“What the hell is so funny?”
Emily finally regained her composure. “I’m sorry. I just got this mental picture of smug Phillip, producing the drawings to show to someone at Sotheby’s. I’d love to have seen the look on Phillip’s face when they asked why he was trying to pass off a photocopy as an original drawing.” She grinned. “You see, he was about to swap a copy for a copy. The real drawing is with my solicitor. I had a copy made about two weeks ago, as soon as I found out what it was.”
Jake laughed. “You are wonderful, do you know that?”
Emily regarded him thoughtfully. “If I’m so wonderful, then why have you been keeping your distance these last few weeks? I haven’t been imagining that, have I?”
Oh hell.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Jake took a large gulp of Scotch, coughing slightly. “I guess that brings us to my long story.”
She nodded. “I’m all ears.” Emily relaxed against the seat cushion, outwardly calm. Inside her stomach was a ball of nerves. She wanted answers, only she wasn’t sure she was going to like them.
“I suppose it all started to go wrong when I came up to the house and overheard you and Phillip talking.”
Damn it. Emily had known in her gut that this had been at the root of it. Then as she heard the rest of it, she began to understand why Jake might have viewed her a little differently.
Except….
She sighed. “Why didn’t you just come right out and ask me about what you’d heard? Why not just say something?” Then she rolled her eyes. “What am I saying? You’re a man. Enough said. Since when do men ever go with the simplest option?” She gazed into her glass. “Not that I can talk. I was just as bad. I should have asked you why you were pulling away. I mean, it just felt wrong, especially after that weekend when we….” Heat crawled over her skin.
“I’m sorry. Looking back now, and realizing what a dick Phillip was after Jane’s funeral, I shouldn’t have given credence to what he said.” Jake snickered. “Taylor and Simon called it instantly. Maybe I was too close, too… involved to see it.”
“Do I have Taylor and Simon to thank for you pulling your head out of your arse?” Emily asked with a grin. He blinked, and she laughed. “Oh, believe me, I was in the same position. Well, maybe not quite the same.”
“What do you mean?”
“Remember when you met Fran and me for coffee? Your ex, Serena—she made sure to share that part—warned me to stay away from you. She said you’d only hurt me like you hurt her.” When Jake’s jaw dropped, Emily laid her hand on his thigh. “And before you say another word, yes, that shook me for a moment—until I took a long, hard look at the person saying it. I decided pretty swiftly that I didn’t like her, I didn’t trust her motives, and therefore I should take her version of events with a pinch of salt. And no, I don’t want to hear about you and Serena. That’s in the past.” She smiled. “I’d prefer to live in the present.”
“It looks like we’ve both been idiots,” Jake said softly.
“No argument there. At least we’re talking now.” Her left hand was still on his thigh, and Jake covered it with his own. Emily gave an inward sigh of relief. She’d missed this.
Jake stroked her fingers with his, pausing when he reached her little finger. “Why is this crooked? Did you break it once?”
Emily chuckled. “That is a reminder of my childhood. I fell out of a tree that I shouldn’t have been climbing in the first place.”
Jake lifted her hand and held it between his. “You should be careful. You’ll have people thinking you’re one of those aliens. You know, on that TV show, The Invaders? The only way to identify them was by that busted finger.”
What the hell?
Emily shook her head. “You know, you’re the second person to say that to me.”
“Who was the first?”
“The boy who tried to help me down out of the tree, only I was too stubborn to accept his help.” She smiled. “No change there, then.”
“And you never did give me back my belt,” Jake said, his eyes sparkling.
Wait—what? “That was you?” Emily stared at him, but there was little trace of the boy she remembered. “Hang on—when did you recognize me? Did you know who I was when we met at the funeral?”
“No. You were simply Jane’s niece, the one person I needed to talk to. I didn’t connect you with the little girl by the lake.” He grinned. “Let’s be honest, you have changed a lot since then. But the other week when we were down by the lake, you mentioned how much you loved being there as a child, and the memory just clicked into place.”
