“Yes. Sam is two years older than me. He just turned 26. Even with his injury, he still treats me like his baby sister,” Anna said with a smile.
“If you don’t mind my asking, how did Sam end up in a wheelchair?” Jake asked with sincerity.
“He and Mom were driving home in that unusual fog we had so early in the fall and a driver got impatient to pass another car. He pulled into their lane and hit them head on. The driver was in a truck and it did little damage to his vehicle. Mom had a broken arm and collar bone and her pelvis was cracked, so she was out of commission for quite a while. We weren’t sure at first Sam was going to make it, but he pulled through and ended up being partially paralyzed.” Anna took a deep breath. It was nice to talk to Jake. He seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.
“Sam’s whole life is farming and ranching. The doctors said it is unlikely he’ll ever walk again, but then we never thought he’d be driving a car or racing around the farm in his souped-up wheelchair either. With his new therapist, I think anything is possible. His fiancée Lisa isn’t willing to let him give up. He didn’t get the nickname Tuff for nothing.”
“Tuff, huh? I take it your dad likes to give people nicknames, like Sugar,” Jake said with a grin. “How did you acquire that moniker?”
Anna blushed. Of course he would remember her dad calling her “Sugar” no less than a dozen times when he’d eaten lunch with them.
“Daddy said when they brought me home from the hospital he finally figured out what the poem meant when it said ‘Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of.’ So he called me Sugar from the start.”
Jake grinned, a devilish smile with a gleam in his eye. “I’m pretty sure about the sugar, but I bet there is a bit more spice in there than most people think.”
Cheeks flaming, Anna didn’t know what to say. She didn’t have to come up with a response as Jake pulled into the driveway of a pretty little place, surround by trees and a profusion of colorful flowers.
Turning off the ignition and running around to open her door, Jake took Anna’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Don’t be nervous, it’s just family,” he said close to her ear. Only it was her deaf ear. So she just looked up at him and smiled weakly.
Not bothering to ring the bell, Jake knocked on the door before stepping inside, tugging Anna along behind him.
“Hello, anybody home?” he called walking through the living room. Anna thought it looked like something out of a home décor magazine.
“Jake, is that you, you rascal? I haven’t seen you in forever,” a voice called from the kitchen. “Come in here and give me a hug.”
Jake walked into an open, airy kitchen where a tall, beautiful auburn-haired woman stood slicing melon chunks into a big bowl.
“Hey, Callan,” Jake said, dropping Anna’s hand while he gave Callan a hug. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Anna. She works at the library.”
Callan wiped her hands on a dish towel then gave Anna a warm hug. “Anna, it is a pleasure to meet you. We’re so happy you could join us for dinner. Everyone is outside getting ready to eat if you want to go on out back and join them.”
Jake took Anna through a room that definitely looked like a man’s domain with dark furniture and wood trim, artwork that featured wildlife and lamps made of antlers.
Stepping through a patio door, they entered a cool green oasis of grass, trees, flowers and a koi pond. A border collie ran around the yard, yipping happily, chased by a young girl with bouncing blond curls and two dark-headed little boys. Another curly-headed blond stood near the barbecue next to one of the biggest men Anna had ever seen. He was even taller than Jake and built like a lumberjack with a broad chest, wide shoulders and huge muscled arms.
Walking toward the giant, Jake thumped him soundly on the back and smiled. “Hey, Clay, I see Callan put you to work. About time you did something useful.”
Clay turned and grinned at Jake, “Well, if you’d gotten here sooner, I could have let you stand here in the heat and cook all this food. But that might have mussed your hair-do or damaged your manicure.”
Jake laughed at Clay’s teasing and pulled Anna forward. “Clay, I’d like you to meet my friend Anna Zimmerman. She works at the library and I just did some soil testing for her dad. They live out on the southeast side of town, past the old grange hall and Grammy’s place. Her brother Sam was in some of your classes a few years back, he was a year or so ahead of me in school.”
