Page 20 of Forgettable in Every Way

Simon

SIMON RANG THE DOORBELL OF Jules’s parents’ house the next morning with one hand while holding Jack with the other. Jack was as eager to see the princess as Simon was. Although Simon was somewhat terrified of Sandra. But he was willing to risk being groped by her just to be near Jules. Even if Jules was less than thrilled he was coming over to help her pack. Sandra had invited him after he’d learned the previous night that Jules was in town to help her parents move to Boston and turn their home into an Airbnb. He’d gotten the impression Jules wasn’t all that happy about the arrangement.

In fact, he’d gotten several impressions about Jules last night. Aside from her being a simply gorgeous person inside and out, he got the feeling Jules’s mom didn’t know her daughter at all. He would bet every pound in the bank Jules was not a software developer. Perhaps she was a spy. It would explain how she’d flown under his radar in New York.

All he knew was he was determined to solve the mystery that was Jules. He’d found himself in bed the night before, staring at every picture in the photo album she’d given him, reliving their time together. The more he gazed at them, the more he knew he had to figure her out. Never had a woman called to him like this before. Not even Penelope. Though he hated to make the comparison to his ex-wife. With Penelope, it was fireworks and adrenaline. Jules was different. She was cozy nights and warmth—home, even as odd as it sounded. If only she would open the door and let him in.

She did open the door, just not the one he was imagining. But for now, he would take what he could get, even if Jules was unhappy he was there.

She stood, pensive, biting her lip, doing her best not to look Simon in the eye.

All the while Simon couldn’t help but peruse Jules in her short cutoffs and tight, white tee, showcasing every curve with which she’d been graced. She was adorably sexy, with a bandana tied around her hair. If this was her packing attire, he was going to find an excuse to come over every day and help.

“Princess Jewel.” Jack bowed, breaking the ice that seemed to exist between Jules and Simon. At least on Jules’s part. A fire had been lit in Simon, and he had every intention of stoking it.

Jules smiled and knelt.

Jack ran straight to her as if it were the most natural thing to do.

Jules wrapped Jack up, yet Simon noticed the trepidation in her eyes. If she was worried he didn’t approve of the affection, she needn’t be. In fact, it pleased Simon that Jack took so easily to Jules. It was only more proof that Simon needed to pursue the lovely creature before him.

“Did you sleep well?” Jules asked Jack.

Jack leaned away from her with the biggest grin. “I had the best dreams. I was on an adventure with you and the Daft Prince. We sailed on a big boat.” He stretched his arms wide. “And then we went high into the air riding a gigantic balloon.”

Jules smiled widely. “That sounds like an amazing dream.”

Jack’s face turned more serious. “It was. I want it to come true. You have to remember who the prince is,” he whispered conspiratorially. “Please.”

Jules rubbed her chest, clearly apprehensive. “I’ll do my best to remember.”

Simon swallowed hard, watching the scene just outside the door, hoping Jack wouldn’t reveal the secret of the prince yet. He had every intention of telling Jules he was indeed the Daft Prince. He was just hoping to show Jules he was more princely now than he was twelve years ago before he let her in on the secret.

Jules stood and glanced at Simon as if it pained her. “You can come in,” she invited, though her tone begged him not to.

Bothered by her reluctance, Simon slid in before she rescinded the offer. “You look gorgeous this morning,” he complimented her.

All she offered him in return was a placating smile.

Jules was proving to be harder to get through to than he expected.

“Thank you for coming to help,” she mumbled before taking Jack’s hand and walking away, leaving Simon in the foyer to watch them disappear down the hall and around the corner.

Simon stood stunned for a moment, at a loss for how to proceed. She seemed bothered whenever he brought up their past, and she was more than reluctant to talk about herself. More than that, she seemed less than impressed by him and his line of work. Where the hell does that leave me? he asked himself. If it were any other woman, he would turn around and go home, but he knew Jules would haunt him for the rest of his life if he didn’t at least try to make amends and see if there could be anything more between them than friendship. While he was contemplating his next steps, a sweet smell filled his senses—Dorset apple cake. His favorite.

Simon inhaled deeply and grinned. Jules had made it for him on his first birthday here in the States. This had to be a good sign. He walked toward the kitchen, following the decadent scent. While en route, he made a note of the sleek black grand piano in the great room. He’d noticed it the day before and was hoping he could get Jules to play a few tunes on it today. She truly was a brilliant pianist. Jules played with more feeling than anyone he knew. It was as if she let every pent-up emotion she ever had bleed onto the keys. Simon would bet his life she brought that kind of passion to romantic relationships. He was going to do his best to find out if his theory was true.

“I thought I heard the door.” Sandra waltzed into the great room, wearing a short ivory tennis dress.

Simon braced himself, ready to be accosted by the attractive older woman.

“How lovely to see you this morning.” Sandra eyed him but thankfully kept her hands to herself this time. “Thank you for helping Julia. I’m trying to sneak in all the time I can with my friends before we move.”

“I’m happy to help her.” Though he found it off-putting that Jules’s parents were leaving her with such a monumental task. It also made Simon wonder what Jules really did for a living that allowed her to take so much time off work. Simon himself was between projects, but he’d saved a fair amount of money over the years, so he could afford to be choosy about the jobs he accepted.

Sandra’s lips twitched. “I had a feeling you would be,” she said, like she could see right through him.

Not that Simon was hiding his intentions. He only wished Jules were more receptive to them.

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