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“I’ll pick you up after work. Dinner at my place, I’ll cook.”

“What about Jamie?”

“He’s out of town until Friday.”

Her shoulders relaxed in relief. “Do you guys ever work from your office?”

“Dad’s the only one who spends any real time in the office. The rest of us are out doing the real work.” I laughed, “Don’t tell him I said that.”

“I promise.” She crossed her heart, laughing and shaking her head. “I almost forgot. Wait here.” She came back with a large, colorful tin. “These are for you.”

The tin was still warm, beckoning me. I had to open it and try one. I licked my lips as I took one out. “These smell delicious.” I popped the cookie in my mouth. “Mmm, thanks.” I mumbled around a mouth full of gooey goodness. I closed the tin and put it in my backpack. The cookies were good, but her proud smile was better. “Happy Birthday Meg.” I hugged her and kissed her on the forehead. I wanted a proper goodbye kiss, but this felt like a safer choice.

“Thank you, Jack, for everything.”

I waited until I heard the lock click before getting in my truck. I had thought there might not be an us, but after today I had hope again and I only had three days to think of a way to break through her shell.

Chapter 31

Meg

“How do you like your steak?” Jack asked from the patio, where he was manning the grill. I was in the kitchen staring at his faded jeans, admiring how they showed off his ass and thighs, instead of making the salad. It’d been a few days since I let Jack see me without my contacts. I trusted him and when he asked me if I’d take them out for our dinner date today, I agreed. But I had them in my purse in case we went out.

“Medium-well.”

Jack clear his throat theatrically. When I looked up, he pointed the tongs at me. “That is an insult to these here fine steaks. Most I can cook these bad boys is medium.”

I laughed at his exaggerated drawl. “Why’d you ask if I don’t have a choice?”

“Because I hadn’t expected you to use such foul language.” He shook his head. “Medium well.”

“Wow. Foul language? Insulting the steak? Don’t you think you’re taking this a tad too serious?” I walked to the screen door, so we didn’t have to keep yelling at each other.

His drawl was even more pronounced as he said, “No ma’am, here in the great state of Texas there is no such thing as being too serious when talking about steak.”

I walked outside and put the salad on the table before standing next to him. “Well, okay then, medium it is.” My best attempt to mimic his drawl was mediocre, at best. “I wouldn’t want to insult the steaks,” I pointed to the grill, “or the great state of Texas.” I swept my arms wide.

“Good girl.” He nodded.

“Should I apologize to the steaks?” I tried to sound serious, I really did, but I busted out laughing instead. “And the great state of Texas.”

I almost said no when Jack asked me over for dinner. I was still worried about putting him in danger if Sullivan came for me. But I didn’t want to seem ungrateful after all he’d done for me. Standing on his patio, cooking together and joking around, I realized I was glad I said yes. I was enjoying myself.

Jack squinted his eyes at me. I had a moment of panic before he wiggled his eyebrows. “Not necessary.” He snapped the tongs at me before turning back to the sizzling steaks.

“So, Mr. I-Take-My-Steaks-Far-Too-Seriously, how do you cook yours?”

“Medium rare. Of course.” He tested the doneness by tapping them with the tongs.

“Of course.” I mumbled under my breath and rolled my eyes.

“Hand me a plate. Please.” He plated the steaks and the foil wrapped potatoes before turning off the grill. He served me, then sat down across from me.

“So, have you always eaten your steaks overcooked?”

“I don’t eat steak very often.” I didn’t want to ruin the evening by talking about my lack of money and/or my mother’s lack of cooking skills.

“Well, prepare yourself for a culinary delight.” Jack winked.

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