I'll Be There For You (Canyon Creek, Co. Book 5)

by Lori Ryan

  She didn’t pull away. “Jake.” The word came out on a whisper, maybe a plea, if he wasn’t fooling himself.

  He closed the scant distance between them and pressed his mouth to hers, surprised when she leaned into him and moaned. Hell, the sound shot through him, defeating what little defenses he’d built up against her.

  His hand slipped around her waist and he pulled her closer, his tongue licking her bottom lip, begging for more as his whole body tightened in response to her softness.

  “Jake,” she said again, her mouth parting.

  He took the opportunity and deepened the kiss, pulling her on top of him.

  She straddled his lap, not fighting, her hands slipping into his hair, gripping him, pulling her to him. He needed so much from her in that moment, more than he had a right to ask for. More than he could give her.

  For a moment he wondered what he was doing but when she tilted her head and pressed her hips into his growing erection, he nearly lost it. She took him from zero to granite hard in two seconds.

  “God,” he said, gripping her waist and flipping her so he was laying on top of her on the couch.

  She spread her legs wide, inviting him in.

  He took the offer and pressed his hips into her, feeling her heat through his jeans. How was it possible to be so turned on when just hours ago he’d been half-scared out of his mind, worried his mother and aunt were seriously injured?

  He pulled away from her mouth and skimmed his lips across her jaw, to her ear and down her sexy-as-hell neck. Why was it her neck turned him on so damned much? “God, you taste amazing. Just like I knew you would.”

  “Wh-what?” she stuttered, arching her neck to give him better access. “You thought about me?”

  “Mmm, hmmm,” he murmured against her tanned, smooth skin. “All the time.”

  “Oh,” she sighed.

  He tried to raise up to gauge if this was okay, but she gripped his hair tighter, pressing her hips up into him, pulling his face closer. Yeah, she wanted this just as much as he did, if that was even possible.

  He placed a hand underneath her T-shirt, trailing across her ribs until his thumb caressed the underside of her breast. “God, you’re so soft.” He returned to her mouth, swallowing her moan as his hands moved higher, his thumb gliding across one taut nipple.

  Her hips bucked up into him in response.

  “Jake,” she murmured.

  “Yeah?” He brushed his lips over hers while he slipped a hand down her thigh and wrapped her leg around his waist.

  “Jake,” she said more firmly, pulling away. She rose slightly and looked over his shoulder. “It’s Becca,” she said. “I think she’s calling for you.”

  Never had a hard-on been deflated faster than it did with the mention of his daughter. Jesus Christ, what had he been doing, mauling Lina in her own living room while his daughter slept just down the hall?

  He pulled back and sat up on his knees. “I’m sorry.”

  Her face fell, her soft lips curled into a frown.

  “I mean, I’m not sorry for,” he motioned between them, “but, I’m sorry that I took advantage of you.”

  She laughed and pushed up onto her elbows. “Pretty sure I climbed on top of you like a tree monkey. Don’t be sorry.”

  The sound of her laughter had his dick stirring again.

  “Jakey!” Becca’s soft, sleep-filled voice came from somewhere in the house.

  He jumped off the couch like he’d been electrocuted. Becca needed him.

  Lina straightened her shirt and stood, her face washing with a blush he’d never seen before. “Come on. She’s in my room.”

  She led him quietly through the house and up a flight of stairs, stopping just inside the doorway of a bedroom that could only be described as enchanting.

  In the middle of the room sat a large four-poster bed. White, gauzy material fell in a canopy from the top, wrapping around the railings and post before falling elegantly to the floor. Small lights trailed the edges of the fabric and frame, casting a soft glow around the room.

  A fluffy purple comforter covered the top of a raised bed that looked so inviting, Jake wanted to take a running leap and fall into it. Underneath the comforter, amid the mass of accented green and grey throw pillows, sat his daughter, clutching Dog tight to her chest.

  Becca’s hair was a frizzy mess, her eyes sleep-filled as she rubbed them before focusing her gaze on him.

  He watched as her lower lip trembled. “Is Nonna Val dead?”

