An hour outside of St. Louis, in the small town of Danby, the annoyed limo driver had pulled into the parking lot of Leisure Pointe and informed her that he hadnt been paid to take her on a trek across Missouri. Knowing there was nothing left for her in St. Louis, shed climbed out of the limousine, entered the rowdy establishment, and sank despondently into a booth in a far cornerfeeling more heavy-hearted and isolated than ever.
She remembered faceless men sending Amaretto her way. She remembered the bartender keeping those same hounds at bay when it was obvious she wanted to be left alone. She remembered Garrett, with his deep, dark blue eyes, and the way hed made her feel safe and secure when shed believed shed never feel safe and secure again.
Her hand fluttered to her lips, and her belly tumbled, not from the aftereffects of consuming too much Amaretto, but from something far more pleasant, and far more frightening. Most of all, she remembered kissing her gorgeous, raven-haired prince and the sweet, tender acceptance that had filled her in that fleeting moment.
And then she remembered nothing as deep sleep consumed her. Jenna felt a gentle tug on her hair, prompting her to leave her private thoughts behind and lift her lashes to deal with her unexpected visitor. The little girl had a strand of Jennas hair corkscrewed around her finger, seemingly fascinated with the way it clung so naturally.
How come youre sleeping in my daddys bed? she asked again, more insistent this time.
Still absorbing the surprise of finding a pixie watching over her, she chose her answer carefully. Well, I needed a place to sleep for the night, and your daddy let me use his bed. That much she remembered.
Oh. Her little nose scrunched up as she thought about that. And youre wearing his shirt, too.
She glanced down, confirming that the nightshirt she wore wasnt the silky chemise shed packed for her honeymoon. More memories tumbled through her foggy mind, of Garrett helping her to undress, and the intensity in his deep blue eyes
The little imp tilted her head to the side. Whats your name?
Jenna. She offered a small smile. Whats yours?
Chelsea Blackwell. Pushing away from the bed, she strolled over to the froth of satin draped over the chair in the corner of the room and stroked her hand over the shimmery material. This is like a fairy princess dress, she said in awe.
Too bad her dreams hadnt come true like they did in fairy tales, Jenna thought, unable to fend off the sharp sting of disappointment she experienced. Its a wedding dress, she said in a tight, achy voice.
Did my daddy marry you? Chelsea glanced back at Jenna, her green, guileless eyes round with hope. Are you my new mom?
Jenna immediately shook her head to ward off the childs line of questioning. No, your dad didnt marry me, honey, and Im not your new mom. Gingerly sitting up, she swung her legs over the edge of the bed and waited for her head to stop spinning. She hated bursting the little girls bubble of excitement, and offered the only consolation that came to mind. But Id like to be your friend.
Okay. Seemingly satisfied with that compromise, Chelsea grinned, revealing a dimple in her right cheek. Does that mean youre staying here?
Jenna honestly didnt know what she was going to do, and hoped over the next few weeks shed be able to figure out which direction her life would now take. No matter her decision, she doubted it encompassed staying in this house with Garrett and this adorable little girl.
Before she could formulate a response, booted steps echoed up the stairs, then her prince from last night entered the room. In the light of day, and without any alcohol to impair her brain or vision, she came to the stunning conclusion that he was even more gorgeous than she recalled. Dressed in faded jeans that molded to his lean hips and a casual shirt that was fitted to a nicely muscled chest, he exuded a rugged masculinity that was a sharp contrast to the preppie, button-down image Sheldon and his friends preferred. This man was earthy and physical, with jet-black hair that set off his striking blue eyes, and a sensually cut mouth that made him all the more breathtaking and much too appealing.
Though his demeanor was reserved and distant, his warm gaze swept over her, taking in her disheveled hair, and making her all too aware that she was wearing his shirt. His eyes lingered briefly on her bare legs, prompting restless memories of him removing her stockings, and his hands caressing her skin.
Then he glanced toward Chelsea. A smiled curved his lips, softening his expression and captivating Jenna even more.
Hey, there you are, pup, he said, his deep voice rich with affection. I wondered where youd disappeared to.
