Where is this coming from?
He was too busy to get involved with a woman, especially one with a possible murderer after her. But those emerald eyes and red lips distracted him at every turn.
Jake watched Emily from the corner of his eye as he seasoned the steaks Lottie had thawed. Her gaze repeatedly drifted his way, filling him with satisfaction.
He smiled at her. “Would you care to join me outside while I grill?”
“I guess I’d better if I want to make sure you actually do it yourself.”
Jake set the steaks and grilling tongs on the table and prepared to pick her up, but Emily grabbed her crutches and held them in front of her like a shield. She gave Jake a stubborn look.
He smiled, grabbed the steaks, and held the door for her. He dragged a lounge chair closer to the barbecue for her to sit on, and they visited while Jake grilled the steaks.
“How do you like your steak?” Jake asked after talking about the ranch for some time.
“Medium well.”
“This one’s yours, then.” One by one, Jake pulled the remaining steaks off the grill and headed inside. “Stay put, I’ll bring you a plate.”
He returned a few minutes later and handed her a plate loaded with steak, potato salad, and baked beans. He pulled another lounge chair near hers and sat.
“It sounds like Daniel is having a tough time. He’s feeling pretty sick and doesn’t have much of an appetite.”
“Poor guy. This is likely to go on for a while. Should we sit out front with him?”
“He’s not out there. Zane got a plate of food and took him home. Lottie and Mom decided to eat in the kitchen.”
He’d caught the look his mom exchanged with Lottie before insisting they wanted to stay in the cool, air-conditioned house. He didn’t bother telling them he hadn’t turned the AC on yet this summer. Despite his warning for her not to matchmake, she was doing it anyway. He should be angry, but the truth was he looked forward to spending time alone with Emily.
He watched Emily take her first bite of steak. A look of surprise crossed her face, followed by appreciation.
“Mmm... Not bad for a bachelor. That is some good meat.”
Jake gave her an I-told-you-so look.
“It’s nice to know you won’t go hungry, as long as you raise beef.”
Hungry? No. Lonely? Definitely.
* * *
Emily enjoyedthe food almost as much as she enjoyed the company. She made it a point to eat every bite of steak, but she couldn’t finish the salads.
Jake finished off her food like he’d done with her ice cream at the hospital.
Faith came out on the patio wringing her hands. “Margaret Turner fell and broke her hip today.”
Jake cringed. “Wow, that’s not good at her age. How old is she? Ninety?”
“Ninety-two. No, it’s not good. I feel like I should go check on her. Jake, are you going to be around this evening?”
“I’ll be here, Mom. Go be with Ms. Turner.”
“Are you sure? Emily, do you need anything before I go? It’s been a while since you’ve had any pain medicine.”
“I’m fine, Faith. Don’t worry about me. I hope your friend can heal from this.” She contemplated having Faith get rid of the rest of her pain pills so they wouldn’t be a source of temptation for Daniel. But she still needed them at night, and she knew Faith kept them tucked away somewhere in her room.
Faith frowned. “I feel bad leaving you.” Then her eyes lit up. “Jake, you should take Emily for a drive up to the bluff and show her the ranch.”
