He left her standing in the hall, which was right where Sheila Biggers found her.
“There you are. I’ve been looking all over. Do you still want to do lunch? I’m starving.”
Jessica’s heart was lighter as she followed Dolby’s administrative assistant out the door.
And the days crawled toward the end of the week.
* * *
It was Friday afternoon, less than thirty minutes to quitting time, and none too soon for Jessica. Nowadays, she lived for the nights and Stone’s arrival at her house. While nothing more had been spoken between them with regards to their future or lack thereof, Jessica was holding on tight to the bits and pieces of himself that Stone was willing to share. And every time she thought of his ex-wife, she fought an urge to curse. That woman had done a number on him he couldn’t seem to forget.
Tonight, though, the routine was going to change. Stone was going to cook, and at his apartment. She wasn’t sure whether it meant he was tired of pretending her cooking was great, or if he was just being the gentleman and paying her back for all the meals he’d scrounged at her house during the week. All she had to do was drop the monthly reports by Mr. Dolby’s office and she was through for the day.
Her steps were hurried as she started down the hall. Her hand was on the doorknob to Dolby’s office when the door suddenly swung inward and a woman started out.
“Oh, Jessica! I didn’t see you there.”
Jessica grinned at the tall, dark-haired woman. “That’s because the door was closed.”
Nina Lindstrom managed a smile. And Jessica returned it easily. She and Nina had known each other for years.
“I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor,” Nina said.
“That’s about all that’s still where it belongs,” Jessica muttered, more to herself than to Nina, and followed the other woman into the hall.
Nina glanced at her friend, and Jessica could tell that she was wondering how much of what she’d heard was true, and how much of it was just gossip.
“So, how have you really been?” Nina asked. “I heard you were a victim of our famous storm.”
“That’s a kind way of putting it,” Jessica said. “But, enough about me. How are you doing?”
Nina’s shoulders drooped. “Not so good,” she said. “The diner has closed for repairs, and it’s pretty common knowledge that the Olsens aren’t going to open it back up.”
Jessica frowned. She knew Nina’s life had been tough since her husband’s death, but losing her job as a waitress at the Olsens’ diner would hit her hard.
“How are the kids?”
Nina smiled, although her voice sounded a bit shaky. “Exactly how you would expect three kids under the age of nine to be. Rowdy and loud.”
“Were you applying for a job?” Jessica asked.
Nina nodded. “But there aren’t any openings, and I need something now.” She shook her head and looked away, unwilling to let on how desperate she really was.
“Maybe something will turn up,” Jessica said.
“I don’t know. Grand Springs is in such an uproar over the mayor’s death, and businesses aren’t doing so well right now.” Then Nina put on a brave face and smiled. “If you hear of something, will you let me know?”
“Of course,” Jessica said, and touched Nina’s arm in what was meant to be a comforting way.
But at the moment of contact, everything changed. Images flashed in and out of her mind, like slides on a screen. One after the other, in rapid succession without any explanations in between. And with each one she saw, her impression grew that Nina Lindstrom would soon experience a drastic change of pace.
Nina tensed. “Jessica, are you all right?”
Jessica jerked, blinked, and then took a deep breath as her hand dropped to her side. She looked up at Nina with an angelic smile on her face.
“Don’t worry. I have a really good feeling that something is going to turn up…and soon.”
Nina sighed. “I hope you’re right. I could use some good luck for a change.”
Chapter Ten
Jessica stopped in front of the door to Stone’s second-floor apartment, giving herself a final check before ringing the bell. Her dress was new, and although she felt a bit self-conscious in the flowing, old-fashioned style, it gave her courage the boost it needed. This thing that was between her and Stone was so powerful, and so unexpectedly sweet, she was afraid to trust it could last.
The aroma of burning charcoal and cooking food drifted into the hall. It was all the impetus she needed to let herself be known. With her hand poised to knock, the door suddenly opened, and Stone swept her into his arms and into the room before she could blink.
“How did you know I was there?” Jessica gasped.
“Honey, I’m forever psychic where you’re concerned.” And then he laughed and kissed her hello before putting her down. “And I was standing on the balcony when I saw you come through the courtyard.”
She grinned. “You cheated.”
“All’s fair in love and war.”
A little ill at ease at being here with him, instead of on familiar ground, she ran a nervous hand over her hair and then smoothed the front of her dress.
Stone watched her with open admiration, letting himself absorb the fact that she was in his home.
“You look beautiful,” he said softly, fingering the gauzy fabric of her dress. “The blue matches your eyes.”
Jessica blushed, but was determined not to let him get ahead of her tonight. “You look pretty good yourself. And you smell good, too. What is it called? Eau de smoke?”
He laughed and pulled her close, nuzzling at a spot beneath her ear. “Damn, but you’re sassy tonight.”
Jessica wrapped her arms around his neck, leaning into his strength and smiling with satisfaction. Food was on the grill. She was in Stone’s arms. What more could a sane woman want? And then the thought slipped. Dare she assume she fell under the category of sane?
Stone’s heart was melting by degrees. This crazy tousled-haired woman was making him nuts. Once more, he nuzzled against the curve of her neck, then bit, not hard enough to hurt, just making his mark on her.
“Ow,” she muttered, and slapped him lightly on the arm. “If you’re that hungry, then I suggest you finish cooking our food. I’m not on the menu tonight.”
Stone circled the jut of her breast with the tip of his finger, grinning when she blushed a shade of hot virgin pink.
“Not even for dessert?”
To Jessie’s credit, she met his gaze without flinching. “I’ll let you know later,” she drawled, then pointed toward the patio door behind them. “Is that supposed to be smoking?”
Stone spun, took one look at the white clouds billowing out from beneath the hood of the cooker, and bolted.
“Obviously not,” Jessica said to herself, and followed him outside.
“Everything’s fine,” Stone said, and handed her a plate. “Here, hold this.”
Jessica took the plate and then stood and watched him work as several minutes passed. But when he made no move to put anything on it, she couldn’t stand the suspense any longer.
Stone was poking a fork in the steaks with studied intent when she spoke.
“Stone?”