One Touch Page 9

  "What if I did?"

  "Um. Hellooo! This is Jake we're talking about. You know, Chloe's father. What on earth were you thinking?"

  "That's just the point, Rach. My brain shorted out the minute he kissed me."

  "Well, I sure hope it was worth it, honey. Jeez! I knew I shouldn't have left you two alone."

  "If you recall, you were trying to climb into Tom's skin when you left. Did it work, by the way?"

  "It might have, except for the damn phone call he got from the station. Story of my lousy sex life. The second I get a man naked, something always seems to come up. And not what I was hoping for, either, if you know what I mean."

  Cass laughed. Rachael had the lousiest luck with men of any woman she knew. “So, is he going to call?"

  "So he said. But I'm not holding my breath. I get the feeling that nice detective gets all the attention he needs without having to chase around for it. Let's just say, I'm not sitting by the phone waiting for it to ring. He was nice, though. And what a body! Seeing him in the flesh should be good for a few fantasies to keep me going."

  Cass flopped onto her back on the sofa and laughed.

  "Anyway, the reason I called..."

  "Yes, I was wondering about that, apart from prying into my love life, of course.” She tucked the phone under her chin, and threw her arms over her head, trying to settle into a comfortable position and ease the ache in her back from the lumps in the padding.

  "Yeah, well the least said about that, the better, I think ... Now, as I was saying ... the reason I called is that Liz rang earlier and invited us over for a barbeque tomorrow night. Did she call you?"

  "Yes.” Cass gave up trying to get comfortable and stood up, perching instead on the stool next to the phone.

  "You going?"

  "Yes."

  "You want me to pick you and Chloe up on my way?"

  "Sounds good. What time?"

  "Oh, I don't know. How does six sound?"

  "Great. We'll be ready. Now I really have to hit the sack, Rach. I'm pooped. See you then."

  As she put the phone down, she looked at the clock. 10:45. Time for bed. More than time for bed, she thought to herself as she stretched and yawned. She was tired. If Rachael hadn't called, she would have been in bed ages ago.

  She turned off the lights and checked on Chloe. Her little arms cuddled Max the monkey tightly as usual, and Cass smiled before leaning down to kiss her soft curls. Stripping her clothes off in her bedroom, she sighed with delight as she snuggled down into the bed. Just as she was drifting off, a flash of lightning lit up the room like daylight, followed by a clap of thunder so loud it rattled the windows. She groaned at the thought of trying to sleep with the hole in her ceiling tonight. Swiping her pillow off the bed, she shrugged into her silky robe and padded back out to the sofa and curled up, waiting for sleep to claim her.

  It must have been Rachael's phone call, because whenever she shut her eyes, all she could see was Jake. Jake smiling at her, Jake nuzzling her neck from behind as his hands came around to cup her breasts, Jake holding her face tenderly as he slowly thrust into her, filling her, driving her over the edge ... Jake, Jake, Jake!

  In exasperation, she sat up, pulling her legs up under her chin and hugged her knees. Absently, she watched the storm rage outside and wondered what she had to do to get over this. No matter how hard she tried not to, thoughts of him would creep into her head. The man was like a drug and she needed a fix.

  In one way, she was relieved he hadn't gotten back to her with the quote. With any luck, he was too busy and the job was too small for him to bother with. That way, she wouldn't have to face him again. It was such a damn mess!

  * * * *

  Blinding sunlight poured in through the huge window. Opening her eyes slowly, squinting until they became accustomed to the glare, Cass was relieved to note that the storm seemed to have blown itself out overnight. She sat there for a few minutes, watching the sun sparkling off the water. The sea had that beautiful blue-green tinge about it today and now that the wind had died down, the surf was rolling in clean and white, all the choppiness from the storm gone.

  The TV was on low and Chloe was sitting on the floor in front if it in her pyjamas watching the Saturday morning cartoons, Max beside her on the floor. She was such a good kid. No matter how hard it was raising Chloe on her own, it was worth every single second of it.

