“So, what are you making me?”
“French toast?”
My stomach growls in anticipation. “Sounds perfect.”
Nodding, he gets to work taking out a bowl, a loaf of bread, milk, eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. I watch him closely, noticing everything about him. The effortless way he whisks the eggs, his forearm flexing in the process, and the intense look on his face. His perfect lips are pursed and his jaw is set. I could watch him all day long, memorizing how his body moves.
My hands are itching to hold a paintbrush so I can capture him on canvas. I want to paint everything he does, and I’ve never painted portraits before. But then again, he seems to defy everything I’m used to.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks.
Snapping out of my thoughts, I look up to find him studying me. I tuck a piece of wet hair behind my ear and decide to answer him truthfully instead of being embarrassed. “I was thinking about how I want to paint you, and how I would do it first.” He stops plating the food and looks at me, an odd look on his face. “You asked, mountain man.” I smile softly. “I was just being honest.”
“I always want you to be honest with me,” he says, placing a plate of fluffy French toast in front of me.
“I am.” I pour maple syrup over my stack, and the scent of vanilla and cinnamon makes my mouth water. And with one bite, I moan instantly. “Oh my god, Jake. This is so good.”
I’m distracted momentarily by how good of a cook he is, but when I take a sip of the coffee he just handed me, I look up at him seriously.
“I want you to always be honest with me, too. I can take whatever it is you want talk about. I’m not a weak woman.”
“I know you’re not, darlin’. I’ve never thought that,” he says, taking the seat across from me.
“Okay.” I nod, looking him in the eyes so I can see the truth. Picking up my fork again, I keep eating until I’ve all but licked the plate clean. “You’re seriously an amazing cook. I’ve never met a man who could cook before.”
“Good. I don’t need the competition.”
“Oh, please,” I scoff. “There’s no competition.”
“With you, there will always be competition.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means that there will always be a man I’ll have to fight off if I want to keep you.”
Um, what?
“Jake.” I roll my eyes. “First of all, I get to decide who I’m with. Always. And second, you have no idea what you’re talking about.”
His eyebrows shoot up. “I don’t?”
“No, you don’t.”
“Then tell me.”
“I’m just saying that you don’t have to worry. You’re all the man I need.” I look away nervously and take a sip of coffee.
But hearing his stool scrape on the floor, I look up and see him rounding the counter, a wild look in his eyes. He’s on me in less than two seconds, kissing me hard, and pushing me back into the island.
“You’re damn right I’m all the man you need. I’m all you’ll ever need.”
Kissing me hard again, I throw my hands around his neck, raking my fingers through his wet hair. His lips are bruising against mine, his tongue penetrating my mouth like he can’t get close enough. It’s hot, dirty, and sexy.
Pulling away just as abruptly as he started, I suck in air like I’ve been underwater and am getting oxygen for the first time in minutes.
“Are you sore?” he asks, smoothing his hands up my thighs.
“Yes, but I can always take what you give me.”
He smiles wickedly. “I know you can, darlin’. But I don’t want to hurt you, so I’ll have to wait until later.”
He kisses me softly and untangles himself from my embrace. Too distracted by this man, my eyes widen when they see the time on the microwave clock.
“Oh my god, is that the time? I have to be at work soon and I need to go home and change.”
“I’ll take you back. I didn’t know you had work this morning.”
“Yeah, I kind of got distracted and forgot.”
“I guess that’s my fault.” He smiles smugly.
“It is. You’re a bad influence.”
“Can’t say I’m sorry about that, darlin’.”
“I don’t want you to be. I don’t mind at all.”
Walking towards the front door, Jake grabs his keys, and I’m about to follow him when I look down at his clothes on me.
“Wait,” I say, stopping him. “Should I go and find my clothes first?”
A possessive, heated, look comes over him. “No. I like you in my clothes. You look sexy.” Kissing me, he grabs my hand and pulls me outside, closing the door behind me so I can’t question him.
