Page 69 of Challenged By You
“For what? What are we going to see today?”
“You said I could show you New York?” At my nod, he continues. “Then let me show everything. There’s so much to see, Trina. And it’s not as simple as you believe.”
I’m about to ask him what he means when the captain comes on board to welcome us aboard and identify where restrooms and food are located on board.
* * *
Five hours later,I’m in tears as I listen to the captain explain how his boat was part of the “Miracle on the Hudson” rescue. “I mean, I knew it happened, but to hear this?” I wipe my tears against my arm before a handkerchief is pressed into my hands. “Thanks,” I get out.
“The story gets to me every time. When you think about how much worse it could have been and how a single person changed the lives of so many.”
Thoughtfully, I think about the explanation we were just told. “Yes, it was the snap decision made by one. But it’s like what I told you back at Seduction that first day, Jonas. Without an incredibly well-trained team standing behind you, you don’t get those kind of results.” I wave my arm that’s not holding Annie to encompass the Circle Line boat. “The captain of this boat, the police, helicopters, ferries, all responding with all near-perfect coordination? The aircraft crew placing their lives in danger even when they were terrified?” Turning slightly away, I confess, “It’s still why I can’t understand being called out because why? I stood up in the face of adversity against Spencer? It’s ridiculous. We all stood up in that kitchen every single night. It just so happens you witnessed the one time. Why does this have to be an interview about me? Why can’t it be an interview about Seduction’s back-of-the-house staff. Night after night, they’re the true heroes.”
He opens his mouth to respond, but Chris takes that opportunity to shove his fist in. I laugh. “Well, I guess that’s one answer, isn’t it?”
Ruefully, Jonas nips at my son’s hand. “We need to work on your timing, buddy.”
Clocking him on the cheek, Chris replies, “Okay, Nono.”
For the next few minutes, we’re all captivated as the ship’s captain docks the beauty. We disembark, collect our souvenir photo and the stroller, and strap the kids in before Jonas halts me.
“Would it be impossible to get Mrs. McPhearson to watch the kids tomorrow? And don’t think about paying her—that’s part of you agreeing to come with me,” he stubbornly insists.
Without a word, I pull out my cell. “Mrs. McPhearson? Hi, it’s Trina. Are you interested in watching the kids all day tomorrow starting at…”
Jonas’s fingers are flying on his phone. Triumphant, he declares, “Eight thirty. We’ll be out all day.”
I go to let my sitter know, but she’s already confirming the time works perfectly. “So long as you can be back before dinner. I did promise the Landavazos I’d watch their newborn so they could go out for their first anniversary.”
“That’s more than fair,” I agree amicably. “Anything I can pick up for you on our way home?” I’m already anticipating the answer.
“If you wouldn’t mind getting me some of those Mallomars from the concession store. They’re so tasty with popcorn.”
“And if that’s not available?” I almost pray to God they aren’t.
“Oh, dear. How about those coconut snowballs?” I cringe even as I immediately agree. “You got it, Mrs. McPhearson. See you in a few.”
“Be safe, dear.” She hangs up.
Turning to Jonas, I announce, “For the low, low price of Mallomars plus her normal fee, Mrs. McPhearson has agreed to watch the kids tomorrow so you and I can spend the day doing whatever it is you want.”
The disgust that automatically appears on Jonas’s face the moment I mention the overly sweet marshmallow treat is priceless. “I’d have paid her double. She does realize you’re a pastry chef who can bake her anything, right?”
“Taste is subjective. After all, what else accounts for me liking you?”
“What?” Voice filled with disbelief, Jonas stops dead in his tracks.
“Forget about the fact you’ve got this whole Clark Kent thing going for you—” I notice how he preens beneath the compliment. “—you can be insufferably arrogant. On top of which, you think you’re funnier than you really are.”
He smirks, making me want to yank his head toward me to wipe off that know-it-all grin. He’s about to retort when his phone beeps. When he slides it from his pocket, his lips change into a soft smile. “Sorry, it’s a new picture of my niece. Well, Chelsea’s daughter.”
And my heart trembles when he turns his phone around to show me a girl younger than the twins with dark black ringlets. And although it’s too early in our association to let him know what I’m feeling, the joking off-the-cuff character assessment I just gave him didn’t include all the other amazing attributes Jonas Rice has been showing me on a daily basis. The little things that are leading me further down the path ofliketoward that nebulous term oflovein such a short time.
Our worlds may have collided by mistake, leaving us in this space between, where everything is perfect, but I’m afraid of what happens when whatever juxtaposition rights itself and it all disappears.
Pulling myself away from the maudlin thoughts, I begin pushing the stroller again. “So, do I need to sell my soul for some dressy clothes for tomorrow, or what?”
“What you have on is fine. Perfect.” Then, ruining it, he adds, “Though I’m not sure how you’re going to tie the outfit together without all the colors in your backpack, but…hey!” Laughing over the shot in the arm I give him, he presses a kiss to the side of my temple.
