Trust Again (5 page)

She unfolded the napkin and placed it across her lap. “Of course. Is there any other way to eat chili?”

Jacob poured them both some ice water. “I have soda, if you’d rather have that.”

Ellie shook her head. “No, this is great.”

“I was going to get wine, but I didn’t want you to think I was trying to get you drunk and take advantage of you.”

She wouldn’t have to be drunk for him to do that. Ellie took a sip of her water and waited for Jacob to sit down across from her.

“That was a joke.”

“Oh, sorry.” Ellie giggled.

Jacob sat down. His face was one she was coming to adore. And his green eyes didn’t look as sad as they did when they first met. She took a mouthful of the best chili she’d ever eaten. Just the right amount of spices. The man could cook.

“This is great.”

“Thanks. I’m afraid you’re going to have to wait for dessert until the weekend.”

Ellie wiped her mouth on the napkin. “Okay?”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “I have something special planned.”

***

As promised, Jacob was a complete gentleman. After dinner, he grabbed the vase of flowers and handed it to her, then drove her home. She was hoping for some snuggling up on his sofa, but maybe it was for the best. He pulled up to her apartment and walked her to the door.

“Goodnight, Ellie.” He bent down to lock his lips with hers, and Ellie saw a future with this man. She wrapped her arms around him and twirled her fingers through his messy hair. His tongue mingling with hers sent her over the edge. Just as she was about to invite him inside, he pulled away and smiled.

“Night.” He turned and walked away.

She took a deep breath and went inside. She was falling for him. Ellie’s phone rang. Who could that be so late?
She picked up the phone. “Hello?”

“Ellie, it’s May. Your father is fine, but he’s at County.”

She grew faint. “Why? Wh—”

“He fell. He was trying to walk without his cane and he fell against the bathroom counter. He had to get twenty stitches and they want to do a CT to make sure he doesn’t have a concussion.”

Her hands shook. “I’m on my way.”

“He said it wasn’t necessary for you to come, but I told him I at least wanted to let you know what happened.”

“I’m on my way.” Ellie hung up the phone and grabbed her purse.

***

“You know you’re supposed to use your cane.” Ellie sat beside her dad on his narrow hospital bed.

“I know. I know. Didn’t May tell you that I’m fine? You didn’t need to rush over here.” He took a sip of water from an ugly mauve cup.

“Yes, I did. Now, I want you using that cane until your physical therapist tells you otherwise.”

Her dad chuckled. “You’ve gotten bossy in your old age.”

Ellie smiled, relieved that her father was okay.

May walked into the room. With her boney figure and long neck, the woman resembled a stork. “Don’t worry. I’ll be keeping an extra close eye from now on.”

The doctor walked in behind her. “Mr. Oliver, you are free to go. Try to behave yourself.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be on my best behavior.” Ellie’s father winked at her.

She stood up. “I can drive you home.”

He glanced at his nurse. “May can take me home. I’m fine.”

Ellie looked from May to her father. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. You have a business to run. Don’t you worry about me.”

Ellie sighed. There was no changing her father’s mind. He would not let her take care of him. When she’d offered before coming back home, he had refused. Told her he’d already gotten a nurse and that he needed to use up the insurance he’d spent his whole life paying for.

“Okay. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

***

Distracted more than he’d ever been on the job, Jacob walked through the construction site. The housing addition was coming along just as planned. The community would be an amazing place to live. With the small, bubbling creek that ran through the middle of the lots and the mature trees the builder was having transported, it would look as if the neighborhood had been here for decades, not months.

He should feel fulfilled doing what he loved during the day, falling in love with an amazing woman at night. But he wanted more. For the first time in his life he wasn’t okay with just letting things happen. This time he was determined to give fate a push. He ran his hand along a sturdy wooden beam. Building was something he was good at. And building a life with Ellie was becoming more important to him as the days went on. Finally, he understood what real love felt like.

Chapter Six

“Where are we going?” Ellie couldn’t contain her excitement. There was only one place that she knew of this far east on Route 40. She’d driven past the factory once on her way to
New York and once again on her way back to Pleasant Valley.

Jacob glanced over at her with his mischievous eyes. “Have you ever heard of Carl’s Candy Factory?”

“Yes!” Ellie grabbed a hold of his arm. “Are we going? Are they open?”

He laughed. “I booked us a private tour.”

Ellie gasped. “You’re joking?”

Jacob smiled and shook his head.

“Sweet! That sounds like so much fun.”

After Jacob parked, he got out and opened the door for Ellie. She took a deep breath and smiled. The large building that stood before her was actually the old-time candy museum and café. The factory was attached to the back of the building. She felt like a child on Christmas morning. As much as she loved candy, she’d never been to a factory. A royal blue roof was atop the white brick structure. Jacob motioned her inside where they came to display after display of candies from long ago preserved behind glass cases. Looking at the sweets had Ellie hungry for sugar.

