Can't Get Enough of You (16 page)

“Me?” Jenna laughed. “How could I be hurt? Moving to Detroit will be good for her. Lenn-Leah didn't have a Mrs. Green in her life, but she has me. I plan to give her the love and support she needs to get on her feet.”

He smiled. “I'm sure Leah will realize she's lucky to have you back in her life.” Just then Jenna covered a yawn. Scott teased, “Are you going to sleep on me?”

She giggled. “Afraid so. I suppose you have to get up early?”

“I do. I have an early lab.”

“Then don't wake me. I plan to sleep at least until ten. I don't have any classes tomorrow, but I do have those blasted term papers waiting for me.”

He laughed, then switched off the lamp, plunging the room into darkness. He wasn't smiling, though, as he thought of the obstacles separating them. He had his work cut out for him just to get her to look beyond their past.

As he held her, asleep and cradled against his heart, he couldn't deny they'd done a fine job of hurting each other badly. But damn it, he wasn't going to let their past destroy their chance at making a go of it. They deserved a second chance.

Jenna might not be ready to admit it, but he believed she still had feelings for him. Why else had she let him make love to her? Lovemaking wasn't the deep love and connection he craved, but it was a starting point. For that, he was grateful.

J
enna pushed her disappointment aside to throw herself into her plans to make this Thanksgiving one to remember. After a long talk with Carolyn, she was confident she had the menu under control.

She was in her office on campus, talking to Sherri Ann on her cell phone, when there was a knock on the open door. She smiled at Jackson Knight, motioning for him to come in.

She said into the phone, “I have company. Are you sure you want to go to Farmer's Market with me tomorrow morning? It's going to be crowded, especially on the Saturday before the holiday.”

“No, but I want to eat on Thursday,” Sherri Ann teased.

Jenna laughed. “Sherri Ann, I have to go. I'll talk to you later.” She smiled, tucking the phone into her jacket pocket. “Jackson, what a nice surprise. How have you been?”

Feeling a combination of embarrassment and guilt, she sighed. Even though she didn't owe him an explanation, she knew she should have called him when she'd returned from Las Vegas.

“I'm well and very busy just like you,” he smiled, leaning over the desk to place a kiss on her cheek.

She kept a smile firmly in place.

“I've missed you. What do you say we take in a play this weekend?” Jackson asked, making himself comfortable on the edge of her desk.

Jenna, who shared the office with another professor, was glad they didn't have an audience. “I'm sorry, Jackson. I can't. I should have told you earlier, but . . .” She stopped, struggling to find the right words.

“So the rumors are true,” he surmised.

“Rumors?”

“It's all over campus that you're seeing Hendricks. Why didn't you just call and tell me? Why did I have to hear it from someone else?” He rose, folding his arms.

“I didn't realize there were rumors about Scott and me,” she replied. Then she paused, and said with a frown, “Yes. We're seeing each other. I apologize. I should have told you.”

“Do you think it's wise to flaunt the fact that you're sleeping with a student?”

“Is that what they're saying around campus?”

He shrugged. “Look, it's none of my business, but—”

“You're right. It isn't anyone's business, only Scott's and mine.”

“Jenna, I'm trying to give you some advice. You're just starting out and want tenure. How's it going to look if it gets back to the head of the university? You think he's going to turn a blind eye?”

Taken aback, she stiffened. “I've done nothing wrong. Technically, Scott's an undergraduate, but he's hardly a minor. And he isn't one of my students. We're not even in the same department.”

Jackson scowled. “I'm just trying to help. How serious are you about Hendricks? We all know he has his pick of the ladies. Have you considered he might have gone after you to prove he still has what it takes? Once he's gotten his degree under his belt, he'll probably move back to L.A. You're just starting your career here at the university. Why put yourself at risk with this kind of notoriety? Have your picture splashed in some tabloid. I'd hate to see you hurt.”

“I appreciate your concern, but I'm not getting into this with you. I've heard more than enough on the subject.” She folded her arms beneath her breasts.

He gazed down at her for a long moment, thoughtful. Then he said, “I wish things could have been different. I enjoy your company. Jenna, you never gave us a real chance. Hendricks was always in the background.”

She remained silent, but she agreed with him. She'd enjoyed his friendship but hadn't looked for or expected more. When she'd started seeing Jackson, she'd made a point not to closely examine her feelings for Scott. And she most certainly hadn't given any thought to how her colleagues or her department head might view her involvement with Scott.

