He called that evening.
At first, she was surprised to see his name on the caller id, but she quickly answered, almost anxious to talk to him.
It was silly because they'd spoken six hours earlier.
He'd buried his wife, but here he was calling to talk.
Lisa was reading on the couch, a discarded empty popcorn bowl on her coffee table, and she jumped with the shrill sound of her phone.
"Jack?"
"Hi Lisa, it's Jack. I'm sorry to call so late. I just realized how late it was."
"It's fine. I'm reading, and I knew it was you."
"You did, how?"
"Caller id, don't you have it?"
"No, I definitely do not. Don't see myself ever getting that. I have a simple old phone, with a long cord in my room and another in the kitchen. That's it for phones here."
"Ahh, I suppose asking if you are going to branch out and get a cell phone is not worth it."
"Cell phone? What's that?"
"Oh, seriously? Haven't you seen them? Newest technology, and mark my words-10 years from now, even kids will have cell phones. You can carry one with you, you know in a purse-"
"Definitely not doing that," he grumbled, and she grinned at his joke.
"Fine, in your pocket. Maybe one day they'll have cell phone holsters for a belt. You'll see. Imagine being able to take a call on a horse."
"I don't want to imagine that. Sounds terrible."
"Even in an emergency. Imagine how that could help."
"Suppose it would be handy for an emergency, but we have walkie talkies for that too."
"Anyway, fine, imagine traveling-"
"I don't travel."
She huffed and rolled her eyes, "Well, I do, and I just got one. I'm excited to have one for travel. The phones are very expensive still, charging by the minute for a call, but I'm very much looking forward to using it when I travel. No need right now mostly around Hudson, but as a single woman, it's nice to have that safety."
"I see your point, I mean, for you. Well, that's why you'll have one, but I never will."
"Really? You'll never have a cell phone?"
"Don't see the need."
"Well, that drifted off topic," Lisa paused. "I mean, you called, so what can I do for you?"
"Just wanted to chat, but if it's too late-"
"We already established it's not. I'm reading a book."
"I suppose you enjoy reading then?"
"I do. You?"
"Love to read. I read a lot of fly-fishing articles, but as far as books, I like a good Western. What do you enjoy reading?"
She scrunched up her face, not wanting to admit it. She could lie and say something like biographies, but she couldn't bring herself to do so. "I, ahh, enjoy the cheesy romance novels, you know, something goes wrong, and the girl has to find a prince charming."
"Ahh, yes, I see," he chuckled lightly.
"Marion read?"
"Horse magazines only. She journals about her horses. That's about it, oh, reads kids' books to Amy. Actually, she's been reading something about marriages lately, but I really don't want to talk about that."
"Sorry," Lisa made a face again, realizing no one was seeing those faces. "Ahh, how are you doing, I mean, with everything today?"
He let out a long sigh, "Oh, okay, I suppose. Unfortunately, it's numbing, I mean, burying family. I am sure you can relate."
"That it is," she nodded. "After everyone left my dad's funeral, I went out to the family mausoleum and just stared at all the names. So many gone."
"See that's one reason I enjoy talking to you. I did the same. I mean, after you left, I changed my clothes and took Paint out on a ride. You're not off the hook for meeting him one of these days, but Paint and I rode back out to the family cemetery and just looked at all the names-my grandparents, parents, sister-"
"Oh, Jack, I didn't know you lost a sister too. I'm so sorry."
"Yes, I was 18 when she died, farm accident. June. She was so lovely. I really miss her, but I would rather not talk about her either now."
"And here I complained about my sister to you back at the hospital. I didn't know. I'm sorry I brought up June."
"No, it's nice to hear her name. As for your sister, I was glad I could be a listening ear. We all have family who annoy us, and if that's your sister, I understand. Nothing to be sorry for."
"And, now you are home, and it's all very final, isn't it?"
"Yes," she heard him sigh. It grew quiet, and finally he spoke again. "I'm going to scatter her ashes tomorrow. We have a headstone for her to mark her life and to be alongside the family, but I'm going to do that tomorrow, somewhere special to me."
"That sounds lovely," Lisa said quietly.
"I was also calling to see about getting that coffee in a couple days after I've scattered her ashes."
