Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) (9 page)

His parents stood and headed for their bedroom. Kristen shrugged and walked slowly out of the room, purring over her shoulder at Jake, “I’m hoping you and I will get a chance to spend some time together later to catch up. Alone.” She pinned Meg with a look on the last word.

Jake pulled her closer until Kristen was gone. He hadn’t forgotten why he and Kristen didn’t work. She was spoiled and cruel to those she thought beneath her. “I’m sorry about that.”

Meg smiled at him. Smiled at him in the face of Kristen’s rudeness. “It’s okay. I have to admit if I were in her shoes, I’d probably react the same way.”

“What do you mean?”

“She came here with the expectation of seeing an old friend, maybe rekindling some sparks. Instead, she finds a stranger horning in on her territory. It’s understandable that she’s not happy about it.”

“Maybe. But she has to understand that I’m not her territory, and if I had been given some warning of her visit, she would have known I wasn’t interested and she could have saved herself the trip.”

She pushed out of his arms. “You’ll have plenty of time to explain it to her at dinner. I’d better get going.”

Jake immediately missed the warmth of her body next to his. It took a moment for her words to sink in. “You’re leaving?”

“I still have a few things on my to-do list.” She laughed. “I got sidetracked.”

He didn’t want her to go. “Let me make it up to you for taking up your day. Have dinner with us.”

Her pretty white teeth chewed on her bottom lip. Good, she was thinking about it. He was mesmerized by her mouth. After all the time they’d spent together, he hadn’t noticed until right this minute that one bottom tooth slightly overlapped the other. She was adorable. “Besides, how will it look if my girlfriend bails on me after she meets my parents?” He touched her elbow. “I wouldn’t blame you if you ran away screaming, but I’d really like it if you’d come with us.”

She nodded. “Okay. But maybe I can meet you there. I need to run out to my place to change my clothes.”

“You look great.”

“I’m not dressed for dinner, but thanks. It’s probably not a good idea for me to drive now, anyway. I’ve had two glasses of wine. I’m sure I’d be fine to drive, but there’s no reason to take chances.”

Jake was glad she’d changed her mind. Both because he didn’t want her to leave, and also that she was smart enough to know her limits. “You’re right.” He stopped at the doorway and dropped a quick kiss on her nose. “I appreciate you being here with me. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

…

The evening started off with the round of musical chairs Jake had with his mother when they reached the restaurant. She tried to seat Kristen and Jake together but, with his dad’s help, they shuffled around so Kristen was between Linda and Bob, while he and Meg sat next each other. Things were a little more relaxed after that, and Meg wasn’t sure if it was because everyone was trying harder or if it was due to the amount of wine his mother consumed.

Either way, they had a delicious meal and pleasant conversation. She learned that Bob was a doctor who enjoyed donating his time to a free clinic when he wasn’t at his own practice and that Linda was very involved with local charities back home in Chicago. It was clear that they both had big hearts and had instilled in their children how important giving back to their community was.

In light of that, it was difficult for her to understand why Linda would want him to be with someone like Kristen who was, well, all about Kristen. She worked for her father as a buyer for one of his retail stores, so she talked about the latest fashions and the hottest new clubs in Chicago’s night life.

“Really, Jake. You’re missing all the fun. I honestly can’t imagine what’s kept you out here in the sticks. There’s not even a decent dance club that I could see. You should come back home, let me take you around to all the newest places, introduce you to some of the power couples I know.”

He scooted closer to Meg and grinned. “I don’t think so. I’m pretty happy with the night life here.”

“Oh pooh, you just don’t know how to have fun, that’s all. A week back home with me and I’d teach you everything you need to know.”

He shrugged. Meg took a sip of her wine. The urge to down the whole glass tempted her—listening to Kristen all night would be easier with a mellow buzz—but she’d already had two glasses at Jake’s, and she had to drive home later. If she were really Jake’s girlfriend, Meg would be offended that Kristen kept talking to him as if she weren’t even there. But she was only here for appearances, so she did her best to put up a good front.

Kristen had changed subjects, now going on about ‘Ricky and Mitzy’. Meg thought it an opportune time to make a brief getaway. “Excuse me for a moment,” she murmured to Jake as she slipped out of her chair. Jake started to get up, but she put her hand on his shoulder. “I’ll just be in the ladies’ room.”

He didn’t look happy about her bailing on him, but he nodded, took her hand, and brushed a kiss across her knuckles. “Hurry back.”

