“Do we dare? The last time we went to Spokane, someone messed with your truck and tried to force us off the road.”
“Good point.” Frustration filled Jake’s voice. Then he snapped his fingers. “Robert said something about going to Spokane today to consult with the police there. Should I call and see if he’s still there?”
At Emily’s nod. Jake pulled out his phone. After connecting with Robert, he looked at Emily and smiled, “We caught him just in time. He was getting ready to head home.” He covered the phone and whispered to Emily. “If he’s bringing the pizza, should we invite him to join us for dinner?” At her nod, he asked, “Would you like a little more company? We could invite Ben and Amy.”
Emily shrugged and nodded. She didn’t feel like having company, but Jake was trying so hard to help her feel better; she couldn’t tell him no. Besides, maybe having people around for the evening, would help distract her and she could avoid the nightmares tonight.
Jake relayed information from her to Robert, telling him what to order and to be sure to get take-and-bake; so it wouldn’t be cold by the time he got back. Then he texted Ben and Amy.
He chuckled when Amy responded. “You’re in luck. Amy made one of her chocolate cakes. It’s kind of famous around here. I think you’ll like it.”
Emily smiled. “Chocolate, huh?”
“Chocolate with more chocolate.”
His eyes lingered on her face and heat coursed through her veins. “Hmm... yes. And you like strawberries. Too bad I didn’t put my strawberry lip gloss on after lunch.”
The fire in Jake’s eyes intensified, and he let out a quiet groan.
They heard the hum of Debbie Wheeler’s Porsche, and Jake’s groan grew louder.
“Too bad I’m not still sitting on your lap, huh?”
Jake looked at her and smiled, “Yeah, wouldn’t that irritate Debbie?”
“You can kiss me again,” she said with a grin.
“I don’t—”
“I know, you don’t use women like that, but I’m offering, so you wouldn’t be using me.”
“Stop tempting me,” it came out a low growl as Debbie approached them.
“Jake, I’m so glad I caught you when you weren’t busy,” Debbie said in a syrupy-sweet voice.
Emily spoke up before Jake could. “He is busy. He’s acting as my counselor and helping me deal with some personal things.”
Debbie’s brow wrinkled. “Counselor?”
“That’s right,” Jake agreed, fighting a smile. “It’s going to take a while. Emily has a lot of issues.” He patted her thigh. Unfortunately, it was the leg with the cast, so Emily doubted it had the effect on Debbie that he hoped for.
“Well, do you think you’d have some time later this evening? I’d like to talk to you about Lady.”
“Lady is fine, Deb—”
“Actually,” Emily cut in as she reached up and played with the hair at the nape of Jake’s neck. She smiled when he twitched, reacting to her touch. “We have plans with Ben and Amy tonight, don’t we?” She intentionally left out Robert’s name, so it sounded like a double date.
“We do.”
“I see. Well, maybe I’ll try to catch you tomorrow.” Debbie looked dejected, and Emily almost felt bad for her. “I’m glad to see you’re not working quite so hard anymore, Jake.”
“Oh, I’m working harder than ever. I have to because I keep getting distracted.” He looked at Emily again, not tearing his eyes away as Debbie walked away in a huff. He reached up and pulled Emily’s hand away from his hair. “You little liar.” At Emily’s look of confusion, he continued. “You said you weren’t a tease and a flirt, but you are. You’d better be careful, or you’ll make me break my promise.”
“Promise?” Emily’s voice squeaked.
“My promise not to kiss you anymore when you’re upset. You’re not acting too vulnerable at the moment, though.”
Leaning over, he slipped his arm behind her, pulling her to him. He lowered his lips to hers, and a shiver of pleasure rippled through her followed by a warmth that caused her body temperature to skyrocket. He took his time exploring her mouth in a lengthy and very thorough kiss.
