Can't Get Enough of You (5 page)

“Lincoln Nicholas,” she whispered,
unaware of the tears that trickled down her face, blurring her
vision.

“I have to warn you that without
approaching him, I can't be certain he was Lincoln Gaines. The circumstances
seem perfect, but he might not be your brother. Now, if you'd only let me
talk to him even briefly, I might save you a needless trip down
here.”

“No, please don't talk to him. I want
to do this myself. What do your instincts tell you?”

There was a distinct hesitation before
he answered, “I believe this is Lincoln Gaines, your brother.”

“Thank you, Mr. Collagen.”

“Have a pen and paper?”

“Yes. Just a moment.” Jenna searched
through her nightstand until she found both, then carefully wrote down the
address and directions to Lincoln's house. She read them back to Jack
Collagen just to make sure she'd gotten it right. He gave her Lincoln
Nicholas's work and home addresses and telephone numbers.

“How soon can you get
here?”

“I can leave on Friday
morning.”

“Do you want me to meet you at his
home? I can come with you when you approach him.”

“Thanks, Mr. Collagen, but I have to
do this my way. I'll call you as soon as I know something. Thanks
again.”

“Don't thank me yet, I might be wrong.
Good luck, Ms. Gaines,” Jack Collagen said before hanging up.

Jenna didn't know what to think. She
was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions, including fear. She closed her eyes,
concentrating on breathing evenly and deeply. As her heart rate slowed, she
grinned. She simply savored the hope that this could indeed be Lincoln, her
long-lost brother. It could be him. It was him. It just had to be. Her head
was spinning with excitement as she pressed trembling hands to damp cheeks.
Goodness! She would have to redo her makeup. So what if she was going to be
late? None of that mattered. She might have found her brother!

Scott had always said she would find
her siblings someday. He'd teased that she was too stubborn to give up. Even
back then, he'd spent hours on the Internet, helping her sort through
information. Years later, he'd made a point of asking if she'd found her
family. He was going to be pleased.

As she creamed away her eye makeup and
reapplied shadow and eyeliner to swollen lids, she was startled to realize
that the first person she'd thought to share the news with was Scott. Why
not her foster sisters? Or even Taylor? They'd all supported her efforts to
locate her family and knew how much finding them meant to her. Why Scott?
They hadn't been close in years.

Yet she couldn't dismiss the many
nights that he had held her close, comforting her. He'd listened to her
fears and assured her that it was only a matter of time. One of the things
that had drawn her to him from the first was his views on the importance of
family. She had no doubts that despite their estrangement, Scott would be
genuinely happy for her. He would also be the one person she shouldn't
tell.

When the doorbell rang, Jenna greeted
Jackson with a warm smile. It never occurred to her to share her news with
him.

J
enna arrived on the Williamses' doorstep on
Jackson's arm, looking forward to the evening ahead. She couldn't count the
number of part-time jobs she'd had over the years in her quest to finish her
schooling, but the computer lab had been the most pleasant by far. She'd met
some wonderful people and formed lasting friendships.

“Jenna!” Donald smiled down at her
from his superior height of six-eight. He was just as handsome and warm as
she remembered. Without hesitation he swept her into a bear hug. “How are
you, little one? It has been too long.”

Jenna laughed, feeling confident that
she not only looked her best but was also ready for anything. Given the fact
that she was wearing three-inch heels, there were very few people who could
call her little and mean it. She was glad that her date was above-average
height. Jackson was six-two, an attractive, confident man in his late
thirties.

“It's wonderful to see you, Donald.
You look great and so fit.”

Donald laughed. “Thanks. Jackson, it's
good to see you, man.” He shook hands. “Come on in.” He stepped back, taking
her black wool shawl embroidered with colorful butterflies along the
borders. “Taylor! Our guest of honor has arrived.”

