AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The first rule in any battle—know your competition.
He’d figured out the man’s sexual preference within five minutes. Not that Armand had tried anything—if he had, he sure as hell wouldn’t still be sitting in his living room, friend of Kate’s or no friend. No, what had tipped Jack off was Armand’s reaction upon learning his name.
He’d acted just like one of Kate’s gal pals.
“Oh, so you’re Jack.” He’d looked at Jack’s arms and hands, raised a falsely surprised brow and said, “Hmm, no broken arms or fingers, did your building simply lose phone service for a month? Is that why you never called her?”
Yep. Definitely gay.
Once they’d gotten past those first awkward minutes, with Armand trying to punish him for not calling Kate, and Jack trying to change the subject, they’d actually enjoyed an interesting hour of conversation. The guy had even brought a six-pack of beer, two-thirds of which they’d already killed off.
Armand was part of Kate’s other life. Her Chicago life. The life Jack fully intended to share when they both finished up what they had to do in Pleasantville and closed this door behind them. He wanted to see her through Armand’s eyes.
Most of what he learned did not surprise him.
She loved the theater and saw nearly every touring production that came through town. A given.
She hated snow. Unusual, considering her Chicago address. But she did like long walks on windy days.
She’d put herself through college at night while working any job she could get, not finishing up her bachelor’s degree until a few years ago. That reinforced what he already suspected—everything she had, she’d worked damn hard for. Nothing had been handed to her; she relied on her talent and her perseverance to succeed.
Her cousin Cassie had financed their Chicago shop, but, mostly due to Kate’s excellent management, Bare Essentials had already earned enough to pay off the loan.
One more intimate little detail Armand let drop—Kate hadn’t dated any man more than twice in over two years, and he doubted she’d slept with any either. Well, praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.
“So, how was Bunko night?” Jack asked when he could finally get a word in edgewise.
Kate grinned. “Wonderful. I loved it. And, I tell you, there might actually be a client base in this town for Bare Essentials.”
Armand raised a surprised brow. “Get out!”
She told them about her evening, then said, “I know a woman named Viv who would probably adore seeing your new designs.”
“It sounds like Tortureville hasn’t quite lived down to your expectations,” Armand said.
She didn’t answer for a moment, looking deep in thought. Something seemed different about Kate tonight. She looked less pensive, much more relaxed. Jack didn’t think it was only because of her friend’s visit. Nor did he think it was entirely because of what had happened between them last night.
And again this morning in her bedroom next door.
“I think we both had a few surprises from our returns to Pleasantville,” Jack murmured.
She looked up and met his eyes, a soft smile curling her lips. Next to her, Armand looked back and forth between the two of them. “Okay, it looks like somebody has forgiven somebody for his telephone-itis.”
“Not entirely forgiven,” Kate said.
Jack raised a questioning brow.
“But he’s getting closer.”
Seeing warmth in her gaze, Jack gave her a slow, steady look, telling her without words that he’d keep doing whatever he had to earn her forgiveness.
“I’m suddenly feeling very third wheel here. Kate, I do hope you have room for me to crash at your place, because I didn’t make a hotel reservation or anything.”
“I think the hotel in Pleasantville only rents by the hour anyway,” Kate said with a grin. “Of course you’ll stay with me. I don’t have an extra bed, or very much furniture at all. But I do have a sleeping bag.”
“You can stay here.” Jack’s tone allowed for no argument. “There’s an extra, fully furnished bedroom.” Two, really, since Jack fully intended to sleep in Kate’s bed, anyway.
“Wonderful, thank you.” Armand turned to Kate. “And tomorrow you take me downtown to show me the new store. Plus all the horrible places you remember from your teenage years. Your high school, the predictable barber shop, movie theater and fire station where they host pancake breakfasts. And you must introduce me to Viv. Does she have poufed-up blond hair, tacky plastic shoes and like to crack bubblegum?”