  Oh, God, she was worried about another loved one dying. To be honest, he had been, too.

  He rushed to her, sitting down on the bed. “No, sweetheart, she’s fine.”

  Her wide eyes darted back and forth between his. “What about Aunt Sally? Is she dead?”

  Jake shook his head. It was going to take a lot more than a car accident to take his aunt down.

  Although her injuries were nothing to laugh about—a swollen and bruised knee with fifteen stitches and a mild concussion and neck strain.

  Aunt Lisa had said maybe the collision had knocked some sense into Aunt Sally.

  While the room had erupted in laughter, Jake had watched Sally’s boyfriend, Warner’s expression fall, and he’d immediately left the room.

  The man had it bad for his Aunt Sally, had since high school, and Jake had a feeling the accident was a reminder of all Warner had lost in his life. First his wife during childbirth thirty years ago, then almost losing his daughter Elle to breast cancer.

  “No, honey,” he said to Becca, “Aunt Sally is fine. A little banged up but she said to give you a kiss and tell you that she still expects you at the bakery to help her with chocolate chip cookies in a few days.”

  A tentative smile spread across his daughter’s lips and for that he was grateful.

  Becca glanced up at Lina. “Lina’s nonna let me help her make bombs.”

  “Bombs?” Jake stared up at Lina.

  “They’re called bombolones. They’re an Italian pastry, kind of like a jelly-filled doughnuts.”

  “They were yummy,” Becca said. “I brought some home. Do you want to eat one? I’ll share. Her nonna said it’s good to share.”

  He beamed at his daughter’s thoughtfulness. She was a sassy mess sometimes, but underneath, her heart was pure and longed for unconditional love.

  “No, honey,” he swept her hair back from her face, “I just need to get some sleep right now. You ready?”

  Lina pressed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t drive tonight, Jake. You’re tired.”

  He stared at her hand then up to her face. She was serious. Truth was, he really wasn’t sure he could make it back up the mountain to his mother’s house. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

  “No, she doesn’t,” Becca answered for her. “And Lina promised we’d make blueberry pancakes tomorrow morning. I’ve never had blueberry ones before, but she said they’re good.”

  “Please stay.” Lina’s lips curled up in a grin, the expression warming his heart. “You and Becca take my room.”

  “I can’t kick you out of your own room,” he said.

  “It’s fine, I’ll crash in Cam or Dak’s room.”

  Jake knew the men were Lina’s roommates, and according to Kayleigh, Devlin, and half the women in town, the men were ‘hot as hell.’ Their words, not his. A fact that definitely rubbed Jake the wrong way. He sure as hell didn’t want Lina sleeping in one of their beds. A caveman-like possessiveness washed over him.

  Was he actually jealous?

  “Jake?” Lina tilted her head at him.

  “You’re sure?” he asked.

  “Absolutely.” She smiled and Jake’s chest finally relaxed. “If you want to brush your teeth I have some new brushes under the sink. The bathroom is just down the hall on the right. I’ll leave out towels too, in case you want to shower.”

  Jake ran a hand through his hair. Using her toothbrush, showering in her bath, it all sounded too intimate, especially with his dau
ghter sitting beside him. “I don’t know,” he said quietly.

  “Please, Jakey,” Becca begged as she let go of a heavy yawn. “It’s so pretty in Lina’s bed.”

  He watched as his daughter sagged back against the pillows, her heavy-lidded eyes blinking slowly as if she were fighting off sleep. Before he could even reply, Becca’s breathing evened out and he could tell she was well on her way to being completely out.

  “Stay,” Lina said. “I’m sorry about earlier. I didn’t mean…”

  “Please don’t say you’re sorry.” He stared into her eyes, trying to decide if she truly had remorse. “I’m not.”

  “I’m not either.” She smirked and he let out the breath he’d been holding.

  They stood in the quiet room, the lights from the bedframe casting a sensual glow around her. He had to fight not to reach out for her again. “Get some sleep,” she said. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

  He watched as Lina pulled the throw pillows off the bed and settled Becca onto one of the regular pillows. Then she leaned and pulled a cord by the headboard. The lights around the bed instantly turned off, leaving the room in total darkness except for one lone night light. A Belle night light. Jake wanted to laugh.

