Tempting Janey

Maybe that was why he’d been having these crazy thoughts about getting his family back together again. Raising a teenager hadn’t turned out to be nearly as scary as he’d imagined.

And he missed Janey.

Dammit, he hated to admit that, but he couldn’t deny it any longer. Since she’d been back, he’d been by the store, had even parked across the street and watched her as she’d worked. Once she’d come out onto the porch to sweep it off, and he’d gotten a good look at her.

The sight of her had actually shocked him. She had lost so much weight, yet she looked great, especially her breasts. They were as voluptuous as ever.

Something he’d thought was dead—his attraction for her—had roared back to life. He’d been hard-pressed to remain in the vehicle. Yet he’d known better than to approach her, fearing she might clobber him with that broom.

Besides, he hadn’t been ready, either. He had to be a hundred-percent sure Robin was on his side. She was the key that could reopen the door into Janey’s heart.

Although Robin herself hadn’t said outright that she would like them to be a family again, he sensed it. However, he was treading softly with her, as well, though he wasn’t sure it was necessary.

So far, Robin hadn’t stopped loving him.

Should he thank Janey for that, or was Robin enough of her own person to make that choice? He didn’t know the answer to that question yet.

He wasn’t even sure Robin knew the truth about why he and Janey had gotten divorced. But it didn’t matter. If she hadn’t found out by now, she probably never would. If she did, he would handle it. When necessary, he could turn up the old charm another notch.

He shouldn’t have let Janey go so easily. Moreover, he should never have gotten caught with Elaine in his arms. But he had, and he’d paid the price. He’d lost Janey and Robin.

And he was a damn poor loser.

The idea that Janey hadn’t and wouldn’t forgive him had festered all these years. He’d learned a hard lesson, though, and he was definitely smarter. When he got Janey back, he wouldn’t make the same mistake again. If he dallied, he would make sure he didn’t get caught. That way he would have his cake and eat it, too.

“Hey, Mayfield, whatcha doing in there?” A coworker stuck his head around the door. “Playing with yourself?”

“Go to hell, Kendrick,” Keith shot back at the big, burly man with a beard and mustache. “I can do what I please. I’m on my own time now.”

“So you’ve clocked out?”

“Yeah, not that that’s any of your business.”

Kendrick held up both hands and backed out of the doorway. “Hey, man, don’t be so touchy.”

“Get lost,” Keith muttered darkly.

Kendrick merely laughed. “I’ll be glad when you get that bug out of your ass. You’ve been hard to live with this entire month.”

Keith gave him another threatening look.

“I figure you’re not gettin’ any.”

“Get the hell out of my face or be prepared to get yours smashed.”

“All right already. I’m outta here.”

Kendrick swaggered off, though not before Keith saw the strange look he threw him.

Thank God he hadn’t seen the bottle, Keith told himself, or there would’ve been hell to pay. Or had he? The blood in Keith’s veins suddenly ran cold. Was that what that look had been about?

Nah, he was just paranoid. Still, he couldn’t let anyone get an inkling that he was drinking his breakfast and his dinner. The only meal he was eating was lunch.

So far, he’d managed to keep his drinking problem to himself. However, he was playing a dangerous game. Even though he was not on company time now, he was still on the premises. His boss wouldn’t take kindly to his drinking on the job. He would get fired in a heartbeat, which would be another big and stupid mistake.

If he had to work, he couldn’t beat selling cars. He was a natural at it, having sold two just today. If that pace kept up, he would be out of debt in no time.

To reward himself, he was about to get his little girl and take her out to dinner.

That reminder gave him the courage to walk away from the drawer that held the booze. Seconds later, he was in the bathroom, straightening his tie while scrutinizing himself in the mirror.

Not bad. At forty-five, he didn’t have a speck of gray in his dark hair. He was tall enough, and despite his penchant for booze his stomach was only slightly pooched. He had no complaints about his eyes, either; the whites didn’t look like a road map.

But the best thing he had going for him was his gift of gab. More often than not, he could talk his way into or out of anything. His features suddenly turned grim. He was going to need that gift and more to lure Janey back into his life.

But he had no doubt he would succeed—especially thirty minutes later, when he was sitting at a table at Chili’s Restaurant facing a smiling Robin.

