Trusting Jake (Blueprint To Love Book 1) (13 page)

"I- we. . . uh. . . don't really exchange gifts anymore." Glancing across the table, she weighed the effect of her statement. "You know– tight budget. We'd rather spend it on the kids."

Mona nodded. "I remember those days. It seems like those years last forever." Her smile was wistful as her voice trailed off. "You reach the stage where you finally have money, but the things you thought you couldn't live without . . . you realize you don't need them." She gazed out the window. "Or you discover you don't know each other well enough anymore to buy him something special." 

Clearly, Mona was remembering a particularly painful incident from the past, something to do with Linc. Clearing her throat, Jen sipped her water, averting her eyes until the awkward moment passed. Searching for a safer subject, she asked the older woman's plans for the holidays. "Are you going anywhere special?"

"Linc owns a farm an hour west of here. It's one holiday the entire family never misses. Linc will be there with his girlfriend du jour, but thankfully, I'm still invited. I've always had hopes of seeing more grandchildren racing around out there. It's such a lovely spot." Sitting back, Mona's eyes flashed with frustration. "If either of those boys ever settle down, that is. Andrea's two kids are nearly teenagers. Don't even ask me where those years went."

Mona released a long, exasperated sigh. "Linc picked up an old, wooden sleigh a few years back. Jake helped him refurbish it. They even have horses to pull the damn thing. Just no children to ride in it."

"There's still hope. At least you've been able to enjoy your daughter's children." Jen tried not to sound wistful. "Your Christmas sounds wonderful. I miss not having family close by, especially at the holidays."  

"That part is nice," Mona admitted. "No matter who's not speaking to whom, we still spend Christmas day together out at the farm. It's a Traynor tradition." Her eyes sparkled when she leaned in to meet Jen's gaze. "This year I'm cornering Jake. I'm going to make him sit down and talk with me. What do you think?"

"Do you think that's wise?" The mental image of those all-knowing eyes icing over, of Jake discovering he was trapped, she had all she could do to refrain from shuddering. One thing was certain. Mona certainly had guts.

"Probably not, but I don't care." The older woman chuckled. "He's had ten years to stew about my marriage. I think that's more than enough time to get over it, don't you?"

"That part you're definitely right about. The rest. . . I'm not so sure."

"So Jen– how often is your husband gone? It must be difficult with him on the road so much." 

Her body stiffened to red alert status. She still hadn't recovered from bobbling Mona's question about Christmas presents and here she was . . . intercepting an incoming round. Her expression carefully neutral, she paused, taking the time to formulate an appropriate response, aware that she had to exercise caution. "He. . . uh-"
Dammit, Jen, focus
. "Rick's on the road for several weeks at a time," she blurted. This was old hat. She'd handled these questions a million times. "It's hardest on the kids. But, he's never had a job that he didn't travel."
He'd rarely had a job, period.

Mona picked up her coffee, scowling at the ring of liquid in the saucer. "Why do waiters have such difficulty with refills?" 

She leaned back in her chair with a mental sigh of relief. Thankfully, Mona tended to flit from one topic to the next. Another nice save for Team Stone.

"Will he be home for Christmas, dear?"

"I–uh. . . I'm not s-sure yet." A bead of perspiration trailed down her spine. The restaurant was beginning to feel warm. "We-we're crossing our fingers," she finished with a weak smile.

"Jeffie tells me Jake helped with your son when he was in the hospital? It must be so difficult for you. Why, you're practically a single parent."

"I don't know what I would have done without him." Forcing a relaxed smile, Jen's toes curled up inside her pumps. "My son Alex adores him."

Mona nodded approvingly. "He
is
amazing with children. He's always been wonderful with Andrea's two." Burrowing into her purse, she surfaced with a compact. "He'd make a wonderful father," she muttered. "If he would ever settle down."   

"Does he see anyone? Seriously, I mean?" Unable to resist the horrific impulse, Jen had the same frisson of anxiety she'd experienced in fourth grade, passing a note to her friend and hoping she didn't get caught.

