Before she could fully digest all of this, he continued; his tone so harsh that it sent little wavelets of apprehension skittering up her spine. Brenda had never seen such pain and anguish in Jax's face before. She was caught between a rock and a hard place. What was she going to do now?

Meanwhile Jax, unaware of the dilemma Brenda faced, continued on, "Miranda and I worked very hard to make our marriage... viable. It wasn't some grand love affair, but both our parents wanted it and expected it. And I was attracted to her, so we went through with it. But I loved my son without reservation. He will always be a part of me. If I am ever fortunate to have another, I would protect that child from anything and everything – with my life, if need be," he added with conviction.

The way he said it left no doubt in Brenda's mind. If he learned about JJ, he'd assert his rights as his father's – maybe even try to take the boy from her. Jax had already lost a child, and there was no telling what he would do if he found out that he had another son. Especially one that she had kept from him for five, long years. No, this was a risk she couldn't afford to take, not even to ease Jax's suffering, she thought sadly.

"I'm sorry," she said helplessly, knowing mere words were inadequate. "I can't imagine how horrible it would be to lose a child."

Jax sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. "But you have a child… At least tell me if you have a boy or a girl."

She licked her lips. "What difference does it make, Jax?"

"None – to me. I'd think it would make a difference to you."

She gave him a small, grudging smile. "I don't want you mixed up in my personal business, Jax. You're my boss – period." If she let him keep up this line of discussion, things were bound to get ugly.

But Jax continued, intent on asking Brenda about his son, albeit unbeknownst to him. "Yes, I'm your boss, but you've never been successful in putting periods to our relationship – and in all honesty, neither have I. Quit being coy – boy or girl?"

Was that suspicion on his face? " A boy," she admitted with reluctance.

"How old is he?" Jax asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

She'd wondered what she'd say if he ever asked her that question. She swallowed hard. "He's...three. Three-and-a-half, actually." Liar.

"I'd like to meet him someday." He glanced around. "Is he here? Where've you got him stashed?"

That was exactly what she'd done; stashed him where he'd be safe.

"He's visiting his aunt and uncle," she said tersely.

"What's his name?"

She turned abruptly away. "Why are you asking me all these questions, Jax?" Did he know something? Was he onto her?

"All I asked was his name. What's so terrible about that?"

What, indeed? "Jared," she said through numb lips, relieved that Jax didn't know the truth about her son... their son. "But we call him JJ."

"I see," he said quietly.

He was trying to control his feelings, but Brenda knew better. She'd always felt that Jax's eyes were the keys to his soul. They told a story and had a life of their own. She found herself getting lost in those blue depths countless of times. She knew what he was thinking and feeling, the pain evident in his eyes as he talked about his child. The sadness in his tone tore at her heart. What had his son's name been? It obviously hurt him to talk about it. For that matter, it hurt her, too.

She needed to change the subject, and quickly! She steeled herself to face him, with her head held high. "I really apologize for missing work today. I'm a good employee, and I promise I won't do it again."

"All right." His tone and expression revealed neither approval nor disapproval.

She expected an argument but didn't get one. He simply nodded and said, "You're right." But he didn't move an inch.

"Now," she urged, glancing pointedly at the door. "And in the future, Jax... I hope you don't think you can just drop by anytime you feel like it."

"Why not? It's hardly as if we're strangers."

"But it's also not as if we're… we're friends. I have a life-"

"With a man in it?" Those fathomless blue eyes were boring holes into her. "Somehow I never considered that possibility." Gee Jax, would you listen to yourself? What man wouldn't want a woman like Brenda Barrett?

"What do you think I've been doing for the last five or six years, sitting here pining away for you?" she asked crossly. She had, but she'd die before she ever admitted that to him. She rarely dated anyone and when she did, it never amounted to anything remotely resembling a real relationship. Jax still held the key to her heart; she'd realized that a long time ago.

"Obviously not, since you have a child. By the way, you didn't tell me who Jared's father is."

"That's none of your business! I'm shocked you'd ask!" Brenda declared.

But Jax kept on with the barrage of questions. "Whoever he is, you must have loved him."

With all my heart and soul, Brenda said silently. "I must have," she answered tersely, hot color flooding her cheeks.

"Do you still?" he asked, afraid of what her answer might be.

Brenda wanted to groan in frustration. He had no right to ask her that question. "I'm not going to talk to you about this," she said, her frustration growing. "Whatever relationship we have, Jax, I think we ought to keep it strictly professional."

"Why?"

"B-because--" Because you think I betrayed you; because if I let you get close to me again, not only will you break my heart, but you'll find out about JJ. And that would open up an entire Pandora's box of problems. No, she knew never wanted to face that kind of heartache ever again – and she had to protect her son.

He cupped her quivering chin with one hand and stared down at her, a faint smile curving his sensuous mouth. "Because you missed me and still want me, just as I missed you and still want you. We can't look at each other, touch each other, without wanting each other. And we're going to be together again, Brenda Barrett or Veronica Monroe, or whatever you're calling yourself this week. And I'm not going to wait forever to make that happen either."

