The Boyfriend List (13 page)

“You’re my best friend and I love you but we need to talk. Will meet you at Nate’s with Starbucks in an hour or so. It will be decaf for the prego. Can’t wait to rub your belly. Xoxo”

Jenna’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, honey.” Nate pulled her in and held on. “What?”

“Nothing bad, for a change. Kim’s trying to be understanding. She said she’ll meet us at your house with Starbucks.”

“Okay. Uh, Jen?” Nate frowned. “I’m guessing she’ll bring Owen?”

“Huh? Oh . . .” Jenna felt the knot in her chest tighten. “Probably.” Rubbing her temple, Jenna felt a headache coming on. “I don’t know if I can take him this early in the morning. I know he was a marine and he’s all lethal weapon and all that, but I might kill him.”

“If he does anything stupid,” Nate replied. “I might help you.”

“By the way, did you tell Kim you were pregnant?”

She frowned. “No, I didn’t.”

“Do you think Harper spilled?”

“More than likely it was my mother. She probably got on the phone and told every relative, all the neighbors and the priests at church. I’m sure she’s lit a dozen votive candles by now. Kim’s going to be hurt, though.”

Coming off the plane, they walked on the tarmac to the private terminal, where the car service would be waiting for them. Nate lived a very low-key lifestyle, but when he pulled out the stops, he didn’t go halfway. Jenna had just married a billionaire in an ancient town hall in Italy. She wore a Grecian-style designer gown that her new husband bought for her and wore a wedding ring that was so encrusted with diamonds it was almost embarrassing.

Judge Tony had invited people he knew to the ceremony to wish them well, and Jenna had been spoiled by the friendly and accepting manner of all the wonderful people she met.

She’d loved everything that had happened the past few days. She loved being spoiled, but mostly, she loved her husband. He was a wonderful man and she’d done the right thing.

No one was going to second-guess her about that.

***

When Jenna walked into the house that was to be her new home, Nate wanted her to have a memory she’d never forget. So before they left Italy, he arranged for dozens of roses to be delivered to the house and left in every room. He didn’t go with one color over another, but mixed it up with pink, white, pale yellow, and red for the bedroom.

The pregnancy, he guessed, was taking its toll, even though she slept in the plane. Thank goodness there hadn’t been any morning sickness, but she did tire easily. When they were in Italy, she’d had to go back to the villa more than once for a nap. She’d slept almost the whole flight home, and on the car ride from the airport to the house. Either it was the pregnancy or he’d married someone with sleeping sickness.

His index finger drifted over her cheek. He loved watching her sleep. She was so at peace, so lovely, with her soft skin and dark hair, containing all that creativity.

Nate felt so lucky. Jenna was this remarkable creature who had trusted her magical heart with him. There was nothing in the world he cherished more and there was nothing that could make him take it for granted.

Jenna opened her eyes, and even without makeup on, she had the longest lashes Nate had ever seen. Lush and full, her eyes looked like they were rimmed with incredibly soft feathers, when there was nothing enhancing them. Just like everything else about her, the beauty was natural, real.

Pulling into his driveway, Owen and Kim were sitting in two deep chairs Nate had placed on the front porch, having coffee and eating what looked to be breakfast sandwiches. He nudged Jenna and she popped her head off his shoulder and looked around. She spotted Owen’s Range Rover first, then she saw her friend and her husband. Even with the doubts she knew everyone had about them, or might have, tomorrow or the next day, Jenna looked incredibly happy.

Kim rose from her seat and bounded down the porch steps. As soon as the car stopped and was in gear, Jenna was out the door. The two friends embraced long and hard, and Nate hoped Kim would be the extra support Jenna needed when she faced her family. Owen didn’t look as happy, but he wasn’t scowling, so that was a start.

He grabbed his carry-on and went to his bride, who was still in her friend’s death grip.

“You didn’t have to run off to get married. We would have been there for you.”

“That wasn’t why we left. We went to spend some time together so we could make a plan. Once we were there, everything fell into place. I thought my family would be happy for me.”

“They will be,” Kim said. “I’m sure it’s the shock. You know how your mother is.”

“My mother,” Jenna said, cringing. “You should have heard her on the phone when I told her we’d gotten married. You would have thought I’d died. Then the text messages. I lied, I shamed the family . . . I thought she would have been happy for me.”

Kim cupped Jenna’s cheek. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think for one second that we don’t care and that you aren’t supported, but it happened so fast. I’ll see if I can get my mom to calm your parents down? That might work.”

