“It’s what she loves to do. And she’s damn good at it.” He told Carson about Jen’s job interview in L.A. next week, which brought a crease of shame to the guy’s forehead.
“She didn’t even call to tell me about it.”
“Well, she’s not very happy with you at the moment.”
“What about you?” A serious note entered Carson’s voice. “Is she happy with you?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m glad then.”
“You are?”
“Don’t get me wrong—I’m still annoyed as f**k that you put the moves on my sister after I told you not to, but in all honesty? If there’s anyone I could tolerate my little sister with, it’s you, McCoy.”
Cash swallowed a lump of pain. “As much as I appreciate your blessing, I’m not sure it matters. Jen’s not interested in anything long-term. She doesn’t want everything that comes along with dating a military guy, and I don’t know how to change her mind.”
“Does she know how you feel about her?”
Cash slowly shook his head.
“Then tell her. Trust me, I’m learning that communication is a big f**king deal. Maybe if she knows how you feel, she’ll change her mind about this military rule of hers.”
“Maybe.” He suddenly remembered something. “Hey, by the way, Brendan left town.”
“Yeah, I know. The admiral told me.”
“Jen’s going to stay at my place for a few more days, but then she’s moving back to her apartment.”
Carson got to his feet. “You’re a good man, McCoy. You know that, right?”
“Thanks, LT.”
“And if you do end up with my sister, I won’t have any complaints.” Carson began to laugh. “It’s funny, I was so worried about you taking advantage of her, but now I’m starting to think you might be the best thing that’s ever happened to her.”
Chapter Thirteen
It was ten thirty when Jen stepped onto the sidewalk in front of Savannah’s flower shop. She froze when she spotted the vehicle parked on the curb—not Cash’s Escape, but her brother’s Range Rover.
The sight of Carson through the windshield had her back stiffening. Why the hell was he here? Holly had left with Shelby ten minutes ago, so he couldn’t be here to pick up his wife.
Squaring her jaw, Jen strode over to the car and rapped on the passenger window. When it rolled down, she poked her head in. “Holly went home with Shelby.”
Her tone was slightly cool, but it was the most cordial she could muster. She hadn’t spoken to Carson since their heated argument on Sunday, and she had no desire to argue with him again.
But his unkempt appearance and the ravaged look on his face told her he wasn’t looking for a fight, either. “I’m here for you,” her brother answered.
“Why? Where’s Cash?”
“He’s still at Garrett’s. I skipped out early, though. Cash said he was supposed to pick you up, so I offered to do it.” He leaned over and pulled on the passenger door handle.
Jen stared at the open door, debating whether to haughtily announce she’d take a cab, or suck it up and get in the car. After a beat, she slid into the passenger seat and buckled up. Might as well get this over with.
“Should I be worried about the condition Cash will be in when he gets home?” she inquired sweetly.
Carson had the decency to look ashamed. “I deserve that.” He moved the gearshift and drove away from the curb. “Look, I already apologized to McCoy. I know I was out of line on Sunday.”
“Damn right you were.”
“I’m sorry, Jenny. I’ve been acting like a total ass**le the past few weeks.”
“No kidding.”
“The only excuse I can give you is that I’ve been upset about Holly.”
He sounded so incredibly sad that some of Jen’s anger thawed, replaced by a twinge of sympathy. “She’s not doing too well herself.”
The devastation on Carson’s face nearly tore her to pieces. “Did she say anything tonight? About, uh, me?”
“A bit, but I won’t break her confidence.” Jen sighed. “Holly said she’s been staying at her sister’s for the past couple of days. Have you two even spoken?”
“A couple of times over the phone. I’ve begged her to come home, but she says she needs time to think. Jesus, Jenny, it scares the hell outta me that my wife has to think about whether or not to come home.” His voice cracked. “What if she doesn’t?”
Jen couldn’t control the icy note that entered her voice. “Does she have a reason not to?”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“It means you still haven’t explained why you were holding hands with another woman.” Her gaze bore into him. “Straight up, Carson—are you having an affair?”
His jaw dropped. “Are you kidding me? I’m not having a f**king affair. Like I told Cash earlier tonight, I’m seeing a f**king therapist.”
Now Jen was the one picking her jaw off the floor. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, I’m serious.” When they neared a red light, Carson hit the brakes and turned to scowl at her. “That woman you saw me with was my therapist. And I wasn’t calling her angel on the phone, her name is Angel.”
Guilt and relief slammed into Jen’s chest like a gust of wind. “Shit. I’m sorry I thought the worst of you, but you’ve got to know that sneaking around is never a good idea. Why didn’t you just tell me the truth when I brought it up?”