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comments, she’d never get any work done. She’d be too focused on the man and not the business at hand. And knowing her, she’d trip and fall on him all over again — although this time it would be quite deliberate. And if she fell on him deliberately and broke his leg or arm as a result, she’d never live it down.
    “So, Jack. Instead of taking a trip in your car, why don’t we head into your office and see about signing that lease?”
    “Nope, a trip in my car is a way better idea. And far more productive. I swear it.”
    “Is the lease in your car?”
    Jack nodded. “There is a lease in my car. And as soon as we arrive at our destination, I will give it to you.”
    “Your office — ”
    He cut her off. “No can do. The office is being fumigated. We can’t go in there.”
    Uh, why did she not believe him? “Fine, then let’s head over to the coffee shop across the road. That’ll do just fine.”
    He shook his head. “Again, I have to nix the idea. Look, there’s a property I need to see over in Mosman today, and I figured I could kill two birds with one stone. I could view the place while you and I talk about the New South Head shop.”
    Claire had no idea what made her agree — probably a desire to spend more time with Jack — but she finally nodded and allowed him to place his hand on her elbow and guide her to his car.
    The hand on her elbow was not close to enough. She wanted his hand on her —
    Good God, no, she didn’t. She didn’t want his hand anywhere near her. Regardless of the speed her heart raced or the clamminess of her palms or the recurrent flashbacks to the kiss they’d shared, she didn’t want to even think about Jack Wilson in that way.
    What happened between them had been an…anomaly. Yes. Perfect description. She’d fallen on him — or been pulled, she still wasn’t sure — and he, in his grief and shock had responded on instinct, reaching out to the closest person he could to find comfort. That must have been all he’d been seeking. Comfort during a difficult time. Everyone needed consolation when a loved one took ill. Everyone needed a way to work through one’s grief. His kissing her was just that. Nothing more. And if she did make anything more of it, she’d only mess up an already messy property negotiation.
    Once he’d ensured she was comfortably seated in his Ford Territory, he set off in the direction of the Harbour Tunnel, with the car radio playing soft rock in the background.
    “Thanks for coming with me. I’m excited to see this shop. The lease is just coming up for renewal, and the current renters aren’t interested in re-signing. Since it’s in the heart of Mosman, on Military Road, it’s a sought-after address. There’s going to be a lot of interest generated as soon as we put up a notice about it.”
    Claire wasn’t interested in the Mosman shop, but she could hardly be rude. Besides, if she made small talk and got to know Jack a little better, the lease negotiations might be more amenable. “Who’s renting it now?”
    “Two women who sell handmade jackets. Very expensive, very exclusive.”
    “Nice gear?”
    He shrugged. “Never seen it. As I said, this is Big Jack’s business. I’m just watching it while he recuperates.”
    “What do you do when your grandfather is well enough to look after his own business?” She’d be willing to lay money on his answer being something sports related. A professional footy player, or something similar.
    “I’m a teacher.”
    “You are?” She tried to temper her surprise. Sports coach maybe?
    “Yep. Teach high school English and History.”
    She gaped at him. “I had you pegged as a professional sportsman.”
    “Nah, not me. I play rugby with my mates on the weekend and coach a Uni team on Tuesday evenings, but my kids are my true passion.” His face lit up with genuine affection. “They give me a tough time sometimes, but they’re worth the effort I put into them. And they seem to like me