Strawberry Kisses (A Rocky Harbor Novel Book 2)

by Marianne Rice

  “You’re seeing me right now,” she teased.

  Jake shook his head. “Not good enough. I’ve competed with your kitchen this week. I don’t want to share you anymore. I want you to myself.”

  Had he been angry or possessive when he said those words, Rachael would have backed away in fear. But instead he was only passionate. His eyes darkened to pitch black and he licked his lips as his gaze locked on hers. Shivering with anticipation, she nodded and he closed his eyes with a groan.

  “I need a cold shower.” Jake placed a chaste kiss on her lips and walked out the back door, leaving Rachael hungry for more.

  ***

  Exhausted after a late night baking and a long morning teaching nine six-year-olds how to make homemade pizza and strawberry shortcake, Rachael dropped onto the old wooden chair by the back door, sitting down for the first time in what felt like days. She’d cleaned up the mess, booked two events with some of the moms from the party, and kept Mackenzie’s front counter stocked full of strawberry desserts.

  “Your keeper said you were all done back here.” Jake filled the doorway, one massive shoulder leaning against the frame, his arms crossed over his sculpted chest. Rachael was no virgin, but the thought of being naked with Jake terrified and delighted her. He looked like the kind of man who knew his way around a woman’s body and would enjoy pleasing her.

  She squirmed in her seat and licked her lips.

  “Don’t look at me like that, Blondie. I only have so much self-control.”

  Her cheeks warmed and she ducked her head, hiding behind her bangs. “I’m sorry.”

  “What is it with all of your apologizing?” She heard him sigh in frustration as he approached her.

  If he only knew. Jake thought he was damaged goods, but Rachael had him beat. At least the path he chose was his own, his decisions. While she let someone else mold her into his little puppet, stripping her of all self-worth, independence, and pride. There were times when she forgot about her baggage, when she felt free and young again. Jake made her feel that way, but stupid ghosts from her past kept creeping in, making her doubt herself and her abilities.

  “You look like you could use a break. Let’s check out the festival. My mom said your strawberry things sold out within minutes.”

  “Which ones?” She perked up in excitement. The festival was the perfect marketing tool for her children’s cooking parties and the catering business.

  “The ones with the nuts.” He pulled Rachael to her feet and wrapped his arms around her, untying the apron and slipping it over her head.

  “My strawberry-pistachio tart?”

  Jake nodded, touching his lips to hers. “You taste like whipped cream,” he murmured into her mouth.

  Rachael looped her arms around his neck and drew him deeper into the kiss, blocking out all coherent thoughts except for his clean, forest scent. They stood in the middle of her kitchen, touching head to toe, and had a good old-fashioned make out session. There was no groping, no words, no music. Just the sound of their sighs and gentle caresses.

  If she wasn’t careful she’d find herself head-over-heels in love with her badass boyfriend. Boyfriend? Did he think of her as his girlfriend? Was Jake the type to have a few girls on the side?

  No, he spent too much time working, volunteering at the gym, and caring for his sister to have another girlfriend. They’d barely had any time together with his busy schedule and her new career.

  Unless…

  No, the jealous Rachael got her nowhere in life. Actually, it got her into the hospital. Which lead her back to Maine.

  “Should I be offended?” Jake tipped her chin up so he could see into her eyes.

  “What?”

  “I lost you. One minute you’re totally vested into this.” He tipped his head back and forth between them. “And the next you’re off somewhere else.”

  “How could you tell?”

  “So I’m right? Damn. I’m losing my touch.” Jake stepped back, putting a little space between their bodies, keeping her hands in his. “Want to talk about it?”

  Badass but observant. Yeah. Totally in love. She loved that he cared enough to read her signals and not be put off by her distractions. Rachael stood on her tiptoes and planted a hard kiss on his lips. “Let’s go check out the festival. Mackenzie got a special liquor license so she can serve my strawberry-ginger caipirosca.”

  “That’s that drink that tastes so good on you?”

