Free Desiring the Enemy by Niecy Lavelle Page B

tried not to sound too eager.
         He finished his breakfast and rose. “Well, let me get to work. I’ll see you at five.”
         “See you then.” Jenna couldn’t help the exhilaration she felt at the thought of spending time alone with him again.
    ***
         The rest of the morning was spent helping with the men’s lunches. When Gretchen headed out to the stables she went to her room and tried to read, but after ten minutes she put the book down. She couldn’t concentrate on anything other than her ‘date’ with Wade.
         At four o’clock she jumped in the shower. By four thirty she had her hair blown out and her make-up done. She wanted to wear something a little nicer than just jeans and a t-shirt and found a pair of black stretch pants and a long top. She had brought a pair of boots and they added the touch she was looking for. She looked at herself in the mirror and approved. Her hair hung in long curls and her eye shadow brought out the shimmering green of her eyes.
         Wade had come home and gotten ready before she even saw him. They bumped into each other in the hallway and Jenna was again taken aback by his handsomeness. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and jeans, his cowboy boots giving him a rugged look. When they came downstairs Gretchen let out a whistle.
         “Boy, you two make a gorgeous couple.”
         “We’re not a couple,” Wade said quickly.
         Jenna couldn’t help feeling a little stung by his reaction. She knew they weren’t really a couple, but did he have to make it sound so impossible?  
         “We’re heading out Gretch. I’ll see you tomorrow,” Wade said.
         “See you tomorrow. Have a great time,” Gretchen said as they walked out.
         Wade went around the pickup to the passenger side and opened the door for Jenna, surprising her with his chivalry. She smiled and jumped in.
         “Thank you,” she said, smiling broadly.
         “You’re welcome.” He returned the smile.
         They made small talk as they drove downtown, then parked the car and walked to a nice restaurant across the street from the movie theatre. They placed their orders and didn’t say much, awkwardly avoiding each other’s eyes until Wade broke the silence.
         “You were telling me that your relationship is over. What makes you think things won’t be re-kindled?” He needed to make sure she was over Uncle Stanley before he proceeded, but proceeded with what?
        “It was a mistake. I didn’t know it at the time but he was all wrong for me. I need a man that’s all mine.” She winced as she remembered the pain she felt when she saw her supposedly devoted fiancée with her best friend.
         Wade was glad that she realized Uncle Stanley belonged with Aunt Rose.
         “What about you? Are you in a relationship?” she fervently hoped he wasn’t.
         “I was seeing someone, but it didn’t work out,” was all he said.
         It was obvious that he was going to say nothing more on the subject and she decided to drop the matter. Their dinners arrived and they ate in companionable silence.
         When they were done they walked to the movie theatre and got their tickets. Jenna hadn’t offered to pay, after the last time they shared a meal she decided that she would do things his way. The last thing she wanted to do was offend him, things were going so well right now.
         They were a little early so they decided to take a stroll in the neighborhood.
         “I’m sorry I haven’t been around the house lately. I’m sure you would’ve liked some company.” If he had known it was over with Uncle Stanley he would’ve been a little more attentive.
         “No need to apologize, I know you’re a busy man. Actually, it’s been good for me to have time to sort out the mess that has become my life. Besides, when I needed to chat I had Gretchen, and for the next few days I’ll have