Built To Last (Sweet Contemporary Romance) Read online

  She really shouldn’t be encouraging him, knowing she was leaving soon. But something about him made her want to get to know him better, to see what made him tick.

  Jake smiled and let go of her hand and quickly unpacked a plethora of food.

  She missed the contact, the breeze cooling her hand where his had covered it. “Wow, this is quite a spread. Did you pick this up on the way?”

  The horror-struck look on his face nearly made her laugh and he placed his hand on his heart in mock astonishment. “I’ll have you know, I made this entire meal.” He leaned in closer and winked at her. He actually winked. “The potato salad is my mother’s secret recipe.”

  He handed out sandwiches and sides. That must have been her cue, because Bella returned to the blanket with a whine and a deep sigh as she set her head on her paws. She begged with her eyes for any scrap of food they bothered to drop.

  “How did you become interested in building homes?”

  He gulped a few big bites. “My grandfather. He was a master woodworker and taught me everything he knew. But he struggled to make ends meet just selling his custom pieces and I knew I’d need more to make a living. I earned my degree in business and architecture with the goal to run my own business. It’s taken a while to finally get established, but I love it here.”

  Erin used to love it in Laguna Beach, until it became her prison. Unable to leave when that’s what she wanted the most. She had lived in Laguna Beach her entire life and her only trips out of town consisted of school field trips to Los Angeles or Sacramento.

  Except in her mind, where she’d traveled to Europe and Asia and Africa.

  She shook her head. Why was she letting her issues with her life color this wonderful day? Jake’s face had lit up when he talked about his grandfather. There was a lot of love there. But he’d left his family behind and settled in Laguna Beach. Did he have the same kind of adventurous dreams that she did? “What’s it like in Oregon?”

  “It’s a lot like this forest, actually. It never gets really warm. The summers are comfortable. I lived in a small town—a lot smaller than Laguna Beach. The pace here was a big adjustment.”

  “Yeah, definitely.” It’s a shame he hadn’t been in town before the influx of celebrity seekers and paparazzi. She bet he would have loved the slower pace, the kitchy, small-town feel of the Laguna Beach of her childhood. “How did you meet Austin?”

  His eyes brightened and a boyish grin grew on his face. “I built their house.”

  “Really? I love it. It’s perfect for them with so many little extra touches you don’t always see in the McMansions going up in town, like the crown molding and built-ins.”

  If it was possible, the smile on Jake’s face grew even larger. “That’s my specialty. I told you my grandfather was a woodworker. Every one of my homes has a lot of custom woodwork. If I could make a living carving custom pieces, I would.”

  She envied him knowing exactly what he wanted out of life and finding a way to make it happen. To this point, that hadn’t been the case for her. But it would be. Soon. As soon as she could get out of Laguna Beach. But right now, sprawled next to Jake on a blanket in the middle of the woods, she had a hard time picturing herself leaving.

  Chapter Six

  JAKE SQUINTED AWAKE and rolled his head from side to side. The sun hung lower in the sky than when he’d closed his eyes. He couldn’t believe he’d fallen asleep, Bella at his side. Erin had too, snuggled up to Bella’s other side, her arm slung over his pooch’s back.

  The three of them were probably a sight.

  Erin’s face was so peaceful in sleep, her features relaxed. From the moment he laid eyes on her, he saw something special in her. Strong, but vulnerable. And everything he’d learned about her since that first glimpse had confirmed his first impression.

  And she was here. With him. If he could slow down time and live in this moment, he would.

  He couldn’t believe he’d talked about his grandfather with her. He didn’t share his love for woodworking with many. It felt too personal, too private. He was content building homes, but his passion was woodworking and custom cabinetry. Granddad taught him how to wield a carving knife from an early age. As Jake got older, Granddad introduced him to some of the specialty tools of the trade.

  He had taken to it like a fish takes to water. From the moment he handled a simple piece of wood, his hands and fingers moved a tool with ease, exploring the wood and exposing shapes until the final image made its presence known.

