“That’s a fact, but we’ll keep digging until we’ve uprooted all the weeds.”
Silence enveloped them as Heather resumed her study of her shoes. Jake understood her reticence but wasn’t sure how to reach her. If he touched her she’d likely pull away. And verbal assurances seemed hollow. She was in serious shit and denying the fact only compounded the danger.
She rolled her shoulders and rubbed the back of her neck.
“Stiff?” The word made him smile. He was halfway there himself.
“I feel like I ran back-to-back marathons yesterday.”
“You basically did. The hot tub is on a timer. It should be perfect right about now.”
She looked at the waiting spa and then his face. “I don’t have a swimsuit.”
He grinned at her. “You won’t be the first woman to take a dip in her underwear.”
After a short pause she asked, “Will you come with me?”
Coming with her was exactly what he’d like to do, but he kept the innuendo to himself. “If you like.”
“I would.”
He took her hand and led her to the stairs that led to the lower level. The hot tub cover was on a counterbalanced lifter so it only took a moment to remove. “Why don’t you get in while I go grab some towels and something to drink?”
“Thanks.” She offered him a hesitant smile.
“What would you like?”
“I know it’s early but I’d love a glass of wine.”
“White or red?”
“White, maybe something light and fruity.”
“I’ll see what I can find.”
Heather watched Jake retrace their steps and disappear into the house. He moved with such agile strength it was hard to look away. She shook her head and reached beneath the t-shirt to unzip her jeans. He’d given her a few minutes of privacy. Was she going to stand here like a fool and squander them?
She kicked off her shoes, tucked her socks inside them then wiggled out of the jeans. Luckily the t-shirt was black, but she wasn’t wearing a bra so she’d try to keep her chest below the waterline. The open-sided gazebo was more decoration than protection. Even so, the water felt wonderful as she climbed into the spa and sank beneath its silky warmth. She didn’t know how to activate the jets so she just relaxed and waited for Jake’s return.
He’d changed into a pair of navy-blue swim trunks. Several towels were draped over his shoulder and he carried an open bottle of wine and two glasses. “I tend to stick to beer, so if this sucks you don’t have to drink it.”
“A restaurateur who doesn’t know wine?” She rolled her eyes in mock disdain. “I’m insulted.”
He chuckled and sunlight touched his eyes, making them shine like emeralds. She’d never met anyone whose eyes changed so dramatically. At times they appeared almost black then suddenly they’d shimmer with inner light and the green would shine through. “There’s no lack of pretentiousness in Aspen. I just chose not to play those games. I keep the menu simple and focus on the food.” After draping the towels over one of the gazebo’s rails, he arranged the wine bottle and glasses within easy reach of the hot tub.
She watched him silently, enjoying the bunch and flex of his toned body. “Do any of your sisters still live at home?”
“The youngest moved out last summer.” He climbed into the spa and sat down across from her. “She lived in the dorms for the first two years but found it hard to study. So she and two friends found an apartment in Boulder. I think they’ll all be much happier.” He shook his head and reached for the wine bottle. “I can’t believe she’s old enough to be on her own.”
“She goes to CU?” He nodded and an odd ache surrounded her heart. Of course Jake’s sister would attend university. Heather sank deeper into the water. She’d always wanted to go to college but her father thought education was a waste of money. According to Nate, Therian males knew everything they needed to know instinctively and Therian females only needed to know how to please their males.
Not wanting to dwell on the contrast between their lifestyles, she moved the conversation onward. “What about the other two? Is Enya oldest or in the middle?”
He handed her a glass of wine then turned and activated the jets. The motor rumbled for a moment then air gushed out, creating powerful currents and a blanket of bubbles. “Liz is oldest. She’s been married four years and has two daughters. Enya’s next. As you know, she helps me with Toulouse Tavern. And Tara’s the one who lives in Boulder. She wants to do something in the medical field, nurse, imaging technician or maybe a doctor. It will depend on how long she wants to stay in school.”