Can you?
Oh, yes. She smiled down at Sara with wonder and joy. And believe me, I understand. Shespriceless.
Stone let out a deep breath. Yes, she is. And shes ten. Ten times around the calendar without you giving a damn.
I gave a damn, Lara whispered. Her gaze fell to Saras fascinated one. I gave a lot of damns. But pride is a horrible thing, Stone.
A couple of visits and some expensive presents arent going to cover this one, Mother. Its not going to be a quick fix.
Im not looking for a quick fix.
No? He arched a brow. What are you looking for?
For a minute her chin trembled, as if she was about to cry, but then she stiffened it and said bravely, Forgiveness.
Because of Richard.
For Richard. I should have done it sooner, I know that. I shouldnt have ignored your attempts to communicate over the years.
Stone didnt appear moved. It took a long time.
Maybe Im a slow learner. Maybe I had to suffer great pain first.
At the unmistakable reference to his brothers death, Stone relented. Im sorry. Ill never stop regretting that we never spoke again. But quite honestly it doesnt solve anything. Up until just a day ago, you were still refusing to accept my calls.
Lara glanced down at Sara, then over at Jenna. Would you mind terribly?
Not at all, Jenna said, relieved. Come with me, Sara, into the living room. Well stoke the fire.
I want to stay here and listen.
Sara
At the warning in her fathers voice, Sara rolled her eyes and went with Jenna.
I saw you hugging my daddy, she said the instant the doors shut behind them. I dont want you to do that again. My mommys going to come home and hes hers.
Jenna nodded seriously, although her heart began to race. Everything shed ever wanted was standing right in front of her, and she didnt want to ruin it. Im glad your mommy is coming home. Have Her voice started to crack and she cleared her throat. Have you missed her?
Yes.
Jenna took a big chance and kneeling before the stubborn wonderful child of her heart, whispered, She missed you, too. And I bet shell tell you that real soon.
They were playing cards by the fire, with Jenna losing badly at a game of Go Fish, when Stone and Lara came back into the room. Looking stressed out and exhausted, Stone went directly to his daughter, pulled her close and said, Would you like to go spend the night at your grandma and grandpas house?
Oh, boy! Really?
Really, Stone told the bouncing grinning girl. Can you be good?
Yep!
Stone helped Sara pack, then walked both her and Lara to the car. Jenna sat in the kitchen, her heart pounding. By the time Stone came back in and looked at her, she thought for sure hed be able to hear it from across the room.
She was about to lay her life and heart and soul on the line. There was nothing and no one to stop her this time, and panic nearly overwhelmed her.
Just us. Stone came right for her, lifted her out of the stool and against him.
He felt so good. Warm and hard and strong and capable, so very capable. How long had it been since shed had someone like him in her life, someone she could depend on?
She knew the answer to that all too well. Hed been the last person. The one and only.
Oh, Stone, she whispered, clinging for just another minute. Im sorry. Im so sorry in advance for-
Just tell me, sweetheart. Stroking her sides, her back, his big hands were everywhere.
Because she couldnt help herself, her hands slid under his T-shirt, traveling slowly up the sleek bunched muscles of his back. Stretching beneath her roving fingers, he made a noise like a big cat on the prowl; a deep husky half-purring sound that had her body reacting in a thousand ways.
When she arched against him with a soft needy murmur, he lowered his mouth to hers.
Wait, she gasped.
Cin- he started, only to break off with a little laugh. Okay, youre right. This before hormones, because I just remembered-I dont even know your name. Still standing, still holding her, he looked down into her face. His eyes had a suggestive gleam. Besides, we have all night now.
She was desperately afraid it wouldnt take that long.
Sotell me.
Okay. But she couldnt speak past her fear.
Gently he set his forehead to hers, then punctuated each word with a hot kiss. Tell me why you had to lie to me. Tell me your real name.
Swallowing hard, she barely managed to speak. Its Jenna.
She felt the shock go through his body, vibrate through hers. Lifting his head, he stared at her with eyes gone cold as ice. Thats not funny. How do you know about her?
Before she could answer, he withdrew his arms from her and stepped back, leaving her feeling colder and more bereft than at any time in her life. I never told you her name.
I know. Her heart was racing even faster. Thats why you have to believe me. Im really her. He just stared at her, frozen in disbelief. Its me, Stone, she whispered. Im back.
Chapter 10
Jenna licked her dry lips and forced herself to look him in the eye. I had to-
No. Shaking his head, Stone backed away another step, banging into the counter behind him. Swearing, he turned around in a slow circle before whirling on her. Dammit, why are you saying this?
