Can't Get Enough of You (6 page)

“That's not surprising. Scott is a celebrity. He draws attention wherever he goes. That has nothing to do with me. Can we please talk about something else?”

“Fine with me. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't stepping where I had no business going.”

“You're not, Jackson.”

He nodded, picked up two wineglasses, and offered her one. She thanked him. She was relieved when he began telling her about a project he was doing with his engineering students.

It was after ten when Jenna said, “It's getting late, and I have class in the morning. Jackson, would you mind if we leave a bit early?”

“No problem. Some of the others have also started making the rounds, saying their goodnights.”

By the time they approached Donald and Taylor near the foyer, the crowd had indeed thinned out. As Donald placed her evening wrap around her shoulders, Jenna was glad the evening was drawing to an end. She felt both physically and emotionally drained. She told herself she had no reason to be uneasy as they bid the others goodnight. And she wasn't annoyed by the way Jackson and Scott eyed each other as if they were sworn enemies. They were acting like little boys, fighting over a favorite toy. Men! She was her own person. And she could easily do without both of them.

“Thanks, Taylor. I had a lovely time. It was great seeing everyone again.”

“Next time we won't wait ten years,” Taylor teased.

“Good idea!” Jenna laughed.

“Come for dinner soon,” Donald offered, exchanging a handshake with Jackson.

“Thanks!” Jenna called as she allowed Jackson to take her hand and lead her to his car.

“Enjoy yourself?” Jackson asked as he held the door for her.

Jenna was too tired to do much more than nod. The euphoria she'd felt at the thought that Collagen might have found her brother was wearing off, to be replaced by the real possibility that she might be setting herself up for a major disappointment. What if it wasn't her Lincoln in Ohio? No! She wouldn't let herself think negatively. She had waited and prayed that she would find her family. She wasn't going to let a case of nerves get in the way.

Preoccupied with thoughts of her brother, Jenna was surprised when Jackson pulled to a stop in her drive. She searched through her evening bag for her keys as they mounted the porch stairs.

“You've been awfully quiet on the drive home. Is something wrong?”

Jenna paused, then looked up into her escort's handsome face. She suddenly realized that she hadn't spared him more than a passing thought all evening. He deserved better. Yet she didn't know him well enough to share her family problems with him. She searched for an explanation that wasn't too revealing.

“Nothing is wrong, Jackson.” Forcing a smile, she said, “I'm sorry if I seem self-absorbed. A family problem I need to sort out.”

“So dating me isn't about you trying to make Hendricks jealous.”

Shocked, Jenna quickly shook her head. “No way! Our dating has nothing to do with Scott. I wouldn't be dating you if I wanted to get back at him. That wouldn't be fair. You're a special man, Jackson. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.”

Jackson studied her, courtesy of the porch light that had been left on. He smiled. “Good.” Taking her keys, he unlocked her front door.

Jenna stepped inside and quickly punched in the code for the alarm. Before she could move away, Jackson cupped her shoulders. “You're so beautiful. I can't help being a little jealous. In my opinion, Hendricks was a fool to ever let you go. I won't make that mistake.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss on her lips.

Jenna closed her eyes, painfully aware that she didn't feel a thing. Jackson had many of the qualities she admired in a man. He was highly respected at the university. He was single, highly intelligent. He wasn't a womanizer, out for what he could get.

Jenna hadn't cared for his display of jealousy, though. They'd only been out a few times. They'd shared a few lunches on campus and dinners and kisses, but she sensed he was looking for the right woman and wanted to settle down. Jenna also felt he was moving too fast. She couldn't keep up.

She sighed with relief when he didn't deepen the kiss but pulled back. Just because she wasn't ready for the sexual intimacy didn't mean she didn't care about him, though. Jackson was a nice guy.

