to him, the closer he would get to the truth about her past. A past she came here to forget, not to share.

“Are you feeling okay?” Payton asked.

Ellie filled the taffy bin. “Yeah. Just tired.”

Payton nodded. “Me too. I got a new puppy last night. He kept me up, howling all night.”

“Really? What did you name him?

“Duke. He’s a black lab.”

Ellie smiled, remembering Jacob’s friend Ryan was a veterinarian. “Sweet. Hope you get some rest tonight. I know a great vet if you need one.”

***

“Where are we going tonight?” Ellie asked as she got into Jacob’s truck. The manly smell of sawdust and his cologne filled the cab.

“My place.” He glanced at her.

“Wh—”

Jacob stopped her. “Relax. I made dinner and I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”

Maybe it wasn’t him that she was worried about. “Okay. I guess.”

His mouth dropped open. “Hey, I’m not that bad of a cook.”

She shook her head. “I just don’t know if it
is a good idea for me—”

Jacob reached over and took her hand. “It’s dinner. Besides, I’ve been to your apartment for dinner.”

Ellie raised an eyebrow.

“Well, technically I was painting and you ordered pizza, but it was still dinner at your place.”

She laughed. “I suppose so, but we weren’t dating then.”

Jacob pulled up to a small apartment complex. Pine trees surrounded the single-story building. Colorful potted mums lined the walkway to the door. Cute. He parked his truck and they walked up to a dark green door, marked
apartment 8. Jacob unlocked the door and Ellie stepped into his living room. The apartment was much smaller than hers. The walls were the cold white hers used to be, but the furnishings were homey and high-end. She’d half expected a bunch of rustic wood with bare walls. Instead, what greeted her was tasteful contemporary art and the most delicious scent coming from the kitchen.

“Wow. Nice. Not what I expected, but very nice.”

“Yeah, Maisie decorated. I told her she could get furniture, came back home and my whole place was like you see it. She’s treats me like a baby brother.”

Ellie looked back toward the kitchen. “What smells so good?”

“Come on back. I made crock-pot chili.”

She walked into the tiny kitchen and her mouth watered. She hadn’t had a good bowl of chili in a long time. The round table for two was dressed with a white table cloth and a vase of wildflowers. Several votive candles were arranged around the vase. Jacob took a lighter wand out of a drawer and lit the candles. Even the black cloth napkins had been folded into triangles.

“This is beautiful. Let me guess… Maisie?”

Jacob shook his head. “This was all me.”

Ellie sat down. “Impressive.”

“Cheese and crackers?”