Jenna was quickly swept up in a hug
from Taylor. Like her husband, she didn't seem taken aback to see Jenna with
Jackson. Then there were hugs from Janet and Sarah, both students when
they'd worked in the lab. Like Jenna, they now both worked at the
university. Richard Hawkins was with Jane Peters. They had married and now
had three young sons. Soon Jenna and Jackson were laughing over old times
with the others.

Taylor said, “Come on, Jenna. I want
to reintroduce you to my mother.”

The house was large and lovely, but
Jenna barely had a chance to do more than glance around as Taylor led her
into the charming family room, where the beautiful older woman was
comfortably seated on the sofa.

“Mama? You remember Jenna Gaines.
Jenna, my mother, Virgina Hendricks.”

Opening her arms for a hug, Mrs.
Hendricks said, “It's good to see you, my dear. How are you?”

Jenna leaned down and returned the
welcoming hug. “I'm fine. Thank you. It's a pleasure to see you again. You
are looking well.” She hadn't forgotten how warm and generous Mrs. Hendricks
had been when Jenna had visited her home in Florida years earlier with
Scott.

“I understand from Taylor that
congratulations are in order.”

“Oh, you mean finishing my degree?
Thank you. It's taken a while,” Jenna said with a laugh.

Mrs. Hendricks said, “And your new
job. I can only imagine how challenging it's been for you, doing it all on
your own. You should be so proud of yourself.”

Jenna smiled, touched by the older
woman's sincerity. She had expected to be a bit uncomfortable with Scott's
family, considering she'd been the one responsible for the breakup. They'd
been estranged for years. Jenna found Taylor and Scott's mother to be warm
and genuine. She had no trouble seeing where Taylor got her generous spirit
and good looks. Virgina Hendricks was still a lovely woman.

Just then the doorbell sounded and
Taylor excused herself. Jenna took the opportunity to offer Mrs. Hendricks
condolences over the loss of her husband.

“Thank you, my dear. I appreciate it.”
She patted the seat cushion beside her. “Sit down. Tell me about your
classes.”

Jenna nodded and took the seat. “I'm
teaching four classes this term. I must admit, I was a little nervous at
first. My classes are going well now that I've gained more confidence. I'm
enjoying teaching, and my students are learning economics despite their
complaints that I give them too much work,” she laughed.

“Wonderful. I imagine it has been
quite a challenge,” the older woman said.

Jenna smiled. “It has been, but you
won't hear me finding fault. I love the work.”

Just then Scott appeared at their
side. He leaned down and kissed his mother's cheek. “Hi, Mama. Jenna,” he
said, resting his hand on his mother's shoulder.

“You're late,” his mother gently
scolded, squeezing his fingers. “What happened?”

“I was working in the chemistry lab
and lost track of time. I already apologized to Taylor.”

“Lucky for you she has plenty of food.
For being late, she should make you clean up,” Mrs. Hendricks
teased.

Jenna dropped her lids, aware of his
dark, intense gaze moving over her length to linger on her legs crossed at
the knees. Immediately, she felt at a disadvantage. She rose to her full
height.

Scott laughed. “It wouldn't be the
first time. It's good to see you, Jenna. You are looking beautiful tonight.
How are you?”

“Well, thank you.” Jenna blinked,
suddenly uncomfortable that she had come here with another man. What had
seemed like a good idea at the time suddenly felt wrong.

Just then Jackson joined her, placing
a possessive arm around her waist. He kissed her cheek before he said to the
much taller man, “Hello, Hendricks. How have you been?”

The two men shook hands, then Scott
introduced his mother. Jenna was growing more uncomfortable with each
passing moment, so she asked Mrs. Hendricks if she could get her something
from the buffet in the dining room.

“No, thank you, my dear. Please, you
go ahead.” The older woman smiled kindly.

Not the least bit hungry, Jenna was
nevertheless relieved that she could excuse herself and leave the room. She
headed for the dining room, not waiting to see if her date kept
pace.

