“Sure, Reverend.” He seemed nice enough, after all. She had no reason not to be courteous. Though it was obvious Jack had some beef with him. So Liza simply smiled and gave a slight wave, adding, “Thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself.”
“Pleasure to meet you,” he repeated. He seemed almost reluctant to leave. As though his presence would put a halt to any more sinning taking place in Jack’s rental? Seriously?
Jack took a small step closer to Liza. She could feel the heat emitting from his body, could smell his dark, musky scent, which aroused her senses all over again. Her insides coiled tight and she wished Bain would snap up his exit because she really wanted to get back to Jack.
“Have a nice afternoon,” she said.
He nodded, then turned and descended the three porch steps, in no particular hurry.
Liza’s brows knitted together. “Strange bird,” she muttered when Bain was out of earshot. She whirled around to go back inside the house, but Jack didn’t budge.
Staring up at him, she tried to read his expression, but couldn’t make out the dark look on his handsome face.
“Problem?” she asked.
His jaw tightened for a brief moment. Then he moved out of the doorway and ushered her in, putting his hand on her back again. Liza noticed he locked the door behind them.
What was with the super-massive lock-down in Mayberry?
Confused, she plopped down on the leather sofa and said, “So what gives? You went all Rebel Without a Cause on me.”
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry. I don’t like him shoving his personal beliefs down everyone’s throat.”
“Oh well, yeah. I didn’t need a house call to let me know about Sunday worship. Not exactly a New World Order.”
She realized a moment later that Jack hadn’t directly referred to the reverend’s occupation. He hadn’t used the word “religion.” Rather, he’d said “personal beliefs.” Which, in her mind, cast a much wider net.
He sank into the sofa next to her and she snuggled close to him, wishing like hell he was naked again. Dropping a hand on his rigid stomach, she said, “So, you’re running for City Council. That’s a pretty big undertaking.”
“That’s putting it mildly in this town.” His voice sounded distant, as though he was lost in thought. When he moved away and stood up suddenly, Liza wondered what was weighing so heavy on his mind.
The answer hit her like another anvil.
“Oh hell,” she said as she smacked her palm against her forehead. Duh! His gaze snapped to Liza as she asked, “You’re not experiencing some sort of ‘I debauched the innocent’ moment, are you?”
His expression changed completely. From pensive to surprised. He shook his head and said, “I hadn’t exactly thought about it in those terms. But I do know how people react in this town. Your reputation’s gonna take a hit, darlin’, now that the reverend knows what we’ve been up to this morning. Even though it’s been a long time since…” His voice trailed off and he rolled his eyes.
She stood and took a step toward him. “A long time since…what?” she asked in a soft voice, liking this new revelation. “Since you’ve made love?”
Jack smirked at her as if to say, “No, since I flew a kite.”
Smiling, she confided, “You’re not the only one. But again…not a virgin, so you’re off the hook.”
He didn’t exactly grin at her, but the scowl was gone. “So you’re not feeling debauched?”
“Are you kidding? In fact, I was just thinking—”
“Are you hungry?” he interjected before she got her say in how to spend the rest of the afternoon. Under the covers.
Her brows knitted together at the sudden change of subject. But she spared a glance at the clock in the kitchen. It was after two.
“As a matter of fact, yes, I am.”
“Great. Why don’t we head into town? I’ll buy you lunch.”
“You made breakfast. I owe you.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he said, his voice still holding that far-off note.