The Summer Cottage: Includes a bonus story

by Annie Rains

  She leaned in toward him. He leaned in as well, meeting her halfway.

  “You sure?” he whispered just before their lips touched.

  “I’m not sure of anything anymore.” She swallowed. “Just promise that whatever happens between us, we won’t let it affect Petey. He’s been through too much instability.”

  “The last thing I want to do is hurt either of you. We don’t have to kiss, Trisha. We can just keep fighting this attraction between us.”

  She shook her head. “I’m tired of fighting. I’m tired of resisting. I just want to surrender,” she whispered. “Is that so wrong?”

  “Not in my opinion. But I may be biased.” He winked at her. Then his gaze fell to her mouth.

  Before she could second-guess herself any more, she crossed the rest of the distance and pressed her lips to his.

  The kiss was soft and gentle, growing more intense with each passing second. He’d taken her flying earlier today, to the sky and the clouds. Now she felt like she was flying again, and she wasn’t in a hurry to return to earth.

  Jake’s hand touched the side of her face, trailing down the curve of her neck and stopping at her shoulder. He finally broke away from the kiss and looked her in the eye. “I think it’s best if I go now. Kissing can lead to a lot of things if we’re not careful.”

  And maybe she was ready for a second kiss, but she wasn’t ready for anything more. “I’ll walk you to the door.”

  He let go of her hand. “I’ll see myself out and lock it behind me. If you follow me to the door, we’ll end up kissing again. And again. Like I said, I’m a little insatiable when it comes to you.”

  Trisha’s heart skipped in that way he’d described. “Okay, I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “I’ll wake Mr. S and join you for coffee before we get started on painting the cottages.”

  “You don’t have to wake Mr. S. That’s my job.”

  Jake brushed another quick kiss on her lips. “While I’m here in Somerset Lake, it’s now my job.”

  Her skipping heart dropped a notch. While he was here. She’d be smart to remember that. She was making this town her home, but Jake was not.

  “Good night,” he said.

  “Night.” She watched him walk away. Then she entertained something even riskier than sharing a few kisses with Jake. She entertained a small spark of hope that maybe Sophie had been right. Perhaps Jake could be convinced to stay.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Jake returned to Peony Cottage but didn’t go inside. Instead, he and Bailey sat on the deck, looking out on the view. Jake wasn’t sure what Bailey was watching or thinking about. Knowing Bailey, probably the next trek down the shore.

  Bailey loved chasing the birds—even if she’d never catch any of them—and splashing through the small wake caused by a rough wind or a boat going by.

  Jake, however, was thinking about that last kiss with Trisha. Their second, third, and tenth kiss.

  He was also thinking about Vi and his grandfather. And Petey. And even though Rachel had been gone for a long time, he was thinking about her too.

  He tried for a moment to remember her face. Over the years, the mental image he held of her had gotten blurry. In his rare dreams about her though, her features were sharp and detailed.

  He released a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

  “You okay?”

  Jake blinked Rachel’s image into view. It was just a figment of his imagination, of course. He was halfway to sleep and exhausted from the day. Right after Rachel’s accident, he’d pretended to have conversations with her at night. And the conversations he’d had felt so real that sometimes he woke forgetting for just a moment that she was gone. Sometimes he thought her death was just a nightmare.

  “Yeah, I’m okay,” he whispered. “Just thinking about life.” He blew out another breath. “And death.”

  He imagined Rachel smiling at him the way she used to. Her ghost was still eighteen years old, but he was much older now. Wiser. “I left because I couldn’t deal with you not being here.”

  Rachel held her arms out to her side. “I’m always here.”

  Jake didn’t want to blink because it might break his dreamlike state. “Yeah, I left for that reason too. And because I missed my grandfather.” He exhaled and finally blinked. “Sometimes home is just one big haunting ground,” he whispered.

  Rachel’s apparition began to fade. She didn’t speak. Just smiled at him. A young eighteen-year-old girl who’d made him laugh as much as she’d made him cry. Time and distance had been his salve, and he was surprised being here didn’t hurt as much as it used to. On the contrary, being home felt like the finishing balm to that last little bit of pain that had stuck around, lingering like a phantom limb.

