Never Look Back (Coming Home Book 2) (20 page)

I look over at Jennifer and she’s got a smile on her face. “I will. And thank you again for offering me this job, Rick.”

We spend the next hour enjoying our food, which is very delicious. I offer Jennifer a bite of my fish and she shares a portion of hers as well. It feels so natural being here with my family and her, almost like this is the way it’s meant to be. Having the wine tonight with our meal helped me to relax and I’m sure it has done the same for Jennifer. I admit I’ve got a slight buzz since it’s been so long since I’ve had anything to drink. Everyone makes small talk for the remainder of the evening and I notice the crowd in the restaurant has thinned out. Dad settles our bill and Jennifer and my mom excuse themselves to go to the ladies room. My dad and I walk out onto the pier and wait for them here. I would really like to talk to my dad some more about the tech position for Jennifer, but I decide to let it rest for now.

My mom and Jennifer finally meet us outside and I notice Jennifer laughing at something my mom must have said. I’m thankful they get along so well, but I’m curious to know what they’ve been talking about that’s so funny. Jennifer walks up next to me and we all walk back towards the parking lot together. When we get to the end of the pier, I stop and ask Jennifer if she would like to walk beside the lake before heading back home.

“Sure, as long as we don’t stay too much longer. I’d really like to get back to Chloe before it gets too late.”

My mom quickly interrupts. “Jennifer, I’ll stop by and give your mom a hand. I’m sure you don’t have anything to worry about, after all, what kind of trouble could that precious baby be causing.”

We all laugh at this comment from my mother. I think my mom may have had a little too much wine tonight, but it’s so nice to see my parents so happy together. I must say, I envy them and hope I can have a marriage like theirs.

“Thank you, Beth. And thank you both for including me tonight. You’ve both got to be so proud of Todd.” Jennifer says.

I can’t help but grin as she says this. We say goodbye to my parents and I motion for Jennifer to follow me.

“Come on. Let’s go.” I offer my hand to Jennifer and she takes it in hers without hesitation. I can’t help but notice how much more relaxed Jennifer seems to be now since hearing her news earlier. It’s as though the weight of the world has been lifted from her shoulders. I’d almost be willing to bet she’s going to start resting more too. Even after all those months of being away from him, she still worried herself to death.

A paved path follows along the edge of the lake and we decide to take it instead of actually walking along the sandy shoreline. I don’t think Jennifer’s heals could handle the sand very well.

“I’m not sure how long this path continues around the lake, but just let me know when you’re ready to turn around and head back.” I quickly add as we both begin walking.

“It’s so pretty out here at night.” Jennifer says before we’ve gone very far. “And now that the sun has gone down, the reflection of the moon on the water is just breathtaking. Being in the city most of my life, I’ve not been able to see many views like this.”

After careful consideration, I take my chances and decide to put my arm around her lower back, resting my hand on her hip. She appears okay with this gesture and we continue on with our stroll, neither of us certain of what to say. We pass another couple and I can’t help but notice how happy they seem to be holding hands and so in love. I wonder if that will be me one day. Could Jennifer possibly be the one I spend the rest of my life with?

We stop for a moment for Jennifer to remove her heals. I knew they had to be getting pretty uncomfortable for her.

“If we need to turn around we can.” I hate saying this because I really want to spend as much time with her out here tonight, but I don’t know how she likes being barefoot.

“No, it’s okay. I’m just not used to wearing these shoes.” She quickly adds and it’s a relief not to hear her say she’s ready to go.

“Let’s walk out here.” I suggest, and guide her out onto a pier that protrudes way out onto the water. There are a few lights close to the shore but further out on the pier I notice it’s much darker. I hope she’s okay with this.

There have been quite a few people out walking tonight, but this particular pier is empty. We walk all the way to the end and lean on the railing that surrounds it. I point out the occasional fish jumping in the water and she is fascinated by this.

“Have you ever been fishing before?” I inquire.

“No, are you kidding me?” She laughs when she says this. “My dad may like to travel and be outdoors, but he knows nothing about fishing.”

“We’ll just have to see about coming back one afternoon. It’s too hot to fish during the day right now but it shouldn’t be too bad once the sun starts to set.” I point out. “Maybe we can even catch enough to bring back to my mom to fix for supper.”

“Wow, this is so peaceful.” She says as she steps away from me and lifts her head towards the sky.

“And there doesn’t appear to be a cloud in the sky tonight.” I quickly throw in. “The stars sure are bright too.”

“I guess those must be cabins or something.” She says as she points to other side of the lake where there are a few lights shining in the distance through the darkness.

“I’m not sure if those are rentals or if people actually live there all the time. Wouldn’t it be nice to live out here away from all the traffic? You could wake up every morning and see the fog lingering over the lake and watch it disappear as the sun burns it all away.”

“Mmmm, I could stay here forever.”

I move over closer to her and I can’t help but feel a little nervous, uncertain what I should say or do next. I’m standing so close to her that I feel the warmth coming from her body. I notice how even and calm her breathing is. This feels like I’m back in high school again out on my first date, scared to make the next move.

I’m not sure if she’s feeling this way too but we both look over at each other at the same time and our eyes lock. For a brief moment, everything is perfect.

