Page 69 of Already Home

“You did fine tonight.” She picked up her wine. “Your groupseemed to have a lot of fun.”

“They were interesting.”

She sipped and did her best to look casual. “And interested inyou.”

He shook his head. “I tried to be subtle, then I told them Iwas with you. When that didn’t work, I said I was gay.”

Jenna nearly choked. “Seriously?”

He grinned. “Works every time.”

“What if you find a woman who wants to convert you?”

“So far I haven’t.” He studied her for a second. “You’ve beenhere all day, haven’t you?”

“In the store? Sure, but I’m here pretty much every day.”

“You’re tired.” He held up a hand. “I’m not saying you looktired—you look great.” He put down his plate and stood, then walked around herchair.

“Sit up,” he instructed. “Close your eyes and concentrate onyour breathing.”

Feeling just a little wary, Jenna did as he said. Seconds latershe felt his large, warm hands settle on her shoulders. His strong fingersimmediately found her tense muscles and began to massage them.

Relaxation blended with pleasure, making her want to purr. Itwas all she could do not to roll her head back and forth and beg for more.

At his urging, she leaned forward so he could move a littlelower down her back, then he shifted to her upper arms. The gentle yet deeprubbing was amazing, she thought. If he could do this with a simple back rub,what would Ellington be like in bed?

Images followed the question, and she felt heat on her cheeks.Oh, great. Her own imagination was making her blush. At least he couldn’t seeher face.

The massage continued for a few more minutes, then he stopped.“I hate to end this now,” he said. “But I need to get going. I promised my son Iwould be home in time to put him to bed.”

Jenna rose and faced him. “You have a son?”

“Isaiah. He’s seven.”

Serenity had left that piece of information out of theconversation, Jenna thought, trying to decide if it mattered.

“Are you free tomorrow night?” Ellington asked. “Would you liketo go to dinner?”

“I’d love that.”

“I see the store’s open until six. Want me to pick you uphere?” he asked.

“That would be great.”

He stepped toward her and put his hands on her waist. “Tonightwas fun, but I think it’s time we risked an evening with just the two ofus.”

Her heart began to flutter like a trapped bird. She feltbreathless. “Me, too,” she managed.

He lowered his head and kissed her. The contact was light andquick and just enough to make her knees go a little weak.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said as he straightened.

“Uh-huh.”

She let him out the front, then did her best to act dignifieduntil he had driven away. Then she did a little dance all the way through thestore.

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