“So, tell me about Elise.” I want to know what he’s up to. It must be something, because he appears happier somehow.
“What do you want to know?”
“What are you doing to win her back?”
“You’re just like my sisters,” he moans. “If you must know, I’ve already won her back. We just have a few things to sort out first.”
“A fast worker.”
“Yeah.” He smirks. “Just like my dad.”
Laughing, I put the ice pack on his hand. “I’d have to agree with you there.”
“Ouch.”
“Really? It hurts?” I certainly didn’t do anything to warrant an ‘ouch.’
“I should have warned you that I’m not a very good patient.”
“I actually believe that.” After wrapping his hand with an ice pack, I suggest, “Let’s get that lunch made so I can go see this castle you’re building and meet the woman who has your heart.”
He gives me a fast glance. “You aren’t going to give her the third degree like my sisters would, right?”
“No, Jake. I promise to behave.”
We fall into a busy silence, both alone with our thoughts; although I’m sure Jake’s are happier than mine. Despite feeling reassured by everything he said, I can’t help but feel doubt hanging from me like cobwebs. What will happen now that Nick has been arrested? My brow furrows as I cut some fresh veggies to go with our lunch.
I feel Jake’s eyes on me and look up to catch his assessing look. The sandwiches finished, he’s simply watching me from across the room. “So, you and my dad, huh?” he finally says.
The cobwebs of worry burn away under the heat I feel for Cade. “Oh yes.” I grin, but sense Jake wants me to say more. “What can I say? He’s the sexiest guy I’ve ever met.” Seeing Jake’s grimace, I decide to continue. “He has a great body and ass, just—”
“I think I get it,” he interrupts.
I can’t help, but laugh, before my mood turns serious again. “Honestly, I love him. I don’t know how it happened so fast, but there was this instant connection. It’s kind of terrifying but at the same time, it’s exhilarating. I don’t know what the future holds, but I hope with all my heart it will include your father. I’ve never been so attached to anyone before in such a short time. I just hope your sisters are as accepting as you are.”
“It might take some time, but eventually they will. My dad has been alone for a very long time and when they see how happy he is now, they’ll accept you. Besides, you have me on your side, so it’s a given.”
Chapter 11
Rona
Jake’s house is going to be amazing when it’s finished. It’s a huge wooden structure with a wraparound porch and large windows facing out toward the mountain range. He doesn’t take me inside, claiming I’m not in the proper footwear to go onto a construction site, but from outside, it’s spectacular. I don’t argue because I have a sneaky suspicion he wants Elise to see inside first—its only right. As we walk around the property, Jake fills me in on all the details for the house. There will be a large open plan room to include a kitchen, living room, and dining section with four bedrooms toward the back of the house.
It’s beautiful.
After the short tour, we head over to Anna’s. I’m nervous about seeing Anna and Beth, but I’m looking forward to meeting Elise. I actually think about whether or not to pretend it’s Jake that I’m interested in, to see how she reacts. It’s one way of finding out if she’s serious about Jake or if she’s doing something to get back at him for walking away from her way back when.
Climbing out of the car, I look at Jake. “Aren’t you coming in?”
He shakes his head. “Elise is already here. That’s her car over there. I think I’ll pass this time because my sisters will know there’s something going on when I’m not ready for them to know yet. I’ll see you later for dinner though. I think we’re eating here. Hope that’s okay?”
“Yes, that’s fine.” Turning to head toward the house, I see a woman I haven’t met before looking through the window. Guessing it’s Elise, I turn back to Jake and to his startled surprise plant a kiss on his lips. “Thanks again, for earlier.”
I don’t think it’s wise to mention Elise at the window.
Beth opens the door for me. “Hi, Rona, glad you could make it. Come in and I’ll introduce you to a friend of ours.”
Walking into Anna’s house, I notice Elise straightaway. She’s a slim blonde and really beautiful.