Page 25 of Love By Sunset

Jake and Emily exchanged a quick look before she answered. ‘Um… a few more days, for sure. I originally took ten days, but… things have changed, so I don’t know. I used to come here a lot when I was a child, for holidays. I’ve always loved it here. It’s a real treat to be back.’

A silence fell before Annie broke it. ‘Why don’t you both come round for a meal one night? My cooking isn’t quite up to Jake’s standards, but even if I say so myself, it’s not bad.’

Emily looked at Jake, waiting for him to take the lead and decide.

He shrugged. ‘We might not have time, Mum. Emily’s not here for much longer and we’d like… I want to…’ Spend the time screwing her, he finished silently, heat on his cheekbones as he realised everyone knew what he was trying so hard not to say.

‘Just the one evening?’ Annie looked, and sounded, quietly disappointed.

His Ma could look at him pleadingly all she liked, but he’d never taken girlfriends round before. She knew that. None of them would last, none of them were important. There was no reason to take Emily. Nothing had changed.

Which is why his heart gave a sudden thump, and an icy wave prickled over his skin as he heard himself saying, ‘Okay. Which night would suit you best, Mum? Emily, are you okay with this?’

He’d done a first again. Without meaning to.

Emily stared at him, her eyebrows raised, and no wonder. Nothing he was doing was in line with the behaviour he’d indicated she had to accept if she agreed to their fling. He’d already confessed to feeling uncertainty about his motives and feelings. Now he was throwing a family dinner her way.

‘I don’t mind. Thank you, Mrs Bradstock, it’s very kind of you.’

‘Oh, please, call me Annie. How about Saturday night?’

Jake shrugged. ‘I’d rather not do a weekend night. The café is still busy on Saturdays and Sundays. Sunday would be okay, though.’

Astonishment flashed across his Ma’s face but was soon replaced by pleasure. ‘Sunday it is, then.’

He couldn’t blame her for the confusion of reactions. He was acting out of character. But he refused to analyse what had happened, that he and Emily had just committed to having a meal with his mother. No, he wouldn’t think about it.

‘What is it you do, cariad?’ Annie turned to Emily who had, Jake noticed a little sourly, an amused smile on her face.

‘Iwasin business, and my days were mapped out for weeks to come. I found I resented it, then Jake challenged me to let go of the control I’d imposed on my life and see what happened. So I did, and it’s firmed up thoughts I was having about a change of direction.’ Emily lifted her coffee and took a careful sip. ‘So far, nothing’s caused me to regret taking up his challenge.’

Jake shot her a look, interest flaring at what she was saying. So, she was enjoying her fling?

‘Sounds like Claire.’ Mrs Bradstock put her mug down and gave a beaming smile. ‘She’s a teacher, but she’s not happy. She’s decided to change her job, too, and is doing a second degree in horticulture. Wants to be come a gardener, so she does.’

‘Sounds ideal. A lovely job if you can get things to grow. I usually kill plants with a glance.’

Jake watched in bemusement as his mother and Emily talked easily together. This was getting way out of control. Time to break up the cosy tête-à-tête before his ma started sharing baby stories about him!

Leaning forwards, he laid his hand on Emily’s arm, compelling her to look at him. ‘Why did you come back here, anyway? I thought you’d gone off for the day, and I’d see you at mine after I closed the café?’

He noticed the sudden sharpening of his mother’s expression. ‘How would she get in?’

Shaking his head, Jake stood and collected the plate and mugs. ‘I gave her,’ he enunciated slowly, ‘a key. Okay? Am I allowed?’ He directed a filthy look at Emily.

She coughed, trying to hide her laughter.

His ma looked chastened and rose to her feet. ‘Sorry, son. I’m sorry. I’ll get off and leave you to it, then. See you on Sunday. Good to meet you, Emily.’ This last was said over her shoulder as she beat a hasty retreat to the door. Jake stood, his hands full of crockery, still shaking his head. When the door closed behind her, he turned without another word, shouldering his way into the kitchen, and leaving Emily looking at bit guilty. About her amusement, he supposed.

A few moments later, face now composed, she followed him in and watched as he pulled dough from the oven and punched it down with ferocity.

‘That was so sweet.’ Emily grinned at him.

‘Sweet?Sweet? Why?’

‘Ah, come on, you must have seen the funny side of it! Sexy surfer dude being questioned by his mama. Kind of stripped away your aura, but you know something? I like you better for it. You didn’t get cross with her… well, not too cross… and you haven’t blown me up for laughing. Keep those hands away and come and let me give you a kiss, lover-boy.’ Her voice dropped to a husky purr as she leaned back against the door.

Crossing over to her in two long strides, Jake leaned in and lowered his lips to hers, allowing Emily to pull his head closer as they ravished each other’s mouths. His hips pressed into her, and he knew she’d feel his erection.

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