  She swung her legs to the floor, stood and stretched, then groaned as she felt the stiffness in her body. Rubbing her eyes, she padded over to kiss Chloe good morning, tousling the soft curls.

  "And how's mumma's little monster this morning?"

  A roll of Chloe's eyes and a distracted mumble was all she received. Not much came between Chloe and her cartoons, she thought with a grin.

  Cass made her way to the kitchen. First stop—coffee. As usual, her body felt like a steamroller had run over it from sleeping on the lumpy sofa. She badly needed a new one, but going by the quotes from the builders she had already received, quite apart from the insurance money, the renovations would take every spare cent she had, and if the roof was fixed, then she wouldn't have to sleep on the sofa anymore anyway—thank God!

  She turned at the sound of the doorbell and looked at the clock. 8 am? Who would be calling around at this hour on a Saturday morning? Oh, please, no more kids or salesmen today, she thought to herself as she went to answer the door.

  She pulled the door open and stopped.

  "Hello, darlin'."

  The familiar, husky rumble rippled over her. It was like pouring hot, melted chocolate over ice cream. And while she stood there melting into a puddle of goo, the darkening of his eyes as he took in the fact that she was dressed in nothing more than a flimsy robe jerked her out of her lustful haze quicker than a bucket of cold water. “Jake! You're a bit early, aren't you?"

  "And there I was thinking you were an early riser. I wonder where I got that idea?"

  What struck Cass was not his mischievous grin when he said it, but the way his eyes darkened further and the lids drooped half shut as he looked at her. She remembered that look too well—her body did, too. She felt like the first three courses on a ten-course buffet. “Not this early, Jake. Please. Give me time to wake up,” she said with a weak grin on her face. All she could think about was the last time he had been at her house. If she wasn't careful, they'd have to scrape her up off the floor when she melted into a puddle of mush. She noticed her neighbour, Greg, out the front of his place picking up his newspaper off the lawn and waved shyly to him. Good one, Cass. Now what will the neighbours think? Answering the door to a man in your skimpy little robe looking like you just got out of bed.

  Shaking her head, she turned and started walking. “Come on through,” she called over her shoulder. No way was she going to give him a chance to brush up against her again, not with that look in his eyes.

  The phone rang and she rushed to pick it up. “I've made some coffee. Grab yourself a mug, Jake. I won't be long.” She turned back to the phone as he nodded to her.

  When she was done, she looked around for Jake and was surprised to find him stretched out on the floor next to Chloe, the two of them chattering away. She watched them, transfixed and not a little surprised. Considering Chloe's conversation skills at this time of the morning were usually minimal and predominantly monosyllabic, it was a surprise to see her laughing at something Jake said. She shook her head in amazement.

  "Coffee, Jake?” she called out, trying to reach him over the noise of the TV.

  With a whispered word in Chloe's ear that elicited another childish giggle, he jumped up off the floor and joined her in the kitchen. The man was definitely full of surprises.

  She grabbed the milk out of the fridge and grabbed the bowl of sugar off the counter. “How do you take it?"

  "I'm easy. However you want to give it to me, darlin'."

  She rolled her eyes at his reply. If he was starting the sexual innuendoes this early, she just couldn't take it.
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  He laughed and took the cup from her and inhaled the rich brew. “That was some storm last night."

  "Tell me about it.” His comment immediately reminded her where she'd spent the night and she sighed as she pushed on the ache in her back.

  He looked at her with concern in his eyes. “Where'd you sleep last night, Cassie? On the sofa?"

  "Yes. I'll be so glad when that roof is fixed and I can sleep in a bed like a normal person again."

  "That makes two of us."

  Cass glanced at Jake to see if he had that cheeky smirk on his face but was relieved to see that he was getting some papers out of his day organiser instead.

  * * * *

  Jake figured the only way he could get his mind off the way Cassie looked—all sleepy and mussed and very, very sexy—was to talk business. A part of him wondered, though, if that was how she would have looked if she had woken up with him instead of running out on him before he had a chance to find out.

