Hometown Love (22 page)

“Who said I was worried?”

You did.
“I don’t know what she’s up to, but it doesn’t matter, Jessie. I love you.”

Before she said anything, she kissed his cheek. “Really, Mack, I’m not worried. I trust you.”

Her tone sounded normal. Her smile looked sincere yet he doubted her words and didn’t blame her for the feelings she had. She’d witnessed Bethany coming on to him all weekend and the kiss that morning. While he knew it had meant nothing and had told her so, he understood how she might have issues with it.

“Good. I’m glad. And I promise to never give you any reason not to.” He let the matter go after that. Rehashing that morning’s event accomplished nothing.

***

“I’m glad you found the time for dinner with your old man.” Her dad sat on the couch while Jessie got them something to drink Monday night. He’d stopped by for their weekly father-daughter dinner, but the roast needed more time in the oven, so he’d taken a seat in the living room while they waited.

Her conscience already bothered her enough without his little reminder that she’d canceled their last few dinners. “Life’s been a little crazy, Dad. I’m sorry. But Ty’s feeling better and Sue is back from vacation, so my hours at the store should go back to normal.”

“Just giving you a hard time. I know you’ve been busy at work and I’m glad you’re seeing Mack.”

She’d never come right out and told her dad that she and Mack were together. She didn’t need to; the town gossip chain had done that for her.

“It would’ve been nice if you told me. Instead, I heard about how you spent the night from Mrs. Mitchell.”

Jessie squirmed in her seat. Having her dad assume she had sex was one thing; having him know it for a fact… well, that was something different.

“You okay with him having an ex-wife and a kid? Raising someone else’s kid is different than raising your own. Not everyone can do it.”

She loved them both and didn’t care that Grace wasn’t her daughter. Up until last weekend, she hadn’t cared that Mack had an ex-wife either. Since then, her opinion had changed. If Bethany continued her behavior from last weekend, Jessie feared she’d lose it and tell the woman off—or worse.

“No matter what, that little girl will always keep Mack and his ex-wife involved in each others’ lives.”

Once again, she saw them kissing in his kitchen. Mack insisted she’d come on to him and she believed him. But if Bethany kept doing that, would Mack eventually succumb? A lot of men would take one look at Bethany and fall to their knees, begging for her attention.

“I’m not saying you should stop seeing Mack. He’s a good guy from a good family, but children complicate relationships.”

Her father spoke from experience and she appreciated his concern. “Things are great between us, Dad.” She just hoped they stayed that way. “Maybe Mack and Grace can join us for dinner next week.”

Her father nodded. “I was going to suggest that myself.”

His words stayed with all night. About two years after her mother died while giving birth to her, her father had remarried a woman he’d met though a mutual friend. Whether he’d remarried because he loved Sheila or because he wanted a mother for her, Jessie didn’t know. She
did
know that Sheila never treated her like a real daughter. Not that she was ever cruel, but she never treated her the same way Maureen O’Brien treated Charlie. When Sheila and her dad divorced around her sixth birthday, Jessie had been sad but not heartbroken. And from what she remembered, her dad hadn’t been heartbroken either. Instead, he’d moved them out of their apartment and in with her grandparents. Then he’d gone on with life as if nothing had happened.

In her case, however, she already loved Grace like she would her own biological daughter. Her sticking point was Bethany. Her dad was correct; Bethany would always be in Mack’s life. Jessie could handle that. What she didn’t know was if she could handle Bethany always throwing herself at him. Mack claimed she’d never done it before, and that she was only doing it now because she’d recently become single. He reassured her that once Bethany landed another guy, she’d ignore him again. While Jessie agreed that Bethany could land any guy she wanted in record time, she believed her recent interest stemmed from more than being single again. In Jessie’s opinion, the woman had realized what she’d tossed out and now regretted it.

Whatever the case, Jessie didn’t plan on letting Bethany worm her way into Mack’s heart again. Both he and Grace deserved better than Bethany.

“I thought you had tomorrow off?” Mack asked Jessie Friday night as they cuddled together on his bed. Earlier that night, Bethany had stopped by and took Grace back to her hotel in Salem for the night, leaving Jessie and Mack alone. Much like the previous week, they’d had little time together since the weekend before. The only day they’d managed to see each other for more than ten minutes had been Wednesday when she’d met him and Grace for dinner at The Jade Orient.

Jessie snuggled closer, absorbing the heat from Mack’s naked body. “I did, but then I promised Patti she could have the day off so she can attend the picnic with her husband and son.” She hated the idea of Bethany going with Mack and Grace, but she hated disappointing Patti, too. “I’ll be here for movie night with you and Grace tomorrow.”

Mack’s hand drifted upward and he cupped her breast, his fingers fondling her nipple. “People call in sick all the time. There must be someone who could cover for you tomorrow.” Pushing her onto her back, he replaced his fingers with his lips while he let his hand travel lower.

Her mind struggled to focus as his lips and tongue feasted, and his fingers teased between her legs. “People would notice if I called in sick and then showed up at the picnic.” She took a deep breath, her body hot everywhere. “You know that.” She tried reaching for him, but he pushed her hand away then went back to teasing her again.

