Page 42 of Falling for Love

“My father’s going to talk to some people and see what he can do. But he reminded me that if we bring down Cross, we can request a second look on the permits, anyway.”

I let out a relieved breath. “Oh, good. I didn’t think of that either. Did you reach your lawyer friend?”

He nods. “Carter can’t wait to bury the bastard.” Reaching out, he rubs my shoulder with his hand. “He’s going to do everything he can to get you out of this mess. He’s wrapping up a case, so he needs a few days, but we’ll meet with him soon.”

I swallow hard. “Good. That’s good.” I haven’t let myself think about what Chandler’s threats could mean for my future. If I did, I’d never get out of bed in the morning.

“His hope is that Cross gaslit you and you aren’t in trouble at all.”

“And if I unknowingly did something wrong?” I ask, my voice trembling.

“If you did, you have enough proof of Cross’s corruption to offer evidence in exchange for immunity. But I really don’t think it’s going to come to that, sweetheart. It sounds like he cornered you, convinced you that you were in deep shit, and preyed on the weakness he created.”

My stomach churns at all the possibilities.

After that, we rest in silence, probably because we’re talked out and I’m overwhelmed with what’s coming. First thing tomorrow, I’m going home. Even if I won’t see him, I admit it helps to know that Jack will be nearby. The festival is two days after, and with luck, that’s the only time I’ll need to see Chandler for a while. Other than David skulking around, Chandler has been too quiet during my vacation. Maybe he realized he’s pushed me as far as I can handle and I needed the break.

“Do you want to find out whether we’re having a boy or a girl?” Jack asks, changing the subject to something much more pleasant.

I give it some thought. “I do. Not only will it let me buy what I need without guessing, I think I’ll bond with the baby more. Especially if we name him or her. My mom said when she was pregnant, she felt closer to her kids once she knew the sex and name.” I turn my face toward him.

He nods. “Makes sense. Have you thought about names?”

“Just based on what I like, I was considering Abigail for a girl, Abby for short, and James for a boy. Of course, you have a say, so we have to agree.”

He remains silent and I assume he’s giving my choices some thought.

“There’s no rush—”

“I like them both,” he tells me.

I’m surprised he agrees so quickly. “You don’t have names you’d want to toss out for consideration?” He’s made it clear he wants a role in the baby’s life, and I’m willing to give him whatever he asks for.

“Nope. You have good taste.”

I smile, happy we’re in agreement. He’s easy to get along with. The past three weeks have given me good insight into Jack Dare. He’s a stand-up guy, a caring brother and son, and he’s shown me nothing that screams of red flags. Oh, hell. Why am I thinking about him in such distant terms when I already know I’ve fallen hard for the man?

Reaching out, I thread my fingers through his and accept the fact that I’m head over heels in love with him. I’m just not free enough to give him the words. I hope our upcoming separation will be temporary, but we haven’t talked about the future. I think we both want our issues behind us first. Either that or we’re just going to co-parent and not be in a relationship. I don’t know what he’s thinking, and I’m too overwhelmed to ask.

His gaze meets mine, a sexy smile lifting the corners of his mouth. “Are you okay?” he asks.

I nod. Just emotional, I think to myself. “It’s hot. Can we go inside?” I ask.

“Sure.” He pushes himself to a standing position.

I follow and together we bring the food and drinks into the kitchen. He places the fruit in the Sub-Zero refrigerator, and I set the plastic pool glasses in the sink.

I love his house. It’s very Florida-looking with an adobe clay roof and white stucco on the outside. Located in a gated community, it’s large, with four bedrooms on one level and plenty of space for a family. The neutral design leaves a lot of options for making it homey, which he’s done. I wonder if his mother or sister helped with the décor.

He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, his hands cupping my belly as he settles his lips on my cheek. “You smell good. Like coconut.”

More like sweat, I think, but apparently he’s not noticing, just like I don’t with him. I draw in a deep breath, taking in his musky scent. Mmm. Leaning back, I trust him to keep me upright. I love the feel of his strong arms holding me in place.

He kisses my cheek, trailing his lips down past my jaw, then my neck, nuzzling his nose near my collarbone. My skin tingles with every move he makes. The last time we were together in the Bahamas rocked me to the center of my being. There’s sex and there’s making love. And though it was the first time I’d felt the difference, what Jack and I shared wasn’t just physical. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head since.

From the soft nips he places on my skin, I have a feeling I’m in for a repeat performance and I can’t say I mind. Turning in his arms, I seal my lips over his, wrapping my arms around his neck as I do. He kisses me back with long, luxurious sweeps of his tongue and he nibbles on my lower lip, causing sensations that I feel deep in my core.

Suddenly, he pulls back, bends at the knee, and picks me up and into his arms. The walk to his bedroom is brief and I spend the time snuggling into his broad chest, grateful we have this one last time together before I return to the real world I left behind.