The Boyfriend List (3 page)

He put his hand on the small of her back and guided her to a quiet seating area. The brown rattan furniture was shaped like cubes, with large deep seating areas filled with beige cushions. He settled her into one of the chairs and took the one adjacent to hers. Close, but not too close. “It makes perfect sense, and you have a right to feel however you want. My older brother died when I was fifteen. It’s been twenty years and while I don’t think about it all the time, I’m still not over it.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.” She sat, collapsed almost, onto the large sofa. “Was he much older than you?”

“Two years. He was my best friend.”

“You do understand then, don’t you?”

Nate nodded and watched her every move before rising and sitting next to her. “I do. I understand how it can affect pretty much everything in your life for a while.” Lightly taking her hand, Nate continued. “Look, let’s stick together today. Okay? The crew at our table is crazy, but they’re good people and mostly harmless. It will be fun.”

“Really? You guys all have such a history. I don’t feel like I fit in. I mean . . .”

“Fit in? Everyone likes you, and you might as well get used to the insanity, since you’re stuck with us now.”

“I don’t exactly run with your crowd, Nate. You’re not going to see me in five-hundred-dollar shoes or hanging out on a yacht. This is Kim’s new gig, not mine.”

Each question brought a little more of Jenna’s insecurity, her fears, to the surface.

He’d caught some of the derision from a few of Kim’s friends and relatives after the church service. There were lots of comments about how her life was going to change because she’d married money. It wasn’t the first time he’d come across the attitude. Jenna, no doubt, had her own feelings about how money could change things between people. Add that to feeling out of place, and the sadness Jenna felt over her brother’s death, and her uneasiness was making much more sense.

He’d never seen Jenna look worried or vulnerable, but knowing how she felt, how grief could overtake you at the strangest time, Nate thought, if nothing else, he should offer a lifeline. But there was something else and he couldn’t put a finger on it.

“Why do I get the feeling there’s something else eating at you?”

Her expression stilled, grew even more serious. “You don’t give up, do you?”

“No, I don’t. Especially when a friend is hurting.”

Jenna didn’t respond right away, but looked out to the shore. The water was smooth as glass, much like her expression. “I don’t want to lose her again.”

“Who? Kim? Why would you worry about that?”

She leaned back. “After Tom died, she cut us all off. And before you say anything, I know marrying Owen isn’t the same thing, but her whole life is about to change. I’ve seen it happen. Money comes into play and suddenly you’re separated from your old life and all the people you knew.” She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I must sound jealous, don’t I?”

She locked her deep brown eyes right on his, and Nate wondered if Jenna could see his heart. He felt that if she could, that if she went deep enough, she’d know all his secrets.

“You sound human. You’ve been through a lot, but you need to have more faith in Kim. It’s only money, Jenna.”

“Only money?” She bit her lip, obviously growing frustrated. “To you, it’s only money. Trust me, it can change everything.”

Nate rose, figuring the best way to solve this problem was to get Jenna back to the party. Kim and Owen were married. There was no way to undo her brother’s death. Life moved forward, but as Nate gazed down at the usually exuberant woman, he could see there was nothing easy about what she was feeling. And it was plain that talking about it wasn’t going to help, so he decided to just help her have a good time. Sometimes that was enough.

“Take my hand.” He stood, and reached out, completely enjoying the surprised look on her face when she realized what was happening.

“Why?”

“Because you’re feeling like a fish out of water. Out of place. You’ve got a lot on your mind. Walk back in with me. Don’t just be my partner today. Be my date.”

Damn
. Had he just said that?

“Your date?”
The way she responded, almost reeling back, made him think he’d completely misjudged how things were going with her. Maybe she really didn’t like him.

“Wow. I didn’t think I was that bad,” he joked, recovering from her reaction. “I’ve got a pretty good job and my mother keeps telling me I’m handsome.”

Jenna shook her head. It was easy to see how nervous she was, but she still managed a smile. “That’s not it.” She chuckled. “I’d say your mother is right about the handsome part, and I’ve heard you’re pretty well set, but, um . . . to be honest, I didn’t think you liked me very much.”