  But with the exception of the other day, he was trying his hardest to keep this job on a professional basis—at least until he knew for sure he had it. He didn't want to spook her with his intentions until she had signed on the dotted line. Already this morning, he'd had to bite his tongue a few times and he was very proud of himself, with the exception of his crack at the door, of course. But that had slipped out before he could stop himself. The truth was, he could see she wasn't up to flirting today, and had already decided to try to be on his best behaviour.

  "I thought we might go through the quote, Cassie? If you like the price, I'd like to place the order for the materials today so that we can get started as soon as possible. I don't like the idea of you sleeping on that bloody sofa.” She looked stiff and tired and it annoyed the hell out of him. If he had his way...

  "Well, that makes two of us.” Her expression was wry as her words echoed his, cutting into his thoughts.

  They stood in the kitchen as he explained what he wanted to do, how much it would cost and how long it would take. Cassie seemed surprised when he showed her the final cost he had worked out. That was good. It meant that he must have quoted a lot lower than the others. He let her look it over for a minute while he stood back and watched her over the rim of his mug.

  "Are you sure this is right, Jake? I mean, the price is very low."

  "I'm not out to rob you, Cassie. It's a fair price.” Very fair, he thought with a grin to himself.

  He could see the indecision in her face. He held his breath and waited while she came to a decision. This just had to work or he was back to square one. She absently tucked a long strand of silky brown hair behind her ear as she read.

  Oh, Cassie darlin', d'ya have any idea how gorgeous you look standing there with your hair all mussed and that sleepy look on your face?

  He was pulled out of his ponderings when she turned to him and smiled, a breathtaking smile that made him feel warm all over.

  "The price is just too good. I'd be a fool to say no. When can you start, Jake?"

  He almost cheered. Yes! It was a struggle to calm the exultation he was feeling, but somehow he managed and his voice came out normal. “Right now, if you like."

  "You're on.” She held out her hand to seal the deal.

  He grasped the small hand she offered in both of his and shook it gently. “Great. Do you mind if I call the suppliers from here? If I can get some of the deliveries coming today, I can start first thing on Monday."

  "Of course. No problem. While you do that, I really have to soak some of these aches out in the shower."

  "Sure."

  "I won't be long."

  "Take your time. I'll still be here when you get out."

  Jake finished the calls and was standing, fresh cup of coffee in hand, facing the view, when a little hand tugged on his. He looked down to see the cutest little blue eyes looking up at him,

  "Hey, sugar. What's up?"

  "I'm hungry. Could you make me some toast, Jake? Mumma won't let me make it myself yet."

  "Sure thing. What would you like on it?"

  When she had finished clambering up on the stool to watch him, she reached for the jar of honey. “Honey, please."

  He grinned as he handed it to her and turned to put the honey away. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Chloe climbing down off the stool and heading towards the TV.

  "Nuh-uh, young lady. Back on the stool until you finish. Sticky stuff stays in the kitchen."

  "You grown-ups are all the same,” she huffed, before munching away on her toast, her short little legs swinging.

  "You better believe it, sugar.” He leaned back against the counter and watched her eat, honey dripping everywhere on the counter but on the plate and shook his hair, grinning.

  "You think my mumma's nice, don't you?"

  "I beg your pardon?"

  "You know. A babe."

  He choked on a mouthful of coffee that went down the wrong hole and looked at Chloe with his mouth agape and realised he had no idea how to reply to that one. What do you say to a four-year-old going on fourteen? “You've been watching too much TV, young lady."

  "But you watch her all the time."

  "Who says?"

  "I do. Max noticed, too."

  "Max? Who the he—Who is Max, pray tell?"

  "My monkey, silly.” She rolled her eyes at him as if he should know better.

  "Oh, right. Silly me."

  "All organised, Jake?"

  He turned from watching Chloe licking up drips of honey to see Cassie walking towards them, rubbing her wet hair with a towel. “Here, sit yourself down and let me do that.” He pulled out the other stool with his foot and sat Cassie down, taking the towel out of her hands before she could argue. The silky strands felt wonderful, but before he could let his mind wander, he was momentarily distracted by the childish giggle coming from the other side of the breakfast bar.