Mona thought for a moment. "I don't think so. Not that he confides in me, but I'd certainly hear about it from Jefferson if he was seeing someone special."

"That's too bad." Sipping her water, she tried not to contemplate the relief churning through her system. This situation had the markings of a disaster. And not just a little one, but a disaster of epic proportions. Her hand was still shaking when she set the glass down.

Mona glanced up from the tiny mirror. "I'm afraid he's just like Linc. When he's too old to do anything about it, he'll realize he should have had a family." 

"You never know. Someone could come along . . . and sweep him off his feet." Under the circumstances, Jenna thought the smile she managed was appropriately teasing.

"Was that how it was for you, dear? Did Rick sweep you off your feet?"

Good Lord, was there no end to this minefield of a lunch? "Um, I guess you could say that." Knocked her flat was a more accurate description. Her hand tensed into a fist. Glancing down, she was relieved to find she was clenching the napkin. "It– was so long ago, I scarcely remember."

"Goodness, look at the time. I'm sorry, but I should run." Mona stood suddenly, scooping the check up from the table. "Finish your lunch, dear. I'll take care of this on my way out." 

Slumping back in her chair, she was too drained to move. Jen had only just realized her fatal error. Mona Traynor was masterful. She presented the facade of a pampered executive's wife. But, lurking below the surface, just out of sight, she was pure steel, with a mind like a sharpened bear trap. One step inside and she'd lose a limb.  

With earth-shattering clarity, she knew there could be no more lunches. It was too dangerous. If Mona ever became suspicious, she'd have her cornered in a heartbeat. Something about the older woman made Jen want to confide in her. That sweet, motherly exterior made her feel guilty about the lies she'd told. She felt a stab of remorse over the continued deception. Lately, it had become increasingly difficult to live with. Their new lives were established now. She should be reaping the benefits. Jenna should be surrounded by new friends - at work and at the kids' school. But, the longer she clung to the lies that had gotten her there, the more she was forced to cover up– and the more isolated she grew.

"Dear God . . . she's coming back." Jen cringed at the fear she heard in her voice. What could she possibly want now?

Like a whirlwind, Mona returned to the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Jen, I just had the most wonderful idea."

"W-what's that?" 

"Christmas, Jenna! You should bring the kids out to the farm for Christmas." She clapped her hands joyfully. "Isn't it perfect?"

As the blood drained from her head, Jen wondered whether anyone would notice when she slumped from the chair and toppled to the floor. Her brain was suddenly devoid of a single intelligent thought. "I– I. . . don't know, Mona. If Rick comes home-"

"Of course, dear. If your husband's in town, then certainly you'll want to stay home as a family." Pulling out a chair, she perched on the edge of the seat. "It would be lovely. Your kids would enjoy a day at the farm." Mona didn't even pause for a response. "Linc will be thrilled. Someone will actually ride in his sleigh this year!"

Speechless, Jenna watched as the whirlwind stood again. "Please say you'll consider it if the three of you are going to be alone."

"Of course I'll . . . consider it. Thank you so much for inviting us."

"Bye, Jen. We'll talk next week."

Dammit, why hadn't she just killed Rick for good? Before she started at Specialty? After the temporary sputter, Jenna's brain jolted into gear again. This wasn't so bad. This was fixable. Rick would simply be coming home for Christmas, that's all. One day next week. . . she'd pick up the phone and call Mona to decline the invitation.
'Rick's come home a little early'
, that's what she'd say.
'And we're all going to. . .'
  She shrugged helplessly. Where the hell were they all going on this delightful family trip? To Cleveland– yes, they were going to Cleveland . . . to celebrate. Problem solved.

This time.

But, when would it rear its ugly head again?

Mona had weaved her way through the dispersing lunch crowd when she turned back again. Swallowing her panic, Jenna pasted on a smile and waited for the next bomb to drop.

