Heart of Love Read online

  “Hi.” She turned to face him with a smile. He looked clean cut, polished, and devastatingly handsome. A light blue cotton shirt, the exact color of his eyes, accented his good looks and turned her knees to mush.

  “I haven’t seen you around for a while? How have you been?” Jake leaned against her car and pushed his straw cowboy hat up with his index finger.

  Anna watched him adjust his hat and swallowed hard. She was supposed to answer him. He asked her a question, but for the life of her, she couldn’t recall what he’d said. How could she concentrate with him standing so close and smelling so good?

  “I’m fine,” she finally managed to say. She grasped for a topic to discuss in an effort to keep the conversation from lagging. “It’s been pretty warm for May, hasn’t it?” Weather was always a safe and boring topic.

  “Yep, it’s been warm, especially out in the field. Dave and I would like to stick to office duty for a while to get out of the heat. Unfortunately, summer is one of our busiest seasons.” Jake shifted from one foot to the other, uncharacteristically nervous as he stood next to Anna.

  He purposely waited for her because he wanted to invite her to dinner. The longer he waited the harder it got, so he blurted out the question.

  “Do you have plans this evening? I mean, like, right now?” Jake thought he sounded immature or stupid, maybe both.

  “I was just heading home. Why?” Anna was unsure why Jake held any interest in her plans.

  “Some of us are getting together for dinner and I wondered if you’d like to come along. You know, just as friends. It’s nothing fancy.” Jake willed her to agree to go, but he hadn’t exactly made dinner sound particularly inviting.

  “I guess I could come,” Anna said, surprised by her response. She would probably have an anxiety attack before she ever got to wherever it was Jake had invited her, but she really wanted to go. “Just let me call home and tell them not to wait on me.”

  Anna dug out her cell phone and called her mom. When she disconnected the call, she looked at Jake. “Where should I meet you?”

  “Why don’t you ride with me? I can bring you back to get your car when you’re ready to leave. Would that be okay?” Jake leaned closer to Anna, afraid to touch her but wanting to so badly. The slightest contact of his hand to her skin sent tingles racing up his arms and gave him the strangest feeling.

  “That would be fine.” She turned toward his pickup and walked with him across the parking lot.

  Jake held the door open for her then trotted around to the driver’s side and climbed in. He started the truck and drove through town, headed out for the highway.

  “Where are we going?” Anna asked. They’d already passed every eatery available on that side of town.

  Jake responded but looked the other way. Anna couldn’t hear what he said. In the past, rather than call attention to herself or her inability to hear, she pretended to understand if someone spoke and she didn’t hear what they said. Recently, she concluded she had to stop that and speak up.

  She reached across the seat and touched Jake’s arm.

  Surprised, he turned and looked at her. Her warm smile made his heart skip a beat.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said. If you don’t talk facing me or at least in my general direction, I can’t hear you.”

  “I’m sorry, Anna. I didn’t realize.” Jake looked directly at her as they sat at a stoplight. “I said my cousin and his wife are hosting a barbecue tonight and it should be a lot of fun.”

  Anna took a minute to digest the fact he planned to take her to a family dinner. “Is your cousin close to your age?” she asked.

  Jake laughed. “No, Clay is almost old enough to be my dad, but he’s been a pretty important person to me my whole life, more like a big brother. He and his wife, Callan, are both awesome. They adopted two girls, Audrey and Emma. Those two are something else altogether.”

  “Where are the girls from?” Anna inquired, wondering if it was an international adoption.

  “Here in town,” Jake said. “Callan’s niece is close to her age. She and her husband abandoned their daughters and signed over parental rights to Clay and Callan. Callan isn’t able to have kids, so it was a blessing for everyone. Audrey is thirteen, and Emma is ten. You’ll also meet my mom, dad, and Clay’s folks, Bobbi and Steve. Bobbi and my mom are sisters. Callan’s brother, Josh, and his family might be there, too. I worked for them the summer I graduated from college.”

  The anxiety attack Anna had predicted was about to settle in with full force. She didn’t know what had possessed her to agree to dinner with Jake in the first place and now she was going to be at the home of people she’d never met with a bunch of strangers. Certain she’d taken leave of all her common sense, she admitted Jake seemed to have that effect on her.

