Page 16 of Faith
“Love you.”
She hung up just as Jensen settled in the seat across from her. “So, what was going on with your mother?”
“My father booked a weekend at a couples’ retreat.”
“I got that much.”
“She thought it was some kind of swinging couples’ thing.”
He didn’t say anything for a second, then threw back his head and laughed.
“It isn’tthatfunny.”
“I just love that your mother has been in this country over thirty years and just does not seem to be sullied by it. She remains almost innocent.”
“Stop talking about my country that way,”
He gave her what she called his little boy smile. It was lopsided and he rarely shared it with anyone outside of the family.
“Oh, you agree with me on some accounts.”
She sighed. “Yes, especially when it comes to relationships. But then, my mother met my father after being in the US for less than six months. They were married three months later. Before that, she never dated.”
“Your mother never dated? She was what—twenty?”
“Twenty-three. Remember, all she ever did was skate for Czechoslovakia. You didn’t have a personal life then.”
“She was singles, so no partner like you had?”
She nodded. “All right, are you ready to work?”
But as soon as she finished her sentence, Marta stepped out on the lanai, a tray filled with food in her hands.
“Ah, here is Marta to save me from the grindstone.”
“We can work over breakfast.”
“Only a heathen American would suggest that.”
Marta set the tray down on the table. “Good morning, Mr. Jensen.”
“Good morning, Marta. This looks scrumptious,” Jensen said. He plucked something off the plate. “Scones. Brilliant.”
Marta blushed on que. All women did that when he used that tone with them. It was what got them through so many negotiations, it worked when handling interviews, and probably got him more than one beautiful sub for the night. When she realized she had fisted her hand so tight around her teaspoon that her knuckles had turned white, Nicola pulled herself back.
What the hell was that about? But even as she asked it, she knew it was jealousy. Stupid, completely useless jealousy over a man she was barely attracted to. Okay, more than barely. A whole lot attracted to.
God.
“What’s wrong?” Jensen asked. He had removed his sunglasses and was studying her.
“Sorry. Still kind of off from the flight over.” She smiled at Marta. “This looks fabulous. Mahalo.”
She smiled at Nicola. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, I think we’ll be fine.”
She left them alone. When Nicola picked up a plate and started to fill it, she ignored the silence from the other side of the table.