Page 38 of Texas Temptation

She wondered if he deliberately stayed away, but found it unlikely. He did what he wanted and wouldn’t have been upset by her flight that night. She was the one who wished she’d handled things differently, with more sophistication.

She’d been a wildly willing participant in that kiss. Why wouldn’t he think she’d be open to more? Especially considering what he knew of her history.

But the defection of Caleb’s father had hurt her too much. She was a coward, totally afraid to risk her heart again. Especially with a man who had buried his own heart with his wife and child.

Jordan finally put in a full day in the office, filing letters and reports, answering the phone, receiving reports from Cade’s far-flung empire. She was growing adept at office work and liked it. Maybe she’d try for a desk job when she returned to Florida instead of working at the Shack.

Just before four, she heard a familiar engine in the driveway. She rose and hurried to the window in anticipation. Cade had returned. Jordan watched as he walked into the house, with not even a glance toward the office.

She sighed softly, knowing her decision to flee the other night had been wise, but wishing things were different. Wishing she could make Cade remember what it was to embrace life to the fullest, to enjoy the companionship of another, to plan for a future together. To love.

She blinked and drew in a sharp breath.

She was not in love with her boss.

Delaying as long as she could, Jordan stretched out her final tasks, not wanting to appear eager to see Cade, merely because she hadn’t seen him in days. She had spoken briefly to him on the phone—it wasn’t enough.

Finally, at close to five, she shut off the computer, turned on the answering machine and headed for the house. She’d check on Caleb, change for dinner, and try to contain her impatience until she saw Cade again.

It wasn’t necessary. As soon as she approached Caleb’s room, she could hear the deep rumble of Cade’s voice.

“So how come you don’t have a little girl anymore?” Caleb asked.

Jordan quickened her step. She hoped Cade wouldn’t blast her son with some scathing answer. Caleb was just a little boy.

She couldn’t hear the words, but the tone was quiet. Pausing at the doorway, she surveyed the scene before her. Amelia was sitting in the rocker next to Caleb’s bed. Cade was perched on the edge, with what looked like an entire army of action heroes spread out on the bed around Caleb.

“…accident.”

“Wasn’t she wearing her seat belt?” Caleb asked, his one visible eye wide as he stared at Cade.

“Yes, both she and her mother were wearing their seat belts. But the crash was too severe. It wasn’t enough to save them.”

Amelia had tears in her eyes. Jordan swallowed, wondering how they had arrived at this conversation. She ached for the sorrow in Cade’s voice, for the tears Amelia shed, and for the tragic loss of a young life.

“Maybe I could be your new little boy. Then you wouldn’t be so lonely,” Caleb said.

“Caleb.”

Jordan stepped inside. Time to nip that kind of thinking in the bud.

“Hi Mommy. Did you know Cade had a little girl, but she died?”

“I knew. It’s sad, isn’t it?”

Cade rose and turned.

She nodded in greeting. “I didn’t know to expect you back today.”

“Change of plans. I have to go to LA. I want you to come with me.”

He gave no hint of the passion they’d shared, of the heat and excitement of his kiss. He was her boss, merely reacting to business needs.

“Go with you? I can’t. I have Caleb.”

“Whom Amelia and Rosita dote on and care for as if he were their own. No harm will come to the boy.”

“I’ve never really been away from Caleb.”

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