Clay wiped his hand on his jeans before extending it to Anna. His handshake was warm and welcoming. “I’m pleased to meet you Anna. How is your brother doing? I heard about the accident.”
“He’s doing really well,” Anna answered honestly.
“That’s great. Well, tell him I said hello and please, feel free to just make yourself at home,” Clay said, turning back to flip a few burgers.
“Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality,” Anna said, feeling like she should have brought something to contribute to the meal. If Jake had given her advance warning, it would have been helpful. But then she probably would have chickened out and said no. Looking at Jake and his cousin she noticed a family resemblance. They both were very handsome, although Clay’s hair was shades lighter and his eyes a darker blue than Jake’s.
She had no further opportunity for speculation because a small hand grabbed hers and started shaking it. “Hi, I’m Emma,” said the blond who’d been chasing the dog. “You’re pretty. Your eyes are the same color as one of the princesses in my book collection. Would you like to meet my Grammy? She’s right over here.”
“Emma, don’t talk her to death,” said the other blond girl, walking up with her hand out in welcome. “I’m Audrey. Welcome to our home.”
“Thank you, Audrey,” Anna said, shaking Audrey’s hand while Emma gave her other hand a tug.
The two little boys gave up chasing the dog and ran over toward them yelling, “Uncle Jake! Uncle Jake!”
They were twins, that was for certain, both graced with thick dark hair and luminous gray eyes. One had dark olive-toned skin while the other had lighter skin with a dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks. They both lunged at Jake’s legs at the same time, wrapping arms around him while he ruffled their hair and teased them.
Emma turned to look at the boys and rolled her eyes. “These are my cousins, Jaret and Jace. They’re only four.”
“Hi,” the boys said, turning their attention from Jake to Anna, sticking their hands out in welcome.
Anna leaned down and shook each little hand with a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you both. Jake didn’t mention you.”
“Jake’s our uncle,” the fair-skinned boy, Jace, informed her.
“I didn’t know that,” Anna said, with a serious face. These boys were too cute, especially in their little Wranglers and boots.
Audrey laughed, “Not really, but we let them pretend. Their daddy is our uncle Josh. He’s Mama’s brother.”
“Yeah, and that’s their mom, our Aunt Jenna, talking to Grammy,” Emma said, giving her hand another tug. “Come say hello.”
Anna shrugged at Jake as Emma took her around to meet all the family, followed by Audrey. As Anna made the rounds she met Jake’s parents, his aunt and uncle, and Callan’s dad, as well as Josh and his wife Jenna, the parents of the two lively boys.
Jake had to give his family credit. In all the years he’d been dating, he had never once brought a girl home. He knew Anna was not at all what any of them expected. They’d seen him out and about with some of his past dates and his mother had let him know exactly what she thought of his type of girl.
This would have their tongues wagging for days. He wasn’t even sure he wanted to examine the significance of what he’d done. He just knew it felt right to have Anna here, meeting the people who meant the most to him. There she was, shaking hands with his mother. He’d be sure to get an earful tomorrow.
Caught up in watching everyone’s reaction to Anna, he didn’t see Cl
ay studying him.
“You’ve got it bad, my boy,” Clay teased, flipping another burger.
“Pardon?” Jake asked, pulling his attention back to Clay.
“You, Jake. You are a goner. It’s a done deal. Your ship is sunk,” Clay teased. “She’s gotten under your skin and you don’t know what to do about it.”
Normally, Clay’s teasing would only result in a round of him teasing back, but the fact that Clay pinpointed his feelings so clearly when he himself couldn’t even articulate them really annoyed him.
Laughing smugly, he turned to Clay. “You are so wrong. She’s just a friend. Anna’s shy and, well, I guess I just want to help her come out of her shell.”
Clay turned a knowing look on Jake and smiled. “Really? That’s mighty generous of you, Jake. Um, hmmm.”
Seeing his cousin was going to keep trying to get his goat, Jake gave him a glare before sauntering off in the direction of his own parents. His mother was having a hard time keeping her jaw from dragging on the ground and his Aunt Bobbi was not doing much better. Audrey and Emma dragged Anna out to look at their new kitten and Cully, the dog, along with the twins, had followed along keeping them all entertained.