They had just placed their orders for two bacon cheeseburgers, curly fries and colas.

“So how was your day, sweetheart?” he asked, realizing again just how important it was for him to get Robin on his side. Without her, he knew his chances of getting Janey back were slim to none.

“Great, Dad.”

“So you’re not having any problems keeping your grades up?”

Some of the light went out of her eyes. “Well, Trig’s starting to give me fits, but Chad’s promised to help.”

Keith’s eyes widened. “Chad? That’s a name I haven’t heard before.”

Robin’s cheeks turned rosy. “He’s the team quarterback.”

“And?”

She giggled. “And I went out with him the other night.”

“And he’s about the coolest thing on two feet.”

“How did you know?”

“Your old dad’s been there before.”

“I wish Mom saw it that way.”

Keep your cool, he cautioned himself. “She has a problem with your friend?”

“We haven’t really talked about him yet, but I don’t think she likes him.”

“Oh, I bet she does. She’s just being her usual protective self.”

“Maybe,” Robin replied, her expression still on the glum side. “Chad doesn’t think she likes him, either.”

“How many times have you been out with him?”

“Once.”

“Then give her a chance, okay?”

“Why are you taking up for Mom?”

He forced himself not to react. “For one thing, because she is your mother, and for another, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting the young man.”

“Well, he’s drop-dead gorgeous.” Robin grinned. “And every friend I have is green with envy.”

“That’s my girl.”

“Oh, Dad, I’m so glad I came back. I wouldn’t be having nearly this much fun in Colorado.”

“How’s your mother adjusting?” he asked with what he hoped was casual concern.

Robin shrugged. “I’m not sure. The candy shop’s doing okay, I guess. Mom tries to shield me, but I know she’s had some problems.”

“Problems go with owning your own business. But if I can help, I’m around.”

“I just wish you lived with us,” Robin whined.

“Me too, sweetheart.”

His words appeared to stun her. “Really?”

“Yes, really.”

“You mean you still love Mom?”

“And you, too.”

“But what about Sabrina?”

He hadn’t wanted Robin to know about the other women in his life, but in a weak moment he’d given in to Sabrina’s demands and invited Robin to dinner. Only once. Consequently, he was taken aback that Robin still connected them.

“I haven’t seen her in a long time,” he lied.

“Good. I didn’t care for her much.”

“Me either.”

She giggled again, then her pretty face sobered. “Oh, Dad, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could be a family again—you, me and Mom?” Tears welled up in her eyes.

God, he needed a drink, if for no other reason than to celebrate. His plan was coming together much faster and better than he could have imagined. He could barely contain his excitement. This was the first time his daughter had ever said anything like that to him.

Of course, he had the biggest hurdle yet to jump—Janey. But he was confident he could meet that challenge. Suddenly he felt like Superman. He could do anything—except take a drink.

“Dad, are you all right?”

“Of course,” he said quickly, perhaps too quickly. “Why?”

“You look funny. I mean—”

“Now is that a nice thing to say about your old man?” he interrupted, feigning anger.

She smiled, though it failed to reach her eyes. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. It’s just that you sorta turned green, and I thought you might be getting sick. You know, there’s a flu bug going around. Lots of kids at school are out with it.”

“I’m fine,” he said, averting his gaze while trying to get his shakes under control. “Ah, here comes our food,” he added, hearing the relief in his voice.

“Mmm, that looks yummy.”

“Once we chow down, I have something for you.”

“What?”

“Not now. Be a good girl and eat all your dinner, then you’ll get your surprise.”

Again her face clouded. “I just wish Mom was here. I remember we all used to have such fun together.”

“If I have my way, we will again.”

“You mean you want her and me back?”

Keith reached over and squeezed her hand. “You bet I do, sweetheart.”

Robin’s eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Daddy, that’s wonderful.”

“But for now, that’s just between us, okay?”

She nodded.

“I want to be the one who tells your mother.”

“You have my word,” she promised, the tears no longer in evidence. “Mum’s the word.”

“Good girl. So how’s your burger?”