  To him, Erin was like an uncarved piece of wood. There was an Erin beneath the surface that had been hidden by the years of adult responsibilities she’d taken on. That new Erin was just waiting to come out.

  He was contemplating what he could do to get to know her better when Bella jumped up from the blanket and barked. Jake propped on his elbows. “What do you see, Bella? What’s out there?”

  Erin startled awake.

  A field rabbit darted back and forth in front of their blanket, Bella close on its heels, as it tried to avoid Bella’s eager jaws.

  “Bella, leave the poor bunny alone. Bella, here.” He snapped his fingers. “Here.”

  Bella slid to a stop on the pine needles and pouted at Jake like he’d taken away her favorite toy. He shot her a look and she lowered her head and ambled over, the disappointment on her face causing Erin to laugh.

  “Sorry to wake you up. I guess Bella had been still for about as long as she could handle.”

  She scrubbed her hand down her face and patted her hair. Even rumpled from sleep, she was beautiful. “I can’t believe we fell asleep. Some first date, huh?”

  He threw her an easy grin. He wasn’t complaining. “Great date, in my opinion.”

  “I guess we need to head out.” Disappointment rang in Erin’s voice and mirrored his feelings.

  “Probably. We don’t want to be caught out here in the dark.” Although having to end his time with Erin was disappointing, it was for the best.

  She placed her much smaller hand in his when he offered it. It was only for a moment, until she released his and brushed down her jeans, but he mourned the loss of her touch all the same.

  Erin collected the last of the picnic items and after packing everything up, they headed down the trail. They walked in companionable silence. Jake, for his part, was lost in thought about what was developing between the two of them. He hoped she was thinking the same. A couple of times, their hands brushed, and he considered linking his fingers with hers. The third time her knuckles grazed his, he took the chance, threading his fingers gently through hers.

  Her head snapped to their joined hands and then her gaze locked on his. A look of confusion passed through the hazy depth for a moment but then her smile grew and it filled her eyes with happiness. Holding hands with Erin felt good. Right. Maybe too good, considering he’d only known her for a day.

  Her steps slowed as they approached the car. “I wish today didn’t have to end.”

  The wistfulness of her words washed over him and sank deep into his heart. He agreed completely. There had to be a way, something they could do, to spend more time together. Finally, an idea struck him. “It doesn’t have to end. I’d love to have you over for dinner.”

  She sighed and her shoulders sank. “I really should check on my father.”

  “You do that a lot, don’t you? Look out for your father and your sister?”

  “Someone has to.”

  Her devotion to her family warmed his heart. Lindsay hadn’t cared about family, even after knowing how important it was to Jake. “How about we go by and check on them and then you can come back to my house for dinner?”

  Erin’s eyes brightened. “Really?”

  “Yes, really.”

  With a new spring in her step, they hurried to the parking lot, Bella on her heels. They quickly stowed their backpacks and climbed in the truck for the thirty-minute ride back to Laguna Beach. As soon as he turned onto the main road, he snaked his hand across the cons
ole and took Erin’s hand. She squeezed and didn’t let go.

  At one point, he flipped her hand over and he spied a blue and green tattoo on her wrist, the spot she’d rubbed several times last night. It clearly held significance for her. He looked forward to discovering the story behind something so dear to her.

  The wooded landscape was soon replaced by wide open spaces and then the traffic that clogged the streets of town each weekend. They were back in Laguna Beach. He craved his time in the forest, his chance to get away from the busyness of town and reconnect with nature. And wished he’d had longer with Erin.

  A few minutes later, he pulled into her driveway. “Do you want me to wait out here?”

  She shook her head. “No. I want you to meet them.”

  This was his chance for a glimpse into the life she alluded to, the family that she had committed herself to for the past ten years. But she didn’t have to be uncomfortable on his behalf. “As long as you’re sure.”

