Her Maine Attraction: A Small Town Romance (Pine Cove Book 1)

by Rebecca Gannon

  After we spend hours driving and exploring, I’m positively famished.

  “Jake, I need sustenance. I’m so hungry I could eat the map they gave us when we entered.”

  “Me too, darlin’. Don’t worry, I’m taking us back into town for food now.”

  “Thank you. I’d kiss you right now if I wasn’t so weak from hunger.”

  I bite my lip to keep from laughing when I see him roll his eyes. “I know for a fact you’re never too weak to kiss me.”

  “That’s true.” I smile, looking out the window as we leave the park. “You’re lucky you got to grow up so close to here. And have a house so you can come to whenever.”

  “I used to escape here a lot after I got my license. And then again when I left the Navy. It was a place I knew I’d never be bothered.”

  “It’s good you had it. I can’t even count the number of times I wished I had a place to escape to.”

  Looking over at me, Jake squeezes my hand and I squeeze back. It’s a small reassurance that neither of us needs a place to escape to anymore.

  For our last meal in Bar Harbor, Jake takes me back to the restaurant on the pier and we order fresh lobster rolls and cold beers. Choosing to sit out on the floating dock at one of the picnic tables, I take in the last views of our trip.

  “Thank you for taking me here, Jake. I love it. I could spend endless days painting everything I see.”

  “We can come back. Next time you have a few days off in a row, just let me know.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course. I knew you’d love it here.”

  “Can we do a whale watching tour and walk across to that island at low tide?”

  “Anything your heart desires, darlin’.”

  “Well, my heart desires a lot, but we’ll start with those two things.” I smile, loving the idea of coming back here.

  Taking his hand, I lace my fingers with his as we walk slowly back to his truck, enjoying the beautiful day.

  Back at the house, we pack our bags, and load up his truck.

  “I just have to get my art supplies and then I’ll be good.”

  “You can leave it all for next time.”

  “That’d be okay with your family?”

  “Why not?” He shrugs.

  “Okay, if you’re sure.” I go back to get my painting, but leave everything else. I love that he’s giving me a little place in his family’s house.

  * * * *

  The drive back to Pine Cove is peaceful. We listen to the radio and I watch the pine trees pass in a blur around us.

  It’s pitch black when we pull up to the cottage, with the only light coming from the truck’s headlights. Looking around, I try and see if there’s anything out there, but it’s too dark to tell.

  “Don’t worry, darlin’, I’m going to walk you in. I won’t let anything get you,” he says with a smirk.

  “Excuse me for being cautious,” I throw back at him playfully. “Not all of us are mountain men with guns.”

  Laughing, he gets out and checks our surroundings before lifting me out of my seat and carrying me up to the front door.

  “I wasn’t so scared you had to carry me,” I tell him as I unlock the door.

  “I know, but I like holding you close,” he whispers in my ear, his warm breath sending shivers down my spine.

  Fumbling with the key, I finally manage to open the door and step into the living room.

  “I’ll go get your bag now that I know nothing will attack us.”

  Smart ass.

  Rolling my eyes, I walk over to the couch and flop down, feeling the exhaustion of our trip. Waking up early every day and then having sex all night has my body drained of all its energy.

  Drifting off, I hear Jake come back in, and then I’m being lifted by two strong arms again. I curl into his chest, inhaling his woodsy scent, and humming my approval.

  Soft sheets greet me as he lays me down, making sure to remove my sneakers before pulling the comforter over me.

  “Are you staying?” I mumble.

  “If you want me to.”

  “Always,” I whisper, falling into a deep sleep.

  * * * *

  Waking up nestled snuggly against Jake’s side, I smile, wiggling just a little closer.

  I peak over his shoulder to look at the clock on the nightstand and sigh, seeing that it’s time for me to get up for work already.

  “What’s wrong?” he mumbles.

  “Nothing, I just have to get up for work now, even though I’m comfortable.”

  Opening his eyes, Jake kisses my cheek. “I’ll go make the coffee.”

