Can't Get Enough of You Page 7

  “Thanks, Jackson. I enjoyed myself. Goodnight.”

  “Night, Jenna,” he smiled and squeezed her hand.

  After locking up, Jenna slowly made her way into her bedroom. She pushed away the unanswered questions, the worries and doubts. It was time for bed. She was fresh out of answers. Besides, tomorrow would be here soon enough. She planned to hold onto the real possibility that she could be reunited with her brother, Lincoln, very soon.

  Six

  Jenna jumped at the sound of the doorbell, then laughed at herself. It was only Scott. He’d invited himself along on this trip because he wanted to help.

  “Coming!” Jenna hurried out of the kitchen. “Right on time,” she said, unlocking both the screen and front doors. “Wow! It’s cold out there,” she said, running her hands up and down sweater-covered arms. “I’m going to have to put the storm glass in the door soon.” Realizing that she was chattering because she was nervous, she forced a smile. “Come on in. Would you care for a cup of coffee?”

  Scott grinned. “Yeah. Some things never change. You still like to talk first thing in the morning.”

  “And I could never get a word out of you until you had at least one cup of coffee down your throat,” she laughed.

  “Nice place,” Scott said as he looked around.

  “Thanks. This way.” Jenna was conscious of his dark gaze following her as she led the way into her sunny kitchen. She wore a pair of black, figure-hugging jeans, a purple sweater trimmed in black, and a pair of black pumps. A wide black belt encircled her waist. After filling a mug, she paused and asked, “You still drink it black?”

  “Like I said, some things don’t change. Mmm,” he murmured, taking a fortifying sip. “That’s good.”

  “I made blueberry muffins. Help yourself.”

  Jenna forced her gaze away from his strong, dark features, powerful shoulders and arms, taut midsection, and long length as she recalled the way he used to wake her with hot, hungry kisses. Dressed in simple navy cords, a blue striped shirt, and a navy leather jacket, he looked too good for her peace of mind. To divert her thoughts, she said, “I’ll get my bag.”

  “Mind if I look around?”

  “Not at all.”

  By the time she was carrying her large duffel bag and black leather jacket and handbag to the foyer, Jenna had calmed down somewhat. She had no reason to be concerned about Scott. Yes, they’d been intimate, but that had been a long time ago. It had been years since they’d spent any time together. What was important was that they were on good terms. There was no reason they couldn’t be friendly.

  Her cheeks were warm as she recalled the way her foster sisters had teased her, during their nightly three-way call, when she’d explained why she’d agreed to let Scott accompany her on this trip.

  “Ready?”

  “In a second. I need to wash out the mugs and pour out the coffee before we leave.”

  “No need. I took care of it.”

  Blinking in surprise, she said, “Thanks, but let me check the coffeemaker and stove to make sure they’re turned off before we leave.”

  “No problem.” When she returned, he said, with a grin, “All set?”

  “Yes.” Jenna accepted Scott’s help with her jacket. He grabbed her case. Looking around, she realized there was nothing left to do before they went out the door but collect her purse and set the alarm.

  “You have a very nice home, Jenna. It’s warm, comfortable, and charming—but you have that knack. You made our upstairs apartment feel like home even when we had no money.”

  “Thanks, Scott.” Her smile was genuine. “It’s a big deal for me to finally be able to afford to buy my own home. I was able to get it before it came on the market. One of Sherri Ann’s clients had to relocate and wanted to sell quickly. I was fortunate. The house was in great condition, and the asking price couldn’t have been better.”

  “You have a lot to be proud of,” he said as he held the door for her.

  Jenna glanced quickly at him but said nothing. She didn’t know how to respond. Was it a compliment? Or was it a subtle reminder that she had put her education ahead of their relationship?

  Scott walked with her down the stairs. Red and gold leaves covered the lawn as they eliminated the distance to his luxurious Navigator, which was parked in the drive.

