By the time she exited the vehicle, Jacob had her suitcases—one in each hand—and was waiting impatiently for her to join him on the flagstone sidewalk leading around to the impressive front door. She gave him an impudent lift of the chin, refusing to allow his negativity to intimidate her. She’d dealt with domineering men before and found the more you give in to them, the worse it gets.
“This way, Miss Sparks.” He stepped aside for her to lead the way, and she fancied she could feel his hot breath on her nape. She shivered, her heart giving a funny little flip in her breast.
Then the door opened, and she forgot the man. The most exquisitely beautiful girl wheeled out of the house in an electric wheelchair, a harassed-looking woman following close behind.
“I told her to wait and you’d be right in, but…”
“It’s fine, she’s probably anxious to meet our guest.” Jacob’s voice startled Josie with its warmth. She glanced over her shoulder and caught a heart-stopping smile aimed at his daughter. It slipped when he noticed her looking at him, and his quicksilver eyes sent her a warning glare. What did he think she was going to do to the poor kid?
Josie met the woman’s sympathetic gaze—the sister, going by the strong family resemblance—before crouching beside the wheelchair and solemnly holding out her hand. “Hi, I’m Josie. I’m new to the island and could use someone to show me around. Interested?”
Golden-brown almond shaped eyes stared at her curiously, a hint of loneliness flirting in the shadows of her expression. “I don’t like cars,” she said.
“Jane,” her father beseeched. “You need to get past this, pumpkin. You don’t want to be stuck here with your doddering old dad when you grow up, do you?”
There wasn’t anyone less doddering than Jacob Samuels.
The color leeched from Jane’s cheeks, her fingers tiny talons digging into Josie’s palm. “Don’t you want me anymore, Daddy?”
The sister gasped. “Jane, you know that’s not true!”
There was a thunk as her suitcases hit the sidewalk and Jacob joined her on the opposite side of the wheelchair, his arms reaching to pull his child close—breaking her grip on Josie’s hand. She rubbed it absently, touched by the obvious connection between father and daughter. He might have a core of steel, but it turned to putty under liquid brown eyes.
“As you probably already guessed, I’m Mona, Jake’s sister. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” Mona smiled and patted her brother’s shoulder. “Let’s leave these two to bring in your luggage, I’ll show you around the house.”
Josie rose, but hesitated, gazing at her soon-to-be charge. “Maybe I should…”
Jacob looked up, Jane’s face buried against his neck, his hand cradling her curly brown hair. “Don’t worry, Miss Sparks. My daughter is perfectly safe with me.”
Heat flooded her cheeks. “I never thought any different.”
She followed Mona into the sanctuary of the house, away from the condemning gaze of her host. The rooms were large and airy, floors covered in hardwood and the furniture spaced to allow easy wheelchair access. She was relieved to see the master bedroom on the opposite end of the house. An expansive kitchen filled with state-of-the-art equipment and an over-sized island complete with bar stools opened into a living room right out of a magazine. Floor-to-ceiling windows took up the far wall, giving a birds-eye view of the bay far below. A gorgeous stone fireplace flanked by a dark leather sofa and two plush club chairs promised warm, cozy, intimate nights.
And why was she thinking those sorts of thoughts?
Down a short hall a large, spa-like bathroom combined with a walk-in shower large enough for two separated her and Jane’s rooms.
“Jane does well on her own, but Jake prefers someone to be close just in case.” Mona gestured around the spacious bedroom. “Well, what do you think? Can you put up with my overbearing brother for a couple of months?”
Josie eyed the four-poster bed and nodded. Having a roof over her head trumped Mr. Grumpy Pants. Besides, according to Mona’s earlier phone call, he was a busy man and wouldn’t be around the house much. She pushed aside the memory of him hugging his daughter. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. Your niece seems like a real sweetheart.” She hesitated. “Is there any chance…?”
Mona strode to the window and looked out. “That she’ll walk again?” She turned and faced Josie. “The doctors don’t know. There was a lot of nerve damage, and the trauma… Let’s just say, they don’t hold out much hope.” She retraced her steps to the door. “I’ll let you get settled now. I promised Jake I’d stay until after lunch, so take your time. Peanut and I are going to bake some cookies.” She smiled and left the room, closing the door gently behind her.
Josie stood in the middle of the room, her stomach sinking. How was she supposed to keep a happy-go-lucky visage up with a broken little angel and a man who evoked tender feelings even as he shoved everyone away?
Chapter 4
Jake sat at the kitchen counter, enjoying the rare joy on his daughter’s face as she helped Mona decorate the freshly baked cookies with sparkles and colorful icing. Jane finished the one she’d been working on, a fair imitation of a cat with rainbow whiskers, and held it up for her dad to see.
“What do you think, Daddy? Aunty said if I keep practicing I can sell some at the county fair. She said it’s tons of fun. They have games, and rides, and even a petting zoo. Can we go, Daddy? Can we?”
He met Mona’s faux innocent look over Jane’s head before turning his attention to his girl. “The fair is a long way from here. The only way to get there would be by car, sweetheart.” His gut twisted at her crestfallen expression. “I think your cookies look delicious. How about you sell them to me and I’ll take them to work? The guys will love them.”