  Rachael laughed and pulled him through the kitchen, grabbing her purse before yanking the back door open.

  They held hands as they strolled through the center of town, checking out the storefronts all decked out for the festival. They peeked in the windows of the various gift shops, ice cream stores, and boutiques, giggling at the silly knick-knacks that drew tourists in.

  Jake’s landscaping was beautiful, the masonry giving an elegant yet cozy feel. Tents were set up along the cobblestone walkway with vendors selling jewelry, artwork, crafts, foods, and services. He stopped in front of a local crafter and picked out a teal sea glass bracelet.

  “Think Julia will like it?”

  “Is it her birthday? Your birthday?”

  “No. She doesn’t go out much so I like to pick her up things I think she’ll like when I see them. She used to love searching for sea glass when we were little. And teal is her favorite color.”

  Touched at his sentiment, Rachael leaned her head against his shoulder. “She’ll love it. That’s very sweet of you.”

  After he paid, Jake picked up her hand, lifting it up to his lips and kissed her knuckles. They were admiring some artwork when Rachael spotted her brother on the far end of the square, with a small one-seater plane parked in the blocked-off road. He talked to the kids who played around the plane, picking one little boy up and setting him in the seat.

  “Let’s go say hi to my brother.” She didn’t realize the significance until Graham noticed her and his gaze quickly moved to her right. The protective brother stare was in full effect. She should have known.

  “He doesn’t look happy to see me.”

  “He’s harmless. It’s my other brothers you should be worried about.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Rachael peered up at Jake and smiled. Yes, she’d be bringing him by to meet her family. And they would love him.

  ***

  Jake

  Big brother didn’t look too happy to see a man holding Rachael’s hand. He’d met her mother, but Jake had a feeling Rachael hadn’t told her family much about him. He’d been a cocky son of a bitch in his teens and early twenties, not caring what a girl’s family thought of him. It wasn’t until after Julia’s accident that he cleaned up his act. Still, the damage had been done. He knew he wasn’t boyfriend material before and hoped he’d rectified his image to deserve someone like Rachael now.

  Hell, not someone like Rachael. Just Rachael. She was the only one he wanted.

  Graham, the pilot brother, said something to another guy before making his way to them. His eyes had been locked on Jake’s since he spotted his sister and he didn’t look too happy to see her. Or rather, him. Jake would follow Rachael’s lead on this one; coming across as defensive probably wasn’t a good first impression.

  “Rach. How was the party?”

  “Yeah, Graham. I’m over here.”

  Jake held back his chuckle at Rachael’s sass until Graham moved his gaze from him and looked at his sister.

  “Sorry. How was the party?”

  “Awesome. I booked two more already.”

  “I’m proud of you.” Graham kissed her cheek and stepped back before nodding in Jake’s direction. “This the guy?”

  The guy. So she’d talked about him. He wondered what she’d said, if she painted him in a good light. Or if she told her family about how he’d screwed up their first date.

  “Lucy’s approval doesn’t mean much in my book. You’re going to have to prove yourself.”

  Jake opened h
is mouth to reply, but a beautiful redhead stepped into their circle, pulling Rachael into a big hug. “I heard about your party this morning. I’m so happy for you.” The woman—who Jake assumed was Graham’s redheaded fiancée—glared at Graham before shaking her head. “Be nice.”

  Rachael stuck her tongue out at her brother and Jake laughed.

  “You must be Jake. I’m Maggie. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You won’t find a sweeter woman than Rachael.”

  “No need to sell me on her, Maggie. But I’d appreciate you convincing Rachael that I’m not such a bad catch either.”

  Maggie laughed.

  “Oh, God,” Graham moaned.

  “You look and sound just as charming as someone else I know.” Maggie elbowed Graham in the ribs, keeping her sparkling eyes on Jake.

  “You’re all embarrassing me. Be nice or Jake and I are out of here.” Rachael tugged at his hand but he kept his feet firmly planted in the grass. He enjoyed watching her spunk and sass come out when she was with her friends and family.