Bending to give his mother a kiss on the cheek and then bestowing one on his aunt and Jenna as well, Jake squatted down next to their chairs.
“So, what did you think of Anna, Mom?” he asked, casually.
His mother popped him on the shoulder. “My stars, boy, what were you thinking? You can’t spring a girl on us like that. She’s positively delightful and such a sweet, pretty thing as well. Not at all like your usual dates.”
“She’s not a date, Mom. She’s a friend. That’s all,” Jake explained.
Much to his dismay, the women broke into peals of laughter. His dad, Josh and Uncle Steve were grinning like idiots.
“It’s okay, son,” his dad said, leaning around his mother. “We understand.”
“Understand what?” Jake asked, completely perplexed by their attitudes and comments. “What do you understand?”
“You’ll figure it out, Jake,” Steve said, smiling broadly.
“Eventually,” Josh added, waggling his eyebrows.
Standing up he decided to go see where the girls had taken Anna, when his mother caught his hand. “She really is lovely, Jake. I give you my stamp of approval.”
“Oh, well, thanks,” Jake said, not sure exactly what his mom was approving.
Deciding to be on their best behavior, the family made Anna feel completely welcome and at home while teasing Jake unmercifully. Lingering for a short while after dessert, Jake had enough of their jabs and decided it was time to take Anna back to town. She still had the drive out to the farm once he got her back to the library and it was getting late.
As Anna made the rounds and said goodbye, Callan cornered Jake on the patio.
“She’s just wonderful, Jake,” Callan said warmly, giving Jake another hug. “You bring her by anytime, okay?”
“Thanks, Callan,” Jake said smiling at her. “You know your opinion means a lot to me.”
Anna walked up then and impulsively gave Callan a hug. “Thank you so much for the evening. It was so nice.”
Callan squeezed Anna’s hand and smiled a knowing smile. “Don’t be a stranger. We’d love to have you back anytime.”
Clay slapped Jake on the back before they left. “Just remember what I said, Jake ol’ boy.”
Jake gave Clay a dark look and led Anna out to his truck.
As they headed back toward town, Anna seemed relaxed and content. Turning toward him she smiled. “Your family is very nice, Jake. Thank you for including me in the dinner this evening. I really enjoyed it and meeting them.”
Jake reached across the seat and took her hand. “I’m glad you had a good time and appreciate you coming with me. I just wanted the opportunity to get to know you a little better. I’ve met some of your family and now you’ve met most of mine. Isn’t that what friends do?”
Anna simply nodded her head. It was extremely difficult to think with Jake holding her hand. Any time they touched, her nerve endings danced to attention and sent tingles racing through her body.
“Thanks, Jake,” she finally managed to say. “It really was fun.”
They chatted about work, farming and family on the way back to town. By the time Jake drove into the library parking lot, he felt like he and Anna were old friends.
Pulling up next to her car, he hurried around and opened her door, then helped her out. When she unlocked her car, he opened the door for her and held it while she climbed in. She quickly rolled down the window and he shut the door. He wondered what she would do if he leaned in and kissed her. Deciding against it, he instead gave her a jaunty smile.
“Have a nice evening, Jake, and thanks again. I really had a great time,” Anna said, starting her car.
“Anytime, Sugar,” Jake said giving her a wink.
<><><>
Jake often waited for Anna after work and sometimes they chatted for a few minutes. Other times they went to the diner a few blocks over and enjoyed a cold soda before heading home. On a few occasions she joined Jake and Dave for pizza. Twice she had dinner with Jake and his parents at a nice little restaurant with an outdoor patio that overlooked the river.
Jake had also been out to her house for dinner a few times. The first time was when he brought out the soil samples and her dad convinced him to stay. The second time her car wouldn’t start and he offered to drive her home, just like he had that evening.
