Following where my eyes are looking, she laughs lightly and heads back into the kitchen when she sees Jake getting closer to the café’s door.
With the jingle of the bell, he floats inside like a warm summer breeze. “Hey, darlin’,” he greets, smiling at me like he hasn’t seen me in days.
“Hi,” I manage to say back, my mind a mess.
“I’ll have a coffee, please.”
Nodding, I pour him a cup, and when he goes to pull out money, I shake my head. “It’s on me, handsome.” I smile.
“Oh, is that another perk of being your man, darlin’?”
“One of many, yes.”
“Yes, let’s see,” he says, holding his hands up to count off on his fingers. “I get to see you naked, kiss every inch of you, fill my hands with your luscious ass, feel you squeeze me inside your tight, hot–”
“Oh my god, you need to shut up,” I say, leaning across the counter to cover his mouth with my hand. “Courtney is in the kitchen and I still have to make it through a whole work day.”
Smiling behind my hand, he pulls it away. “Feeling hot for me, babe?”
“Yes,” I hiss. “Now put some damn cream in your coffee and leave before I do something that will break a million health codes.”
Jake throws his head back and laughs. “Oh, darlin’, how I’d love to put some of your cream in my coffee.”
Slapping my hand to my forehead, I groan. “I meant…never mind. Please hurry and go.”
“Alright, I’ll stop.” He laughs, and I watch him pour a little half and half in his coffee as I walk around the counter to see him out.
Pulling me in close, he whispers, “If only we were alone in here, we could break all the health codes. I’d lift you up on the counter and spread you open, licking your sweet cream.”
Moaning at his words, Jake kisses me hard, sliding his tongue across the seam of my lips. I open for him and he dives in, making me forget where we are until a throat clears somewhere in the room and I pull away, my cheeks flushing instantly.
“Well, if only we all could get a kiss like that with our morning coffee.” Looking around Jake, I see Alex standing there with a cocky smile.
“Not happening,” Jake growls, already knowing who the voice belongs to.
“Hey, just saying. I don’t know if she’s giving them away to the first customers of the day. If so, I’ll have to get here earlier tomorrow.”
With a murderous look on his face, Jake turns to Alex. “Stay the fuck away from Ally, got it?”
“What are you, her keeper?” he scoffs.
“No, I’m her man, now order what you want and get out.”
“Jesus, Jake, relax. I’m just joking around,” Alex says, holding his hands up. “Ally, I’ll have a coffee and a Danish, thanks.”
“No problem,” I say, rounding the counter to make him his coffee and grab a Danish from the case.
Paying, Alex smiles sweetly at me. “Have a nice day, beautiful.” He winks, making Jake growl. “Jake, you too,” he adds, laughing as he walks out.
“That guy is just asking to be punched in the face.”
“Jake, it’s fine. He’s harmless. So, you’re picking me up later?” I ask, trying to change the subject.
Shaking his head, he turns back to me. “Yeah, what time should I be here?”
“She’ll be done at six,” Courtney answers, coming back out from the kitchen carrying a tray of fresh cookies.
“Alright, see you later, beautiful.”
Leaning across the counter, I kiss him quickly. “See you later, handsome.”
“Bye, Jake. You’re distracting my employee from her opening duties,” Courtney scolds.
Laughing, he backs up until he reaches the door, throwing me a dimpled smile before walking out.
“That boy is so falling for you, too. It’s obvious.”
“It is?”
“Yes. And that kiss was hot, by the way.”
“You were spying?”
“Of course,” she scoffs. “You think I’d miss eavesdropping and watching you guys go at it? I wish Jack would stop by so I could jump him. That’s how hot it was.”
“You’re crazy.” I laugh, shaking my head.
“Do you have any plans for your days off? Maybe you’d want to go shopping with me?”
“Oh, I’d love to, but I can’t. Jake is taking me somewhere.”
“Hold up. What? Where is he taking you?”
“He’s taking me to his family’s house in Bar Harbor for a few days.”
