AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“How can we help?” Hannah asked.
Jake pointed to the cabinet to the left of the sink. “You could grab some bowls.” He opened a drawer to fetch spoons and napkins.
“Would you like anything to drink?” he asked Emma.
She shook her head. “No, thank you.”
Hannah smiled to herself, glad to see Emma on her best behavior. She caught herself staring at his flexing forearm as he dug the scoop into the ice cream. She had to keep her eyes away from his mouth as he ate. And she had to take deep breaths as he stood next to her at the sink, cleaning up.
“I was thinking about building a fire in the back yard, toasting some marshmallows?”
“That sounds great!” Emma said.
It did sound great, but it was late. She loved Olivia and Jesse and Maggie, but they were as snoopy as they were loving. If she stayed much later, they were going to be all over her business.
“How about next time?” At least, she hoped he’d ask again. “It’s just that we have church tomorrow.”
She could hear the crickets outside as Emma talked to Millie, scratching the pig’s belly on the kitchen floor. She wished this moment could last forever.
“You want to join me again for dinner, tomorrow?” he asked.
“Yes.” But then she remembered it was Sunday. “Oh shoot, we have dinner at the farm on Sundays.”
He smiled. “Monday?”
Hannah looked at Emma, and she was pleased to see her daughter’s encouraging expression. “That sounds great.”
He walked them home, being sure to include both of them in conversation. When they reached the porch, Emma didn’t get the hint.
“Emma, go inside and get ready for bed.”
“It’s really early, though.”
It was too good to be true, Hannah thought ruefully. The moment Emma set foot back on the farm, her teenage attitude returned.
“Emma. Go.” She raised an eyebrow.
Emma knew she meant business. “Good night, Mr. Malloy.”
“You can call me Jake, you know.” He smiled. No sooner was Emma gone than she saw Maggie peek from behind the curtain.
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful night,” she said. She wished with all her might that she could kiss him, but instead she stepped back. “I really had a nice time.”
She shot her eyes toward the window.
Jake laughed. “I had areallynice time, Hannah. I always have a nice time with you.”
He stepped closer to her.
“They’re watching us.”
“I know.”
He took her hand and kissed her sweetly and lightly on the lips. She kept her eyes closed for a moment after their lips parted. She was glad he was holding onto her, because the whole world was spinning.
“See you at church?”
She couldn’t speak at first, but finally managed to whisper, “See you at church.”