Kim and Jenna’s parents had been friends for twenty-five years. Nate figured if anyone could get Jenna’s mother to stand down, it was Mrs. Torres.

“Now, tell me about this baby. You’re having a baby?”

“I am. I can’t believe it.” Seeing Jenna touch her belly with her left hand, the one that wore his ring, drove it all home.

Leaning against the porch rail, reality swamped him. He was going to be a father. He was a husband and a father. It was no longer about his company and his horses. He had real family to look after. Damn.

A large hand dropped on his shoulder. Owen had been quiet so far, and he hoped he held on to the rule from kindergarten. If his friend didn’t have anything nice to say, he wouldn’t say anything.

“Jenna looks happy. Kinda. Congratulations.”

“Thanks. Once the shit with her family calms down, she’ll be fine. In some ways I wish we could have stayed in Europe longer.”

“You could have stayed. We would have covered for you at work. But that wouldn’t have settled anything here.”

“You’re right,” Nate agreed. “The Albaneses are going to be a problem.”

“Yeah, I got that.” Owen was next to him now. “Kim must have gotten fifty calls from them this since you’ve been gone. Jenna’s older sister? The doctor? Man, she’s tough. Gave Kim a really hard time.”

“I’ve heard.” Nate was not looking forward to his first encounter with Dr. Christina Albanese. “Wait. Why did she give Kim a hard time?”

Owen folded his arms and smirked. “You didn’t know? You and Jenna? It’s all Kim’s fault because she introduced the two of you. The pregnancy? Kim’s fault. Apparently she forced you two into bed together. Apparently Dr. Tina is smart as a whip but lacks common sense.”

“What the hell? Are you shittin’ me? She was happy Jenna was going to see me when we first went out.”

“Nope. I started to feel bad for Jenna when I realized what she was up against.” Owen sipped his coffee. “I still think you rushed getting married and that this could be a mistake, but I’m here if you need me.”

“Wow.” Nate said. “Is this a kinder and gentler Owen?”

“Bite me.”

That was a relief, Owen was still in there somewhere. He guessed the marine had been threatened by his wife, but it was nice to know he had Nate’s back if needed. Jenna’s family was going to be a trip.

“Why don’t we go inside?” Nate grabbed their suitcase and Owen took Jenna’s bag and followed him into the house.

“Holy shit,” Owen said. “Did you buy out the florist? You’re going to make me look bad.”

Nate could barely hear him when Jenna walked into the house and squealed. “Oh, my God!” Clutching her hands to her chest, his new wife examined the dozens of roses and threw herself into his arms.

“You did not have to do this, but thank you. It’s so beautiful.”

“I know it’s over the top, but it seems like every time I do something for you, it never seems like enough. I always want to do more.” Nate held her, this woman—the love of his life—and uttered a hundred prayers of thanks.

“I hope you don’t think I expect more. I have you. That’s all I care about.”

“I know.” Her scent, even after traveling all night, was intoxicating and all he wanted to do was get her into bed so they could sleep.

“So,” Kim said as she walked around the room looking at the roses. “Do you know anything about this pregnancy? Or just that you are?”

“Three tests over two days. All three were positive. I’m going to the doctor in a couple of weeks.” Jenna hadn’t even told Nate all the details. He never questioned her, he probably should have.

“Let me know when your appointment is,” Nate said. “I’ll go with you.”

“How do you feel?” Kim had switched into nurse mode. “Sick at all?”

“No morning sickness, but I’ve been really tired. Anything else, Doc?”

“No. It’s just early, that’s all. No drinking, acetaminophen only. Eat right. Your doctor will prescribe vitamins.”

“Got it.” Kim and Jenna hugged and Nate was happy there hadn’t been a scene. That was the last thing anyone needed. Jenna smiled at her friend. “See you in the Hamptons later? We can talk?”

Kim nodded. “You bet. I need to hear the entire wedding story and you’d better have pictures to show me.”

“We’ll be there about four,” Owen replied. “I’ll be glad to get there before the party. It’s nice of your folks to put us all up.”

“It should be a good time.” Nate shook Owen’s hand. “Thanks, buddy. I appreciate the support. Especially before eight in the morning.”

When Owen and Kim left, Jenna sipped her Starbucks and looked out the front window as Owen and Kim’s car pulled out. “Was that weird, or is it me?”

She was so damn sharp. Nothing got past her. “It was a little weird. Do you think they’re reporting back to your family?”