A current of sexually charged electricity shot up her arm and exploded into tiny sparks of pleasure that spread through her body. How did he do that? A mere look, a brief touch. Her body responded to him in a way she’d never experienced. She turned and made her way carefully to the restrooms on the other side of the restaurant. Now would be the perfect time for her shoe to catch on the carpet or for her to run into a passing waiter. She felt his gaze on her back as she crossed the room and didn’t relax until the door swung shut behind her.

She washed her hands and pressed a cool towel to her heated cheeks. How long could she get away with being gone? She had no doubt Jake would come looking for her if she stayed away too long. While fumbling through her purse for her lip gloss, she remembered her cell phone had rung earlier, so she grabbed it and checked for messages. Bernie had called to tell her that his secretary emailed some information about building permits and contractors. The rest of his message, though, wasn’t as upbeat. The judge who was to review the probate proceeding for the estate would be out of town for a few days. Bernie reminded her not to make any changes to the property or even make inquiries until after they got the all clear from the court. He said even though it was unlikely, whoever was behind the petition could be monitoring the land and her actions.

Well, didn’t that just tickle her pink.

She tucked her phone into her purse, ran her fingers through her hair, and took a deep breath. Time for Act Two of The Pretend Girlfriend.

Kristen must not have wasted any time moving over to Meg’s seat. When their table came into view, Meg saw Kristen’s arm draped over Jake’s shoulder, her mouth a fraction of an inch from his ear. To Jake’s credit, he was leaning as far away from her as possible without falling off the chair. She said something that made him sit upright and pull her arm off his neck. As Meg neared the table, she caught part of the conversation.

“I was only suggesting now that we have a minute to ourselves, we should make plans to spend some time together. After all, I did come all this way to see you, and we haven’t had a minute alone.” She pouted.

Meg could almost see Jake’s mental eye-roll. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Kristen, but the plans I made for this week were to spend time with my parents and my...Meg. I really hadn’t expected them to bring another guest.”

His mother chose that moment to chime in, “Yes, but now that she’s here we can change a few plans so that you two can catch up. Meg won’t mind if you want to spend time with an old friend, will she?”

Jake started to say something, but Meg cut him off. It was evil of her, she knew, but she couldn’t seem to help herself. With the brightest smile she could muster, she answered for him. “Of course I won’t mind. I’m sure I can find something to keep me busy while you’re with your family and your friend.” Meg saw the promise of retaliation in the depths of Jake’s chocolate eyes. An involuntary shiver snaked up her spine in anticipation of his payback.

“But I—” Again, Jake’s protest was cut short, this time by Kristen.

“You see. It’s all settled. We’ll do something together tomorrow, just the two of us.” Jake kept his gaze on Meg. “Right. Just the two of us.”

The drive home was uncomfortably quiet. Jake watched Meg out of the corner of his eye. He knew she’d deliberately thrown him to the lions, and if that wasn’t bad enough, the little brat had enjoyed his discomfort. Not wanting to make a scene in the restaurant, he agreed to Kristen’s request to spend time with her tomorrow. But Meg had better watch out, because when he got her alone, he would regain the upper hand. He nearly laughed out loud when his thoughts turned to how he would make her pay.

All he really wanted to do was take Meg in his arms and kiss her senseless, to make her feel as off balance as she made him feel. He tried to convince himself that it was just lust he’d been feeling since the moment he laid eyes on her, but the more time he spent with her, the more he knew that simply wasn’t the case. How could he be falling so hard for a woman he’d met…what, forty-eight hours ago? Had it really only been two days? He felt lighter when she was near, happy. He slowed the rental as he turned into his driveway and pulled to a stop in front of the house. Bob opened his door and helped Linda out, then went to assist Kristen. She hesitated before getting out.

“Are you coming in?”

He nodded. “We’ll be there in a minute.”

When she reluctantly headed after his parents, he shifted in his seat and waited for Meg to face him—waited to tackle whatever she might have to say about his “shenanigans” as one of his older relatives might call them. The last thing he expected was to see her eyes twinkling in the dim light as her serene expression crumpled and she dissolved into laughter.

Crossing his arms, he watched until she caught her breath. “You finished?”

Another giggle escaped as she wiped a tear from her eye. She cleared her throat and tried, unsuccessfully, Jake thought, to look serious. “Yes. I’m finished.”

He unfolded his arms and clutched her shoulders. “What the hell, Meg?”

She started laughing again.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“I am. I’m sorry, but the look on your face. I’ve never had a brother to play tricks on—oh!”

In one swift movement, Jake pulled her onto his lap. “Brother? You think of me as a
brother
?”

