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

Jackson stared at me, and I could see he was a little surprised. “Really?”


He got up and dished me up another bowl, filling it up just as full as the first time. When he sat back down, he eyed me warily. “You’re laying it on a bit thick, you know.”


I feigned innocence. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” And—into the breach once more—I lifted a forkful to my mouth. I chewed, swallowed, and successfully thwarted my gag reflex.


“I couldn’t find anything for dessert,” Jackson said as the meal wound down.


I pulled the plate of cookies from earlier over in front of us. “These will do just fine.” I snatched one up, waiting for the sharp ginger bite to obliterate the lingering taste of ranch.


Chapter 82