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

“Time will tell.” He set down his cup, drew in a deep breath, and let it out. “Would you think it was weird if I asked you to get off the couch?”


I answered honestly. “Yeah. That’s kind of weird.”


He chuckled, and the sound made my heart lift. He explained, “It’s just that, I don’t know why, this might be easier if I’m not looking at you.”


“You could lie on the bed. Or sit on the floor. Whatever.”


I moved to the bed and did as he asked, lying flat on my back. I drew a couple of pillows up under my head. I heard him moving around and chanced a quick peek. He was lying down on the couch, his face against its back, with Ruth sandwiched in between him and the couch. She didn’t seem to mind the coziness.


Again there was silence, but not for nearly as long. Jack began to speak.


Chapter 78