He saw Charisse smile from the corner of his eye, obviously pleased with the outcome. “Thank you, Daddy,” she mouthed.
“Glad you could join us, Son. Risse speaks highly of you.”
“Uh, yeah, thanks for having me.”
Chief Arella raised his paper, signaling the end of the conversation, and Jake visibly relaxed behind it.
“Daddy, where’s Zeph?” Charisse dared to interrupt him one more time.
“Out back, I think.”
Jake glanced around as Risse led him through the house, noting the elegant wallpaper and glossy, painted wainscoting, shiny hardwood floors topped with plush oriental rugs, and pictures, tons of family pictures.
He wondered if Charisse was embarrassed by them all, documenting her progression from birth to near adulthood. Not that she had any reason to be. She was an adorable toddler, a cute-as-could-be middle grader, even the early teen years shined on her as she bypassed the awkwardness of puberty and went straight from sweet to stunning in a heartbeat.
Her brother, Zeph, seemed to have inherited all the awkwardness, but the later pictures showed even him coming into his own. He shared his sister’s blonde hair and blue eyes, although his features weren’t as perfect as hers. The most recent photo was one he recognized from her Instagram account — a wedding picture with Zeph’s bride glowing in the middle. Even still, Risse out-shined her in Jake’s eyes.
The back door led out to a porch with a swing where Zeph and his bride cuddled in privacy. They looked up when Jake and Risse entered but didn’t seem bothered by the interruption.
“Hey sis, how’s it going?” Zeph asked, still holding his wife’s hand, contented smiles on their faces.
“Hey Zephy, I want you to meet my friend Jake. Jake, this is my brother, Zephaniah, and his wife, Eve.”
Jake held out a fist and Zeph bumped it, but he offered a handshake to Eve. The lovely redhead cocked her head at him thoughtfully but still offered a kind smile before taking his hand.
“Jake has been volunteering at Sunnybrook with me, and we’ve been getting to know each other,” Charisse explained, graciously avoiding any mention of his community service sentence.
“He plays guitar, so we’ve been performing together for the residents.” A look passed between Zeph, Eve, and Risse, and Jake wondered what they weren’t saying.
“It’s great to meet you,” Eve announced, and Jake relaxed at her declaration. Whatever they knew about him, they had decided he was okay, anyway.
“Dinner’s ready!” Faith yelled loud enough for everyone to hear her.
“Awesome! I’m starving!” Zeph vaulted from the swing, dragging his wife with him.
Jake and Risse chuckled, and Jake mimicked him, grabbing Risse’s hand and pulling her towards the kitchen. His stomach was grumbling, and his groin was reacting to the feel of her soft hand in his. He felt like a caveman, claiming his woman, his mind on nothing but food and mating.
The family congregated around the table, everyone knowing their place already, leaving one empty space for Jake.
“How nice, we finally have a full table,” Faith commented, and Jake felt immediately out of place. He didn’t belong here at their table, having Thanksgiving dinner with them like a member of the family. But Risse grinned and squeezed the hand she still held, and Jake decided to enjoy the moment.
They passed the food around the table, and Jake piled his plate high with large scoops of everything. Probably should’ve worn sweatpants, he lamented. Everything was so delicious ,he ate every bite, despite knowing he would regret it later.
There were enough people to keep the conversation flowing and thankfully keep him out of the spotlight. He marveled at the way Risse’s family interacted — so kind and caring, so different from his own dysfunctional relationship with his father. When he did become the center of attention, the questions were easy — where do you go to school, what activities do you like, what’s your favorite… fill-in-the-blank.
The only uncomfortable moment came when Risse told her parents he played guitar, and they insisted the two play for them later. That wasn’t so bad, though. He loved playing with Risse. It flowed so easy, sometimes he forgot they’d only played together a few times. They just seemed to know where each other was going.
Besides, it gave him an excuse to watch her, which was quickly becoming one of his favorite activities. Good thing they didn’t ask that question; he wasn’t sure he could answer without giving himself away.
