Forever's Embrace (Forever In Luck Series Book 2)
Page 5
Then Steven spoke up, “Now boys, don’t be so disappointed. We put the word out that the Albrecht boys needed dance partners. So don’t worry, you won’t be sitting around twiddling your thumbs.”
They all groaned.
“Great! Thanks!” Nik answered sarcastically, tipping his bottle of beer in mock appreciation, while Karl and Steven smacked each other on the back, proud of their endeavors.
“Twiddling thumbs would be more fun,” Kris bellyached under his breath. “If I have to dance, then something better be getting twiddled tonight.”
“Here, here,” Nik added, putting up his beer bottle.
“How do we dance again?”
“Who the hell knows? Back in fifth grade, Dillon Johannek said all you had to do was get out there, move your feet, and shake your tambourine.”
“Dillon was a geek.”
They all busted out laughing.
Jake put his hand up for the waiter, “Four shots of Jack, please.” The waiter skittered away.
“Now you’re talking,” Kris said.
Soon they all held up their shot glasses, and Jake made the toast, “For fortitude.”
“Here, here,” they all said, with a cheer and a slam.
Soon the band was warming up and about to begin. Jake had no choice in the matter, he was going to have to dance all night. Scouting out the room, he could see Jules was already gaining the attention of several male patrons. He couldn’t take any chances with her. Getting his brothers attention, he nonchalantly nodded across the room to the bar area. Nik and Kris glanced that direction, then to Jules. They nodded their heads in understanding.
Looking to Jules, Jake noticed she was practically levitating off her chair she was so excited, and knowing her history, this would no doubt be a first for her. She’d probably die if one of those guys asked her to dance, but she wouldn’t know how to say no with enough conviction that they’d leave her alone.
The band started, and Jake prayed things would hold out till there were more people on the dance floor. Just then, his dad stood and held out his hand for Jules. Springing out of her chair, she jumped at the chance. Jake and his brothers slowly turned and looked at one another in quiet disbelief, then busted out laughing. He never thought he’d have to compete with the old man! Go figure.
Jake sat there watching as his dad waltzed Jules across the floor, then glided and twirled her about. The band was playing songs by the decade, and they were definitely in the Lawrence Welk era, so he should probably thank his dad for picking up the slack. It hadn’t hurt that she’d had a couple glasses of wine, but it was obvious she knew how to dance when the two of them started doing those moves you only see on TV…the jitterbug maybe, or was it the lindy? Wait the charleston? Whatever. Hell, they were doing some kind of swing thing. She’d probably learned how dance from her grandma.
Kris and Nik had managed to be pulled onto the floor, and when the music turned to the seventies, his dad put Jules’s hand in Kris’s and the two danced freestyle. Jake smiled as he watched her wiggle around the dance floor. Flitting this way, then that, her little butt shook as her shoulders shimmied. She was laughing and having the time of her life. Several songs later, Nik took her for a spin around the floor, and Jake got up. They had safely made it into the eighties, and he was tired of everyone else having her attention but him.
Cutting in, he stepped up, and she gifted him with a lovely smile and a bow of her head. Then she started dancing circles around him, literally, and he struggled to keep up. She vibrated with energy, and he swore he felt every flick of her hips with a zap down low. He tried picking up the pace without stepping on her. God, Frankenstein could move better than him.
“Dillion Johannek said all you had to do was get out there, move your feet, and shake your tambourine.”
He didn’t know a damn thing about shaking a tambourine, but he’d had a staring role in the sixth grade musical shaking maracas. Plus, his mom had said he was a natural. He’d go with that. So, he stomped his feet and shook his maracas, as he followed her around the floor, all the while praying no one had a camera.
Mercifully, several songs later, the tempo slowed, and he took her in his arms and held her close, as they rocked back and forth. Now this, he could handle. Oh man, she felt wonderful in his arms. Leaning to her ear, he asked, “You having a good time?”
