Page 19 of The Summer I Stayed
“What makes you say that?” I ask curiously.
She shrugs with a soft smile. “You just seem…happier. More alive.”
I ponder over her words, surprised by the truth in them. Being here has given me something to focus on, a project to pour my heart into. And I suppose it shows. I do love making a house a home.
“Maybe you’re right,” I admit.
“Now, let’s talk about the festival…”
She hands me a sketch of a simple yet charming design for a photo backdrop.
“I bet Jake could help with that.” The suggestion slips out before I can stop it.
Her eyes widen in surprise before a mischievous grin spreads across her face. “Jake? That would be fantastic!”
I suddenly feel my cheeks heat up as I quickly backtrack. “I mean, I can ask him. No guarantees though.”
“Of course! No pressure! But it would be wonderful if he could help out.”
And just like that, I have another project on my hands…and I need Jake’s help.
Returning to the lake house, I find Jake working on sanding down the worn-out dining table left behind bythe previous owners. It has good bones but needs a good sanding and to be restained. His focus is intense as he works away. His T-shirt sticks to him from the heat of the day, showing off his muscular frame.
I stand in the distance for a moment, admiring the scene before me. He pauses, takes off his hat, and runs his hands through his hair. There’s just something about a man who can work with his hands.
Now this, this has got to stop. I’m looking at the man like he’s the cover model forBetter Homes & Hotter Biceps.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, chastising myself for even thinking of Jake that way. I’m here for a purpose, which is fixing the lake house, not to have a crush on the handyman.
I fetch two bottles of water from the fridge and make my way toward him.
“Hey, I brought you some water.”
He mumbles a quick “thanks” before taking a long gulp.
“I need you.”
He chokes on the water. Realization dawns on me as my cheeks heat up.
“I need your help,” I clarify, my face feeling like it’s on fire. “Summer Festival. Photo booth.”
Jake raises an eyebrow in confusion.
“I ran into Gemma at the antique store, and she showed me this sketch of this photo booth she wants. Then I mayhave…accidentally…said you would help,” I say, slightly questioning him at the same time.
“I can take a look at it,” he says, calm as a cucumber. No gruff, no grunt, no mumbling incoherently.
“You will?” I say, shocked.
“Yes, I will. Just get me the sketch,” he says, ducking his head a little. Is that a…smirk?
I’m taken aback by his readiness to help. Not that he hasn’t been helpful but that he’s doing it without any complaints. Where’s grumpy Jake?
Chapter Eleven
Jake
“Thank you, Jake,” she says sincerely, placing her hand on my bicep.
