“About what?” Gillian inched closer to the window. “We have nothing to talk about.”
“How about the manager of your complex informed me you’re not renewing your lease?” Barbara’s tone dripped condescension. “Why on earth you’d be so irresponsible I’ll never understand. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a suitable place to live, especially for someone like you?”
“I’m not. Obviously I am aware of my needs in a residence, Mother. I’ve started looking for another place.” Gillian crushed the resentment and fear her mother’s disapproval often brought. She was a grown woman. “I don’t need to be living here.”
“Now you listen to me, I got you that place so you would be safe. How dare you—”
“You got it so you could keep tabs on me, just as you’ve always done. Was there something else you called about?” Gillian nudged at a CD case on the floor. “If not, I really do have to go. I have plans for tonight and need to get organized.”
“Yes, I expect you to be here tomorrow for tea. The Ladies Club will be in attendance and we’re organizing our first spring social. Not only that, it would be good to meet Lenny. He is my husband, and as such it’s high time you showed a little respect. How you got to be so disrespectful I have no idea, but it needs to stop.”
Gillian leaned her forehead against the wall at the biting tone in her ear. How typical for Barbara not to consider anyone beyond herself. Just like with every husband, she expected Gillian to parade around them, soothing ruffled feathers and acting the dutiful daughter. Grinding her teeth, she squeezed her eyes shut until they ached. “I’m sorry, I have plans already.”
“Cancel them. Be here at eight sharp, it’s over at two. Do not make me come and get you.”
Gillian wished she could tell her to fuck off but made some noise of agreement and then straightened at the ringing of her doorbell. “I have to go. Good night.” Hanging up on her mother wasn’t the wisest thing to do, but desperation called. She tossed the phone onto the counter, smoothed her hands over her hips, and strode to the door. She gasped in relief as she opened it, the faint hope she hadn’t been stood up flaring to life like a freight train.
A dark leather jacket covered his broad shoulders, a gray shirt peeked from the collar, and faded denim hugged his hips and legs. “Sorry I’m late.” Jack held out a white lily. “Got carried away helping a friend who was supposed to leave yesterday, but his partner wound up having to spend a few more hours at the office.”
“Not a problem. Uh, just let me put this in some water.” Gillian left the door open and hurried across the foyer to the kitchen. She poured water into one of the tallest glasses she owned and inhaled the light fragrance of the bloom. She set the glass near the window and turned, her eyes sweeping for her purse, keys, and cell. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind one ear, she picked up a light coat.
“Cute earrings.” Jack pointed at her ears.
Gillian gasped and reached for the dangles. Embarrassment flooded her as she felt the familiar shapes of the earrings she wore around the school-aged students she’d seen earlier. “Oh my goodness. I am so sorry, let me just…” She cringed at the strident ring of the phone. Lifting it, she sighed. How like her mother not to give up and take the hint. Her thumb hovered over the Talk button, a faint tremble in it. Should she?
“Do you want to get the phone?” Jack leaned back against the door, his hands tucked neatly into his pockets.
“Um, no.” Gillian tugged at the earring for a second, her teeth worrying her bottom lip before she grabbed her things. “It’s an old conversation that’ll keep. Trust me, let’s just get going.” She shooed him out when he looked ready to disagree.
She followed behind him and raised a brow at the sight of the battered Chevy parked in her visitor’s parking spot. The old truck had obviously been around a bit, but the paint was perfect, the tires clean. He obviously took care of it. “You drive a Chev pickup?”
“Yeah, it’s seen better days, but it still runs like a top.” Jack opened the passenger door. “After you.”
Gillian hoped he wouldn’t notice her nerves, slid into the cab, and reached for the seat belt as he closed the door. She watched him circle the hood and open the driver’s door. Dressed in jeans and a polo shirt, he looked good. Almost as good as he did in a tux—or rather out of it. She ducked her head to hide the flush covering her cheeks. She could feel the arousal building, her blood running hot and slow through her veins. A warm pulse built between her legs.
“I figured we could head over to Ellenora’s for dinner. They have a great buffalo burger.”
Gillian nodded and pushed her glasses higher on her nose. “They do. I love their steak, cooked to perfection.”
“Ah, a steak and potato kinda girl, nothing wrong with that at all.”
Gillian grinned. “Yes. I go there once a month for my dinner out.”
Jack nodded, a slight smile lifting his lips. “So, you like dinosaurs?”
“Oh.” Gillian toyed with her earrings. “Yes, I always have. I’m into history; love it. When I got the opportunity to actually work at the museum two years ago, I wasn’t looking to get into the paleontology department, but once I got there I just sort of fit. The study of the fossils is absolutely amazing. And seeing the dinosaurs come to life in the eyes of a child? There is nothing better.” Gillian giggled. “Just yesterday I was showing a group of fourth grade students around, and one of the kids wanted to pronounce Albertosaurus. Took her about ten tries but