  "Watch it, pipsqueak.” His mock glare at Chloe just set off another round of giggles. Damn, but if little girls weren't nearly as much fun as big ones, he thought with a grin, in a different way, of course.

  "What's going on?” Cassie was looking from one to the other, confused.

  "Nothing,” two voices replied in unison before they both started laughing again.

  "Somehow I doubt it.” Cass rolled her eyes suspiciously. “How did it go with the suppliers, Jake?"

  "A couple will deliver today before lunchtime. I've told them to stack the stuff at the side of the house out of the way."

  "Great."

  "What're your plans for today?"

  "Beach. Beach. Beach,” piped up Chloe.

  Cass smiled as she wiped the sticky residue of the honey off Chloe's fingers. “Looks like we hit the beach. And you?"

  Jake glanced at his watch. “I have to go and help Rob with the lights for the barbeque tonight. You two going?"

  "Yes, we are."

  "You want a lift? I could swing by here on my way, if you like."

  "Yes, please!"

  Jake had to grab her quickly as Chloe launched herself at him, and he easily swung her up in his arms.

  "Thanks, Jake, but Rach is picking us up on her way through.” She looked pointedly at Chloe, whose face dropped. “I thought you liked Auntie Rach, Chloe..."

  "I do, it's just ... I'd rather go with Uncle Jake."

  "Maybe next time, sugar.” He flashed a grin to Chloe before giving her a quick hug and a peck on the cheek before setting her down again. “I'll see you two there, then."

  "Looks like."

  * * * *

  When Jake had gone, Cass turned to Chloe, a suspicious look in her eye. “You mind telling me what that was all about, missy? And when did Jake become Uncle Jake, pray tell?"

  "He's Auntie Lizzy's brother, isn't he?"

  "Yes."

  "Well, duh! If she's an auntie, then he must be an uncle. Honestly, Mumma...” She sighed theatrically as she wandered back to lie in front of the TV.

  Oh, baby, if only you knew, though
t Cass.

  Something was wrong. Jake wasn't acting like a man who didn't like kids. But that was why he and Sandy had broken up. Lizzy wouldn't have lied ... not over something as important to Cass as that.

  Or maybe it was just the thought of having his own he didn't like? Whatever it was, Cass was just plain confused. Part of her wanted to tell Jake about Chloe, especially considering the way that they got on.

  But what would he say? Would he hate her for not telling him sooner? Would he understand why she hadn't told him? Maybe he wouldn't want anything to do with them. That would be better.

  No, no it wouldn't. She wanted Chloe to have a relationship with her father more than anything. He most likely would want access to Chloe, but drop her like a hot potato. Of course, he might get angry ... No, he genuinely liked Chloe. He wouldn't do anything to hurt her. It wasn't in his nature.

  No, she couldn't tell him. Not until she was sure. Once she let that cat out of the bag, not only she and Jake would be affected, but Chloe, too. Besides, she'd waited this long...

  Chapter Ten

  It was a beautiful night. The sort of night at the tail end of summer where the drugging heat is absent, but the breeze still wafts warm. Clear skies, a million stars and the sharp tang of salt in the air from the crashing surf a short distance away through the dunes. It was the kind of night Jake loved.

  Leaning up against the railing of the deck, he watched Cassie. Just watched. He was desperately trying not to crowd her, but it was taking every ounce of control he had. For now, though, he was content.

  A familiar face moved into his line of vision, joining the women in Cassie's group. It was certainly someone he hadn't been expecting to see ... not here. This face promised to put a spike in his plans for the evening—nothing surer.

  "Hey bud, what's happening?"

  Jake turned at the slap on his back.

  "Tom. Night off?"

  "Yeah. Hopefully things stay quiet in the old town tonight."

  "I'll second that. So, what's happening in the world of law enforcement these days?"