She turned slightly, placing her cheek against his and nodded.
He froze, her hot breath caressing his ear in and out. He didn’t know how much of this he could take, but he liked what he was feeling. A lot. “Anytime you’re ready to go, let me know,” he continued.
She nodded again, nuzzling his ear a little in the process. He snapped. His spring was sprung, and all he could do was hang on to her tight and pray he didn’t lose it.
A little later, he helped her into his pickup. After buckling her up, he went to the driver’s side and got in. He’d quit drinking hours ago, in preparation for this time alone with her. No way did he want to screw this up. He watched as she put her head back and relaxed.
“You tired?” he asked, pulling out of the parking lot.
She looked over to him. “Kind of, but it was worth every minute,” she answered, with a warm smile
“It was a nice time.”
“Mmmhmm, I’ve never been to a wedding before. The whole thing was beautiful.”
“You’ve never been to a wedding before?” he asked surprised, glancing her way.
“Nana was older when she moved us to Chicago, and didn’t know anyone there, and I don’t have many close friends. At least none that I know well enough to invite me to their wedding. So, no, I’ve never been to a wedding.”
Interesting. “So, how do you like Luck?”
She smiled encouragingly. “I like what I’ve seen so far. Small though, compared to the big city, but nice. The city has little communities within it too, so it’s kind of the same in some ways.”
“So where’s your favorite place to go at home, when you’re not at work that is?” Reaching over, he took her hand in his.
She paused, looking down at their hands, then answered, “The Swedish Bakery in Andersonville.”
He reveled in the fact she was letting him hold her hand. “You like sweets then, do you?”
She got a big smile on her face, and he knew she had an affinity for baked goods.
“Yeah, you could say that. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but mostly because it reminds me of Nana, and our time together. She loved to go there. Plus, I worked there regularly for a few years, before I got heavy into my studies, so it’s nice to be able to go back there from time to time.”
“What did you do while you worked there?”
“Baking and decorating. How about you? Have you always worked on the farm?”
“Yep, I’ve always been here. Can’t imagine anything else I’d want to do but be a farmer.” The closer they got to home, the slower he went. He wanted more time with her. Going north on 150th Street, they started down a large hill.
“That’s great. I’m glad you’re able to do what you want. To work where your passion lies,” she responded.
Hmmm, peculiar. “How about you? Have you always had a passion for what you’re doing?”
“I’m good in science, and my mind is analytical. Any job that fits that is my pass—” She gasped as they topped a large hill. “Jake, stop the truck!”
Putting on the brakes and rolling to a stop, he hoped she wasn’t going to be sick. Unbuckling, she jumped out of the truck and ran out front, then stopped. Whoa, she was going to slip and fall, he thought worriedly. Looking beyond her, he saw what had her attention. The northern lights. It was a little late in the year for them, but this worked well for him. Turning off the truck, he grabbed the blanket he kept on hand for emergencies, then went to stand beside her.
“Jake, look at them, just look at them. Aren’t they beautiful? The bright lights of the city block them out for the most part, so I’ve never seen them before, I’v
e only heard about them. This is so… magnificent.” She shivered and her teeth chattered. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything this beautiful before in my life.”
Turning, he shook out the blanket, then stepping behind her, he wrapped it around her while holding her in his embrace. Leaning in close to her ear, he said softly, “I have.”
She turned her head and looked up at him for a short time, then said, “Thank you. That was very kind.”
“Yes, but more so, it’s the truth. Watch the lights, they don’t last long.” He rejoiced as he stood there holding her, despite it being freezing out.
“In the city we see some stars, but not like this,” she said, as she looked above them, her head tipping back and resting on his shoulder. “Look at all the stars. This is amazing. I never imagined anything like this.”
“I’m glad you like it. I’ve grown up with this all my life, so it’s everyday normal for me. You can see the big dipper over there,” he pointed, “and the little dipper there,” he said, moving his finger over. She leaned back against him fully, as she looked on.