  “Thanks,” I say around a yawn, stretching out.

  Going through the motions of getting ready for work, I head into the kitchen and make myself a mug of coffee, joining Jake out on the back porch.

  “How are your boats coming along?” I ask.

  “Good. I have to ship them out in a couple weeks, though, and I’m not finished carving yet.”

  “Are they for the same person?”

  “Yeah, a husband and wife.”

  “That’s so nice.” I smile, stretching my legs out in front of me as I sip my coffee. “Okay, I have to head out,” I say after a minute. “Do you want to sit out here a little longer, or leave with me?”

  “No, I’ll go too.”

  Heading back inside, we place our mugs in the sink and walk out to our cars.

  “Hey,” he says, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards him. “You’re forgetting something.”

  “I am?”

  Pushing me up against his truck, he captures my lips with his, searing me with his heat. “Yes, my kiss goodbye,” he says, pulling away.

  “Sorry.” I smile.

  “You should be, darlin’. Have a good day at work. Try not to mess up too many orders.”

  “Try not to cut off any fingers. I need them.” I wink, getting in my car.

  When I walk into the café, the strong scent of coffee and fresh baked pastries fills my lungs. I love working here.

  “Ally! How are you? How was your trip?”

  “Hey Courtney, I’m good. Do you live here?” I ask with a laugh. “Why haven’t I worked with Dara yet? Do you not trust me?”

  “Okay, slow down, I trust you. Dara was supposed to work today but I told her I’d work so I could hear all about your trip. Come on, tell me everything!”

  “It was really good.” I smile.

  “No, no, I need details. What did you guys do?”

  Walking behind the counter to put my purse away, I try and decide if I should filter anything. “Well, we ate amazing food, walked around, went in shops, saw the sunrise from the top of a mountain. Oh, and had lots and lots of hot sex.”

  “AHH!” she screams. “Thank goodness! I was hoping you wouldn’t leave that part out.”

  “Of course not. It’s a vital part of my trip.” Smiling like a lovesick teenager, I make a cup of coffee and grab a donut from the case.

  “Anything else?”

  “Just…on the way there. I was joking about his past relationships and he got all weird and closed off.”

  “Give it more time. He’ll be ready to talk when he’s ready.”

  “I’ve honestly never felt this way before. I’m a little scared because it’s so new for me, but I’m also too in love to care.”

  “What did you just say?” Courtney asks, her mouth open.

  “What?”

  “You just said you’re in love.”

  “I did?” Oh, shit. I did.

  Shoving the donut in my mouth, I shake my head. “I didn’t mean to say that.”

  “Yes, you did.” She smiles. “Have you told him?”

  “No. And I don’t plan on it. It’s too soon. Plus, I don’t know how he feels. He’s not very big on emotional conversations as I’m well aware of.”

  “First of all, it’s not too soon when you’re with the right person. I knew with Jack after our first date. Well, during our first date ac
tually.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah.” She smiles. “He swept me off my feet right away, and I haven’t been put down yet. But even though I knew right away, and later on Jack told me he did too, we didn’t actually tell each other until about a month in. Then he proposed about a month after that.” She laughs.

  “Wait, seriously? After only two months together?”

  “Yeah, we just knew. Why wait or delay happiness when you can have it all?”

  “If you know, you know.”

  Chapter 20

  Getting home from the café around 6:30, I make myself chicken and gnocchi with pesto, and open a bottle of merlot.

  I’ve always loved the nights back home when I got to put my pajamas on early, drink wine, and veg out on the couch.

  Throwing my hair up in a messy bun, I tuck my feet underneath me and put on Cougar Town. I love this show. All they do is drink wine and hang out, and it makes me feel justified when I finish a whole bottle myself. Well, sort of.

  A few minutes in, though, my mind starts to drift to thoughts of Jake. Licking a stray drop of wine from my lips, I picture him all sweaty and sexy as he works on his boats with that look of complete concentration and focus on his face. I’d distract him by slowly stripping off my clothes until he bends me over one of his work benches and has his way with me.

