Her Maine Attraction: A Small Town Romance (Pine Cove Book 1) Read online

  “You wouldn’t have bothered me. Never think that,” he says, tucking my windblown hair behind my ear.

  “Okay,” I whisper, just as Jake braces himself on the arms of the chair and kisses me, soft and sweet. Pulling away, he holds his hand out for me to take.

  Placing mine in his, I stand up, but he only takes two steps before stopping and nodding at the boat in the water. “Step in,” he says.

  “The boat?”

  “Yes, the boat.” He smirks.

  Using him for balance, I step off the dock and into the boat, letting out a little scream when it starts to rock under my weight. But I just laugh it off, letting go of his hand to sit on one of the benches.

  Jake is way smoother than me when he steps in and unties the rope attaching the boat to the dock. Pushing us off, he sits across from me and grabs the oars. When he starts to row, my eyes are glued to his arms as they flex with his movements, and I clench my thighs together, thinking about those same strong arms wrapped around me – holding me, lifting me, touching me.

  Taking a deep breath, I tear my eyes away and look out around the lake. Squinting, I stick my hand in the water and let the freezing temperature jolt me away from my thoughts of Jake’s sexy arms.

  Distracting myself, I run my fingers over the vine pattern weaving its way around the boat. It’s as if I’m looking at the real thing. The details are so intricate.

  Glancing back at Jake, I find his eyes already on me, watching me.

  “This is beautiful, Jake. The boat, the water, the day,” I tell him, smiling.

  His face softens just the slightest. “Good.”

  We fall back into a comfortable silence, and I watch as the boat cuts through the water seamlessly as if we were floating. Closing my eyes, I lean back onto the bench behind me and listen to the swishing of the water around us.

  I love it out here. It’s so peaceful.

  I usually hate being in small boats like this out on a lake because I have no idea what’s lurking beneath the surface if I happened to fall in. The last time I was in one was when I was at Girl Scout camp and the other girls thought it was funny to rock the boat like we were going to fall in because they saw how scared I was of it. But that water was gross.

  This is heaven. Plus, I have Jake to rescue me if fall in.

  Enjoying the silence for a few more minutes, I open my eyes and sit up. “Tell me something.”

  “Like what?” he asks.

  “I don’t know. Anything. Tell me about your family.”

  “We all live here in Pine Cove. My dad is the town doctor and my mom is his receptionist. I have an older brother and two younger brothers.”

  “How old are they? What do they do?”

  “Ryan is 34 and is the Sheriff. Tyler’s 29 and a fireman in town. And then Chris is 27, and he’s an Army doctor. He’s overseas right now.”

  Damn, they all have impressive jobs.

  “What about you?”

  “Are you asking me how old I am, darlin’?” He smirks.

  “Maybe.” I smile.

  “I’m 33. Is that okay with you?” He smirks again.

  “I guess.” I smile, biting my lip. “So how did you end up being the fine wood worker that you are?”

  “Is that an appropriate thing to ask a man after he just showed you his woodworking skills?”

  “Oh my god.” I laugh. “I didn’t mean that.”

  “I know.” He laughs, giving me his first real smile. And holy sweet baby Jesus, a dimple pops out of his left cheek and I want to faint. I didn’t think he could get any sexier.

  “What?” I ask, forgetting what we were talking about, and that just makes him smile wider, flashing me his sexy straight, white teeth. Can teeth be sexy?

  “You asked me about my woodworking.”

  “Oh, yeah, um, how did you start? With boats, not your penis,” I add, still mesmerized by his smile.

  “I always liked making things with my hands. And one day I was in the hardware store and Dottie’s husband saw me looking a little lost, so he asked if I wanted to learn a unique skill.”

  “You’ve been doing it for a long time, then?”

  “Sort of. But it’s only in the past five years that I’ve created my business.”

  “What did you do before five years ago?” I feel like I’m taking a risk by asking him so many questions, but I can’t help it, I need to unravel him.

  “I went to college. And then I joined the Navy.”

