This is the last chapter to be posted in this book. I hope you enjoyed your introduction to Jake Carrington and the gang.
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Chapter Five
Jake walked into Louie’s house—the noise level, created by all the seven-year-olds running around, screaming at the top of their lungs, immediately pierced his ear drums. He dodged a few as he passed the living room; he noticed Louie Jr., whom everyone called LJ to distinguish between father and son, with his friends, playing some video game and ribbing each other as young boys often do. Jake caught LJ’s eye.
“Hey, Uncle Jake. Dad’s out back.”
“Thanks, LJ. I’ll see you later.”
Jake continued to make his way to the kitchen. He could only hope the noise level would be lower outside. As he walked into the kitchen he spotted the organized chaos. In the center of it all was Sophia talking to a dark-haired woman in a low-cut red sundress with a jacket. The newcomer left him breathless. At five-nine those tall high heels she wore showcased her long, shapely legs. His thoughts ran wild. He knew exactly where he’d like her to wrap them. She laughed at something Sophia said. Her laughter vibrated through him—sounding like music. He thought of a line from an old Bogie movie, ‘Boy, she was a tall drink of water’—he wanted a sip of that. She wore large gold hoop earrings, a gold bracelet, and an emerald ring on her right hand, nothing on her left. Good detecting, Jake thought, laughing inwardly. Sophia moved around the kitchen while they spoke, each movement automatic. Food dishes containing different kinds of treats littered the counter. In his peripheral vision, he saw Sophia pull something out of the oven that smelled heavenly, though Jake never took his eyes off the other woman.
They’d yet to notice him. He cleared his throat. “My God, Sophia, you’ve outdone yourself this time. Whatever it is smells great. I want to be the first to taste it.”
“Jake, you finally made it. This is my friend Mia Andrews.” Sophia introduced her.
Mia held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Sophia talks about you all the time.”
He took her extended hand, surprised at the firm handshake and pleased with the soft skin, each sensation shooting through his body. Jake wished he’d dressed for the party. Instead he’d wore broken-in jeans with boots, a collared cotton shirt, the sleeves rolled half way up his arms—his idea of dress-up. He had a thing for belt buckles. Today he wore a silver American Bald Eagle.
“Nice to meet you, Mia. I’ll have to speak with Louie. He never mentioned you.” He looked over at Sophia.
“Louie’s out back, Jake. He’s on grill duty,” Sophia said innocently.
“I’ll see him in a moment. For now, I think I’ll help out in here. What do you need me to do?” He hoped Sophia wanted him to do something because he didn’t want to leave the kitchen. Or leave Mia, until he got to know her.
“She won’t accept any help. Everyone’s offered,” Mia said.
“Oh, that’s our girl. Come on, Sophia, what do you need?” Jake pushed.
“Nothing. Everything’s done. It just has to be taken out when Louie finishes cooking. In fact, let me check with him to see how he’s doing out there. I’ll be right back.” Sophia left them alone.
“Subtle, isn’t she?” Mia said.
What a smile, Jake thought. Gleaming white teeth, though her eyes were what caught his attention. When she smiled, they lit up like stars; cerulean eyes that stared directly into his, igniting a fire which shot straight through his core. Jake brought himself back to earth, willing himself to look away, breaking the stare. He didn’t want to appear rude.