  Suddenly my phone rings on the table, making me jump.

  “Hello?” I answer, not even looking at who’s calling, still stuck in my fantasy.

  “Hey, darlin’,” a sexy, smooth voice greets me.

  “Hey, mountain man.”

  “I missed you today.”

  “You did?”

  “I did. I do.”

  “I miss you, too,” I whisper.

  “Good, open the door.”

  “What?”

  “Open the door.”

  Getting up, I put my wine glass down and pause the TV, slowly walking over to the front door. Opening it, I find Jake standing there with daisies, a bottle of wine, and a paper bag.

  “I brought dessert,” he says, raking his eyes up and down my body. And when they meet mine again, they’re smoldering.

  I happen to be wearing the same silk pajama set I had on when we first met. The one that shows a lot and only covers a little. Smiling, I step aside and let him in.

  Jake walks past me and I follow him into the kitchen. He puts the flowers in a tall glass of water and grabs two wine glasses. Popping open the bottle he brought, he pours us each a hefty amount.

  “Trying to loosen me up, mountain man?”

  The corner of his mouth lifts in a small smile as he pulls out a plate and knife and sits at the table with me. Opening the paper bag, Jake pulls out a whoopie pie and cuts it in half, pushing one of them towards me.

  “You drink wine?” I ask, taking a sip from my glass.

  “I sometimes do.” He shrugs.

  Licking the side of the whoopie, I moan softly when the sugary filling melts on my tongue.

  “You know, I was just thinking about you before you called.”

  “You were?”

  “Yes. Your call interrupted a little fantasy I was having.”

  Eyeing me with a heated look, he lifts his glass to his lips and slowly takes a sip. I watch as his tongue darts out and licks his lips, savoring the taste.

  “I was thinking of you in your workshop, all hot and sweaty, concentrating really hard on what you were doing. And since I hadn’t seen you all day, I started thinking of how I could distract you so you’d give me what I want.”

  “And what was it you wanted that I wasn’t giving you?”

  “You,” I say simply, watching his jaw clench.

  “And what did you come up with to get my attention?”

  Staring into his ocean eyes, they start to swirl when I swipe my finger through the filling and lick it clean.

  “I decided to start stripping. Slowly. You finally looked up when you heard me slide my zipper down. Your eyes were glued to me, heating my skin with every pass they made. When I was finally naked, I walked towards you, a little sway in my hips. I bent down so my breasts were right in your face, and I whispered in your ear to take me right then and there, and however you wanted.”

  Jakes eyes grow darker and darker with every word I say. Lifting his glass to his lips again, I watch his throat move when he swallows. I never realized how sexy a throat could be.

  “Stand up,” he commands, his eyes blazing into mine.

  “What?”

  “Stand up,” he repeats.

  Confused, I do as he says.

  “Strip,” he demands, sitting back in his chair and drinking his wine.

  With my heart beating wildly in my chest, I bite my lip and grab the hem of my silk pajama top, lifting it up and off of me.

  Hungrily, Jake’s eyes take in my naked breasts, my nipples turning into taut peaks under his gaze.

  Slipping my thumbs under the waistband of the matching shorts, I shimmy my hips a little, letting the silk float to floor. Reaching up, I release my hair from the bun, and let it fall down my back.

  Walking slowly towards him, I rest my hand on his shoulder and bend over. “I want you to take me here and now, Jake,” I whisper in his ear. “However you want it.”

  Sucking his earlobe into my mouth, he growls and grabs my hips. Lifting me up, he stalks back down the hall and into my bedroom. Tossing me on the bed, he quickly sheds his clothes and looks down at me with hooded eyes.

  Flipping me over, he drags me down the bed until I’m bent over the edge with my toes barely touching the floor. Pressing me into the mattress, he kicks my feet open and I groan when the cool air hits my center.

  “You’re going to take everything I give you.”

