Page 18 of Sweet Temptation

“It’s beautiful.” Jackie ran her hand over the intricate stitching.

“Bathroom’s across the hall.” Jillian opened the closet. “Plenty of room.” Garret’s sister’s eyes suddenly held a sparkle they hadn’t had a few minutes ago. “You know, in case you decide to stay longer.”

Rachel cleared her throat and stared daggers at her sister. “We’re just down the hall if you need anything.”

Jackie nodded, setting her purse on the bed. She’d have to get her bag out of her car later.

“So,” Rachel came by her and sat on the edge of the bed, “how long have you known our brother?”

“Not long,” Jackie admitted. “We met in Millers Creek.”

Rachel’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “At the Bronco Lounge?”

“Uh…” Heat rushed to Jackie’s face. Did it count as having met if she didn’t remember? “Sort of.”

“Sort of?” Now Jillian looked confused.

A knock at the door interrupted them. Garret stood in the doorway, his expression wary as he took in the three of them. “Everything okay in here?”

“Just girl talk,” Jillian answered innocently.

“Dinner’s ready.” His gaze settled with hers and she wondered would he have told his sisters about her? About his night in a hotel waiting for her to sober up? As all the thoughts ran through her mind, she noticed him very slightly shake his head at her. Had he understood her worries? When his lips curled up in a sweet smile, she realized he’d done just that. He was still taking care of her, even though she’d more than sobered up.

“We’d better get going or Mom will send Brady after us.” Rachel sprang up from the bed, following her sister out the door.

Garret remained in the doorway, waiting for her. “They’re right. Mom’s a stickler about being on time for dinner.”

Downstairs, the dining room table was full except for two chairs, one for her and one for Garret. There was no awkwardness, no lags in conversations; the siblings teased each other and laughed with each other, and their mother, and once or twice, included her on the joke. It was as if she’d always been a part of the family. With every passing minute, she felt more and more at ease in this big old house that had sheltered generations of his family. Jackie felt a pang of longing for what Garret and his family represented—roots, connection, belonging. Not that she didn’t love her grandmother, but it had just been the three of them for so many years, and once she moved to Houston, except for Grams, Tyler didn’t really feel like home. Not like this.

In the kitchen after dinner, she had to insist, but was allowed to help clear the table and now the kitchen.

“I know most people like to use the dishwasher, and with this bunch I’d be nuts not to, but I prefer to wash my grandmother’s platters by hand.” Alice Sweet handed her a wet platter to dry. “He’s a good man.”

It took her a moment to make the connection between the platters and the good man, mostly when she realized one had nothing to do with the other, and she was pretty sure the good man was Garret. “He’s definitely a gentleman.”

Alice didn’t look at her, but she continued to scrub one platter in particular, finally speaking without looking up. “If you think you’d like to visit a bit longer, you’re welcome to stay as long as you like.” Then her head turned to face Jackie. “I mean that. My children’s friends are always welcome.”

“Thank you.” She nodded. “Honeysuckle seems to be more than I expected. I’ll think about it.”

Alice smiled. “You do that.”

Garret came into the kitchen from outside. “Samson is all set for the night.”

“With Brady’s help, that dog has come a long way.” Alice tugged the towel from Jackie’s hands and faced her son. “Why don’t you show our guest around outside? There aren’t any evening skies like this in Houston.”

Jackie hesitated a moment, but Alice nudged her out of the way.

When the back door closed behind them, Garret smiled at her. “One thing folks learn fast around here, is there’s no point in arguing with my mother.”

“I’ll remember that.” She tore her gaze away from Garret. The man was many things and handsome was at the top of the list. Those blue eyes could win over a dozen women in a heartbeat. So, where did all this leave her? And how would her life turn out if she agreed to this crazy scheme to save this amazing ranch and—no pun intended—sweet family? She supposed there would be only one way to find out. Spinning about, she met Garret’s gaze. “I’ll do it.”

Chapter Eight

Last night they’d had little chance to talk about the plans for their temporary marriage. Within a few minutes of Jackie informing him she was willing to partake in the next charade, one by one and two by two, his siblings, and his mom, had joined them on the back porch. They’d all laughed and joked and teased, and it had done Garret’s heart good to see Jackie laughing along with everyone. The one thing they had managed to discuss was the need to return the rental car to the Midland airport.

So, first thing this morning, he’d called the school to tell them to get a substitute for the day and he’d followed her on the hours’ long drive. Now, Garret watched the rental car lot shrink in the rearview mirror.

Seated beside him on the passenger seat, Jackie watched the traffic ahead, her hands loosely resting on her lap, her shoulders remained stiff, her gaze fixed on the entrance ramp that would bring them back to Honeysuckle. No doubt, now that the first step to moving to Honeysuckle was out of the way, she was thinking the same thing he was; what the hell were they going to do next?

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