Jacob took a hold of her hand and laced his fingers with hers. Feeling his warm skin on hers sent tingles down her belly. She tightened her grip on his hand, perfectly molded with her own, and followed Jacob through the candy exhibit until they reached the end where the café was located.

A round table with a couple of wire back chairs in the middle of the room stood out among the empty tables around it. Jacob pulled out her chair for her as she took in the licorice napkin rings tied into bows.

She giggled and held one up. “Cute.”

A waitress came out of nowhere and brought them two large glasses of soda. Jacob thanked her. When she walked away, he looked at Ellie. “I hope you don’t mind I ordered the factory special for us when I reserved our tour.”

“It’s great.” She took a sip of the carbonated liquid and immediately tasted chocolate. She set down her glass. “Chocolate soda. I like it.”

Jacob made a strange face and swallowed. “It’s a bit sweet for me, but it’s good.”

The waitress placed a couple of deli sandwiches in front of them.

After a bite of her turkey, ham and cheese, Ellie placed her hand on Jacob’s arm. “This was very sweet and thoughtful.”

He grinned. “I’m glad you noticed.”

They finished off their meal and went into the factory. Her fantasy of being Willy Wonka was coming true! A plump, older man handed them both a white paper cap to put over their hair and matching paper booties to cover their shoes before walking down the aisles.

“Have fun. Remember not to touch the machines.” The man winked and turned to leave. It looked like they were on their own. They peeked into large empty vats and walked along the long assembly line. Though the equipment had all been cleaned, a faint scent of sugar and cocoa remained in the air. On the end of the silver counter were dozens of fresh chocolate samples. Jacob picked up a dark truffle with pink drizzle and put it to Ellie’s lips. She opened her mouth and the smooth, velvety richness touched her tongue. Her eyes rolled back in pleasure.

“Watching you eat chocolate is quite the turn-on.” Jacob’s voice turned husky, sending signals to places that had awakened in her.

Embarrassed, she grabbed a piece and shoved it into Jacob’s mouth, causing his eyes to widen. She laughed. “Sorry.”

He picked up another. “This one we’ll share.” Jacob held up the bite of chocolate for Ellie to nibble and as soon as it was between her teeth he removed his hand and placed his mouth over hers. If it got any hotter in here, all the chocolate was going to melt. With her eyes closed she pressed herself closer to Jacob’s body. Before she lost control, she pulled away. “That gives new meaning to a chocolate kiss.”

His eyes searched hers. She swallowed and he kissed the tip of her nose. “I’ll say.”

Just as he was about to take another candy his phone rang. He looked down at the number and raised an eyebrow before turning off his phone.

***

There were no words to explain how much he wanted to make love to Ellie right here in the damn candy factory. Good thing the phone had rung when it did. But who was it? He pushed the much needed, but mysterious call out of his mind and took Ellie’s soft hand in his. The only thing important, was her.

“I think we better get you home.” He thought he saw a flash of disappointment in her eyes before she smiled and nodded.

***

Jacob walked Ellie to her door. He stood in front of her, both of them hesitating whether to say goodbye. She wanted to ask him inside, but she wasn’t ready. Her body was, but not her mind. She wanted to trust him, but would she ever really trust a man again?

Viola poked her head out of her apartment. “Hey, you two!”

Jacob rolled his eyes.

Ellie giggled. “Hi.”

Viola smiled. “Don’t let me disturb you. Carry on!”

Jacob sighed heavily, making Ellie laugh harder.

He pulled her into a hug, which quieted her down. “I had a great time.”

“Me too.”

His lips met hers and she kissed him longer than she ever had before, then pulled away. “Goodnight, Jacob.”

He let out a deep breath. “Night.” He turned to go, then stopped and turned back to her. “I almost forgot. Ryan and Maisie are having a weenie roast at their place tomorrow, and I kind of promised them I would bring you.”

Her hands were still shaking from sending him away, so she shoved them into her pockets and shrugged. “Yeah, okay.”

A smiled danced across his lips. “I’ll pick you up at
noon.”

She returned his smile and closed the door. She’d gotten halfway to the kitchen before she realized she’d forgotten to lock it. She froze. Her throat felt as though it was swelling up, and she had a hard time catching her breath.
Walk over to the stupid door and lock it.
The panic attack took her by surprise, as she hadn’t had one for a while. The feeling of dread was overwhelming. A tear slid down her face.

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there before she took a step, then ran over to the door and locked it tight. She slid down to the floor and put her arms over her head. She was a fool. She’d thought she was better. Her breath caught in her chest. If only Jacob were there. He made her feel safe.

