More tsks, tongue clucking, and head shaking.
“I better get going,” Jacob said. “Daniel’s dad and granddad hired me to do finishing work on a couple projects they have going on.”
“You have experience with carpentry work?” I asked.
Jacob smiled. “I’m pretty good with my hands.” His fingertips brushed lightly across my shoulder. “Thanks for the use of your pool, Monica. Nice meeting you ladies. I hope I get to see you around a lot more.”
Oh my gosh! He just touched me! My skin is burning!
“Holy crap!” Mom exclaimed as he turned and walked away. “He justtouchedyou!”
“Did it singe?” Gilda asked.
“That boy’s so hot,” Mimi said, “I bet everything he touches singes!”
“Shh,” I said. “He’ll hear you.”
“You whimpered when he touched your shoulder,” Ingrid pointed out. “It’s not going to matter if he hears us.”
“I did not!” I vehemently denied.
“I heard you,” Mimi said. “Hell,heheardyou.”
“You do realize,” Gilda said, “that if you date him, you’ll be a cougar just like your mom.”
Deep breath, Monica. Deep breath.
“I’mnotgoing to date him,” I insisted.
Pain and regret like I hadn’t experienced since Travis died flooded my body. Why couldn’t the first guy I feel something for be—I don’t know, more like how this Roger guy sounded?
Someone nice and boring…and practical.
Chapter 5
“Let me help you with that,” Jacob called out.
I glanced over my shoulder and saw him step out of his truck. Even dusty and dirty he looked good enough to nibble.
“Oh, I got it. I’ve been doing this for years.”
He stood beside me, and I could smell him…male sweat mixed with whatever musky shower gel he used. Travis often came home smelling like that—manly. And sometimes a little smoky.
I set the tray in the back of my SUV and stepped back.
“Do you have more to carry out?” Jacob asked.
“Yes. But again, I can do it. I’m used to carrying all this by myself.”
Ignoring my answer, Jacob followed me inside the house. “Is this just the food for tonight? Or is this for the Wednesday night class, too?”
“I usually spend my Monday afternoons prepping food for both classes,” I said. “This way I only have to carry everything over once.”
“Does this go?” He pointed to a huge bag filled with utensils, oils, and seasonings.
“Yes.”
“Let me run it out to the car, and then go inside my place and change real quick. I can help you unload, too, if you want?” He gave me a grin. “This way I can see your store.”