  After placing her case in the trunk, he turned to her, holding up the keys. “Would you like to drive?”

  She was glad to have something to do other than replay old memories over and over again. All of it was better left in the past. Jenna smiled. “Yes, I would. Driving will occupy my thoughts. I didn’t sleep well last night . . . too nervous.”

  Without comment, he held the driver’s door open for her. Once she was settled, he crossed to the passenger side and climbed inside.

  Jenna frowned as she recalled something else she’d admired about him. He had volunteered for this trip because he wanted to help, but he would have backed away if she’d asked. She would hold him to his promise not to interfere. She liked that he hadn’t tried to solve her problems for her or throw platitudes her way in a macho attempt to make it better.

  Seat belt in place, Scott silently watched as Jenna adjusted the driver’s seat, started the car, and backed out into the street. They were traveling along Interstate 75, which was crowded with morning traffic. It wasn’t until they’d left Detroit behind that he raised the question uppermost in his thoughts.

  “Why? Are you worried this might not be your brother? That you might have to start over?”

  “Yes, and no. I’m hoping this is my Lincoln. The not knowing has me on edge.”

  “Is that the reason you didn’t sleep? You were nervous when I arrived. Or does this have something to do with being with me?”

  “Ask me something easy, why don’t you?” Jenna blurted out.

  He shrugged, “I’m just trying to understand what’s going on with you.”

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’m fine. Well, not exactly fine, but understandably anxious about seeing my brother after close to twenty-five years. I don’t know how he will feel about me just showing up at his front door. He might not be pleased to see me.” She offered a smile. “But I’m determined to remain positive.”

  “This has to be hard for you. I can only imagine the emotional roller-coaster ride you’re on right now.” He shook his head before he added, “Just know that no matter what happens, I’ve got your back. You’re not alone in this. I’ll be right there at your side.”

  Scott was surprised by the soft brush of her fingers on his skin when she reached out to touch the back of his left hand. “Thank you. It helps.”

  Scott said nothing. He had to force himself to concentrate on the passing scenery. He wanted to study her lovely profile. The heat of awareness traveling along his nerve endings was an unnecessary reminder of how much he enjoyed the sweet caress of her petal-soft skin against his own.

  No, he didn’t need any reminder to recall how deeply he’d once cared about her. Or how much he’d missed her . . . missed the two of them making love. Swallowing a hefty groan of desire that had his shaft hardening, he tried to focus on what truly mattered.

  He was here to make sure that she came out of this okay. The trip had nothing to do with his selfish needs and unfulfilled longings. This trip was about Jenna. She’d been without a family of her own for a long time. It was time she caught a break. He wanted that for her. She deserved some happiness. He could only imagine the heartache she’d suffered growing up without her siblings. He’d always had his parents and his sister to keep him grounded. It was her time. He prayed it turned out the way she wanted.

  “Tell me about this PI. What do you know about him?” Shifting his long legs, Scott kept his tone light as they passed the sign welcoming them to Ohio, the Buckeye State.

 
“Jack Collagen came highly recommended. The lawyers in Sherri Ann’s firm have used him to find background information on their cases. And I looked him up online. Everything I found supported her view that he’s good. He was able to find out things about my family that I’d never known.”

  “Such as?”

  “That both my parents are dead. I assumed, but I didn’t know. Now I have both their death certificates. I even know my grandparents’ names, on both sides.”

  “There is no doubt?”

  “None.”

  “Wow,” he said, then quickly added, “I’m sorry, Jenna, for your loss.”

  “Me, too. But it’s okay. I never knew why my mother disappeared out of our lives. I learned from Mr. Collagen’s report that one night she mixed booze with pills. She evidently was upset because my father had walked out on us. I learned that my parents were college sweethearts. Mr. Collagen also found out my father was killed in a car crash less than a year after he left us. He died in Jacksonville, Florida.”

