Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) (8 page)

He felt, more than heard, her sigh as she relaxed under his touch. His dick twitched in his pants when her tongue darted out for a quick taste before nibbling his bottom lip with her teeth. “Ah, Meg.” He nipped the flesh at the base of her neck and inhaled deeply as he kissed his way up and ran his tongue along her outer ear. “God, you smell so good. It’s been driving me crazy.”

“Mmm.” She tilted her head, allowing him to keep spreading kisses along her jaw. “Does this mean you forgive me?”

He stopped and raised his head, his gaze moving from her mouth to the question in her eyes. “What am I forgiving?”

“I was horrible to you last night. Again.”

Cupping her cheek in his palm, he stroked her soft skin. “I tend to be a little overprotective. Especially when it comes to something…or someone I care about. I know I can be pushy, but only because I’m concerned.”

“I appreciate it, Jake. I do. But my grandparents practically lived at the cabin since they retired, and they never had any trouble. And I’ve lived in the city long enough to know how to protect myself. I took your suggestion and bought new locks today. I really am okay out there.”

No matter how city-savvy she’d become, he was damned sure she didn’t have any idea what kind of predators were out there. Or that the worst of them disguised themselves in sheep’s clothing. Resolution filled him. If she was determined to stay by herself, he would simply ramp up his efforts to keep her safe.

“I’ll still worry, but I’ll stop giving you a hard time about it. Deal?”

She rolled her eyes and shook her head, but she was smiling. “Deal.”

He sealed their truce with a slow and teasing kiss. She responded by wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her body flush against his.

Control snapped. He clutched her to him, thrusting into her mouth, tangling his tongue with hers. Breaths mingled. Passion flared to life, singeing every nerve as desire thickened his cock to the point of pain.

He’d never wanted anyone the way he wanted Meg.

What was it about this woman that turned him inside out? Made him abandon good sense and break every rule he’d set for himself since leaving Chicago?

The sound of a car door opening and shutting seeped into his brain, and he lifted his head. Her eyes were still closed, lips slightly parted. He kissed her again, losing himself in the feel and taste of her. Footsteps in the gravel outside snapped him to attention, and he broke contact. Her eyelids fluttered open.

“Someone’s outside.” Resting his forehead against hers, he sighed. “It might be an emergency. I have to go check.”

She nodded. “Of course. Go.”

He tore himself away and cursed softly. “I’ll be right back.”

Outside, Jake came to a halt. The trunk lid was open on the unfamiliar sedan parked near his house. Well, shit. His parents were here.

…

By the time he reached the car, his father was already pulling a suitcase from the trunk. “Here, Dad, let me get that.”

A wide grin split the older man’s face. “Hey, Jake!” He dropped the suitcase and came forward to grasp his son’s hand and pull him into a tight hug. “Oh boy, it’s good to see you, son!”

Jake hugged him back. “It’s great to see you, too, Dad.” They stepped back. “I thought you were coming in tomorrow.”

Before his father could answer, the passenger door opened. His mother jumped out of her seat and ran toward him.

“Jacob! Oh, honey, I’m so happy to see you!” She grabbed him and hugged him, then reached up to give him a kiss on the cheek.

“Hi, Mom. You look great.” Though he was happy to see them, his parents premature arrival caught him off guard. He gave his mother another squeeze. “So you caught an earlier flight?”

His parents shared a look before his father said, “We…uh, had a little change of plans. We didn’t think you’d mind.”

“No. Of course I don’t mind, I’m just surprised.” He hauled another suitcase out of the trunk. How much luggage did his mother need? “How was the trip?”

“The flight was fine. Your father’s sciatica flared up again and …”

His mother’s voice became so much white noise when he noticed the rear passenger door open. He could only stand there while a leggy blonde emerged from the car.

No. Fucking. Way.

Chapter Eight

“Hello, Jake.”

Her voice was low and sultry, her green gaze never leaving his face as she sauntered toward him. His mother had stopped talking and held onto his arm as if she was worried he would run away.

Or say something impolite.