“Oh, my!” Jenna exclaimed when they
entered the other room, more for Jackson's benefit than her own. “Taylor has
outdone herself tonight. What a spread.” Indeed, the sideboard and table
were brimming with an elegant array of dishes. “Have you tasted Taylor's
stuffed potatoes? Or her prime rib? If you haven't, you are in for a real
treat.”

Jackson took her hand. When she
glanced up at him, he asked pointedly, “Should I ask if I interrupted
anything earlier?”

“What do you mean?”

“You and Scott. It is over, isn't
it?”

Five

“T
hat's ancient history,” was all Jenna managed to get out. She should have expected the inquiry rather than being shocked by it, but things weren't going as expected.

“Glad to hear it. Let's look for those potatoes, they sound good.”

Jenna smiled, relieved by the change of topic. “Look, Taylor has filled finger potatoes with cheese and lobster meat tonight,” she said as she headed for the stack of plates and silverware. She wasn't hungry, but she planned to fill her plate—anything to avoid answering any more questions about her long-dead relationship with Scott.

As the evening progressed, Jenna was able to relax enough to enjoy herself. Jackson had many of the qualities she was looking for in a man. Besides being single, above average in height, and well educated, he was quite funny, quickly putting others at ease. He also seemed genuinely interested in her and actually listened to her opinions. If only Jenna could just forget about Scott. Every time she glanced up, she expected to see him.

“It's so good to have you both here,” Taylor said as she walked up to them. “Can I get you anything?”

“Not a thing. I couldn't ask for better food or company. And you are a wonderful hostess. How could anyone not be having a great time?” Jenna praised.

“I couldn't agree more.” Jackson leaned forward to kiss Taylor's cheek. “You throw a slamming party, pretty lady. Tell Donald to watch his back. You, my friend, are a gem.”

“Hey, I heard that,” the man in question laughed. Donald slid his arm around his wife's waist. “I'm no fool. I know what a lucky man I am.”

Blushing, Taylor gazed into her husband's adoring eyes. “I'm the lucky one. Donald is a fabulous husband and father.”

Jenna looked on with a thoughtful smile. Taylor deserved true happiness. The deep love the two of them shared was both a genuine joy to observe and an affirmation of what Jenna held dear and longed to have in her life. There had been a time when she'd thought she'd found that remarkable man, but she'd been wrong. Now, she could only dream of sharing such an incredible and enduring love.

“And you, Taylor, are an exceptional mother and wife. I'd say you both are blessed.” The male voice was deep, resonating with conviction. Scott went on to say, “What you two share is rare.”

Jenna's face suddenly felt warm, flushed with heat. Scott stood directly behind her. Her awareness of him seemed to race along her nerve endings. Although she couldn't see him, that didn't stop her from feeling the power of his personality or the force of his male charm. Even in a well-educated, sophisticated crowd like this, he stood out. And it had nothing to do with his fame or wealth. Both women and men were drawn to Scott. Despite their past failure, Jenna was no exception.

Time had provided a healing balm that had eased the disappointment of their lost love. Thank goodness it no longer hurt to be in the same room with him. She longed for indifference, where it no longer mattered.

Yet their time together hadn't all been a disappointment. Jenna recalled the number of times she had received Scott's support and encouragement when she'd feared that she would never see her family again. He had never failed her and had always believed. Her call from Jack Collagen suddenly came to mind.

“Scott, that was so sweet. Thank you,” Taylor beamed.

“Taylor, everything has been simply wonderful, but those ribs are out of this world. Did you make them yourself?” Barbara McCall asked, joining their group.

Jenna was relieved that the conversation had switched to something other than true love. She wasn't interested in a stroll down memory lane, especially not tonight, of all nights. She was here with a new man, who seemed to care for her. That was what she should be focusing on.

Nonetheless, she was bubbling with excitement at the very real possibility of finding her brother. She'd been holding the news close to her heart all evening and needed to share it with someone. Someone who understood her and what she'd gone through and longed for, for so long. Taylor should have been the logical choice. Why hadn't she pulled her aside?