“I’ll let you know,” she said, taking her first bite.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, though it was all he could do to force his food down. He wasn’t the least bit hungry. But God, he was thirsty, and not for water. He needed a drink in the worst way.

Robin pushed her empty plate aside, then groaned. “I’m going to have to go on a diet tomorrow.”

“Don’t even think about it.”

“You know we’re not allowed to gain an ounce, which makes Mom mad.”

“How’s that?”

“She doesn’t like for Mrs. Morrison to harp on our weight—says it’s not healthy, that we’re growing girls.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Robin frowned in the direction of her plate. “I’m depressed now. I wish I hadn’t eaten all that.”

Keith reached in his coat pocket and pulled out a small wrapped package. “See if this doesn’t make you feel better.”

Robin reached for the gift, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Go on, open it,” Keith told her.

Seconds later, she gasped, then stared at him. “Are these real?” Her voice was filled with awe.

“You betcha.”

Robin jumped up, ran to his side and gave him a big hug. “Thanks, Dad. You’re the greatest.”

Nine

This had not been a good day.

Janey almost asked herself what else could possibly happen. But fear of jinxing herself further kept that question at bay.

Robin had left drill team practice and come home, burning up with fever and shaking with chills. After giving her some over-the-counter medication to bring the fever down, Janey had called the doctor. Robin was now on a strong antibiotic.

Janey thought her daughter might need to be in the hospital, but the doctor had assured her that home was the best place for her, that the hospitals were full.

Although he had eased her anxiety somewhat, Janey had kept Robin under close scrutiny, dashing upstairs between customers to check on her.

Now, Hazel had come to work. Since the store wasn’t busy, Janey had been certain that would free her up. Wrong. No rest for the weary. Not long after Hazel had arrived, the toilet in the downstairs bathroom had stopped up. Water had soaked the carpet. Janey had cleaned up as best she could, but it remained a mess.

Now she was waiting for the plumber. And not very patiently, either.

“When it rains, it pours,” Hazel said, her brows furrowed in concern.

“I won’t argue with that.” Janey eased onto the bar stool at the far end of the counter and ran her fingers through her already tousled hair, then cast her eyes toward the stairs.

“You should be upstairs yourself. You look exhausted.”

“I am, but I’ll make it. It’s Robin I’m worried about. She’s so sick.”

“That stuff is everywhere.” Hazel shivered. “I sure don’t want it.”

“Would you rather not be here?” Janey asked, thinking that if Hazel deserted her, she would just turn the sign to Closed and forget it. That was the beauty of owning your own business. Yet she really couldn’t afford that luxury.

As it was, Sweet Dreams still hadn’t come up to its sales potential, which both worried and aggravated her. If that other candy store materialized in the mall, then she would certainly be in a world of hurt. She had meant to call Gwen and see if she’d heard any more about that, but she hadn’t had the time.

“Why, I wouldn’t think of leaving you,” Hazel said in a rather huffy tone. “If I get the crud, then I’ll just get it.”

Janey half smiled. “Thanks, Hazel. I owe you one.”

“You don’t owe me anything, except to take care of your daughter. I’ll see to the plumber and the store. Now skedaddle.”

Janey didn’t hesitate, dashing back upstairs and into Robin’s room. Her daughter was sound asleep but her face was still flushed. Janey crept to the bedside and laid a hand on Robin’s forehead. The girl was still warm, but her temperature was definitely down.

Sagging with relief, Janey sat in the rocker across the room, leaned back and closed her eyes. Soon they popped back open. Even though she was dead tired, sleep wouldn’t come. She was too wired, had too many things on her mind. Robin’s relationship with Keith had her nearly crazy, especially after the stunt he’d pulled last week when he’d taken Robin out to dinner.

The second her daughter had arrived home, Janey had known something out of the ordinary had taken place. Robin’s eyes were wide and filled with excitement. Janey’s heart had taken a nosedive. What was her ex up to now?

Seconds later she knew.

“He did what?” Janey realized her voice had almost reached the shouting level, but she didn’t care.

“Mom, calm down.” Robin’s eyes widened even more. “You’re stroking out over nothing.”

Janey’s lips thinned. “You can’t keep them.”

Robin gave her a dumbfounded stare, then stuttered, “But…but they’re diamond studs.”