I look sexy? And he’s saying that while I’m in his baggy sweat pants and t-shirt with no makeup on? That’s a first.
“But my clothes…” I try and say.
“Get them later. Don’t worry about it.”
Alright, but I hope he knows he’s not getting these back now. I’m putting these on whenever I’m alone and want to feel wrapped up in him.
When we pull up to the cottage, I’m reluctant to let go of his hand, loving the warmth and comfort it gives me. “I’ll see you soon?” I ask, my hand on the door handle.
“Of course,” he says, bringing my hand to his lips and gently kissing my knuckles. “Soon isn’t soon enough.”
Releasing me, I smile softly, and slip out of his truck. I really wish I didn’t have to go into work.
* * * *
“You’re late, missy,” Courtney says the second I walk through the café’s doors. “You better have a good reason. Like perhaps you’ve been up all night banging a certain hottie?” Wow, she sure has a way of greeting a person in the morning.
“Yes, maybe that is why I’m late.” I smile.
“Holy shit!” she exclaims. “Tell me everything!”
“Fine,” I sigh, pretending it’s a chore, when really I’m dying to tell her. “We went out on a real date last night. He took me to this beautiful waterfront restaurant called The Sea Spray.”
“I love that place,” she says, nodding her approval.
“Jake was such a gentleman, and the food and drinks were good. Then we went back to his place and he made a fire outside where I then proceeded to seduce him. And that’s where it starts, but it ended many, many times later up in his bed. And shower.” I fan my face, feeling hot all of a sudden.
“AHH, I’m so happy!” she yells, pulling me in for a giant hug.
“Me too,” I say, laughing at her excitement.
“How did you break the weird silence you had going after Sunday? You never told me.”
“I had Dottie come over on Wednesday and we made her blueberry pie together. Then I took the extra one we made over to Jake that night because I know it’s his favorite.”
“Oh, he ate your pie and loved it, did he?” She winks.
“Shit, Courtney. Your mind is in the gutter today. Has your husband not been taking care of you?”
“No, he has. That’s why my mind is so dirty.”
“Okay, well, keep that shit to yourself.” I laugh. “I don’t need any more fuel for my fantasies about Jake.”
“Is that so?” a deep, rumbling voice says from behind us.
Turning, I’m face to face with my fantasy inducing man himself. I really need to pay more attention to what I say in the café, and listen when the bell rings on the door. This is the second time now that Jake’s snuck up on us.
His eyes are sparkling in the morning light that’s streaming through the front windows, and I’m momentarily transfixed. I could stare into them all day long and still find a reason to keep looking.
I smile, happy to see him even if I was just with him less than an hour ago.
“Yes, it is,” I finally answer, owning up to the fact that I have dirty fantasies about him.
“Maybe you’d like share some of them with me?” His voice drops an
octave lower, and my body hums alive, feeling the vibrations course through me.
I’m standing speechless in front of him, and before I can think of something to say, Jake steps closer to me, leaning across the counter. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours, darlin’.” I can’t breathe or form words, so I just nod, and he smiles, giving me a glimpse of his sexy dimple. “I’ll take a coffee, please. Strong. I didn’t get much sleep last night.”
“Is that so?” I ask, finally finding my voice. “What a shame.”
“I’m not complaining. I’ll take never sleeping again if it means I get to relive last night over and over again.”
My hands slip, and I spill some of the coffee I was pouring. Did he just say that out loud? In front of Courtney? I look over at her and see that she’s busying herself placing trays of cookies in the case, pretending not to listen.
“You okay there, darlin’?” he asks.
“Uh, um, yes, I’m fine.” I hand him his coffee, and his fingers wrap around mine.
“You sure?”
Swallowing hard, I nod. “Never better,” I manage to squeak out.
Pulling on my hand a little, he forces me forward as he leans in. “I’ll see you later.” Closing the distance, he kisses me fast and hard, releasing me too quickly.