“Holy shit, seriously?”
“I was pretty surprised, too. I mean, isn’t it too soon for that?”
“Not if you don’t think it is.”
“I don’t know.” I shrug. “I’m just really excited to be alone with him for three days.”
“I would be too if I were you.” She laughs. “Just enjoy yourself. Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are two of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, you’ll love it,” she says, fixing the pastries in the case.
“This day needs to go by fast, then.” I laugh, heading over to clean the tables.
* * * *
Thank goodness we were busy today and the day flew by. At six sharp, I see Jake pull up in front of the café, and my heart flutters at just the sight of him.
“Looks like your man is here.”
“Mhmm,” I hum, picking up the pace of my cleaning so I can run out there and kiss him. I’ve been thinking about it since he left this morning.
“I can finish up. You go on.”
I perk up. “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” She laughs. “Don’t leave him waiting.”
“Thank you, thank you!” I run over and hug her before grabbing my bag and hurrying out the door.
“Have fun!” she yells as the door closes behind me.
Smiling, I open the door of his truck and jump inside. Leaning over the middle console, I cup his cheek and kiss him straight away.
“Miss me?” He laughs.
“Yes,” I sigh. “I thought about you all day. I messed up a few orders because I was thinking about kissing you,” I confess, caressing his cheek. “And touching you.” Leaning in, I plant another chaste kiss to his lips and then sit back in my seat.
“Glad to know I’m not the only one. I almost cut myself while carving because I was thinking about running my hands all over the soft curves of your body, hearing your soft breathy moans in my ear.”
“Jake!” I gasp. “Please don’t do that. I don’t want you hurting yourself.”
“Don’t worry, darlin’.” He smiles. “I won’t. I can’t help that you’re always on my mind, though.”
“Sorry I’m so irresistible,” I joke, batting my eyes and flipping my hair over my shoulder.
“You are, though,” he says, backing out of the spot.
When we pull up to the cottage and get out, Jake reaches into the back seat and takes out a duffle bag I hadn’t noticed before.
“What’s that for?”
“I’m staying the night with you. I thought we could get an early start tomorrow.”
I put my hand on my hip, trying to act offended. “So, you decided to just invite yourself over? That’s quite presumptuous, Mr. Taylor. Do you take me for an easy woman?”
“Not at all, darlin’,” he says, kissing me quick. “I just knew you wouldn’t turn me away.”
“Okay,” I start, opening the front door. “Just because I can’t resist you, doesn’t mean–”
Dropping his bag as soon as we enter, Jake spins me around and slams the door closed, pinning me against it.
“It means everything,” he states, cupping my cheek and kissing me hard.
Stepping back just as abruptly, Jake picks his bag back up and heads into my room. When I’m able, I peel myself off the door and follow him.
Pulling out my small suitcase, I lay it open on the bed. “What should I pack for our trip?”
“Anything you want. Do you hike?”
“That’d be a firm no.”
“Alright, then.” He laughs. “Pack whatever you want.”
I’ve never heard a man not tell a woman to pack light. He really is perfect.
“I’ll go see what you have in the kitchen and I’ll make us something for dinner.”
“You’re perfect,” I say, the words just slipping out before I can catch them.
Laughing, he turns to me before walking out. “I’ll make sure to remind you that you said that.”
I really need to watch my mouth. I can’t be giving away everything I’m thinking.
After packing my suitcase with everything I think I’ll need, I head into the kitchen, finding Jake bent over as he puts something in the oven. Mmm, what a sight.
“What did you make?” I ask, walking up behind him and placing my hand on his back.
“Something good, don’t worry,” he says, kissing my cheek. “Let’s sit outside until it’s ready.”
“Okay.” I smile, pouring myself a glass of wine. “Do you want some? I have bourbon, too.”
“You do?” he asks, lifting his eyebrows in surprise.
“Yes, mountain man. Us girls do enjoy a nice glass every so often.”