***

Ryan and Maisie’s house was beautiful. Ellie walked up the pebble-covered stepping stones nestled in lush green grass to a patio with potted purple and orange mums. An autumn wreath decorated the white wooden door. Even without the rubber welcome mat, this place would feel inviting. The pretty redhead wearing a thin sweater showing off her baby bump opened the door and motioned them inside. A small black and white dog ran over the glossy, but weathered oak floors to them and barked.

“Happy, sit!” The dog obeyed and Maisie pet her head. “Good girl.”

Ellie smiled and stuck out her free hand for the dog to sniff. Happy licked her and panted. “Here’s the stuff for the s’mores.” Ellie handed Maisie the bag of chocolate bars, graham crackers and marshmallows. The sage green walls looked great with the rest of their décor. The only thing out of place in the entire room was a baby blanket spread out on the tweed sofa with a dozen or so toys. Other than that, the home looked like a magazine cover. Not to mention, Ellie could smell an apple pie baking.

“Great, thanks!” Maisie took the bag and smiled. “Come on in. I’ll let Jacob show you around while I get Blossom up from her nap. Ryan is outside getting the fire pit going.”

Ellie couldn’t help but notice how rosy the woman’s cheeks looked or how genuinely content she seemed with her life. A twinge of jealously came over her. Maisie had the fairy tale Ellie had always hoped for.

“Okay.” Jacob took Ellie’s hand. “Well, let’s start in the basement. The critters live down here.”

Ellie’s eyes widened. “Critters?”

Jacob snickered. “Don’t worry, they’re in cages.”

Slightly hesitant, Ellie followed him down a short staircase to the most unbasemently basement she’d ever seen. The large room was cheerful and had gorgeous pictures of
Venice creating a gallery wall. The critters, or pets, rather were arranged in a row on a long wooden table.

Jacob pointed to the first of the cages. “This is Lucky, this one is Boots and this last one here is Rex.”

Ellie could tell that Ryan brought his work home. A bunny, a hamster and a rat peeked at her and twitched their noses.

“Cute.”

Happy came bounding down the stairs and curled up on her large doggie bed in the corner of the room.

Ellie’s eyes were drawn to the pictures on the wall.

“There is a story behind this basement.” Jacob looked around.

Ellie’s eyes met his. “Oh?”

He nodded. “Ryan had it built for Maisie to keep her safe from storms. Before he met her, she lost a husband and a child in a tornado.”

Ellie felt guilty for being jealous of Maisie. She really knew nothing about her and it sounded as though her life wasn’t always so perfect. Ellie didn’t like feeling envious, so she pushed the feelings away and instead replaced them with hope that yes, people really could live like this even after a tragedy. She followed Jacob back upstairs and outside to the deck. Ryan stood in the middle of the yard poking the fire. He waved at them.

“Man, thanks for coming to the very first Tucker weenie roast.” Ryan pulled his friend in for a hug and patted him on the back. He gave Ellie a quick hug. “Welcome to our home. Happy you could come.”

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Glad to be here. You have a beautiful home.”

“That’s all Maisie.” He chuckled. “And her sister. They like to decorate.”

Ellie smiled. Maisie walked out the door holding the cutest baby girl Ellie had ever seen in her life. Her carrot-red hair was pulled into a bow on the top of her head, resembling Pebbles on the Flintstones. Bright green eyes that matched her mom’s were wide with wonder. Her perfect little mouth was shaped into an O like the Gerber baby. Not to mention her tiny purple corduroys and hooded, polka dot sweater.

When Maisie stood on front of Ellie, she held the baby out to her. “Would you mind taking Blossom while I get the weenies and buns?”

Ellie’s heart raced. She took the little girl and held her close. She wanted one of these. She needed one of these.

“She likes you. Whenever I try to hold her she cries,” Jacob said.

Ellie smiled. “I like her, too.”

Ryan tossed another log on the fire, causing smoke from the fire shift. Without thinking, Ellie moved the baby away from the smoke’s path. Blossom cooed and pat Ellie’s chest, almost bringing tears to her eyes. Until that moment, Ellie hadn’t been sure how deeply she wanted to be a mom.

Maisie walked back outside carrying a large tray, which Jacob took from her and set on the picnic table on the deck, then she disappeared back into the house. The men roasted the hotdogs while Ellie swayed back and forth with the baby. To her disappointment, Maisie came back out with a small playpen. She would have held the little girl all day.

Maisie reached for her daughter. “Thanks for holding her.”

“You’re welcome.” Ellie handed the baby over and walked back over to Jacob. He draped an arm around her.

“You looked like you were enjoying holding Blossom.”

Ellie blushed. “I love children.”

Jacob chuckled. “You own a toy and candy store. I’d say that is a requirement.”