"If Rick should come home, that's even better. I'm planning a little cocktail party for the twenty-third." Mona smiled over the heads of the remaining diners. "I can't wait to meet him."

Chapter 9

Jenna had all she could do not to bang her head against the steering wheel as she drove back to the office. Her blouse clung to her body as though she'd just run a 5k. The conversation had started so innocently. "It's all Jake's fault," she muttered. If he hadn't been such a bastard that day, she never would have gone to lunch with his mother in the first place.

"Six months. . ." Nearly six months of good, solid lies were unraveling before her eyes. And Mona wasn't even doing it deliberately. How to fix it? Her heart launched into her throat when she thought of another ramification. Jake. What would he think? Mercy– what if they were trapped together on Christmas Day? After last night?

Her mouth dropped open. Good Lord– what if he thought she'd done it on purpose? What would the boss say about his love-struck assistant infiltrating the family Christmas? He already disapproved of her relationship with Mona. She stifled a groan. No way in hell would Jake want her there.

Jen's mind whirled with all the horrible possibilities. What if he brought a date? How would she feel about that? Disgusted, she shook her head. "Like you have any choice?" What if he thought she was stalking him? Before the frantic wave of panic overwhelmed her, she released several deep breaths. She needed a plan– a rock solid, airtight plan. And it had to be simple. The lying thing was getting out of hand.

"I know!" She could create a temporary Rick– maybe rent one for the night. That would take care of the cocktail party. Or, maybe one of her brothers would be willing-  

No– too risky. None of the Stone brothers were equipped to handle subterfuge of this magnitude. Could
she
manage an entire cocktail party with a Rent-a-Rick? And not blow it? She'd practically soaked through her blouse during lunch with a harmless, middle-aged woman. How the hell would she endure several hours of evening-wear?

"One of us will get sick." Jenna brightened at the thought. "The flu. . . on Christmas Eve." Aside from leaving it dangerously close to the last minute, it was a perfect plan. Except . . . What if Mona sent someone over to check on them?

Somehow, her car managed to drive itself back to work. Jenna discovered she'd already parked in a space outside Specialty by the time she mentally shoved the problem aside. The bomb Mona dropped at lunch had only succeeded in diverting her attention temporarily. Her pulse skittering, she suddenly remembered her larger, looming problem and quickly scanned the parking lot for Jake's truck.

Whispering a silent prayer of thanks at its absence, Jen experienced more relief upon hearing Jake's message. Abrupt and to the point, his message revealed he'd be visiting job sites all day. But his tone clearly stated, 'Last night was a huge mistake. Don't even think about repeating it'.

Relief trickling through her, she scanned messages, her confidence slowly returning as she refocused on work. She would get through this crisis. The problem with Jake was simple. Pretend nothing happened. There would be awkwardness for a minute, before they moved on. Problem solved.

And the issue with Mona . . . she could deal with next week. Christmas was a busy time for every family. It would be easy enough to bow out of the invitation. Jen just had to remember to be prepared. Getting blindsided had thrown her off-balance. She wouldn't let that happen again. Problem solved.

This time.   

***

She was drained and weary at the end of the day. Tossing her coat on the rocker, she kicked off her pumps before trailing into the kitchen to supervise her exuberant children. In her weakened state, she'd allowed them to talk her into fast food hamburgers for dinner. It hadn't taken much convincing, because tonight Jen didn't have the energy to argue.

Once she got the kids squared away at the dining room table, she settled on a bowl of cereal for herself. Despite her preventive efforts, Alex still managed to squirt ketchup on the floor.

"Just don't step in it, Al." Collapsing in her chair, she sighed. "It sure feels good to be home." She paused to spoon up a healthy bite of flakes.

"Mom, can I call Jake after dinner?"

Barely, she managed to keep the cereal inside her mouth, despite her face wanting to contort in a shriek of horror. "Meg, I don't want you two bothering Jake. Please try to remember he's very busy."

"But, he's nice to us."

