The Rebel Returns. Michelle Douglas
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brows lifted. “You really find it so surprising that a person can turn their life around?”
“From what I’ve witnessed, people say they’re going to change, but they’re usually lying.”
Jax stopped walking and turned to her. “Since when did Hope Springs’s very own Pollyanna become such a pessimist?”
She glared at him. “I was not Pollyanna.”
“Oh, yes, you were. There was hardly a time you weren’t smiling, and you seemed to think it was your job to make everyone else in town smile, too.”
She hated that he still thought of her as some foolish kid with unrealistic expectations. “I grew up and found out that life isn’t like in the movies. It doesn’t come with rainbows and happily-ever-afters.”
She started to walk again, not caring now if he followed her or not. Of course she’d always been smiling when he was nearby, it was how he made her feel. He surely didn’t think she was that happy around everyone. But then again maybe it was best she didn’t squelch his misconception. It was for the best that he didn’t know those smiles had been just for him.
“Hey, slow down.” He grabbed for her arm but she pulled away and kept on moving. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just miss seeing you smile and laugh. You’re always so serious these days.”
“I smile.” She lifted her chin and pasted on a smile.
“I meant a real one. Not one of those practiced smiles you use for guests.”
Cleo paused at the restaurant entrance, waiting for the hostess to seat them. She didn’t know why she still let him ruffle her feathers. She really needed to loosen up.
The hostess seated them in the corner where there was dim lighting and a candle burning in the middle of the table. She inwardly groaned at the romantic setting. She glanced around, finding the restaurant empty, except for one gentleman across the room.
Jax leaned back against the cushioned bench as though the atmosphere didn’t faze him. “So tell me about him?”
“About who?”
“The guy who made you stop believing in happily-ever-afters.”
Her initial instinct was to tell him to look in the mirror. He’d been the first guy to break her heart. But she didn’t dare admit it to him. He’d think she was being ridiculous. After all, she’d just been a silly kid.
But to this day she could still remember how crushed she’d been when she’d acted on impulse. She’d stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. He hadn’t kissed her back. He hadn’t said a word. Not even a smile. In fact, all he did was stare at her. She’d been mortified.
The next time she saw him, he’d been leaving her grandfather’s house. She’d run to catch up to him. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting him to say, but it sure wasn’t goodbye. Nor had she anticipated him leaning forward, kissing her cheek and saying, “See you, kid.”
She’d been so devastated by him leaving town that she hadn’t eaten her dinner and had hidden in her room all night. Luckily being the only girl afforded her the luxury of having her own room, where no one could see the tears she cried.
Jax took a drink of ice water and studied her over the rim. “Aw, see, I was right. It was a man who turned you into such a jaded person.”
Cleo was not about to confess her long-ago teenage crush on him nor mention her college boyfriend, who got her to trust him—to believe they might have a chance at a future—before he two-timed her with her roommate. Some things were better not discussed.
“Let’s just say I grew up and learned that people always let you down.” She had to remind herself of that hard-learned lesson when Jax was around. With him it was too easy to fall into old patterns and let down her guard.
Throughout the meal they compared notes about college life and who had it worse. When Jax claimed he lived a semester with not much more than a can of tuna for his supper, he won hands down.
Since he’d started asking questions, it was time he answered a few. “Now, tell me more about your life in New York. You’ve said very little about what you do there.”
“What can I say, I like to be a man of mystery.”
Now that she couldn’t argue with. He’d been a mystery for as long as she’d known him. He’d give just so much of himself before a solid wall would come up and block everyone out. She always thought that it had something to do with the way his father mistreated him. She inwardly cringed remembering how that man would call Jax rude names in the middle of town.
“Well, I hate to tell you this, but you aren’t as mysterious as you seem.”
“Really?” Jax propped his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “And what is it you think you’ve uncovered about me?”
“I know you work in New York City for some investment firm.”
“So far you’re right. I run a hedge fund on Wall Street.”
“That sounds very impressive.” She couldn’t hold back a big smile. “I’m so happy for you. I just wish your mother was still around to see what you’ve done with your life.”
“I think she would have approved.”
“I know she would have. She was always proud of you.” Cleo’s thoughts filled with memories of the people of Hope Springs. “Do you ever think about going home?”
“This from the girl who moved to Connecticut for college and then graduated and moved to Vegas. I don’t see you rushing back to Wyoming.”
She shrugged. “I’m not cut out to be a rancher, even if I am a Sinclair. I just wish I could have convinced my family.”
“Ah, so you’re off in search of yourself.”
After all of these years it was as if he could still read her thoughts. Before she could tell him more, shouting came from behind her followed by the sound of shattering glass.
WHY NOW?
For the first time in forever, Jax had been enjoying himself. Instead of worrying about his test results or the upcoming trial, he’d taken time to enjoy a good meal and an easy conversation. Cleo was perfect, from her sparkling smile to the way the candlelight made her blond curls shimmer. This was the closest he could ever envision himself getting with a woman and he hated that the moment had come to an abrupt end.
Stifling a groan of frustration, he turned his head. A man stumbled to his feet while berating a young waitress as she set a cup on the table. The woman’s face was splotched with color while all around her on the floor were shards of broken glass.
“I’ll get security,” Cleo said, scrambling to her feet.
Jax wasn’t about to stand by and watch the scene unfold. He strode across the empty dining room, hoping to reason with the man. “Is there a problem here?”
“What’s it to you?” The man slurred his words.
“It looked like you might need some help.” He’d had his share of experiences with men in this guy’s condition and knew they could be unpredictable.
“Yeah, get her to bring me another drink.” The man’s bloodshot eyes glared at him and then turn to the young waitress. “I don’t want this coffee.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t serve you any more alcohol,” the waitress stammered.
Before the man could move, Jax situated himself between the two of them. He’d seen enough of this thing when he was a kid, when he was too young to do anything about it. Now he wouldn’t just stand by and let