"Oh," Lisa sat up slightly, somewhat surprised, although she had no reason to be. They'd had coffee before and talked about it just hours earlier. "Yes, I'd enjoy that. I'll be happy to lend an ear after that. I'm sure it will be emotional for you."
"I'd just enjoy having coffee with you, say Tuesday? Are you free? I know you have a very busy and demanding schedule, so just say the word. One good thing about working a ranch is that the cattle can't comment on my schedule."
She grinned at his attempt at a joke and stood up to retrieve her planner. "I think Tuesday is open. Let me check." She walked to the kitchen where she had a computer workstation setup. Her planner was there and open. "Yes, Tuesday is good. I have meetings Monday and Wednesday."
"Great, I am already looking forward to it."
"We're expanding our coffee horizons," she grinned into the phone. "Ahh, where to? Meet at Maggie's? I don't know the town well enough anymore to know where to get coffee. That's so sad."
"How about I pick you up?"
"I can meet you. I don't want to be a burden."
"I'm offering to take you for coffee, and how about this-I promise it's the best coffee around, best kept secret. I think you'll enjoy."
She scrunched up her face, "This sounds cryptic. It's local? We're not going to Calgary for coffee-oh wait, are we? That's fine if you don't want to be seen in town. People talk, and I don't want to give people the wrong idea."
"Local, promise, and town doesn't bother me. Everyone knows my business."
"Just don't want to stir up any problems."
"Such as?"
Lisa felt her face flush and tried to fumble through an answer, "I mean, you know, people talk, yes. I, ahh, we're friends."
"Like I said, best kept secret. So, how about 3:00?"
"That works for me. I'm anxious to see this best kept secret in Hudson. You've just said everyone knows everyone's business, and I would assume that carries for coffee."
"You'll see it on Tuesday."
"If you change your mind or aren't feeling to it, just let me know. Believe me, I understand, Jack."
"Won't be changing my mind, but thank you. Besides, I wouldn't know whether to call you at home or on this cell phone you've told me about."
She giggled into the phone, "Well, you don't even have that number."
"I'm trying," he said almost exasperated. "The lady won't give me the number."
She chuckled and smiled, sighing as she shook her head. "I'll give you the number. Now, tell me, do you think you'll be able to get some rest? You were looking worn out today."
"Here we go again about my being a grandpa."
"I didn't say that. I just said-"
"I look tired and old. I know that's what you think. Well, age is only a number. Maybe I feel 30."
"I'm 30."
"Yes, you said that, part of the reason I picked it. Surprised you're 30-I mean, well, I don't know. I am sorry I thought you were older. I-I don't know. I'm going to say the wrong thing."
"I'll let you off the hook. Hmm, well you're not 30, but even if you were, I'd still ask if you were tired. I'm 30, and I'm tired. You have to be after everything."
"I'll admit it's been a day, a few long days. Almost strange to think that a new normal is starting, and I am not sure I know what that is."
"A piece of advice-"
"Please."
She shrugged, "Get up and start your day. One step in front of the other. Live in the mundane-your barn chores, your morning routine. It will get easier. I'm not saying that in the middle of the day you won't pause and just wonder what is going on but keep a routine."
"Thanks, I appreciate that."
She yawned, and clapped her mouth shut, "Sorry, I was yawning."
"Now you have me yawning," he told her through the phone.
"Get some rest, Jack, and I hope you find comfort scattering her ashes. I'll see you for coffee in a few days."
"Lisa," he said, and she hummed, waiting for him to continue. It was silent a long time, and she almost spoke, but she let him work through whatever he had going on. "I'm really looking forward to coffee, hopefully part of that new normal."
"Me too. Night, Jack."
Lisa spent the next few days very busy around Fairfield. She spent several hours on the phone getting more of her dad's affairs in order. Thankfully, he was very organized and had left meticulous records, so she did not have a mess to clean up, just a lot of calls, transfers of assets, and paperwork. It looked like Tammy's money and Ben's trust was almost ready for transfer, and that made her happy. She hated that Tammy would blow the money, but it was out of her hands. At least Ben had money set aside for his education later. By Tuesday afternoon, after a long weekend of getting things situated, Lisa was ready to venture out for coffee, even if it meant the prying eyes of Hudson. If Jack was okay with their friendship on display, she was too.