Jax turned to leave, but apparently changed his mind. He walked slowly to her, his eyes never leaving her face. "And one more thing… I wanted to say thank you," he said softly.

"For what?" Brenda whispered, closing her eyes to block out the sight of him. But it only intensified her awareness.

"For listening to me tonight… and just for you being you," he said with such gentleness that she had to turn away, afraid of what she'd give away with just one look.

While his kisses had successfully destroyed most of her defenses, his tenderness reached far deeper, to the inner core she'd hope he'd never again breach. She looked up and saw his eyes darken with desire. Before she realized what he intended, Jax brought his mouth crashing down on hers in a quick, hot kiss that spread liquid fire through her veins. Just as quickly, he released her and was gone, leaving her standing there alone in the middle of her living room, wrestling with the sure and certain knowledge that she was in a lot of trouble.

***************

  It took Jax just three days to win over the entire staff of the Miner's Point Hotel. Brenda saw it happen and still couldn't believe how he'd turned on the charm. He treated everyone with unfailing courtesy and respect, but Mr. Grover had done that, too. What really turned the tide in Jax's favor was a staff meeting at which he announced his plans for the old hotel. Even Brenda was impressed. Everything Mr. Grover had planned and dreamed, but was unable to finance, Jax and J&J Heritage Hotels would achieve./p>

"And that includes renovations of the bridal suite, where I understand the resident ghosts hang out," Jax grinned at the assembled employees. "I'm hoping all the workmen won't discourage them, since they add a certain charm to the old place. That'll be the final phase of our plans, however. In the meantime, I'll continue to live there while I look for something more permanent."

His secretary looked dubious. "When's all this supposed to start, Mr. Jacks?"

"Interior and exterior construction will begin in October, when the tourist season starts winding down. Everything will be done in strict accordance to standards of historical preservation," Jax answered.

A brief but smattering applause greeted this announcement.

Jax nodded, "And starting immediately, I'm doubling your clothing allowance and picking up the tab for costume maintenance. Before I'm finished, the Miner's Point is going to be the most desirable place to visit and the most desirable place to stay. We'll be refurbishing all the rooms and redecorating to stress the historical aspects. With that in mind-"

His smiling gaze sought and found Brenda, who resisted an urge to sink down in her seat. "Miss Barrett, will you remain after this meeting is concluded. Since you seem to be the resident expert on all things historical, I'd like to bring you in on my plans and get your input."

Everybody was looking at her. She sighed, "I have duty at the registration desk, Mr. Jacks. Perhaps another time-"

She was painfully aware of the gasp of disbelief her words elicited.

"Perhaps now." His suddenly hard gaze penetrated her. "I'm sure my secretary can find somebody to handle your chores, since I deem your participation in the preservation of hotel history a top priority."

Ruby nodded with enthusiasm. "Absolutely. Don't you worry, Mr. Jacks. I've got everything covered."

Oh great, Brenda thought, even Ruby wasn't immune to Jax's charms.

"Excellent. Now if there are no further questions or comments, this meeting is adjourned."

The meeting room emptied out around Brenda, who remained seated, while trying to ignore curious glances cast in her direction, as employees filed out. When they were alone, Jax walked to the end of the row where she sat and put his hand on the back of a chair. "Have you got a problem with my plans?" he asked innocently.

"That depends on which plans you're talking about," she retorted.

He grinned. "First things first. I'm talking about the hotel, of course."

"About that," she said, "I'm thrilled."

"You're thrilled about all my plans," he said bluntly. "Don't deny it, Brenda."

She lifted her chin. "I won't even dignify that with an answer."

"Because one isn't necessary." He gestured with the curling fingers of one hand." Come along."

Instant alarm flashed through her. "Come along where?"

"To my suite for lunch. We may as well be comfortable while we talk." He had a mischievous look in his eye.

"In your suite? I don't think so!" Brenda exclaimed.

"Don't be ridiculous, Brenda. You want to see what the bridal suite looks like, don't you?" Jax grinned, knowing that her curiosity would get the better of her.

"Well...I am curious. But—" she hesitated.

"No buts. I don't bite, Brenda. You're perfectly safe with me – check that – you'll be as safe as you want to be." He held out his hand.

Brenda knew that spending the afternoon with Jax would do nothing to curve her awakening feelings for him. Just touching him was dangerous enough under any circumstances, let alone in his living quarters. But she couldn't very well avoid lunch and conversation about her almost-favorite subject, the Miner's Point Hotel. She found herself reaching out to take his hand, her fingers curling around his. It felt so right... so natural. She remembered walking hand-in-hand with Jax onboard the Immortal.

"You felt it, too, didn't you?" Jax asked, reading her thoughts, his voice thick with emotion.

For an endless moment their gazes met and held; hungry, blue eyes locking with wary, hazel brown ones. Oh yeah, this was going to be a long afternoon!