Free Can't Get Enough of You by Bette Ford

is not exactly around the corner, you know.”
    â€œSo, he’s in Cleveland. You plan to drive? Look, I have a better idea. My buddy Ralph Prescott has a fleet of private planes. It wouldn’t be a problem to use one for the weekend. We can be there in less than a half hour in the air.”
    â€œNo! This isn’t some jet-setting, glamorous weekend. This is serious. It’s about my brother, whom I have waited most of my life to see again. I planned to drive to Ohio to see him. My car may be old, but it got me from New York. It will get me to Ohio. You do whatever you need to do to get lucky, but keep me out of it.”
    Scott laughed without humor. “That was low, babe.” He took a step back and held his hands up defensively. “It was nothing more than a suggestion. If you feel I’m being too pushy, I will back away. I know how much this means to you, and I only want to ease your way.”
    Frowning, Jenna realized she was being unfair to him. He was only trying to help. “Sorry, I know I overreacted a little.”
    â€œYou think,” he teased.
    She laughed, placing her palm against his heart, then suddenly jerking it away when she realized she was touching him as freely as if they’d still been lovers. “Look, I appreciate the offer, but . . .”
    â€œI know you have your own plans, and I promise not to interfere in any way. I just want to be there, just in case you need a friend to back you up. You want to drive, then we’ll drive. Please, Jenna, just let me be there with you.”
    Jenna knew she didn’t need backup. And even if she did, she could ask her foster sisters or Jackson to go with her. Yet for some strange reason, it felt right to have Scott at her side. She tilted her head to the side, unaware of the way she worried her bottom lip.
    â€œJenna?” he prompted.
    â€œYou’re an excellent driver. Remember on the drive down to Florida with Taylor for the holidays? We had a great time.”
    He grinned, “Yeah. With two ladies in the car, we hit every rest stop between here and St. Petersburg. So what time do you want me to pick you up? Or would you rather pick me up?”
    â€œYou pick me up. Nine too early?”
    â€œNot for me.”
    â€œHey! You two alright out here? I don’t need to call the cops, do I?” Taylor called from the side doorway.
    â€œWe’re fine. Just sharing news. Come on, Scott. It’s getting cold out here.” Jenna sent him a teasing smile over her shoulder before she crossed to Taylor. “I’ve good news. The private investigator I hired thinks he found my brother, Lincoln. Scott has agreed to go with me to check things out.”
    â€œJenna! That’s wonderful!” Taylor gave her a quick hug.
    Jenna laughed, “I didn’t want to say anything in front of the others, not until I know more. It might not be Lincoln. Then I’d have to start all over.” Recognizing that she was babbling, she stopped talking.
    â€œI understand.” Taylor kissed her cheek. “But I’ll have my fingers and toes crossed that it is your Lincoln. Can I tell Donald later?”
    â€œOf course.” It wasn’t until they were inside that she remembered she still had Scott’s jacket draped over her shoulder. Turning back to him, she said, “Thanks, Scott, for everything.” She gave back the garment.
    He smiled. “Any time.”
    Just then, Mrs. Hendricks came into the rear hallway with Jackson right behind her. “I was beginning to wonder where everyone ran off to. Is something wrong?”
    â€œNothing. I was just going to put more cream puffs in the oven.” Taylor tucked her arm through her mother’s. “Come along, Mama. You can help with the chocolate sauce.”
    Mrs. Hendricks smiled. “I’d be glad to, dear. Scott, why don’t you come also. I have to tell you what that nice Mrs. Roberts said about