  Sensing her nervousness and knowing how shy Anna could be, Jake thought keeping her talking would help. “Tell me about your family. Is there just you and Sam?”

  “Yes. I’m two years younger than Sam. He just turned twenty-six. Even with his injury, he still treats me like his baby sister,” Anna said with a smile.

  “If you don’t mind my asking, how did Sam end up in a wheelchair?” Jake’s sincerity encouraged her to share the story.

  “He and Mom were driving home in that unusual fog we had early in the fall last year. A driver got impatient to pass another car, pulled into their lane, and hit them head on. The driver was in a semi-truck and it did little damage to his vehicle. Mom had a broken arm and collarbone and her pelvis was cracked, so she was out of commission for quite a while. We weren’t sure at first whether Sam would make it, but he pulled through, although he’s partially paralyzed.” Anna took a deep breath. It was nice to talk to Jake. He seemed genuinely interested in what she had to say.

  Jake nodded, waiting for her to continue.

  “Sam’s whole life is farming and ranching. The doctors said it’s unlikely he’ll ever walk again, but then we never thought he’d be driving a car or racing around the farm in his souped-up wheelchair. With his new therapist, I think anything is possible. His fiancée, Lisa, isn’t willing to let him give up. He didn’t get the nickname Tuff for nothing.”

  “Tuff, huh? I take it your dad likes to give people nicknames, like Sugar.” Jake’s look held pure flirtation. “How did you acquire that moniker?”

  Anna blushed. Of course, he would remember her dad calling her “Sugar” no less than a dozen times when he’d eaten lunch with them.

  “Daddy said when they brought me home from the hospital he finally figured out what the poem meant when it said, ‘Sugar and spice and everything nice, that’s what little girls are made of.’ So he called me ‘Sugar’ from the start.”

  Jake grinned, a devilish smile with a gleam in his eye. “I’m pretty sure about the sugar, but I bet there’s more spice in there than most people think.”

  Cheeks flaming, Anna didn’t know what to say. Thankfully, she didn’t have time to come up with a response. Jake pulled into the driveway of a pretty place, surrounded by trees and a profusion of colorful flowers.

  He turned off the ignition and ran around to open her door. Jake took Anna’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Don’t be nervous, it’s just family.” He spoke close to her ear. Only it was her deaf ear, so she looked up at him and smiled weakly, pondering what he’d said. She would have asked him to repeat it, but they were already at the door.

  Not bothering to ring the bell, Jake stepped inside, tugging Anna along behind him.

  “Hello, anybody home?” he called, escorting her through the living room. Anna thought it looked like something out of a home décor magazine.

  “Jake, is that you, you rascal? I haven’t seen you in forever,” a pleasant voice called from the kitchen. “Come in here and give me a hug.”

  Jake walked into an open, airy kitchen where a tall, beautiful, auburn-haired woman sliced melon chunks into a big bowl.

  “Hey.” Jake dropped Anna’s hand while he g
ave Callan Matthews a hug. “I’d like you to meet my friend, Anna. She works at the library.”

  Callan wiped her hands on a dishtowel then gave Anna a warm hug. “Anna, it’s a pleasure to meet you. We’re so happy you could join us for dinner. Everyone’s outside if you want to go out back and join them.”

  Jake took Anna through a room that definitely looked like a man’s domain with dark furniture and wood trim, along with artwork that featured wildlife and lamps made of antlers.

  As they stepped onto the patio, they entered a green oasis of grass, trees, flowers and a koi pond. A Border collie ran around the yard, yipping happily, chased by a young girl with bouncing blond curls and two dark-headed little boys. Another curly-headed blonde stood near the barbecue next to one of the biggest men Anna had ever seen. He was taller than Jake and built like a lumberjack with a broad chest, wide shoulders, and muscled arms.

  Jake thumped the giant soundly on the back and smiled. “Hey, Clay, I see Callan put you to work. About time you did something useful.”

  Clay Matthews turned and grinned at his younger cousin. “If you’d gotten here sooner, I’d have let you stand here in the heat and cook all this food, but that might have mussed your hairdo or damaged your manicure.”