  “Sleep well,” she said softly, her voice trailing out of the room.

  He kicked off his shoes and slid under the soft comforter, the silhouette of her tall, sexy body standing in the doorway the last thing he saw as his eyes closed, following his daughter into dreamland.

  “Lina!” Becca called out.

  Jake sat straight up. Lord, how had that girl gone from sleep to sounding like that in a heartbeat?

  “What, topolina?”

  “Give me a smooch,” Becca said with a groggy voice.

  Lina laughed quietly and he watched her lithe body move around the room, standing by the edge of the bed next to his daughter.

  “Night, little mouse.” She gave Becca a smack on the cheek. “Sleep tight.”

  “Don’t go,” Becca said softly. “I can make room.”

  Jake swallowed down a lump as Becca scooted closer to him, making room in the bed.

  He cleared his throat. “Becca, I don’t know—”

  “Please,” Becca said sleepily.

  “I can go sleep on the couch.” Jake moved to sit up but Becca turned and clutched him. In that moment he understood. She’d been scared, faced with the possibility of death tonight, and she needed comforting. For a reason Jake still didn’t understand but wouldn’t question, somehow she found that in Lina. “Okay, I’ll stay, lizard lips.” He kissed Becca’s head.

  She giggled and snuggled into him.

  Lina stood, hovering over the bed. Jake could feel the indecision rolling off her body.

  “Stay,” he said softly.

  She slowly lifted the comforter and slid in next to Becca.

  “Night, Lina,” Becca said.

  “Night, sweetie,” Lina answered, kissing Becca’s head.

  Jake slid his arm around his daughter, not surprised to find Lina’s already there. She started to pull away but he grasped her wrist. “Stay,” he said again. He smiled when he felt her hand relax and rest in his.

  Before he could take the time to enjoy the fact that he had Lina Bianchi in bed with him, his eyes closed. The last thought he had before sleep took over was how thankful he was that death had missed them today.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lina’s eyes blinked open, the sun hitting her as it came through the parted curtains next to her bed. Usually she closed them so she could sleep in on her days off.

  She moved to get out of the bed but was held back by an arm wrapped around her waist. The heat of a warm breath tickled the back of her neck. She turned and saw the man who’d haunted her dreams all night. Jake.

  Wait! Becca. Where was she?

  Lina lifted his arm and quickly scooted from the bed, searching the room. She wasn’t here. She stilled when she heard voices from downstairs. Becca’s voice. And Cam.

  Her eyes returned to the bed. Jake lay fast asleep, one arm above his head, the other clutching a pillow, the covers now pooled at his waist, leaving his beautiful torso on display. He didn’t have a shirt on. Why didn’t he have a shirt on? Against her better judgment, she took a moment to study him.

  Dark lashes fanned out over his cheeks. A shadow of stubble littered his strong jaw and his luscious lips were tipped up in a small smile. He looked sleep rumpled, and gorgeous as hell. And he was in her bed.

  She had to get out of here before she crawled back in and snuggled up with him.

  She searched her room for her robe, surprised at the state of disarray her room was in. Then she remembered how she and Becca had played dress up, pulling out clothes and shoes and purses. Lina had tried to do anything to get her mind off worrying about Valerie and Sally. Who knew Becca was a fashionista?

  For someone so young, Becca had endured a lifetime of heartache.

  She finally found a silk robe hanging on the back of her chair and slipped it on. She was almost out the door when she heard Jake mumble something in his sleep.

  She turned and watched as he rolled over, the covers slipping even lower. Again, she took a moment to drink in the sight of him. His sculpted arms clung to the pillow as he settled into the sheets. He looked peaceful, young, unhurried. She wondered how often he had a chance to sleep in. Probably not enough.

  She turned to leave but heard a chirping noise on her nightstand. She walked quietly toward Jake, trying not to wake him. Jake’s cell phone, wallet, and keys sat on the table. Before she could stop herself, she glanced down at the screen.

