Dylan’s Redemption(47)

“I’m sure the person who makes the furniture would take that as high praise,” Andrea said.

Jessie overheard and pretended interest in an antique vase and tried to hide a small smile.

Why does Dylan need a twin-size bed? Maybe he wanted the furniture for a spare room. It irritated her she didn’t really know anything about him. She used to know everything.

Dylan turned around to see what drew Andrea’s interest behind him. He didn’t expect to see Jessie. He also didn’t expect to see her in a dress and heels, like she worked in an office or was out to meet friends at a luncheon. The black dress, simple and elegant, like Jessie, reminded him of prom.

He’d describe her in that way. Strong too. The muscles in her arms were well defined. The dress ended a few inches above her knees, giving him a glimpse at the toned muscles in her thighs. Her job sure did keep her in shape. A very lovely shape.

“Jess, I didn’t hear you come in. You look fantastic. How are you?”

“Fine, thanks. Getting some furniture?”

“Yeah. How about you?”

“No. I came in to get my orders from Andrea.”

“Orders?”

Andrea handed her a bunch of slips. One of them she’d filled out with his request. The light dawned in his mind that she was the furniture craftsman.

“J.T. Designs. I thought that business name was for the custom homes you’ve built. You made all this furniture.” He scanned the wide showroom.

“Guilty, Sheriff.” She held up her hands like he’d arrest her.

“Funny.” He smiled. His gut tied in knots just seeing her again. Last night was rough for both of them. Today, the wariness had vanished from her eyes. She seemed more at ease around him.

“Well, I’m glad I ran into you. I was going to call you in a little while and ask you to dinner. I need to tell you something.” He couldn’t expect her to open up to him about her life if he continued to keep secrets from her too. He needed to tell her about Will. How he adopted his son from a young girl in need.

“I don’t know. I’ve thought a lot about last night. I know you said we’d leave the past for another time and get to know each other better.”

“Yes. I thought we’d sit down to a meal together and I’ll catch you up on what I’ve been doing.”

“Before we move forward, we need to settle things.”

He followed her out the door and onto the sidewalk in front of the shop. Andrea had been their captive audience. There wasn’t anyone out on the street close enough to overhear them. If he could get her to open up, say yes to dinner, maybe he could convince her to take him back.

“Jess, if you’re not ready to open up to me, that’s okay.”

“No, it’s not. How can we, I, put the past behind me if I don’t face it, tell you everything, and let the chips fall where they may. Holding this back is holding me back.”

He reached for her, taking her by the shoulders, and drew her in close. Her breasts rose and fell against his chest with every breath they took in unison. His fingers gripped her tighter, and he pulled her closer. She smelled of flowers, fresh and sweet.

“If you’re sure you’re ready, I’ll listen to whatever you have to say. I swear to you, Jess, nothing you tell me will change anything. Not the way I feel about you, or the fact I want us to be together again.”

Jessie planted her hands on his hard chest and pushed away, unable to be that close to him and not give in to her need to move closer until they were one. Her body responded to the heat of his, tempting her to forget the words she still needed to speak and dive headfirst into the passion he always sparked in her. Everything inside her wanted to press closer, but she ruthlessly ignored the feelings. Instead, she focused on what she had to do. No more stalling.

“Why don’t I follow you to your place? We’ll talk.”

“Uh, no, that won’t work.”

“Why not?”

“You see, I have something I need to tell you too. Before I take you to my place, I need to tell you about the person who lives with me.”

“What? You’re living with someone?”

A million thoughts raced through her head. Did he have a wife he forgot to mention? A girlfriend? Maybe she’d read far too much into him telling her he wanted her in his life again. Maybe he truly did only want his best friend back, not anything more.

Her unfocused gaze over his shoulder cleared and panic squeezed her belly tight. A little boy ran down the sidewalk on the other side of the street calling, “Daddy. Daddy.” It took her a second to realize he wasn’t going to stop when he got to the road. Fear gripped her throat and cut off her air and stopped her heart. She didn’t think. She ran for the boy, hoping she got to him in time.