Because its the truth.
No. Shaking his head, Stone backed away another step, banging into the counter behind him. Swearing, he turned around in a slow circle before whirling on her. Dammit, why are you saying this?
Because its the truth.
He stared at her, furious and confused. Your eyes, theyre different-yet the same. He shook his head again as if clearing it. God, Im losing it.
No. She very carefully took out her contact lenses. With a precision she didnt feel she set them on the table, then blinked a couple of times in the harsh kitchen light. She opened her purse, fishing out her wire-rimmed prescription glasses-similar to the ones shed worn ten years ago.
Look at me, she ordered softly, her eyes misting over with the glare of the light and the emotions heavy in her heart. Really look at me.
He complied, his face a mask as he took in her bright blue eyes.
She fluffed her fingers through her short hair. Imagine me with that long blond hair, she said quietly. In that thin, malnourished body I was always depriving.
No.
Minus nearly ten years, she added. Without all this makeup I use to cover up the-Never mind that now. Just look, Stone. Really look, past all the exterior. She stood there, heart and soul bared. Terrified. Who do you see?
My God. He gripped the counter behind him, and his chest expanded as he drew in a breath with obvious difficulty. Oh, my God. But how?
A car accident.
You were in a car accident and got a new face?
Not exactly. It was the surgery required to put me back together after I went through a windshield and down a two-hundred-foot cliff.
Before she could draw a breath, he was there, standing in front of her, yanking her against him and slamming his mouth down on hers.
His hands held her face as his tongue dipped into her mouth. Helpless, she wrapped her arms tightly around his midsection and opened to him.
The hard counter he pressed her against dug into her back while the hard bulge between his thighs dug into her front. But it was wrong. Something was missing.
The warmth, she realized. He held her, he kissed her, yet utterly without care and affection. She pushed away, needing to see his face.
His hand dipped into her collar and pulled out the pearls she wore, which he stared at with barely repressed violence. I knew Id recognized these. They were your grandmothers.
Yes.
Maybe thats a lie, too. His hands clasped her waist and with one swift motion, he had her blouse out of her pants.
What-
But he cut off her question ruthlessly, with that knowing, exacting, mind-blowing mouth of his. When she shoved at him, he nuzzled her neck beneath her ear. Youre good, Cindy. Jenna. Whoever the hell you are. Very good. But I suppose youve had lots of practice.
Jenna squeezed her eyes shut at the insulting words. The accusation was ugly, and it hurt unbearably, especially coming from him. Stone. The man whose touch could send her soaring, whose voice had been a part of her dreams for so long she couldnt remember what itd been like before him. Hed been gentle and passionate, tender and fierce, and she wanted all those things now, along with his understanding. Please, Stone-
Dont ask me for mercy. He tore the button of her pants open, then jerked down the zipper, while shock held her immobile. Slipping his hand inside, he tugged at her panties.
Stone! No
Before she could voice the protest, hed dropped to his knees before her, staring bleakly at her exposed hip-and the small tattoo of a rose.
Swearing, he got up and jerked away from her, leaving her to clumsily right her clothes. Unwittingly she lifted a hand to the right side of her face, covering the faint scars. Do you see me now? she asked bitterly. The real me?
Yes. A muscle jumped in his jaw. The fingers on the hand gripping the counter were turning white with strain. His voice had gone cold. Now get out.
But-
Youve had your fun, Jenna. Or should I say Cindy? Damn you! He turned away in disgust to stare unseeingly out the window into the darkness. You must have gotten a good laugh.
No. No, she said hoarsely, moving closer to the man whose shoulders had always carried far too much responsibility. She set a hand on his taut back and ran it over muscles that quivered beneath her touch. No-
Dont, he said harshly, and she dropped her hand.
Rounding on her, he grabbed her arms and gave her a shake. Dont touch me. Not like that. Like you mean it. Not ever again, damn you.
II do mean it, she gasped, letting the burning tears fall. She let go of all pride. Stone, please, listen. Let me tell you-
No! As if he couldnt help himself, he shook her again, then let go abruptly when she winced. Im sorry, he said, clearly horrified. That was unforgivable of me.
Stone.
He lifted his hands away from her as if hed been burned. I want you to leave.
Dont be sorry! she cried. I deserve-
He swore again, more creatively this time, then covered his eyes as if he couldnt bear the sight of her. Go, he demanded wearily. Just go.
But you have to listen!
Listen? he asked incredulously, dropping his hands. Listen to what? To why youve come back now after all this time? Or how about why you didnt tell me who you really were? You let me think-God!