CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
There’s no traffic on the extra mile.
Jack sat on the front steps of his house and waited for Ana to arrive and hoped she’d meant it when she agreed to hear him out. Checking his watch for the hundredth time, he noticed she was running late and prayed it was because of traffic and not because she’d changed her mind.
Twenty minutes later, he was still sitting on his front steps, and the feeling of panic swelling in his gut was not going away.
What if something happened to her?
She wouldn’t leave him hanging without a phone call, no matter how good her mad was. Deciding it was time to call, he pulled out his phone and heard the front gates open. Relief ran through him as he stood and watched Ana drive up in her Mini.
He’d never seen a better sight in the world and wanted to run down the steps and pull her into his arms. But that would never work, so he stood firm and did his best to resist his desire to maul her as soon as she stepped foot out of her car.
Watching her open the door and take her time getting her things together, he let out a long breath and waited.
No smile.
Nothing.
Didn’t matter, he decided since she was here and giving him a chance to speak his piece.
“Thanks for coming over; I sure missed you.” A small smile appeared, and she nodded. Returning it, he knew it was a good sign.
“I’m starving and hope you plan on feeding me.”
I picked up dinner from Joe’s earlier, and the table is set.
“Is there a pie?”
“Of course, Ana. I may not be as smart as you, but I know that if I want a chance to be heard, I need to give you a pie.”
Stepping around the car, she walked toward him. “Pie makes everything better.”
Reminding himself not to scoop her in his arms, he stood still and let her scent wash over him. Closing his eyes against the overwhelming feeling, he willed his body to behave.
“Are you okay? Did you take a hard hit yesterday?”
Frowning, he shook his head. “I had a lousy game, but the hits were not any different from any other week. The biggest hit I’ve taken is when you left the event on Thursday without talking to me.”
She shook her head and looked over his shoulder. “Trust me—you would not have wanted to hear what I had to say. I’ll listen, but I make no guarantees.”
He decided taking her hand was worth the risk and gently took one in his. “That’s all I can ask for, and I appreciate it.” Holding tightly, he felt his heartbeat slow down and knew it was because having her close made everything in his world right again. “Let’s eat, and then we can talk.”
When they walked through the front door, he watched Ana walk over to the entry table and pick up the picture of them from the charity event. “I thought that picture captured a perfect moment. I had a copy made for you so you could have one for your desk at work.”
Letting out a small laugh, she set it down and shook her head. “You’re as subtle as a sledgehammer.”
“Subtlety never got me anywhere, and you have to know that I’m never giving up.”
Rolling her eyes, she walked toward the kitchen, and he followed on her heels. “I used the good dishes we got at Pottery Barn and tried to make the table look nice.”
“It’s lovely, Jack.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely. You really did a great job.”
He pulled out a chair and swept his arm up. “Welcome home.”
“Jack, you’ve got to take a breath and back off a little. I feel like you’re not serious about giving me a chance to make my own decision.”
“Sorry, honey.” He kissed her head and then opened a bottle of wine and poured them each a glass. “I’ll be relaxed from now on.”
“Thank you.”
Holding up his glass, he gave her a big smile. “To the love of my life and the woman who makes me a better person.”
She tapped her glass against his and let out a chuckle. “Very relaxed.”
He winked and then tried his wine. “Not bad.” When he got a pleasant smile in return, he decided not to let it bother him. He’d faced a lot of opponents in his life, and her lack of reaction was just her way of controlling what she could. “Enjoy your wine and let me get the food.”
Opening the fridge, he pulled out the salads and set them on the table. “Enjoy.”
“Thank you, Jack.”
Taking his seat, he scooted his chair closer and made sure there wasn’t a breath of space between them. He hoped that if their bodies were close, she would begin to remember who they were together.
The music he’d put on earlier filled the room and made the lack of conversation between them a little less noticeable. Not wanting to let it get awkward, he decided to start with something simple. “How was your day at work?”
“It was productive. I wrote grant requests all day and completed several.”
“Why were you writing grant requests? You have a million dollars at your disposal.”
Setting her fork down, she wiped her mouth. “I don’t think using that money is a very good idea after all. I’m going to pursue the normal routes of funding, and you can give it to someone else.”
