Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)(22)

It was only when he was back in the relative safety of the locker room that he realized she probably thought he’d retreated to do just what she’d suggested. And there didn’t seem to be a way to tell her otherwise.

* * *

LARISSA FINISHED CLEANING up her massage room, then turned off the lights and walked toward her office. Jack’s inexplicable behavior still had her shaking her head. She didn’t like that he was making a habit of running out on her. Plus, she hadn’t finished her massage, so she knew he would be in pain. Her job was to prevent that. They had a really big problem—all penis puns aside—and she didn’t know how to fix it.

Yes, the whole erection thing had been a bit awkward. Personally, she’d found it difficult to think about anything else and she would guess he’d had the same problem. While she wanted to take credit for his aroused state, she had a feeling it was a lot more about circumstances than any allure on her part. She also knew exactly who was to blame.

She walked into her small office only to find her cell phone ringing. A single glance at the screen warned her the caller was the person who had started all this mess.

“Hi, Mom,” she said when she answered.

“Larissa, dear, I’m checking in. How are things?”

Complicated. Embarrassing. Confusing. There were so many words, she thought, not sure if the situation was comical or tragic. Probably a little of both, she thought.

“Things are good,” she said, taking the easy way out. “How about with you?”

“The usual. Your sister is finally admitting she’s pregnant.”

“The baby’s due in a couple of months.”

“You know that and I know that, but she’s been avoiding the truth. Your stepfather and I are going over this weekend to help with the nursery. A little paint, some new bedding and they’ll be ready.”

Larissa settled in her chair. “I’m sure they appreciate your help.”

“I’m sure they do. How are things with Jack?”

Larissa caught her breath. “That was subtle.”

“I wasn’t trying to be. He told you I talked to him.”

“Yes, and what you said.”

“I’m not wrong.”

Larissa drew in a deep breath and told herself to stay calm. “Mom, I’m not in love with Jack.”

“Really? When was the last time you went on a date?”

“I haven’t met any single guys here, yet. I’ve only been in town a few weeks.” It was more like months, but why say that. “I’ve made lots of girlfriends and that’s more important right now. I want a support network.”

“Why? You have a loving family, but fine. Have your girlfriends.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Oh, Larissa, I’m not trying to be difficult.”

“Maybe not, but you embarrassed me, Mom. You shouldn’t have said what you did to Jack. He’s my boss.”

There was a pause. “All right. You might be right about that, but I only did it for your own good.”

“Trying to get me fired so I can move back to L.A.? How does that help me?”

“You need more than your feelings for Jack and your causes. You’re so busy trying to save the world, you never have any time for yourself. Jack exacerbates the problem. You’re so close that you’re getting most of your emotional needs met, but you’re not actually in a relationship. It’s a dangerous situation. You’re not thinking about your future. Don’t you want to get married and have children?”

Talk about blunt, Larissa thought, telling herself that her mother was wrong about all of it. She had to be. “Eventually. What I don’t want is to do it on your timetable.”

“I know, honey, but I’m terrified you’re making choices for the wrong reasons. That you’re hiding behind your so-called good works. Yes, saving animals is important, but so is saving yourself. You don’t have to say anything, just promise me you’ll think about it.”

“Only if you promise to never pull anything like that again.”

“I promise.”

“Me, too.”

“Good. Now let me know when you plan to come for a visit. Your stepfather recently hired a couple of very nice, single accountants in his office. I think you’d like them both very much.”

And the conversation was going to end the way it started, Larissa thought, not sure if she should laugh or scream.

“I’ll talk to you soon, Mom.”

“All right. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Bye.”

* * *

JACK WALKED TO the break room. He needed coffee. Actually what he needed was a drink, but it was too early in the day. He had plenty of vices without going down that particular path. But even without drinking, he was a mess. He couldn’t focus and he knew the cause. But what was he supposed to say to make things right?

He poured himself a large cup of coffee then rummaged around in the cabinet. There were plenty of cookies and chips, along with protein bars and other healthy alternatives. But he wasn’t hungry.

“Hey,” Sam said as he walked into the break room. “What’s going on?”

“Not much,” Jack said with a silent wince.

For a second he thought about asking Sam to tell Larissa that he didn’t masturbate, but he stopped himself. Seriously, how was that going to work? First, he could never have that conversation with anyone and second, Sam would never pass the news on to Larissa. Even worse, Jack would hear about it for the rest of his life. No, better to suffer in silence.