She almost lost track of time-she was ready to go, but had gotten ready earlier and sat down at her computer to work when, before she knew it, Jack was ringing her doorbell. She hissed, scolding herself for losing track of time, but she jumped up quickly and checked her appearance in the hall mirror again before answering the door. She'd kept it casual and cool-today was a very warm day to be out and about. What was she supposed to wear for coffee? She really hadn't wanted to change from work earlier, and considering the heat and that she spent most of the day at her desk, she'd settled on a knee-length jean skirt, paired with her signature white blouse halfway open with a camisole under it. Simple, classy, yet not over the top for her work environment. She'd paired it with some gold sandals that weren't flashy either, just a simple slide on sandal. Knowing Hudson, even in something this simple, she'd be considered 'overdressed.' Her hair was piled on her head. It was too hot to do anything else but that right now. Ready for coffee, Lisa opened the door, hoping Jack was happy to see her.
"Hi," she smiled warmly at him, and at the moment she made eye contact, she could tell he was taking in her appearance. The eyes-they almost made her self-conscious, and she didn't know why. He snapped his head up and smiled at her.
"Good to see you."
"You too," she had her arm extended, holding open the door. "It's been a few days. I wasn't sure if you were around-"
"It's been good to have a few days of quiet. I mean," he fumbled there in the doorway, holding his hat like a gentleman, "I needed some quiet, got that time, and I'm looking forward to coffee. You ready?"
"Yes," she reached over to her entryway table and grabbed her bag. "Although, getting me is out of the way for you. I would have gladly met in town."
As she locked up, Jack chuckled, and when she turned to see his grin, she shook her head at him. "Told you, best kept secret. I couldn't be giving it away on the phone."
"Ahh, I see. Well, Cowboy," she nodded at his hat as he put it on his head. "Let's try this coffee. Wait," she put her hand on his arm as he opened the door to his truck. Lisa frowned at him, and used her finger to point in a circle, "This isn't that awful 'Cowboy Coffee' they talk about, really just hot water mixed with a few coffee beans?"
"I wouldn't do that to you," he winked, now holding the door. "Just trust it's good coffee. I mean, we survived hospital coffee."
"Touché," she pointed at him as she situated herself in his truck. When he closed the door and walked around to get in on the driver's side, she pursed her lips and gestured to the truck. "I'm guessing you have a lot of history with this truck."
"I do, but," he frowned, "is that you commenting it's old?"
"Absolutely," she grinned. "Was this your first truck?"
"It's not that old," he grumbled at her as he shook his head. "First truck," he repeated with a low chuckle.
"I mean, it was probably popular when I was learning to drive, you know, 15 years ago." She offered a sly smile at him.
As he put the truck in gear, he dropped his head and laughed, nodding at her. "This age thing is something to you. You won't let it go." He glanced at her, and she shrugged.
"It's, ahh, puzzling, I suppose. I told you we're friends, and we are, so I'm going to stop and not ruin this coffee outing. Let's get some coffee."
They didn't drive all that far, and in fact, Lisa was about to ask if this was going to turn into some murder mystery because instead of going toward civilization, they were going away from it. Soon, not all that far from her place, Jack turned off on a logging road, and she continued to eye him. She was surprised that each time she stole a glance, he was already glancing her way, and each time, he gave her a single nod. Trust him. She was trying.
The logging road finally opened to a clearing, and she looked around, noting some abandoned cabins. Finally, not able to stand it anymore, she turned toward him and frowned.
"Okay, I've been a good sport, but where are you taking me?"
"Told you," he winked. "Best coffee, and," as he pulled the truck past an abandoned cabin a large pond came into view. "We're here." He stopped the truck, and Lisa looked around, making a face as her eyes landed back on him. Finally, with him sitting there just studying her, she started to laugh.
"I hate to break this to you, but whatever little setup this was, it's closed and abandoned. I'm not seeing coffee here."
He hooked his hand to the truck bed, "I brought it along. Coffee is in the thermos. Best kept secret is this spot, this setting. I thought we could have coffee here by the pond, one of my very favorite spots."
