My Sweetheart (Book 3 in The Love and Dessert Trilogy) Read online

  Jane hugged him tightly, feeling her heart break for Tate and the choice he had made. “Does it really have to be me or them? Has Kam been able to change their minds?”

  Tate shrugged a little and tried to smile. “They’re very old fashioned Jane. It will take a while. But Kam’s in just as much trouble as I am right now. They’re not happy that he’s dating Meredith.”

  Jane winced and shook her head. “So they’ll have to bend or break.”

  Tate nodded his head, his eyes hard and determined. “I’ve given you my heart, so if they want me in their lives, they’ll accept you or we’ll say our goodbyes.”

  Jane closed her eyes, feeling some of the agony that Tate must have gone through in order to be with her. “I take it back. You win Tate. You love me the most,” she said quietly, lifting her face up to look at him.

  Tate smiled at her gently, cupping her face in his large capable hands. “I think we both win,” he said and kissed her with so much intensity, that she felt herself go weak in her legs.

  The bell over the door, had her pulling away from him, blushing pink and flustered. Tate smiled at her. “I’ll see you at the courthouse at two o’clock sharp. It shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes. Bye Sweetheart,” he said and slipped out the door.

  Jane sighed, her heart flipping over as she hurried to help an elderly couple. She’d almost forgotten that she needed to be in court to get her restraining order approved. Mandee , their part time clerk would have to watch the bakery for them because Layla and Kit insisted on being with her.

  Kit and Layla rushed through the doors and Kit came and relieved her while Layla ran upstairs to her old room. Jane went in back to deal with the bills while she waited for Layla.

  Ten minutes later, Layla walked into the kitchen, her face blank and her eyes wide. Jane bit her lip and hurried into the front store and called Kit’s name before hurrying back to Layla. Kit rushed in, sharing a glance with Jane as they both moved to stand in front of their sister.

  “Layla, what did the stick say?” Jane asked softly as Kit reached out and took Layla’s hand in hers.

  Layla blinked once and then burst into tears. Kit frowned and threw her arms around her as Jane spotted the stick and grabbed it, trying not to think of what germs were on the thing. She held it up to her face and saw what had brought Layla to tears.

  +

  Jane’s face bloomed into a grin as she jumped in the air, doing a perfect cheerleading kick. “My sister is having a baby!” she yelled to no one as Layla continued to cry and Kit grinned at her.

  “Really?” Kit asked, letting go of Layla to grab the stick.

  Layla sniffed and nodded. “I’m having Michael’s baby,” she said wonderingly.

  Jane looked at her carefully. “Is that a good thing or a bad thing? I’m having trouble reading those tears.”

  Layla laughed a little and shook her head. “I’m just super emotional, but it’s a very very good thing,” she said softly. “It’s just so soon.”

  Kit grinned and then handed the stick back to Jane before walking over to wash her hands in the sink. “How are you going to tell him? It needs to be epic Layla.”

  Layla closed her eyes and breathed in and out slowly as she smiled. “Give me five minutes guys. I’m just coming to grips with it myself.”

  Jane laughed and clapped her hands. “I’m going to make a huge bun you know to go with the old saying. It’s up to you of course, but you could put the bun in the oven and have him get it out for you.”

  Kit grinned. “I’ll make the bun.”

  Layla laughed and rubbed her hand over her stomach lightly. “Well, this explains why I’m so tired.”

  After washing their hands, the sisters worked together making a large bun with the words Baby Bender on top. While they let it cool on the rack, Jane ran upstairs to get changed for court. Layla and Kit drove her to the court house and Jane felt her heart beat fast as she entered the large red brick building.

  “Relax Jane, Tate will be here too. It’s not a big deal,” Layla assured her.

  Jane bit her lip and rubbed her chilled arms. “Easy for you to say. You’ve spent years in court rooms. This is a little new for me,” she muttered.

  Kit rubbed her back as they walked in the elevator. “I think it would be hard to get a restraining order. I’m sorry you have to.”

  Jane glanced at Kit and smiled in appreciation. Sometimes Layla was so tough she didn’t understand regular people’s fears and anxieties. The elevator door opened and Tate was standing right there waiting for her.

