“That’s not how this relationship thing works, sweetheart.”
“We’re n-not in a relationship.” Her knuckles were white on the door.
He reached for her before she had a chance to close it. Pulling her into the hallway, he wrapped his arms around her and held tight. “It’s a relationship, Rosebud, pure and simple.” The words felt right, so Jake stopped fighting and held his woman. She kept herself rigid, but he just held her tighter, until she slumped into him, resting her head on his chest.
“Why is he here, Jake?”
“To see you, Branna, his daughter.”
“He didn’t want me before. Why now?”
This was a minefield that needed careful navigation. “Branna, he’s not going anywhere till he talks to you, and right now my mother’s settling him into their house.”
“What?” She tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t let her.
“My mother saw me talking to your dad, and she stepped in. Next thing, they’re driving off.”
“I don’t want him there.”
“It’s done, sweetheart. Changing my mother’s mind is not something you’d want to take on, believe me. I’ve tried many times with little success.”
She lifted her head to look at him, her eyes sad. “It just about kills me to see that look in your eyes.”
“I’m okay. It was just a surprise after all this time to see him again.”
He kissed her, soft and sweet, and her lips clung to his, telling him she was anything but okay.
“How long’s it been since you saw him?”
“Five years. We had a fight, and then he went away for good, and I don’t want him here, Jake. The last time we spoke, we both said horrible things, nasty, hurtful things, a-and I can’t do that again.”
If Declan O’Donnell walked into Buster’s house right at that moment, he’d take him apart, no questions asked, no explanations given; he’d destroy him for the pain he’d caused the woman in his arms. She’d arrived in Howling to make a home, and her garden and house had been trashed, and now her father had arrived. She was tough, but everyone had a breaking point.
“Annabelle’s trying to convince Buster to bake you a mystery muffin, and he’s resisting, but my money’s on her.”
She huffed out a breath, but didn’t move.
“I don’t want this, Jake. I came here to rebuild my life and find some peace. I want to write and nothing else.”
“The sex is good, though. You have to admit.”
“Average.”
“I need to put a bit more effort in, obviously.”
“Make him go away, Jake.” She sounded defeated.
“Let me know when you’re done being pathetic, and we’ll head down for coffee.”
She rested against him for a few more minutes, and then with another sigh, she pulled out of his arms. “I’m done.”
“That’s my girl.” Jake gave her another kiss, then took her hand and they headed back down the stairs.
“Buster’s house is really cluttered, considering The Hoot is so pristine.”
“His mother said he was born with slothful tendencies, but when he’s in the kitchen, he becomes a domestic goddess. It’s one of life’s little mysteries.”
Buster was muttering and putting a tray into the oven while Annabelle was making coffee when they entered. Tex had flicked on the T.V. and had his feet up on the coffee table.