“Jenna?”

Realizing he was waiting for a response, she lifted her chin. “I'm sorry you feel that way, Jackson. You're right. I should have told you when my situation changed. We only dated for a short time, but I hope we can remain friends.”

He nodded. “You should have.” Taking her hand, he gave it a squeeze. “You're a very special lady. If he can't give you the loyalty and commitment you deserve, remember you can find those qualities in someone else. I was willing to put you first.” He paused before he added, “Take care of yourself.”

She nodded.

“Good-bye.” He walked out.

Jenna was touched by his sincerity. Jackson was a good man. He deserved a woman whose heart was whole. When she'd first met Jackson, fighting her feelings for Scott had been a full-time endeavor. She'd lost that war. Letting Scott into her bed hadn't been the smartest thing she'd ever done. Sex had brought with it a whole new set of complications. When she wasn't working to find ways of convincing her sister to move to Detroit, she was thinking about Scott and the host of new problems their involvement generated.

There was a knock on the open door. Tanya Gray, one of her students, rushed into the room. “Professor Gaines, I'm sorry I'm late. My babysitter was sick this morning and I had to drop my daughter off with my mother.” Tanya was a single mother working her way through college. Dropping into the chair in front of the desk, the younger woman reached into an overstuffed backpack. “I'm not happy with my grade on my last essay test. I was wondering what I can do to improve my grades. I want an A out of this course.”

Jenna nodded, reaching for her reading glasses. After studying her computer screen, she said, “You got As on your first two tests, but on this one you dropped down to a C. What happened?”

Sixteen

J
enna threw herself into the preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday. She was striving for perfection and wasn't leaving anything to chance.

She was ready when her brother and his family arrived on Wednesday evening. She welcomed them into her home with warm hugs.

“I love what you've done to the house, Jenna. And you've only been here since the summer. It's beautiful,” Carolyn exclaimed from where she sat beside Lincoln on the sofa.

“Carolyn's right. You've made a wonderful home for yourself. And you did it all on your own. I'm proud of you,” Lincoln said. Corrie, their tired little daughter, was curled up in her dad's lap.

Blinking away happy tears, Jenna blushed. “Stop. You're embarrassing me. I'm just so pleased to finally have the three of you here. It's after eight and past the dinner hour, but if you're hungry, I've prepared a little something just in case.”

Carolyn and Lincoln exchanged a smile before he teased, “I could eat a little something.”

“I hope you haven't gone to a lot of extra work,” Carolyn said.

“Not at all.” Jenna rose to her feet.

“Let me help you.”

Jenna shook her head. “No need. It won't take me long.”

Carolyn called, “Are you sure I can't help?”

“Positive. Tonight you can relax. Tomorrow, I'll come looking for you,” Jenna warned, hurrying to the kitchen.

A little something consisted of grilled salmon, rice medley with mixed vegetables, and a fruit salad. Jenna was laughing until Lincoln brought up their sister.

“Have you spoken to Leah recently?”

Somber, she shook her head. “Only once since she told me about the breakup and that she wasn't coming for Thanksgiving.”

“We were so disappointed. We'd hoped she'd change her mind and come after all,” Carolyn said.

“No such luck,” Jenna sighed.

“Carolyn and I wondered if we should have offered to pay for her ticket. It's too late now . . .” Lincoln's voice trailed away.

“I don't think she would have come. She wasn't just upset, but embarrassed that her boyfriend left her for someone else and stole from her.”

“But why?” Lincoln quickly asked. “She's not responsible for his bad behavior.”

“No, but Leah picked him. She doesn't want us to think badly about her because of him,” Jenna surmised.

“Everyone makes mistakes. I sure kissed a few frogs before I fell in love with Lincoln.” Carolyn smiled before returning to coaxing Corrie into eating.

“We all have,” Jenna acknowledged. “It was kind of you and Carolyn to want to help Leah.”

“Leah and I have only talked a few times, but I hope she decides to leave Las Vegas. I don't know what she makes, but from what you told me it doesn't sound as if she's a show dancer working for one of the big hotels.”