“Jake, you remember Kristen, don’t you?”

Jake arched his brow at his mother, his jaw tight.

Unflustered, she patted his arm. “We thought it might be fun if she came along for a visit. You two haven’t seen each other in such a long time.”

Kristen hugged him, somehow managing to make it feel like a full body pass. Gently but firmly, Jake pushed her away and stepped back.

“Kristen, it’s nice to see you,” he said, managing to keep his voice neutral.

“It has been a long time hasn’t it, Jake?” She ran a long artificial fingernail down the front of his shirt. “I’m so looking forward to spending time with you again. We always did have a good time together, didn’t we?”

His mind spun. How could his parents have done this to him? He’d expected the usual onslaught of arguments for him to move back to Chicago, but this was extreme. Even for his mother.

He and Kristen had known each other since they were kids. Their parents had been friends since college, and it had always been an unspoken expectation that one of the Matthews boys would marry Kristen. Since Jake’s older brother, Jared, was already married with two kids, the heavy weight of his mother’s hopes of joining the two families had fallen on his shoulders.

He’d given it his best shot a few years ago. They had gone out a couple of times, nothing more serious than a quick peck on the cheek after dinner. While she’d been nice enough, there simply hadn’t been any chemistry. He’d thought his mother had given up the dream. Guess not.

God give him strength. What the hell was he supposed to do now? The answer arrived when Meg left the clinic and made her way toward them. He didn’t even think, just bolted forward to grasp her hands and tugged her to him.

“Jake? What’s wrong?” Her violet eyes were wide with confusion, but he didn’t give her a chance to back away.

“Everything is fine.” He took a deep breath. “I need a favor.”

“Okay. Sure. I mean, if I can.”

“Great.” He turned and pulled her with him across the lot. He grinned when they reached his parents. “Mom, Dad, I’d like you to meet Megan Reynolds. My…girlfriend.”

…

What the hell? This was the favor? Meg didn’t know who was more surprised by Jake’s declaration. His parents’ expressions mirrored the confusion she, herself, felt. His grip on her hand tightened, but his thumb stroked her wrist soothingly, telling her, she had a feeling, to just go with this, he’d explain later.

“Meg, these are my parents, Robert and Linda Matthews.”

Jake’s dad offered his hand first. “I have to say it’s a surprise, but I’m happy to meet you, Megan.”

Hoping her face didn’t show her bewilderment, Meg said, “It’s…um, nice to meet you, too, Mr. Matthews.”

He winked as if they shared a secret joke. “Call me Bob. And this is my wife, Linda.”

Nodding, she turned and extended her hand to Jake’s mom, who gaped at her. “Mrs. Matthews.”

“Girlfriend? Jacob—”

“Mom.”

“Linda.”

Jake and his father spoke at the same time, the same warning tone in their voices. His mother collected herself before turning a weak smile her way. “It’s very nice to meet you, Megan.”

“And this is Kristen Johnson.” Jake turned Meg to make the introduction. “Her parents are old family friends.”

“Nice to meet you.”

Kristen’s eyes flashed when Meg held out her hand, her expression stating loudly that this was
not
a nice surprise.

What had she gotten herself into?

An uneasy silence descended until Linda said, “Jacob, it’s awfully hot out here. Maybe we should go inside now.”

He nodded. “Make yourself at home, Mom. I’ll get your bags and be right behind you.” While his mother and Kristen made their way to the house, his father hung back to help with the luggage. “Dad, go on in and grab a beer. I’ll get this.”

“Are you kidding?” His belly laugh caught Meg by surprise. “I didn’t think it was possible, son, but your mother was actually speechless. I wondered how you were going to handle Kristen joining us unexpectedly, but this is better than I could have imagined.”

Jake eyed him in disbelief. “How could you let her get away with this? You know there was never anything between Kristen and me.”

Bob shrugged. “I told your mother to stay out of your business, but she was convinced your love life needed a nudge.” Then to Meg. “Sorry, honey. Jake didn’t tell us about you. I never would have put you in such an uncomfortable position if I’d known.”