Jake was fascinated by Risse’s parents. Faith Arella was undoubtedly the perfect mother — Betty Crocker, Susie Homemaker, June Cleaver, all rolled into one sweet, beautiful, loving package. Jake was instantly jealous. Risse’s dad was slightly less congenial, but once you got past the gruff exterior, he was a pretty good guy, too. He was obviously very proud of his wife and his children.
Jake liked Risse’s brother, Zeph, too. He wasn’t cocky or overprotective like Jake expected a big brother to be; instead, he was calm and gentle, almost shy, focusing mostly on the woman by his side.
“I found the wishbone!” Faith chirped, pulling the tiny bone from the center of the turkey.
“I think this one belongs to our guest.” She passed the good luck charm down to Jake who stared at it in confusion. He’d heard something about the wishbone before but didn’t know exactly what to do with it. Were you supposed to keep it for good luck? Try to break it?
Before he embarrassed himself, Risse grabbed one end of it and whispered, “Pull on three and make a wish; biggest piece wins!”
He knew exactly what he wanted to wish for, but he wondered if he and Risse were wishing the same thing or something completely opposite. When a tiny sliver broke off in her hand, she mouthed, “It’s your lucky day,” and Jake nodded, smiling. Even if his wish didn’t come true, it was enough just to be here with Risse and her family.
When everyone had stuffed themselves, the family retired to the den where several overstuffed couches and chairs tempted some of them to nap.
“Would you like to see my room?” Risse asked, grabbing his hand and pulling him up the stairs when he nodded his assent. He reveled again in the small contact, her soft, delicate hand fitting perfectly in his.
Jake smiled at the bright, pretty space that he recognized from her videos. “So this is where the magic happens, huh?”
He sat in her chair in front of her laptop and pretended to style his hair with her hairbrush, emulating the perky voice she used in her videos.
Risse chuckled at his fairly accurate impersonation. “You’ve been watching a lot of those, huh? Got that act down pat!”
Jake blushed a little and dipped his head. “I watched a couple — just to analyze your technique, of course.”
“Of course.” Charisse nodded solemnly, then broke into a wide smile. “Pretty good, huh? Learn anything?”
“Oh yeah, I’ve always wanted to know how to create that perfect smoky eye.” Jake batted his lashes and flopped his hand.
Risse grabbed a throw pillow off the bed and whacked him with it, surprised at her own playfulness.
“Oh, now you’re gonna get it!” Jake grabbed the pillow from her and chased her around the room, her high voice squealing in excitement. Eventually, she collapsed on the bed, panting and laughing, and Jake landed on top of her, his face hovering only inches from hers, every inch of their bodies touching.
“I got you,” Jake whispered and stared into her sparkling eyes for a few seconds while they both recovered. The smile slipped from her face as the intensity grew, and her breath hitched as he lowered his lips.
Suddenly, she was rolling out from under him and jumping to her feet before he had a chance to connect.
Chapter 10
“Let’s go play for my family,” she said, racing out of the room and down the hall.
Jake climbed from the bed and followed her, a sense of loss turning his expression from serious to somber. He had hoped she was feeling the same way as him, but obviously not. He kic
ked himself for making things awkward. At least she wasn’t kicking him out.
She grabbed a guitar from her brother’s room, an inexpensive plaything that would feel like a toy compared to his own instrument, but Risse probably didn’t know the difference.
The piano was in the formal living room, a shiny baby grand that was obviously a source of pride for them — that and Risse’s talent. Risse sat down at the keyboard and tapped out a melody to calm her fluttering heart.
Did Jake really just try to kiss her? Sure, they were slowly becoming friends, but she didn’t think there was anything like that between them. She couldn’t let it happen, of course. She wasn’t the kind of girl who gave away kisses like handshakes.
In fact, she’d never really kissed anyone, not like that, anyway. She was saving that for the boy she fell in love with. She definitely wasn’t in love with Jake, so why did the thought of kissing him seem so exciting?
“What is that? I might’ve heard it before, but I don’t recognize it.” Jake’s voice broke through her musing.
Charisse shook her head back into reality. “Huh? Oh, you mean the song? It’s the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving theme. Don’t you know it?”
