by Lori Ryan
Jake cocked his head, raising a brow as if to say “I have five brothers, and one is my twin. I’ve played this stare-off game a million times, little girl. Bring it on.”
Becca’s shoulders sagged and her eyes softened in defeat. Lina had to hand it to him, Jake was starting to figure this whole parenting thing out. Finally. Just in time for them to leave.
She tried to fight the ache in her chest at the thought of not seeing either of them again. Then she reminded herself of the town council meeting, of Jake’s betrayal, and suddenly his departure couldn’t come fast enough.
Becca took hold of her grandfather’s hand and they began to walk away but the girl stopped and glanced over her shoulder. “You want anything, Lina?”
Direct hit, she thought. “No thank you.” She nodded toward Jake.
Slowly Becca’s eyes moved toward her father. “Do you, donkey face?”
Lina bit back a laugh.
Jake smiled. Who wouldn’t? the girl was just precious. “No thanks, hyena lips.”
“What is that about?” Becca’s grandmother asked as the three of them walked away.
“My Aunt Sally said its bonding,” Becca said, “but she’s really silly so…” She trailed off as Lina watched Becca and her grandfather walk away, hand in hand.
“Lina,” Jake said softly from beside her.
She turned and stared at him. His eyes sparkled in the late afternoon sun, flecks of gold shining in the center. Why did they have to be so gorgeous?
“Please walk with me. There are things I need to say.”
She hesitated, turning toward the table, trying to come up with an excuse. “I really need to stay close to the booth.”
“Go,” Kayleigh waved her away. “Elle and Maggie will be here any minute to help out.”
Lina stood stock still.
“Gooo,” Kayleigh drew out the word as she motioned her away from the booth.
“Fine,” she said quietly. “But if people stop, be sure to—”
“Go!” Kayleigh stormed with one hand on her hip.
Jake held out his hand. “Walk with me?”
She stared down but didn’t take it. Instead she led them away from the booth, having no idea where to go, but reminding herself that she needed to stay heavily guarded with this man. There was too much at stake here. She glanced over her shoulder.
He was walking fast to catch up, hands in his jeans pockets, smile wide, eyes bright.
At the sight of him, heat raced over her skin despite the cool breeze, and her toes tingled. Too bad her earlier warning hadn’t reached her heart, or other parts of her body.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jake tucked his hands in his pockets and followed after Lina. He had to convince her that he’d never intentionally betray her trust. He hadn’t really thought he was doing more with Earl Fisk than giving him a little information, but he certainly hadn’t expected him to speak to the crowd as if Jake were on his side.
Lina hiked down a trail that led past a playscape and wound down to the water’s edge of the creek. She was tall and walked fast, but it didn’t take him long to catch up.
“I’m sorry,” he said when he finally walked next to her.
She stopped near the edge of the trail. “Did you sleep with me just to get information?” she asked, her gaze fixed on the water.
She didn’t mince words or hesitate to ask the question.
“What?” He moved to stand in front of her. “Is that seriously what you think?”
She shrugged and crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s not like you work for the most honest senator in the country. Maybe that kind of thing is just an everyday activity for you.”
This was worse than he’d expected.
“Lina,” he said softly.
She continued to look past him toward Canyon Creek Mountain.
“Lina,” he repeated, placing a finger under her chin and turning her head.
Slowly her gaze met his. Her eyes weren’t filled with the usual carefree sparkle he’d come to expect and something deep in his gut burned at the knowledge he’d done that. He’d turned off that light.
“I didn’t betray you,” he said. “I would never do that.”
“But isn’t that what your boss is doing? Betraying his constituents. And you’re helping him. How can I not think that’s what you’re doing to me?”
She had him there.
He’d wondered for months what the hell Todd was doing politically, and now he knew Todd was a hell of a lot less than honorable in his personal life.
And why was Jake defending him?
He drew in a long, hard breath, closing his eyes before releasing it on a heavy sigh. He opened his eyes and stared directly at her. “I didn’t sleep with you to get information. Earl asked for my advice and I gave it. Just like I gave you suggestions. I’m not on anyone’s side.”
She jutted out a hip and raised her brows. “Why not?”
“Honestly?” he asked, scrubbing a hand through his hair.
“Of course, honestly. If you can handle that.”
He stared at her, part of him understanding where she was coming from. But he had to admit he was surprised by the level of her anger. Sure, things with Todd had been rocky but that didn’t mean Jake was deceitful. Did it?
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “That wasn’t fair. I know that’s not who you are.”
Well, at least she was giving him that much credit.
“I’m not one hundred percent sure the state’s proposal for an expansion is a bad one,” Jake said, bracing for her wrath.
“What?” she practically shrieked, stepping back.
And there it was. He held up a hand. “Hear me out.”
Her eyes narrowed and he could practically see steam coming from her ears. He wasn’t a guy who was used to doubting his ability to get people to see things his way, but he wasn’t all that sure of himself with her.
“It’s all about compromise, Lina.”
