“That’s blackmail. And you’re an officer of the law.”
“Yes.” He grinned, holding up another bite of cake. “And this is bribery. Don’t forgetyou’reemployed by a law enforcement agency.”
He was teasing again. She was more comfortable with this side of Robert, and she kind of liked it.
She gasped and put a hand on her chest. “Are you saying if I don’t go out with you, I could lose my job?”
He ignored her question as he ate another bite of cake. “If I agree to the auction, will you agree to go out with me?”
“Okay. I guess it’s for a good cause.”
“You make it sound like it’ll be unpleasant.” He acted hurt. “Trust me, Jake and I are the ones who have to worry about an unpleasant date.”
“We’ve set a rule that Debbie can only win once, so—”
“Woohoo!” Robert dropped his fork and pumped his fists in the air. “So, if I can find someone to give the widow a run for her money, I won’t get stuck with her after all?”
Amy could practically see the wheels turning in Robert’s mind and felt sorry for Jake. According to Faith, Jake rarely left the ranch. He wouldn’t stand a chance against Robert.
“Will you bid on me?”
“Of course, but I can’t possibly give Debbie a run for her money.”
“Well, we need women to drive the price as high as possible.” He pointed to her plate. “You’re not eating your cake. Makes me think you’re trying to poison me.”
“You cut me too big of a piece.” She took another small bite.
“Tough, eat it. By the way, Ben was right.” When Amy shot him a questioning look, he said, “You’re not only cute when you’re angry, you’re also cute when you’re flustered.”
* * *
Amy stoodon Jake’s front porch, cake in hand, trying to get up the nerve to ring the doorbell. The last time she was here, she made a fool of herself by falling off the fence.
Would Jake make this easier than Robert?
She pressed the doorbell, half hoping he wouldn’t answer. But she wasn’t that lucky. The door opened to reveal Jake in snug jeans and a t-shirt every bit as tight as the one Robert had worn. If his wet hair and bare feet didn’t attest to the fact he’d just showered, the fresh, zesty scent surrounding him did.
Amy inhaled, appreciating the fragrance of his soap or deodorant. Maybe both. It couldn’t be aftershave, because he had at least a day’s worth of stubble on his face, adding to his rugged good looks.
Flustered by the wave of attraction that swept over her, she ground her teeth to keep from saying so out loud.
“I’ve been expecting you.” Jake swung the door open wide and motioned her inside.
“You have?” Then it hit her. “Robert?” She should have known he’d call Jake before she could get here—to give her a hard time.
“Robert,” he agreed as he led her to a spacious kitchen.
If the sheer size of the kitchen hadn’t taken her breath away, the expansive countertops, state-of-the-art appliances, and the large oak table would have. She’d thought the Young’s kitchen was her dream kitchen, but she could be happy cooking in this one for the rest of her life.
She placed the cake on the counter and clasped her hands together to hide her nervousness. “So, you know why I’m here.”
“Let’s see. How did Robert put it? Oh yeah, you’re here to bribe me.”
“Did he tell you why?” She bit her lip.
He grimaced. “Warned me, you mean?”
“Did he tell you it’s for a good cause?”