  Jake closed his eyes, his hand dropping to his side to pet Bailey. The next thing he knew, his phone’s alarm was going off. He’d set it to wake himself up so that he could head down the shore and get Mr. S on his way before anyone else saw him.

  Jake stirred and stretched, remembering his waking dream of Rachel, brief as it was. Then he remembered his kiss with Trisha. It had been long but not nearly long enough.

  He stood, feeling energized and eager about the day ahead. “Come on, Bailey. You can do the honors of waking Mr. S for me.”

  They climbed down the steps, and Bailey ran ahead of him along the beach. As they approached Mr. S, she nudged her nose to the old man’s cheek.

  The old man stirred and swatted the dog away. Bailey continued until Mr. S sat up and saw Jake approaching.

  “I’m going, I’m going,” he called. Then he stood. Jake directed his gaze to the water, using his peripheral vision to ensure Mr. S walked inside his cottage. Then he called Bailey back. Jake needed to return home, shower and change, and head to Trisha’s for that first cup of coffee they’d discussed. And if Petey was still sleeping in his bedroom, maybe Jake could sneak another kiss with Trisha.

  After returning home and freshening up, Jake walked next door and knocked on Trisha’s door.

  She answered with a bright smile. No regrets of last night in sight. “Coffee?”

  “That would be great.” He and Bailey followed Trisha inside. He sat at the counter and watched her prepare them both a mug. “Where’s Petey?”

  “He’s getting dressed. He won’t be joining us today though.”

  “Oh?” Jake waited for Trisha to explain. “Where will he be?”

  Trisha slid a mug in front of him. The aroma of fresh brew wafted under his nose. “Della Rose called me last night after you left and asked if Petey could go with the twins to the skating rink. We exchanged numbers at Sunset Over Somerset. I barely know her, but Petey is so in awe of her boys. And I want him to have friends here.” Trisha cupped her hands around her own mug of coffee. “So I agreed. Della is picking him up this morning. She also said she’d look at the cottages once she brings Petey back. I could use her real estate expertise. She might be able to give me some advice that’ll give us an edge over the rental competition.”

  “That’s great,” Jake said. “Della Rose is very respected around here. If she recommends a property, people listen.”

  “So I hear. Miles Bruno also called. He’s bringing the kids from the youth center over to clean the cottages that I haven’t gotten to yet while we paint.”

  Jake brought his mug to his lips and sipped. “Maybe I didn’t like the guy in school, but this completely changes my viewpoint. As long as he doesn’t flirt too much with you.” Jake winked.

  Trisha looked away shyly for a moment. “We probably won’t even see him today. We’ll be working in different cottages.”

  “Forgive me if I’m not sorry that I’ll be spending the day with you alone again.”

  Trisha’s eyes met his over his cup of coffee. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she looked as happy about that prospect as he did. “We’ll get a lot more done alone,” she agreed.

  Jake chuckled.

  She tilted her head. “Why
are you laughing?”

  “Because I’m not sure if that’s true.”

  * * *

  Trisha had never minded painting. It was actually pretty relaxing. Or it would be if her heart wasn’t jumping every time she looked at Jake, who was painting the other side of the wall.

  He put his brush down in the pan and headed toward her.

  “What are you doing?”

  He stopped just a couple feet away. “I thought we’d get a lot more work done if we just go ahead and get the next kiss out of our system.”

  Trisha laughed. “We have been making googly eyes at each other, haven’t we?”

  “That’s one word for it.”

  Trisha placed her paintbrush in the pan as well. She wiped her hands on the smock she was wearing and faced him. Then they stared at each other awkwardly.

  “Spontaneous is better, huh?” Jake asked.

  She stepped closer. “I think it’s supposed to be awkward when you’re first getting to know each other. Here, let me help.” She reached for his hand and brought it to her waist. The air between them seemed to electrify. “We’ve only kissed in the dark. That might be part of the newness here.”

