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

by Rebecca Gannon

  Tucking a strand of hair behind my ear, he smiles softly. “And you see me, baby. You know me. Even when I don’t say everything I feel, I show you in every kiss and every touch.”

  Blinking away my tears, I lean in and kiss him softly. I place my hand over his heart and feel the strong, wild beat beneath my fingers.

  Kissing me soft and slow, I savor his taste, my head feeling light and dizzy.

  “I need you, darlin’,” Jake breathes into me.

  “Yes,” I whisper against his lips.

  Peeling me off the wall, he carries me around the corner of the building, hiding us in the shadows.

  “Here?”

  Jake smooths his fingers up my bare legs, leaving fire in their wake. “Yes, here,” he says, pushing his hips into mine, letting me feel how much he needs me.

  Groaning, I reach between us and undo his belt, popping the button of his jeans open and pulling down the zipper. Sliding my hand inside, I grip him in my hand and squeeze, my eyes burning into his. “This is mine, Jake. You’re mine. Don’t ever let me feel otherwise again. Got it?”

  “Yes,” he answers, flashing me a satisfied grin as he pushes my panties to the side. “And this is mine,” he growls, sliding his fingers up and down my folds. “You tease me, and every man around, when you wear a dress like this. But I know that I’m the only one who gets to have you. I’m the only one who gets to see what’s beneath,” he says, shoving two fingers inside of me. “I’m the only one who can make you forget your name.”

  “Yes,” I moan, and Jake slams his mouth on mine, his fingers following the same rhythm and dance as his tongue.

  Wrapping my arms around his neck, I grip his hair and pull, telling him I need more. But he pulls out of me and I grunt, biting his lip.

  “Don’t worry, darlin’. I’m giving you more,” he says smoothly, entering me in one swift motion.

  My head falls back against the bricks, and my mouth opens in a silent cry, trying not to let the whole world know what we’re doing in the shadows.

  Kissing his way across my collar bone and up my neck, I grab his face and make him look at me. “I need it fast and hard, mountain man. I can’t wait right now.”

  With a wicked gleam in his eyes, Jake pulls out and slowly pushes back into me.

  “Jake, no, no, no. Please,” I plead, but he just grips my hips and pins me against the bricks. I have no space to move, and I have no choice but to take what he gives me.

  His slow, arduous pace gradually picks up until he’s slamming into me with so much force, I know I’ll have bruises on my hips from his grip.

  Looking into his storming eyes, I see the love he has for me, and that’s all it takes. Clamping down on him like a vise, I lean forward and bite his shoulder, my screams muffled by his shirt.

  Jake grunts, pumping into me as I strangle him. And with one final stroke, he buries himself deep inside of me and groans into my neck, the vibrations humming through me.

  Our ragged breaths fill the night air, and I tug on his hair, pulling his head up to look at me.

  “I love you,” I whisper, and he flashes me a sexy smile.

  “I love you, too.”

  “Do we have to go back inside?” I ask, wishing I could leave with him right now.

  “Yeah, darlin’. I have to meet your girls. I can’t have them thinking I kidnapped you.”

  “I guess,” I sigh, not wanting this moment to end.

  Setting me back on the ground, I smooth my dress down as Jake fixes his jeans.

  “They’re definitely going to know we just had sex,” I say nervously.

  “Baby, everyone in there is going to know we just had sex. And I’m good with that.”

  I roll my eyes. “Of course you are.”

  “Your lipstick is a little messed up, though.” He smirks, swiping his thumb across my chin.

  “Great.” Swatting his hand away, I rub it off myself. “Well if it’s messed up on me, what do you think your face looks like?” I say smugly back, and his eyes go wide. “Let me.” I smile, taking the hem of his black shirt and rubbing all around his lips. “All good. Back to your manly self.”

  Laughing, Jake opens the door for me, and we step back inside the bar, completely ignoring the looks we’re getting from everyone as we walk up to my friends.

  “Guys, this is Jake,” I announce.

