Page 14 of Homecoming Heartbreaker

Jameson heard a snort of laughter from Giada and lifted his eyebrows, silently asking what she found amusing. Giada just grinned and shrugged.

“Yep.” He frowned at her terse answer since Molly was normally a talker. Hopefully, while they worked together, something would spark between them again.Two birds, one stone, Jameson thought.

M&M were destined to be together and when they pulled their heads out of their butts, they’d catch that clue.

Jameson, conscious that he hadn’t paid his guest any attention—and he wanted to—turned to Giada. “I heard from someone that you went to nursing school and that you graduated.” He’d once offered to pay for her education but Giada, like Molly—God save him from stubborn women!—refused his offer. They’d both worked part-time jobs to put themselves through school and he admired their effort but it had been so damn unnecessary.

Really, life would be so much easier for all involved if people just did as he commanded!

Giada nodded. “I moved to Florida to attend school and to be closer to my sister. After I graduated, I worked in the ER for more than ten years. A year ago I took a sabbatical to nurse my sister through terminal cancer. I’m not sure what’s next or where I want to be.”

Jameson offered his condolences before asking his next question. “Are you thinking about moving back to Asheville, finding work here?” He really hoped so; he would like to see her again. When he was well, and back to full strength, he might even ask her out to dinner, to the theater. And then into his bed...

He really,reallywanted her in his bed.

Giada’s eyes twinkled, as if she knew where his thoughts had veered to. She’d always had the ability to do that, to look below the surface and see what he was thinking. He wasn’t sure if he liked it.

Giada crossed her legs, tanned and smooth. She wore wedge sandals and her toes were painted bright orange. He had a thing for pretty feet, lovely legs and gorgeous Italian women...

“My sister left me quite a lot of money,” Giada replied, “but I’m easily bored so I might look for some work soon. But not in the trauma ward. That’s a little too intense for me. I need to find something to do. I get into trouble when I’m not busy.”

That, he could believe. Luckily, there was lots to do in Asheville, he wanted to tell her. She’d just walked back into his life; he didn’t want her walking out again so soon.

“What about a job looking after a cranky, stubborn, annoying survivor of a brain episode?”

Jameson whipped his head toward the door to where Mack stood, his legs and arms crossed, leaning into the door frame. Jameson lifted his hand to make a slashing movement against his throat, scowling madly.

He did not want, or need, the lovely Giada nursing him, fussing over him. No, thank you; a man had his pride. And he had more than most.

“That’s a really good idea,” Molly said, her eyes brightening.

No, it wasn’t. It really damn wasn’t!

“She’s qualified, she’s tough and, best of all, you don’t scare her.” Molly looked at Giada, who was looking as shocked as he felt. “What do you think, Giada? Jameson is spectacularly grouchy and none of his nurses stick.”

“You are exaggerating and I can manage just fine on my own,” Jameson muttered, sending Giada a pleading look.Please say no; please don’t consider this idea. He couldn’t bear it.

But he also didn’t want her to leave the area. God knew when he’d see her again.

“You need a nurse,” Mack told him, his voice brooking no argument. Jameson heard the authority in his voice and realized that his son was a man. And a man who took no crap.

Well, he was a man, too, and he’d never taken any crap. He started to stand up, realized that he couldn’t and silently, but violently, repeated a long, vulgar string of curses.

He was weak, dammit. And maybe he could do with a little help.

Mack stepped into the room, his eyes on Giada. “We really do need someone to help him, Giada. We’re driving each other insane. The salary is generous and, because we know how annoying he can be—” Mack’s lips quirking took the sting out of that comment “—we’ll make sure you have plenty of free time.”

Giada looked like she was seriously considering Mack’s offer. Oh, God, help him.

But God wasn’t on his side because Giada tipped her head to the side and pursed her lips. “Would I stay here?”

Mack nodded. “Pops converted our bedrooms into three guest suites, one with an en suite bathroom, and the other two bedrooms share a bathroom. The biggest guest suite has a sitting area and a small desk and is ready for immediate occupation. Jameson’s study is right next door and he has a huge collection of books if you are a reader. The resort’s kitchen will provide you food. Housekeeping takes care of the house. You just have to deal with Mr. Grumpy.”

Funny.Not.

Jameson held his breath, not wanting her to agree, but because he really wanted to see her again, hoped she would.

“He won’t be allowed to smoke,” Giana warned them.

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