  “Have you had eaten yet? I was coming over to pick up Graham for a late lunch and we’d love it if you’d join us.”

  “I’ve been too busy to eat. Are you hungry, Jake?”

  “I can always eat.” He winked at Rachael and looked over at the brooding brother. “Mind if we join you?”

  “Might as well.”

  “Gee, thanks, G. The brotherly love is simply oozing out of you today.”

  The four of them stopped by the food tents, made their selections, and found a patch of grass in the shade. “So tell us about yourself, Jake. Are you from around here?” Maggie rested her back against Graham’s chest and unwrapped her sandwich.

  Graham looked to be a few years older than him. Jake hoped his old rap sheet hadn’t made its way to the nice families in Rocky Harbor. He figured if it had, Rachael’s brothers would have been beating at his door, warning him away from her. “I grew up in Westbrook. My mom, dad and sister are still there.” It was only thirty minutes away, but Maine was small and people with reputations like his had a hard time hiding.

  “Do you do anything besides play at the gym all day?” Graham asked and oomphed as Maggie elbowed him in the gut. “What? I’m Rach’s big brother. I have to ask these questions.”

  Jake would act the same way toward any man who showed interest in his sister, if only she’d have the chance to date again. Not wanting to go there, he gladly answered Graham’s question. “I’m a landscaper.”

  “So you cut grass?”

  “Graham.” Maggie gasped and he liked her instantly. He also appreciated Graham’s sarcasm.

  “Yeah, I cut grass. And plant flowers.” He could have fun with the big brother.

  “Jake is the one responsible for the town center. He did all the landscaping. He designed the new layout of the gardens and built the rock walls.”

  And his heart did an unfamiliar flutter thing. Never had a woman stuck up for him or sounded so…proud of him.

  Graham looked around and nodded. “Nice work.”

  “Thank you.”

  “So what are you doing over at the gym?”

  This is where he got uncomfortable. He wasn’t a saint and didn’t want to sound like one, but he didn’t want to lie either. “I volunteer during the week.”

  “Checking people in? Cleaning the locker room?” Again, the tough guy sarcasm.

  Jake laughed. “Not exactly. I teach self-defense classes.”

  “Must be great for picking up women.”

  “Good God, Graham. Will you shut up?” Rachael tossed her fork at her brother, but Jake didn’t mind replying.

  “Actually, I’ve never dated any of my students.”

  “And we’re supposed to believe that?”

  “Graham!” both Maggie and Rachael yelled.

  “It’s okay, ladies. I don’t mind the third degree. I’m glad you have an overprotective brother. I’d be concerned if you didn’t.”

  Yeah, if he’d been the overprotective brother his sister would be living a happy, healthy, normal life. He hoped all of Rachael’s brothers hovered over her. Forever.

  Picking up on his mood change, she came to his rescue, resting a hand on his thigh and giving him a gentle squeeze. “How we met is none of your business. You have a right to ask questions, but don’t be rude.”

  “Sorry. One last thing.” Graham wadded up his trash and clenched it tight in his fist. “It’s gotta be said. You hurt my sister, you’ll have me and my brothers to deal with. Understand?”

  “Completely. I appreciate that you’re looking out for her. Whether it’s me or some other guy, I hope you and your brothers keep her safe.”

  Graham nodded in appreciation.

  “Enough of this interrogation, I want to try that strawberry drink of yours.” Maggie wiped her hands on her legs and stood.

  “I can honestly tell you, I’ve never tasted anything so good in my life,” Jake said, winking at Rachael as he helped her to her feet.

  Chapter Six

  Rachael

  Another week flew by with little contact with Jake. It wasn’t until she entered the gym for their last self-defense class and spotted him sparring in the boxing ring with the owner, Tony, that she realized how much she cared for him. His tight gray T-shirt was drenched in sweat, with only a small patch on the bottom still light in color, while black gym shorts hung low on his hips and showed his glorious backside. Triceps, biceps, and shoulder blades ripped with muscle threatened to tear through his shirt like the Incredible Hulk.