“I know what they are. That’s why you have to give them back.”

Robin’s expression became more confused. “But why?”

Janey drew an unsteady breath, knowing she was probably handling this all wrong. At the moment, she was operating on pure emotion, but she couldn’t help it. Damn Keith and his bribes. That was exactly what this was. The only missing piece of the puzzle was the reason. She didn’t know what he was up to, but it was no good.

“Robin, those earrings are at least a carat apiece.”

“So?” Tears rimmed Robin’s eyes.

Janey ignored them. “So, he can’t just go around giving you expensive jewelry like that.”

“Why not? I’m his daughter.” Now Robin was almost shouting.

“It’s your turn to calm down,” Janey said, struggling to gain control of the eroding situation.

“You’re just jealous,” Robin cried, tears starting to stream down her cheeks.

“That’s not true.”

“You’re just jealous that he loves me!”

“Oh, honey, I want him to love you,” Janey responded with a catch in her voice and a pain in her heart. “It’s just that I don’t want him trying to buy your love.”

“How can you even think that, much less say it?” Robin lifted her head in a defiant gesture, and her eyes sparked. “Anyway, I don’t care if he gives me anything or not. I’d still love him.”

There was so much pressure in her chest that Janey could barely breathe. She had indeed handled this all wrong. She knew that, but she couldn’t call back her words. All she could do was try to make amends, amends she wasn’t sure Robin was interested in hearing.

“Look, honey…”

Robin backed up, her lower lip trembling. “No, Mom. Don’t say any more. I just don’t understand why all this is happening, why you and Dad just couldn’t have stayed married. It’s…it’s all your fault!”

With that, Robin turned and left the room.

Now, as Janey jerked her mind off that awful conversation and back to her daughter, who was still sleeping soundly, she felt that same awful pressure in her chest.

She hated it when there was a breach between her and Robin. And there had been since the brouhaha over the jewelry, which to date hadn’t been resolved. Robin hadn’t returned the earrings, but she hadn’t worn them, either.

Maybe her reaction to the whole thing had been jealousy, Janey told herself. But she didn’t think so. She would admit, however, that it sometimes smarted that she wasn’t able to buy more frivolous things for Robin.

Still, Janey hated to think that she had stooped so low. Closer to the real reason was Keith himself. He was a user and a manipulator. And he wanted something. What that something was, she still didn’t know. That was what frightened her the most.

To make matters worse, she and Robin remained at odds over Chad. Robin was smitten with the boy; she chattered about him constantly. All Janey could do was hold her tongue until the phase passed. But it wasn’t easy; she still didn’t trust Chad. Thank God, she trusted Robin.

She wondered if Robin had said anything to Keith about Chad.

Janey shook her head and focused her attention back on her sleeping daughter, while trying to sort through her own mixed emotions. Perhaps she should have ignored Robin’s pleas and stayed in Colorado.

Life there had certainly been much simpler.

Suddenly Janey heard her phone ring. Seeing it as an escape from her unpleasant thoughts, she crossed the hall to answer it.

“Janey?”

This time her heart upped its pace, and she didn’t know why, which added another dimension to her anxiety. “Hello, Dillon.”

“I hope you don’t mind me calling.”

“Of course not,” she said with a slight catch in her voice.

What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she behave normally around him, for crying out loud? He was not in any way part of her life now. So why did he matter?

After they had gone for coffee, she hadn’t heard from him. But then, she hadn’t expected to. Maybe their intense conversation had shaken her more than she cared to admit, made her realize they were forever linked by a past that was sordid and painful—but linked nonetheless.

“Janey, are you still there?”

“Uh, yes.”

“How’s Robin?”

Though his question surprised her, she answered without hesitation. “I think she’s a little better.”

“That’s good. I was worried.”

“How did you know she was sick?”

He chuckled, and for some unexplainable reason her heart acted up again.

“I happened to be talking to the drill instructor, when Robin came up and asked if she could leave. I wanted to drive her home, but she insisted she could make it.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.”

Her words were followed by a moment of silence. Then he asked, “So how are you doing?”

This time she heard the hesitancy in his voice and knew that he was as uncomfortable as she was. She wished that made her feel better, but it didn’t.

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