For some unknown reason her gaze kept returning to Scott. No, that wasn't exactly accurate. Jenna knew why she ached to tell Scott about Lincoln. Scott had been the one who'd held her when she'd woken up crying and shaking from the familiar, yet hated, nightmare. In the dream she'd been continuously searching for and calling out to her family without success. The worst part was that when she'd woken up, she'd known it hadn't been a fantasy but her reality.

During their time together, Scott's soothing touch had eased her pain, and he'd dried her tears. He knew what she'd gone through and would understand the impact this news would have on her life.

When her eyes began filling up with tears, Jenna quickly excused herself and hurried out of the room. She continued on past the kitchen until she could slip out a side door that led to the rear veranda. She had no idea how long she stood outside, taking slow, calming breaths. Although the night air soon chilled her bare arms, she didn't go back inside. Struggling to get her emotions under control, Jenna jumped when she felt a man's jacket, still warm from his body, settle over her shoulders.

Jenna didn't need to turn to recognize the jacket's owner. His clean male scent, combined with the scent of his aftershave, was unforgettable.

Determined to ignore the way her body filled with longing, Jenna refused to turn toward him. Taking a deep breath, Jenna murmured, “Thank you, Scott. I know I should have gone back inside, but I needed a few minutes to get myself together. And thanks for the flowers.”

“Something's wrong?”

She shook her head, her lips automatically curving into an engaging smile. “Nothing is wrong. In fact, things could not be better.”

“Then why are you out here alone? And not inside showing off your new man.”

Jenna heard the censor in his voice and turned to look at him. She shook her head, clarifying, “Jackson is an old friend, just like everyone here tonight.”

“There are all kinds of friends, including the ones that sleep together.”

Jenna glared at him. “Do you have to be so tacky?” Not waiting for a response, she blurted out, “I have news. Jack Collagen, the private investigator, called just before I was leaving tonight. He thinks he has found my brother. I still can't believe it!”

Scott let out a loud hoot and swept her up into a tight hug. He easily lifted her off her feet. “Sweet thing, that is fantastic! Are you sure? That it's really Lincoln?”

Laughing, Jenna didn't scold him for using the familiar endearment, but she sobered enough to pull back and say, “At this point, I don't know anything for sure. But I'm excited.”

“Why would he call if he weren't sure?”

“Because I asked him not to approach Lincoln. I want to do it myself. Mr. Collagen did the background work. Now the rest is up to me,” she said, beaming at Scott.

He shook his head. “Jenna, I don't like the sound of that. You plan to go meet a stranger that . . .”

“It's the way I want it,” she said, her chin lifted stubbornly.

“Jenna, you don't know what you may be getting into. Tell me this Collagen will at least be with you.”

Jenna laughed. “I could tell you that, but it would be a lie. I'm doing this alone. By Friday evening I should know, one way or the other, if I've found my long-lost brother.” She grinned, wrapping her arms around herself. “Wish me luck, Scott. Please.”

Scott surprised her when he encircled her waist and brushed his lips against hers in a brief, but tender, caress. “I'm going to do more than that. I am going with you.”

“What?”

When she shook her head no, Scott placed his fingertips over her soft, full lips. “No argument. You don't have to do this alone. Let me come with you. Let me be there beside you.” He grinned, “I can't count the number of ways you supported me when we were together. You always had my back.”

“I don't know what to say,” she whispered aloud. “I'm sure you have better things to do this weekend than to drive to Ohio. Cleveland is not exactly around the corner, you know.”

“So, he's in Cleveland. You plan to drive? Look, I have a better idea. My buddy Ralph Prescott has a fleet of private planes. It wouldn't be a problem to use one for the weekend. We can be there in less than a half hour in the air.”