She offered him an understanding smile, taking in the similarities between him and Jake. Jake had his father’s eyes and bone structure. They shared the same deep dimples when they smiled.

The dimples she’d fantasized dipping her tongue into the first time she’d seen Jake grin. She blinked the thought away. What she needed to be thinking about was what Jake was up to and exactly what kind of
favor
she’d agreed to.

“Give us a minute, Dad. We’ll be right in.”

His father nodded and took two suitcases with him into the house. When he was out of earshot, Jake turned to her, looking guilty, amused, and a little bit terrified all at the same time.

He also looked sexy as hell.

“You’re, uh, probably wondering what that was all about.” He rubbed the back of his neck and scuffed the toe of his boot in the gravel.

Meg almost smiled. He knew he was busted, and she should be angry with him for putting her on the spot, but he was so damn cute she couldn’t muster up any real hostility. She couldn’t let him off the hook so easily, though. Hands on her hips, she stared him straight in the eye, hoping she could pull off a stern glare, but fearing she couldn’t keep a straight face. “Jake, what were you thinking? When you asked for a favor, I thought you wanted me to feed the animals or—”

He took one of her hands and pleaded, “Please don’t be mad, although I understand if you are. My parents threw me a curve ball when they showed up with Kristen, and I panicked. When I saw you, I didn’t have time to think. I’m sorry I dragged you into this, but I was desperate.”

All Meg could focus on was Jake’s hand clasping hers. The most amazing heat wound around her fingers and crept up her arm. A shimmery tingle made its way through her chest, a teasing warmth spread lower…

“Meg? Say something.”

What? Was he talking? Right. She was supposed to be mad, but there was no way she could keep up the farce with those brown eyes looking at her. “So your folks blindsided you, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s one way to put it. Like I said, our parents are old friends. My mom kind of set us up a few years ago. We went out a couple of times, but… Anyway, I never called her after the second date, and that was that.” His lips curved into a sheepish smirk. “My mother gave me hell over it, but I wasn’t about to keep seeing her just to please the families.”

Meg wondered if her first impression of Kristen had been wrong. She was beautiful, no question about it. Her pale skin was made up perfectly, and her from-the-bottle blonde hair was cut in a fashionable bob. Her designer short set and expensive leather shoes made Meg acutely aware of her wrinkled denim skirt and dusty tank top. Yes, Kristen was a beautiful woman, but there didn’t seem to be any warmth about her. Of course, if she’d come here expecting to have Jake to herself, finding him with a girlfriend probably wouldn’t make her feel warm and fuzzy.

“So, I’m your decoy.”

“I’m sorry. It sounds terrible when you say it like that.” He smiled and stroked his thumb over her knuckles. “Thank you for going along with me. I know I ambushed you, too.”

Meg swallowed when his husky voice washed over her. “It’s okay. It’s the least I could do to thank for you taking care of Rex.”

“You don’t have to thank me for that, Meg.” She tried to pull her hand away, but he held on. “What are you doing?”

“I should get going. I’m sure you want to spend some time with your family.”

“I do. But I was hoping you’d stay for a while. You know, since you’re my girlfriend and all.”

His smile stopped her heart. “What do you want me to do?” This man was potent, and Meg was afraid she’d agree to just about anything he asked.

“Come inside for a drink. No pressure. We’ll let them get used to seeing us together, and hopefully, that’ll be enough to convince my mother that I don’t need her matchmaking services. Come on.”

…

Jake didn’t let go of Meg’s hand for fear she’d come to her senses and bolt. He slung the strap to the garment bag over his shoulder and picked up the last suitcase. The largest of the bunch and undoubtedly Kristen’s. He tugged her along, keeping her close until they reached his front door. Meg opened it for him and stepped aside while he walked through. He took the bags to one of the spare bedrooms—the furthest from his own—before returning to the group in his living room. The dark cloud of dread lifted with the thought of Meg being here with him. Feeling decidedly lighter, he grinned when he entered the room.

“What does everybody want to drink?”