He lifted his head and pinned her in place with his heated gaze. “I expect you by my side for the holiday concert in December.”

She could only nod once before his mouth came down on hers, his tongue mimicking the actions of his fingers until Jessie exploded. Then, as if satisfied with the accomplishment, he moved his hand away and slid inside.

Her pulse still pounded, but she no longer breathed heavily. Under her hand, Mack’s heart continued to race, but his breathing sounded normal once again. He certainly knew how to push her right over the edge. Granted, she’d only had sex with one other man, but it had never been like this even in the very beginning before things turned ugly and Jeremy showed his true self.

“You’re quiet. Everything okay?” Mack’s question invaded her thoughts.

“Perfect. You?”

“Never better. How could I not be? I’ve got a beautiful, naked woman in my bed. A guy doesn’t need much more than that to be happy.”

With no suitable reply, she propped herself up on her elbow and changed the subject. “This week, can you and Grace join my dad and me for dinner?”

“It’s time for the ‘Are you good enough for my daughter test’ huh?”

Jessie laughed. “The what?”

“Maybe he called it something different, but he wants to make sure I’m good enough for you. I already have my test prepared for when Grace starts dating,” Mack answered with a straight face, and she couldn’t tell if he was serious or not. “My test will involve a shovel and a shot gun.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“No. Any guy who dates Grace will know just what will happen to him if he ever hurts her. The same goes for anyone who tries to hurt you.”

Somehow, she had a feeling her father and grandfather would’ve reacted in a similar manner if they’d known how Jeremy had treated her. Maybe that was why she’d never shared much about their relationship with them or anyone else and why she’d not brought him around her family much. “Okay. Does that mean you’ll come?”

“This week might be tight, but I’ll try. If not, the week after.” Mack became silent and his brows dipped.

“What’s the matter?”

Mack shook his head. “Nothing. Just thinking. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a real conversation with your father. I know I haven’t seen him since I moved back.”

Jessie flopped down onto her pillow. “Trust me, he knows all about you and Grace. Mrs. Mitchell has filled him in—
including
how many times I’ve spent the night.”

“That woman needs a hobby.”

She agreed one hundred percent. “She does have hobbies, but unfortunately, gossiping tops the list.”

***

Preparations for the annual elementary school family picnic were underway when Jessie drove by the Town Common Saturday morning. The two big bounce houses rented by the PTA were spread out on the grass, ready to be inflated. Folding tables decorated with streamers and balloons sat in front of the bandstand. Later, the tables would hold the various gift baskets donated for the afternoon raffle. Inside the bandstand, a local DJ who specialized in children’s events set up his equipment. All in all, the entire Common looked like it did every year for this event. In the past, though, she’d had no interest in attending. This year, she’d like nothing more than to join the other families alongside Mack and Grace.

Instead, she’d be at the hardware store all day, mixing paint and selling plywood while Bethany went with them.

She ground her teeth at the thought of Bethany by Mack’s side all day. If she believed Bethany would leave him alone and not flirt with him, she’d be fine with the arrangement. Okay, maybe not fine, but better about it.

But after Bethany’s warning and behavior the weekend before, she didn’t trust the woman for a nanosecond. Mack insisted Bethany would grow bored soon and move on. He didn’t know that she’d told Jessie to get lost. Jessie had considered telling him, but decided against it. Doing so wouldn’t accomplish anything but damage the civil relationship he and Bethany had now, which, in turn, would hurt Grace.

He’s not interested in her.
He’d both told her and shown her that. Until he did otherwise, she’d trust him around his ex-wife as well as any other women even if it killed her.

The morning dragged on. Although a steady stream of customers came and went as they purchased what they needed for their late fall projects, the clock moved in slow motion with no end in sight. Jessie knew it was all in her imagination, but the feeling remained as she glanced at her watch.

“Don’t smile too much.” Sean dropped two cans of paint onto the counter, and then Taylor added two more.

“Hi, Sean. Sorry. My mind’s somewhere else.”

“I got that. You okay?” Even though she was now an adult, Sean still treated her like a kid sister. She’d never tell him so, but she loved him for it. As an only child who’d spent much of her time with her grandparents, she’d loved how Charlie and her brother treated her as more than just a friend.

“Fine. It’s such a nice day that I’d rather be outside.” 
In between Mack and Bethany.
“Is this for the new master suite?”

Sean shook his head. “This is for Taylor’s room.”

That made more sense considering one can of paint was red and another purple while the other two were primer. She’d noticed that Taylor had been around town more and more. Since she now had her own room at Sean’s house, she assumed that meant their brother-sister relationship was developing nicely despite Sean’s past with his father.

“If you have time, could you help me with something?”

Never in her life had Sean asked her for a favor. Come to think of it, he rarely asked
anyone
for a favor.

“Of course.” She rang up his purchase as they spoke.

Sean pulled his wallet from his pocket. “I want to surprise Mia when she comes back. Could you help with some decorating? Nothing crazy, but you know, pick out curtains, get a few rugs. Add some feminine touches.”

