He tightened his grip around her smaller hand. “This inability to see yourself as you should—that comes from where?” Because no woman deliberately dressed herself down and downplayed such incredible looks without a damn good reason.
Her lips shut as if she could stop the truth from coming out by sheer willpower alone.
“Bad relationship?” he hazarded a guess.
“Bad upbringing,” she shot back, then opened her eyes wide at the realization that things were finally out in the open between them.
“Go on.” He sat back and waited, but didn’t release her hand, knowing their emotional connection could only be strengthened by physical touch.
“First I was an accident, then I was a disappointment. My father wanted a boy. He got me instead.” As she spoke, the light in her expressive eyes dimmed. “Over time I learned not to expect too much.”
“And your parents never delivered.”
“Right.”
He shook his head, anger and frustration filling him at two people who’d created a child and then proceeded to negate her sense of self-worth. He’d at least had his father behind him. Mallory had h
ad herself—and she’d managed to chart her own destiny.
In Jack’s mind, she’d taken the wrong course. Hiding herself couldn’t make her happy for long, but only she could realize that truth. If he happened to nudge her in the right, sensual direction, he’d be happy to help her out. Not just for selfish reasons but because she deserved to experience all life had to offer—and not see those wonderful things skewed behind thick, oblique lenses.
“Your parents were wrong, you know.”
She shrugged, but her intense stare told him she was listening.
He wondered if she believed him and made it his mission to be sure she was paying attention. “And it’s their loss—missing out on you.”
Her eyes filled with moisture, gratitude evident. She inhaled a shaky breath. “Thanks again. Truth’s a wonderful thing and I don’t hear it much.”
An emotional lump formed in his throat. “When I’m with you, my body tells you exactly how I’m feeling. What’s the point in lying now?” As if by suggestion, he shifted in his seat to alleviate the sudden discomfort in his groin.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re a nice guy?” Her lips lifted upward in a grin that warmed him and chased away the chill that had always surrounded his heart.
He shook his head. “I’ve never given anyone reason before.”
Mallory struggled to calm her pounding heart. This connection between them was growing stronger. She felt it.
She wanted to run from it but didn’t dare. Talking past her emotions wasn’t easy but she owed Jack for easing a huge burden she’d always carried with her. “About the jealousy bit?” She changed the subject back to last night. “I didn’t enjoy the act.”
In fact, the bartender’s sweaty palms and let-me-show-you-a-good-time attitude had turned her off from the beginning. Only her search for information had kept her rooted in her seat and had forced her to allow his unwanted attention.
“I didn’t want him touching me.” She gazed at Jack through heavy eyelids. “I wished it was you.”
His skin drew tight over his cheekbones as awareness raced between them. “I appreciate you returning the favor,” he said finally.
She knew he was referring to her honest answer and nodded. She’d give him even more honesty later. Because this conversation had proven to her without a doubt—she wasn’t finished with Jack Latham.
“Now, care to tell me what you uncovered about Lederman?” Jack lowered his voice.
Grateful for normal conversation, Mallory looked around. The restaurant had grown more crowded and a low hum of voices droned on around them. They could easily talk in hushed tones without being overheard, or so she thought until she turned toward the hostess station.
Mallory let out a groan. “I wish I could, but Alicia Lederman’s doing the rounds of the tables, talking to customers.”
“Food’s up.” The waitress arrived with their plates, giving them yet another reason to postpone talking business.
He let out an equally frustrated sound. “Guess we’ve got to wait.”
Mallory nodded and reached for her fork. Since this trip, she’d gotten good at waiting.