Jane set the cookie on the platter, avoiding his gaze. “Sure, whatever.” She pushed the wheelchair away from her work counter, specially made for her height. “I’m tired. I’m going to lay down for a while. Thanks, Aunty Mona, I had fun.”
Mona waved a piping bag in the air. “Next time we’ll try cupcakes. Sweet dreams, honeybun.”
Jake waited until the whir from Jane’s wheelchair faded away before confronting his sister. “Why do you keep making promises you know you can’t keep?” He pushed the offending cookie platter aside and glared at the smear of purple icing on his palm.
Mona handed him a damp dish cloth without a word, then turned to pull the last pan out of the oven. The tempting aroma of peanut butter filled the air. She scooped the cookies onto the waiting sheet of waxed paper, set the pot holders on the counter and loaded the sink with the dirty dishes.
Jake swiped ineffectually at his hand and frowned. “Aren’t we a little old for the silent treatment?” He’d hated it as a child and didn’t care for it much now, either.
She turned off the taps and swung around to face him, hands fisted on her hips. “You coddle that child too much, Jacob. You aren’t doing her any favors. The doctor told us it’ll only get harder to bring her out of her shell as time passes. You’re making her into a recluse.”
He stiffened. She had no right… He was only protecting the one thing he had left in this world. Who could blame Jane for not wanting to get into a car again? She’d lost her mother, for crying-out-loud!
“The doctor wasn’t there,” he snapped. “She’ll do things in her own time. I won’t allow anyone to rush her into something she’s not ready for. That’ll do more harm than letting her stay home where she feels safe.”
Mona sighed and handed him a dish towel. “Come help me with these.” She took the proffered cloth and started to wash the soaking pans. “I guess I owe you an apology.” She kept her head down and tried to scrub the pattern off the dessert plate. “I’m only trying to help.”
Jake dunked his hand in the water—did she need it set to scalding?—and stopped her frantic scouring. “I know you are, but you need to give Jane time. She’s still getting used to the changes in her life. The counselor assures
me the panic attacks will pass when she’s ready. Our job is to love and support her.”
“When I think of the jerk who did this…,” Mona whispered, her gaze moist.
He couldn’t go there. It would suck him into the empty well of his soul if he did. He gave her hand a comforting squeeze, before picking up a bowl to dry. “Tell me about our new therapist. Did you check her credentials? She’s young.” Too young.
Mona slanted him a glance while handing over a cleaned cookie sheet. “She comes highly recommended, Jake. I wouldn’t hire just anyone, you know. She’s a physiatrist and knows what she’s doing.”
“Then why isn’t she working in a hospital somewhere?” he retorted. He wasn’t usually so judgmental, but this was his daughter, and something about Josie Sparks bothered him.
“I was, up until my fiancé, who just happened to be the head of our department, dumped me for my maid-of-honor on the eve of our wedding.”
He swore under his breath and shot a thanks-for-the-warning glare at his sister before turning to face his uninvited guest. “I’m sorry that happened to you,” he said, and meant it. Guys who screwed around were pond scum in his book. “But you have to understand why I’m concerned. I was expecting someone more…”
“Mature?” she suggested, her gaze knowing. “Rest assured, Mr. Samuels, I’m good at my job. Your daughter will be safe with me. I gave your sister references, if that helps.”
“That’s not necessary, the hospital was quite sorry to see you go,” Mona piped up. “Jacob just likes to worry, don’t you, Jake?”
He crossed his arms over his chest and looked down his nose at the newcomer. “I think that’s a father’s prerogative. I’ll take those references, if you don’t mind, Miss Sparks?”
“Jake,” his sister hissed. “Don’t be rude.”
Josie smiled, though he could see he’d upset her. Well, too bad. He wasn’t out to make friends, and especially not with a green-eyed minx.
“No, it’s all right. I understand. You’re just protecting your child,” she said. “I’ll wait to start until you’ve had a chance to make the calls. Tomorrow morning, okay?”
He slowly nodded, aware that she hadn’t given up. “Tomorrow is fine. But, I want a complete list of your planned treatment, and it must be cleared by me before you implement anything new. Understood?”
She gave him a sharp nod and smiled reassuringly at his sister. “Completely. Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to unpack and have a look around—since I have a day off.”
Mona snickered. “That’s it, hon. Don’t let him intimidate you, his bark is worse than his bite.”
Jake had the urge to show his teeth, there was no denying that.
Chapter 5
Josie wandered down the country road leading into town. She admired the giant ferns and moss-covered rocks lining the ditches like something out of a Jurassic movie. Bluebells and wild geraniums provided splashes of color and ivy clung to the massive trunks of hemlock and cedar. The cheerful songs of birds in the trees accompanied her steps. Maybe she’d have time to take up birdwatching while she was on the island. Though if her new boss wasn’t going to let her do her job she wouldn’t be around long enough to take up the hobby. She could see glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through the trees, teasing her with its poignant beauty—and reminding her of Jacob’s eyes.