“But… what were you doing there?” It still didn’t seem real to her.
“Remember I told you about the year we first came to Fairdown for a holiday, when I was eleven? Then. I’d gone off on my own—Mum was furious when I got back—and somehow I’d found my way to the lake. The funny thing is, years later when we moved here? My brothers gravitated to the lake, the same as I had. Jane used to catch Taylor trying to steal apples, and went after him with her broom.”
“Oh, God, that broom. She kept it by the back door.” Emily liked the way he held her hand, like it was something precious. “And tonight? How did you come to be walking by my house? It’s not exactly on your way anywhere.”
Jake sighed. “I’d been thinking about you all afternoon. Taylor and Simon told me to fix things, to come talk to you. I mulled the idea over and over in my head, until I was so wound up, I had to do something to relax. I went for a walk.” He smiled. “And somehow went onto autopilot, because I ended up here.”
“It’s a good thing that you did. I’d never have known what Phillip was up to, if you hadn’t caught him red-handed.”
Jake curled his fingers around hers. “I’m sorry I doubted you. I should have seen through Phillip a damn sight faster than I did. I’m assuming he was lying, about your company.”
“Partially. The bit you missed was me telling him in no uncertain terms, what I thought of the ‘investors’ he found for me.” She air-quoted.
“He found…? Now, why doesn’t that surprise me? As if you’d have anything to do with shady finance.” Jake cleared his throat. “And while we’re on the subject of business… Yes.”
Emily frowned. “Yes, what?”
“The wedding venue. I think it’s a great idea. And if you haven’t changed your mind, I’d love to go into partnership with you.”
There was a lightness in her chest she hadn’t experienced before. “I’m glad. I think we’ll make a great team.” She put down her glass on the table and cupped his cheek. “I’ve missed you these last few weeks.”
“I was right here. Well, in body, at least.” Jake covered her hand with his.
She shook her head. “But you weren’t the Jake I’d come to know. It took those few weeks to bring home to me exactly how much you meant to me. How much I was in danger of losing.”
Jake stared at her. “I couldn’t stop remembering how we were together. And I don’t just mean the sex.” He smiled. “Although that was pretty phenomenal. No, it was the way we talked, the way we…”
“Connected?”
He nodded. “And when everything started going wrong…”
Emily lowered her hand. “I thought my heart was going to break.” If there was going to be anything between them, she had to let him know how important he was—how much she cared for him.
“I never wanted to hurt you,” Jake said softly. “You mean too much to me.”
God, the look in his eyes…
“How much, Jake?” she demanded. She needed to hear the words.
Jake reached for her, pulling her to sit astride his lap, before enfolding her in his arms. He gazed up at her and smiled. “What do you want to hear, Em? That I love you?” He cupped the back of her head and drew her closer, until their lips were almost touching. “I love you,” he whispered, before claiming her mouth in a sweet, tender kiss.
Emily lost herself in the kiss,
Jake’s strong hands that still managed to be gentle, the warmth of his firm body beneath her, the knowledge that he was hers…
When they parted, she looked into his eyes and bared her soul. “This is new for me.”
Jake tilted his head. “What is?”
Emily took a deep breath. “Being in love.”
A smile lit up his face. “And how does it feel?”
She chuckled. “Huge. Scary as hell. And… exciting.”
Jake stroked her cheek. “We seem to be sharing the same symptoms. Apparently, it’s contagious. How long do you think we’ll stay infectious?” His eyes danced with amusement.
Emily pretended to consider the question. “I think we need bed rest for twenty-four hours. No disturbances.”
Jake locked gazes with her. “Twenty-four hours. In bed. But some of us have a mean boss lady, who’ll yell if we take a day off.”
“You leave the boss lady to—mean? I’m mean?” She gave him an indignant stare.
Jake laughed, grabbed hold of her, and got up off the couch, his arms supporting her. “Enough talking. We need to make up for lost time.” He carried her toward the stairs.