She studied him, arms crossed. He was used to this kind of stalemate, though. He’d worked in politics long enough. “What I’m asking is, have you looked at the entire proposal, not just the environmental impact?”
She remained silent. He’d take that as a no. She’d been so set on seeing the harm the plan could do, she hadn’t looked at any of the positives.
“You can’t argue that Canyon Creek is struggling financially. Even your parents testified to that at the meeting. And as much as Maggie doesn’t want this expansion, I know business at the lodge is down, too. Our family’s land is at stake if we can’t make this lodge profitable.”
“What are you talking about?” she asked, stepping closer.
“Nothing, it doesn’t matter.” He had no desire to get into the details of his family’s business.
“Jake, what’s going on with your family? With the lodge? I thought it was doing well.”
If one thing could be said for Lina it was that she was tenacious.
“It is. For now.”
He waited. And so did she. Of course she would pick now to find patience.
“Basically, my parents borrowed a lot of money to build the lodge and renovate the barn. When my dad died, it became a lot harder to meet the terms of the loan. We’re making a profit but there are other covenants, rules to their loan that they have to meet or face foreclosure, even if they can make the monthly installments.”
“Covenants? Like what?”
He scrubbed a hand through his hair, trying to tamp down his own guilt for not having come home sooner to help. “Look, Lina, I don’t like sharing my family’s situation with people.”
She looked offended. “You know I would never talk about your family. I love them. I hate gossip. I know how much it can destroy someone.”
Jake studied her. What was she talking about, destroy someone? It wasn’t like his family would be destroyed if the terms of their loan became public knowledge.
“It’s okay,” she said. “I shouldn’t h
ave asked.” She pointed to her mouth.
“Italian mouth?” he laughed.
She nodded, a small smile curling her lips.
Thank God. He didn’t think they’d get to that point again. “One of the covenants states that the lodge has to meet projected sales goals in terms of numbers of reservations, booked events, stuff like that. There are requirements designed to show the bank the lodge’s future earnings are secure.”
“I’ve never heard of that before,” she said. “I thought you just paid your monthly installments. That’s what my parents had to do when they did a renovation to their kitchen two years ago.”
“It’s a much larger loan at the lodge, and a much longer story that I won’t bore you with.” Like, the fact that once upon a time the Nobles had wanted to lay claim to the Sumners’ portion of the mountain and land. Given the fact that his brother was now engaged to a Noble and his Aunt Sally was dating another one, he was pretty sure the Nobles weren’t trying to reclaim the land at this point. There was a time however when the members of the Noble family who sat on the bank’s board of directors might have liked to see the Sumners fail.
“I truly don’t mean to cause problems for the town or your family,” she said. “I just…”
Jake reached out and took her hand in his. She was cold and he drew her close. “I would never use you for sex,” he said. “I loved being with you.”
Had he just said love?
“I loved being with you, too,” she said with a small smile. “Probably too much.”
He cocked his head. “Why do you say that?”
“Well, you’re leaving soon. Aren’t you?”
Yeah he was. Wasn’t he?
“You’re thinking of staying?” she asked. He couldn’t tell if she sounded surprised, happy, or thoroughly pissed. And he wasn’t sure which of those he wanted.
Jake shrugged. “I honestly don’t know. Your speech,” he stared into her beautiful eyes, “it moved me. It made me think.”
She touched her fingertips to her chest and raised her brows. “My speech? Why?”
“You’re so passionate, you know what you want to do with your life.”
She laughed. “Are you serious? I have no idea what I want to do.” Her head fell. “That’s my problem.”
“Your speech reminded me of Todd when I first went to work for him.”
Her eyes met his and narrowed.
“Not in a bad way.” He laughed. “When I first met him, Todd was so passionate about making changes in the state, helping his constituents, the environment, a whole host of things.”
“Then?” she asked.
“Then,” he sighed, “then he got a taste of power and greed. He was like an addict. Everything became a race to get even more glory, more money, more…”
“Power?” she said.
He nodded. “Yeah. It’s just like you said. Todd’s been blinded by power. He thinks he’s invincible, above reproach. I can’t stand it.”
Lina squeezed his hand and moved closer. “You can quit.”
He stared down at their joined hands for several seconds before glancing up. “Yeah, I know. Don’t think I haven’t thought about it a thousand times since I’ve been here.”
“So, what’s stopped you?”
He was happy to see that her earlier animosity seemed to be fading. “Well, now I have Becca. I need to provide for her.”
“True,” she said. “But you have a great reputation. You could probably get on with another candidate, or another campaign. And I’m sure your family would love to have you here.”
“What could I possibly do here?” He laughed with no humor. The thought had been racing through his mind for a while, but he had no viable career options in Canyon Creek.
“I don’t know,” she shrugged. “I heard about this citizens’ group who’s looking for help.”
That made him laugh out loud. “You’re doing an excellent job in leading the group, despite my interference.”
“I know your family has loved having you here. Especially your mom.”
