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She tried to tame her wild waves, but gave up when her fingers kept snagging on the tangles. And then she headed for the stairs.
Teague had found his pants from the night befo
re though he’d not bothered with a shirt and her eyes strayed to the scars on his body.
“Sabrina.” That was Jack.
He folded her into his arms and for a moment, she took the time to enjoy the feel of his warmth and his genuine concern. When he pulled away, she attempted a smile and was happy that she was able to pull it off.
“Hey,” she said softly.
“So,” he said carefully, watching her closely. “You and Teague. That’s not something I saw coming.”
“It’s not what you think,” she replied carefully.
“Then what is it exactly?”
“What it is, is none of your business, Jack,” she said, taking a step back.
His eyes narrowed and slid from her to his brother. There was a warning there, but then it was already too late for that. She’d gone and done something stupid and now she was going to have to deal with the fall-out.
“Hey,” she said, eyes on Jack. “I’m good and that’s all that matters.” She turned and headed for the kitchen. Her muscles were so tight it was a wonder that she could walk properly, but she made the effort to appear as normal as possible.
Just get through this, she thought.
Sabrina grabbed a mug from the cupboard and after she prepared her cup of coffee, she turned around and pasted a smile on her face—one that she hope hid all the turmoil inside her.
“How long you staying Jack?” she asked brightly.
Jack was still watching her, and that made her uncomfortable. The man had always had a sixth sense about things. It was one of the reasons he was such a good politician. He could read people and he was damn good at it.
“I’ve got a meeting at six tonight in New York, so I’m heading back to the airport in a few hours.”
“Oh, quick trip then.”
He nodded and glared at his brother. “Yeah. All for nothing, I guess.”
“Well, I’ll leave you guys alone then. I’m sure there’s lot to catch up on. Pop over to see the kids before you go if you have time. They’ll be home in a few hours and I know they’d love to see you.”
Even Sabrina was impressed with how normal she sounded. How unaffected by everything she was. Her performance was almost Oscar-worthy.
“I will,” Jack replied, looking from her and to Teague. Jack’s brother leaned against the countertop, holding a mug of steaming coffee. There was no expression in his face. It was as if he’d already checked out.
Teague cleared his throat and set his mug down. He shoved his hands into the front pockets of his jeans and his dark eyes never left hers.
“I’ll see you later?” he asked, his voice low.
A heartbeat passed.
Sabrina nodded. “You know where I am.”
She called Bingo and the puppy ran after her, yipping happily at her heels as she walked across the driveway in careful, measured steps. She didn’t look back—she kept her gaze focused ahead.
Once inside her cottage, all of Sabrina’s bravado seeped out of her like air from a balloon. She exhaled and ran to the kitchen, tossing her coffee into the sink. She gasped. There was no air. God, she couldn’t breathe.
Clutching at the edge of the counter, her thoughts whirled and images attacked her mind, taunting her. Images of Teague and the time they’d shared these past few weeks. Scattered thoughts and images of a future she wanted. She hadn’t realized just how much she’d wanted it until this very moment.
Sabrina slammed her eyes shut and put her fist in her mouth so that the guttural scream inside her stayed exactly where it should be. Buried. And hopefully never heard again.
