An Irresistible Bachelor (An Unforgettable Lady #2)(41)

He lifted his arm and took off the Patek Philippe wristwatch he wore. He’d bought it when the first company he’d ever invested in went public and made him a millionaire a couple of times over. It was gold, with a black alligator band, and he didn’t take it off except for when he showered, even though it was waterproof to some ridiculous depth.

He laid it faceup next to her can of brushes, hoping she’d use it until he figured out what kind of clock to install for her. The thing kept perfect time, and with any luck, she’d know when it was lunchtime now.

Jack was just stepping outside as Thomas got out of his car. The Pontiac GTO was the man’s pride and joy. Deep purple with lots of chrome, it was the quintessential muscle car.

“You’re home early, old man.”

Thomas let out a shout of laughter. “They call her the fair Angelina, not the faithful. Found another backseat she was interested in trying out.”

“Sorry about that.”

Thomas grinned and ambled over. “S’all right. There’ll be others.”

They walked into the kitchen together.

“Beer?” Thomas asked, throwing open the fridge.

When Jack nodded, a bottle came flying through the air at him. He caught it, opened it, and sent it back across the counter. Thomas tossed another at him.

“So that conservationist’s a looker,” Thomas said after a deep draw.

Jack frowned, twisting his cap off. “Yeah.”

“How’re you two getting along?”

“Is that an honest question or a leading statement?” Jack tipped the bottle back, swallowing hard. It was better than cursing.

“Lil’ bit of both. Right now, you’re prowling around like you’re on a short leash with a plate of food just out of reach. So it makes me wonder.”

“You’re reading into things.”

“Don’t think so.”

Jack was sorely tempted to go with a lie but he knew he wouldn’t get away with it. Not with Thomas. The man had known him his whole life.

“It’s no damned good.” Jack shook his head. “And the timing is awful. Just when I decide to settle the hell down. I thought I was through chasing women.”

“You’re lucky it happened now. Before things got permanent.”

“Is this why you never got married?”

Thomas grinned. “Naw. I never got married because the woman I loved wasn’t interested in me.”

“Really?”

“I know. Can you believe it? With all my charm.” Thomas arched his neck to finish the beer. His eyes had a faraway look in them when his head came back to level. “She wouldn’t have me. Thought she was too good for me and was probably right.”

“What happened to her?” Jack polished his beer off and put it down.

Thomas shrugged. “What does it matter?”

“Maybe you could have a second chance.”

“There are no second chances, Jack-o’-lantern,” the man said, using the old childhood name. He tossed his beer into the trash. “I’m heading upstairs. Night.”

“Hey, Thomas?”

“Yeah?”

“If Callie doesn’t surface around noontime for some eats, bring something up to her, will you?”

Thomas smiled, long and slow. “Sure thing.”

When the man went up to bed, Jack headed to his study and called Blair’s cell number. It rang three times and he got voice mail. He tried the Waldorf, where she had been staying, and then remembered she’d moved into the Cosgrove. When the front desk answered and he asked for her, they transferred him immediately, but there was no answer.

He checked his watch. It was 10:30. She was probably still hard at work.

Jack rubbed his hand over tired eyes. It was a good thing she hadn’t picked up. He was in a rush to get through the hard conversation and might have been inconsiderate enough to try it over the phone.

Besides, his mind was as clear as silt.




The next morning, Callie left her room quickly. After what had happened the night before, she would rather not run into Jack. Or his mother.

She was surprised to find Thomas in the kitchen, but he explained an early night had meant he’d been up with the sun and in the mood to make bread.

She grabbed a piece of fruit, because it was the only way he would let her go without making her breakfast, and went to the garage. Arthur was excited by the rush, prancing alongside her.

When she got upstairs and sat down in front of the painting, she saw a heavy gold watch set carefully beside her tools.

She picked it up, recognizing it immediately.

“Oh, Jack.”

She’d spent most of the night sitting on the window seat, a satin pillow cradled in her arms, Arthur asleep on the floor next to her. In the quiet hours, she’d attempted to negotiate a compromise between what was good for her and what she wanted. It was like trying to broker peace between warring tribes.

Which was a bit of a surprise considering how clear-cut the situation was. She knew it would be crazy to think Jack would end his engagement. So if she were to get involved with him, she was just going to end up exactly where her mother had. As second best to a rich man’s better half.

She was going to have to make it her business not to get caught alone with him again.