  Nodding into the comforter, Jake tightens his grip on my hips and eases into me slowly, inch by glorious inch. When he’s fulling inside of me, I groan and try and move my hips, but he just tightens his grip.

  Pulling out almost completely, Jake pauses, then slams into me, my toes lifting off the floor. Every stroke makes my body slide up the bed, my sensitive nipples rubbing across the fabric before he pulls me back to the edge of the bed and does it all over again.

  Jake has complete control over me as he steadily moves faster and faster until my body starts to shake and I scream out, my knuckles turning white as I grip the comforter. Hearing a roar penetrate my already deafening ears, Jake slams into me one last time and my body squeezes him with every muscle it has.

  Panting, I unclench my hands, letting the blood start to flow through them again. Jake peels his fingers from my hips and pulls out of me. I feel the loss immediately.

  He sweeps my hair to the side and kisses his way up my spine, sliding his hands down my arms and weaving his fingers with mine. Kissing my neck, he licks the rim of my ear and swirls his tongue around my lobe before nibbling it into his mouth.

  “I’ve been dreaming of taking you like that since I first laid eyes on you, darlin’.” His voice is like soft velvet, covering my skin in goosebumps. “And one day I’ll claim your ass as mine too.”

  My heart rate kicks up and my inner muscles clench as I push back into him slightly.

  Chuckling in my ear, he nips my neck. “I know you, darlin’.”

  Lifting me into his arms, Jake carries me to the bathroom and sets me down on the edge of the tub. Turning the shower on, he waits for it to warm before holding his hand out and helping me in, stepping in behind me.

  Grabbing the shower gel, I turn to face him, watching him squeeze some into his hands. As he runs them down my arms, across my stomach, and up my chest, I push into his touch, humming my praise.

  Turning me around, he kneads his fingers down my back, loosening my tight muscles. I brace myself on the wall in front of me and push into his touch.

  Bending, he slides his hands down each of my legs, and on his way back up, he kisses my cheeks, giving each a little bite. Sighing, Jake snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me under th
e hot stream of water with him.

  When we’re both finished, Jake turns the water off and wraps me in a fluffy towel, carrying me to bed. I’m too tired and drained to do anything but curl myself around the comforter and close my eyes.

  * * * *

  Morning light streams through my curtains and I groan, rolling over into a warm, hard body. Sighing, I wrap my arm around Jake’s middle and curl into him.

  “Morning, beautiful.” His sexy, raspy, morning voice cuts through the silence of the room.

  “Mmm,” I answer, snuggling closer.

  “It’s time to get up, gorgeous.”

  “Mmm, not yet.”

  I feel his chest shake with laughter as he sweeps my messy hair out of my face.

  Rolling on top of me, he kisses me into the mattress, waking me up in an instant. Pulling away, he kisses my cheeks, forehead, eyes, and nose.

  “Now, that’s a wakeup call.”

  “I knew it’d work.” He smiles, his dimple popping out.

  Rolling off of me and out of bed, I rake my eyes over his gloriously naked body as he pulls on his jeans.

  “I’ll make coffee. Don’t go back to sleep.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Shaking his head, Jake smiles and walks out of the room.

  Throwing the covers off, I yawn and stretch my arms above my head. I hate mornings, but having my man wake me up like that definitely makes them more enjoyable.

  Shuffling over to the closet, I pick out an outfit and make my way to the bathroom. My hair is a mess, and it takes me forever to comb out the bird’s nest on my head. I need to never fall asleep with wet hair again. It’s horrible.

  When I finally get it tangle-free, I look at myself in the mirror and laugh. It’s still a hot mess, so I spray it with some leave-in conditioner and swirl it up into a bun, calling a truce on the battle of making it work.

  After I finish getting ready, I walk into the kitchen where Jake hands me a steaming mug of coffee. I take a sip right away, loving the strong taste a little extra this morning.

  “You look beautiful today,” he says, and I feel my cheeks heat. No matter how many times he says it, I still blush when he compliments me. Reaching out, he brushes his fingers over my heated skin. “Beautiful,” he whispers.