  “Good point.” Jake stepped closer and lowered his head, bringing his mouth to hers.

  The awkwardness melted away as their lips touched and their hands wandered.

  “Maybe getting it over with wasn’t the best idea. We might not get the rest of our work done today because all I’ll want to do is kiss you.”

  Trisha gave his chest a little shove. “Back to work, Fletcher.” She bent and grabbed her brush again. Her heart was skipping around in her chest. She was completely falling for this guy, and she couldn’t bring herself to be sorry about it.

  When they were finished with the first cottage, they moved on to the second one, working until Trisha’s arms didn’t want to move anymore.

  “That’s it for me,” she told Jake. “I can’t lift that paintbrush one more time.”

  “What time is Petey returning home?” Jake asked.

  “He’s having pizza with them. Della Rose is dropping him off afterward. We’re going to check out the cottages tomorrow instead. By then the paint from our work today should be dry.”

  “I need to check on Vi and make a couple calls. But after that…” Jake trailed off as his gaze locked on hers. “Since Petey is having dinner with friends, how about letting me cook you a meal tonight?”

  She had been hoping he’d suggest more time together. She wasn’t ready to return to reality again just yet. “I’d like that.”

  “Me too.” He bent and kissed her lips. The kiss was slow and easy, like a gentle dance.

  She looked up at him as she pulled away. Things were already feeling complicated. He was her boss’s grandson. He was only temporary. “What happens tomorrow when Petey is with us?”

  Jake ran a hand down the side of her arm. “Well, the rest of the work on my list are solo jobs. I’ll be installing those appliances we picked up from the thrift store yesterday. I’ll also work on installing some flooring and the countertops we got. I might call a buddy of mine to see if he can help out.”

  “That’s not what I’m asking and you know it,” she said.

  He gave her a steady look. “When we’re together, we’ll just keep our hands to ourselves when Petey is looking. You’re pretty irresistible, Trisha Langly, but I do have willpower when I need it.”

  She gave his chest a little shove, but he came back quickly with another brief kiss.

  “My place in an hour?” he asked. “We can eat on the porch. We’ll be able to see if Petey gets home early.”

  Trisha nodded. “Your place in an hour sounds good.”

  They left the freshly painted cottage with the windows open to air it out. Then they broke off in different directions as they reached their own cottages. Trisha took the time to shower and change. Then she grabbed the romance novel that Tess had loaned her for the book club on Thursday night. She guessed she should get reading so she had some idea of what the story was about. Because she was going. She was making more friends. She was digging her roots deeper here.

  Trisha glanced over at Peony Cottage where Jake had disappeared to shower and make his phone calls. She loved her new home, but he was quickly becoming her favorite thing about Somerset Lake. And he was as fleeting as her footprints along the lakeshore.

  She’d already made the mistake of hoping he might stay, but she needed to brace herself for the reality that he wouldn’t. She’d be wise to just end things now, but it had been so long since she’d felt this feeling buzzing through her body, energizing her and making her feel more alive than she had in such a long time. She didn’t want to lose this feeling just yet. Who knew when or if she’d ever experience it again? Before Jake, she was pretty certain she never would.

  Trisha’s phone buzzed with an incoming call. She checked it quickly because what if it was Della Rose calling about Petey? Instead, it was Sophie.

  Trisha answered. “Hey.”

  Sophie didn’t bother with reciprocating a hello. “He was so cute!” she practically squealed on the other line.

  “My son? Yes, I think so.”

  “Not Petey,” Sophie said. “I mean, yes, my nephew is adorable, but I’m talking about Jake. He was so cute and nice and funny. He’s perfect for you, Trisha!”

  Trisha patted her chest right above her heart. As if she wasn’t already having a hard time not completely falling for Jake. “We’re not dating,” she reminded Sophie.

  “What do you call it then? Because I saw sparks. The tension between you two was so thick and yummy.” She sighed on the other line. “I remember that newness in my relationship with Chase.”