What?
“Why would you think that?”

“Because you barely ever talk to me. You avoid me like the plague and I get the sense that, I don’t know, I’m just not your type of person.”

“Not my type . . .” Boy, he’d really messed this up.

“I’ve offended you. I’m sorry.”

“No. You haven’t.”
You’ve just let me know how much work I have to do
. “I’m a little confused about the ‘type’ thing, but we’ll work on that.”

“I also don’t know anything about you. Nothing except that you’re the CFO of Reliance and a billionaire.”

He felt himself grin because it was true. While Jenna was pretty much an open book, he hadn’t given up much of himself. That was easy to remedy. Nate had nothing to hide. “What do you want to know?”

“Tell me where you grew up.”

“My family has homes in Old Brookville and Bridgehampton. I lived most of my life in Old Brookville.” Her face blanked when he dropped the names of the two wealthy towns where he’d lived.

“Oh. My mom was a secretary and my father was a city cop. I grew up in Seaford. Probably very different from the way you grew up.”

“Did you have family dinners, fight too much with your siblings, and hate doing chores?” he asked.

“Of course.”

“Then it wasn’t so different.”

Jenna opened her mouth to speak, then shut it just as quickly. It took a second, but finally, her shoulders relaxed for the first time that day and a smile softened her lips. When her fingers tangled with his, Nate gave them a gentle squeeze. This was progress.

“My parents lived their work,” he continued. “We breed and train show horses. I grew up on a horse farm.”

“Seriously? That’s
so
cool.”

“You like horses?”

She nodded. “I love them, but I’ve ridden only a handful of times. I wanted lessons in the worst way, but it was just too expensive.”

Nate had just been handed a gift. “I could teach you.”

The way her eyes popped in surprise and pure delight was the best thing that had happened to Nate all day.

“Really? I mean . . . you don’t have to.”

“Why not? I don’t mind. Unless, of course, you don’t want to.”

“That’s not it.” There was something sad in the way her head dropped. “Are you always so nice?”

“I guess not, since you just admitted you thought I didn’t like you.” He stopped when he saw her frown because he didn’t want to make her feel bad. “I try to be, I guess. Jason and Owen have told me I lack the asshole gene.”

“That’s a very good thing, trust me.”

“You sound like you speak from experience.”

Finally, Nate felt like he was getting to the root of the problem with Jenna. He knew she’d had a crappy experience in California, that she had an ex, but that was all. He didn’t know specifics.

But he wasn’t going to find out anything today because Jenna clammed up and changed the subject. “Do you ride a lot?” she asked so quietly that he could barely hear her.

Knowing it would do no good to push her about her past, Nate nodded. “It’s my addiction.”

“It’s a great addiction to have.” She looked up at him, flashing a smile of thanks. “I’m glad we talked a little. It’s nice to know you don’t dislike me.”

Nate shook his head. “I’m sorry you felt that way.”

The music stopped and they heard the band leader say that the next course would be served.

“I guess we should go back in.” Jenna nodded toward the large French doors leading into the reception room. “More food.”

Nate extended his hand. “I heard the second course is lobster. I don’t want to miss it.”

Jenna stared once again at his outstretched hand, and Nate wished she’d just do something. But she stood there, staring, thinking. Finally, they made eye contact, and Nate wanted nothing more than to find the person who had hurt her and make him sorry for it. There was such hesitancy in her eyes. So much pain, but then, like a miracle, Jenna found her courage, reached out, and took his hand.

Nate threaded his fingers through hers like it was the most natural thing in the world. The size and shape of her hand fit his. This wasn’t something he’d talk about. His friends would have a field day busting on him if he did, but Nate believed that certain people were made for each other, and here was a little more proof that Jenna was made for him.

He felt a little shudder and he wondered if she felt it too. There were few things in this life more perfect than feeling like you fit. He fit with Jenna.

He should be funny.