“No!” he yelled.
Moving her chair away, she crossed her arms. “Maybe I should go, and we can talk about this another time.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to yell, but honey, you have to know that no matter what happens I believe in you and know there’s no better investment.”
“I don’t think…”
He took her hand and lifted it to his mouth, kissing it firmly. “The foundation will always be yours, even if you change your mind about me.” Seeing her face fall, he was sick to his stomach when tears ran down her face. “Tell me how to fix this.”
“I don’t think I can deal with your big life; it’s more than I want to handle.” She wiped her face with the back of her hand and let out a breath. “You broke my heart, Jack, and I don’t know if it will ever be whole again.”
He scooted closer and took her face in his hands, brushing the tears away from her cheeks. “I’m sorry that the shit storm happened and I promise I’ll do a better job of protecting you.”
She rested her face against his hand and sighed. “Oh, Jack…”
“Please, just hear me out.” Standing, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the couch in the sunroom as he held her tightly. “We love each other, and in the end, that’s all that’s important. We’re perfect for one another, and there’s no better match than you and me.”
He lifted her face and let his mouth meet hers, hoping he could remind her of their connection as his love for her spilled out of his hands as he held her close. Gently, he pressed his lips to her skin and tasted her salty tears. “I’ll mend your broken heart with all the love I have for you. Every minute of every day will be dedicated to building your trust. I’ve done all the things necessary never to let anything or anyone interfere with our relationship.” Pressing their mouths together, he prayed she’d believe him.
***
Relief rushed down her spine when he pressed his mouth against hers, and she allowed herself to enjoy it.
Seconds, minutes, or hours passed, and she finally pulled away and tipped her head against his. “I’m not letting my heart and body make the decision and need to consider all of the facts, so I can make a rational decision.”
Laughing, he rubbed his nose against hers. “If your heart and body want me, then your mind will surely follow.”
She pushed his chest away and gave him a dark glare. “You think it’s that easy? I’m not some nitwit who’s just going to believe whatever you tell me. Show me some hard evidence, Jack, and then we’ll talk.”
“You want evidence?”
“Yes! What you said at the news conference today was all fine and good, but you haven’t told me anything so far that makes me think I should believe you.”
“Well, get ready, honey, because I’ve got a ton of facts for you.”
“Good.”
He lifted her off his lap, stood, and walked into his office, and she leaned over and watched him pull a large envelope off his desk. “About time,” she murmured.
Dropping it on her lap, he folded his arms across his chest. “There’s the report from my attorney and the investigator we hired, and the team’s research as well. Those are the facts, and I hope it will be enough to remind your heart that you love me.”
She looked at the envelope and then at him. “Thank you, Jack. I’ll read this tomorrow.”
Taking a loud breath through his nose, he shook his head. “I’m not waiting until tomorrow. You read it right now.”
“Don’t tell me what to do.”
“Then do what you promised and give me a chance.”
“Why are you pushing so hard?”
“Because I’m not going to spend another day without you.” Rolling his shoulders, he planted his feet. “Do you still love me, Ana?”
Tired of looking up, she stood. “I do love you, but I’m not sure it’s enough.”
He took her in his arms and held tightly. “It’s more than enough. I promise, nothing like this will ever happen again.”
“Says you.”
He lifted her face, so she could see how sincere he was. “Yeah…says me.”
Staring into his bright eyes, she knew he meant every word he said and, in his heart, believed them to be true.
Was this worth a second chance?
Would she forgive herself if she didn’t give it another try?
Probably not.
“All right, Jack. Let me read this, and then I’ll make a decision.”
“I’ll bring you a glass of wine, and you take all the time you need.”
“When I’m good and ready,” she mumbled to his retreating back. Opening the envelope, she pulled out a large sheaf of papers and flipped through them. “Good thing I’m a fast reader.”
“What’s that?” Jack asked as he handed her a glass of wine and sat next to her.
“There’s a lot here.”
“Of course there is because this shakedown was serious.” Looping his arm around her shoulder, he smiled. “Go ahead and get started.” He tapped the stack and winked. “It’s all there.”
Ana frowned and pushed her hip against his. “You’re not hovering while I read this. Go do something, and I’ll come find you when I’m done.”
