Free Can't Get Enough of You by Bette Ford Page B

searched for an explanation that wasn’t too revealing.
    â€œNothing is wrong, Jackson.” Forcing a smile, she said, “I’m sorry if I seem self-absorbed. A family problem I need to sort out.”
    â€œSo dating me isn’t about you trying to make Hendricks jealous.”
    Shocked, Jenna quickly shook her head. “No way! Our dating has nothing to do with Scott. I wouldn’t be dating you if I wanted to get back at him. That wouldn’t be fair. You’re a special man, Jackson. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better.”
    Jackson studied her, courtesy of the porch light that had been left on. He smiled. “Good.” Taking her keys, he unlocked her front door.
    Jenna stepped inside and quickly punched in the code for the alarm. Before she could move away, Jackson cupped her shoulders. “You’re so beautiful. I can’t help being a little jealous. In my opinion, Hendricks was a fool to ever let you go. I won’t make that mistake.” He leaned down and pressed a kiss on her lips.
    Jenna closed her eyes, painfully aware that she didn’t feel a thing. Jackson had many of the qualities she admired in a man. He was highly respected at the university. He was single, highly intelligent. He wasn’t a womanizer, out for what he could get.
    Jenna hadn’t cared for his display of jealousy, though. They’d only been out a few times. They’d shared a few lunches on campus and dinners and kisses, but she sensed he was looking for the right woman and wanted to settle down. Jenna also felt he was moving too fast. She couldn’t keep up.
    She sighed with relief when he didn’t deepen the kiss but pulled back. Just because she wasn’t ready for the sexual intimacy didn’t mean she didn’t care about him, though. Jackson was a nice guy.
    But Jenna had only shared her body and her heart with one man. When things had gone wrong between them, it had been the worst kind of hurt imaginable. For so long, she’d felt as if she’d lost a vital part of herself that she wouldn’t ever get back. Thankfully, that was behind her. Dread was too mild a word to express her doubts about starting over.
    Just when she’d thought she was ready to hopefully get her feet wet and get involved with a new man, her ex-love had come back into her world. Now the complication of finding her family had entered into the mix. Plus, she was letting Scott go with her to meet her brother. It was too much.
    â€œThanks, Jackson. I enjoyed myself. Goodnight.”
    â€œNight, Jenna,” he smiled and squeezed her hand.
    After locking up, Jenna slowly made her way into her bedroom. She pushed away the unanswered questions, the worries and doubts. It was time for bed. She was fresh out of answers. Besides, tomorrow would be here soon enough. She planned to hold onto the real possibility that she could be reunited with her brother, Lincoln, very soon.

Six
    J enna jumped at the sound of the doorbell, then laughed at herself. It was only Scott. He’d invited himself along on this trip because he wanted to help.
    â€œComing!” Jenna hurried out of the kitchen. “Right on time,” she said, unlocking both the screen and front doors. “Wow! It’s cold out there,” she said, running her hands up and down sweater-covered arms. “I’m going to have to put the storm glass in the door soon.” Realizing that she was chattering because she was nervous, she forced a smile. “Come on in. Would you care for a cup of coffee?”
    Scott grinned. “Yeah. Some things never change. You still like to talk first thing in the morning.”
    â€œAnd I could never get a word out of you until you had at least one cup of coffee down your throat,” she laughed.
    â€œNice place,” Scott said as he looked around.
    â€œThanks. This way.” Jenna was conscious of his dark gaze following her as she led the way into