“Why don’t I help you with these?”
When he steps forward I catch a glimpse of his piercing blue eyes and my heart slams into my chest. Wow.
“Oh, thank you,” I manage. I’m too much in shock to add much more.
I follow him up the stairs and I take advantage of the opportunity to check him out from behind—tight-fitting jeans, firm butt, plaid shirt rolled up to the elbow revealing muscular forearms, a black cowboy hat and, of course, a pair of sexy distressed cowboy boots.
He looks incredibly strong.
We step into the house. I nearly bump into him when he stops to drop my luggage at the door because I’m so riveted by his ass, I’m not looking in front of me. He turns around and flashes another disarming smile and I swallow hard. I know I’m quite short, but his imposing physique is such a turn-on.
Keep it together, girl.
“Riley’s in town getting a few things with the nanny and then she’ll swing by the day camp to pick up her kids. She should be back in a few hours and she’s asked me to keep you company.” He removes his hat and I take in his thick, dark brown hair.
“That’s so nice of you, but I don’t want to be a bother.”
“Nonsense. I’m happy to hang out with you and get to know you better. After all, you’ll be part of this family for the next few months.”
“Good point.” I smile nervously. My cheeks burn up so badly I have to fan myself to cool down, even though it’s clear this magnificent home is fully air conditioned.
“Riley lives in one of the houses on the ranch. So does my business partner, Hunter Evans. We’ve set up one of the unoccupied houses for you, that way you’ll have your own space. I’ll walk you there a little later.”
“I didn’t expect this much attention,” I mumble.
He has a business partner? Please God, don’t let him be as arresting.
“Trust me, you’ll be glad to retreat to your quiet space at the end of the day. I love my niece and nephews to death, but they’re kids.”
“I can’t wait to meet them.”
We lock eyes and there’s an awkward silence between us, almost as if he’s waiting for me to say something. My stomach clenches and my pulse quickens. Unable to withstand his gaze any longer, I lower mine and dance from one foot to the other to try to conceal my uneasiness. I’ve rarely had the pleasure of being in the same room as a man so dangerously hot, he could have jumped out of the pages of a men’s fitness magazine.
“I’m sure the trip must have been tiring. Why don’t you go upstairs to the main bathroom to freshen up? I have some towels set on the counter for you and I’ll get you something to eat. You must be hungry.”
The minute Jake mentions food, I remember I haven’t eaten since I left Gwyn’s early this morning. I’d definitely welcome a warm meal.
“Now that you mention it, I’m starved.”
“Good.” He smiles. “I’m no Riley in the kitchen, but I can find my way around. I’ll reheat some food she cooked this morning for a new recipe for a blog post she’s writing and we can sit down at the kitchen island to get to know each other better.”
“That sounds good.”
His presence is so intoxicating, I welcome the opportunity to take a breather to regain my composure. I climb the stairs and furtively look behind me when I reach the fifth step. Jake is already opening cupboards and pulling out plates.
Keep focused, girl. You’re here as Riley’s assistant. Dangerously rugged men aren’t part of the agenda.
When I reach the last step I swerve in a three-hundred-sixty-degree circle to take in the upper floor. The décor is masculine and surprisingly modern for a home set on a ranch. Everything is streamlined, elegant and polished, but a few touches of wood add warmth to the home. Although he hasn’t said anything, I have a feeling this is Jake’s home.
When I push open the door to the bathroom, the décor is bright and fresh like the top floor. The two wooden-framed mirrors—one large one sitting on the floor near the door and another hanging above the sink—and the antique-looking chair in the corner of the room are the only country accents. The majestic claw bathtub set under the window fits perfectly against the white tile floor. I love how the smaller diamond black tiles add so much dimension and interest.
When I approach the sink, I gasp. I look so tired.
It’s been a long trip. I had to get up very early to catch my flight. I didn’t bother making any effort because I didn’t expect Jake would be the first person greeting me. I take stock of my down-to-earth look and frown at myself. I’m wearing a pair of jeans and a dark green shirt on top of a white camisole with little laces at the front. It was so hot when I arrived at the airport, I undid a few buttons to cool down and when I lean closer towards the mirror, I can see the pearls of sweat against my chest.