Page 36 of Second Time Around

“You bought a house,” Beck prompted, seeming to sense her discomfort.

“That’s right. I did,” she said, shooting him a grateful smile.

“Where about?” Jim asked.

“Just outside of downtown Rochester. It’s an older bungalow, but I like it.”

“Is it close enough to walk to town?” Maggie asked.

“Yes, and it’s not far from my sister’s house.”

“Oh, that’s right. How is Stacy?” Barb called from the kitchen.

Thank goodness they’d moved on to Stacy. She’d much rather talk about anyone but herself.

“She’s doing great. She has a new boyfriend, Nick, and I have a feeling they’ll get married.”

“Your mom mentioned him when I ran into her at the grocery store,” Barb said.

“He’s a great guy, and they’re really happy together.”

“What about you? Any great guys in your life?” Jim asked.

“Dad!” Maggie scolded.

Jenna didn’t dare look at Beck, but she felt him tense up.

“Sorry. I was just making conversation,” Jim said.

Jenna knew he hadn’t meant any harm, and if Beck weren’t sitting right beside her, she might not have been so uncomfortable. Feeling like she had to say something, she said, “Not at the moment, but I’m thinking about getting a cat.”

Everyone laughed, and the awkwardness dissipated.

“Cats are better than men, anyway,” Maggie teased.

“Hey, now,” Jim said.

Beck remained silent.

Then Barb said, “Okay, everyone, it’s time to eat!”

Jenna couldn’t get to the kitchen fast enough, and not just because she was hungry. She hadn’t liked being in the hot seat, and she thought that lunch would provide the perfect distraction.

When they got to the table, Beck pulled out a chair for her.

“Thanks,” she said as she sat down.

It seemed like a silent consensus had been reached that he would sit beside her, and he did. The kitchen table was a small, round one compared to the long, rectangular table in the formal dining room. As Beck settled in, his thigh brushed against hers, and it gave her an unexpected jolt.

In the past, when they’d sat here, he’d often rested his hand on her leg, underneath the table. If he’d been feeling extra frisky, he’d teasingly dragged it up her thigh, which had been especially dangerous when she’d been wearing shorts. His warm fingers on her bare skin had reduced her to a hot, needy mess, but she couldn’t push him away without drawing attention to themselves. She’d had to endure the agony until sometime later, when they were alone. Then, after a half-hearted scolding, they’d make out like horny teenagers, pushing the limits without going all the way.

Today she was wearing a skirt that stopped right above the knee, but this time, there would be no funny business under the table. Still, she noticed he made no attempt to move and give her more space, and oddly enough, she didn’t, either.

“This looks delicious, Barb,” Jenna said as they began passing the dishes.

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

“Ha! She spent all morning in the kitchen,” Jim said, shooting his wife a loving glance.