Page 35 of Forbidden Kisses
“Yet another thing that’s dividing my attention.” Grace slid a glass of tea in front of him. “I’ve been researching local doctors. Mom’s current doctor is great, but he’s not an expert. Did you know one of the leading doctors who specializes in Parkinson’s disease lives right outside of Blushing Bay? I made an appointment to take Mom to see him next Friday.”
Jack curled his fingers around the cool glass. “That’s good news.”
“You really think so?”
“Of course.”
“Well, I know you’re not one of my mother’s biggest fans. She’s changed, though. I think you would like the new and improved Tammy.”
Jack leaned over the counter to kiss her. “I like your mom’s daughter, I know that.” Her lips were warm, moist, inviting. Every bit as sweet as her tea and more.
“I have a confession. I thought about you all day, too. Still managed to finish that pier at the rec area, though,” he said.
“That’s awesome.” Grace trailed her mouth over the side of his jaw. “Sounds like a celebration is in order.”
“I like the way you think.”
“Too bad we can’t go out and celebrate. Wouldn’t it be nice to go on an actual date?”
“You’re the one who wants to keep this thing between us quiet,” Jack reminded her.
“I know. I’m just saying. I’d love to kiss you outside of these four walls one day. It’s a fantasy of mine.”
Jack kissed her again. “I have a fantasy, too. Want to hear it?”
“Mmm.” She nodded.
“Or how about I just show you?” he half growled, half whispered. Then he stood and coaxed her to the bedroom—his favorite place these days.
—
Early the next morning, Jack closed Grace’s front door quietly behind him and headed down the steps toward the parking lot. Somehow sneaking around made his thirty-one-year-old body feel like he was a young twenty-something again. He drove to the Blushing Bay Café and grabbed a coffee and bagel, then sat down alone at one of the back tables.
Grace should be here with him. She was probably starving after last night’s sexual Olympics, too. Hiding this thing between them, whatever it was, was silly.
“Hey, bro.” Noah pulled out a chair at his table and plopped down with his own coffee and bagel. “You look lost in space. What are you thinking about?”
Ripping Grace’s clothing off.“Nothing,” Jack answered. Because he respected Grace. If she wanted to keep their involvement under wraps for the time being, he understood. “Why aren’t you out on the boat this morning?”
“A man’s gotta eat.” Noah took a large bite of his breakfast. “Besides, when you’re acting captain, you get to decide the schedule.”
The muscles in Jack’s jaw tightened. He was about to start lecturing his brother on responsibility and captaining skills when Noah broke into a wide grin.
“Relax. I’m just pulling your chain. My acting first mate had something to do this morning. Can’t very well go out with just those other temporaries you hired as my crew. They’d actually hurt more than they’d help, especially with the water as choppy as it is this morning. We’re setting out at nine.”
Jack nodded, relaxing back into his chair. Not that this was any of his business anymore. He’d given up captaining theSummerly. And maybe, as Gabe had suggested, he was branching off into a new life passion. “I’m talking to a guy after lunch who might be interested in joining your crew.”
“Give him hell,” Noah said. “I’m serious. I don’t want any lightweights on my boat. Next time I get Mitsy on the line, she’s not getting away…So where were you last night?” Noah asked then.
Jack paused drinking his coffee midsip. “What do you mean?”
“I stopped by your place. You weren’t home.” Noah lifted his brows teasingly. “So where were you?”
Jack resisted memories of where he’d been. Grace’s apartment. In her bed.In her.
“Got yourself a girl, huh? Who is she?”
“None of your business,” Jack ground out, his words as tart as the coffee he was drinking.