  “I’m sure you do. It was just last year.” Trisha laughed. She didn’t continue denying what was going on with her and Jake though. “Petey went to play with friends today. Two friends actually. And Jake and I spent the day together. Again.”

  “I want all the details,” Sophie begged.

  “There aren’t many. We kissed last night after you left. A lot. And…I don’t know. I have to be careful. Another broken heart is the last thing I need. Petey too.”

  “What makes you think he’ll break your heart? I mean, yes, I know he’s supposedly leaving soon, but plans change, Trisha. You and I both know that probably better than anyone. He could stay. You could go.”

  “No, I’m not leaving. We just got here. And Petey needs stability.”

  “Okay. If you two fall for each other, then you’ll find a way to make it work. That’s Jake’s hometown, right?”

  Trisha looked out the window on Somerset Lake. “Right. But he left for a reason.” Probably more than one.

  “Is that reason still a factor?” Sophie asked.

  Trisha knew that Jake had left after losing his first love. That was a long time ago though. She didn’t know if it still kept him from wanting to be here. “I’m not sure. But anyway,” she said, “it’s not like we’re falling in love. We’re just kissing.” That felt like a lie though.

  “I know you,” Sophie said. “Just kissing is not a thing you do. You have always been one to feel first, kiss later. It’s why you only had one boyfriend all through high school.”

  Trisha scoffed. “And that worked out so well for me. Maybe I need to kiss more, feel less.”

  “Good luck with that,” Sophie said. “When are you seeing Jake again?”

  Trisha glanced at the time on her phone. “In ten minutes. He’s cooking dinner.”

  Another squeal from Sophie pierced Trisha’s ears. “Okay, keep kissing and stop worrying. Things will work out the way they’re supposed to. They always do.”

  Trisha held her tongue. If that were really true, then her marriage was doomed from the get-go. And maybe this thing between her and Jake was also doomed. These wonderful feelings didn’t promise a happily ever after. So as good as they felt, she was treading lightly and enjoying them for what they were—fleeting.

  *
* *

  Jake dialed his father’s number and waited as he sat on his back porch, watching the lake. When his dad didn’t answer, he called his mom’s cell phone. He wanted to talk to them sooner rather than later about his change of plans. He needed to explain his rationale and make them understand his point of view.

  No answer.

  He dropped his phone back to his lap and blew out a breath. Then he noticed his uncle walking toward his cottage.

  “Hey, Jake. How’s it going?” Tim climbed the steps to Jake’s deck. “Whatcha up to?” he drawled once he was standing in front of Jake.

  “Just trying to get in touch with my parents. Have you spoken to them by chance?” Jake asked.

  “I have, in fact. Just last night,” Tim confirmed. “I wanted to let them know how things were going down here.” Tim sat in the chair beside Jake’s.

  Jake glanced over. “So you told them that Vi is doing really well and that she’s hired someone to help her manage the properties?”

  Tim chuckled and patted Bailey’s head. “I told your mom and dad that Vi hired some out-of-towner. A single mom with a kid,” Tim said, as if that was a bad thing. “And that the woman is a freeloader who’s getting free room and board up here.”

  Jake felt his defenses rise. “I wouldn’t call it free. It’s part of the arrangement. It’s part of her pay.”

  Uncle Tim chuckled. “Well, your grandmother doesn’t have a good track record with financials these days. That woman seemed nice enough, but I’m sure she talked Vi into paying her more money than she’s worth.”

  Jake took a breath. Arguing wasn’t going to convince his uncle that selling the Somerset Cottages was the wrong course of action. “I’ve been helping Trisha with renovations. There’s already interest from two new potential tenants, and Trisha is meeting with a real estate agent about stirring up more interest.”

  “We don’t need more interest,” Tim said sharply. “We’re not renting—we’re selling. Whoever is interested in these properties can either buy the place or rent it from whoever does.”

  Jake stood and walked over to the railing, needing to distance himself from his uncle. “This is Vi’s home. This is where she feels Gramps’s presence the most. How can we even consider taking that away from her?”