But Jenna had only shared her body and her heart with one man. When things had gone wrong between them, it had been the worst kind of hurt imaginable. For so long, she'd felt as if she'd lost a vital part of herself that she wouldn't ever get back. Thankfully, that was behind her. Dread was too mild a word to express her doubts about starting over.

Just when she'd thought she was ready to hopefully get her feet wet and get involved with a new man, her ex-love had come back into her world. Now the complication of finding her family had entered into the mix. Plus, she was letting Scott go with her to meet her brother. It was too much.

“Thanks, Jackson. I enjoyed myself. Goodnight.”

“Night, Jenna,” he smiled and squeezed her hand.

After locking up, Jenna slowly made her way into her bedroom. She pushed away the unanswered questions, the worries and doubts. It was time for bed. She was fresh out of answers. Besides, tomorrow would be here soon enough. She planned to hold onto the real possibility that she could be reunited with her brother, Lincoln, very soon.

Six

J
enna jumped at the sound of the doorbell, then laughed at herself. It was only Scott. He'd invited himself along on this trip because he wanted to help.

“Coming!” Jenna hurried out of the kitchen. “Right on time,” she said, unlocking both the screen and front doors. “Wow! It's cold out there,” she said, running her hands up and down sweater-covered arms. “I'm going to have to put the storm glass in the door soon.” Realizing that she was chattering because she was nervous, she forced a smile. “Come on in. Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

Scott grinned. “Yeah. Some things never change. You still like to talk first thing in the morning.”

“And I could never get a word out of you until you had at least one cup of coffee down your throat,” she laughed.

“Nice place,” Scott said as he looked around.

“Thanks. This way.” Jenna was conscious of his dark gaze following her as she led the way into her sunny kitchen. She wore a pair of black, figure-hugging jeans, a purple sweater trimmed in black, and a pair of black pumps. A wide black belt encircled her waist. After filling a mug, she paused and asked, “You still drink it black?”

“Like I said, some things don't change. Mmm,” he murmured, taking a fortifying sip. “That's good.”

“I made blueberry muffins. Help yourself.”

Jenna forced her gaze away from his strong, dark features, powerful shoulders and arms, taut midsection, and long length as she recalled the way he used to wake her with hot, hungry kisses. Dressed in simple navy cords, a blue striped shirt, and a navy leather jacket, he looked too good for her peace of mind. To divert her thoughts, she said, “I'll get my bag.”

“Mind if I look around?”

“Not at all.”

By the time she was carrying her large duffel bag and black leather jacket and handbag to the foyer, Jenna had calmed down somewhat. She had no reason to be concerned about Scott. Yes, they'd been intimate, but that had been a long time ago. It had been years since they'd spent any time together. What was important was that they were on good terms. There was no reason they couldn't be friendly.

Her cheeks were warm as she recalled the way her foster sisters had teased her, during their nightly three-way call, when she'd explained why she'd agreed to let Scott accompany her on this trip.

“Ready?”

“In a second. I need to wash out the mugs and pour out the coffee before we leave.”

“No need. I took care of it.”

Blinking in surprise, she said, “Thanks, but let me check the coffeemaker and stove to make sure they're turned off before we leave.”

“No problem.” When she returned, he said, with a grin, “All set?”

“Yes.” Jenna accepted Scott's help with her jacket. He grabbed her case. Looking around, she realized there was nothing left to do before they went out the door but collect her purse and set the alarm.

“You have a very nice home, Jenna. It's warm, comfortable, and charming—but you have that knack. You made our upstairs apartment feel like home even when we had no money.”

“Thanks, Scott.” Her smile was genuine. “It's a big deal for me to finally be able to afford to buy my own home. I was able to get it before it came on the market. One of Sherri Ann's clients had to relocate and wanted to sell quickly. I was fortunate. The house was in great condition, and the asking price couldn't have been better.”

“You have a lot to be proud of,” he said as he held the door for her.

Jenna glanced quickly at him but said nothing. She didn't know how to respond. Was it a compliment? Or was it a subtle reminder that she had put her education ahead of their relationship?