Taking his coffee from my hand, he leaves a couple singles on the counter and walks out as quietly as he came in.
A throat clearing next to me brings me back to the present. “Uh, Ally? That boy is so falling for you. He looks at you like you’re the last drink of water in the desert.”
“Oh, please.” I roll my eyes. “He does not.”
“He does. Trust me.”
Smiling, I turn back to the coffee pots and pour a cup for myself, sipping it black.
The rest of the day goes by in a blur, and all I can think about is seeing Jake later. It’s like I’m a teenager crushing on the most popular boy in school. I really should get a grip, but the truth is, I honestly don’t want to. Jake makes me feel alive in every sense of the word. My body, mind, heart, and soul have all felt more alive since meeting him.
Driving home, I have my windows down and my sunroof open, enjoying the warmer weather as summer approaches. Memorial Day Weekend is only two weeks away, and I need to see if Ash, Mel, and Ellie can get away from work to come up and visit for a few days.
When I pass the lake, I smile, thinking about seeing Jake in a short while. I can’t believe he heard me this morning. I don’t know if he’s going to hold me to what he said earlier, but I will more than likely pass out from being turned on so much if he whispers every dirty thing he wants to do to me.
Chapter 14
Changing out of my work clothes, I put on a short flowy dress that I know Jake will appreciate, and pair it with nude wedges. I can’t wait to feel his hands skim up my bare calves and thighs before disappearing under my dress.
Dresses and skirts are definitely way more fun than jeans.
As I’m touching up my hair and makeup, I hear a knock at the door, and hurry to finish. Fluffing my hair, I flip it over a couple of times to give it volume and a freshly wind-blown look.
When I open the door, a smile overtakes me when all I see is a big bouquet of flowers.
“You just gave me flowers,” I tell him. Reaching for them, I hold the bunch close to my chest and inhale the sweet scent.
“You deserve flowers every day,” Jake states matter-of-factly, and a warmth spreads through me.
“They’re beautiful. Another favorite flower of mine. How are you guessing? Tulips yesterday, and peonies today.”
He shrugs. “I just picked the ones that remind me of you. Tulips are bright and colorful, and were once the most desired and coveted flower in the world. Peonies are delicate, classy, and timeless.”
Swooning, I take a minute to let that sink in. No one has ever said such a beautiful thing to me before. “Jake…I…thank you. I love them.” Placing them close to my face, I relish in the fact that this big Viking man in front of me picked these flowers out because they reminded him of me.
Grabbing his shirt, I bring his mouth down to mine. His soft, strong lips mold to mine, and the floor beneath me shifts. Sighing, Jake’s tongue slips into my mouth, and the slow dance I’ve been craving since this morning begins. My body hums as his hands find my waist and slide up my back, holding me to him.
Losing myself in Jake is the easiest thing in the world. I’m pulled to him like a magnet, never wanting to separate. My body simmers with a raging fire only he can ignite, and only he knows how to control.
Slowly untangling from each other, our lips stay just an inch away as we catch our breath. Looking into his eyes, I’m immediately caught in the swirling waters.
His five o’clock shadow tickles my palm as I smooth my hand over his cheek, and I suddenly wonder what it would feel like against my body as he kissed his way up my thighs – rough against smooth.
Lost in thought, I trace his lips with the tip of my finger, and he catches it between his teeth. Biting down on the pad of my index finger, he sucks on it gently, and I feel the pull all the way to my core.
My eyes close briefly, and when they open again, I see his have gone molten – a fire burning just for me.
A soft smile plays at my lips as I take my finger away and step out of his reach. Lightheaded, I let my feet carry me to the kitchen so I can find a vase for these beautiful flowers. I feel him behind me though, watching everything I do.
“Let’s go, darlin’,” he says, his voice strained. “Unless you want me to lift up that short little dress you have on and shove myself inside of you, I suggest you march that sexy ass out to my truck.”