Mona had briefly explained the circumstances surrounding her niece’s condition during the phone interview. A drunk driver had driven through a stop sign and broadsided the Samuels’ vehicle, instantly killing Jake’s wife and gravely injuring his four-year-old daughter. It was obvious the family was still going through the grieving process and Josie’s heart went out to the little girl who’d lost her mother. Josie’s feelings for the father were far more complicated.
A path opened up on the right leading toward the water and she decided to take it. Good thing she’d worn sturdy shoes. While the descent was gradual, the gravel could have proven treacherous without proper footwear. The sounds of distant traffic from the road faded, covered by sighing trees and the slap of waves hitting the rocks below. The trail widened onto a beach littered with driftwood like hulking gray corpses. She looked up and down the stretch of sand, maybe a kilometer long, but there was no one in sight except for the swooping, gliding seagulls searching for their next meal. A couple of sailboats floated out in the water, their owners enjoying the near-perfect conditions.
Josie sighed and sank onto the sand. Emmett would have loved this place. It’d been his dream to go to an island for their honeymoon—though he’d chosen the Bahamas. How could she not have seen what was going on right beneath her nose? It was the humiliation that was getting to her, which told her something right there—if she was listening. Maybe, it was more about the getting married than the man, in which case she’d dodged a bullet. Emmett was better off with Nurse Skanky-Pants, though it rankled she was going to get to enjoy the five-star resort Josie had searched months to find. Her mother hadn’t understood why she couldn’t forgive and forget, after all, she was lucky Emmett chose her. Like she was a piece of furniture or something. Josie loved her parents, but their archaic morals tended to drive her crazy. It was bad enough she had to make the dreaded phone calls to family and friends warning them not to make an as-it-turned-out unnecessary trip for the wedding, she’d also endured a twenty-five minute lecture on how to be a good wife! Apparently, men were excused their immoral behavior as long as they kept the home fires burning. It shed a new and disturbing light on some of her father’s supposed business trips, one she decided not to dwell on.
A harbour seal poked its sleek gray head out of the water, a fish struggling to escape its whiskered mouth. Before Josie had time to feel sorry for the fish, a Bald Eagle swept out of the sky and snatched the easy meal. Stunned, she stared at the hapless seal until it disappeared under the waves, hungry and no doubt disappointed. She knew just how the poor guy felt. Not that she’d actually had her teeth into her fiancé, but he’d definitely been stolen by an unexpected predator. Simone was supposed to be her best friend, her bridesmaid. She’d lost two of the most important people in her life thanks to the betrayal. Now she had to figure out how to move on from here. There was no way she was going back to the hospital where they had worked together, that’s for sure.
“What do you think of our island?”
Josie jumped, startled by the male voice coming from over her shoulder. Her pulse skipped, and she knew without looking who had come to destroy her peaceful sanctuary—Jacob.
Jake stared down at the young woman who had disturbed his home and wondered why he’d followed her down to the beach. He should have been heading up-island to the construction site. He was already running close to the deadline and couldn’t afford any more lost days, yet here he was.
She tipped her head to meet his gaze, honey-brown hair cascading down her slim back. “What I’ve seen so far is beautiful. I can understand why you love it here. It’s a charming place to raise a family.” Her eyes grew wide and she covered her mouth, then slowly lowered her hand. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.”
Jake ignored the pinch of his heart and nodded to the spot next to her. “Mind if I join you?” He needed to talk where there was no fear of being overheard. There were issues with Jane the therapist should know about; things that worried him sick.
“Not at all.” She scooted over and made room, careful to keep her legs slanted away from his as he sat on the warm sand. She glanced at him from under her sun-kissed lashes, her smile wary. “Did you change your mind and decide to let me go after all?”
He picked up a shell and turned it over in his hand, admiring the strength to survive stormy seas even though he could crush it beneath his foot. He handed the pretty piece over. “My daughter means the world to me, Miss Sparks. She’s gone through a traumatic time and is only just starting her recovery period. If… and I stress if, you’re going to be her caregiver there are things you should know.”
Jake was filled with conflicting emotions. He had to physically restrain himself from reaching out to grasp those slim fingers with their pretty pink polish and either hang on or fling it away. Why was he attracted to her? The feeling felt foreign, wrong. He’d met and married Annie right out of high school. They’d been together eight years before Jane was born. Annie had been to countless fertility specialists on the mainland and endured monthly exams while she took the dangerous drugs to strengthen the walls of her uterus. He’d tried to convince her to consider adoption, but her heart was set on giving birth. Sex became more of a by-appointment affair, depending on her temperature readings and the optimal time for fertilization.
But then Jane came along, and life was good.
Until it wasn’t.
He stood, ignoring the loss her touch left, and pursed his lips. “You’ve got your chance, Josie. Don’t make me sorry I agreed.”
She rose at his side, her diminutive figure raising more urges he refused to feel.
“Can I bring her here, to the beach one day?” She pointed toward the water. “There are studies on the benefits of salt water as a muscular therapy. I would like to try it out with Jane, just a few minutes at a time until we see if it’s helping.” She smiled up at him, encouraging him to have faith. “I can print the research off first, if you’d like. It has shown positive results in almost eighty percent of test subjects.”
Sweetheart Cove (Blue Haven Book 1) Page 2