Jacked - The Complete Series Box Set (A Lumberjack Neighbor Romance)

by Claire Adams

  “Plankton? Like what whales eat?”

  “Yes,” I affirmed.

  “So, if we want more oxygen, we should kill all the whales since they are killing our oxygen source?”

  “No.” I laughed because I thought he was being serious. He was joking but at the same time, I could see the wheels turning in his head. He was thinking about what he said, and it was making more and more sense.

  “Everything has a purpose, even spiders and snakes.”

  “Umm, no,” he laughed, and I saw him shiver a little.

  “You afraid of snakes and spiders?”

  “Afraid is a strong word. I just don't like them. I don't go screaming like a girl if I see one, but I don't like them.”

  “What about bees?” I teased.

  “As far as bees are concerned, the only good bee is a dead bee. `Course, I’m biased since I’m allergic.”

  “Sure, sure. And just so you know, if you killed all the bees, we would all die.” I laughed. I lifted my cup to my mouth again and took a sip of the rich, dark brew.

  “Don't kill all the bees, noted.” He smiled and took another drink of his coffee. “Your grandfather has mentioned that you would be taking over for him eventually. How do you feel about that?”

  “I’ve always known it would be a part of my future. I guess I just didn't think it would be this soon. When I looked at him in that hospital yesterday, I could suddenly see his real age.”

  “I can see how a heart attack would do that to someone.” He reached for my hand and squeezed it under his. I wanted to pull back, but he didn't release it.

  “Truth?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  “It isn't his first one. The doctor told him he’s had several miniscule attacks, but I guess he didn't know. Only about seventy percent of his heart is functioning at this point.” Tears burned my throat, and I willed myself not to cry.

  “I didn't realize it was that bad.”

  “I don't think any of us did. He’s always so worried about all of us that he never really thinks about himself. He never wants anyone worrying about him.”

  “What about you?”

  “What do you mean?” I cocked an eyebrow at him.

  “Well, you seem like you don't want people worrying about you either.”

  “I don't. I mean, I know my family does, and Ryan does, but I just don't think it's necessary.”

  “Ryan?” his eyebrows rose.

  “He’s a neighbor.”

  “Only a neighbor?” Chris questioned.

  “I'm not sure I understand what you’re asking.”

  “Is he your boyfriend?”

  “Ryan?” I laughed so hard I almost shot coffee out of my nose. “Ryan is most definitely not my boyfriend.” I saw an odd look leave his expression, and I wasn't sure I liked it.

  “Just a friend then?”

  “You could say that. He is almost like an older brother. A very annoying, nosy, in your face older brother.” I laughed thinking about Ryan and his antics. He kind of was the older brother I never thought I wanted.

  I finished off my coffee and looked down at my phone, noticing the time.

  “Oh, I have to run. I promised Mom I’d meet her at the hospital. Good luck this weekend.” I said while leaning in to hug him.

  “Thanks. It's like a practice before the season. So we shall see.” He smiled and pulled me into his arms.

  ***

  When we separated, I walked quickly across the street and hopped into my truck, heading for the hospital. I drove the twenty minutes and found my way up to the third floor. When I arrived, my mother and grandmother were standing in the hallway.

  “Hey, honey.”

  “Hey Mom.” I kissed her on the cheek, “Mimi.” I leaned over and kissed her too.

  “They are moving him to a new room. We are just waiting for them to get him ready, and then we are just gonna follow them.”

  I smiled and hugged both of them before peeking into the room. He was fussing about being able to get up, but they wanted him to stay in bed, and I couldn't help but smile.

  “Stop standing there smiling, and help me explain to these nice ladies that I can walk to my next room.”

  “Granddad, just do what they ask, okay?” I stepped into the room, helped him lay back down, and helped the nurses secure him for transport.

  “This is stupid,” he grumbled.

  “Stop being a brat. It will be over soon, and you'll be home in a few days. Just suck it up, buttercup.” I punched him soft and playfully on the arm and then turned and walked out of the room.

  They got him all set up in a new room, and we talked about what needed to be done over the next week. I told him I’d taken care of everything in his urgent folder but that I had to get back and get my papers written and collect samples. He seemed okay with Chris handling things at the office for a week or two before he got back. I knew that the doctor had told him four weeks, but I also knew he would be back as soon as possible because that's just how he was. Work had never been his number one priority, but it was something that he did well and wanted to make sure that my grandmother, me, and mom were always taken care of.

  Chapter 13

  Luke

  I was really started to get worried about Emmy. She hadn't answered any of my texts or calls. Her stuff was here, and her door was unlocked when we got home. At first, we just assumed she had been working, but it was Saturday, and we still hadn't heard from her. Ryan went as far as to go in and water her plants.

  “Do you not think it's a little weird that you just go into her personal space?” I asked when he returned.

  “First of all, I own the place. Secondly, I'm watering her plants, dude. It's not like I am going in and going through her drawers. Although...”

  “Don't you dare.” I warned him, and he turned back to me with a huge grin on his face.

  “I wouldn't, just funny to see you get all protective.”

  “I'm not protective. I just wouldn't want you in my space if I really didn't know you very well.”