Her violet eyes went wide, her lips still curved in a smile. “Not a—”

She wanted to play tricks? He wrapped her in his arms and covered her devilish grin with his lips. She wasn’t laughing now. He slid his tongue along her lips and, when she opened her mouth to him and sighed, he plunged his into the soft, wet heat, loving the way her tongue danced with his, the way she surprised him by gently sucking and scraping him with her teeth.

He lifted his head and stared into her eyes. “I haven’t had one single brotherly thought about you since the moment I saw you. Is that clear?”

One slow nod of her head was the only answer he needed before he dove back in, taking her mouth with an urgency he’d never known. There was no way she couldn’t feel the hard length of his erection pressing against her where she sat on his lap. All he could think about was how easy it would be to lift her skirt and move her to straddle him. He thrust his tongue deeper and harder, wanting more, and she gave it to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulled him closer, pushing her breasts against his chest as he continued to plunder the depths of her mouth. Jake felt her stiffened nipples rubbing against him, and he lowered his hand to cup her breast. He kneaded gently, rolled the hardened peak between his thumb and forefinger. His hand moved to her other breast and gave it the same attention. She was so responsive to his touch, her body tensing with every caress, each flick of his fingers. Knowing that if they didn’t stop now, he would take her right here in the car, he broke the kiss. Breath ragged, he pulled away slowly. “No more games?”

She sighed, dropped her forehead to his shoulder. Her voice so low he had to strain to hear her. “Isn’t that all this is? I mean, you just wanted me here for appearances anyway, right?”

He rested his chin on the top of her head. “It might have started out that way, but… There’s something real between us, Meg. You feel it, too.”

Her shoulders shook before a giggle escaped and she wiggled her hips. “Yeah, I definitely feel it.”

Chapter Nine

Meg shivered against the slight chill in the night air as she rummaged through her purse for her keys.

Jake stepped up beside her. “What are you doing?”

“My keys…here they are.”

Before she could make it to her car, he grabbed her and pulled her back into his arms. His warm breath tickled her ear. “Stay here tonight.”

She froze.

“You can have my bed, and I’ll take the couch in my office.” He turned her in his arms. “I’m not starting an argument, and I’m not trying to tell you what to do. I’m being logical. It’s late, you’ve had three glasses of wine”—he pulled her closer—“and I’m not ready to say goodnight.”

How could a girl argue with that? She’d actually been dreading the drive back to the cabin tonight. Not only because of the reasons Jake had given—he made sense—but ever since Bernie’s phone call, she’d been wondering if someone might really be…watching her. Her shiver had nothing to do with the temperature.

“You’re cold. Let’s go inside.”

Making up her mind, she nodded. “Okay. You’re right. But I’ll take the couch.”

The grin on his face could have lit up the night. “You’ll stay?”

Before she gave herself a chance to over think it, she smiled back. “I’ll stay.”

He tugged her toward the house, but Jake stopped suddenly.

“What is it?” Meg looked at him curiously.

“The horses. I just heard Nikki. I’m going to check the stable.”

“I’ll come, too.”

Jake held the screen door open as he kissed Meg quickly and gave her a push on her behind. “You go ahead. I’ll meet you inside in a few minutes.”

“Okay.” She stepped inside. T.V. remote in hand, Bob waved at her from the recliner. Images flickered across the screen as he channel-surfed. Nearby, Linda sat on the sofa, her head tipped back against the cushion. She smiled at Meg and patted the seat beside her.

“Come sit down, dear.” Then seemingly just noticing Meg was alone she asked, “Where is Jacob?”

“He’s checking on the horses. He shouldn’t be too long.” She glanced around the room and didn’t see Kristen anywhere. Maybe she’d already gone to bed. “Can I get you two anything?”

“That boy works too hard. He’s supposed to be taking a break.”

“Linda,” Bob cautioned. “He closed the clinic and got someone to cover for emergencies this week. We can’t expect him to totally ignore the animals while we’re here. And she said he’d be right in.” Then to Meg, “No thank you, honey. We’re fine.”

“I’m going to grab a drink of water then. Excuse me.” She stepped into the dimly lit kitchen and reached for the refrigerator door. The acrid smell of smoke hit her before she saw the glowing red tip of a cigarette just outside the back door. Kristen stood in the doorway, one shoulder leaning against the jamb.

“He won’t stay you know.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Jake. He’ll get tired of this place. Of you.” Kristen took one last drag from her cigarette then dropped it on the concrete step and ground it out with the toe of her high-dollar sandal. “Once the novelty wears off, he’ll come back to Chicago. Back to his real life.” She exhaled, the opaque haze hanging in the air.