  Releasing my hand, he holds it out to each of them to shake. “Ally talks about you all the time. It’s good to finally meet you.”

  “You too, Jake,” Mel says, smiling at us.

  “Do you often have sex outside of bars, Jake?” Ellie asks, acting put off.

  “Only if it’s with Ally.” He smirks, sliding his hand around my waist.

  “Good.” She nods, biting back a smile.

  “Do you have any brothers, Jake?” Ashley asks, leaning forward on the table and resting her chin on her fist.

  Ellie rolls her eyes. “Jesus, Ash, really?”

  “Well, excuse me for wanting to know if his gene pool was passed on to another. And you were right, Ally, he does look like Thor.”

  Laughing, Jake shakes his head and squeezes my side. “I have three brothers. You can meet them tomorrow at the BBQ.”

  “Oh, good lord, thank you,” Ash says, smiling as she leans back in her chair.

  “Keep it in your pants, Ash.”

  “Sorry, Ally-cat, no promises.”

  “Ally-cat?” Jake smiles at me. “That’s cute.”

  “She’s cute, but fierce.”

  “That I know,” Jake says, laughing lightly. “I know not to cross her.”

  “Well, have a seat, Jake. We want to know all about the man who did the impossible and caught our girl here.”

  Rolling my eyes, we sit down and the three of them dive in, asking Jake question after question.

  Every few minutes Jake would squeeze my hand under the table, and I would squeeze back, letting him know I loved him, too.

  Chapter 24

  Waking up, I stretch out in my bed, and then curl back into my covers, a smile playing at my lips.

  Jake loves me.

  My God, I’m so in love with him.

  I can’t believe I let myself doubt him. It was always right there. Every touch, every kiss, and every look told me he loved me. I just didn’t recognize it for what it was.

  It’s hard to break habits that have been engrained in me, but I have to stop letting my past dictate my future. Jake isn’t like my dad, and he isn’t like any of the other guys I’ve been with.

  Since that first night, Jake’s shown me that a man can be a woman’s savior and not the reason for her demise. We’ve saved each other, and we’ve inspired each other.

  Alone, we were just pieces of ourselves, but together we’re whole. We make each other stronger.

  My phone buzzes on the nightstand and I smile, already knowing who it is.

  Morning, darlin’. I can’t wait to see you in a few hours so I can kiss your sweet lips. My bed was cold without you, but I know I’ll get thousands of nights with my arms wrapped around you.

  Swooning, I feel my cheeks heat as tears gather in my eyes from all of these new, overwhelming, emotions swirling through me.

  Good morning, my sexy mountain man. I’m lying here, wishing I could kiss you senseless. I’ve never been happier in my entire life, and it’s all because of you.

  Making you happy is the only thing that matters to me now, baby. See you soon, I’ll be waiting.

  Smiling like a fool, I hold my phone to my chest and sigh.

  If this is what my life is now, I can’t think of anything better. I can’t stop smiling.

  Rolling out of bed, I grab my easel and a canvas and set them up on the back porch. Making coffee, I grab my other supplies and settle into a chair outside. It’s another beautiful day in Pine Cove, and I honestly expected nothing less. With how I’m feeling, even if it was supposed to rain, I would have willed it away with the happiness bursting out of me.

  That�
�s why I have to paint. With every emotion inside of me heightened and swirling, I have to get them out of me. I have to solidify them.

  Squeezing out a variety of colors on my palette, I dip my brush in the yellow first, and take a deep breath. With that first stroke, the world around me dissolves, and all I’m focused on is what I’m feeling.

  I have no idea how much time passes, but when the back door opens and Mel pops her head out, I’m snapped back to the present.

  “Hey, I don’t mean to interrupt, but it’s one o’clock. What time is the BBQ?”

  “Oh, I didn’t realize I’ve been out here for so long. It’s at three.”

  “Can I see what you’re working on?” she asks with hopeful eyes.

  “Sure.” I smile.

  Stepping out onto the porch, she walks over and stands next to me. “Ally, that’s beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a little shy at the praise.