Her eyes widened. She didn't see this coming at all. The spot was gorgeous, so far off the main road, yet, obviously somewhere and not that far from Hudson. She looked around, surprised and confused. "What is this place?"
Jack had already opened his door and was stepping out as Lisa looked around from her spot in the truck. Jack smiled when her eyes landed back on him, "My land. I own all of this, so I can promise that no Hudson comments will be made out here. Now, can I interest you in a cup of coffee?"
She didn't realize the fear-maybe, she had in her facial expression, but as soon as she smiled, she felt any worries fade away. She opened her door and stepped out, noting Jack was pulling things from the back of his truck. Lisa leaned over the side. "What did you bring with you?"
"A picnic of sorts," he glanced at her with a wink. "Coffee, of course. I promised the best kept secret and the best coffee. It is. I made it. Ahh, and a lovely lady dropped off a pie that I'm very much looking forward to eating. We have a lot of food at the house, but this is my weakness."
"Okay," she nodded, walking around to walk alongside him. The two started toward the pond, and Lisa looked around at everything. "So, what is this?"
"This ranch has been in my family for six generations. Long ago, this is where ranch hands lived. I know I should fix it up, but just too much to do right now, and I don't have extra ranch hands. It's one of my favorite spots. I really enjoy the solitude of the pond. If I'm not on a horse overlooking the entire 600 acres, I want to be here."
"Sounds lovely," she smiled at him.
He nodded, "Well, as I said, you'll meet Paint sometime, and I'll take you to my other favorite spot, up on the ridge overlooking everything."
"Coffee there too?" Lisa teased. Jack chuckled and nodded.
"Saddlebags are made to store thermoses."
She couldn't help but smile at him. Gosh he was handsome. He was surprising her-how drawn to him she was, how comfortable she was around him, but she needed to remember that they were friends. They walked further until Jack stopped and nodded, glancing to her, "This looks like a great spot." He put down the things in his arms, Lisa noticing a picnic blanket. She tilted her head and smiled, somehow not even thinking about where they would sit. She gestured for Jack to pass her some of the blanket, and soon, they were sitting down on it.
"This is quite the surprise," she nodded, looking at the spread he was pulling out of the basket. He'd mentioned the pie, but he'd also brought a fruit salad.
"Aren't I something?" Jack winked at her, and she chuckled, sighing as she tried to get comfortable. She tried sitting on her knees but finally sat with her legs stretched in front of her. Jack noticed she wasn't comfortable.
"I'm sorry. We can sit on the back of the truck. You're in a skirt-"
"I'm fine," she reassured him, putting her hand on his arm as he continued to prep their picnic. "This is really nice, Jack, a lot better than coffee at the hospital."
He turned and offered her a steaming cup of coffee, which she nodded her thanks. When Jack had prepped the food between them, he stretched out, leaning back on his elbow. She noted that he had to be warm-jeans, short-sleeve shirt, but still-it was hot.
"Are you comfortable out here? It's really warm today."
"Always good," he said with a roll of his head. "I'm used to this weather. Tell me about your day, the last few days."
"Oh," she waved her hand, "working on Dad's estate. It's coming along. Thankfully, he was good at business and left good records. I'll have to deal with some of his international holdings at one point, but not yet. How about you?" She turned her head to find him just hanging on her every word, studying her. It made her almost self-conscious, or no, very aware he was interested in her.
Friend. He was a friend. He'd lost his wife.
Grandfather. He was way too old for her in that way. They were in different places in life even though they had a lot in common, had lost a lot. She snapped from her thoughts when Jack started talking.
"It was good to get away Sunday. Needed that closure. Came back yesterday and you know," he pointed toward her, "I took your advice."
"What?" She wasn't sure what advice he'd taken and shook her head.
He nodded, "I tried to just take the day as it came, you know, like you said. I got home early afternoon, put my things up, and I just started on chores. Plenty of those to do. I do most of the cooking. Marion likes to bake, but she isn't much into cooking. Anyway, I was going to see what I could make for dinner, but we had all this food leftover. So, I made dinner. I read to Amy while Marion cleaned up. I helped Lou with a school project she was late getting in because of the funeral and all. Before I knew it, it was time for bed, although," he met her gaze, "I thought about calling you last night before I went to bed, but I decided I'd see you today. This morning, I got up, normal time, started chores, and as you said, just got back to my routine."