“My family has been great.” He smiled. “They’ve taken Becca in with no hesitation.”
“Of course they have,” she said. “Did you think they wouldn’t?”
He shrugged.
“She’s a great kid, Jake. Kind of like her dad.”
He smiled at her, inching closer. “So, does that mean I’m forgiven?”
She lifted one shoulder, one side of her mouth quirking up. “I guess.”
“That was quick.”
“I guess I have to admit that you’re kind of right. I haven’t really listened to their side, not without getting defensive, anyway. My grandmother always says ‘Anche il pazzo dice talvolta parole da savio.’”
God, the way the Italian words rolled off her tongue so fluently had his body stirring with desire. “What does that mean?”
“It’s a proverb. It means, even a fool may give a wise man counsel.”
Jake thought about that. “So, you’re saying the town is foolish for considering this?”
“No,” she shook her head. “I’m saying maybe I’m the fool.”
“You’re no fool, Lina. You’re amazing. You’re passionate, fierce, gorgeous.”
She laughed. “Please, don’t let me stop you.”
He took a step closer, their chests pressed together, and he couldn’t help but hope it affected her as much as it affected him. “Sexy as hell.” He tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear, his hand lingering as he rubbed her cheek with his thumb. “Come with me.”
“Where?” Her warm breath caressed the skin of his neck.
“To California. I have to go back this weekend for a fund-raiser.”
She stepped back, releasing his hand. “For Todd?”
He laughed, but there was a wry edge to it. “No. It’s for a coalition of non-profits trying to push their agenda for more corporate sustainability.”
“I’ve heard of that,” she said. “Sustainability organizations?”
“Yeah. We’ve got about fifteen groups who will be there in all I think.”
“Why would Todd be going to something like that?” she asked. “He’s changed his stance on the environment so much in the past few years, I would think a sustainability organization wouldn’t want him there.”
“Todd is looking for backers. They need donors. His name draws in the money. They’re not stupid.”
Lina studied him for a long moment.
“Lina, politics is about, well…politics.”
“Compromise?” she raised a brow.
“Yeah, compromise. You don’t always get everything you want but the hope is to get the important things on your agenda done. These sustainably groups have learned to compromise. They protect the environment but they push for economic growth, too. That’s why larger companies are listening to them.”
“Just not at the expense of the ecosystem.”
“Not at the expense,” Jake said, “but also hopefully they get the expansion of better policies and improved education about what companies can gain from improving their policies. A way to integrate profitability with protection.”
Lina turned her gaze to the mountain and Jake wanted to know her thoughts—all of her thoughts. His desire to understand her more deeply surprised him. All of his relationships up until this point had pretty much been physical, no real emotional connection. And never a need to know them beyond the bedroom. But with Lina he found himself wanting more, needing more.
She turned and stared at him, her stare astute and questioning. “Why do you want to take me?”
“Well, first, because I like being with you.” He smiled.
She cocked a brow and tilted her head in challenge. Little did she know it only made her more beautiful.
He laughed. “What? You don’t like being with me?”
One side of her delicious Italian mouth curled into a smile. “I never said that.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist,
thankful when she didn’t pull away. “Second, I would love to dance with you.”
Her hands settled on his arms, her eyes staring at his lips. “And third?” she asked, her gaze lifting to meet his.
“I thought it would be a great place for you to meet people who share your passion for the environment.”
“So none of your reasons include you trying to get me into bed again?”
“I never said that.” He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, aware that not far away, the entire town bustled behind them. “I would very much like to have you in bed again. As long as you’re not going to kick me in the nuts because you think I double-crossed you.”
Her head fell back and she laughed. “It’s the Sicilian in me. And besides, I happen to be very fond of your nuts.” She pressed into him and he groaned. “Where would we stay?” she asked, the vulnerability in her eyes surprising him.
“At my place.” He swallowed, wanting her to say yes so badly, his chest hurt. For some strange reason he wanted to show her his world, maybe have her become part of it.
She studied him for a long moment before speaking. “Why do you really stay with Todd, Jake?”
That question was a surprise. He took a few moments to think about it. Why did he?
He frowned. “I believed in everything Todd stood for when we started this. I still do. I keep thinking we can make a difference, and every time he chips away at some stance or policy or agenda he once stood for, I think, ‘but we can still do a lot of good.’”
He looked down to find her eyes on him, intent, as she listened to him. He let out a harsh breath and kept going. “Take this bill we’re working on. Sure, he’s compromised a lot on it, but if we get it to pass, it will help a lot of people gain access to insurance at more affordable rates. It will mean a great deal to a lot of people. It will save lives.”
He glanced over her shoulder, looking out into the distance and shook his head. “You’ve heard about the talk of an affair?”
“I’ve heard rumors,” she said.
“They’re not rumors.” He surprised himself by confirming it.
“I figured as much.”
“It’s much worse than that,” he said.
Her brows furrowed and she looked genuinely distressed. “How so?”