—#5, Jenna’s Boyfriend List

His hand was warm, so very warm. When he’d danced with her earlier, they kept their touch light, but now, his hand completely surrounded hers, and when her heartbeat finally settled, Jenna felt comfort. Nate, with his sweet manner and soulful eyes, induced a feeling of contentment that filled her.

He was looking at their joined hands and she was surprised by the feel of him. His hands should have been soft, his nails polished and manicured. He was a billionaire businessman, but the hand that held hers was firm, a little rough. A workingman’s hands.

When he pulled her up, she stumbled a bit on the blasted heels. That’s when Nate’s other arm came up and circled her waist.

“You okay?” he asked as he steadied her on her feet.

She’d been cursing the shoes all day. Kim wanted all the attendants in these gorgeous Kate Spade pumps with spectacular heels, but Jenna couldn’t enjoy wearing the gorgeous designer shoes because she was terrified she was going to trip. “I feel like such a klutz,” she admitted. “I’m not good in heels.”

Nate nodded his understanding. “Me, either.”

It took a second to process what he’d said, but when the grin broke across his face, and his eyes lit up, Jenna burst out laughing. Dropping her head on his shoulder, his one hand held tight to hers while his other rested easily on the small of her back. Their laughter blended together and it felt so good to be able to share it with someone.

It felt good to be held.

It felt good to be happy.

“I didn’t know you were a high heels kind of guy.” The giggles escaped as he tilted his head forward and examined her face.

“It’s my guilty pleasure.”

“The things you find out about people . . .”

He stepped away, but kept hold of her hand, his smile sweet and playful. Who would have thought the accountant was a joker. “You ready? I’m getting hungry and I don’t want the waitstaff to take my plate away before I’ve had a chance to eat.”

“How could you be hungry after the cocktail hour?” The cocktail hour that kicked off the reception had more food than she’d seen in a long time, and, coming from a big Italian family like she did, that was saying a lot.

“That was forty-five minutes ago.” He patted his stomach. “You’ll soon discover I have the appetite of a teenage boy. I’m always hungry.”

Jenna couldn’t help but wonder what Nate did to keep in shape, other than riding. Earlier, as he’d pulled her gently into the ballroom for their first dance, she was able to admire his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and very fine ass. Even his tux, which he filled out beautifully, couldn’t hide his physique. She could do worse for a wedding date. Much worse.

When they slipped into the dining room from the terrace, the band was playing background music. People were milling around, chatting, or at their tables enjoying the appetizer. Mr. and Mrs. Torres were beaming and talking with Owen’s parents like they were old friends.

Jenna spotted her parents and her sisters at a table with a few other neighbors, forcing smiles, and looking as conflicted as she had been feeling earlier. She didn’t think it was possible, but Nate had made it better for her. If nothing else, she could focus on celebrating Kim’s happiness, on the love her friend shared with Owen.

“I’m going to go check on my parents.” Her hand brushed his arm, signaling he could let go of her hand, but he didn’t.

“Where are they sitting?”

He still had her hand.

A quick nod across the room, indicating the general direction of their table, had him tugging her along once again. “Nate, what are you doing?”

“Going with you to meet your family?”

She stopped in her tracks. “Why?” He wanted to meet her family? The family who would jump to conclusions? The family who would interrogate him? The family who would ask him about his intentions toward her? About his bank accounts? If he liked kids? “You want to eat, don’t you? Appetite of a teenage boy? Isn’t that what you said?”

Nate’s head tilted to one side. Kind of like a puppy that had just heard a funny noise. “Why? Why what? I don’t understand.”

Jeez. He really didn’t. This guy . . . this MBA-toting, super-rich CFO was clueless about the right time to meet the family. Where the hell did this guy come from?

“I just don’t want them to get the wrong idea about us. My mother has a very active imagination.”

He chuckled, warm and low. “Active how?”

“Like she’ll be naming our children the second she shakes your hand. Good God. Don’t you have crazy parents?”

“My mother is a lovely woman of exceptional breeding.”

Jenna had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. “Of course she is.”