“Thanks again for coming tonight.” I’m struggling to find the right thing to say.

“With everything you’ve done for me, I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.”

I hold my breath, lean over towards her and lightly place a kiss on her cheek. She turns her face towards me and brings her lips to mine. The kiss is soft but passionate and I let myself get lost with her for a moment. We separate for air then immediately begin kissing again. This time, I bring both of my hands up and place them behind her neck and tilt her head at an angle. Jennifer steps closer into my body and I can’t help but press into her. I don’t mean to but I’m caught up in the moment and everything feels so right between us. When we finally pull apart, I can’t help but notice I’ve caused a little excitement down below. I would give anything to be able to shift the bulge that has formed in my pants but I would die if she noticed that I got a little turned on. Who knew that a kiss from her could stir this kind of feeling inside me?

“You about ready to head back?” I ask, not really wanting to end this moment but I know it’s getting late. I don’t feel the alcohol anymore and feel it’s safe for me to drive us now.

“I suppose.” She takes a deep breath and then asks. “Will you bring me back out here again sometimes? I would love to be able to see what this looks like during the day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful out here tonight, but I bet it’s just as stunning in the day when there are boats out on the water.”

“I would love to.” I’m like a kid again, grinning from ear to ear, knowing she didn’t mind our kiss and wants to spend more time together.

Instead of taking her hand again, we walked side by side and our arms would occasionally brush against each another. I hope she’s truly enjoyed tonight because I know I have and wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. We get back to the truck and I open the door for her. Before she climbs up inside, she turns to face me again and it’s this moment that makes the night complete.

Without hesitation, she closes the gap between us and our lips come together again for another kiss. I can’t get over how soft and tender her lips are. This time, I take the kiss a little further and slip my tongue inside her mouth tracing it along her teeth.  She pulls me nearer and I hear a soft whimper escape her mouth. I can’t help but place my hands on the small of her pack and pull her closer towards me. The kiss intensifies quickly and I notice the arousal below is back. I’m sure she feels this too since our bodies are so close. We pull away for air, and I’m, once again, bringing her towards me again. I can’t get enough of her. I let me hand fall to just above her butt while I keep the other on the back of her shoulder. She presses herself against me and I feel her lifting her leg up and wrapping it around my leg. This moment is priceless. I’ve wanted to do this for so long now but knew nothing needed to happen between until she was ready. Now, I can’t believe I’ve waited for so long. I’ve felt there was something between us, I just never knew if she was willing to act on it. The sound of her phone ringing quickly ends this passionate moment.

Jennifer digs around in her purse searching for the phone. She pulls it out just as the phone call ends.

“Hmm. I don’t recognize this number. I wonder who would be calling me this late.” I can tell her tone has changed already.

In another moment, the phone rings again. This time she asks if I think she should answer it, and I shrug my shoulders, not knowing what she should do.

“It’s up to you, especially since you don’t know the number.”

“Hello.”

I can tell no one says anything on the other end.

“Hello.” She says into the phone again.

Suddenly, her eyes become watery, and she quickly turns off the phone.

“Baby, what’s wrong. You didn’t say anything.” I’m quick to place my hands on her shoulders to comfort her.

“Damn it.” She says. “It was him. It was Brian. He said my name just as I was about to hang up. I thought this was over now.”

She drops her head and brings her hands up to cover her face and the moment of passion between us is definitely over this evening. I hold her and let her sob. I wish there was something I could do. Brian cannot keep doing this to her. I help her climb inside the truck and close the door for her. The mood has changed but I’m not about to let that jerk ruin the night for us. Jennifer deserves to be happy and if I have to find that son of a bitch and tell him how I feel, I will.

Todd pulls out of the parking lot to drive us home and I’m saddened that the phone call ruined the evening. Everything was going so well, including the kiss we shared. I was completely caught off guard but it was definitely a moment I truly enjoyed. I’ve felt emotions for Todd for some time now but never knew if he felt the same way. It’s obvious now that there are feelings on his part too but I have to wonder if I’m ready to jump into another relationship this soon.

“I wish there was something I could say to make you feel better.” Todd says and I look over at him as he drives us home.

“I’ll be okay. It’s just that it’s been a while since I’ve heard anything from him. Getting the call from my attorney sort of gave me the closure I needed, but I guess it didn’t mean he would stop calling.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Just when I start to feel better about it all, he has to ruin everything. Why can’t he just go away?”

“Eventually he will stop. I can’t believe the only thing he has been concerned about it is you. How many times has he asked about the baby? Does he even realize you’ve had her? He’s so hung up on you.”

Todd reaches for my hand again. There is such a difference between him and Brian. Todd is almost too perfect and is every girl’s dream. But no, I pick the loser. How did I allow myself to get involved with him? I guess if I had never met Brian, then I never would have met Todd either. But, dang it, I sure hate knowing I’ve had to endure all of this just to get to the point I’m at today. And then there’s Chloe. Even though I don’t regret having my daughter, I’ve still got to live with the fact that Brian is her biological father despite the fact he will never be a part of her life. It’s just sad he has chosen this path for himself. It would be one thing for us to have realized we couldn’t make it as a couple, lots of people experience this and go on about their lives remarrying and having visitation with their children, but Chloe doesn’t deserve to have a deadbeat father.