Can't Stop the Feeling (Whispering Bay Romance 6)

Poor kid.

She wondered if Ben knew what a bitch Greta was. Most likely he did. She remembered how he’d overruled Greta the other day on the bedtime issue, so he had to know she was a stickler for the rules. Maybe that’s the way he wanted his daughter brought up. Whatever the case, it really wasn’t any of Jenna’s business.

* * *

Jenna drove her car up to the podium in front of The Harbor House and handed her keys to the valet. She’d changed (or she’d never hear the end of it from Kate) out of her work clothes and into the white jeans Kate had practically ordered her to wear. Coupled with a black silk shirt and a pair of strappy high heeled sandals, she had to admit she’d taken extra care to look good for this non-date of hers.

Ben was already in the bar when she arrived. He wore jeans and a light blue polo shirt. He stood and not-so-discreetly checked her out. By the look on his face, he liked what he saw.

Good. Eat your heart out, Ben Harrison!

Then she remembered the images on the computer of him and Tiffany McAdams. Compared to her, Jenna was practically a troll. Still, there was satisfaction in knowing that she looked her best and that her best wasn’t too shabby.

“You look great,” he said.

“Thanks.” So do you. Not that she planned to say that out loud.

There was a moment’s awkwardness when she thought he might try to hug her, but instead he pulled out a stool for her and signaled the bartender. She ordered a white wine, and he ordered a club soda.

He raised his glass in the air. “Go Canes,” he said referring to the nickname for their alma mater.

“Let’s beat those Noles,” she responded automatically.

“I don’t know, FSU is looking pretty good this year.”

She scowled. “What kind of Hurricanes fan are you? FSU always looks good. That doesn’t mean they’re going to beat us. We look pretty good, too. Especially with our new coach. I’m predicting that this is Miami’s year to win an ACC championship.”

He grinned. “I forgot how passionate you are about college football.”

“It’s the only way to spend a fall Saturday in the south.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Are you sure you’re not married? Because I can’t believe some smart guy hasn’t swooped you up by now.”

“Maybe I’m not married because I choose not to be.”

“You have something against marriage?”

“Not at all. I just refuse to settle. If the right person were to come along, I’d definitely consider it.”

“By the way,” he said, holding her gaze, “In case you were wondering, Rachel is my niece.”

There was no way she could hide the surprise on her face.

“She was my brother’s child.”

“Was?”

“Jake and his wife, Cindy, passed away a couple of months ago.” It was said without emotion, except there was something in his dark eyes that made her want to wrap her arms around him. If it was anyone but him, she probably would have.

She thought back to her earlier conversations with Rachel. No wonder she’d seemed excited when Jenna said that she knew her father. The poor thing. She’d unwittingly confused the little girl, and for that she was deeply regretful.

“I’m sorry about your brother and his wife, and I’m so sorry that I told Rachel I knew Jake.”

“You thought that I was her father.”

“Yes.” She paused, not sure if she should go there. “How did they die?” she asked as gently as anyone could ask that sort of question.

“I’d rather not talk about it, if you don’t mind.”