Scott walked with her down the stairs. Red and gold leaves covered the lawn as they eliminated the distance to his luxurious Navigator, which was parked in the drive.

After placing her case in the trunk, he turned to her, holding up the keys. “Would you like to drive?”

She was glad to have something to do other than replay old memories over and over again. All of it was better left in the past. Jenna smiled. “Yes, I would. Driving will occupy my thoughts. I didn't sleep well last night . . . too nervous.”

Without comment, he held the driver's door open for her. Once she was settled, he crossed to the passenger side and climbed inside.

Jenna frowned as she recalled something else she'd admired about him. He had volunteered for this trip because he wanted to help, but he would have backed away if she'd asked. She would hold him to his promise not to interfere. She liked that he hadn't tried to solve her problems for her or throw platitudes her way in a macho attempt to make it better.

S
eat belt in place, Scott silently watched as Jenna adjusted the driver's seat, started the car, and backed out into the street. They were traveling along Interstate 75, which was crowded with morning traffic. It wasn't until they'd left Detroit behind that he raised the question uppermost in his thoughts.

“Why? Are you worried this might not be your brother? That you might have to start over?”

“Yes, and no. I'm hoping this is my Lincoln. The not knowing has me on edge.”

“Is that the reason you didn't sleep? You were nervous when I arrived. Or does this have something to do with being with me?”

“Ask me something easy, why don't you?” Jenna blurted out.

He shrugged, “I'm just trying to understand what's going on with you.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Well, not exactly fine, but understandably anxious about seeing my brother after close to twenty-five years. I don't know how he will feel about me just showing up at his front door. He might not be pleased to see me.” She offered a smile. “But I'm determined to remain positive.”

“This has to be hard for you. I can only imagine the emotional roller-coaster ride you're on right now.” He shook his head before he added, “Just know that no matter what happens, I've got your back. You're not alone in this. I'll be right there at your side.”

Scott was surprised by the soft brush of her fingers on his skin when she reached out to touch the back of his left hand. “Thank you. It helps.”

Scott said nothing. He had to force himself to concentrate on the passing scenery. He wanted to study her lovely profile. The heat of awareness traveling along his nerve endings was an unnecessary reminder of how much he enjoyed the sweet caress of her petal-soft skin against his own.

No, he didn't need any reminder to recall how deeply he'd once cared about her. Or how much he'd missed her . . . missed the two of them making love. Swallowing a hefty groan of desire that had his shaft hardening, he tried to focus on what truly mattered.

He was here to make sure that she came out of this okay. The trip had nothing to do with his selfish needs and unfulfilled longings. This trip was about Jenna. She'd been without a family of her own for a long time. It was time she caught a break. He wanted that for her. She deserved some happiness. He could only imagine the heartache she'd suffered growing up without her siblings. He'd always had his parents and his sister to keep him grounded. It was her time. He prayed it turned out the way she wanted.

“Tell me about this PI. What do you know about him?” Shifting his long legs, Scott kept his tone light as they passed the sign welcoming them to Ohio, the Buckeye State.

“Jack Collagen came highly recommended. The lawyers in Sherri Ann's firm have used him to find background information on their cases. And I looked him up online. Everything I found supported her view that he's good. He was able to find out things about my family that I'd never known.”

“Such as?”

“That both my parents are dead. I assumed, but I didn't know. Now I have both their death certificates. I even know my grandparents' names, on both sides.”

“There is no doubt?”

“None.”

“Wow,” he said, then quickly added, “I'm sorry, Jenna, for your loss.”

“Me, too. But it's okay. I never knew why my mother disappeared out of our lives. I learned from Mr. Collagen's report that one night she mixed booze with pills. She evidently was upset because my father had walked out on us. I learned that my parents were college sweethearts. Mr. Collagen also found out my father was killed in a car crash less than a year after he left us. He died in Jacksonville, Florida.”