  Scott frowned. “That’s rough. How are you handling all this?”

  “Naturally, I was sad when I read the report, but I was also relieved. There aren’t any more unanswered questions. I finally understand why I was left in Mrs. Green’s care.”

  “Do you think your mother committed suicide?” Scott asked carefully.

  “I don’t know, but it sounds like it. Perhaps she simply couldn’t handle raising three little kids on her own? We were so young at the time. There’s no way of knowing how she was really feeling the night she died. All I remember about my father is his voice raised in anger. I don’t really remember him. I do have memories of my mother caring for us, and tucking my sister and me into bed. I also remember her reading to us . . . things like that. Most of my memories are of my twin and big brother. Mainly, I just remember the three of us playing together.” She smiled, then released a soft sigh. “I was only six when I went to live at Mrs. Green’s house. I was so upset and missed my twin. I didn’t like not having her beside me when I went to bed. It didn’t feel right. For a long time, I blamed myself for not being able to keep our family together. I couldn’t help feeling as if I did something wrong. And I was the oldest twin. I was supposed to take care of Lenna.”

  “Sweet thing, that’s crazy. You were a baby.”

  Scott recalled the nightmares she used to have of looking for her brother and her twin and not being able to find them. Jenna would wake up crying. He thought of the times he’d just held her through the night. Later, he’d wondered how she’d managed the nightmares on her own.

  “I haven’t seen my siblings in over twenty years.”

  There was such a wealth of sadness in her voice that it made him want to reach out and take her in his arms. He longed to ease her hurt, hold her as he had while they’d still been a couple. It had meant so much to him to be able to share those private moments with her. He acknowledged that the impact of that loss still bothered him. He no longer had the right to be there for her.

  Clearing the lump of emotions from his throat, Scott said, “Hopefully you’ll find your brother today.”

  “Yes. Sometimes I wonder why I couldn’t just give up. Why I had to keep trying. I’m too darn stubborn, I guess.”

  Scott laughed. “I can’t argue with that. Once you’ve made up your mind, it’s set. There’s no turning back.”

  “That’s not true!”

  “Tell me one time you changed your mind,” he challenged.

  “I ordered steak the other night, then changed my mind and got the crab legs. So there!”

  Scott laughed. “Food doesn’t count. I’m talking about important stuff.”

  “What important stuff? Like my hair? I no longer bother with trying to straighten it. I’m going natural these days. It saves a lot of time in the hair salon.”

  He shook his head, “Okay . . . okay. Let’s just say when it comes to some things, once your mind is made up, that’s it.”

  “Let’s not say that at all. State your case and be specific.”

  “When we were taking Dr. Woodridge’s world history class, I told you he had a thing for you. No matter how I tried to convince you, you wouldn’t listen. It wasn’t until the guy actually hit on you that you took me seriously.”

  “That’s so weak! I told you at the time you were right. Now, admit it. I’m right and you’re wrong.”

  He chuckled, “And that’s not how I remember it. You denied it even with the truth staring you in the face. As I recall, you had to slap the guy.”

  “I did. And your memory, Mr. Hendricks, is flawed. You must be getting old.” She giggled, then she said, “Are you ready to stop for lunch? I need food.”

  “Any preference?” he asked, the sweet sound of her laughter warming his heart. Oh, he was hungry alright, but not for food. He ached for all the things he’d lost and had never stopped missing. Her laughter was only one of those things. There was so much more he yearned for, including the delectable taste of her soft, lush mouth.

  “You decide,” she said with a smile.

  Scott began to wonder if his being with her was a good idea. His desire seemed to mushroom with each passing mile. At this rate, he would be trying to hide a hard-on all weekend.

  After stopping to refuel, they found window seats in a popular restaurant. Before they could examine the menu, Scott was approached by fans wanting his autograph. Although not thrilled by the interruption, he handled it with ease, quickly signing and giving out the basketball cards he always carried.