  Jane let out a shaky breath and ran into his arms, holding him tightly. He held her firmly against his chest, rubbing her back as he kissed her hair. “I’ll be with you the entire time. It’s going to be okay, I promise,” he murmured.

  Jane felt stronger immediately. “Please stay with me,” she whispered.

  Tate smiled and tilted her head back and kissed her briefly. “They couldn’t pry me away. Come on, let’s get this over with,” he said and then smiled at Kit and Layla.

  Layla put her hand on Tate’s free arm. “Thanks for being here with us Tate. We owe you.”

  Tate frowned and looked at Layla sternly. “No Layla, you don’t owe me for being here for the woman I love. This is the only place I should be right now.”

  Layla’s mouth opened but then she covered her mouth, as she began crying softly. Tate stopped and Jane forgot about the restraining order as she stared in surprise at her sister.

  Kit put an arm around Layla and grinned at Tate. “That was really sweet Tate. She’s just a little emotional right now.”

  Tate pulled his arm from around Jane and hugged Layla. “You girls pull at my heart. Come on, they’re expecting us,” he said and ushered the women through the doors and into the court room.

  Ten minutes later, Jane was walking out again, feeling a little stunned and very grateful. The judge had been an older man who had listened to her as he read over the petition and asked only a few questions. He’d granted the petition with little fanfare and before she knew it, Tate was ushering them outside the courtroom.

  When they reached the cool misty air outside, Tate picked her up in her arms, hugging her tightly. “The only thing left is for an officer to deliver the petition to Alex and then we’re done.”

  Jane frowned but nodded. Tate looked at her sharply. “What? What’s wrong Jane?”

  Kit and Layla stepped closer to her, touching her arm. Jane shook her head and tried to smile. “It’s nothing really, but I can’t get rid of the feeling that this isn’t over. That maybe, Alex isn’t done.”

  Tate frowned, his eyes going dark and deadly and his hands clenching at his sides. “Oh it’s done all right. If Alex knows what’s good for him, it better be done. I won’t let him touch you or hurt you Jane.”

  Jane sighed and faked a smile. “Okay honey. Thanks for being there for me today. We’ve gotta get back to the bakery, but I’d like to see you later if you can?”

  Tate sighed and ran a hand through his thick black hair. “I’ve gotta work late tonight. But call me if you need me, okay?”

  Jane smiled and nodded, reaching up and kissing him lightly. “I love you,” she whispered softly.

  Tate’s face softened and relaxed immediately and he pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as he hid his face in her hair. “I never get tired of hearing that. I love you too,” he said and let her go slowly before walking away.

  Kit and Layla stood on either side of her as they watched the large tall man walk away. Layla grabbed her hand in hers.

  “I hope Tate is right because if Alex does try anything I’m worried Tate will kill him,” Layla said.

  Kit shivered lightly and nodded in agreement. “I have to admit I hope Tate joins our family. He’s not a man to be taken lightly. Jane, you might want to start working on that.”

  Jane snorted and Layla laughed at Kit. “Give her some time Kit. Not everyone has to move as fast as you and I do.”


  Jane smiled as they walked to her car laughing and teasing, relieved that the restraining order would be in place soon. But Jane couldn’t get rid of the sick feeling she had in her stomach. She wondered if Alex was too crazy to realize how in danger he was if he stepped over the line.

  Chapter 15 – Triangles

  After closing up the bakery, Kit took off with Hunter so he could show her the art studio he was building for her on his property. Kit had been so excited she’d run out the door. Jane couldn’t blame her. Layla had looked so wiped out by the end of the day she’d called Michael to pick her up. Jane had watched Michael’s worried face and couldn’t wait to hear how the big reveal went. Layla carried a large bakery sack with the special bun they’d baked.

  She turned off the lights and glanced at her phone. It was only six o’clock. Tate was working late, but that was no reason she couldn’t go out and have fun. She wandered upstairs and flopped on the couch, closing her eyes in boredom. The phone vibrated in her hand and she glanced down curiously.