She read the confusion in her eyes. "He is nice," she conceded. "But, that doesn't mean we should take advantage-"

"He
told
us to call," Alex interrupted.

Two against one, with odds clearly not in her favor. Jen held her ground. "He said only when it's important. After a long day, Jake is probably tired-"

"It
is
important. We need to remind him about Saturday." Her daughter's animated voice cut her off.

Huh? "What about Saturday?"

"The tree, remember?" Two excited voices clamored for attention.

"He's taking us to find our Christmas tree, don't you 'member?" Alex' voice was smug at her blank expression.

Good Lord. The tree. That meant . . . a day in the woods with Jake. A long, uncomfortable day spent with the man who couldn't even face her this morning. Jen's blouse started clinging all over again. Moistening her suddenly dry throat, she crossed her fingers under the table. "I-I don't think Jake was serious about getting our tree. He's probably forgotten all about it."

"But, Mommy. . . he promised." Megan's eyes filled with angry tears. "
You
promised! You said if we were good while you worked . . . we could g-go with Jake Saturday."

"Sometimes things don't-" Heart pounding, she tried to regroup. At the time, it had sounded wonderful. A perfect Christmas fantasy . . . her kids picking out a tree with a gorgeous, kind, attentive dad stand-in. Spending a glorious day with the man she fantasized about. How could she have known the fantasy would morph to nightmare?

She stared into disappointed, tear-filled eyes. Cereal forgotten, Jen knew she wouldn't be able to swallow around the knot of guilt. What could she do to fix it? Her only hope was offering something better. Better than a dad.

"How about we get up early– and go out for breakfast . . . at a special place. Then, we'll pick out the biggest, best tree on the lot." Jenna tried to muster enthusiasm, knowing she was no match for the competition. "We'll have hot chocolate and you can both help decorate." Two sets of disillusioned eyes bored into her. Doggedly, she pressed on. "We can even go to the toy store for . . . a special toy. How about that?"

Alex and Meg glanced at each other, before declaring 'no' in unison.

Deflated, she turned from one to the other. "Picking out the tree should be a family day. Besides, Jake is a very busy man."

"No, Mommy." Megan appointed herself spokesperson. "We want Jake. We can pick the tree with you anytime."

Well, that hurt.
A lot
. Their enthusiasm for her boss was to be expected. To them, he was the sweetest treat in the candy shop window– offering a day of snowy fun and a ginormous Christmas tree. How could she compete? Reasoning and bribery had failed. What was her fallback plan?

"Well, my answer is still no." Steeling her resolve, she leveled her children with the most solemn stare she could summon and issued her ultimatum. "I'm ordering you both– do not call Jake. Do not pester him about Saturday." Pausing to let the words sink in, she ignored their mutinous expressions. "If I find out you called him, I'll be very angry. And we won't-"
What?
What possible consequences were grave enough to ensure cooperation? "We won't even get a tree." 

Alex shot a glance at his sister that seemed to say 'I told you so'. "Too late, Mommy. We already left him a message."

***

It had been a stupendously long day when Jake finally parked at the diner. Last on his schedule was dinner with the boys, then swinging by the office before finally heading home . . . hopefully by ten. As Jake locked the truck, the tantalizing aroma of meatloaf assaulted him and he had a fleeting memory of Jenna's dinner the previous night.

Now, there was a great life, he fantasized. Home by six, dinner by seven. Someone waiting to greet him– maybe even a little anxious for him to arrive. He'd play with the kids, help with their homework. Come springtime, he'd be throwing the ball with Alex 'til it got dark outside- 

Christ-
Throwing the ball with Alex?

"Dude– you're friggin' nuts." What in sweet hell was he thinking? Abruptly, Jake turned on his heel, nearly sprinting back to the truck. Jerking the door open, he snatched up his phone. As he rifled through his planner, his heart began pumping with anger. "I'm settling this thing once and for all."