She offered a sad smile, "That's good, Jack. I know it doesn't make the pain go away."
"It doesn't," he said with a sigh, shifting slightly before he continued, "but, honestly, as I thought about it while I was away, I've been slowly letting go for some time."
They continued to talk, pausing to enjoy some of the picnic treats Jack had brought. Lisa laughed a lot. Jack laughed a lot too, and at one point, after the two had been in a laughing fit, Lisa glanced around the pond.
"It really is beautiful out here."
"It's a great view," Jack chimed in, and she turned to say more to him and found him again gazing at her. He was still leaning on his elbow and reached for her hand there on the blanket. "Look, Lisa," he paused, and she bit her lip, hoping this wasn't about to turn into something more awkward. "I am very, very attracted to you, and I know the timing is off. Quite frankly, I'm surprised at how strongly I feel," he met her gaze. "You know I was married a long time, and I know I still love my wife, but I also know life has to move on. I can't explain my attraction to you," he shook his head and sighed. "There's something magnetic, soothing about being around you. I know you are much younger, but quite frankly," he met her gaze again and shrugged at her, "I don't care, but I wanted you to know. I'd like this to be more than a friendly coffee date, I mean, going forward."
Lisa studied him, the lines in his face, the look in his eyes. He wasn't taking his eyes off her. She looked down to where he'd put his hand on hers.
"Jack," she began, looking up from their hands as she paused to gather her thoughts. "I'm flattered-"
He nodded, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that-"
"No, please," she put her hand out, briefly touching his chest as he shifted to sitting up to face her. She could hear him sigh, but he did then give her his attention. "You are an amazing man, and I'd by lying if I didn't say I felt an attraction too. I just, ahh," she paused again, "worry that we're at different stages in our lives. You did lose your wife. I am divorced. We've both had our trials, sure, but we can't change that you're an entire generation older than I am."
He frowned and glanced away, nodding as he did. He let out a long sigh again and turned back to her, "I'm sorry. I messed this up. I made things awkward where we had a good friendship."
"No," she put her hand on his on the blanket again. He looked down at their hands and took hers into his. She looked down at that, Jack's hand now clasped in hers, and when she looked up, Jack met her gaze.
"The other night," his voice cracked, "I know we were both hurting in our own ways. I refuse to think either of us used the other. That's not what that was," he said, his voice almost raspy, as he appeared to fight back emotions. "We connected, Lisa, and I mean that on many levels, at least I felt that, and yes, as I said, the timing looks really bad, but I'm tired of fighting my feelings. I've had to hold back on what I really wanted to tell my wife the last few years. The other night, being with you, was a feeling I can't describe feeling in a very long time."
Lisa wiped at her tears-where did they come from and why? She shook her head and briefly glanced away as she wiped at them again, finally giving Jack her attention again. "You're a grandfather."
"That is a fact that is not going to change, but it doesn't define how I might feel about you. You're a very beautiful, very attractive, 30-year-old woman. Tell me this-are you attracted to me?"
She waved her hand and looked up, "That doesn't matter-"
"It does. Just answer that question."
She met his gaze and sighed, "I'm not sure I am, I mean, that I can handle the age difference. I don't know why I'm stuck on you being a grandfather, so much older. It feels," she paused and shook her head. "I don't know."
"Okay," he nodded quietly. "I'm not going to push. I'm sorry again. I made this very awkward, and I do want you to know you've been a wonderful friend."
She nodded, biting her lip as she sighed, "As have you. I, ahh," she took a breath, "am going to have to do some traveling soon to settle my dad's overseas affairs. Maybe we can have coffee in town when I get back. I want to hold onto our friendship," she reached for his hand and squeezed it, giving him a sad smile. "I really do."
"I'd like that," he said, returning the sad smile. "Thank you for being honest. Your zest for life, your youthfulness is attractive to me as well, but I know that the age thing is a sticking point, so I will just stop talking."
