?
??I am tired,’ she admitted, with a yawn. But the thought of Jason waiting for her, perhaps with all kinds of nefarious designs on her body, quickened her pulse and chased the beginnings of fatigue away.
They wished the chef all success in his venture, avoided the lone ‘paparazzo’ of the Bledburn Gazette, who was busy smoking by the bus stop anyway, and hurried to where Lawrence had parked before anyone could see them.
‘Thanks, that was nice,’ she said automatically, climbing into the passenger side.
‘Yes, wasn’t it? Look, Jen.’ He looked as if he was struggling to reach for the right words, and a sense of foreboding entered Jenna’s soul. Just turn the key in the ignition and drive, damn it.
‘I really am exhausted,’ she hinted. ‘Even that delicious coffee can’t seem to perk me up.’
Lawrence gave up.
‘Let’s get you home then,’ he sighed, revving up.
Outside Harville Hall, he turned off the engine, which Jenna thought was a bad sign. Did he expect to be invited inside?
‘Thanks again for a lovely evening,’ she said, her hand on the door handle.
She leant over and pecked him on the cheek.
He reached out and cupped her face, turning it so her lips were lined up with his.
‘Lawrence, I’m sorry, I don’t think this is …’
‘Shh.’ She tried to twist her neck away but he held her tight and close. His lips were hard and hot and that aftershave still threatened to overpower, even three hours later.
It only lasted a moment, Jenna making her reluctance absolutely clear by pushing against his chest.
‘I see,’ he said unpleasantly, then he took a deep breath and changed his tone. ‘Too soon. I see that. I’m sorry.’
‘I’m not in the market for a relationship,’ said Jenna. ‘If I didn’t make that crystal clear, then I’m sorry, but you need to know it, so I’m telling you now.’
‘On the Diamond rebound, I suppose,’ said Lawrence, moodily.
‘Exactly. I came here to make my life simpler, not more complicated.’
She felt her stomach lurch at the hypocrisy of her words. After all, what could be more complicated than the situation with Jason?
‘I’m not complicated,’ said Lawrence. ‘All I want is to treat you like a princess. Don’t you feel you deserve that?’
‘Please. I’ve said no. All I ask from you is that you respect that decision. If it means you feel you can’t see me again, then I’ll understand.’
‘No, Jenna, please. Not that. Can’t we be friends?’
‘Of course we can.’ Though it was against her better judgement. ‘Friends. Yes?’
She opened the car door.
‘At least let me walk you to the house,’ pleaded Lawrence, also getting out.
Jenna shook her head, looking anxiously at the upper windows for signs of Jason. She couldn’t see him, but then, it was dark now and there were no lights on.
Perhaps he’s gone to bed.
‘Honestly, I’m fine.’
‘It’s so dark now and there aren’t streetlights. You ought to get a security light for your front porch, you know.’