  Meredith. Kam’s spending Friday night with his family. They’re having some big family dinner that I’m not invited to. Neither are you. Let’s go dancing and out to dinner.

  Jane grinned and texted her back immediately. Friday night had just been saved. She quickly changed into a pair of bright peach skinny jeans and a cream top and sandals and rushed to her car. She picked up Meredith at her house and drove into Tacoma. Meredith directed her to a soul food restaurant and ordered up a platter of barbequed chicken and ribs along with potato salad, coleslaw and corn bread.

  “My treat by the way for helping me the other night with my dinner,” Meredith said before picking up a chicken leg and taking a huge bite.

  Jane didn’t argue and picked up a portion of ribs immediately smearing sauce from ear to ear and getting it in her hair. Meredith laughed and handed her a handful of napkins.

  “So how did it go? I never did hear about how Toa and Pika liked your tacos. I was so worried about Tate being with Alea,” Jane said wondering if she’d ever get her face clean.

  Meredith wiped her own mouth and took a sip of her lemonade. “It’s hard to say really. Toa and Pika were so reserved they barely said two words. Tate and Kam ate a lot though. Alea just sat there looking mad. Probably the worst dinner party I’ve ever had but I thought the tacos were amazing. I had three and the salsa was so good. Me and Kam ate the rest the other night while we watched a movie.”

  Jane frowned and looked away for a moment. “Do you think we have a chance Meredith? I mean you and me being with Kam and Tate. Do you think Toa and Pika will ever accept us?”

  Meredith licked her lips and shrugged. “Kam says his mom and dad will have to accept us at some point. He said it might take a few grandchildren to relax them though.”

  Jane blinked in surprise. “You and Kam are talking kids? Are you kidding me?”

  Meredith laughed a little as she blushed. “Well, I don’t honestly know if he was talking about us or you and Tate. But he thinks it’ll take time and children but that eventually things will be okay.”

  Jane sighed and took a bite of her coleslaw. “Fine, enough of depressing family relations. Tell me something happy. How are you and Kam doing? Are you guys just seeing each other or are you together?”

  Meredith grinned, her eyes bright and happy. “Well, right now we’re just dating, but my brother Tristan’s friend Porter called and asked me out and Kam happened to be in the kitchen and overheard and he wasn’t happy about it. He looked at me with those dark eye of his and shook his head, so I told Porter no. When I hung up, Kam admitted that he liked me before Dane and I ever got together. I asked why he waited so long to ask me out and he said that he wanted to give me time to grieve but that he knew I was ready when I went to the trouble of making a cake for him,” she said, closing her eyes happily.

  Jane grinned and Meredith’s eyes went wide in horror. “Have you never eaten southern food? Jane, you look like you took down a deer with just your teeth. Napkins. Swish the lemonade. And please don’t smile so big.”

  Jane laughed and tried to clean her face but Meredith just giggled and made fun of her. After dinner, they walked down the street toward the nightclub Meredith swore was the best place to dance.

  Jane glanced at her phone and frowned. It was starting to get late and she wasn’t sure she really wanted to go dancing. She couldn’t help wondering what Tate would think if he knew she was going dancing without him.

  “Stop looking so Mary Poppins Jane. Tate won’t care. Besides, we’ll just dance near a group of girls. Nobody will bug us. And if a guy asks us to dance we’ll just tell him no.”

  Jane nodded as she was dragged across the street. “Fine, but only for an hour. I have to get up at four in the morning.”

  Meredith compromised at an hour and a half and insisted on paying Jane’s cover charge too. Jane blinked her eyes at the smoke, pounding music and low lighting. Meredith dragged her to the counter and ordered diet Cokes and then turned and surveyed the dance floor. Jane took her drink and smiled at the bartender just as she was tapped on the shoulder.

  “I’m Kevin. Want to dance?”

  Jane looked up into the face of an attractive man who looked a lot like James Franco and she forgot how to talk for a moment. Meredith stepped in smiling coolly, “Sorry buddy but we’re stag tonight and going to stay that way. Just here to dance and have fun on our own.”

