Page 79 of Perfect Vengeance

Deke shook his head. “Not at all. Ma loves the company.”

“And I want grandchildren.” She guided Gina to where Kyle still stood by his chair, eyeing her like a hawk honing in on his prey right before pouncing. “Lots of them.”

Gina nearly stumbled. Whoa. Grandchildren? That was jumping the gun just a tad. The woman had known her for less than five minutes.

“Don’t worry, dear.” She patted Gina’s hand. “A mother knows things. And this,” she continued without missing a beat, “is Kyle.”

A tiny shiver ran up her spine. With hair verging on jet-black and the most amazing eyes—bright gold—he reminded her of an eagle.

“Gina?” Kyle said, and she looked down to see he’d extended his hand.

“Sorry.” She’d never seen eyes like that on a human being.

His lips quirked, softening the harsh angles of his sculpted face. “It’s all right. I get those kinds of looks a lot.”

Heat crept to her cheeks, but she appreciated his understanding. And, good golly, Miss Molly. Jack’s mother had spawned a brood of the handsomest men she’d ever met.

Elaina chuckled, a low but feminine sound. “We’re not sure where Kyle got his eye color. I think they’re beautiful.” She reached up and pinched his cheek as if he were a ten-year-old.

Kyle gave his mother a gentle smile. “Thanks, Ma.”

Deke snorted. “Didn’t the milkman have gold eyes?”

“Deacon!” Elaina slapped Deke’s shoulder, and he winced, even though Gina was sure he barely felt it.

Jack returned, carrying a plate, silverware, and a napkin that he set on the table opposite the setting clearly meant for him. He held out the chair, waiting for her to sit. As he pushed it in, his hands brushed her upper arms, sending warm tingles to her neck.

“Let’s eat,” Elaina said, taking her place at the head of the table while Jack sat across from Gina and next to Kyle.

A glass of red wine appeared in front of her, along with a plate piled high with roast pork, potatoes, and root vegetables, all smothered in dark gravy. The meat was beyond tender, the gravy so rich and delicious she had to hold back a sigh of pleasure.

“So how are things going with your ops plan?” she vaguely heard Deke ask.

The next forkfuls were the potatoes and vegetables, so herby and garlicky she couldn’t keep from shutting her eyes and practically groaning out loud.

“Good,” Jack said as she swallowed the vegetables. “I should have a final draft to send out by tomorrow afternoon.”

The second bite of meat sent her taste buds into a tizzy, and this time she did sigh, smiling and closing her eyes as she savored the incredible food.

Conversation ceased. She opened her eyes to find Elaina smiling proudly at her. The men—including Jack—had smirks on their handsome faces. Whoops. She set down her fork to take a sip of wine, hoping to douse the heat that had been in her cheeks from creeping up her neck.

“Enjoying dinner, dear?” Elaina’s smile broadened.

“Very much,” she admitted. “I can’t remember the last time I had a home-cooked meal.” Probably when her mother was still alive. Despite the beautiful kitchen in her apartment, she rarely had time to cook. “Takeout dinners are my usual fare.”

“Bro, you never did say how that happened.” Deke tipped his chin to where Jack fumbled to cut a piece of pork. The plastic cast had barely been visible beneath his shirt, but he’d rolled up the sleeves.

“Fractured wrist.” He speared the hunk of pork with his fork and shoved it into his mouth. “That’s all you need to know.”

Elaina gasped. “Is it bad? When did this happen? Will you be all right?”

“How did it happen?” Kyle asked.

Jack chewed slowly, then swallowed.

What in the world will he tell his family? Gina wondered. Certainly not the truth.

“Got hit by a car,” he answered matter-of-factly.