He held out the stemmed glass to her. She brushed his hand and tried to remain calm. It was only a drink, she told herself.
Jace picked up his. “To yours, Gina’s and Zack’s new home,” he said.
Lori took a slow sip, allowing herself to enjoy the sweet taste. She took another, and soon the alcohol went to her head, making her feel a little more relaxed. Then her eyes connected with Jace, and suddenly her heart was racing once again.
“This tastes nice,” she said, unable to get her mouth to work. “I mean, I’m not much of a drinker, but I like this.”
His deep sapphire gaze never left hers as he set his glass down on the sideboard. “Let me see.” Then he leaned forward and touched his mouth to hers.
She froze, unable to do anything but feel as his firm mouth caressed her lips, coaxing her to open for him with a stroke of his tongue.
She whimpered as her hand rested against his chest, feeling his pounding heart. She only ached for more.
He pulled back a little. “You’re right. Sweet.” He took her glass from her and set it down beside his. “But I need another taste to be sure.”
He bent down and took her mouth again. She went willingly as her arms circled his neck, and she wanted to close out the rest of the world. Just the two of them. She refused to think about how stupid it was to let this happen with Jace. When his tongue stroked against hers, and he drew her against his body, she lost all common sense.
Then it quickly returned when the sound of footsteps overhead alerted them to the fact that the kids were coming.
He broke off, and pressed his head against hers. “Damn, Lorelei Hutchinson, if you don’t make me forget my own name.”
She could only manage a nod. Then he leaned forward again. “Not that you don’t look beautiful thoroughly kissed, but you might have to answer too many questions.”
She smoothed her hair. “Tell everyone I’ll be in shortly.” She took off, knowing she was a fool when it came to this man. It had to stop before someone got hurt.
Jace had trouble concentrating on his pot roast dinner. Why couldn’t he keep his hands off Lori? She wasn’t even his type. Not that he had a type. He’d sworn off women for the time being. So why had he been trying to play tonsil hockey with her just thirty minutes ago?
“Daddy?”
He turned to his daughter. “What, Cassie?”
“Can Zack go riding with me tomorrow?”
Jace glanced at Gina and saw her concerned look. “Maybe it’s a little cold right now, sweetheart. Let Zack and his mother get settled in first. Besides, you both have school all day.”
Those pretty blue eyes blinked up at him. “I know, Daddy,” she said. “I’m gonna help Zack get used to the class.”
Jace fought a smile and stole a glance at Lori, then at the poor boy who’d become his daughter’s newest project. “I’m sure Zack appreciates all your help, sweetheart, but remember, Miss Lori is a teacher. She can help, too.”
The child looked deflated. “Oh.”
“I can sure use your help,” Lori said. “And we’re all going to be working on the Christmas play together. I’m sure Zack would like to do that.”
“I guess,” he said. “Are there other boys in the play?”
Cassie nodded. “Everyone is in the play. Cody Peters and Owen Hansen and Willie Burns.” She smiled. “And now, you.”
Jace wasn’t sure he liked how his daughter was smiling at Zack. Oh, no, not her first crush.
Maggie came in with dessert and after everyone enjoyed the chocolate cake, the kids were excused and went up to Zack’s bedroom.
“Seems like they’ve become fast friends,” Gina said. “I thank you, Jace. Your daughter is helping my son a lot.” She glanced at her sister. “I hated that Zack had to go through all the pain of the last few years.”
“You need to put that in the past. This is a new start.”
Lori reached over and covered her sister’s hand. “It’s a new beginning, Gina. We’re going to keep you safe.”
“Lori’s right,” Jace told her. “The security guard is on duty as we speak. Wyatt McCray will be touring the grounds during the night. He’s moved into the room behind the garage. His cover will be he’s working with Charlie. No one is going to hurt you or your son again.”
Tears formed in Gina’s eyes. “Thank you.”
Lori spoke up. “Has Eric been released yet?”
“Detective Rogers said he is scheduled to get out this Friday.”
“Good.” Jace nodded. “You and Zack were gone before he had a chance to know what your plans were. The fewer people who know the better. So we three, Maggie, Charlie, Wyatt and Sheriff Larkin are the only people who know about your situation. You’re divorced, and your past life is private.”
“I’m grateful, Jace. Thank you.” Gina stood. “I think I’ll go check on the kids.”
Lori watched her sister leave. “She’s still scared to death.”
“I know,” Jace said, hating that he couldn’t do more. “And I almost wish the creep would show up here so I could get my hands on him.”
“No, I don’t want that man anywhere near them ever again. Zack still has nightmares.” She put on a smile. “Thank you for all your help.”
His gaze held hers for longer than necessary. “Hey, we’re partners.”
Problem was, he wanted to be so much more.
BY THE end of the week Gina and Zack had settled in and were getting into a routine. Her nephew had started school and was making new friends. Of course, Cassie was still taking charge of Zack’s social schedule.
Life was great, Lori thought, as she arrived at the bank that cold, gray November morning. Thank goodness her car had seat warmers to ward off the near-freezing temperatures. She thought about the upcoming holidays and couldn’t help but smile. Her family would all be together.
She also thought of Jace. She wanted to invite him and Cassie to Thanksgiving at the house. Would he come? The memory of the kisses they’d shared caused a shiver down her spine. She was crazy to think about a future with the man, especially when he’d been telling her all along he didn’t want to get involved.
As she entered her office, she decided not to go to the construction site unless absolutely necessary. Besides, she had plenty to do at the bank to keep her busy for a long time. She looked down at the several stacks of files and paperwork covering the desktop. The last thing she wanted to do was spend all her time managing the number of properties, and the rest of the time at the bank. If only she could hire someone to oversee it all. And she didn’t trust the “three amigos” loan officers to handle things on their own. They’d already thought she was in over her head. Maybe she was, but she wasn’t going to let them see it.
She’d been working nearly two hours when there was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Lori called.
Erin walked in. She wore a simple black A-line skirt and a pin-striped red-and-white blouse. She was carrying a coffee mug and a white paper sack. “Break time?”
“Thank you, I could use it. Everything is getting a little blurry.”
“You should have more than coffee. Helen sent over some scones from the Silver