  Erin squeezed his hand. That was all the confirmation he needed.

  “Bella, stay.”

  His sweet girl whimpered from the back seat. She had already grown fond of Erin but he doubted her family was ready for Bella’s exuberance.

  They climbed out of the truck and he walked beside Erin to the door. Tension poured off her in waves and he wished he could take her hand in his. To provide her comfort. But this was her family and she needed to take the lead.

  After drawing in a deep breath, Erin slid her key into the lock and opened the door, motioning for him to follow her into the house.

  An older man stood from a recliner in the living room.

  “Hey, Daddy.” Erin crossed the room and placed a kiss on the man’s cheek. Her father ran his hand through his hair and wrapped an arm around her shoulder. The affection between father and daughter was evident, but Erin was right, the years had been hard on him. “I want to introduce you to someone. This is my friend, Jake.”

  The man extended his hand, his demeanor welcoming. “Robert.”

  Jake took Robert’s hand in his. A firm grip, but not strong, his hands showing the evidence of years of hard living. But his love for his daughter shone as he gazed at her. “Nice to meet you, sir.”

  “You too, son. How do you know my daughter?”

  Erin laughed and cuffed her father on the chest. “Daddy!”

  “It’s all right, Erin.” Jake couldn’t blame the man for being protective. If he had a daughter like Erin, he’d be asking questions, too. “I actually met her at her job. I’m friends with Austin and I needed his services yesterday.”

  Erin bent and picked up a cat winding its way through her legs. Good thing Bella hadn’t come in. She’d be trying to play with the cat. His sweet dog loved other animals but didn’t know her own size. Besides, she thought she was a lap dog anyway.

  Erin scratched the cat’s head while they talked.

  “That Austin, he’s been so good to my Erin,” her father continued. “Supporting her while she went to school. Did she tell you she graduated college last month?”

  Jake smiled at the pride on the man’s face… and the color that crept up Erin’s cheeks. “She did, sir. You must be very proud.”

  Her father wrapped his arm tighter around Erin. “I am.”

  “Daddy. I’m heading over to Jake’s for dinner, as long as you’ll be okay.”

  “You need to stop worrying about me. I’m fine. You go off. Have fun.”

  “Okay. You’re sure?” Erin seemed skeptical of her Dad’s assertion but Robert had strength beneath the weariness. Erin just probably didn’t see it with the day-in, day-out routine they had fallen into. It wasn’t Robert holding Erin back—it was just her own love of her family that probably blinded her to how well her father was doing.

  “I’m sure.”

  Erin let the cat drop to the floor and leaned over and pressed her lips to her father’s cheek. “OK, then. Bye, Daddy. I won’t be late.”

  “Stay out as long as you want. You’re a grown woman.”

  Erin laughed as they stepped out the door. From the tone, as well as the love that laced every word, Jake figured they’d had this conversation more than once. But he didn’t mind having her father’s endorsement.

  The drive to his home in Laguna Woods only took a few minutes. His stomach tightened when he turned onto his street. The moment of truth. He always hesitated before bringing someone to his house. He poured so much of himself into his pride and joy and his ego was fragile where his home was concerned.

  She never said it, but he was convinced that the house was the final straw that drove Lindsay away.

  When he pulled into the driveway, Erin gasped and her fingers flew to her mouth. “Oh my God.” She spoke softly, like she didn’t want to disturb the quiet with her voice.

  “What?”

  “This is like my dream home. I swear I’ve driven by this house a dozen times. You live here?”

  He sat up a little higher in his seat. She loved it. Somehow, he knew she would. He intended to live here for the rest of his life. Any woman he brought into that life had to love his home. Because it was a reflection of him. “I not only live here… I built it.”

  “What?” Her question came out on a screech.

  Her excitement was contagious and she laughed as the color rose on her cheeks. “Come on in, I’ll show you around.”

  Erin leapt out of the truck and rushed up the walk, Bella right on her heels. She barely contained her excitement as he unlocked the door. She pushed through into the expansive foyer as soon as he stepped back.