I came in here to make your bed and found Jenna sleeping in it. She hurried over to her father, clasped her hands together beneath her chin, and looked up at him beseechingly. Can she stay with us? Pretty please?
Shes not a stray pet for you to keep, he said with gentle humor. Jenna only needed a place to stay for the night, and Im sure now that shes rested, shell be heading back home. He tapped a finger beneath Chelseas chin. Why dont you go downstairs to the kitchen and Ill be there in a few minutes to make breakfast.
Chelsea did as she was told, and once she was gone, the room filled with silence. Jennas gaze connected with Garretts, and her stomach fluttered, not with nausea, but an awareness that took her completely off guard. The last thing she needed to deal with was this unexpected attraction to a man she barely knew, not when she was trying to come to terms with everything that had happened yesterday, along with her uncertain future.
She drew a stabilizing breath. I take it pup is your daughter?
He nodded, and rubbed a hand along the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable now that they were alone. Yeah, shes mine, he replied, an odd, possessive note to his voice. I call her pup because ever since she took her first step shes followed me around like a puppy.
It wasnt difficult to imagine Chelsea tagging along behind her father. Though Garretts parental love was unmistakable, and his daughters devotion just as strong, there was no physical resemblance between the two. His pitch-black hair and vivid blue eyes were an obvious contrast to Chelseas blond hair, green eyes, and fair, enchanting features.
Chelsea must look like her mother, she said, speaking her thoughts out loud and attempting to make idle conversation.
Her comment startled him, and his dark brows drew into a frown. No, not really, he muttered.
His curt tone didnt invite further discussion of Chelseas mother, and Jenna decided the best course of action would be to steer clear of the subject, which appeared to be a touchy one. Well, your daughter is sweet, and adorable. And very precocious. She thought you and I got married.
He visibly winced, but remained across the room, keeping an appropriate amount of distance between them. Chelseas mom died when she was barely two, so she doesnt remember much about her, and lately shes been asking for a mother. I suppose seeing your wedding dress and finding you in my bedroom led her to the wrong conclusion.
It was a very hopeful conclusion, she said softly, understanding the little girls need to replace her missing parent. Jenna had grown up never knowing her father, and though her mother had been a good single parent despite their struggles, shed never had a dependable male influence in her life, and that was a loss she still felt.
It was a very hopeful conclusion, she said softly, understanding the little girls need to replace her missing parent. Jenna had grown up never knowing her father, and though her mother had been a good single parent despite their struggles, shed never had a dependable male influence in her life, and that was a loss she still felt.
Well, its best that she doesnt entertain those kinds of thoughts, and I dont encourage them, either, he replied meaningfully. How are you feeling? he asked, smoothly and effectively changing the topic once again.
A little fuzzy, but overall okay, all things considered. She dragged her fingers through her tousled hair, feeling contrite for disrupting his life, even for one day. GarrettIm very sorry about last night.
Theres nothing to apologize for. He shrugged those broad shoulders of his. You werent in any shape to go anywhere and I gave you a place to stay.
No doubt I ruined your evening. I intruded on your home life and family, and I even slept in your bed. And from the bits and pieces that I can remember, I know I made a fool of myself at the bar.
She recalled babbling on about silly things like hating her curly hair and making wishes to marry her own prince charming and living happily ever afternot that Garrett would understand the hopes and dreams shed carried with her since childhood.
She ducked her head, and absently toyed with the hem of the shirt she wore. And contrary to my behavior last night, Im not in the habit of kissing strangers.
Except Garrett hadnt felt like a stranger. Hed been warm and receptive, and no matter how wrong, she found it difficult to regret that sweet, tender kiss, which had made her feel so safe and secure. There had been no pretenses, no expectations, just the kind of acceptance shed craved for so long.
And Garrett probably thought she was a brazen hussy for allowing such liberties just hours after leaving her groom at the altar.
Shaking her head of those thoughts, she lifted her gaze back to his. I am sorry about that kiss, she said softly.
No, Im the one who should apologize. Though his tone held a gruff certainty, his irises had taken on a dark, sensual shade of blue that belied his attempt at disinterest. It wont happen again.
He sounded so determined, Jenna couldnt help but wonder if maybe, possibly, hed been just as affected by that kiss as shed been.