  “This is amazing. I’m so glad you started painting again. This place, and Jake, has breathed a new life into you. I’ve never seen you like this.”

  “I know, me either.” I laugh lightly. “I feel different, too, in the best possible way.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Ally-cat. I hope to find it one day.”

  “You will. If I did, there’s no doubt you will.”

  “I’ve been thinking a lot about life lately, and what I want. I love being a nurse and helping people, but the big, busy hospitals back home are starting to drain me. I’d love to just work at a small-town doctor’s office where I know the patients on a personal level.”

  “Have you tried looking for one?”

  “Yeah.” She shrugs. “But I don’t see myself living in Jersey forever.”

  “Do you want to move in here with me?” I smile.

  “I would actually.” She laughs. “It’s so beautiful and peaceful.”

  “My door is always open, Mely.”

  “Thanks. I actually may take you up on that.”

  “Good. Now, we have to get ready. I don’t want to be late.”

  Walking back inside, I find Ashley and Elizabeth sitting in the kitchen with coffees.

  “Thanks for not asking Jake the questions you were really wanting to ask last night.”

  “We wanted to make a good first impression, too,” Ellie says.

  “So, what happened when you went outside? Other than having sex of course.”

  “We talked. Well, we yelled, and then talked. It was pretty hot to see him all riled up.” I laugh. “He told me everything, though. Everything that was holding him back. Then he told me he loves me and nothing else mattered. Then we had sex.” I smile.

  “Well,” Ash says, placing her hand over her heart. “I approve of him for you, Ally.”

  “I second that,” Ellie adds.

  “And I third that.” Mel smiles.

  “Wow, thank you all so much,” I say, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I may just cry.”

  “Oh, shut up, bitch.” Ash laughs. “We just want you to know we support you.”

  “I know.” I smile. “You guys are the best.”

  “We know.”

  “Well then, since you’re the best, I’m going to need your help with an outfit. I need to make a good first impression with his family.”

  “Let’s go find some options.” Jumping up, Ellie heads to my room, and we all follow after her.

  “I was thinking a sundress?” I pull out my favorite one from the closet.

  “Oh, that’s perfect!” Ash exclaims, clapping her hands together. “Only put on a little makeup, curl your hair in loose waves, and then wear your Keds. It’ll look put together and cute, but not like you’re trying too hard or look slutty.”

  “Yeah, we don’t want that,” I say, rolling my eyes. “Wearing my tight leather skirt and crop top was my second choice.”

  “Alright, bitch. Just go get ready.”

  “And nothing slutty for you guys either!” I yell behind me as I head into the bathroom.

  “No promises!”

  * * * *

  Pulling up to his parent’s house a little after four, we’re an hour late, I’m sweating, and I’m starting to freak out. I park next to a Jeep and pull out my phone.

  I’m here, and I’m freaking out.

  Be right there, darlin’. He sends back immediately.

  “Okay, he’s meeting us here.”

  “Are you okay?” Ellie asks, her eyebrows furrowed.

  “No, I’m nervous.”

  “It’ll be fine, Ally. They’ll love you. How could they not?”

  Her words don’t even register with me. All I can focus on is my breathing as I wait for Jake. The second I see him come around the side of the house, I get out of the car and weave through the sea of vehicles to meet him halfway.

  The second he sees me, a huge smile breaks out on his face and he grabs me around the waist. Lifting me up, I laugh as he spins me around, forgetting that I was even nervous just a second ago.

  Setting me back down on my feet, he brushes a few curls from my face and leans down to kiss me. The second our lips touch, an electric current runs down my spine, and my heart skips a beat.

  “You’re beautiful, darlin’,” he whispers against my lips.

  Smiling, I pull back to look into his ocean eyes. “And you look handsome as always.” I run my fingers across his jaw, loving the feeling of his scruff against my skin.

  “Are you still nervous?”

  “Not this second, no. But I will be in a minute when I have to meet your family.”

  “They’re going to love you because I love you.”