“And my father is the hardheaded, loud Scots horse trainer who stole away with her in the middle of the night and eloped. Scandalized my grandparents. It’s legend in my family.”

“She eloped with the horse trainer?” That had to be one hell of a story.

“Aye, lass. She did.” He tilted a crooked grin in her direction, then locked his eyes on hers and dropped a soft kiss on her hand. “Would it make your mother happy to think you had someone in your life?”

“Huh? Yes, b . . . but—” She stuttered to a halt. “I mean, it would send her over the moon, but why would you put yourself in that position?”

“I don’t want to tell her we’re engaged or anything, but let her speculate. It’ll be fun and it will get her mind off why she’s so sad. Let everyone wonder. Neither of us wants to be the single with all the couples in this room. It will be fun to keep everyone guessing.”

“Nate, I don’t know.” He gave her hand a little squeeze and she looked again at how his big strong fingers encircled hers.

Was this what a romance felt like? It was such a warm, safe feeling that was consuming her and with every touch, every flash in his eyes, Jenna felt like she was falling under some kind of spell. She was a sensible woman. She didn’t just fall for some guy because he was handsome, sweet, smart, and rich.

Oy.

He smiled at her again, knowing he’d completely flustered her, and her heart damn near beat out of her chest. She imagined this was what people meant when they said they were swept off their feet. Because the very quiet, geeky Nate was starting to do just that.

“Take me to meet your family, Jenna,” he said with cool authority.

“Okay, fine. Why not?”

God, the way he looked at her. She knew this “date” was so neither of them had to be the odd one out, but did he have to play it so well? It was like this mattered—like
she
mattered, a lot.

He hadn’t let go of her hand since they’d been out on the terrace, and it made Jenna wonder if maybe there could be something between them.

Nah.
He was just being nice.

Nice
was different for her. She’d always had a hard time finding nice guys to date. After a while she started wondering if she had some kind of allergy to decent men. Majoring in art and photography in college, Jenna hung around with a lot of guys who made art the center of their world, just like she did. They weren’t nice. They were very hip, dismissive of anything not in their narrow definition of the world, and showed an unfailing lack of interest in pretty much everything. None of them would ever be accused of being nice.

But it was how she lived. When she met Royce, she allowed his attractiveness, and his natural charisma, blind her to the fact that they weren’t a good match. He used her for his own gain, and then left when it no longer suited him. She was with him for almost five years and in that time, she morphed herself into what he needed her to be.

Jenna always cared too much, bubbled over too much. Swapping her enthusiasm for sophistication was a difficult transition, and it never felt natural. But she made herself over anyway, shunning her roots and her family in the process.

She’d straddled the worlds of hedge funds and art for the first two years she was with Royce in San Francisco. She played second fiddle to him at every cocktail party, fund-raiser, and client dinner as nothing more than a piece of arm candy. He assured her he needed her; however Jenna still felt phony. But in the studio with her art? That felt real.

And that’s what brought them their greatest windfall. When Jenna’s photography career took off, she unwittingly threw open doors for her slimy ex that even he couldn’t have imagined.

She’d never be able to prove it, but the man she lived with wasn’t the person she thought he was. And a lot of money had disappeared without a trace. Royce had failed the nice guy test just like all the others.

Jenna could think of lots of other things to call him, though.

Easily led, easily fooled, Jenna, her clients, and her friends fell right into his trap. And when Royce left her, she had to deal with the fallout. Dozens of people in the art world had trusted her boyfriend with a small fortune and all of them were left almost destitute when he blew out of town.

On paper, it looked like a streak of bad luck with the investments, but when a few people started sniffing around, there were lots of numbers that didn’t add up. No charges were filed against Royce, but Jenna was left without a friend or a dime, and she had to come home.

It hadn’t been a bad thing. Even though she hadn’t known it, she’d missed her family and she’d been able to put her teaching degree to good use, but that was the moment she swore off men. Especially rich, gorgeous ones.