The moment was shattered by the front door slamming shut, and someone bounding up the stairs. Honey, Im home! a deep, masculine voice called out, his tone laced with carefree humor.
Jennas gaze widened in surprise, and Garrett groaned, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose. A good-looking man briefly glanced inside Garretts room as he passed, then the heavy steps came to an abrupt stop, and he backed up, filling the doorway with his presence.
The man, who looked like a slightly younger version of her princealbeit more tousledglanced from Jenna, to Garrett, and grinned. Well, Ill be damned, big brother. Looks like I wasnt the only one who got lucky last night.
Jennas face warmed at the insinuation, and Garrett grimaced. This isnt what you think, Rylan, he quickly corrected.
Rylans dark brows rose incredulously. You mean to tell me you had a beautiful woman in your bed and you didnt
Garrett held up a hand, effectively cutting him off with the gesture and the warning look he shot his way. No, we didnt, and Ill explain everything downstairs.
The other man didnt budge. Dont I even get an introduction?
Garrett sighed, the sound rife with impatience. Jenna, this is my younger brother, Rylan. Ry, Jenna Phillips.
Its nice to meet you, she said, finding the other man amusing, and not nearly as serious as his older sibling.
Likewise. He scrutinized her face, making her feel self-conscious. Youre not from around here, are you?
No, shes from St. Louis, Garrett replied before she could respond, then headed toward his brother to usher him out of the room. And she wont be around long enough for you to start flirting with.
To heck with flirting, he said with a gregarious grin and a wink at Jenna. I was going to jump right to asking her out on a date.
Garretts expression turned surprisingly fierce. Tired of Emma Gentry so soon?
Rylan shrugged. Emma and I arent exclusive.
And Jenna isnt interested, Garrett countered, pointing toward the door. Out, Ry.
Jenna bit back a chuckle at the good-natured bickering, and the fact that Garrett felt the need to protect her virtue from his fun-loving, but womanizing brother.
Once Rylan was out of the room, Garrett turned back to her and said wryly, Welcome to the crazy Blackwell household. As you might have guessed, having a female guest in the house, and especially in my bedroom, is a novelty.
Though hed injected humor into his voice, his comment said a lot about Garrett, himselfthat he was a man of integrity, which hed proved by rescuing her last night and giving her a safe place to sleep, and he was very discreet when it came to his family and personal life. She appreciated those qualities, even as she realized just how much her indiscreet past would clash with his admirable values.
The thought of embroiling Garrett and his family in the scandal that would forever nip at her heels brought reality crashing down around her. Despite enjoying the Blackwellss warmth and friendliness, the last thing she wanted to do was take advantage of their hospitality.
She drew a breath that did nothing to dispel the ache in her chest, and slid off the bed. Id like to take a shower and change, if thats okay. At his nod, she smiled and added, Ill be downstairs just as soon as Im presentable.
Breakfast will be waiting. He backed toward the bedroom door, but not before giving her bare legs one last warm lingering glance she felt as strongly as his touch last night.
Then he was gone.
CHAPTER THREE
BREAKFAST wasnt the only thing waiting for Jenna downstairs in the kitchen. She came to an abrupt stop when she found herself alone with a pretty, but very pregnant woman who was in the process of clearing the table. One look at her striking blue eyes and straight, glossy black hair that brushed her shoulders, and she was fairly certain shed just encountered another Blackwell.
The other woman wasnt shocked to find a strange woman in the house, but her kind gaze did a quick head-to-toe inventory of Jennas blue linen short outfit and matching heeled sandals, which obviously were not the kind of attire suited to a relaxing Sunday around the house. But, the outfit had been one her fiancé had selected, and was the most casual thing shed packed for their honeymoon because she knew Sheldon preferred she always dress stylishly and looked the height of sophistication.
She suddenly felt like a fraud. The woman wearing the fashionable outfit was who shed tried so desperately to be for Sheldons sake, and even on some level for her mother. But the glaring truth remained. Beneath the fancy trappings, Jenna was a plain and simple woman, and she suddenly wanted to be accepted for who and what she was, without pretenses, and without being judged by her past mistakeif that was even possible.