Page 18 of Hard To Leave

“He had high cholesterol and ate like shit. Honestly, I think it was just a combination of his lifestyle and stress. They said he had a few blockages, but by the time they found them, it was too late.”

“That’s so sad, but it happens all the time. I hope your father’s actions have served as a warning to take good care of yourself.” I cringed. He probably thought I sounded like a nagging mother.

My eyes flickered over to the grill, which was now smoking, fire was spilling from the grates.

Shit. I forgot all about my dinner.

I walked over and turned the gas off and tried to wave the smoke away with my hands. I coughed into the phone and choked a bit, as I got closer.

“Everything okay over there? Should I call 9-1-1?” Jack asked with a concerned voice and a touch of sarcasm.

“Everything’s okay. I’m just burning my dinner.”

“I should probably let you go.” I could hear him moving around and the faint conversations in the background. “I have a conference call starting in a couple minutes. I just wanted to give you a quick call before things got too hectic.”

I picked the platter off the table and loaded it up with the burgers and burned vegetables that I just rescued from the flames. I looked at my phone and noticed that it was a little after five o’clock and he was still knee deep in work. It was another sign of how different our worlds were.

Tanner walked over and frowned when he saw his plate. I held my finger up letting him know I needed one more minute to finish up my conversation.

“I’m glad you called.”

I really was, and the thought of talking to him again filled me with excitement. I looked at Tanner who was feeding the dog his overcooked hamburger. I laughed. “I should probably get going too. I have a very hungry seven-year-old who needs to eat before it gets too late, and a dog that needs to be rescued before he throws up all over the place.”

He chuckled. “Your night sounds a lot more interesting than mine. I’ll be in touch. It was great talking to you, Chloe.” His voice turned low, almost a whisper. “I’m really looking forward to seeing you next week.”

He hung up before I could respond. The thought of seeing him again had me grinning from ear to ear. But I still couldn’t stop that nagging question that kept popping up in my head.

Could I really allow myself to get wrapped up in a man like Jack Jenson? Was I really ready to put myself out there again?

The dog started barking, causing me to snap out of my thoughts.

I picked up the burned food and threw it all in the trash. I turned to Tanner. “How does McDonald’s sound?”

He perked right up and dashed toward the door.

I wanted to laugh. One call and my life was already up in smoke.

What the hell was this man doing to me?

My cell phone vibrated in my hand with an incoming text. I looked down at the screen.

Go out with me next Friday night?

I hesitated for a second. This was all so new to me. I blew out a deep breath and felt a crease tighten in my forehead. This man had me feeling off balance.

It might be a little tough for me to find a sitter on Friday. How about Saturday?

I bit down on my bottom lip while he typed away on his phone. Tanner had a sleepover on Saturday night, so that would work out perfectly.

How about I come to your place on Friday? I’ll bring dinner and a bottle of wine that I’ve been itching to try?

My face fell. I didn’t bring men around my son. Ever. Not that I’ve had men to bring around. Another text came through before I could respond.

If you’re not comfortable with that plan, I understand.

He was giving me an out. So why was I stalling? I wished I had more time to think this over. It felt like I was being put on the spot, and it surprised me that I was warming up to the idea.

As long as you don’t mind coming over a little later? Tanner goes to bed at 9. I’ll order some takeout; so don’t eat before you come over.

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