A Daddy for Jacoby - By Christyne Butler Page 0,36
Justin. “Wonder Woman?”
He offered a casual shrug. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for a woman in a strapless one-piece.”
How about a strapless bikini?
The silent question echoed in Gina’s head as she thought about the skimpy bathing suit—purchased on a whim—she’d been wearing just over twenty-four hours ago.
Happy that she’d managed not to ask the question aloud, Gina turned her attention back to Jacoby. “Well, that’s a terrific picture. You did a great job.”
“It’s for you.” Jacoby thrust the paper into her hands.
“Me? Are you sure you don’t want to give it to your dad?”
“Naw, he’s already got lots of my drawings hanging on the fridge and stuff. He says I’m a regular P-Pablo Picasso. He’s a famous painter, you know. Besides, I signed it to you.” Jacoby pointed at the writing in the corner. “See? Right there.”
She did see. In shaky block letters it read: TO GINA. LOVE, JACOBY.
A sudden lump in her throat kept her from answering, but she nodded her thanks. Just then, a red-headed boy called Jacoby over to see something.
“That’s Dustin. Can I go?” Jacoby asked.
Gina stood, her eyes glued to the paper, but saw Justin hesitate for a moment before giving the boy a quick nod. She turned and laid the drawing on a nearby waist-high bookshelf, smoothing the creased corners with her fingertips.
“He worked really hard on that.”
She whirled around. Justin had moved in behind her, trapping her in a corner. “I can tell. It’s beautiful and I’ll treasure it.”
Something hot flared in his eyes, darkening them. He started to take another step toward her, then shoved his hands deep into his pockets and inched backward instead. “I need to talk to you.”
It was noisy in the children’s section, so Gina took a step closer to hear him. “Ah, okay.”
“Can we go somewhere so I don’t sound like an idiot?”
His whispered voice was far from idiotic. Heck, his soft tone was turning her insides to mush just like that night in his kitchen. And where had that led? To her feeling like a fool for the second time in a matter of days.
Kissing Justin had been the last thing on her mind when he’d called asking for help and yet they’d ended up in each other’s arms. Thanks to her. She’d kissed him first. Of course, he’d quickly taken over, literally sweeping her off her feet. Who knew where it would’ve led—
“Gina?”
Her face flamed at being caught in the memory and at the desperate need to repeat that mistake, right here and now.
Hoping her tan hid the evidence of her embarrassment, she grabbed her jacket and purse, noticing the number of fascinated glances from the other parents. “I—I need to get to work. It’s my first night back since—”
“Your sudden vacation. Yeah, I know. Come on, I’ll walk you to your car.” Justin held out Jacoby’s picture to her, his voice at a normal level as he turned toward his son. “Come on, bud. We’re out of here.”
Jacoby raced over to them. “Dad, did you hear? A famous race car driver from right here in Destiny was in a real bad car accident!”
Jacoby’s friend and the older man with him, obviously his father from the matching strawberry-blond hair and freckles, joined them. “He’s talking about Bobby Winslow,” the man said. “One of the other parents just heard it on the radio. I guess he crashed while getting ready for an upcoming race.”
The sound of a whispered curse had Gina looking at Justin, the strong line of his jaw clenched tight, concern etched on his face. “Are you okay?”
He glanced at her, then tugged his cap a bit farther down on his forehead. “I’m fine. Is he hurt bad?”
The man shrugged, waving to someone who called his name. “All the report said was that he’s in critical condition. I’m guessing they’ll have more about it on television tonight. I’ve got to run.”
The murmuring of the crowd grew louder as the news of the accident spread. Gina didn’t know Bobby Winslow personally, but he’d graduated from high school with Gage and was a local hero to many in the town. “That is just terrible. I hope he’s going to be all right.”
“Yeah,” Justin paused and swallowed hard as he motioned for Gina toward the rear entrance of the library. “Me, too.”
“Did you know him, Dad?” Jacoby tugged on Justin’s jacket as he walked between the two of them. “The guy in the accident?”
They reached the back door and Justin held it open for everyone