  “I've known her longer than you, and you asked her if she needed help putting sheets on her bed.” He cocked an eyebrow at me.

  “I was just being nice.”

  “Yeah. I guess that's why she got all flushed and basically ran us out of the house. I get that you like her, but you crossed a line there.”

  “I did not. I just wanted to help her.”

  “I think we overwhelm her. I don't think it's anything more than that.”

  “Whatever. I’m gonna get some work done.” I pointed toward the shop.

  “Are we back to regular schedule Monday?” he asked.

  “Yeah. The break was nice, but if we are going to keep the top spot then we have to keep it up.”

  “Man, it's good to be on top, but it truly depends on who you are underneath,” He said with a wink. “I’m gonna get going. Let me know if you hear from Emmy, okay?”

  I nodded and said goodbye, then went to work.

  Twenty minutes or so later, I heard a door slam and figured Ryan had left something, but when he didn't appear in the doorway, curiosity got the best of me. I walked out into the late afternoon sunshine and saw Emerson’s truck in the driveway.

  I hurried over to her door and stopped when I saw her taking grocery bags and setting them on the porch.

  “Where have you been?” I said with a bit more intensity than I had intended.

  “Excuse me?” Turning, she narrowed her eyes.

  “Sorry. It’s just that you left without a word, and we and Ryan both tried to get in touch with you.” I stood there placing my hands over my eyes, shielding the sun. Her expression was one of annoyance.

  “My grandfather was sick, and I had to leave. I didn't know I had to check in with you.” She turned to grab the bags, but I grabbed her shoulder and turned her back to me.

  “I was worried,” I admitted softly and gave her a small shy smile.

  “Why? I'm a big girl and can take car
e of myself.” I had heard this song more than once from her. I had to tread lightly here.

  “Is it so bad that I was worried about you? You left your door unlocked for pete’s sake.”

  “I did?” Confusion spread across her face.

  “Ryan went in and watered your plants. We were just concerned for you. You might not like me all that much, but I like you, and I don't want to see you hurt.”

  Her lips turned up slightly, but she didn't smile exactly. “I like you too, even when you are loud and obnoxious.” The smile that spread across her face was instantaneous. She liked me, and she admitted it. I may or may not have mirrored the smile she gave me.

  “I'm sorry. It's just been a long week.” She lowered her eyes and rolled her hands into each other.

  “How is he? Your granddad?” I asked.

  “He had a heart attack and is doing a lot better than I thought he should be. I just know that I'm going to have to move back to Portland sooner than I expected to help him.” Reaching for the bags, she started loading them into her arms. I reached for the rest of them, and for the first time she didn't object. I followed her into the house and stopped when she sighed.

  “That's a first.” She chuckled and then walked into the kitchen. Her plants were in the sink and the rest on the counter with a towel under them. Ryan had moved them all into the kitchen to water them and had just left them there to continue as needed. I sat the bags on the table and set about lifting the heavy pots out of the sink.

  “Where does this one go?”

  “By the front room window.” Her small hand pointed toward the other room. We repeated the process until all of the plants were back in place.

  “I should have left you a note,” she said. “Or called or something. I’m sorry. I left in such a hurry that I didn't even take my laptop, and my phone messed up so I didn't get any emails or messages. If you guys sent me one, I never got it.”

  “It's fine, I'm just glad you’re okay and your grandfather too.” I turned to leave, but she reached out and stopped me, grabbing my hand. I turned around and found myself face to face with her.

  “Thank you,” she said, leaning forward. She brushed her lips over my cheek and then turned away.

  “Anytime,” I replied and headed out of the front door, a flush clearly on my face.

  I was in my living room when I saw the dust rising as Ryan’s truck approached. I expected him to come in my door; instead, he went to Emmy’s. A few minutes later, I heard her laughter through the open windows on the back of the house.

  “Do you see all those woods out there?” he said as he pulled her door open. “They are filled with bears.”

  “Put me down!” she shrieked.

  “Not until you apologize for making us worry.”

  “Fine, I’m sorry. Now, put me down.” I was a little jealous that Ryan always had his hands all over her. Maybe more than a little, I admitted to myself as I listened to them laughing.

  “My grandfather had a heart attack, he’s okay, but I had to go be with my family. My phone got messed up, and I forgot my laptop. I left in a hurry.” I was eavesdropping, and I wasn’t ashamed at all. I had to figure out how he did it. How he got her to open up to him so easily.

  “We were really worried about you. When we got back and the truck was gone and your door was unlocked, well…”

  “I was fine, and I didn't get eaten by a bear. I haven't even seen a bear,” she laughed.

  “I bet they have seen you.” Ryan said, his voice getting smaller as he followed her back into the house. The conversation went on for another few minutes before I heard Ryan start talking about the competition last weekend. He was bragging and over exaggerating a little, not that he was ever known to do that.

  I stepped onto the back porch and was headed across the yard when Ryan pushed the back door open.

  “Luke!” he shouted at me. “Cook out here at seven, you in?”

  “Sure.” I smiled back and then walked to my shop. I had to get some work done, and now that I knew she was okay, I could concentrate a little better.