Scott frowned. “That's rough. How are you handling all this?”

“Naturally, I was sad when I read the report, but I was also relieved. There aren't any more unanswered questions. I finally understand why I was left in Mrs. Green's care.”

“Do you think your mother committed suicide?” Scott asked carefully.

“I don't know, but it sounds like it. Perhaps she simply couldn't handle raising three little kids on her own? We were so young at the time. There's no way of knowing how she was really feeling the night she died. All I remember about my father is his voice raised in anger. I don't really remember him. I do have memories of my mother caring for us, and tucking my sister and me into bed. I also remember her reading to us . . . things like that. Most of my memories are of my twin and big brother. Mainly, I just remember the three of us playing together.” She smiled, then released a soft sigh. “I was only six when I went to live at Mrs. Green's house. I was so upset and missed my twin. I didn't like not having her beside me when I went to bed. It didn't feel right. For a long time, I blamed myself for not being able to keep our family together. I couldn't help feeling as if I did something wrong. And I was the oldest twin. I was supposed to take care of Lenna.”

“Sweet thing, that's crazy. You were a baby.”

Scott recalled the nightmares she used to have of looking for her brother and her twin and not being able to find them. Jenna would wake up crying. He thought of the times he'd just held her through the night. Later, he'd wondered how she'd managed the nightmares on her own.

“I haven't seen my siblings in over twenty years.”

There was such a wealth of sadness in her voice that it made him want to reach out and take her in his arms. He longed to ease her hurt, hold her as he had while they'd still been a couple. It had meant so much to him to be able to share those private moments with her. He acknowledged that the impact of that loss still bothered him. He no longer had the right to be there for her.

Clearing the lump of emotions from his throat, Scott said, “Hopefully you'll find your brother today.”

“Yes. Sometimes I wonder why I couldn't just give up. Why I had to keep trying. I'm too darn stubborn, I guess.”

Scott laughed. “I can't argue with that. Once you've made up your mind, it's set. There's no turning back.”

“That's not true!”

“Tell me one time you changed your mind,” he challenged.

“I ordered steak the other night, then changed my mind and got the crab legs. So there!”

Scott laughed. “Food doesn't count. I'm talking about important stuff.”

“What important stuff? Like my hair? I no longer bother with trying to straighten it. I'm going natural these days. It saves a lot of time in the hair salon.”

He shook his head, “Okay . . . okay. Let's just say when it comes to some things, once your mind is made up, that's it.”

“Let's not say that at all. State your case and be specific.”

“When we were taking Dr. Woodridge's world history class, I told you he had a thing for you. No matter how I tried to convince you, you wouldn't listen. It wasn't until the guy actually hit on you that you took me seriously.”

“That's so weak! I told you at the time you were right. Now, admit it. I'm right and you're wrong.”

He chuckled, “And that's not how I remember it. You denied it even with the truth staring you in the face. As I recall, you had to slap the guy.”

“I did. And your memory, Mr. Hendricks, is flawed. You must be getting old.” She giggled, then she said, “Are you ready to stop for lunch? I need food.”

“Any preference?” he asked, the sweet sound of her laughter warming his heart. Oh, he was hungry alright, but not for food. He ached for all the things he'd lost and had never stopped missing. Her laughter was only one of those things. There was so much more he yearned for, including the delectable taste of her soft, lush mouth.

“You decide,” she said with a smile.

Scott began to wonder if his being with her was a good idea. His desire seemed to mushroom with each passing mile. At this rate, he would be trying to hide a hard-on all weekend.

After stopping to refuel, they found window seats in a popular restaurant. Before they could examine the menu, Scott was approached by fans wanting his autograph. Although not thrilled by the interruption, he handled it with ease, quickly signing and giving out the basketball cards he always carried.

“Sorry about that,” he shrugged. “I can't seem to get away from it.”