SHIFT EXCHANGE

Chapter 14

Jake sent up a little prayer of thanks that she was still in the yoga pants from this morning. He could think of few sights better than Kara's firm, round butt encased in black Lycra. He said few, because there was always what her butt would look like without clothes.

Shaking his head to clear the images that were sure to get him in a world of trouble, Jake followed Kara into the house. He deposited his bags on the dining room table and looked around.

She'd lit the wood stove and the room was warm and cozy. It appeared he'd intruded on a relaxing evening of reading. Jake walked to the couch. A red fleece blanket was draped over the arm of the couch and book lay open on the cushion.

Jake picked it up and read the title. "Southern Surrender  huh? From the picture," He pointed at the shiny cover displaying a muscular male with long flowing dark hair passionately embracing a woman in an ornate maroon dress. "I would bet this is a great nonfiction account of the struggles of the southern soldier." He wiggled his eyebrows at her and flashed a crooked grin.

Kara narrowed her eyes at him as she hastily reclaimed her novel. Jake chuckled to himself. Her cheeks flamed red and she refused to make eye contact.

"I'm just teasing you," He tipped her head up to look at him. "And I'm a little concerned because I look nothing like that guy." He motioned toward the book.

Kara giggled and shook her head. "I like the muscles, but I've never been a fan of men with long hair." She sat down on the couch and curled her legs up under her. "You're attractive and you know it."

"Oh good! I feel better now." Jake ran his hand through his short, thick dark hair. He sat down next to her and couldn't help feeling like a young teenager as he smiled over at his beautiful companion. "And thank you for the compliment."

"You're welcome. So how was the rest of your day?" Kara tucked her hands into her lap and shrugged. She obviously felt as awkward as he did.

"I slept. Woke up. Went shopping. I had the hardest time getting a particularly stubborn, blonde beauty out of my head, so I finally just decided to check on her." He was pleased to see her color rising again. It was funny how such a strong, decisive person could be so affected by simple words.

He didn't even have to try. Everything he said was true.

"So how about dinner? Are you hungry?" He didn't wait for an answer, but stood up and moved toward the table where he'd left his things. She moved to follow him. "No no. You stay right where you are. I got this."

Jake retrieved his bags and went to the kitchen. He put the container of cream in her fridge then set to work pulling the paper plates and plastic ware from the bag. Jake arranged a portion of chicken, salad and bread on two plates. He opened cabinet doors in search of wine glasses and was rewarded on his third try.

He popped the cork of red wine he'd brought along and poured a small amount into two glasses. Leaving it on the counter he returned to the living room and spread the blanket out the floor in front of the wood stove. Kara watched him with curiosity from her perch on the couch.

"Are you sure you don't need any help? Did you find everything okay?" She questioned, her voice tinged with amusement.

"I can assemble a meal, I assure you. Just get comfortable and I'll be right back with our food." He scurried back to the kitchen and returned with one of the plates and wine glasses. "For milady."

Kara accepted the proffered items with a grin. "Thank you!"

"Right back." Jake retrieved his own plate, glass, and the rest of the bottle of wine. Carefully he set the bottle and glass down on the blanket before seating himself. "I hope you like it. I'm not quite versed on your favorite foods just yet."