“She might call my sister, if only to tell her to stay off my back, but I don’t know. Maybe I’m just sensitive.”

“Maybe. I think she’s happy for you,” he said.

“I just wonder what other people might think. You know . . .”

“Don’t say it, Jen.”

“That maybe I trapped you?” Jenna bit her lip and looked away, focusing on a pretty pink rose in one of the bouquets. “That’s what Owen thinks. He doesn’t want to, but the question is running around in that head of his.”

“Owen can be tough to read. All that matters is that I don’t feel trapped.”

“No?”

Now he was annoyed. He’d spent the last four days removing any doubt from Jenna’s mind about his feelings, and Kim and Owen had gotten all the wrong wheels spinning again. Jenna deserved better.

“No. I told you, I’d bought the ring. I was going to propose to you. The baby just changed the timeline.”

“Okay.” She burrowed into him, slipping her arms around his waist. “As long as you’re sure.”

“Very sure.” Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Nate steered her toward the bedroom. “Now let’s get some sleep, then we can pack and head out east this afternoon.”

He should trust me with his secrets.

—#14, Jenna’s Boyfriend List

Jenna kept her gaze fixed out the window as they drove east from Locust Valley to Bridgehampton. The drive was an hour and a half without traffic, but because it was July 3rd, there were a lot of people on the road. They should have left earlier, but she and Nate had fallen into such a deep sleep, half the day was gone by the time they got on their way.

They took the Maserati because the truck was a mess. And once he got used to the difference, it seemed, like most guys, he enjoyed driving his low-slung Italian coupe. They chatted through the first half of the ride, recapping some of the highlights of their trip. Jenna smiled at every memory. Each day had been more perfect than the one before.

Now, as they drove through the Pine Barrens on the eastern end of the Long Island Expressway, her mood shifted as quickly as the scenery sped by. Less than twenty four hours ago, she’d left Italy a happy newlywed; now she was nauseous, and it had nothing to do with the baby. Nate had reassured her numerous times that everything would be all right. He’d spoken to his parents again, and his mother sounded much better than when he’d called her the day before. Still, Jenna couldn’t shake the feeling they were headed for an ambush.

There was so much weighing on her mind, and there shouldn’t have been. The only ones she should be thinking about were the amazing man sitting next to her and the baby in her belly.

Without warning, Nate exited Sunrise Highway and Jenna noticed they were heading into the town of Westhampton Beach. She looked at him, but she couldn’t read his expression since his eyes were covered by a pair of aviators.

She watched the road as he made deliberate turns, knowing exactly where he was going, finally pulling into a space in the town lot.

“Uh, why are we here?”

“I figured we could stretch our legs, get some ice cream.” He got out and came around to her side of the car, offering his hand to help her out of the low-slung bucket seat.

“Don’t you want to get to your parents’ house?”

“We’ll get there. Come on.” The warmth of his hand was rivaled only by the warm summer air, and getting out of the car was a good idea. Westhampton Beach wasn’t a seaside village, but the beach wasn’t far, and the smell of salt water and the sound of gulls permeated the air. They walked down Main Street to a local ice cream shop he was familiar with, where they each got a waffle cone filled with their favorite flavors.

Once they ventured back on the street, they walked quietly side by side. There was nothing awkward about the quiet; it was companionable, easy, which had been Jenna’s first clue that this thing between her and Nate was very right.

“You want to tell me what’s eating you?” he asked. Jenna had to smile. People who’d known her for years wouldn’t have picked up on her mood, but he did. He knew her better than anyone.

“Is that why we stopped? To talk?”

“We could have talked in the car, but I figured a break wasn’t a bad idea.”

There wasn’t a whole lot to say. Jenna wasn’t sure what, exactly, was bothering her. Nate had been nothing but supportive and understanding. Her family? That was another story. He also hadn’t told her anything about his family’s reaction. Nate had two younger sisters who were around her age, and she had no idea what they thought. His mother and father, who had seemed to like her at the farm, might have a very different opinion today.

Sure, it took two to tango, the baby was as much Nate’s as hers, but the girl still got the blame. “I can’t shake that people are going to think I’m after your money. That I did this on purpose because I saw you’re such a good guy and that you wouldn’t shirk your responsibility.”

“I wouldn’t, but I wouldn’t have married you unless I loved you. That’s something no one is taking into account. Including you.”

“Oh.” She couldn’t argue the point. He was right. This man had such quiet strength—there was no bluster, no posturing, just deep, unshakable confidence.