  Jake laughed at Clay’s teasing and grasped Anna’s hand in his, pulling her forward. “Clay, I’d like you to meet my friend, Anna Zimmerman. She works at the library and I just did some soil testing for her dad. They live out on the southeast side of town, past the old grange hall and Grammy’s place. Her brother, Sam, was in some of your classes a few years back. He was a year ahead of me in school.”

  Clay wiped his hand on his jeans before extending it to Anna. His handshake was strong yet welcoming. “I’m pleased to meet you, Anna. How is your brother doing? I heard about the accident.”

  “He’s doing really well,” Anna answered honestly.

  “That’s great. Tell him I said hello and please, make yourself at home,” Clay said, returning his attention to the grill to flip a few burgers.

  “Thank you. I appreciate your hospitality.” Anna felt like she should have brought something to contribute to the meal. If Jake had given her advance warning, it would have been helpful. Then again, if he had, she would have chickened out and said no. As Jake stood next to his cousin, she noticed a family resemblance. They both were very handsome, although Clay’s hair was much lighter and his eyes a darker blue than Jake’s.

  She had no further opportunity for speculation because a small hand grabbed hers and started shaking it.

  “Hi, I’m Emma,” said the little girl who’d been chasing the dog. “You’re pretty. Your eyes are the same color as one of the princesses in my book collection. Would you like to meet my Grammy? She’s right over here.”

  “Emma, don’t talk her to death.” The other young girl warned, holding her hand out in welcome. “I’m Audrey. Welcome to our home.”

  “Thank you, Audrey.” Anna shook Audrey’s hand while Emma gave her other hand a tug.

  The two little boys gave up chasing the dog and ran toward them yelling, “Uncle Jake! Uncle Jake!”

  Thick dark hair and luminous gray eyes were the first things Anna noticed about the twin boys as they approached. Although they appeared identical, one had dark olive-toned skin while the other had lighter skin with a dusting of freckles across his nose and cheeks. They both lunged at Jake’s legs, wrapping arms around him while he ruffled their hair and teased them.

  Emma turned to look at the boys and rolled her eyes. “Those are my cousins, Jaret and Jace. They’re only four.”

  “Hi.” The boys shifted their attention from Jake to Anna. They held out their little hands in welcome.

  Anna leaned down and shook each hand with a soft smile. “It’s nice to meet you. Jake didn’t mention you.”

  “Jake’s our uncle,” the fair-skinned boy, Jace, informed her.

  “I didn’t know that,” Anna said, with a serious face. The boys were too cute, especially in their little Wranglers and boots.

  Audrey laughed. “Not really, but we let them pretend. Their daddy is our Uncle Josh. He’s Mama’s brother.”

  “Yeah, and that’s their mom, our Aunt Jenna, talking to Grammy.” Emma gave her hand another tug, pointing to a group of adults sitting in the shade of a tree across the yard. “Come say hello.”

  Anna shrugged at Jake as Emma and Audrey took her to meet all the family. Making the rounds, she met Jake’s parents, his aunt and uncle, and Callan’s dad, as well as Josh and his wife, Jenna, the parents of the two lively boys.

  Jake had to give his family credit. In all the years he’d been dating, he had never once brought a girl home. He knew Anna wasn’t what any of them expected. They’d seen him out with some of his past dates and his mother had let him know in no uncertain terms what she thought of his taste in women.

  Anna’s presence at the barbecue would have their tongues wagging for days. He didn’t want to examine the significance of what he’d done. He just knew it felt right to have Anna there, meeting the people who meant the most to him.

  Jake watched as she shook hands with his mother. He’d be sure to get an earful tomorrow, if he chose to answer the phone call he knew he’d receive from his mom.

  Caught up in watching everyone’s reaction to Anna, he didn’t notice Clay studying him.

  “You’ve got it bad, my boy.” Clay nonchalantly flipped another burger.

  “Pardon?” Jake focused his attention on his cousin.

  “You’re a goner. It’s a done deal. Your ship is sunk.” Clay grinned and waggled his eyebrows at Jake. “She’s gotten under your skin and you don’t know what to do about it.”