  “Because you love boats?” I smile.

  “Something like that,” he says, but his demeanor starts to shift.

  “Why didn’t you just start your business from the beginning? Or did you always want to join the Navy?”

  I watch his face harden and his jaw flex tight. I clearly asked the wrong question. Looking away, I leave him with his thoughts, and give him the time to relax again. I knew my questions were going to hit a wall at some point, I just didn’t realize asking him about the Navy would be such a sensitive subject.

  When I feel us starting to gain speed, my eyes dart back over to him, and I see him staring off at nothing, a blank look in his eyes. I don’t think he realizes what he’s doing.

  “Hey, Jake.” I try to get his attention, but he doesn’t hear me. “Jake,” I say a little louder, but still nothing. “Jake!” I yell, finally getting his eyes on mine. “Come back from wherever you are. You’re here with me, okay?”

  His jaw ticks, and he slows his pace, his eyes becoming clearer the longer he looks into mine. Blinking a few times to refocus, he looks around, and then starts to direct us back towards the dock.

  Tying the boat up, Jake steps out and holds his hand out to help me. I try and let go when I’m safely on the dock, but he tightens his grip, and my eyes find his.

  “I…” he trails off.

  “It’s okay,” I say, squeezing his hand. “You don’t have to tell me.” His eyes soften a little, but I know his mind is still somewhere else, so I decide to give him an out. “Do you mind taking me home? I have a few things I have to take care of.” Relief flashes in his eyes, and I know I made the right choice.

  He nods and starts walking us up and around his house to his truck. The ride back to the cottage is a little strained, but I know he needs his space right now to sort through whatever is going on in his head. I just hope he’ll feel comfortable enough to tell me one day.

  When he parks, I lean over the middle console and kiss his cheek, smiling softly. “See you soon.”

  Hopping out, I quickly climb the front steps and retreat inside, heading straight to the kitchen. I need a glass of wine, or a whole bottle.

  I seem to be taking one step forward with Jake, and then five steps back.

  Chapter 10

  Walking into work Monday morning, I’m exhausted. After my day with Jake yesterday, I drank wine and watched TV until I was tired enough to sleep. But even then, I didn’t sleep for more than an hour before I started tossing and turning.

  “Morning, Courtney,” I say, putting my purse away.

  “Hey, Ally,” she says, putting her hand on her hip. “Please tell me you were as hung over as me yesterday. I was miserable for hours. I don’t think I’ve drank that much since college.”

  “Uh, not really. I was when I first woke up, though.”

  “What does that mean?” she asks, a confused look on her face until she smiles wide. “Oh, shit, wait! Jake brought you home! Did he take advantage of the fact that you were drunk?” She winks. “That kiss was hot by the way. Thanks for doing it right in front of me.”

  “Oh my god,” I groan, slapping my hand to my forehead. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. And no, he carried me inside and put me to bed. And then I made him stay with me.”

  “Oohh, tell me more!” She beams, and I give her a quick rundown of yesterday’s events.

  “I just hate that I upset him. I didn’t know if, or how, I could help, so I thought it was best to leave him be to deal, you know?”

  “Ally, i
t’s not your fault. You wanted to get to know him and asking him about his life is normal.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” I shrug.

  “No, listen. Jake obviously has some things to work out that he’s struggling with. But you just keep being you. You can’t force anything.”

  “Yeah, I guess,” I repeat. I have nothing else to add.

  I’ve been thinking about all of this since I got home yesterday and I just can’t anymore. My brain is going to explode if I don’t find something to occupy myself with. I brew the coffees and set up the creamer station, just trying to go through the motions of normalcy.

  Customers come and go all morning and I’m thankful, but surprised, with how busy it is.

  “Is it usually this busy on a Monday?” I ask Courtney when there’s a little break.

  “No, they’re here to check you out,” she says, like it’s such an obvious answer.

  “What do you mean they’re here to check me out?”