She clung to him, relishing his strength, her heartbeat racing. “Just so we’re clear, you’re taking the day off tomorrow. That’s an order from the mean boss.”
Jake reached the bed and carefully set her down on it. “Aren’t you forgetting something? Police station? Statements?” He shivered when she slid her hands under his T-shirt, lifting it to kiss his firm belly.
She turned her face upward to gaze at him. “Okay then. Statements first thing—then back to bed.” She pulled him down onto the bed, sighing as their mouths met in another kiss, heat curling its way through her body, leaving her under no illusion as to what was coming.
Clothes were discarded, before they slid between the sheets, reaching for each other.
“What was that line in Polish again?” Emily murmured against his warm lips.
Jake pulled back, propping himself up on his arms, gazing down at her. “Chcę się z tobą kochać.” His voice was husky, and its raw quality made her shudder in anticipation.
“Yes, Jake. Make love to me.” Then she let herself go, surrendering to his touch, his kiss, matching his passion with her own as she rediscovered him with fingers, lips and tongue. And when he finally took her, brought her to the edge once more, she cried out his name over and over again, while he buried his face in her hair, telling her again that he loved her.
Words that Emily had thought she’d never hear.
Words she would never tire of hearing from his lips.
Epilogue
July, One Year Later…
Emily stood in the kitchen, drinking coffee and chatting with Doreen. Breakfast was almost over, and between the two of them, they’d been rushed off their feet. Not that Emily was about to complain. Every room was full, and it would be the same for the remainder of the month. The air was filled with the aroma of cooked bacon, and she’d already called the local farm who supplied their meat to inform them they’d need another order of bacon and sausages.
Emily loved this. Compared to running her first company, this was a totally different pace of life. She enjoyed meeting the guests, and chatting with them. What delighted her was when the B&B’s first guests from the previous year, came back for another stay. Some had even stayed three or four times since then. The comments people wrote upon leaving brought her a quiet sense of satisfaction. Little things gave her pleasure, like the fact that all their food was sourced from local businesses. And it worked both ways; those businesses in turn recommended the B&B. Business had begun slowly last July, but had built steadily, and Emily was more than happy with the way things were progressing.
She smiled to herself at the thought of what lay around the corner.
“And what’s tickled you?” Doreen asked.
Emily chuckled. “I was just thinking that I’d better make the most of these quieter moments, because they could be few and far between come next month.”
“Then it’s for definite? Doors open next month?” Doreen beamed. “I snuck down there when the photographer was here, and peeked in through the window.” She placed her hand on her heart. “It looked so beautiful! All the tables set out, with those lovely white tablecloths, and the champagne glasses, and the flowers… When I got home that night, I told Maisie I was gonna start saving now, so when she decides to get married, she can have her reception there.”
“Aw, that is so sweet! What did Maisie say?”
Doreen rolled her eyes. “Dunno why I wasted my breath. She looked me in the eye and said, ‘An’ what makes you think I wanna get married in the first place?”
Emily laughed. “Think of the money you’ll save if she doesn’t.”
Doreen shook her head. “I tell you, kids these days…” Then she widened her eyes. “I meant to tell you. She went on a school trip to London, and they visited the National Gallery. Three guesses what she saw there!”
Emily grinned. “I couldn’t possibly.”
Doreen rolled her eyes. “Now you’re messing with me, aren’t you? You know that’s where they’ve got that drawing of your grandma.”
“I do,” she admitted. The only sore point about the whole episode was Phillip’s sentence. The police had charged him with Breaking and Entering, which was classed as a misdemeanor, and as such, he’d received a six months’ suspended sentence.
The bright spot on the horizon had been her family’s reaction. Predictably, they’d turned their backs on him. Emily was just thankful that she didn’t have to see him again. She doubted he’d have the nerve to turn up to family events.
Doreen smiled when the back door opened, and Jake entered, his laptop bag over his shoulder. “Morning, Jake. There’s coffee in the pot if you want some.”