  ***

  “Dude, you stink.” Ryan said as I walked into my house.

  “Well that's why I am going to take a shower. You know sweat is what happens when you are actually working and not sitting in a cushy office.”

  “First of all, my office is not cushy.” He held up one finger. “Second, my body wasn't made for hard labor.” He held up three fingers.

  “Apparently, it isn't made for being able to count either.” I reached out and shoved his shoulder as I walked toward the stairs.

  “Yeah, yeah, whatever. You know that finger doesn't bend right.” He proceeded to show me and flip me off at the same time. “Go shower, I'm gonna run to grab steaks. I'll be back in a couple hours. Put the potatoes in the oven when you get out.”

  I did as instructed and pulled the potatoes out of the oven around the time Ryan’s truck grumbled to a stop outside my door.

  “Look at these beauties.” He nodded as he laid three steaks out across my counter. “I made Marley open up the butcher shop to get these. I just wasn't feeling pre-cut grocery store steaks today. “

  I grabbed them, ripping each one from its paper wrap. I seasoned them thoroughly and then put them on a plate.

  “The grill is already on; it may be a little hot.” I handed the plate of steaks over the bar to Ryan as he walked toward the door.

  Chapter 14

  Emerson

  “Oh eww, do you want some steak with your blood?” I couldn't help but notice as Luke’s steak was bleeding all over his plate. “That thing is going to jump up and run off.” I scrunched my nose in disgust.

  “His is the same way.” He pointed his fork over at Ryan’s plate, and sure enough his was swimming in blood too. If I was being honest, it wasn't blood so much as pink colored juices from the steak, but it certainly wasn’t done. Ryan had asked me how I wanted my steak, and I had answered done. Luke had grumbled and complained about city people and cooking things to death to which I had replied with “that was the point.” He didn't like my answer, but he did as I had asked, and I was pleased when there was no pink inside of my steak.

  I reached for the bowl of shredded cheddar cheese and pulled it to me, dropping some over the melted butter inside my potato. As I mashed the potato around inside its skin, I realized that everyone had stopped talking, I looked up and found both of them watching me.

  “What?”

  “Are you trying to murder your potato too?” Luke asked laughing.

  “No, I’m mixing it up.” I continued to roll the potato around inside the skin, not bothering to look up at either one of them. When I did, Luke looked away quickly and then shoved some bread into his mouth.

  “I love thousand island dressing.” Ryan swooned as he lifted a bit of salad toward his mouth.

  “Must be why you love Big Macs,” Luke teased.

  “Mmmmm McDonalds.” He chewed his food as he said around it. I looked away because, well, boys are gross.

  “This was a good idea.” Ryan said, pointed his fork at me. “I like this. It's like old times with new people. I'm glad you joined our little duo, Emmy.”

  “Me too,” Luke added, looking at me then quickly averting his eyes the moment mine met his.

  “I'm glad I am too, I really do like it here. The woods are probably my favorite place in the world.” I had wanted to get out there today, but I just hadn't had time after getting unpacked and then Ryan wanting to grill out.

  I stood from the table and picked up my plate, lifting Ryan’s from the table too. He was leaned back rubbing his belly groaning. “I should have bought me another steak. That was the best.”

  “It was really good. Thank you, guys, for making such a great dinner.”

  “You made dinner too.” Luke stood carrying his plate toward me.

  “It was lettuce in a bowl,” I shrugged.

  “With tomatoes, croutons, olives, and cheese. That's hardly lettuce in
a bowl.” He bumped his shoulder playfully into mine and took the other plates from my hands.

  “Well, ladies and gentlemen, I have places to go and people to do.” Ryan stood and announced. He walked over and kissed the top of my head. “I'm glad you weren’t eaten by bears. See ya tomorrow for coffee.”

  “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” He slapped Luke on the back and then made his way toward the door.

  “Say hey to Cindy,” Luke laughed.

  “Will do.” He ducked out of the door, and I was once again alone with Luke. We washed the dishes in silence. I could feel his eyes on me from time to time, and to say there wasn't something bubbling just below the surface between us would be a lie. He started a pot of coffee and pulled two cups from the cabinet. I watched as he put half and half in one cup and two spoonfuls of sugar in the other and then poured coffee into each. He handed me the cup with the half and half. He had apparently paid attention when I rambled on about my coffee to Ryan last week.

  “Come on,” he pushed the screen door open and held it for me. I followed him into the yard. He smiled up at the sky and then handed me his cup.

  “Hold this for a second.” He jogged over to his work shop and produced two chairs that sat low to the ground and leaned back pretty far. He sat them side by side and then took his cup and pointed toward the chair.

  “Have a seat. There’s supposed to be a meteor shower starting around midnight.”

  “Really?” I sat slowly and then leaned back in the wooden chair. When I opened my eyes and looked up, it was amazing. The stars were spread over the sky like a blanket. Living near the city, we saw the brightest stars, but out here it looked as if there wasn't a blank place amongst them.

  We finished our coffee and sat in silence for a while. When I saw the first light streak across the sky, my face lit up.

  “Did you see that?” I jumped up from the chair.