Page 14 of Grounds for Love

She grins. “Hey, I like that movie. It’s a good one. You need to find your happy.”

I chuckle and it feels foreign. “I haven’t wanted to until lately.”

“It’s because of Jen, isn’t it?” She pauses and all I can do is nod. “Why were you mean to her? You hurt her feelings, you know. I had to practically threaten her to get her to take a chance and approach you with the coffee. It was my idea to bring the coffee for the crew. I thought that would be a good way for you two to meet.”

This I find curious. “Why did you want us to meet?”

“Because I’ve seen the way you two look at each other from a distance on the ferry. And now I know you have a lot in common. Jen’s husband, Bryan, passed away years ago and she hasn’t had any interest in opening herself up to someone else. Until you. She finally took a step forward and you sent her scurrying two steps back.”

I’m an even bigger ass than I thought. “I know how she feels. I’ve not dated at all. I haven’t wanted to. Then I saw your sister and I wasn’t prepared for the feelings she stirred up. That’s why I was rude to her that day. She scared the shi…crap out of me.”

She nods her understanding and acceptance of my candid answer. “Thank you for being honest with me. Have you talked to Jen about this?”

I sigh and lean back. “I’ve apologized, but I don’t think she’s forgiven me. I’ve asked her out twice and she’s turned me down each time.”

Joy’s eyes pop and she sits up even straighter. “What? She hasn’t mentioned a word about that.”

She leans back and taps her chin in thought. A devious gleam enters her eyes and she says, “I do happen to know that we’re going to Brewster’s on Friday night. Jen loves to dance.”

I see where she’s going with this. “Young lady, you have just made my day.”

With that, my mission of drying up Joy’s tears is done and I start to leave.

“Hey, Rod,” she calls out. I pause and turn back. “You made my day a bunch better too. Thank you, but if you hurt my sister again, I’m going to toss you overboard and not tell anyone.”

I find another uncharacteristic smile flashing across my face. I salute and wink. “So noted.”

I stare out at the sea and murmur, “Okay, Gracie. I’ll give it one more chance.”

The Friday night crowd has grown at Brewster’s since the last time I came. It’s been a while. Of course, I don’t come for anything other than a beer or two and usually it’s in the afternoon with Blake or one of my nephews.

As soon as I walk in, I’m not a bit surprised that the first person my eyes land on is Jennifer. It doesn’t matter where we are, this woman makes me hard every time I see her. She’s at a table near the back with her sister, Kimberly, Shyanne, school teacher Melissa Hart, Suzie Bradshaw who is a master at sea glass jewelry; and Brandy Costner who owns the beauty salon in town. There’s a table full of empty shot glasses in front of them, which explains the jovial mood they’re in.

I push my way through to the bar and nod at Kiefer. He pulls a beer from the refrigeration case, pops the top, and delivers my drink of choice. “I don’t usually see you here on Friday nights.”

That’s the problem with small towns. “Yep. Just thought I’d stop in for a cold one.”

A waitress hands Kiefer an order. “Duty calls. Let me know when you need another.”

I turn around and lean against the bar as I openly stare at Jennifer. Truthfully, I have no idea why I’m here. When Joy told me they were going to be here tonight, I never intended to come.

Yeah, right. Keep telling yourself that.

Jennifer laughs and I can pick her voice out of the crowd. My gut feels like it flipped over. That right there is why I’m here. Nobody else has tied me up in knots the way she can.

Tonight a band is playing and a section of the floor has been cleared of tables to allow for dancing. One song ends and they segue right into another. A cheer goes up from the crowd at the number. It’s a slow song that even I’m familiar with. I take that as my cue and head towards the woman that only says no.

Joy sees me approaching first and gives me a wink. Without even turning her head, Jennifer’s back straightens. She knows it’s me without even looking. I like that tell. I bend down and brush the side of her face with mine. She shivers, another hopeful tell, and I say, “Dance with me, beautiful.”

I don’t say it as a question. I’m not stupid and not going to give her a chance to say no a third time.

She looks up at me with those luscious brown eyes and my heart starts beating faster. I hold out my hand and her eyes move from mine down to my outstretched fingers. I see the indecision in her eyes and a startle of pain. She lifts her shoulders in a sigh of resignation and places her tiny hand in my rough and weathered one.

My reaction to her touch is immediate. Closing my hand over hers, I help her up. I let my gaze run over her blue, sparkly, off-the-shoulder top and a short tight denim skirt that hits her mid-thigh leaving an expanse of smooth tanned skin for my appreciative eyes. I love the outfit, but I wouldn’t have thought it her style. I lean over again so she can hear me above the noise and say, “You’re beautiful, Jenni.”

A cute pink blush rises on her cheeks and I wish I knew if she blushes all over. With her hand in mine, I lead her to the dance floor. Once I find a spot for us, I turn and look into her eyes as I pull her close.

Jennifer wraps her arms around my neck and rests her head beneath my chin. “Jenni? No one has ever called me that.”

---