  “Sorry about that,” he shrugged. “I can’t seem to get away from it.”

  “No need to apologize. I should have expected it. I’m not used to being with a celebrity.”

  He frowned. “It’s a part of the deal I made when I entered the NBA. It’s not my favorite part of the package, but I have no problem with it as long as it’s not too intrusive.” Scott didn’t tell her how much he’d rather be alone with her, with no prying eyes watching their every move. Instead of studying her captivating beauty, Scott opened his menu. “Anything look appealing?”

  “The salad topped with grilled chicken sounds appealing.”

  “I thought you said you were hungry. Now, a double order of meat loaf and mashed potatoes sounds good. Wonder if the pies are homemade?”

  Although hungry, Scott had to force himself not to simply stare at Jenna. He was fascinated by the way her hazel eyes danced with humor and her lush lips, tinted a dark pink, were so seductively full and soft.

  “Double order, huh?” She shook her head. “And there is no fat on you. It isn’t fair.”

  He laughed, and the waitress came to take their order.

  Once they were alone again, he asked, “You never said if part of your nerves had to do with the two of us traveling together. Are you finding it to be uncomfortable?”

  He could tell by the look on her face that she hadn’t expected the question. He wasn’t trying to make things difficult, yet he had to know how she really felt. He didn’t like to think she was shying away from him, as if things were so wrong between them that they couldn’t be in each other’s company. They’d loved so deeply and shared so much at one time. There was no getting around the fact that there had been fundamental changes since they’d separated.

  “Come on, Scott. It’s been over ten years. We’ve both changed. The years have a way of doing that to you. We aren’t the same people who fell in love and planned to marry long ago. Yes, I’m a bit uneasy around you.” Jenna studied him while nibbling the corner of her lip. Then she said, “You should have expected it.”

  “You’re right. Our lives aren’t the same. But deep down inside, we’re still the same two people who once shared everything. Babe, you agreed to let me tag along on this trip because you know you could trust me to be in your corner . . . to be there for you.”


  He hesitated, then he revealed, “I trust you to be open and straight with me, for you to tell me what you really think. You’re not like other women. I know you don’t have a hidden agenda. I also know that you aren’t interested in my bank balance.” He sighed, then said, “Just knowing that means a great deal to me. It allows me to relax and be myself.” He smiled at her before he said candidly, “Jenna, I don’t like the idea that you might be uncomfortable around me.”

  “There are levels of comfort, Scott. I’m not leery of you. I know you’d never hurt me physically. Yet we’ve hurt each other. Furthermore, we haven’t been privy to each other’s thoughts and secrets for a long time. I don’t know the sophisticated, famous man you’ve become. And you don’t know the confident woman I’ve become. We’re not those same kids anymore who fell in love at U of D’s computer lab.”

  He nodded, hoping it was only a matter of time until she was able to be completely relaxed in his presence. He believed deep down where it counts that she was wrong. They were still the same two people who had once loved deeply.

  When he’d invited himself along on this trip he hadn’t taken his physical reaction to her closeness into consideration. His sole purpose had been to be helpful to her. He hadn’t given much thought to the number of hours that they’d be required to spend in each other’s company. Time that served to remind him how long it had been since he’d sampled her lips, filled his hands with her soft breasts and squeezed her lush hips. His awareness of her was as keen as it had been the day they’d met. Nothing could block from his memory what it felt like to be a part of her.

  If only he’d convinced her to fly. Besides being faster, the flight would have provided some much-needed distractions. Right now, he’d give his last dime to be able to get his mind off how it felt to be inside Jenna . . . once again be surrounded by her wet, feminine heat. Ten, even twenty years wouldn’t be enough time to wipe that sweet memory from his mind. Holding back a groan of frustration, he shifted uncomfortably, hoping to ease the pressure of his pulsating shaft. He drank the glass of ice water in front of him rather than pouring it over his head, where it might have done some good.