Page 52 of Promise of a New Beginning
Savannah spun around at the sound of Aida’s voice. She narrowed her eyes and shot Aida a harshI-cannot-believe-you-did-thisglare. “What are you doing here?” She knew exactly what Aida was doing, and as her friend scrutinized Jack from head to toe, lingering a little too long just below the belt, Savannah felt the claws of the green-eyed monster take hold. She narrowed her eyes at her well-meaning friend.
“I was just…out for a walk. You look gorgeous.” She leaned in, kissed Savannah’s cheek, and whispered, “Hot, hot, hot.” Aida ran her hands down the hips of her black jeans. Her breasts pressed against the silky fabric of her low-cut, navy blouse in their usual look-at-me fashion.
Despite the fact that Jack didn’t once lower his eyes past Aida’s, Savannah had the urge to open her arms wide and stand in front of Aida, saying,Don’t look. Please don’t look.
“Hi, I’m Jack.” Jack held out his hand.
Aida shook his hand. “Aida Strong.” Her crimson lips lifted, and she put an arm around Savannah. “We work together.”
Savannah couldn’t stay upset with her. She knew Aida meant well, and if Aida had come home after one weekend claiming to be in love, Savannah would have probably done the same thing.
“Aida’s also an attorney.” She glared at Aida but topped it off with a smile.
“Hey, let’s grab a drink,” Aida suggested.
Savannah tried to catch her eye, but Aida purposely avoided her gaze, looking at Jack, then at the restaurant, at the ground—anywhere but at Savannah. She watched Jack’s jaw, waiting for it to clench, and again was surprised when he didn’t show one ounce of discomfort. She wondered if seeing Ralph had anything to do with his more relaxed state. She was itching to ask, but first she had to deal with Aida. “Sure,adrink sounds good. If Jack doesn’t mind.”
“Of course not. I want to get to know your friends,” Jack said.
“Great. That will give me time to get to know the man who’s got Savannah’s head up in the clouds,” Aida said.
Jack raised his eyebrows, and Savannah shook her head and waved it off, as if to say,That’s just Aida.
They were seated on a patio beside the restaurant. Savannah had been there a number of times before, but she’d never noticed the ivy climbing the iron gate or the yellow lights strung throughout, as if it were Christmas in September. Jack scooted his chair closer to hers so their legs touched, and he placed his arm around her shoulder. Aida sat across from them and folded her hands beneath her chin, watching Jack like a hawk.
“Aida, I assume you want the lowdown on me?” Jack’s voice was dead serious again.
Savannah watched Aida slip seamlessly into interrogation mode. Her slim brows knitted together and she lowered her chin, looking at Jack with a defiant stare. Savannah cringed, though she knew both Aida and Jack could hold their own. She felt strangely like a seventh grader playing,He said, she said.
“Actually, I just came for the free drinks, but sure, I’ll play along.” Aida winked at Savannah. “What are your intentions toward my friend?”
“Aida,” Savannah snapped.
Jack ran his hand through Savannah’s hair, like he wasn’t about to be drilled and prodded for intimate information. This was the most relaxed she’d ever seen him.
“I hope to make it through dinner and maybe a walk before taking her home and ravishing her for hours.” Jack’s voice was so serious that Savannah did a double take.
Aida cleared her throat, but just like in the courtroom, she didn’t miss a beat. “What do you do for a living?”
“I’m a bush pilot and a survivalist. I’ve got eight years in the Special Forces, a degree in engineering, and enough money to live comfortably.” Jack nodded, signaling her to fire away with more questions.
You do?
“Family?” Aida asked.
“I’m the eldest of six. Four brothers, one sister. My parents are both alive and well, and I’m in the process of reconciling with them after two years of…”
He drew his eyebrows together, and his jaw jumped in a nervous clench. Savannah hated seeing him put on the spot. She put her hand on his thigh, and when he answered, he looked at Savannah, not Aida.
“Two years of trying to regroup after the death of my wife.”
Savannah couldn’t stop herself from reaching up and touching his cheek. He kissed her palm, then turned his attention back to Aida.
“What else?” he asked.
Aida stole a look at Savannah. Savannah tilted her head and arched a brow, indicating to her to please ease up. True to Aida’s nature, she flashed a smile and dug a little deeper. “Do you live in the city?”
“Bedford Corners and in the Colorado Mountains.”