“Don’t suppose there’s any bacon left?” Jake gazed wistfully at the oven.
Emily folded her arms. “I see. Greeting your girlfriend good morning takes second place to hot bacon rolls. Well, at least I know where I stand.” She huffed dramatically.
Doreen giggled as Jake strode across the kitchen, lifted Emily up into his arms, and planted a loud, smacking kiss on her cheek.
“Neanderthal,” Emily muttered, looping her arms around his neck, before returning his kiss, albeit a good deal more quietly and with less exuberance.
“And you love me for it,” Jake said with a grin as he set her down on solid ground. There was a wicked twinkle in his eye.
“You’re up to something,” she said accusingly.
Jake smirked. “Damn it. You know me too well.” He stilled as the clock in the hall struck the hour. “I never get tired of hearing that.”
As soon as all the work had been completed, Emily had called in a clockmaker from Bath to look at Jane’s grandfather clock. Watching the pendulum swing once more had taken her back to her childhood. She could almost feel Jane’s arms supporting her, almost hear Jane’s sweet voice as she sang Hickory Dickory Dock. “Me too,” she said quietly.
“How’s your dad doing?” Doreen asked Jake.
“He’s doing… okay, I guess.”
Emily’s heart ached for Jake. James Mitchell had finally admitted defeat, and since Roy had begun taking drugs for his condition, it seemed to have put a brake on his symptoms. But they both knew time was not on their side.
“I just had a phone call from Serena,” Jake said nonchalantly.
“And what did the Wicked Witch of the West want?”
“It’s very sad. You know that storm of a couple of nights ago? Well, she’s had a flood. The whole place needs redoing—floors, electrics, furnishings, you name it.”
Emily had to admit, Jake didn’t seem in the slightest bit sad. That twinkle in his eyes gave him away. “Why was she calling you?” she demanded. “Surely she wasn’t asking you to help.”
Jake shook his head. “She asked if I could recommend anyone to oversee the repairs.”
“What did you
say?”
Jake snorted. “I gave her Duncan Barton’s number.”
Emily gasped. “You are an evil man.” She tried hard not to laugh. “Duncan. Well. What can I say, except they’re probably a match made in heaven.”
“My dad says those new apprentices of yours are coming along really well,” Doreen said, smiling. “And he’s loving showing them the ropes.”
“He’s doing a great job.” Jake put his arm around Emily’s shoulders. “One of my better decisions, taking him on to teach his trade.”
“Your better decisions?” Emily poked him in the ribs. “I think your memory needs refreshing.” She jabbed again.
“Ow! Okay, you might have had a hand in—” Jake yelped as Emily jabbed him again. “Christ, woman, those fingers of yours are lethal.”
“That’s not what you were saying last night,” she murmured. Jake exploded into a loud cough, his face red. Emily decided to put him out of his misery. “To what do we owe the pleasure of this visit? Work? Or did you only come here to scrounge a hot bacon roll?”
Jake sighed. “And here was I, thinking you’d be pleased to see me.”
Emily wrapped her arms around his waist. “Always. But as it’s only”—she peered at the clock on the wall— “two hours since I last saw you…” She stretched up and kissed him softly on the lips, before whispering in his ear, “and you looked much better then. Wetter, for one thing.”
“Stop it,” Jake hissed. He cleared his throat. “Can I borrow you for a minute? If Doreen can spare you, of course.”
Emily glanced at Doreen, who was watching them with a happy smile. “Oh, sure. I’ve got everything in hand here. There’s only the breakfast things to clear, then the beds to make or strip. You two go do whatever it is you need to do.” Her eyes sparkled.
“Thank you,” Jake said sincerely. He grabbed Emily’s hand and tugged her toward the door. “Come on, Boss lady.”
Emily didn’t relinquish Jake’s hand as they walked along the newly created access road that led down to the lake. It was lined with lavender bushes, and the scent was wonderful.
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