Finding the number he sought, Jake punched it in. It rang only twice before someone picked up. A beautiful someone. A someone with a very nice voice. "Hey, Beth?" 

He winced when she spoke a moment later. "Bev, right. Sorry about that. How've you been?" Dragging in a ragged breath, he forced himself to relax. "This is Jake Tray- Oh, you remember?" Making himself comfortable when she interrupted, Jake sat on the edge of the seat. "Yeah, I've been busy, too." 

This was it. The start of something new. Something tangible. Hopefully, something that had a future– with a woman he had a shot with. And, if she wasn't the one, at least he'd start enjoying the perks that went along with finding out. "Are you free Saturday night?"

A few more minutes passed before he could get her off the phone. As Jake retraced his steps to the restaurant, he couldn't help muttering under his breath. "Take that, Jenna Stone."    

***

"I'm beat." The meeting with Jeff and Harry had gone well. It had gone on too long, but at least it had been productive. Jake tossed his notes on the passenger seat. Checking his watch, he decided to skip the office.

Finally, he could head home. There, he could complete his notes from the meeting while they were still fresh, so they'd be ready for Jen to make sense of in the morning. Much to his relief, his partners were not as unhappy with the Baltimore deal as he'd suspected. His cousin's dire predictions on profitability had toned down. Properly run, they agreed the job would be profitable. Still, it had been good to clear the air, discussing the potential problems before Jake assigned a project manager. After tonight, he was seriously considering managing it himself.

Retrieving his cell, he scrolled through his messages from the office and dug out his legal pad. Groaning when the computerized voice mail announced fourteen messages, he forwarded several to Jenna without scribbling a note. He paused to frown over that realization. Increasingly, he handed off more responsibility to her, never thinking twice whether she could handle it.

"Thank God her car broke down," he muttered, deleting another message. His competitor's loss had been Specialty's gain. Personal issues aside, Jen was a fantastic assistant. She was performing at the level of a project engineer. If he
did
decide to manage the Baltimore job, it would largely be due to her. She would make it happen. They really were a great team.

So, why the hell would he risk losing her? If he surrendered to the temptation of her, that's exactly what would happen. He'd lose her. He'd lose the best assistant he'd ever had. And, since there was zero hope of a lasting relationship, he'd lose on that end, too. Craving a married woman was new territory for him.

The realization gave him a grim jolt. Jake had never been in this kind of predicament before. He didn't have to sleep with her to know he'd never be able to live with himself. Her marriage couldn't disintegrate because of him. No way could he be responsible for that. "Even if it's a lousy one," he muttered.

Sleeping with Jenna would ruin everything– wreaking havoc at work and destroying her family. Not that he gave a damn about her deadbeat husband, he admitted, tugging restless fingers through his hair. But her kids . . . were a different story. He would never do anything to harm them. With an absentee father, they were hurting enough already. Jake remembered well enough how he'd felt when Linc had announced they were divorcing.

His heart had taken a free-fall to the pit of his stomach– and he'd been an adult. He remembered wondering how it could happen in
his
family. As though they were somehow different from everyone else. Immune to the odds. Married twenty-four years– happily, he'd thought. What the hell broke up a couple at that point? Jake still didn't get it. Throughout the process, he and Jeff had been sick over it. Until the day Mona announced she'd be marrying again.

George. Some guy named George was marrying his mother. That day, the sick feeling in his stomach had turned to anger. How could she abandon his father now? When he was old–when he'd finally reached the point where he could slow down. How could you love someone . . . and then dump him?

The irony of Jake's current situation wasn't lost on him.

If he pursued Jen . . . he was no better. The admission was enough to send chills skating up his spine as he started the engine against the raw, December cold. Wearily, he resumed his messages, deleting two more, sending Jenna three. Until the last one.

"Jake . . . uh hi! This is Alex. . . Stone. And um . . . me and Meg, we were wonderin'. . ." During a long pause, Jake couldn't help smiling when he heard Megan's emphatic voice in the background. Already dishing out orders at her tender age.