“Jenna, baby, I’m second-guessed all the time. Of the three partners, I’m the one who stays in the background. I get that I’m not the front man like Owen, or the brains of the operation like Jason, and that’s fine. But because I’m not aggressive, people tend to think I’m indecisive, weak, or at worst, stupid.”

“What? That’s ridiculous.”

“Of course it is. I graduated from Duke with honors. I have a master’s in economics from Harvard. If you gave me ten dollars, I’d turn it into a hundred dollars by the end of the day, and ten thousand dollars by the end of a week. I’m that good with money. Jason would still be doing R and D in some lab if I hadn’t seen the potential in what he was developing and figured out a way to bring it to market.”

“Is that how it happened?” Jenna knew part of the success story, about how the three friends built the business. But Nate’s specific role wasn’t ever brought up.

“Jason had the idea. I saw the product and developed the strategy. When Owen’s first commitment with the marines was up, he came out and organized the operation, which became more and more important the bigger we got.”

“Wow. So why is everyone questioning your decisions? Considering you laid the foundation for the company . . .”

“They always do, and to be honest, it’s my own fault. I let them. Owen is a presence. Jason, too. I’ve been content to manage the finances and stay out of the way, but sometimes it pisses me off.”

“Why is that? Why isn’t your role bigger?” It didn’t make any sense to her. If they all had a stake in the success in the business why didn’t Nate become more of a player?

Seeing she was done with her ice cream, Nate took the napkins and the wrapper from her hand and tossed them in a nearby trash can. He took a breath before continuing. “Truthfully? I don’t care that much. I just don’t. I never saw myself doing this. I was going to manage my family’s money. The foundations. The farms. Something like Reliance wasn’t even on my radar.” He shrugged. “They have no idea how much money I have. With my investments, the trust from my family, I’ve taken the money I’ve made at Reliance and multiplied it five times over.”

Did he just tell her that? That he had more money than Jason and Owen? That he really didn’t care about the business? Good Lord. It seemed quiet, sweet Nate was quite the tycoon. They started walking again, letting his declaration sink in.

“I’d never let anything bad happen at Reliance, ever. But I’m considering taking a buyout and walking away.”

“Nate, are you serious? That’s a huge step. It would blindside Owen and Jason.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I’ve mentioned the idea in passing, but they just blow it off. Now with you and the baby, I want to be around more.”

“Great, so I’ll be the gold-digger who got knocked up and wrecked not only a successful business partnership, but, possibly, a twenty-year friendship. It’ll be like breaking up the Beatles.”

“Well, if that happens I’ll just have to call you Yoko.” He chuckled.

“That’s not funny.”

“They’re going to think what they want. The party tomorrow will be filled with people who are going to believe you only want me because of the money. But they don’t know you. I choose to believe you want
me
. That you love
me.
Does that makes me naïve? I don’t know. But I believe in you, Jenna. In us.”

Jenna was overcome. Her heart was so full of love for this man, she thought she might lose herself in him. Everything had changed. Since meeting Nate, being part of an “us” was the most important, most magical thing in her life. And she believed in that magic. Heart, soul, and body, she believed.

Reaching up and touching his face, Jenna let the tears fall. Not tears of sadness, but tears of joy. Tears of hope. Tears to celebrate the life they would share together. “No, my darling, you’re not naive. You’re the most wonderful man, and I am so lucky to be your wife. I do love you. I do want you. And our baby could never have a better father.”

“I know this has happened fast between us, but you were always meant to be mine. Once you walked into my life everything made sense.”

“I just want to make you happy, Nate. That’s all.” She sighed. “That’s all.”

Holding her close in the middle of the busy sidewalk, Nate kissed her soundly. “You already do.”

***

The farm in Bridgehampton was on a piece of open land, encompassing twenty acres. It wasn’t as large as the Muttontown property, but no horses were bred there. This was a boarding and training facility, and he anticipated it was where his parents were going to retire.

Jenna had calmed considerably since their walk, and he was happy to see her relax and enjoying the idea of the party. In truth, Nate didn’t know what to expect. Both his sisters would be at the house, as would Owen and Kim, as well as his grandparents.

It was tomorrow that concerned him. Friends, clients, extended family, people who would judge Jenna, would all be milling around the property, and at that moment he questioned the wisdom of coming home when they did.

They could have stayed in Italy for a few more days. They could have traveled anywhere in Europe. He didn’t have to subject her to being here.