When the light show came to an end, she turned in his arms and looked up at him. Then in that sultry voice of hers, she said “That was phenomenal. I will never, ever forget these moments with you for as long as I live.”
Beguiled, he reached a hand up and held her face, as he gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss he knew how to give. Then he prayed like hell she liked it.
CHAPTER 4
Throwing her hair up with a clip, Jules made a mad dash for the bathroom mirror to make sure she didn’t have raccoon eyes. She had to hurry if she was going to see Linnie before she left on her honeymoon. Jake was waiting for her at the top of the stairs, and when they walked into the kitchen, Nik started laughing.
Equally amused, Kris said, “Well, well, if it isn’t Ginger Rogers and Fred Flintstone.”
“Shut up,” Jake bit out.
Nik jumped up and started clomping around the kitchen, slapping his hip several times, then began moving his fingers back and forth like crab claws, pretending to mimic Jake.
Grabbing a kitchen towel, Jake snapped it at Nik. “It was maracas, you ass, not castanets, and you’re the one who played the tambourine.”
There was a round of rowdy laughter.
“You got proof of that?” Nik challenged, continuing to dance around before plopping in his chair. “Because we’ve got some of you. Kris and I uploaded it this morning on that new YouTube video thing on the computer. You’re getting hits left and right. Hey Dad, if Dancing With The Stars calls, they’re looking for Jake.”
Reaching around Jules, Jake punched Nik in the arm, then growled, “I’m going to kick your ass.”
Laughing it off, Nik responded, “I’m shaking in my boots, Elvis.”
Jake groaned.
“Hey, Jules, Mr. Cool here given you the flick of the head and his Elvis smile yet?” Kris asked, mimicking Jake, while giving it his best impersonation, “Hey, baby. I’m Elvis Albrecht.”
There was another round of laughter, and Jules had to smile because it was kind of true now that they mentioned it, and because Kris was hilarious trying to pull it off.
“It’s his Elvis look. He practiced for hours in the mirror to get it just right.”
Hearing Jake sigh with irritation, Jules turned and gave him a warm adoring look.
Looking back at her, he shook his head and said quietly, “Don’t listen to them.”
Then Nik started in again, his voice a high falsetto, “Oooh, Jake, you hunk of burning love, you ain’t nothing but a hound dog. I just love it when you shake your maracas.” Then he let out some squeaky kissing noises.
Kris and Nik busted out laughing.
Jules was mortified. He did not just say that, did he? Their dad was in the room! Jules turned from Jake and glared at Nik.
“Hey Jules, that ain’t your happy face,” Nik said, amused. “Kris, look. Look at her.”
Nate and Linnie walked in just as Jules reached over and pinched the back of Nik’s arm, hard, with all her strength.
“OWWW! Damn, Jules, I was just kidding.” Nik howled and whined, rubbing his arm vigorously. “Shit that hurts.”
“Suck it up, you wuss,” Jake said, laughing with glee.
Linnie gasped, and Jules looked up irritated, then responded sternly, “Your brother is teasing inappropriately.”
Glaring at Nik, Linnie offered somewhat apologetically, “Well, welcome to the family, I did tell you they’d take you under their wing. That’s typical behavior for him.”
“Oh sure, now you tell me it was a warning. I’m going to quit listening to you. It just gets me into trouble every time.”
They all laughed. Then Jules hopped up and gave Linnie a big hug goodbye, trying not to cry. It didn’t work. They both cried, and when they were done and their goodbyes said, Jules snuck downstairs because she needed some time to rest and compose herself.
Lying there in Jake’s bed after having nodded off for a while, she thought about everything that had happened in the last few days, and couldn’t help the smile that pulled at her lips. He’d kissed her! Last night would forever be burned in her mind, and it had been nothing short of sensational. The wedding, the dancing, the ride home, the northern lights, being held in his strong arms, then that magnificent kiss. WOW! She thought she’d died and gone to heaven it was so wonderful.