My knees buckle at his words, and I brace myself against the counter. “What if that’s exactly what I want?”
Stepping up behind me, Jake leans against the counter, his body so close to mine, but not touching me. “I know it is,” he whispers in my ear. “But I want to take you out first.”
He steps back, and I try and focus on why I even came in here. Oh, right, the flowers. Trimming the stems, I put the bouquet in water and place the vase on the kitchen table.
On shaky legs, I walk back into the living room and grab my purse before stepping out onto the porch, trying to take in as much fresh air as I can. But it does nothing to clear my lungs of Jake’s sweet, musky scent, or my head of the images he created.
Jake closes the front door, and we walk to his truck. He opens the door for me, but lets me hop up inside on my own. I know if he even touches me in the slightest way, we’ll never make it to dinner.
Without looking at me, he starts the truck and heads out onto the road. Glancing over at him, I see him flex his hands on the steering wheel, his jaw set tight.
“I was thinking,” he says, eyes straight ahead. “I want to take you somewhere this week.”
“You do?” I ask, surprised.
“Yes.” He nods. “When do you have off?”
“Monday through Wednesday.”
“Good. I’m taking you somewhere then.”
“Where?” I’d honestly go anywhere he wanted to take me, but I’m curious.
“Just on a short road trip.”
“Okay, Mr. Mysterious, I’ll go with it.” I smile. “I’m down for an adventure.”
He relaxes at my response, loosening his death grip on the steering wheel. “Good. I knew you’d be.”
“Any hints?” I probe.
“We’re going north.”
“More north?”
“There’s a lot more of Maine above us, darlin’.”
Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, I tap my finger to my chin. “Alright, so we’re staying in Maine and going north. A moose park, maybe?”
His laugh fills the cab of the truck – a deep melody filling my heart with joy. “No, babe. We don’t have those here. But it is a park, and you might see a moose on the way.”
“Are you taking me to Acadia?” I smile, excited at the thought. From a
ll the pictures I’ve seen, it looks gorgeous.
He nods, smiling at my excitement.
“Really? It’s on my list of places to go,” I tell him.
“Good,” he says, taking my hand and lifting it to his mouth, kissing my knuckles sweetly.
Placing our joined hands on my lap, I gently trace patterns on the back of his hand with my free one.
“Where are we going tonight?”
“Do you not like surprises?” He laughs.
“I do. I love them actually. I just didn’t think dinner was a surprise.”
“It could be.”
“Fine,” I huff. “I’ll just wait and see.”
Looking out the window and away from him, I hear a low chuckle as the hand I’m holding vibrates. Looking back at him, I see Jake trying to contain himself.
“Is something funny, Mr. Taylor?”
“Nope.” He coughs, smiling. “Nothing’s funny, babe.”
“That’s what I thought,” I say haughtily.
Reaching over to adjust the radio dials, I switch around, and stop when I find a country station to sing along to one of my favorites. It reminds me of drives to the beach back home.
I love that music can take you back to a time and place in your life, letting you relive it. And I love all genres – country, pop, hip-hop, R&B, rock, classical, jazz. I think there’s a song for every mood and every feeling.
“So, she can paint and sing? Anything else you’re withholding, Miss Rose?” Jake asks when the song is over.
“I have many talents. You’ll have to wait and see what you discover next.”
“I look forward to that,” he says, and when the next song starts, Jake looks over at me with a sexy grin before he starts to sing along.
My jaw drops.
Jake’s voice is smooth like honey and feels like velvet caressing my skin. Singing the next line with more emotion, his voice gets a little raspy while still remaining smooth somehow. I’ve never heard anything sexier, and I feel it resonate deep into my bones while my skin breaks out in goosebumps.
I can’t look away from him. I watch his throat work and his lips move. Glancing at me, he smiles, and sings the next line about riding with his baby directly to me.
Her Maine Attraction: A Small Town Romance (Pine Cove Book 1) Page 12
