Page 2 of In His Arms

“Cat got your tongue, Jessie?” he asked. She walked past him through the small cut-out in the counter.

I’d rather you have my tongue. She bit her bottom lip to keep her comment to herself. “Maybe,” she replied. “How’ve you been, Alex?”

He smiled again, and her knees grew weak. What was it about this man that had her whole body reacting to his charm when he had yet to even touch her? She leaned against the counter, glancing back at Annabelle, who conveniently leaned inward so she could hear every word.

“I’m good. Business is good, and the company is really taking off.” He loosened his tie. “How come you’re back here and not in New York?”

Jessica wasn’t going there. “Missed my Pops.”

“Liar,” Annabelle’s voice sounded shortly before she busted through the swinging kitchen doors carrying two plates of food. Annabelle placed one in front of Alex and the other in front of Jessica. Meeting Jessica’s eyes she said, “Eat.”

Alex smiled. “Did I miss something?”

Annabelle grabbed her purse and Jessica narrowed her eyes. She was going to leave them alone in the diner.

“No. Jessie came home because her high profile boyfriend humiliated her in New York. She claims she can’t go back, but by Johnny Brown, if it had been me, I would have gone back to give him a boot in the caboose if nothing else.”

“Really. What did he do to her?” Amused, Alex took a bite of his burger.

Jessica groaned loudly in an effort to stop their chatter about her and her old life.

“Well, that she hasn’t told anyone. Not even her mother. Maybe she’ll tell you.” She winked. “Ta-ta for now. Jessie, make sure you lock up when you leave.”

Annabelle closed the door. Jessica looked at Alex’s piercing eyes and quickly turned to gather them some drinks. Tea for both, like when they were kids. She scooted the glass toward him, knowing he carefully watched her every move.

“What?” she asked, tired of being analyzed by everyone in town.

“Relax.” He sipped his tea. “You look good, Jessie.”

She walked around the counter and sat in her seat. “I seriously doubt that, but thanks for the compliment.”

They ate in silence a few moments before he leaned toward her. “I could kick his ass for you. Tell me who and where. I’ll make it happen.”

She glanced over at him. The smile on his face hinted at his teasing. He knew how to make her comfortable, like days had past since the last time they saw each other instead of years.

“Why haven’t you talked to anyone about it?”

“Because it’s embarrassing, and I’d rather not relive it.” She took a bite of her hamburger, thankful she didn’t have to cook tonight.

“You’re not even going to tell me?”

She rolled her eyes when he looked up at her.

“You used to tell me everything.” He took a bite of his food, keeping his attention on her.

“Things change.” There was no way on earth he was going to coax that information out of her. He’d have to get truth serum before she’d even consider. “Let’s talk about why you’re here.”

“I came to help a friend promote his woodcarving business. Not to mention I do own a house here. Don’t change the subject.”

Jessica bit into her burger, knowing he was talking about Mr. Winters who carved the famous Nativity Scene that sat in the town’s small square every year at Christmas. The man had more skill than he knew what to do with, and it appeared that Alex was here to help him develop some knowledge of the business side.

“What do you want to know?” Jessica avoided his eyes. “I’m not telling you about Justin, so you can cross that off your list.”

“Ah, he has a name.”

After Alex cleaned his plate, he leaned back in his seat watching Jessica with intent eyes. “You’re still spunky.”

“Yes. I am,” she agreed, finishing off her own burger. “And you’re still stubborn.”

---