Grabbing her purse out of the car, she saw a sheriff’s department vehicle approach and swing into the parking lot. Jake stepped out of the SUV and she sighed with relief. They’d been dating ever since Chase and Sarah’s engagement party and she‘d never been happier. When he said goodnight at the end of a date she was tempted to pounce on him, but something always held her back. She’d only had two previous boyfriends, and while they hadn’t criticised her curves, they hadn’t seemed wildly enthusiastic about them either. At the end of each date, Jake’s goodnight kisses became more and more heated. But if he found her attractive, why hadn’t he tried to get her into bed yet?
Jake strode over to her and looked at her inquiringly. “Problem?”
“I’ve just closed the library for the day and my car won’t start.” Why did she always feel breathless when she was around him? They’d made plans to go out to dinner tomorrow night and she’d already chosen her lingerie - sexy and black - just in case it turned to be the night. The night they made love for the first time.
Rain began to fall, sharp needles that tried to pierce their clothing. He hustled her to his car. “Get in.” They watched the driving rain for a second. “I’ll take you home and pick you up tomorrow for work.” He started the engine.
She turned to smile at him. “Thank you.”
He cupped her face with his calloused hand. “I’m looking forward to tomorrow night.” His lips snared hers and she savored his kiss, ripples of excitement stirring within her.
When he lifted his mouth, she murmured, “Me too.”
They stared at each other for a long second, his eyes smoldering with banked desire. Then Jake seemed to collect himself and put the SUV into gear. “I’ll call Bob tomorrow and ask him to take a look at your car.”
Warmth flooded through her. Libby had been wondering whether she should call AAA or ask her cousin if she could recommend a mechanic, but she didn’t have to worry now that Jake was helping her. Just one more reason why she found him attractive.
A couple of minutes later they arrived at her house. The rain showed no sign of letting up. She glanced at him. “Have you got time to come in for a drink?”
His eyes crinkled at the corners as his lips tilted upwards. “I’ve just finished my shift, so yes, I’ve got time.”
The way he looked at her made her forget to breathe. Sensual awareness ran through her, and her lower body shivered. She couldn’t help the husky tone of her voice as she said, “Come in.”
He followed her into the cottage, and placed a hand on her back. “You’re soaked. Why don’t you grab a shower?”
She turned to look at him. “What about you? You’re wet too.”
He shrugged. “I’ll dry off pretty quickly.”
She dragged her eyes from his. “I’ll get you a towel.” Libby pulled out a thick, fluffy towel from the linen closet and returned to the living room. She handed it to him, her fingers brushing against his.
He took it from her, the electricity from his touch almost sparking in the air. Her breath caught as she saw desire simmering in his eyes. Only when she realized she’d started to shiver from her wet clothing, did she emerge from the sensual fog.
She cleared her throat. “What would you like to drink?” Starting towards the kitchen, his voice made her pause.
“Libby.” He almost growled. “I can make the drinks. Go and warm up in the shower.”
She tried not to smile. Jake Morgan might sound gruff and tough at times, but she knew after four weeks of dating him that he had a heart of gold. “Okay.”
In the shower, Libby found herself thinking what a shame Jake wasn’t in here with her. Although his goodnight kisses scorched her nerve endings, they hadn’t progressed to the stage where clothes were optional. Hopefully that would be resolved tomorrow night.
Sometimes, she thought she might be falling in love with him already. She tried to tell herself it was too soon, but there was just something about him that made her insides quiver whenever she saw or thought about him. Although he seemed attracted to her, she wasn’t sure how deep his feelings ran…
Rinsing off the rose-scented soapy lather, Libby once again found herself wondering if Jake really would like her plump, curvy figure. It was one thing to kiss her when she was wearing a flattering outfit. But would he still desire her when he saw her naked?
Stepping out of the shower, Libby briskly dried herself. Hanging up the towel, she realized she’d forgotten to bring some clothes into the bathroom. Biting her lip, she looked at the sodden clothes she’d peeled off a few minutes ago. She wouldn’t put them back on.