“You do? I’ll keep that in mind.” He smirks as I pour him a few fingers of Maker’s Mark.
Settling into the chairs on the back porch, I sip my wine and let it slide down my throat, warming my veins.
Looking out at the water, I see the sky is starting to change colors with the sunset. Good. We’re just in time for the show.
When the sun has disappeared below the horizon, and the delicious scent of melting cheese wafts its way out to us, I sigh. “Jake, what did you make? It smells like cheesy heavenly goodness.”
Smiling, he stands and takes my hand. “Come on, it should be done.”
“But what is it?” I ask eagerly.
Opening the oven, he grabs two pot holders and removes a casserole dish, placing it on the stove.
“Oh. My. God. You made me mac and cheese?!” Jumping up and down, I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him hard. “You really are perfect!” I exclaim.
“You’re easy to please.” He laughs, shaking his head.
“Yes, I am.” I smile. When it involves Jake, it doesn’t take much to make me happy.
Grabbing forks from the drawer, I sit at the table while Jake serves up two big plates of his steamy, melty, extra cheesy mac and cheese, and as soon as he puts it down in front of me, I dig right in, not caring if I burn my mouth.
Right away, my eyes roll back and I moan. “Jake, this is sooo good.”
I don’t even realize how sexual I sound until I hear the clanging of his fork as it falls to his plate.
“Ally, Jesus,” he says, voice strained.
Opening my eyes, I see the struggle he’s having trying to contain himself, and I wink, going in for another mouthful.
Picking up his fork again, he shakes his head. I can’t help that it’s so good. He knows I love my food.
I finish my plate in no time, and wait for Jake to be done before I clear the table and wash the dishes. Putting the leftovers in the fridge, we go and sit on the couch to watch some TV.
It almost feels like we’ve done this a thousand times, and I snuggle into his side and Jake drapes his arm around me. I rest my head against him, and it feels like a space carved out just for me.
I feel my eyes start to droop, and the next thing I know I’m being carried to bed by two strong arms.
Jake places me under the covers and kisses my forehead before leaving the room. Returning a minute later, he gets in on the other side and I throw my arm around him, resting my head on his chest.
Sighing, I fall asleep instantly.
Chapter 16
Waking up in Jake’s arms is the best feeling in the world. His big, strong body wrapped around mine makes me feel protected. As much as he riles me up, he also comforts me with his touch.
Sliding his arm off of me, I try and sneak out so I can go to the bathroom, but his arm reaches out and brings me back in. Turning my head, I see that he’s not even awake yet.
Smiling, I kiss his arm. “Jake,” I whisper, really needing to get up. But he doesn’t move.
“Jake,” I try again, shaking his arm lightly.
“Mmm,” he hums, bringing me even tighter against him. “Don’t leave me,” he mumbles.
“Jake,” I say a little louder, shaking his arm. “I have to get up.”
His eyes open slowly, blinking a few times before he focuses on my face.
“I need to get up, Jake,” I whisper.
“Oh, sorry,” he says in his raspy morning voice.
Scurrying out of bed, I shuffle down the hall to the bathroom and cringe when I see myself in the mirror. I didn’t get a chance to take my makeup off last night so now I have raccoon eyes. It’s a miracle Jake didn’t just get scared when he saw me.
After using the bathroom, I go through my morning routine, and then head into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee.
Pouring two mugs, I add a little cream to both and then head back to my room. Sprawled out on my bed, Jake has one arm behind his head and the other out to the side, the sheets barely covering him. I almost trip, taking in all of the muscles and smooth skin that’s just begging for me to touch them.
If I wasn’t awake before, I definitely am now.
As I approach the bed slowly, one of Jake’s eyes pops open and he smiles sleepily at me. “You made me coffee, darlin’?”
Trying not to spill any of it, I smile and hand him one of the mugs. “I did, handsome.”
Taking a sip, he smiles. “It’s perfect, babe, thank you.”
“You’re welcome. What time did you want to head out this morning? It’s six now.”