“You know Anna, you might want to think about getting a more reliable set of wheels,” Jake said as he pulled in her lane. “I know you’ve had a lot of problems with your car the past few months. It might save you money in the long run to get something that isn’t always in the shop.”
“I know, I just haven’t had time to think about getting something else,” Anna said, not completely sorry the car had died and Jake drove her home. Although he treated her like another buddy most of the time, she didn’t regret one minute they spent becoming friends. Jake really was a good listener and a sounding board, when he wasn’t teasing her.
Pulling in the driveway, he parked the truck and started to get out. Anna grabbed his hand and the ever present tingles raced up her arm. “Stay for dinner, Jake. We can at least feed you for your trouble of driving me all the way home.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, hoping that she was going to ask and glad that she did. “I don’t want to impose.”
“You are never an imposition. Come on in. Sam enjoys visiting with you and so does Dad,” Anna said, trying to convince him.
Jake turned off the ignition and ran around to open her door. “Well, if you insist,” he said with a warm grin.
Walking in the back door to the kitchen, delicious smells greeted them. Sue turned from the sink and smiled.
“Hello, Jake, nice to see you again,” she said, not attempting to hide her pleasure at seeing him again so soon. “What brings you out this evening?”
“My stupid car wouldn’t start again,” Anna said, setting her purse by the door and washing her hands at the sink. “Jake was kind enough to give me a ride.”
“Well, thank you for rescuing her,” Sue said, looking intently at Jake. He seemed to be spending an awful lot of time with her baby girl.
“Anytime, Mrs. Zimmerman,” Jake said with a smile.
“Now, Jake, I thought we agreed you were going to call me Sue.”
“We did, ma’am. Sorry, I forgot.”
“That’s perfectly fine. The guys are in the family room watching the news, if you want to hang out with them until dinner is ready.”
“Sure,” Jake said, turning toward the sounds of Sam and Ken arguing over the weather forecast.
“Hey, Jake, what do you think…?” Anna heard her dad ask as Jake entered the room.
Anna started mashing potatoes while her mom made gravy. Lisa arrived and went to work slicing the roast while Anna slathered butter
over a pan of hot rolls. She’d almost forgotten her mom declared tonight a family night and planned a nice dinner.
“This all looks great, Mom. I’m starving,” Anna said as she placed a green salad on the table.
“You really outdid yourself, Sue,” Lisa said, finishing up with the meat carving.
“Well, I’m glad we aren’t having sandwiches or pancakes for dinner since we’ve got company,” Sue said as she brought a pitcher of sweet tea to the table.
“Oh, Lisa isn’t company, she’s family, and Jake isn’t company, is he Mom? He’s just a friend,” Anna said, gathering up silverware and placing it around each place setting.
“Sure he is, Anna. Whatever you say,” Sue gave her daughter a knowing look and winked at Lisa.
“Mother,” Anna said, stretching the one world out into multiple syllables, “Would you please…”
“Hey, you girls have something for us hungry men to eat?” Ken asked, leading the troops back into the kitchen.
Sam surprised them all earlier in the week when he came shuffling in the door with his walker. Lisa ran over to him now and gave him a big kiss on the cheek.
“I just can’t get over how good it is to see you upright,” she said, wiping tears off her cheeks, but beaming a huge smile.
“Well, I can’t tell you how much I like it myself,” Sam said, easing into a chair at the table, grinning broadly. “But it may be a while before I can beat you in a footrace.”
<><><>
After dinner, Anna walked Jake back out to his truck as he prepared to leave. She wished she could think up some reason for him to stay longer, but they both had work tomorrow and he really did need to get home. He opened the pickup door and climbed in, but instead of shutting the door he turned sideways and hung his hands out the open window, his feet on the edge of the door frame.
Smiling at him, Anna wished, not for the first time, that Jake would kiss her. She knew they were just friends, but oh, how she dreamed of something more. She had seen the type of girls that caught Jake’s interest and she was never going to be one of them, but she couldn’t help thinking their friendship was something special. Maybe it was all one-sided on her part, though.
Not His Type Page 5