  Normally, Clay’s teasing would result in Jake tossing out a few flippant comments. However, the fact that Clay pinpointed his feelings so clearly when he himself couldn’t even articulate them annoyed Jake.

  Feigning smug amusement, he shook his head. “You’re so wrong, dude. She’s just a friend. Anna’s shy. I guess I… um… I want to help her come out of her shell.”

  Clay turned a knowing look on Jake and grinned again. “Really? That’s very generous of you, Jake. Mmm-hmm. Mighty generous, indeed.”

  Mindful that his cousin would continue to goad him, Jake shot him a warning glare before sauntering off in the direction of his parents. His mother appeared to be struggling to keep her jaw from hitting the ground while Aunt Bobbi looked every bit as flummoxed.

  Audrey and Emma dragged Anna out to look at their new kitten. The dog and the twins followed along, keeping them entertained.

  Jake bent to give his mother a kiss on the cheek then bestowed one on his aunt and Jenna before squatting down next to their chairs.

  “So, what did you think of Anna, Mom?” he asked, casually following her gaze to where Anna laughed at something Emma said.

  His mother popped him on the shoulder and glared at him. “My stars, Jake! What were you thinking? You can’t spring a girl like that on us. She’s positively delightful and such a sweet, pretty thing. Thankfully, she’s nothing like those horrid girls you usually date.”

  “She’s not a date, Mom. Anna is a friend. That’s all.” Too late, Jake decided he’d stirred up something that would have been better left alone.

  Much to his dismay, the women broke into peals of laughter. His dad, Josh, and Uncle Steve offered him goofy grins.

  “It’s okay, son.” His dad leaned around his mother and patted him on the back. “We understand.”

  “Understand what?” Perplexed by their attitudes and comments, Jake had no idea what they meant. “What do you understand?”

  “You’ll figure it out, Jake.” Steve nodded his head.

  “Eventually,” Josh added, making everyone laugh again.

  Jake had endured all the teasing he could handle for a while and got to his feet. Before he took a step, his mother caught his hand. “She really is lovely, Jake. I give you my stamp of approval.”

  “Thanks, I guess.” Uncer
tain what it was his mom approved, he truthfully didn’t want clarification on it.

  The family made Anna feel welcome and at home while privately teasing Jake without mercy or restraint.

  After lingering for a while after dessert, Jake had enough of their jabs and decided it was past time to take Anna back to town. She still had to drive out to the farm once he got her back to the library and it was getting late.

  As Anna made the rounds to say goodbye, Callan cornered Jake on the patio. “She’s wonderful, Jake. You bring her by anytime, okay?”

  “Thanks, Callan.” Jake hugged her then stepped back. “You know your opinion means a lot to me.”

  Anna walked up then and impulsively hugged Callan. “Thank you so much for this evening. It was so nice.”

  Callan squeezed Anna’s hand and smiled warmly. “Don’t be a stranger. We’d love to have you back anytime.”

  Clay slapped Jake on the back before they left. “Just remember what I said, Jake, ol’ boy.”

  Jake gave Clay a dark look then led Anna out to his pickup.

  As they headed back to town, Anna seemed relaxed and content. “Your family is very nice, Jake. Thank you for inviting me to dinner this evening. I enjoyed meeting them.”

  Jake reached across the seat and took her hand in his, ignoring the electrical current zinging up his arm. “I’m glad you had a good time and appreciate you coming with me. It gave me the opportunity to get to know you a little better. I’ve met some of your family and now you’ve met most of mine. Isn’t that what friends do?”

  Anna nodded her head. It was extremely difficult to think with Jake holding her hand. Any time they touched, her nerve endings danced to attention and sent tingles racing through her entire body.

  “Thanks, Jake,” she finally managed to say. “It really was fun.”

  They chatted about work, farming, and family on the way back to town. By the time Jake drove into the library parking lot, he felt like he and Anna were old friends.

  He pulled up next to her car then hurried around to open her door and help her out. When she unlocked her car, he opened the door and held it while she slid behind the wheel. She rolled down the window and he shut the door. He wondered what she would do if he leaned in and kissed her. He kept his lips to himself, afraid a kiss might permanently scare her away.