Cleo woke up and ran her hand over an empty bed.
Her eyes sprang open. The golden rays of the setting sun mocked the fact that she was alone.
“Jax?” She glanced toward the bathroom, finding it dark and empty.
Old insecurities plagued her. Her stomach roiled. What had she done opening herself up to him? When would she ever learn?
She threw on her clothes and worked her way downstairs, unsure what reaction she’d receive. Did he regret their time together? Did he consider what they’d shared a mistake?
It was better to get this over right away than to let it drag out, no matter how much it hurt. It was as her grandfather told her as a kid. The bandage hurt less when it came off fast.
She found Jax in the kitchen—a room in which he’d spent a lot of time creating such amazing meals. Not that she had any appetite right now.
He turned to her. “Hey, sleepyhead. I wasn’t sure when you were going to wake up.” He put down the dish towel in his hands as his brows gathered. “What’s the matter?”
“I woke up and you were gone.”
He approached her. “Is that all that’s bothering you? I mean, if I did something wrong—”
“No. You were amazing.” Her stomach shivered as she continued to open herself up to him. “It’s just that when I woke up and found you gone, I thought... Well, I didn’t know what I thought.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d make you something to eat.”
“Really?”
“Honest. I thought you needed some rest. Otherwise I would have stayed and done more of this...”
He nuzzled her neck. Shivers cascaded down her arms as his lips moved over the sensitive part of her neck. Maybe she was crazy for letting down her guard with him, but she wanted so badly to believe that he was different from the others in her life.
She lifted his chin until her lips could claim his. She’d never ever tire of his kisses. She finally understood the age-old adage that the best things in life are worth fighting for. She’d known for years that Jax was special, but it wasn’t until now that she knew exactly how special.
He pulled back and looked at her. “You know if you keep this up, I’m going to burn dinner.”
“Would that be so bad?” she teased.
“Aren’t you turning into a little temptress.”
He moved to the stove and her gaze followed him, drinking in his good looks. There was just something so sexy about having a man cook for her. She noticed his off-white T-shirt and the way it clung to his muscular shoulders and broad chest. She smiled when she spied a few drops of his culinary creation dribbled down the front of his shirt. Still, he was the hottest cook she’d ever laid eyes on.
He paused from adding some spices to the pot on the stove. “See something that you like?”
“Most definitely.” And she wasn’t talking about the food.
She wanted to share her happiness with someone—she thought of her mother. She’d been so eager for Cleo to fall in love with someone from Hope Springs and now her wish would come true. Cleo reached out for the phone resting on the counter. Then paused. She clenched her fist and pulled back.
Her hand returned to her side. Even if she and her mother were speaking again, she’d never approve of this match. Not that this was anything permanent, maybe it never would be. She and Jax still had so much to figure out.
“What are you thinking about?” Jax stood next to the stove with a spoon in his hand.
“What?” It took her a moment to process what he’d said. “Oh, nothing important.”
“It sure looked like it was important. One second you’re smiling like the Cheshire cat and the next you’re frowning. What gives?”
“Is that soup?” She inhaled the gentle tomato aroma and forced her thoughts away from her mother. “I smell bacon, don’t I?”
“You’re changing the subject. If this is about us making love, I want to know.”
She shook her head, anxious to assure him that his lovemaking had rocked her world. “You definitely don’t have a thing to worry about in that department.”