Meg crossed her arms over her chest. Was she serious? She hadn’t known Jake long, but she knew him well enough to know that Kristen was just blowing smoke. Literally and figuratively. She shrugged. “He has a thriving practice, the locals love him. He’s very happy here.”

“With you? Maybe for now. But he’ll get his head back on straight and come to his senses.”

“He seems pretty level headed to me. I don’t think—”

“Look, you seem like a nice person, in a Dogpatch sort of way, so let me give you a little friendly advice.”

There was nothing friendly about this woman, but Meg waited for her to continue.

“Jake and I go way back. I know why he left Chicago, and I know he’ll move back after he’s had a chance to lick his wounds.” She cleared the doorway and walked across the room, pausing beside Meg. “You might be his pet project right now, and maybe you’ll even be the rebound to help him get over being dumped, but mark my words, he
will
get over it and realize he didn’t have to leave home to do it.”

His wounds? And what woman in her right mind would dump Jake?

“Jake has a…well, let’s call it an overdeveloped White Knight gene. He looks out for everyone. Heals sick animals. He finds a lost cause and becomes its champion.”

“Those are all admirable qualities.”

“Maybe, but all that pressure only made what he sees as failure worse. He’s come out here in some misguided attempt to redeem himself for screwing up with his last girlfriend.”

“I don’t know what this has to do with me.”

“This is where my advice comes in. I wouldn’t get too attached if I were you. Once Jake has slain your dragon, whatever that may be, he’ll stop doubting himself. In his mind, he’ll have made up for the fiasco with Carolyn and move on, come back to Chicago and the next crisis.” She continued on her way out of the kitchen, looking back at Meg from the doorway. “When he does, I’ll be waiting.”

Meg watched her saunter out. The look on the other woman’s face sent a shiver up her arms. Forgetting the water she’d come for, she returned to the living room to ask Jake’s parents about it just in time to see Bob helping his wife down the hall. Linda giggled and waved. “Good night, dear.”

Bob smiled. “See you in the morning, Meg.”

Realizing she’d get no answers from them tonight, she simply called, “Good night,” and went down the hall in the opposite direction, mentally replaying the scene in the kitchen.

Her thoughts shifted abruptly when she reached Jake’s room. It was large and open with its own en suite bathroom. The king-size sleigh bed and matching night stands were centered along one wall, and a large dresser and mirror were on the opposite wall. The room was sparsely but tastefully decorated in earth tones with a few pictures on the walls.

Meg stepped further into the room, drawn to the French doors along the back wall. Though she went to look, it was too dark to see out. Easing open one door, she stepped onto a secluded deck surrounded by trees. Overhanging branches made it a very private refuge, and she stepped out into the cool night to fill her lungs with the fresh air. The sweet fragrance of Russian olive trees mixed with the scent of sage brush and pine, and the steady chirping of crickets soothed her. Kristen’s proclamation had bothered her more than she cared to admit. Of course, there were things she didn’t know about Jake—a whole lifetime of things, in fact. She’d be crazy to think he’d never been in a relationship before, but knowing he’d been hurt badly enough to move across the country? What had happened with his ex-girlfriend? What could he possibly have done to cause her rejection? Though curious, she realized that given their differences over how she saw her grandfather’s land being used, she might not even see him again once his parents left.

That thought troubled her, too.

Returning to the bedroom, she closed the door and leaned against it. Exhaustion pulled at her, and all she wanted was to curl up in that comfy-looking bed.

Just until he came back, then she’d hit the sofa.

…

It took longer to calm the horses than Jake expected. Something had spooked the mare, and he’d taken extra time to make sure she hadn’t harmed herself or the foal when she thrashed around the stall. He’d just closed the corral gate when the four dogs outside started barking. Now what? He toured the perimeter of the yard but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, though it wasn’t uncommon to spot a mountain lion in this country. Maybe one had wandered in and shaken up the animals. He checked on each of the dogs and, satisfied that they were all right, headed for the house.

The living room was empty when he entered—everyone must have gone to bed. After switching off a table lamp, he turned toward his room and nearly collided with the dark figure standing in front of him. Momentarily surprised, it took him a second to focus. She was back lit from the meager light in the kitchen, her expensive perfume hung heavily in the air. Well, shit. Not the woman he’d hoped would be waiting for him.

“She’s cute, Jake. So this is how you’re passing your time these days?”

He stepped back and cleared his throat. “Kristen. Did you need something?”

She took a step when he retreated, closing the space between them. “I can think of a few things I need.” The husky tone of her voice said more than her words.

“I meant, is your room adequate?”

When she didn’t answer, he stepped around her, but she placed her hand on his arm. “Don’t rush off, Jake. Stay here and keep me company.”