“What if you have questions?” Moving closer, he settled back. “I should probably stay close, so I can answer any that come up.”
Pushing his arm off, she frowned. “I don’t want you staring at me.”
“Fine.” Standing, he gave her a nod and then turned toward his office. “Don’t forget I love you.”
“I love you too,” she said silently to herself as she started reading the first page.
Setting the stack down on the couch, she let out a breath and then rested her head against the sofa. Jack had been truthful all along, and she was relieved to know that he was as good a man as she suspected.
Deep in her heart, she knew he had to be and all the doubt and misery she’d experienced over the last week was due to the actions of others and not him. Which was a huge relief because falling out of the feelings she had for him was going to be damn near impossible.
He was her heart, and the least likely man she ever guessed would become its partner, but he was, and it was time to move forward. Lifting herself off the couch, she strolled toward his office and hoped this would be the last man-made disaster they faced.
Standing in front of his desk, she dropped the papers and then nodded. “Let’s give this thing another try and see what happens.”
He flew out of his chair, came around the desk, and twirled her around. “Thank you.”
“I do not want to hear about any women from your past ever again,” she commanded.
“I promise you will not regret this.”
Gently setting her down, he bent over and dropped his lips to hers, and it felt like salvation from her heart splitting apart forever. He slid his lips gently over hers, and she sighed into his mouth and prayed this was beginning of their love story.
Pulling his mouth away, he tipped their heads together. “I’ll feed you first, and then I’m taking you to bed for a couple of days.”
“Is that your plan to get us back on track?”
“Just the first phase; do you have any objections?”
Stepping back, she looked him over and then licked her lips. “I guess not.”
“God damn right,” he replied as he took her hand and led her into the kitchen. “I expect you to eat a lot because I don’t want any whining mid-make-up sex when you’re too tired to go on.”
“Is that your pre-game pep talk?” she asked as she took a seat at the table.
“No, it’s just a piece of strong advice that I’m hoping you’ll take.”
Watching him uncover dish after dish, she laughed. “I never whine, and marathon sex is not going to change that.”
He took his seat and pushed the dishes closer. “Eat up, honey ‘cause I’ve got a lot of loving to give you.”
She tugged him close and planted a big kiss on his cheek. “Thank you for not giving up and doing everything necessary to get us through this.”
“Always,” he replied. “I’ll take down anyone and anything that tries to get in between us without exception.”
“Can’t ask for more than that.”
Kissing her mouth gently, he nodded. “We need to go on a real date very soon and prove to the world and ourselves that it can be accomplished without a disaster.”
She shook her head and ran her hand over his. “I’d rather just hang out at home because it’s going to take some time to recover from my fear of public bathrooms.”
“Let’s have one in San Diego next week and see how we do.”
“I totally forgot about the trip.”
“Will you still come?”
“Yes, I will.”
He let out a long breath and kissed her hand. “I think it’s going to be great and we’re going to have a ton of fun hanging out with our families.”
“I think you’re right and it will give us a chance to really reboot our relationship.”
“Are you going to move back home?”
“I did, Jack. I moved a lot of my stuff already.”
Shaking his head, he played with her bracelet. “No, I mean are you moving back here?”
“I wasn’t planning on it.”
“Would you consider it?”
“I think we should live separately and take our time as we build a new foundation.”
“We could do it while we live together.”
“Well…”
“Think about it, and I’ll ask you again after the New Year.”
“How can you be so sure about us?”
“When I saw you in San Diego, I knew that you were the one for me.”
“That doesn’t seem possible.”
“But that’s what happened, and every moment since has me convinced that my gut instinct was right.”
“So, the geek and the jock…a love story for the ages.”
“Pretty much.” He lifted her face and smiled. “Maybe our make-up marathon will let us make a baby tonight.”
“We’re not making babies until we are thirty. I have a career to start, and you have a lot of football to play.”
“That’s four years from now; are you sure you want to wait that long?”
“Yes!”
“Fine, but we’ll practice every day, so we’re ready when the time comes.”
Pressing her mouth to his, she smiled. “Practice makes perfect.”
“Honey, we’re already perfect.”
Kissing him with all the love in her heart, she decided they were imperfectly perfect for each other.