Charlie balled up a t-shirt and shoved it into her bag, then zipped it closed. Damn that hurricane. It had upset more than just the town. It'd even managed to wreak havoc on her usually well-controlled emotions.
From now on she was going to keep her emotions in check. No longer would it bother her that Jake would soon be just a pleasant memory that she could share with her friends when she got home. With her mind made up she pulled the bag off the bed and headed downstairs.
***
Somebody needs to wake me. Charlie fidgeted in the front seat, her stomach churning with anxiety as Jake drove the Escalade through the security gate at Cliff House. Before she could stop herself she turned to look out the back window as the gate closed, keeping out any unwanted visitors including the numerous news vans parked on the street.
“I can't believe the reporters are here already,” Charlie said turning back around. “The wedding isn't until tomorrow afternoon.”
Jake reached over and took hold of her hand. Charlie knew he could feel how clammy it was yet he didn't comment. Thank God. Just having him know she was nervous embarrassed her. She didn't need him commenting on it too.
“They've probably been here all week. Imagine the disaster it would be if those vultures missed something.” Jake's tone told her all she needed to know about how he viewed the reporters.
After traveling down a long winding driveway, Jake pulled into a garage bigger than her house and filled with expensive cars. At the far end sat a black Aston Martin and next to it was a bright red Ferrari.
“Did you tell your family you were bringing a guest?” Butterflies took off in her stomach at the thought of meeting the owners of the cars parked around them.
“I told Callie. I'm sure she told everyone else.” Jake pulled the keys out of the ignition but didn't make any move to get out. “Don't tell me the doctor is nervous?”
Charlie licked her dry lips and looked everywhere but at him. She never suffered attacks of nervousness, yet a mammoth butterfly fluttered around in her stomach now.
Reaching out Jake cupped the side of her face. “You shouldn't be nervous. My family is a little annoying but generally harmless.”
A sarcastic laugh escaped Charlie. “Your father is the President of the United States. He's the most powerful man in the world. I wouldn't call him harmless.”
Jake shrugged and threw her a carefree grin. “Don't worry Doc, I'll protect you. Promise.” Without hesitating he leaned closer and sealed his promise with a gentle kiss. A kiss that turned from gentle to hungry and urgent in the blink of an eye.
Man that guy kisses like nobody’s business. Charlie didn't want to think about all the practice he must have had to get that incredible. If she did, the ugly jealousy monster would begin to make an appearance again. Jealousy wasn't a rational emotion and definitely not one she had any right to feel.
Charlie knew the minute he decided to end the kiss. There was a subtle change in the pressure of his lips. It was always that way. For a moment she toyed with the idea of trying to get him to continue his heavenly onslaught. More than once she'd been able to do it. But today she doubted she'd be able to.
“I'd love to stay here with you all day, but they'll be wondering where we are. The Secret Service will have let them know we've arrived.”
Charlie nodded, not wanting to speak. If she did, Jake would know just how breathless his kiss left her and she didn't see any need to stroke the guy's ego.
“Just relax. Everything will be fine. You're going to have a great weekend.”
Jake didn't wait for a reply; instead he opened his car door.
“Enjoy yourself and think of all the stories you'll be able to tell people later,” she said under her breath as she waited for Jake to open her car door. A few weeks earlier she would have done it herself, but since spending time in his company she'd gotten used to him opening doors for her. While she'd never admit it to anyone, she liked having him do it. It made her feel pampered and special. When they parted ways she would miss these unfamiliar feelings. I'm not going to focus on that now. This weekend is all about having some fun. Jake reached for her hand and they walked out of the garage and into the bright sunshine together.
They hadn't even made it out of the grand marble-tiled foyer with its pillars and vaulted ceiling when a petite woman with long mahogany hair and eyes identical to Jake's greeted them. Charlie may not read popular celebrity magazines often, but even she recognized Callie Taylor, Jake's half-sister. She'd thought the woman was pretty when she'd seen her in photos but they didn't do her justice. It was no wonder Dylan Talbot had fallen in love with her.