“Far from it.” Jenna took a sip from her water glass. “I've also been trying to finds ways to help. I'm not sure she's even willing to listen to what I have in mind.” When they looked at her expectantly, she said, “I'd like her to move in here with me. It would be a fresh start. Leah could stay until she finds a new job. Or she could go to college, if she'd like.” She looked anxiously at her brother. “Well?”

Smiling, Lincoln got up and kissed Jenna's cheek. “I think it's a generous offer. Leah's lucky to have you back in her life.”

“Lincoln's right. That's so kind of you,” Carolyn said with a smile.

“I've been incredibly blessed. I've had to work hard, but I didn't do it all on my own. I had a helping hand. And that's what I'd like to do for Leah.” She reluctantly admitted, “I'm worried that she might be offended by my offer.”

Before Lincoln or Carolyn could respond, Corrie began to whimper as she climbed into her mother's lap. “Sleepy, Mommy.”

“I know, baby,” Carolyn soothed, kissing her cheek.

“I'll carry her,” Lincoln volunteered.

“Excuse us?” Carolyn said.

“Of course. Let me know if you need anything.”

“Be right back, Sis.”

Jenna had cleared the table and was putting the food away when Lincoln returned.

“Carolyn will be back as soon as she gets Corrie settled.” He rolled up his shirtsleeves as he went over to the sink and began rinsing off the plates.

“You don't have to—”

“You've done enough. Sit down while I load the dishwasher.”

Jenna had just made herself comfortable at the counter when he asked, “Why are you so worried? Why wouldn't Leah be thrilled by your offer to help?”

“She might take it as a criticism of her.”

“That's ridiculous,” he said as he filled the top rack.

“But it's a possibility that I can't ignore. Lincoln, all three of us have been living apart for over twenty years. Leah doesn't really know me.”

“You're her twin.”

“Long lost. Just think how you'd feel if I came in and tried to change you. You wouldn't like it or me very much. And I couldn't blame you.”

He paused for a moment before he nodded. “You have a point, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't make the offer. She might surprise you.”

“Maybe?”

“You sound doubtful. You aren't having second thoughts, are you?” Lincoln asked as he dried his hands on a dish towel.

“Second thoughts about what?” Carolyn joined them.

Lincoln smiled. “Is the baby asleep?” Carolyn nodded, and then he went on to say, “Jenna's worried that Leah might consider her offer to help as a criticism of her lifestyle. I didn't want Jenna to change her mind about helping.”

“Surely not.” Carolyn gazed at her sister-in-law, her hand resting absently on her swollen stomach. Her pregnancy was starting to show.

“I'm not changing my mind. It's too important to me to give up. But I have to make sure I'm going about this in the correct way. I can't jump in with both feet.”

After taking in the spotless kitchen, Carolyn quizzed, “You didn't let Jenna do any of the cleanup, did you?”

Lincoln chuckled as he laced his fingers with his wife's. “Not one dish.”

Laughing, Jenna teased, “You've trained him well.” She led the way back into the living room.

Once they were all seated, Carolyn asked, “What's the plan for tomorrow? Do we need to start cooking tonight? Or are we waiting for first light?”

“Neither. No work for you, young lady. You're my guest.”

Carolyn wasn't pleased by that response. “I don't intend to watch our hostess work her way into exhaustion. I tried that last Christmas in an effort to impress Lincoln's mother. I was so tired by the end of the evening, I was in tears. Poor Lincoln had to put up with me. Believe me when I say it wasn't pretty. Never again.”

“Wow,” Jenna exclaimed.

“Carolyn is right. The aim is not to do you in, Sis.”

Jenna laughed, “Not to worry. I have it all under control. Both of my foster sisters are coming and bringing side dishes. I made the sweet potato pies last night. The turkey is cleaned and waiting to be tossed into the roaster oven. The vegetables are prepared and ready to go into the dressing. I cleaned the chitlins earlier in the week. All that's left is to make the yeast rolls and the finishing touches.”

“We're having chitlins?” Lincoln gushed.

She laughed. “I remember how much you used to like them when we were little. I was going to try to keep them as a surprise, but the cooking smell will perfume the house and give it away.”

“Love them, but I haven't had them in years. I'm looking forward to it,” he grinned.

Carolyn joined in the laughter. Shaking her head, she said, “None for me.”

“Isn't it funny how people love them or hate them? No in between,” Jenna mused before she said, “I'm looking forward to you meeting Sherri Ann and Laura. We've been close since we were little girls.”