"Thank you. I can't tell you how much it flatters me, to ahh, be wanted."
Jack started to gather their things, and Lisa sprang into action, helping him pack up their picnic. When things were put away, he helped her up, and the two folded the blanket, all done in silence. The truck wasn't far at all, but as Lisa looked toward it, it seemed like an agonizing walk.
The silence was killing her.
Walking next to a broken Jack killed her.
He'd just expressed his interest in her, and she'd turned him down.
Why?
He was a grandfather, and that freaked her out.
Why?
Lisa really didn't know why that was such a big problem. Her mind flashed to nursing homes, bottles of pills, walkers, wheelchairs-all the things that reminded her of aging, of old people, of grandfathers. Dentures. She shuddered, eyeing Jack. He continued with his eyes forward, the two making their way to the truck.
Why was it so far away?
He was a kind and decent man. He had a beautiful heart, a lovely family, a gorgeous ranch. He had integrity and acknowledged his timing and feelings were off.
He was broken.
She was broken.
Lisa wiped at her face again as they reached the tailgate. The two worked silently to put the things away, and like the gentleman he was, Jack walked Lisa to her door and opened it, his eyes studying her as she turned to step into the truck.
"Jack," the first word that had been spoken since she'd shut him down. S he turned back toward him and put her hand on his forearm. Jack glanced at her motion, and when her eyes met his, she put her other hand on his very scratchy face, her thumb moving over his stubble. Without thinking, she leaned up, and her lips met his. The kiss was soft and tender, Lisa's breathing ragged as she pulled toward him. Jack's arms circled her, pulling her into an embrace there at the door to the truck. Their soft kiss intensified slightly, Lisa now turned slightly against the door of the truck. As they broke apart, her eyes met his, and he cupped her face before he kissed her softly again. He eyed her, wondering what she might say now, and she squeezed his arm as she met that gaze.
"I needed to know."
"What does that mean?"
Lisa gestured to the truck, "I'll ahh, get in the truck now. Thank you." She turned to her seat and shifted to get into the truck. She couldn't look back at him. It was too hard to do right now. He closed the door while she smoothed her skirt that didn't need to be smoothed. She could hear him walk around to his door, and she only looked at him when he was in the truck and ready to turn the key.
If an attraction between two people could be actually magnetic, this was the perfect scene for it. The moment their eyes met, the two moved toward each other, Jack's arm moving to the back of seat, pulling Lisa's shoulder toward him. She cupped his face, and they embraced again. This kiss felt long and sloppy, not that it was bad at all, just almost a lazy kiss. It continued, the two enjoying the moment. Jack's free hand moved to her hair, and she felt him mess with her hair clip, her hair finally cascading down from her clip. His hand then moved through her hair, Lisa loving his soft touch. Before they got too carried away, Lisa broke for air.
"What's wrong with being a grandfather?" Jack asked out of the blue the moment they weren't kissing.
She looked down briefly and when she looked up, pursed her lips. He was eyeing her, and she dropped her head again as she shook it.
"I don't know."
"Is it some image thing?"
She snapped her head up, "No, I mean, you're very attractive. I told you I thought you were much younger."
"Then tell me about your image of a grandfather. We're getting to the bottom of this because you and I kiss way too well for this to be an issue."
She couldn't help but let a laugh escape at that, nodding in agreement. He was right, and finally, she shook her head again as she tried to explain, "Ahh, well, a grandfather to me-" Lisa started to tick off points on her hand. "I suppose nursing home, dentures," she winced, glancing his way, "spoon fed soft foods like mashed potatoes, bottles and bottles of pills, frail, hard of hearing, possibly bedridden, ahh," she paused and took a risk glancing Jack's way. He was nodding as he listened to her. At her pause, he looked up into her eyes.