And there she was, holding Nate’s hand . . . a man who was richer and more gorgeous than any man she’d ever met. This was a bad, bad thing. Money and wealth made her very nervous.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” she whispered. He was being so kind, she didn’t want to insult him, but Nate Bayard was everything she’d promised herself she’d avoid. He seemed perfect, as did Royce, and it was just too risky. If he took the way out she was offering him, it would be better for both of them.

He spun her toward him, taking possession of her other hand as well, and leaned in. Close—so damn close. She should have been focusing on his eyes, but all she could see was his mouth.

His beautiful, kissable mouth.

God, she hoped he didn’t notice her staring. But he did, and his eyes went dark as he looked into hers.

“I’m going to be polite and meet your family,” he said in a throaty groan. “But if you don’t want me to kiss you senseless first, you should stop looking at me like that.”

Oh, boy.

“I wasn’t planning on our first kiss being right here in front of everyone, but if you’re game, so am I,” he continued.

“Oh, uh,” she responded, not knowing how she’d squeaked the words out. “I agree. Probably not a good idea. I mean, not that kissing you wouldn’t be ah, nice, but . . .”

Nate leaned in and his breath tickled the lobe of her ear. “If I kiss you, Jenna, I promise it will be more than
nice
.”

She hadn’t had “more than nice” in a really long time, and the thought of it with Nate was so tempting. Lord, she was not going to survive this. “Don’t talk like that. We’re friends, right? And wedding sex is such a cliché. You don’t want to be a cliché, do you?”

Oh no. Had she just blurted out something about wedding sex before brain could stop her? Out loud?

The corner of his mouth twitched and his shoulders trembled, then he burst out laughing. “You should see your face.”

Jenna was stunned at first, not knowing how to react, but then, a sniffle slipped out, then a giggle, and finally she joined in, laughing with him. Thankful he had a sense of humor as well as good sense.

“But for the record, I have no objection to being a cliché. So don’t worry about that. At all. If you’d like to become a cliché with me, I wouldn’t complain.”

“Well, that’s good to know,” she snickered. “If I have enough champagne later, you might get lucky.”

Whoosh.
Jenna heard the breath fly right out of Nate’s chest at the same time she clapped a hand over her mouth.

“Oh, God. I’m sorry.”

“No, no. It’s fine.”

“I’m sorry, Nate. That was . . .”

“You’re going to drive me crazy,” he growled.

“You wouldn’t be the first,” she agreed.

***

Talk about being in over his head. Jenna was a bundle of electrical energy. Everything around her seemed charged, full of life, and he was feeling it, too. His heart had an extra kick, he felt happier, more alive. Nate had never met anyone who’d been so open, so giving of herself, so willing to put her own feelings aside to celebrate with her friend. As much as he was eager to spend time with her and have her get to know him, there’d been more than one instance that almost sent him off to nurse a beer in the corner.

Typical. The wedding was hopping, he should be happy for his best friend, but instead he was thinking of ways to escape. Yet every time he looked at Jenna he knew she was worth the effort.

Being this flirtatious was taking him way out of his comfort zone. And it was getting him hot. Everything about her, from the curve of her shoulder, to the sweep of her hair, to the scent of her perfume was setting him on fire. He wanted to kiss her senseless and make love to her until she screamed with pleasure.

But Nate couldn’t get over the feeling that she was hesitant to get involved because of something more than a breakup. Sure, a broken heart could be a serious thing, it could leave a lot of scars, but there was something else that had Jenna on guard. He’d tried to think of ways to get her attention for months and failed. Today, he’d found a way. Granted, today, he was taking advantage of the fact that she needed him, but if it got him on her radar, he’d do it. And he’d show her, things could be really good.

God, he was desperate. He’d never pulled out all the stops like this for anyone. Now he said he’d meet her family. He not only had to charm Jenna, but her mother and father as well. Her father, the ex-cop. Who probably had a gun in his house.

Shit.

“Hey there, you two. What’s up?”

Both he and Jenna turned and saw the bride and groom closing in on their position. Kim looked suspicious, but Owen was grinning like a fool. Nate fully expected he was going to get shit. The asshole couldn’t even take his wedding day off.