  The incoming text said it was from Todd, the Senator he worked for.

  The situation is worse. Where the hell are you? She wants the money now. Call me ASAP!

  What situation was he talking about? And who was she? Todd’s wife?

  Lina thought about waking Jake. The Senator’s message seemed urgent. But he looked so peaceful in his sleep she didn’t want to disturb him. Instead, she took his phone and set it across the room on top of her vanity table. The area was now strewn with make-up and hair products thanks to Becca. Hopefully the phone wouldn’t wake him.

  Quietly stepping out, she closed the door, recalling the research she’d done on Todd Douglas.

  She’d taken an online course in politics one summer, thinking it might be an interesting field to study. The course had been about the younger generation of politicians pushing the political agenda for the next decade.

  Lina had been surprised to read Todd had been the youngest senator ever elected to the California senate, riding on a platform of economic equality, tax reform, environmental conservation and human rights protection—the issues most important to her. From what she’d read, Todd had made a crucial difference in California his first term, but in recent years, his positions had changed, staggeringly so. She had heard he planned to run for the U.S. Senate and she would bet his reversals on things like the environment had to do with that.

  It was as if he’d fallen into the pocket of conservative lobbyists out for corporate profits with little interest in the environment or human rights. Lina had wondered at the time why Jake continued to work for the man, given his current track record.

  She wondered if she could be with a man who supported such a candidate.

  Be with a man? What the hell was she thinking? She wasn’t going to be with Jake Sumner.

  First of all, he was only here for a few weeks. He lived and worked in California. And second—and most importantly—he had a daughter. And she didn’t want children.

  The sounds from the kitchen interrupted her thoughts. She made her way down the stairs, following the delicious aroma of cinnamon and bacon. Her stomach rumbled. As she turned the corner of the kitchen, she stared at the sight in front of her.

  Becca stood on a chair next to Cam. She held a plastic bag above a heaping pile of pancakes.

  “Don’t squeeze too hard,” Cam was saying. �
�Just make circles all around like you see on cinnamon rolls.”

  Becca stared up at him, her face wrinkled in confusion. “I’ve never put icing on cinnamon rolls. My grammy always does it.”

  “Okay,” Cam said, unfazed by her admission. He stepped behind her, his arms wrapping around her small frame as he positioned his hands over hers. “You squeeze and I’ll help you move around, okay?”

  “Okay,” she nodded.

  Lina smiled and leaned against the door frame, watching the two work in tandem. She’d always known Cam was great with kids. He was the guy you wanted on any rescue that involved children.

  Cam glanced over his shoulder. “Well, good morning, sunshine. Nice of you to join us.”

  Lina looked up at the clock on the microwave. Holy hell, it was almost ten in the morning. “Oh, my gosh, I can’t remember the last time I slept this late.”

  “Looks like you had a reason to stay in bed.” Cam cocked a brow, nodding toward her room.

  Lina blushed, an unusual thing for her to do, as she walked toward the pair and swung at Cam’s shoulder. “Shut up.”

  “It’s not nice to say shut up, Lina,” Becca said, never looking up from her job of icing the pancakes.

  “Yeah, Lina.” Cam smirked.

  Lina was about to flip him off but knew Becca was like an Italian grandma…she had eyes in the back of her head. “I’m sorry, Cam.” She tried to keep the sarcasm out of her voice but failed miserably.

  Cam nodded toward the corner of the counter. “There’s coffee. Hot cakes should be ready in a minute.”

  “Why hot cakes?” Lina asked, cocking a brow. He didn’t have a woman in the house, did he?

  He shook his head answering her silent question, nodding down toward Becca. “Hot cakes, because I’ve got a little cutie pa-tootie in my kitchen, that’s why.” He tickled the little girl’s tummy with one hand.

  She giggled. “Stop, Cam, you’re going to mess me up.”

  Lina smiled, glad that Becca had a diversion this morning. “I’m going to go brush my teeth,” she said.

  “Good idea.” Cam waved a hand in front of his face. “You have horrible morning breath. I wouldn’t kiss anybody until you do.” His lips curved into a wicked, knowing grin.