  Hearing him say those three little words again, my heart swells, and I know it’ll all be fine with him by my side.

  “Okay,” I whisper.

  Nodding, he kisses my cheek and takes my hand. “Ready then?”

  “Mhmm. Let me just get the girls.” Walking back with Jake, I find the three of them leaning against the car, fixing their makeup. “Ready?”

  “Yeah, are you done making out?” Ash asks, rolling her eyes.

  “For now.” I shrug, smiling.

  Making our way through the cars, we walk along the side of his parent’s house where the sound of music and laughter starts to get louder.

  Squeezing Jake’s hand for reassurance, we walk around into the backyard, and holy shit. It’s probably half a football field in size with a breathtaking view of the ocean.

  There’s a huge patio area off the back of the house with couches and chairs around a fire pit, and speakers blasting country music. On the grass in front of the patio, is a full bar set-up where a crowd of people are gathered around, talking and laughing.

  The right side of the yard is lined with tables of food and a man, who I’m assuming is one of Jake’s brothers, manning the grill. He’s tall, with broad shoulders, high cheekbones, a square jaw, short hair, and a smile that looks all too familiar.

  In the middle of the yard, there are tables and chairs set up where maybe a hundred or so people are sitting and eating, and on the other side of them, near the tree line, I see a few people playing corn hole, horseshoes, and even beer pong.

  Children run around screaming as they squirt each other with water guns, slide down a slip n’ slide, and jump around in a bounce house.

  This is the greatest BBQ I’ve ever seen.

  I can see now why Courtney said the town looks forward to them every summer.

  “Holy shit, this is amazing.” Ellie laughs.

  “Let’s go get some drinks,” Ash says, and the three of them walk off towards the bar.

  “I guess they’re going to meet my parents before you.”

  “What?”

  “My dad is bartending, and my mom is next to him.” Lifting his chin, he nods to a handsome older man laughing with a beautiful woman as he shakes a cocktail. “Come on, darlin’, you need a drink.”

  “That’s an understatement,” I mumble.

  Laughing, Jake squeezes my
hand and walks us forward. “I don’t why you’re nervous.”

  Pausing, I pull on his hand so he’ll stop walking. “Jake, your family is really important to you. I want them to think I’m good enough for you.”

  Frowning, he gently lifts my chin with two fingers, searching my eyes. “Ally, you’re too good for me. How have you not realized that yet? My family is important to me, but so are you. And there’s no way in hell they’d ever see you as anything but amazing. Don’t ever think you’re not good enough.”

  His assurances melt away every doubt and insecurity I had. “I love you,” I whisper, my eyes watering.

  “What was that?” he asks, a slight smile on his lips, leaning closer to me. “I didn’t catch that.”

  “I said I love you,” I say a little louder, smiling.

  “That’s what I thought I heard,” he says, capturing my lips with his. Throwing my arms around his neck, I kiss him back, feeling the electric current between us growing stronger every time we kiss.

  Forgetting where we are, I pull away quickly, and my eyes dart around, taking in everyone staring. Shit. “Jake, everyone’s staring. Now they probably think I’m some sex crazed woman who can’t keep her hands off of you.”

  Throwing his head back, he laughs so freely, and I can’t take my eyes off of him. His thick neck vibrates with laughter while his pouty lips frame a set of perfectly straight, white teeth, and his dimple is on full display.

  The Jake in front of me now is so different from the one I met a month ago. He’s happy, carefree, and doesn’t look like he carries the world on his shoulders anymore.

  “They wouldn’t be wrong, though, would they, darlin’?” He smirks, making my face turn even redder than it already was.

  “No, I guess not.” I smile, realizing that what I said is exactly what I am.

  Taking my hand again, Jake walks us over to the bar, his parents looking up and smiling at us when we get close. “Mom, dad, this is, Ally.”

  His mom immediately comes around the bar and hugs me. “It’s so good to meet you.”

  “You too, Mrs. Taylor. Thank you for having me, and letting me bring my friends as well.”