  “Oh, Jake. This is just beautiful.” She spun around, taking in the open floor plan that showcased the foyer, great room, and kitchen all from the front door. Polished hardwood covered the entire main level and with bright chandeliers hanging in each room, the floors practically shone. His home was a showcase of every favorite feature he’d incorporated into the homes he built.

  “Yes, it is,” Jake said, but he wasn’t talking about his house. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Erin. The fresh glow in her cheeks, the twinkle in her eyes and the bounce in her step made her beautiful to him. But it wasn’t her looks, but her personality and her strength and her boundless energy that really shone through that made her beautiful.

  He stared at her until her gaze locked with his. They shared a smile. “Come on back so I can get dinner going.”

  “What can I do to help?”

  He grabbed two steaks from the freezer and popped them in the microwave to thaw. “You can make a salad if you’d like. Everything you need should be in the bottom drawer. I’m just gonna turn on the grill. I’ll be right back.”

  Jake stepped out the back door and lit the grill. But instead of returning to the kitchen, he leaned his arms on the deck railing and sighed. He liked Erin. Too much for only knowing her for one day. And after Lindsay, he shouldn’t be jumping into a relationship with anyone so quickly. Not without knowing more about her and what she wanted out of life. He dropped his head and drew in a few deep breaths until his head finally convinced his heart to slow down.

  Only then did he open the back door.

  Erin was chopping vegetables at the counter when he stepped into the kitchen. An image of the two of them working side by side, preparing meals together, flooded his mind. He glanced over to his table and could easily picture two kids, a boy and a girl, smiling up at him.

  Maybe he’d finally found someone to share his dreams of a family.

  He stepped up beside Erin. “Looks good.”

  “Well, I’ve done my part. You better get cooking. I’m looking forward to one of those steaks.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” After a mock salute, he grabbed the steaks from the microwave, seasoned them, and carried them out to the grill.

  Their conversation over dinner was lively, talking about their respective childhoods, their likes and dislikes. Typical “getting to know you” topics, but they talked like old friends. The time passed quickly and before he knew
it, their plates were empty.

  “Can I clear your dishes?”

  “That sounds great. How about I make some coffee?” He’d become so engrossed in how easily they fell into a comfortable routine that he practically hadn’t heard her question.

  A cup of coffee was a good idea. Anything to prolong his evening with the most intriguing woman he’d met in a long time.

  They made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen and moved into the living room, coffee cups in hand. Jake grabbed a DVD and slid it in the player. A movie was a safe “first date” event, right? Not that this felt at all like a first date.

  He lowered himself to the sofa and patted the cushion beside him, inviting Erin to join him. She hesitated, nibbling her bottom lip for a minute, and then slid onto the couch beside him.

  He smiled at her and pressed the button to start the movie. She didn’t seem uncomfortable, just nervous. But as the movie progressed, Erin slid closer to him. It was subtle, and if he hadn’t been watching her more than the movie, he may not have noticed. But it wasn’t long before she was close enough that he could do what he had been wanting to do for a long time.

  He slung his arm around her shoulder.

  He felt her tense beneath his touch… for just a moment. But then she relaxed and her features softened.

  He couldn’t believe she was here with him. That she opened her heart up to him and allowed him to witness her true beauty. He didn’t know how he got so lucky.

  Chapter Seven

  “DISH, CHICKIE. TELL me all about your date on Friday night.” Ashley cornered Erin as soon as she stepped into the office on Monday morning.

  Heat rose on her cheeks and she fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

  “Oh, wow.” Ashley fanned her face. “Looks like you had a good night.”

  Erin sank into her chair and sighed. As much as she wanted to keep Jake to herself for a bit longer, she just had to tell someone. “It was wonderful. He was so unexpected. After dinner Friday night, we walked on the beach. He took me for a hike on Saturday and to his house for dinner.”