  She laughs lightly. “Yeah, well, you made out with Jake Taylor Saturday night in a bar full of people. That’s big news around here.”

  “I wasn’t really paying attention to the people around us.”

  “I’ll say,” she scoffs. “And the people of Pine Cove haven’t seen Jake take an interest in anyone in a very long time. Not since I got here anyway.”

  “And before? Do you know?”

  “No.” She shakes her head. “But you have to realize that Jake doesn’t go out in Pine Cove. Ever. So, the fact that he was even at The Rusty Anchor, let alone making out with you – the new girl no one knows anything about – is a big deal. That’s a lot of hot gossip for us townies.”

  “Great, so I’m the subject of gossip.”

  “You’re doing great so far! Everyone’s coming in to check you out and you’re being really nice and friendly. Just keep it up and pretend you don’t know what’s happening.”

  “I’ll try,” I say sarcastically, rolling my eyes.

  The rest of the day goes by so slow, with what seems like the whole town coming in to check me out. I could tell that’s why they were here, too, because they were staring at me as if inspecting me, and being extra friendly. Some even started asking me a whole host of personal questions. But instead of saying what I was thinking, I made sure I put on my Miss Manners hat and didn’t let them think I knew the little game they were playing.

  “That was exhausting,” I sigh, wiping the tables down at closing.

  “You’re good for business.” Courtney laughs. “I’m glad I hired you.”

  “Gee, thanks. I’m glad our friendship has brought you a monetary gain.”

  “Oh, shut it.” She smiles as we both finish our cleaning and head out.

  “See you Thursday,” I say as I walk to my car.

  “See you then.” She waves.

  Making a stop at the grocery store before going home is a must. Dottie left me the basics to start me out, but I’m in desperate need of actual food and ingredients to cook with. Walking around the store, I decide on a whim to pick up what I think I’d need to make homemade blueberry pie. I have the next two days off, so I may call Dottie and see if she can come over and teach me how to make her famous pie. Then I’ll be able to pay Jake for his services.

  HA. That makes him sound like a hooker.

  And if I know how to make his favorite pie, then I can bribe him with it if I ever might need to.

  Putting my groceries away at the cottage, I find Dottie’s number on the fridge and call her straight away. “Hello?”

  “Hi, Dottie, it’s Ally.”

  “Ally, dear, how are you? Are you settling in fine?”

  “Yes, I am, thank you. How are you liking living with your daughter and her family?”

  “It’s an adjustment with all of the constant noise and activity around me.” She laughs. “But I love them dearly.”

  “That’s good. I was actually wondering if you were free tomorrow or Wednesday? I thought maybe you could come over and teach me how to make your blueberry pie?”

  “Do you need to pay Jake already?” She chuckles.

  “Yes, something like that.” Oh, if she only knew.

  “I can be there Wednesday at eleven if that’s good for you?”

  “Yes, that’s great. Thank you so much.”

  “Of course, dear, I’m glad you called. I’ll see you then, have a good night.”

  “Bye, Dottie.”

  I hang up and smile. Pie can fix anything, right?

  * * * *

  Deciding to have a lazy day on Tuesday, I sleep in and catch up on some of the sleep I’ve lost due to a certain man who’s invaded my life since moving here. I do a little cleaning and organizing, and spend some time sitting out on the back porch, sipping iced tea and reading. This is the first relaxing day I’ve had in a long while, even before moving here.

  I take a midafternoon walk around the property to stretch my legs and enjoy the fresh air, and find myself standing in front of the cottage, staring at it. I take in all the bursting colors and flowers that are spilling out and overflowing from everywhere, and I have the sudden urge to paint it.

  I’m only just getting used to this feeling again, and I’ve missed it.

  Setting up an easel and a kitchen chair out in front of the house, I go back for one of the larger canvases I purchased, and all of my supplies.

  Taking a seat, I smile up at the little blue cottage that I’ve grown very attached to. I have to mix together a few shades until I finally capture the perfect robin’s egg blue I need, and when I make that first brushstroke on the canvas, I feel my body relax.