"Okay, let's address your concerns. One," he held up a finger, "I don't live in a nursing home. I run a 600-acre cattle ranch pretty much on my own, which many 30-year-old men couldn't last a day. Two, I definitely don't have dentures. Full set of teeth-few fillings. Three, ahh," he paused, "these may be out of order, but sadly, my mind is hearing your worries over and over. "Three-the only spoon feeding I've done recently was for Amy, to help her with her dinner. Give me a good steak. Not spoon fed, never plan to be. Four-what was it-pills? Sure, I take vitamins and cholesterol pills, but that's it. Very healthy. Even people your age have more pills sometimes. Next, did you say frail?" He eyed her, and she winced and nodded. "Not frail. Up and about just fine. I fix anything at home, haul lumber and supplies, ride horses all day. Worst thing I have is arthritis from the rodeo days. I'll just also comment that I hope it's clear from the other night I'm not frail, which leads into bedridden. I've seen enough of that the last months, and I'm only getting into a bed to sleep or," he glanced her way and met her gaze, "to join a beautiful woman of my choosing." Lisa felt her face blush and bit her lip to take her mind off his comments. Jack didn't waver from his gaze, and finally, after letting that last comment hang, he lowered his head slightly to meet her gaze. "Does that about cover it?"
She swallowed hard, and finally, Lisa found her voice, "I think that covers it."
"Okay," he said, putting the truck in gear as if he'd asked her the most basic of questions. "Let's get you home."
Nothing more was said on the drive home. Lisa couldn't remember a thing about the drive, which was alarming enough. Her mind went over and over things in her head-the kiss. Okay, that's all she thought about-kisses. The kiss at the truck door. The kiss in the truck, not to mention the plethora of kissing they'd done a few nights prior.
He was a good kisser.
He didn't kiss like a grandfather, whatever that meant.
He most definitely wasn't frail.
As he pulled into her driveway, she made a decision. She needed time away to yes, take care of her dad's affairs, but also time away from Jack. She didn't want to hurt him. Okay, she didn't want to hurt whatever this was-a friendship maybe more.
She fully expected to jump from the truck as soon as Jack put it into park, but she found herself blurting out what came to mind.
"Marion-I'm close in age, both of us with blonde hair. I feel it's so," she sighed and shook her head, not sure what she wanted to finish that sentence with.
"I don't see it," Jack shook his head. "I see my daughter in Marion. Yes, she's a grown woman with kids of her own, but I still see the toothless girl on her pony. In you," he turned his head, and Lisa about melted when her eyes locked with his, "I see you, a beautiful woman, I mean," he frowned and his face turned red. "Marion is beautiful, yes, but she's my daughter. I see you as a gorgeous woman, and I don't see those boundaries ever getting close to each other. I don't think of you as being younger than Marion. I think of you as a very attractive woman, mind and body. I mean that. You're so easy to talk to, and I'm more and more physically attracted to you by the minute. It shocks me men aren't beating down your door because you're a knockout Lisa. I don't care I'm older than you, and I don't care if others care. People are going to say it's too soon or that there's too much of an age gap. I mean, what is the right amount of time or the right age gap? Shouldn't that be for us to decide? I don't care. I am very, very attracted to you, and I really like being with you. I'm just telling you everything, all cards on the table. I don't want to regret not saying something."
"Thank you," she said softly, nodding. She opened the door, and Jack, taking that as her answer, opened his. Still being a gentleman, he walked around to help her out of the truck. The two walked to her door. Lisa had her key in hand, ready to make a quick break, but before they reached the door, she reached for his hand.
Jack's hand fit so perfectly in hers. Dan's had always felt, well, not right. She looked to their hands and then up to find Jack staring down at her. At her door, her hand was shaky as she opened it with the one hand, Lisa unable or unwilling to now pull her hand from his. When she'd opened the door, she turned to thank him again.
"Your hair clip," Jack's voice, in a low rumble, produced her clip from his pocket. She clasped it in his hand, and she smiled softly at him. With both hands clasped-one set of hands holding and the other clasped around the hair clip, Lisa stood on her tiptoes and was greeted with Jack's lips again. He squeezed their joined hands, and Lisa let out a jagged breath after their short kiss.
"I, ahh, am going to have to do some traveling to take care of my dad's international business."
"Okay," he said tentatively, obviously wondering what was coming next. Lisa took a deep breath and looked up at him again.
"Ahh," she said with a jagged breath, "if you want to come inside, I'll tell you about my plans, my trip, please."
Jack didn't answer, but his hand, still in hers, tugging at it, seemed to be answer enough.