“Sorry, don’t watch a lot of cartoons.” Jake chuckled.
“But it’s a classic! We’ve watched it every year for as long as I can remember! Don’t tell me you haven’t seen it.”
“I don’t have the kind of family that watches Charlie Brown together, Charisse. I already told you that.” Jake’s voice grew dark and hard, and his expression matched it.
“I’m sorry, Jake; I didn’t mean to upset you,” Charisse said, hoping he understood her apology extended beyond the song. “I guess it’s just a big deal in my family.”
“No worries, babe; let’s just play something we both know. I’m sure we can come up with something besides cartoons and fairy tales.”
Jake’s bad boy persona took over him like an alien invasion, and Charisse was shocked at the abrupt change. She’d almost forgotten about the rude jerk he used to be. He’d changed so much in the last few days. She shook it off, hoping the pleasure of performing together would bring back the Jake she had become friends with.
They played a few Beach Boys songs, and Charisse’s family wandered in to listen, clapping exuberantly at the end of each one. Jake’s countenance never completely recovered, but he relaxed enough to laugh and smile, and Risse decided he was having a good time.
Their performance was interrupted by bellowing voices hollering, “Who’s ready for some football?” as Cheydan and Maddock let themselves in, invaded the living room. Their large bodies dominated the space, and their energy overwhelmed even the joyful round of singing.
Jake quirked an eyebrow as the twins took turns hugging Charisse, and one of them even planted a kiss on her cheek. She wrapped her arm around him and Jake felt his own arm flexing in response. Who was this guy?
“Jake, these are our friends Cheydan and Maddock Engel. Guys, this is my friend Jake.” They offered handshakes, their broad paws engulfing Jake’s hand, squeezing just a little too hard. Cheydan gave Charisse an incredulous look. Was this the guy she’d been dissing at the bowling alley? Leave it to Charisse to try to make friends with him.
“I hope you’re ready for a beating,” Maddock sneered, a teasing gleam in his eye. Compared to his neat and tidy brother, his messy hair and rumpled clothes made him look like he’d already had one.
“It’s flag football, Maddock, remember? No beating allowed.” Charisse rolled her eyes with a grin as she socked him on the arm.
“Girls — they take all the fun out of everything!” Maddock plopped on the couch beside Zeph and Eve.
“I think I’d have to disagree,” Zeph murmured, turning to plant a kiss on Eve’s cheek. He nuzzled his face in her hair, and the two giggled quietly as Maddock pretended he was about to puke.
“Did you boys have a nice dinner? Would you like some dessert?” Faith asked, placing a giant pumpkin pie on the coffee table.
The boys eyed it hungrily. “That’s looks amazing, Mrs. Arella, but we better wait till after the game,” Cheydan said.
“You can wait; I’m having some now!” Maddock declared, reaching for the knife.
“You’ll be puking for real as soon as you get out there if you do,” Cheydan warned, laying a hand on his brother’s.
“All right, all right, football first, pie later,” Maddock grumbled. “Let’s get started, then. Who’s playing?”
“We have an even number this year, if everyone’s still in.” Cheydan looked around the room, questioningly.
Jake was surprised when even Mrs. Arella nodded. Everyone bustled around, slipping on sneakers and jackets, the girls tying up their hair.
Cheydan found himself next to Charisse as they filed out the door, and he wrapped an arm around her waist as he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Is that the guy you were talking about the other day — the world’s biggest jerk?”
Charisse nodded.
“So, what’s up with that? Did he have a change of heart, or something? Or are you just into bad boys all of a sudden?”
Jake squeezed close enough to overhear them, wondering why this Cheydan guy kept touching her.
“He’s not so bad, once you get to know him. I’m just trying to be kind, that’s all. He seems lonely.”
Cheydan smiled sympathetically and gave her waist a squeeze. “That’s nice. Have I ever told you how amazing you are?”
“Thanks, Cheydan.” Charisse blushed and dipped her head.
