Free The Second Time Around by Angie Daniels Page B

man for insisting on being a part of her life again.
    Within minutes she turned off the water and returned to her room. She slipped on a pair of pink cotton shorts and a white spaghetti-strap shirt. As she oiled her legs she thought about what Jabarie had said and wondered if they really could work on their friendship. It was worth a try. Otherwise, he was never going to give up and if she wasn’t careful she might find herself letting her guard down only to face heartache a second time.
    Rising from the bed, she padded into the kitchen and was pleased to see that Aunt Nellie had already made coffee. She moved over to the cabinet, removed a funny red mug she had given her aunt for her birthday six years ago, and filled it with coffee.
    Sitting at the table, she brought the hot liquid to her lips and stared off in a daze as she remembered last night and their explosive kiss. She took several deep breaths and tried to calm the throbbing down low that only he could soothe.
    For the last five years she had done just fine without Jabarie, now all she could think about was him and her and what could have been. Bringing the brim of the cup to her lips again, she took a gulp of her coffee, annoyed at her feelings about him. So many questions about her past tormented her. Maybe Jabarie was right. They still needed to let whatever was supposed to happen, happen, so they could each get the other out of their systems once and for all.
    Brenna closed her eyes and asked for strength where Jabarie was concerned. If he continually insisted in being around her, getting over him was not going to happen. Instead, she would run a risk of losing her heart again. Although the new Jabarie had matured and was more confident and determined than ever, whatever they once had was over, and she refused to start it again.
    Opening her eyes, she tilted her chin defiantly. When she decided to return to help her aunt, it was not to become love struck over Jabarie again or for her feelings to resurface. Get a grip . This was only a short-lived thing. Once her aunt was back on her feet and she returned to Dallas that would be the end of her thoughts about Jabarie Beaumont.
    A surprising wave of regret met that thought and caused Brenna to shiver. Briefly, as she stared out at the ocean, she allowed herself a few moments to fantasize about a life beyond her temporary visits. A life with Jabarie Beaumont. She traced the brim of the mug as memories of them making love filled her mind. She sighed. It would be wonderful to make love again. A tingle started in her belly and began to travel outward. Abruptly, she shook her head, scattering the intimate thoughts before they could claim her mind completely. It’s sex, nothing else . She had to believe that and after all this time it was only natural. Her fantasy was based on a physical need. Yep, that’s it. She released a sigh of relief. Sexual attraction was easier to deal with than any possible emotional attachment.
    â€œWhat are you thinking about?”
    Startled, Brenna glanced up to find Aunt Nellie standing in the doorway dressed comfortably in seersucker walking shorts and a T-shirt, leaning her weight on her wooden cane.
    â€œNothing,” she replied with a smile. “Just thinking about spending the afternoon sitting out on the beach.” Setting down her coffee cup, she folded her trembling hands in her lap.
    â€œHow did the evening go with Jabarie?”
    Brenna groaned inward. Leave it to her aunt to get right to the point. “What do you mean?”
    â€œHave the two of you talked yet?” Brenna noticed that worry darkened her eyes and a line formed between her brows.
    â€œNo.” Every time she was around him, talking was the last thing on either of their minds. Memories of their kiss came flooding back to her and she quickly pushed them aside.
    Her aunt limped over to the table and took the seat across from her.
    â€œHow’s your ankle this morning?” she