“No! This isn't some jet-setting, glamorous weekend. This is serious. It's about my brother, whom I have waited most of my life to see again. I planned to drive to Ohio to see him. My car may be old, but it got me from New York. It will get me to Ohio. You do whatever you need to do to get lucky, but keep me out of it.”

Scott laughed without humor. “That was low, babe.” He took a step back and held his hands up defensively. “It was nothing more than a suggestion. If you feel I'm being too pushy, I will back away. I know how much this means to you, and I only want to ease your way.”

Frowning, Jenna realized she was being unfair to him. He was only trying to help. “Sorry, I know I overreacted a little.”

“You think,” he teased.

She laughed, placing her palm against his heart, then suddenly jerking it away when she realized she was touching him as freely as if they'd still been lovers. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but . . .”

“I know you have your own plans, and I promise not to interfere in any way. I just want to be there, just in case you need a friend to back you up. You want to drive, then we'll drive. Please, Jenna, just let me be there with you.”

Jenna knew she didn't need backup. And even if she did, she could ask her foster sisters or Jackson to go with her. Yet for some strange reason, it felt right to have Scott at her side. She tilted her head to the side, unaware of the way she worried her bottom lip.

“Jenna?” he prompted.

“You're an excellent driver. Remember on the drive down to Florida with Taylor for the holidays? We had a great time.”

He grinned, “Yeah. With two ladies in the car, we hit every rest stop between here and St. Petersburg. So what time do you want me to pick you up? Or would you rather pick me up?”

“You pick me up. Nine too early?”

“Not for me.”

“Hey! You two alright out here? I don't need to call the cops, do I?” Taylor called from the side doorway.

“We're fine. Just sharing news. Come on, Scott. It's getting cold out here.” Jenna sent him a teasing smile over her shoulder before she crossed to Taylor. “I've good news. The private investigator I hired thinks he found my brother, Lincoln. Scott has agreed to go with me to check things out.”

“Jenna! That's wonderful!” Taylor gave her a quick hug.

Jenna laughed, “I didn't want to say anything in front of the others, not until I know more. It might not be Lincoln. Then I'd have to start all over.” Recognizing that she was babbling, she stopped talking.

“I understand.” Taylor kissed her cheek. “But I'll have my fingers and toes crossed that it is your Lincoln. Can I tell Donald later?”

“Of course.” It wasn't until they were inside that she remembered she still had Scott's jacket draped over her shoulder. Turning back to him, she said, “Thanks, Scott, for everything.” She gave back the garment.

He smiled. “Any time.”

Just then, Mrs. Hendricks came into the rear hallway with Jackson right behind her. “I was beginning to wonder where everyone ran off to. Is something wrong?”

“Nothing. I was just going to put more cream puffs in the oven.” Taylor tucked her arm through her mother's. “Come along, Mama. You can help with the chocolate sauce.”

Mrs. Hendricks smiled. “I'd be glad to, dear. Scott, why don't you come also. I have to tell you what that nice Mrs. Roberts said about you.”

Scott looked from Jenna to Jackson before he asked Jenna, “You okay?”

“I'm fine.” Jenna walked over to Jackson. Smiling, she said, “Were you by any chance looking for me?”

“I wondered where you'd gone off to,” Jackson said pointedly.

Jenna looped her arm through his. “I just went out to get some fresh air. It was getting crowded in here.”

Jackson nodded, following Jenna back into the living room, where most of the guests were congregated near the impressive fireplace. Flames flickered in the grate, lending a cozy atmosphere to the room.

When he hesitated, Jenna glanced up at him curiously. “Yes?” she prompted.

“Is something going on between you and Hendricks that I should know about? Every time I turn around, you're with him.”

“As I told you earlier, Scott and I are just friends. Taylor, Scott, and I were talking. Just like you and I are old friends.”

“You and I never lived together,” he shot back.

“That's old news, Jackson, and rather boring. Why are we even discussing it?”

“Perhaps because the other guests are talking about it?”