He fisted his hands on his hips and blew out an exasperated breath. He wanted nothing more than to get to Meg, to hopefully pick up where they’d left off in the car. “It’s late, Kristen, and I’ve had a long day. If there isn’t anything else,” he took another step, “I’m going to bed.”

She simply shrugged and turned toward the hall. “We’ll have plenty of time to catch up tomorrow. Who knows? Maybe you’ll decide to leave Mayberry and your little country bumpkin and come back to civilization with me.”

Jake stood still until he was sure she was in her room. Then he stepped into the kitchen and turned on the light above the sink to wash his hands. Finally, a chance to be alone with Meg. Would she be waiting for him? Distracted by the thought, he didn’t hear his father come in. Startled, he looked up.
Damn. Almost a clean getaway.

“Can I get you something, Dad?”

Shooting him a crooked grin, Bob shook his head.

“Naw, came to get a drink of water and an aspirin for your mother. She had a little too much to drink tonight.”

Jake grinned back. “Yeah, I noticed. Well, if you’re all set then—”

His father held up his hand. “Do you have a minute, son? I promised your mother I’d talk to you about the Wyndham Clinic back home.”

Jake longed to head to his bedroom but resigned himself to having this conversation with his father now. “What about the Wyndham Clinic?” he asked cautiously. He’d left that place in his rearview mirror years ago.

“Of course, you know Ted Wyndham is getting up in years.” At Jake’s nod, Bob continued. “Ted is planning to cut back in the next year and is looking for a partner. Someone who can buy him out when he decides to retire.”

Jake leaned back against the counter and folded his arms across his chest. “Good for Ted. He’s a good guy, and I hope it works out for him.”

“It’s just that your mother thinks this would be a great opportunity for you. And it would get you back home.”

Dropping his gaze, Jake shook his head. “Unbelievable.” He raised his head to look at his father. “You both realize that I already own my own clinic, don’t you? A very successful one, I might add.”

“I know, Jake. And I couldn’t be prouder of you. I’m happy if you’re happy. I just know your mother misses you, I do, too, for that matter, but she’s having an especially hard time with you being gone. Like it or not, she still thinks of you as her baby boy.”

Jake smiled at his last comment. “I guess I can understand that—to a point. But I’m thirty years old, Dad. She has to let go sometime. Like this mess with bringing Kristen out here and butting into my love life. I can’t say that makes the idea of living closer to you again more appealing.”

“I know, Jake. But we both want you to be happy. And we both worry that you haven’t gotten past the situation with Carolyn.” He held up his hand to stop Jake’s protest. “You have to admit, you haven’t even come close to settling down.”

Jake shrugged. “I haven’t met the right woman, yet.”
Until now, maybe.
“And you have to know that Kristen isn’t that person. She never was and never will be.”

Bob winced. “I knew it wasn’t going to work, but I think the combination of your mom being worried about you and Betty Johnson wanting to marry Kristen off—well, she was just trying to kill two birds I guess.”

“It backfired big time.” Jake ran a hand through his hair.

“Remember, too, you’ve never even mentioned Meg to us. How were we to know?”

“I wanted you to meet her on this visit,” Jake mumbled, not wanting to get into details about Meg right now. “And speaking of Meg, I probably should go make sure she has everything she needs.”

“Far be it for me to stand in the way of true love. And your mom needs that aspirin.”

Brought up short, Jake stopped.

“What?” Bob asked. “Did I say something wrong?”

Shaking his head, Jake whispered almost to himself, “True love?” The thought had skittered across his mind earlier, but hearing it aloud from his father made it real to him. Was he falling in love with Meg? “No, you didn’t say anything wrong.”

Bob examined him closely. “You really care about this girl don’t you, son?”

Jake nodded, dazed. “Yes, sir. I really do.”

“Then you’d better not keep her waiting any longer. Good night, Jake.”

Jake patted his father’s back as he walked out of the room. “Good night, Dad. See you in the morning.”

Jake entered his room and quietly shut the door behind him. All the lights were off except for one on his night stand. His breath caught at the sight of Meg curled up in his bed. So sweet. Though he’d never had a woman in this room, it felt perfectly right for her to be here. Hell. Between the animals and his talk with his father, he’d taken too long, and she must have given up on him. She had to be exhausted. He started to pull the sheet over her, but his mouth went dry. Her top had shifted up, and the waistband of her skirt had been tugged down, exposing the curve of her waist and her toned abs. His breath caught. He wanted to kiss that satiny skin. Dip his tongue into her belly button and work his way lower.