“Whenever we’re ready. It’s about a three-hour drive.”
“Okay, I’ll finish packing after my coffee.”
Sitting back down on the bed, I lean up against the headboard and stretch my legs out, closing my eyes. Reaching out, Jake places his warm hand on my leg, absentmindedly caressing my thigh.
When I finish my coffee, I go to get up, but Jake gently squeezes my leg, stopping me.
“Not yet,” he says, sliding his palm up further.
“Jake. I have to get ready.”
“Not yet,” he repeats, spreading his fingers out.
“We don’t have time,” I whisper, kissing his cheek and moving his hand off of me.
Swinging my legs over the edge, I stand up and feel a sting flash across my right cheek.
Gasping, I spin around. “No time, Jake! But try that again later and we’ll see what happens.” I wink, blowing him a kiss as I sway my hips a little extra as I walk out of the room, hearing his low laugh follow me.
I find my phone on the coffee table in the living room and check my messages. Damn, there’s twenty-five new texts in the group chat. Reading through them, I laugh out loud at the absurdity of my friends. Ashley was texting all about her latest dating disaster where the guy was supposed to be a tall and hot businessman, but turned out to be a below average balding accountant. This is probably the fifth date that’s turned out horrible for her on that app.
Texting back my sympathies, I also tell them that I’m going away with Jake for a few days and to not be offended if I don’t answer them.
To my surprise, my phone starts vibrating in my hand and I see Melanie’s name flash on my screen. Swiping to answer, I walk out onto the porch for privacy.
“Hey, Mel, you’re up early.”
“My shift starts at 7 so I’m about to leave the house.” Ah, yes, nursing hours. “But then you dropped that little bomb on us and I had to call you. You’re going on a trip with him?”
“Yes,” I tell her, the smile evident in my voice.
“Ally, that’s a big deal.”
“He’s amazing, Mel. He’s all I think about, and I want to spend every free second
I have with him. I know that sounds crazy and fast, but…”
“It’s not crazy, Ally. I’m so happy for you. I called so I could hear it in your voice that you’re good. I hope we get to meet this man of yours soon. We need to make sure he’s good enough.”
“I think I can judge that by now.” I laugh. “But yes, you guys can meet him soon. I was thinking, if you can get off of work for MDW, I’d love for you to come up here.”
“I actually have that weekend off on my schedule already, so it works for me.”
“Yay! Okay, I’ll message the group and see if Ash and Ellie can get off too.”
“Sounds good. Alright, I have to head out now or I’ll be late. Love you, see you soon.”
“Love you, too.”
Hanging up, I send out a group text about next weekend and then text my mom as well, letting her know everything’s going well up here and that I’ll call her later.
I miss her. I really hope she’s doing okay on her own.
Sitting back in the chair, I listen to the rain that’s gently falling. Hopefully the weather will be nice a little more north, but I also don’t mind the rain. It’s calming.
I head back in after a few minutes, and almost run smack dab into a shirtless Jake.
“I was wondering where you went,” he says, looking me over like I might be hurt.
“I just went out to talk to Mel and text a few people. Why, were you worried I was carried off by a bear?”
“No.” He smiles, wrapping his arms around my waist.
“I would have called for you to save me anyhow.”
He kisses me softly, nibbling my bottom lip between his teeth. “I’d save you from anything.”
Swooning, I brace myself on his arms and lean up on my toes to kiss him fully, pressing my whole body into him.
Pulling away slightly, I spread my hands out on his chest and look into his swirling ocean eyes. “I’d save you, too, you know. You’re not invincible, even if you look like you are.”
He stares at me with a look in his eyes that I can’t decipher. Kissing me again, I feel it all the way down to my toes.
“Okay, okay, let’s hurry and get on the road, no more kissing.” I smile, pushing him away playfully.
“We’ll see.” He slaps my ass as I walk past him, and I rub the sting out, shaking my head with a smile.
Her Maine Attraction: A Small Town Romance (Pine Cove Book 1) Page 15