Such casual words, but they made Jake’s blood course through his veins like fire following a trail of gasoline, devouring every trace of goodness that resided. For one moment, he thought he and Risse actually had something between them, but he was only a charity case to her! And what was going on between her and Cheydan?
No one was willing to let Cheydan and Maddock be on the same team, so they became the captains. Cheydan won the coin toss and picked Zeph for his first teammate.
“You’re not going to make me regret choosing you over the Chief, are you?” Maddock asked as he hitched his thumb at Jake, claiming him for his team.
“Nope, I’m in the mood to win,” Jake scowled, his eyes on Cheydan, who still had his arm around Charisse. Maddock’s eyes widened at the ferocious growl of Jake’s reply.
Zeph picked Eve, claiming he could never play against her, and Jake picked Charisse, mainly because he wanted to get her away from Cheydan. As much as he hated her pity, he still yearned for her attention. Eve picked the Chief at Cheydan’s insistence, leaving Faith to join Maddock, Jake, and Charisse.
Jake figured the girls would put a damper on the game, but he quickly realized their fast legs and lithe bodies could out-maneuver the boys, making them equally valuable team members. Even Mrs. Arella made a few great plays.
There wasn’t supposed to be any tackling, and the boys were careful not to be too aggressive, but Jake noticed when the ladies were out of the way the boys managed to jab a few elbows and cause a few face plants. He took the opportunity to trip Cheydan, and he grinned when the pretty boy rose from the ground with dirt stains on his hands and knees.
When the game ended, Maddock declared his team’s victory by announcing first dibs on the pie and dashing inside to claim a giant slice. Faith quickly followed to help with the serving, but Jake and Charisse lagged behind.
“You’re pretty good at this game,” Charisse said, bumping into Jake playfully. “Do you miss playing?”
Her hair was a mess, her clothes were snagged with leaves and pine needles, and her face was flushed from the wind and her exertion. Jake thought she looked incredible.
“Yeah, I’m glad I got to play today. Thanks for inviting me.” He couldn’t help but melt under her warm gaze, even if this was just a pity date.
“I’m glad you came. Everybody likes you.”
“Even your boyfriend?”
“Who? Cheydan? It’s not like that. We’re just good fri
ends.”
Jake wasn’t sure Cheydan felt that way, but it soothed the jealousy a little to hear her say it.
When they entered the house, everyone was lounging in the den, scarfing down slices of pumpkin pie. Faith handed them each a plate, and Jake’s eyes bugged out as Risse immediately scooped an enormous pile of Cool Whip on top of hers.
“It’s better this way.” She shrugged with a guilty smile and offered him the container.
“If you say so.” Jake took the spoon and scooped some onto his finger to taste. He nodded in appreciation then piled his own plate high with the creamy topping.
“What? Don’t tell me you’ve never had Cool Whip on your pumpkin pie!”
“I can’t remember the last time I even had pumpkin pie; the only dessert Maria ever makes is flan.”
“Who’s Maria?” Charisse asked between bites.
“She’s our housekeeper, and she cooks for me and my dad.” Jake didn’t bother to swallow the soft mouthful, just talked around it before shoveling in another.
“Has she worked for your family for a long time?”
“Nah, she’s just the last in a long line.” Jake scraped his plate clean and stared at it, resisting the urge to lick it. He didn’t notice Charisse’s sad frown.
“This is really great. Do you think there’s enough for me to have another piece?” He looked up just as Charisse’s frown morphed into a smile.
“Definitely.” She nodded. “I’ll get you another one. Or would you like to try the pecan?”
Jake groaned with pleasure. “Yasssss.”
“So, Jake, do you go to Indy High? I don’t remember ever seeing you there,” Cheydan asked, coming to lean against the piano next to him. Jake cringed a little at the approach. He still felt a little threatened by Cheydan, despite Risse’s denial of any romantic relationship between them.
“Nah, I go to Indy Prep; my dad’s one of the founding charter members — James Henley.” Jake couldn’t resist name-dropping. Everyone in town knew of James Henley. He was probably the richest, most successful businessman in the whole region.
Date with Destiny Collection: Angel Romance Series: Books 1 - 4 Page 20