  The man raised an eyebrow at her questioningly and she nodded quickly.

  “I’m devastated. Enjoy your man free evening,” he said with a bow of his head and disappeared into the crowd.

  Jane frowned, feeling bad and hoped she hadn’t hurt his feelings. Meredith rolled her eyes and dragged her onto the dance floor where they danced to bone jarring beat of the music. After about an hour, Jane started to feel the tiredness get to her and she leaned in and whispered into Meredith’s ear.

  “I’m going to go to the ladies room. I’ll meet you out front in five minutes okay? I’ve gotta get to bed soon Mer, I work at four.”

  Meredith nodded and shooed her away. Jane hurried through the crowd of men and women and caught sight of the man who had asked her to dance standing against a wall talking to a couple friends of his. He saw her and waved with a half-smile. She waved back, blushing a little and hurried down the hallway. She squinted in the darkness trying to make sure she had the right room when she felt a hand on her elbow.

  She turned around expecting to see the man who had asked her to dance but instead found herself face to face with Alex Foster. She gasped in surprise and wrenched her arm free, backing away from him.

  “What are you doing here?” she demanded hotly.

  Alex glared at her and held up a piece of paper. “What’s this Jane? A restraining order? Tate delivered it to my office this afternoon. I won’t have it Jane. I won’t allow you to destroy what we have,” he said making no sense at all.

  Jane stood up straight and balled her hands into fists. “If you read that piece of paper then you know you can’t be anywhere near me. If Tate knew you were here, you’d be going to jail. Have you been following me?”

  Alex sneered at Tate’s name and stepped closer. “That jerk told me that you and he were dating now. I knew he was lying immediately. You would never go for a man like Tate just like I knew you and that other idiot were temporary. You and me Jane, we have something special. I knew it the first moment I saw you,” he said stepping closer again until she was backed up against the wall.

  Jane felt her heart begin to pound in fear and reached for her cell phone. She turned to the side and began texting Tate but Alex grabbed it and threw it down the hallway. She gasped as the back came off and the battery skidded across the tile floor.

  “Hey! I need to tell my friend where I’m at. She’ll be worried and come looking for me,” Jane said and moved toward her phone but was pushed hard up against the wall making her gasp in pain.

  Alex shook his head. “Nah, she’s dancing and hav
ing a good time. She couldn’t care less about you. Jane, it’s time you and I had a heart to heart talk. I’ve been asking you out all summer and you always find a reason to say no. Your sisters and that cop keep telling me to back off but you’re an adult Jane. We don’t need anyone to tell us what we can or can’t do. I know that you’re shy and innocent but it’s time for our relationship to come out in the open. Let’s go,” he said and grabbed her wrist in a surprisingly strong, tight hold, dragging her towards the back exit.

  “No!” she yelled, digging her heels in. “Let me go!” she screamed as loud as she could, hoping that the man who had asked her to dance earlier would come and investigate. She kicked Alex as hard as she could, but he wrenched on her arm, making her scream in pain. She opened her mouth to scream again when something hard hit her head and she collapsed. Darkness creeped in around her eyes and then the world tilted as Alex threw her over his shoulder. She closed her eyes and sighed Tate’s name.

  And then she was gone.

  ***

  Jane felt the smooth cool silk sheets surround her and she smiled, snuggling deeper into her bed. She sighed a little, wishing she could immerse herself back in her dream. She’d been floating in the water with Tate. He’d reached out and touched her cheek softly.

  Wake up

  She blinked her eyes a few times and yawned a little, wincing at the pain she felt. She frowned and reached up, touching the side of her head with two fingers, frowning at the tender pain. She turned and glanced around and froze, her blood turning to ice.

  This was not her room.

  She slowly sat up, the pale dawn light filtering in through the lacey curtains. She swallowed back stomach acid and pushed the gray silk sheets off her legs. She glanced down at her body and blanched noticing that she was wearing an unfamiliar nightgown. One she hadn’t put on herself. It was old fashioned and nothing like the sleep shorts and tank tops she usually wore to sleep in. This had to be a nightmare. That, or . . .