He was enchanting, and she hadn’t wanted it to end. When she’d said she’d never seen anything more beautiful than the northern lights, and he said he had, she didn’t know how to take it at first, but after thinking about it, she was fairly certain he’d meant her. Her heart danced. He was a romantic! Hopping out of bed, eager to see if he was there, she went to his dresser and looked at his watch. Two o’clock in the afternoon. Well, if nothing else, the Bear’s were going up against the Patriot’s in an hour and she’d watch the game.
Walking into the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks. Jake was standing there looking out the window as he drank from a cup. Holy lussekatter buns, did he look delicious. He must’ve just come in from outside, because he was wearing these snug and rugged, brown canvas bibs, that held his shape all the way up to his broad chest. The cut and design accentuated his strong arms covered by plaid flannel sleeves, rolled at the cuff, revealing the long underwear he had underneath. He was taller than ever in his thick soled work boots, and his cheeks were rosy from the cold. Darned if she didn’t have the urge to run over there and throw herself in his arms. Flushing at the thought, she stepped closer.
Smiling when he saw her, he said, “Hey sleepyhead, you get some rest?”
Nodding and smiling back, she answered, “Slept, showered, and mostly packed.”
“What time does your flight leave?” he asked, leaning against the counter and crossing his feet at the ankles.
“I need to be at the airport no later than four in the morning, my flight leaves at five fifteen, lands at six forty-five, then I’ll catch a cab home, drop off my stuff, and head to work.”
“You mean you’re here one more night?” he said, more than he asked.
“Well, yeah, kind of. Linnie said it wouldn’t be a problem when I booked the flight, but now that she’s not here… I should probably call and see if I can get a flight tonight, because this one will interfere with your milking schedule.”
“No, it’s cool, don’t change it,” he responded, with a little shake of his head. “It’ll just cost more, and traffic will be a breeze at that time of the morning, so leave it be.”
“You sure? I don’t want it to be a problem.”
“I’m very sure,” he answered with confidence. “You hungry?”
“A little, but I can wait till mealtime.”
He gave her a look that indicated he didn’t like that answer, causing her to laugh. “Okay, how about something small until dinnertime, would that be alright?”
He shook his head as he stood up and walked to the fridge. “Breakfast food okay?”
Ignoring her, he put the plate in the microwave, set the timer, hit start, then went to the cupboard and pulled out a glass. “Milk okay?”
“Yes,” she answered, biting her lip, then had a thought, and added, “I like milk.”
“That’s good,” he said, going to the fridge and getting the milk, then teased, “because anything else around here would result in your immediate expulsion, with you being escorted off the property, in none too much of a lady like fashion I might add, and left at the end of the driveway with nothing but your bags to sit on.”
Smiling, she looked down and suddenly felt devilish. “That’s good to know. However, in the interest of full disclosure, who’d do the escorting and how?”
He laughed at her. “Me, and you’d be over my shoulder like a sack of ‘tatoes, with a swat or two on the hinder, should you utter any dairy related blasphemy.”
Pausing to watch him for a few moments, she gathered her courage and said, “Hmmmm, I’m ahhh, failing to see the detractors in that scenario.” Then she quickly looked down, trying desperately not to laugh at herself. After last night, if she was right, this should get his goat and shed some light on the matter.
The glass and milk jug smacked onto the counter, and she could hear the milk sloshing around. Watching his boots, she saw him turn towards her, and then he just stood there for a few moments, presumably looking at her. She bit her lip, trying not to smile, then pretended to be studying her nails. Her heart was pounding like a jackhammer, and she could feel the stain of redness on her cheeks.
Moving quickly, he headed towards her. Surprised, she snapped her head up and began stepping backwards, smacking up against the wall with nowhere to go. He moved in close, resting a forearm on the wall over her head. She watched as he took in a deep lungful of air, all the while studying her face. She sensed he was smelling her.