  Rachael couldn’t help but stare.

  Jake noticed Rachael and he stilled, standing a little straighter. His classic grin changed the serious lines that had been etched in his face to something more relaxed, more Jake. Tony took advantage of his distraction and sucker punched him across the chin. Jake’s head whipped to the left and Rachael let out a loud gasp.

  Finding his balance, Jake grinned and saluted Tony with his glove.

  “Seriously?” Lucy huffed.

  “What?” Rachael rolled her shoulders in an attempt to appear casual.

  “Why don’t you two head back to the locker rooms and get it over with?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rachael turned and tried to focus on her sister when all she wanted was to make sure Jake was okay. The laughing and taunting from behind her told her he was and that Tony thoroughly enjoyed throwing him off balance.

  “Please. You practically tore his clothes off with your eyes, not that I can blame you. I can’t believe you’ve been seeing each other for this long and haven’t stripped him naked yet. You’re not a prude, are you?”

  Rachael knew Lucy wanted to rile her up, so she shrugged off her offensive taunt. “We’re taking it slow. I’m not ready to rush into anything.”

  “Understood. Didn’t mean to pressure you. I don’t exactly know what happened with dickwad in California, but I get that you need some time. Seriously, though, Jake seems like a good guy. You should at least get a peek at the goods. Watch him mow the lawn in his underwear or something.”

  Laughing, Rachael rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Such a one-track mind.”

  “What do you know about his friend? Tony, is it?”

  Of course Lucy would know the man’s name. “Not much. He owns The Warehouse and seems like a big brother to Jake.”

  “He can’t be that much older?”

  “Down, girl. Tony has a girlfriend.”

  “Your point?”

  “You’re pathetic.” Rachael turned back to the boxing ring and was rewarded with a strip show. Jake reached the back of his collar with one hand and pulled the sweat-drenched shirt over his head in one slow, erotic move.

  “Holy crap.” Lucy let out a low whistle.

  For the first time, Rachael saw his entire tattoo. Black ink covered his left shoulder and part of his chest. She couldn’t decipher what it was exactly, more an intricate marking of symbols and lines. Using his shirt to wipe the sweat
from his forehead, he said something to Tony that made him laugh before catching Rachael’s eye again.

  Tossing his shirt over his shoulder, he kept his gaze fixed on hers as he carried his solid frame toward her. “You’re early.”

  Finding her voice buried deep under the pile of lust in her chest, Rachael cleared her throat. “Yeah. We, uh, we…we are.”

  Lucy snorted. “Nice tat. What is it?”

  Jake broke eye contact to acknowledge Lucy. “It’s a warrior tattoo.”

  “It’s hot.”

  “Um, thanks?” Clearly embarrassed by Lucy’s blatant ogling, he shifted on his feet. “I need to take a quick shower before class. I’ll see you ladies in a few minutes. Feel free to warm up on the mats.” He started to lean in to kiss Rachael, but eyed Lucy and retreated.

  “Someone’s getting lucky tonight.”

  “I’m not seeing him tonight.”

  “Why not?”

  Rachael headed toward the back room where the class was held. “He has a new project for a housing development and a late meeting with the association.” They stretched out on the mat, loosening their hamstrings as Jake had instructed.

  “So meet up afterwards and get naked with him.”

  Laughing, Rachael lightly smacked her sister. “What’s this obsession with me getting naked with Jake?”

  “I want you to be happy.”

  “I am. I truly am.”

  “So make it work tonight.”

  “I need to be at Coast & Roast at three in the morning to start baking and cooking. He won’t be home until late. Tonight isn’t good.”

  “So you’ll get naked this weekend.”

  “I don’t know. Maybe.”

  “Ladies.” Jake came up behind them, startling Rachael. By the predator look on his face she’d bet her strawberry trifle he heard her confession.

  ***

  Jake

  With no way in hell to hide his obvious arousal, he lowered the stack of towels in front of his crotch and bounced on the balls of his feet. “All warmed up?”