Chapter 8

Jack had debated with himself about doing this, confronting her, but he wanted to know what the hell she was doing in Fort Mavis. He'd moved halfway across Texas to leave her and the memories behind and here she was, bringing it back like a bad penny. How could she just show up in his life like this when she'd put her fancy career ahead of him and walked away? He didn't know whether to strangle her or kiss her, and that in itself made him mad.

"Just what the hell are you doing in Fort Mavis?"

If he expected her to be intimidated, he was way off the mark. He should have known better. Jessie was a spitfire who wasn't unsettled by anything. At least not that she showed.

She glared at him. "I could ask you the same thing."

"I have a job here," he growled.

"And I inherited a business," she snapped.

They stared at each other.

"So you didn't follow me here? Trying to patch things up?" Now that was a stupid thing to say. She was the one who walked away, not him. She didn't even know he was here.

"Why would I do that? I didn't even know you were here. Get over yourself, will you?"

He had so many different feelings dancing around inside him he couldn't get a handle on them. She looked worn out at the end of what had to have been a long day for her, yet, makeup gone, her hair scraped back, dressed in utilitarian jeans and T-shirt, she still looked beautiful to him. Still made his cock hard and his balls ache and a longing for her he thought he'd buried surge to the surface. He had to mentally restrain himself from grabbing her and placing a hot kiss on her delicious full lips.

"Uh, Jack?" Her voice penetrated his mental fog. "Hello. Anyone in there?"

He'd somehow spaced out, looking at her and thinking of all the things they'd done together naked. Of how soft and warm she felt in his arms, how he loved to hear her sweet laugh and see the sparkle in her eyes. For a moment, he remembered his shower last night and heat surged through his body. He was torn between wanting to pull her into his arms or turn her over his knee and spank her.

Oh, wait! That sparked more heated thoughts.

"I can't believe you're planning to stay here," he said at last. "This place is hardly your cup of tea."

"And it's yours?" She lifted an eyebrow in a disdainful expression.

"Damn straight. I love it here and I won't let you screw it up for me. You walked away from me once. So stay away."

"Is that an official order?" Fire snapped in her eyes.

"It's whatever it needs to be," he told her. "I started a new life here and I don't need you screwing it up for me."

"Well, I'm starting a new life, too. So let's just stay away from each other, okay?"

God, she just drove him nuts. How was he supposed to get on with his life when he'd probably see her every day? He missed her so badly. Dreamed about her. Wanted her. The only woman he'd ever felt that way about. It was painful to admit, but he'd never let her know.

"What happened to your fancy job in Houston?" he demanded. "And your famous fifteen-year plan?"

"None of your business. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get home. I had a long day today and tomorrow looks to be the same."

But he couldn't let her go. He needed answers from her.

"I want to know why you're here and why you're staying."

"It's none of your damn business. Now get the hell out of my way." She yanked the open door so hard he had to jump out of the way. With a squeal of tires, she pulled out of the area and into the side street.

Jack blew out a breath. A headache had begun to build and he needed to cool down. He had to figure out what to do. Being around her would be a constant challenge for him unless he could get his feelings for her under control. And that didn't seem very likely. He wondered if she was staying in Delfina's old house. It seemed the most obvious place.

He waited until he was sure Jessie was on her way then hit the road. Reluctantly he found himself driving slowly past Delfina's house. Yup, there it was. Her slightly battered SUV. So she was settling in. Nesting. Damn, damn, damn. He'd had enough trouble dealing with it when she chose to walk away from what they had, but he was finally coming to terms with it. Now here she was, back in his life. He was in such big trouble. And all the nights in the world with Lynne Robbins weren't going to be a cure.