Personal chef Beau St. Clair, recently divorced from his cheating husband, returns to the small Ohio River town where he grew up to lick his wounds. Jack Rogers lives with his mother, Maisie, in that same small town, angry at and frightened by the world. Jack has a gap in his memory that hides something he dares not face, and he’s probably suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Maisie, seeking relief from her housebound and often surly son, hires Beau to cook for Jack, hoping the change might help bring Jack, once a handsome and vibrant attorney, back to his former self. But can a new face and comfort food compensate for the terror lurking in Jack’s past? Slowly the two men begin a dance of revelation and healing. Food and compassion build a bridge between Beau and Jack, a bridge that might lead to love. But will Jack’s demons allow it? His history could just as easily tear them apart as bring them together.

Dinner at Jack's

Maisie shook her head. No, she wouldn’t think about that. What was done couldn’t be undone.


Before, she wouldn’t have believed it if someone had let her in on the paradoxical possibility that a person could be killed, yet still breathe.


But now the truth lay right before her. Even though she knew he hated to be touched, she squeezed Jack’s toes beneath the covers, then quickly withdrew her hand.


She stood. “You’re right. I’m going to be late, and Lord knows I can’t afford to lose my job.” She chucked mirthlessly. “Then we’d really be up the proverbial tree without a paddle, or something like that.” She shook her head and wandered out of the room.


There was no point in telling Jack what was in the refrigerator. He wouldn’t eat anyway.


Chapter 13