Lincoln asked, “What about Scott? He's coming, isn't he? You two haven't had a falling out, have you?”

Flustered, Jenna swiftly explained, “You'll see Scott tomorrow. We're still friends.” She didn't elaborate on the drastic changes since they'd traveled to Cleveland.

“Friends?” Lincoln questioned. “Come on, Sis. There was more going on than friendship.”

Jenna admitted, “We have a complicated history.” She went on to give them the overview of their relationship. She ended with, “I wouldn't say we're back together, but we're not estranged, either.”

Lincoln and Carolyn exchanged a look before Carolyn said, “Both Lincoln and I like Scott, but only you can decide if he's worth risking your heart.”

That in a nutshell was what bothered Jenna the most. She feared she'd given him her heart a long time ago but hadn't gotten it back.

“Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” her brother advised. “Scott's a great guy, and he seems to really care about you. Well, enough said on that subject. It's been a long day.”

“If you need anything, knock on my door,” Jenna insisted.

“Night, Sis.” Lincoln kissed her cheek.

“I'll meet you in the kitchen around eight,” Carolyn promised, giving Jenna a hug. “No arguments.”

Jenna laughed. “Deal. Sleep well.”

Satisfied that all was ready in the kitchen for the busy day ahead, Jenna checked the locks on the doors and set the alarm before she went to her bedroom. She whispered a prayer of gratitude before she climbed into bed. She couldn't stop smiling or thinking of her family in the guest rooms. It was what she considered to be a miracle. She wouldn't be satisfied until her family circle was complete . . . until their sister was back in the family fold.

Just then her bedside telephone rang. She didn't bother looking at the caller ID. “Hi, Scott. Can't sleep?”

He chuckled. “I wouldn't say that, but it helps hearing your voice. How was it? Lincoln and his family arrive safely?”

“Oh, yes. We had a nice dinner and visit. They liked the house.”

“Good. I can hear the happiness in your voice. Congratulations. It's been a long time coming.”

“Yeah,” she said around a sigh. “I won't say it was worth the wait.”

They shared an understanding laugh.

“You sound tired,” she said candidly. “How many hours did you put in at the lab?”

“Too many,” he admitted.

“Well, tomorrow you have no choice but to take it easy.”

“There are always notes to review and planning for the next experiment,” he said around a yawn. “Sorry about that.”

“Why are you pushing yourself so hard?”

“I intend to get an A in my instrumental lab course and on my final project.”

“Have you given more thought to going for that master's of science in chemistry?”

“Some, but I'm still undecided. It's late. I'd better let you get some sleep. You have a big meal to prepare tomorrow.”

Even though she knew he was expected to eat with his own family, she said, “Don't forget. You promised to stop by.”

“I wouldn't miss it for the world. Sleep well, sweet thing. I wish you were in my arms,” he ended huskily.

“Me too. Bye.” After pressing the off button, Jenna reluctantly admitted how much she missed him. She'd taken to reassuring herself she could handle him in her bed without emotional repercussions.

They were grown-ups, without fairy-tale expectations getting in the way. Yes, she cared about him and had slept with him. That didn't mean she would fall in love with him again. Love was a huge gamble that she was unwilling to take on.

What if she was already on shaky ground but was too stupid to know it? Jenna moaned at the thought. She was too smart to fall into the same deep hole. So what if she preferred his seductive brand of lovemaking? She was older, knew the pitfalls.

“Enough!” she whispered aloud. If she wanted to look better than the golden-brown turkey she intended to pull from the roaster oven in a few short hours, she had to get some sleep.

“I
t's about time we met,” Sherri Ann exclaimed as she and Laura welcomed Lincoln and Carolyn into the fold.

“We've been waiting so long to meet you, little brother,” Laura teased, wiping away tears. “You might as well get ready, because as far as Sherri Ann and I are concerned, you have two new sisters.”

Lincoln threw back his head with a hearty laugh, giving each a hug. “The pleasure is all mine. It's a relief to know Jenna was not alone and had you two in her corner.”

Carolyn was soon engulfed in their exuberant display of affection. Shy, baby Corrie was cooed over, playfully teased until she was all giggles as she got to know her adoring new aunts. Just in case she wasn't won over by all the attention, the teddy bear and doll the two loving aunts had brought did the trick.