The next hour was spent with Jake and his parents catching up on family news as they sipped their drinks. His mother kept trying to include Kristen in the conversation, and because Meg didn’t know any of the people they were talking about, she sat quietly listening to stories about the latest mischief his two nephews were up to. He had to hand it to her. She was a trouper. She sat next to him the whole time, nodding and smiling, laughing at some of their antics. He noticed she’d already had two glasses of wine and appeared to be feeling quite relaxed when Linda turned the attention to her.

“Meg, I’m sorry we’ve been boring you with all these family stories. Why don’t you tell us about yourself?”

Meg glanced at him, her eyes wide. Not quite panicked, but questioning. She took another sip of wine before answering. “I would never be bored listening to stories about Jake’s family.”

Hearing the sincerity in her voice, Jake reached for her hand. He didn’t think anyone in the room missed the gesture.

“Yes, dear, but what about you and your family? And how did you and Jake meet?”

Looking at their clasped hands, she smiled. “We met through one of his patients, actually.”

At his mother’s questioning look, Jake explained, “Meg found a wounded dog and brought him here for me to treat. We hit it off and found that we have a lot in common. Things have just gone from there.” It wasn’t a lie, but the way he said it made it sound as if they’d known each other much longer than a couple of days.

His mother pressed. “And what do you do, dear?”

Again, Jake jumped in. “She’s been helping me at the clinic while she takes care of some family business.”

Meg followed his lead. “Right. I’m working on a project now, but until the details are worked out, I like helping Jake here at the animal hospital.”

Kristen gave a long sigh, indicating to the group that she was bored. “I’m going outside for a cigarette.” She stood and walked to the front door. “I was hoping to see some of this town you seem to like so much, Jake.” She turned back to face him. “What do you say we go do a little sightseeing? Maybe I’ll come to like it as much as you do.”

This time Meg squeezed his hand. Her quiet encouragement tugged at something deep inside him. She’d brought him lunch and saved his ass during clinic, hadn’t batted an eye when he’d asked for a favor, and now she was giving him support he didn’t deserve. He spoke past the unfamiliar lump in his throat. “I’m sure there’ll be time for all of us to take a tour.”

“I’m counting on it.”

There was a moment of awkward silence until the door snicked shut behind Kristen, then an almost audible sigh of relief escaped the group.

“Well…” Robert slapped his knees.

“Jacob—” Linda started.

“Have you guys heard from Jenny?” Asking about his sister made for a perfect change of subject, if he said so himself.

His mother brightened instantly. “Oh! She seems to be settling into her new place, and so far, I think she likes her job. Let’s hope this is the fit she’s been looking for.” She shot Meg a conspiratorial look. “I don’t know if Jake has mentioned it, but his little sister has been a bit of a professional student. As usual, it was his advice that swayed her to accept an internship—a paid internship—with a graphic design firm. But then”—she gazed at him fondly—“he can do no wrong in Jenny’s eyes.”

“Mom.”

She laughed and shook a finger at him, telling Meg, “He helped raise her when I got sick. He’s always taken care of everyone, since he was just a little guy.”

Knowing where this conversation was headed, Jake decided to reroute it fast. “Did Jared take on a new partner?”

His mother blinked guilelessly and ignored his attempt to change the subject again. “I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, Meg, how caring he is and how he takes on the burdens of the world.”

Heat crept up his neck, and he felt the weight of Meg’s stare. Why did his mother insist on bringing this up now? He’d rather she drag out embarrassing baby pictures or tell the story of him announcing to his first grade class that his dad had been neutered.

“He’s amazing with the animals.”

His heart kicked hard at her praise.

Linda nodded. “It’s not only with animals, though it started with him bringing home strays. No, I’m afraid he had to grow up too fast. I’ve always regretted making him feel like he had to be responsible at such a young age.”

Though he’d never admit it, Jake was almost thankful when Kristen opened the door. He checked his watch. “Meg and I would like to take…er…everyone to dinner. We should get going if we want to get a table.” He stood, pulling Meg with him. “You can all go freshen up if you need to, and then we’ll leave.”