Page 72 of Bursting With Love
“Actually, I just came for the free drinks, but sure, I’ll play along.” Aida winked at Savannah. “What are your intentions toward my friend?”
“Aida,” Savannah snapped.
Jack ran his hand through Savannah’s hair, like he wasn’t about to be drilled and prodded for intimate information. This was the most relaxed she’d ever seen him.
“I hope to make it through dinner and maybe a walk before taking her home and ravishing her for hours.” Jack’s voice was so serious that Savannah did a double take.
Aida cleared her throat, but just like in the courtroom, she didn’t miss a beat. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a bush pilot and a survivalist. I’ve got ten years in the Special Forces, a degree in engineering, and enough money to live comfortably.” Jack nodded, signaling her to fire away with more questions.
You do?
“Family?” Aida asked.
“I’m the eldest of six. Four brothers, one sister. My parents are both alive and well, and I’m in the process of reconciling with them after two years of…”
He drew his eyebrows together, and his jaw jumped in a nervous clench. Savannah hated seeing him put on the spot. She put her hand on his thigh, and when he answered, he looked at Savannah, not Aida.
“Two years of trying to regroup after the death of my wife.”
Savannah couldn’t stop herself from reaching up and touching his cheek. He kissed her palm, then turned his attention back to Aida.
“What else?” he asked.
Aida stole a look at Savannah. Savannah tilted her head and arched a brow, indicating to her to please ease up. True to Aida’s nature, she flashed a smile and dug a little deeper. “Do you live in the city?”
“Bedford Corners and in the Colorado Mountains.”
“The mountains?” Aida asked.
“I have a cabin there.” He squeezed Savannah's shoulder.
“You do?” Savannah asked. “I grew up in Weston, Colorado.”
“I do. When you told me that, I remember thinking we might have been fated to meet,” Jack said, touching her cheek.
Fated to meet. There goes another piece of my heart.
He returned his attention to Aida, and Savannah thought she was witnessing a flash of the confident, efficient, and intense man Jack probably had been in his Special Forces days. That much hadn’t changed, but the guarded man she’d met in the woods seemed very far removed from the open book sitting beside her. She wondered what could have changed so quickly, and as she listened to Aida rattle off more questions and Jack fire back answers, her attorney brain clicked into gear and she realized why he’d spurred this interrogation forward. The quicker you answer her questions, the quicker we’ll be alone. Aren’t you clever?
“Favorite movie?”
“Aida, really?” Savannah asked.
The waitress brought a bottle of wine, and Jack filled their glasses while he answered. “I haven’t watched a movie in years.” He smiled at Savannah. “But I’m looking forward to doing it again.”
Aida sat back and crossed her arms over her chest.
Jack grinned and lifted his chin. “Did I pass?” he asked.
Aida sighed. “You didn’t crack, that’s for sure. And you look at Savannah like every second you’re looking away is a second too long, so yeah, you’re doing okay.” She picked up her drink and raised her glass. “That was so fun. I never get to interrogate people just for the heck of it. Thanks, Jack. You’re a good sport.”
Jack lifted his glass. “My turn?”
Aida downed her wine and rose to her feet. “I have to get back to my walk. Rain check?”
Savannah stood and hugged Aida. “You’re such a pain,” she whispered.
“I like him.” Aida smiled at Jack. “Nice to meet you, Jack. Have fun ravishing.”
JACK HAD NOTICED the way Savannah’s body had tensed when Aida met them outside the restaurant, and now, as she settled into her seat beside him, the smile returned to her lips and she let out a relieved sigh. He leaned over and kissed her, glad to have her all to himself again.
“She seems nice,” Jack said.
“I love her to death, but she’s a little pushy.” Savannah finished her wine, and the waitress refilled their glasses and took their dinner orders.
“She’s watching out for you. I like knowing that you have friends like that. I hope you didn’t mind that I sort of got things going.”
Savannah shook her head, and as the light caught her eyes, she looked radiant and happy. “How could I mind? I knew you were just hurrying her along.”