Ideas formed as she tried to envision what Sean and Mia might like. She loved decorating and changing rooms around. “Sure. When will Mia be home?”

“Thanksgiving.”

That gave her a few weeks. “Do you want me to pick out what I like or do you want to come shopping with me?”

Something akin to horror spread across Sean’s face and Taylor laughed. “Pick out what you like and I’ll pay you for it. I trust you.”

“But not me?” Taylor asked, sounding a little hurt.

“Everything you picked out for your room is either purple or red, including the wall paint. I don’t think Mia wants an entire house done in those two colors.” When the hurt didn’t disappear from his sister’s face, he dropped an arm over her shoulders, and pulled her closer. “You can help with something else, okay?”

The younger girl’s expression brightened and Jessie saw the relief on Sean’s face.

“Jessica Quinn why didn’t you tell me you had to work today?” A gruff voice called out.

Both Jessie and Sean turned and watched her grandfather approach the register. Since she never ran her schedule past her grandfather, she didn’t know what to say.

“Sean, good to see you. This must be your sister. Nice to meet you.” He clapped Sean on the back and then came around the counter.

“Mr. Quinn, this is Taylor. She’s staying with me for the weekend. Taylor, Mr. Quinn was my boss in high school.” Sean picked up two cans of paint and motioned for Taylor to do the same. “I’ll call you later so you can get measurements, Jessie. Thanks.”

“Off with you, too,” her grandfather said when Sean and Taylor left. “You should be over at the picnic with Mack. I’ll handle things here.”

Jessie took the next customer in silence. Everyone in North Salem might already know her business, but she could at least attempt to keep things private. “It’s a family picnic, Gramps, so I’m fine right here. I’ll see Mack and Grace tonight.”

“Bull. Your grandmother told me how that boy was looking at you when she saw you the other night, and I know how much time you spend together. You two are more than halfway to being a family.”

Had her no-nonsense grandfather just insinuated she and Mack would get married? Sure, she’d thought of it a time or two since he told her he loved her, but she’d never mentioned it to anyone.

“I’m serious, Jessica. This is still my store, and I’m telling you to go. I remember how to run this place.”

Arguing with her grandfather only achieved two things, a bad headache and a strong desire to scream. “I love you.” She kissed his wrinkled cheek. “I’ll see you later.”

With the weather so nice and winter not far away, Jessie hated driving to the Town Common, but if she walked now, it would mean she’d have to either walk home much later from Mack’s or have him drive her. While the crime rate in town remained low, she’d rather not walk home alone at eleven or twelve at night.

Many families, probably wanting to enjoy the beautiful day, had walked to the Common that afternoon. Those who hadn’t walked had parked in the library parking lot. After parking there, as well, she crossed the lot, spotting Amy Osborne, one of the elementary school teachers, walking with her son and daughter.

“Just like when we were in school,” Amy commented when they all stepped on the grass.

Jessie glanced around and nodded. Everything looked much as it had when she’d attended the picnics. The only difference now being that the people who had been children back then were now the parents.

“Have fun.” Amy and her children headed for the bounce houses.

People were spread out across the Common. Some sat on the blankets they brought with them, while others crowded around the tables that had been set up. Children of various ages danced to the kid-friendly music the DJ played, while the bounce houses swayed from the children jumping inside them.

While she recognized many faces, she didn’t see Mack or Grace anywhere yet.

Making her way across the grass, she waved at friends, but kept an eye out. Then she spotted them. Not far from the bandstand where the children danced, Mack sat on a blanket with Bethany next to him. Since they both faced the dancers, she assumed Grace lurked in the group with her friends.

“Hey, Jessie,” someone called out. Jessie turned to wave, but whoever it had been disappeared among the crowd. When she turned back, she saw Mack lean closer to Bethany and speak. Bethany said something than moved closer to him, her arm rubbing up against his, a big, fat, Cheshire-cat grin on her face.

Fury started in Jessie’s stomach and exploded, almost choking her. The damn woman was at it again. Prepared for battle, Jessie marched in their direction. As she did, Mack said something else, and Bethany laughed and touched his thigh. When she didn’t move it, Mack brushed it away, and then put some space between them again. The move should’ve calmed the anger boiling inside her, but it didn’t. It only reinforced how brazen and determined the other woman remained.

When Mack looked in her direction, he smiled and stood, but all she could do was wave. If she even tried a smile it would come out as a grimace.

“I thought you had to work.” He met her before she reached the blanket and hugged her.

She’d always found people who practically sucked each other’s lips off in public annoying yet she channeled all her love for Mack and kissed him as if no one was watching, using both her mouth and body.

“Gramps gave me the day off.” She mentally patted herself on the back at the heat she saw in Mack’s eyes when she pulled away.

He kissed her again, then led her to his blanket. “I’m glad he did. Grace was upset when I told her you couldn’t come.” Mack sat and pulled her down next to him. “She’s in that crowd dancing. I just saw her pig tails fly by.”

Jessie didn’t even bother with a greeting. Instead, she focused on Mack as if Bethany didn’t exist, and Mack never tried to pull his ex into their conversation. And, as they chatted, Bethany sulked. A sight Jessie found amusing.