Pulling into the parking area next to the house, he spied everyone he mentioned on the back patio. The first person to spot him was his sister Leah. A lawyer, she was a year older than Jenna, methodical, cynical, and suspicious. He loved her like nothing else, but if anyone would give Jenna a hard time, it would be Leah. Amy was a softer soul. At thirty-one, she was a well-established architect, dealing specifically with design and restoration of old buildings. She was smart as a whip, but would give Jenna a chance.

Nate was taking their bag from the car when Leah came out of the yard. She was gorgeous, his sister. Tall, slender, her fair skin set off by auburn hair and green eyes; she looked like a Celtic warrior woman. And next to her, Jenna looked like a Roman goddess in her long pale blue sundress and silver sandals.

“Hey, big brother. You have a lot of nerve getting married without consulting your attorney.”

She gave Nate a hug, all the while keeping her eyes on Jenna.

“I wasn’t aware I needed an attorney. Leah, this is Jenna, my wife. Jenna, my sister Leah. She has absolutely no filter.”

Jenna offered her hand and smiled. “It’s nice to meet you. I have a sister with no filter, too, so I’m already broken in.”

“Oh, Nate. She’s pretty and quick-witted. I’m impressed.”

That was mean even for Leah, and Jenna’s eyes flared at the suggestion she was lacking in intelligence. “You really have to back off, sis.” He leaned in to make sure she understood he meant business. “Otherwise, I’ll get back in the car with Jenna and leave. Then you can tell Mom, Dad, and the grands that I left because you were being unthinkably nasty to your new sister-in-law.”

“I’m trying to look out for you,” she said. “I apologize, Jenna, but my brother is too nice for his own good sometimes.”

Jenna nodded like she understood, but something in her posture told him different. When she took his hand he could feel the tension—like a snake coiled and ready to strike. “Nate is the kindest man I’ve ever met. I don’t think describing him as nice is adequate.”

“You’re probably right,” Leah agreed.

“However, he’s not unable to make decisions. His confidence is one of his most attractive traits.”

That was perfect. Polite, firm—he’d have to give his girl a big fat kiss as soon as he got the chance.

Leah didn’t know what to make of Jenna, and keeping his sister off guard was definitely a good thing. They made their way to the backyard, where there were way too many people for a small family gathering. It wasn’t just his parents, grandparents, and sisters, but Jenna’s parents, Kim and Owen as well as Jason, Meg, and the kids.

They were greeted by a flurry of activity—thankfully, it was more excitement than anything—but separated from the crowd were Jenna’s mom and dad. They were not happy.

Jenna stood with him, nervous, and Nate looked at his own mother, wondering why the Albaneses were here. His mom shrugged. “We thought it would be nice to have them out. To celebrate. I’m trying, honey.”

“I know. Thanks, Mom, but some warning would have been nice.”

He couldn’t fault his mother and her kind heart. At least she saw their marriage as something to be happy about, but Jenna’s parents were pissed. He couldn’t blame them for some of it. Should they have told them the plan? Probably. All her mother knew was that they were going away pregnant and they came back married.

Taking the first few steps, her parents met them halfway. Jenna’s mother looked stricken, like someone had died. Her father looked like he wanted to rip out Nate’s throat.

“Walk with me,” was all her dad said. Nate squeezed Jenna’s hand before going off with her dad. Fortunately, everything was in eyeshot of the patio, so if he planned to take Nate out, there would be plenty of witnesses.

“You married her without our blessing. I don’t know what to say to that.”

“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” They’d stopped by one of the large paddocks. The horses were out because it was better to turn them out at night in the summer. A pretty bay horse came over looking for attention, and Nate obliged, giving the big guy some pats. And waiting for her father to figure out what he wanted to say. Nate appreciated that he was angry, but he didn’t particularly care. He was Jenna’s husband and the father of her child. He would do whatever she wanted, and that’s it.

“Got an attitude, do you, kid? Think because you have money you can just do whatever the fuck you want? Stick your dick wherever you damn please and then use your money to take a girl from her family?”

“Do you kiss your wife and daughters with that foul mouth, sir? Maybe you could clean it up a little.” Nate leaned back against the fence and folded his arms. The retired cop was fuming at having been called on the carpet for his trash talk, and Nate didn’t give a shit. “I understand you’re upset, that your wife and family are upset, but Jenna’s happy. That’s all I care about. She’s my priority. I don’t care about how this looks, or what you think. I care what Jenna thinks.”