  It’s different than the other night with Jake. Then, I was driven by lust filled, all-consuming emotions that I couldn’t shake. While now, all I’m feeling is peace and gratitude. I do know, though, that I wouldn’t be sitting here painting at all if it wasn’t for him. Jake woke me up. One touch from him, and everything I thought I had buried into oblivion came rushing to the surface.

  Minutes turn to hours as I sit out here and let the world fall away. I haven’t felt this calm in a long time.

  When the sun starts to disappear behind me, I blink out of my daze, realizing how late it’s gotten. Putting my brush down, I stand and stretch, stepping back to look at what I’ve done so far. I love it.

  Gathering my supplies, I bring everything inside and then carefully the still wet painting into the spare bedroom, leaning it against one of the walls where I know it won’t be seen or disturbed.

  * * * *

  Waking up early the next day, I want to make sure I’m ready for Dottie’s arrival. I want her house to look as good as she left it, so I dust from top to bottom, water the plants outside, sweep the front and back porches, and then make sure the kitchen is spotless for our baking today.

  I have just enough time to shower and change before I hear a knock at the door. Rushing to open it, I find Dottie with a big smile and an armful of bags. She’s sporting a classic grandma look today with a pink tracksuit and white sneakers, and I freaking love it.

  “Hi, Dottie. I’m so glad you’re here.”

  “I’m glad you called so soon, dear. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to wait a month or two.”

  “Of course not! I’m dying for more of your company. Making pies was just an excuse,” I tell her, reaching for the bags in her hands. “Here, let me take those.”

  We walk into the house, and she stops to look around. “Oh, I’ve missed this place. But you’ve taken good care of it so far.”

  “Did you think I’d ruin it in a week?”

  “No, dear. I just mean you haven’t changed anything really.”

  “Of course not, I love this place. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

  She places her hand on my arm and looks at me with glassy eyes. “That’s very sweet of you, thank you. I had a good feeling about you from the beginning, and I’m glad to know I was right.”

  “Thanks, Dottie.” I smile. “Now, should we get started? Then we can sit a
nd have some tea after. If you have time?”

  “That sounds lovely, dear. I have all the time in the world today.”

  For the next hour, we work side by side making our pies. Her secret ingredient she says, is love. So, while I combine and roll the crust out, I try and convey to it that I love it more than anything in the whole wide world. If that will come through in the end, I have no idea. It’s freaking dough! Or crust? I don’t know, but I know it doesn’t have feelings.

  Dottie said she lost her original recipe decades ago, so she’s been making it by memory ever since.

  “Is it okay if I write it down?” I ask.

  “Hmm, yes, I suppose you may be privileged to it now.” She jokes, smiling warmly at me.

  “Thank you, that means a lot. I miss my grandmother and her baking, so this reminds me of that. Plus, I think I’ll have to make Jake a few of these in the near future for helping me out so much.”

  “He’s had to help you already?” she asks, a small smile on her lips.

  “Well, yes, sort of. My first night, I called him at like 2am to come and help me because I heard loud noises and growling outside, and I didn’t know what to do. Turns out it was a bear out on the porch that broke a few flower pots, and then Jake came over the next morning and fixed everything. It was really nice of him to come in the middle of the night to help a complete stranger, and all I had to offer him was a slice of pie. Now, though, I can make him a whole pie.”

  I look over at Dottie and see her smiling, a twinkle in her eyes. “So, he was nice then?”

  “Yes, he was. He didn’t talk much, but he was nice,” I tell her, not mentioning the fact that he basically hypnotized me that night, and now I can’t get enough of him. I don’t think that would be good for her elderly heart.

  We put our pies in the oven, and I make us tea before we go and sit out on the back porch.

  “Now, tell me everything, dear,” she says, patting my knee, “About you and my Jake.”

  “What do you mean?” I ask, trying to play it cool.

  “Come now. Just because I moved an hour north doesn’t mean I don’t get the gossip at my front door.”