Page 15 of Protecting Vidalia
“Better yet, we could post it at Smokie’s. Everyone, even tourists usually stop there on their way up or down the mountain,” Jake jumped in. “I have a copier. Why don’t I pick you up in the morning and we can make a copy at my house and have lunch at Smokie’s.”
Vidalia was looking closely at the screen, zooming in on the still shot of the mama bear. “Look there,” she said, pointing her finger at something on the bear’s ear. “Is that a tag maybe?”
Jake leaned in. “I think you’re right. Natural resources and wildlife may have tagged this bear. You might want to send them a picture or call them. They might even know the name of the bear. I’m sure they’ll be interested to know she has a baby this year since they’ve been tracking the bear populations for years. It will also tell them how far she’s moved since she was tagged. They like to track their ranges too.”
Vidalia’s eyes widened. “They name the bears?”
“Some conservationists do,” he replied. “So, are we going to lunch tomorrow?”
Vidalia scowled at him. “You have a mind like a steel trap.”
Jake smiled, his eyes gleaming. “And don’t you forget it.”
“Okay, fine. But you don’t have to pick me up. I can drive to your cabin if you tell me where it is. No need in coming here and driving back, then driving me back over here.”
“That works,” he replied cheerfully. “Bring your backpack and wear your hiking shoes. I have something you’ll want to take pictures of that most people don’t ever see.” He figured direct orders might be better than asking to hang out with her tomorrow. Given her penchant for saying no to everything, this might work better. He already had her for lunch, time to up the ante.
Vidalia was certainly intrigued. “And what might that be?” she asked, biting the hook.
“It’s a surprise,” he replied smugly, popping her on the nose with his finger. It will take about three hours. You want to go before lunch or after lunch?” He had just the spot planned for a hike.
Vidalia considered. “I think before lunch. I’m always up early so I’ll come over early. How does 7:00 am sound?
His eyebrows shot up but inside he was more than satisfied. She’d slid neatly into his trap. “That is early, but I can manage it. Are you always up that early?” He figured it had to do with her being unable to sleep, but wasn’t going to ask.
She shrugged. “Depends on my schedule. What about you? Don’t you work?”
“I’m taking some time off. Remember?” he asked, noticing that she didn’t freeze up this time when the subject of her work came up. Maybe they were making some progress.
He’d already decided after yesterday that he wanted to help Vidalia Minton. Not just because he was attracted to her, but because he genuinely liked her. She was smart, sassy, stubborn, sweet, and very, very kind. Which was why she was taking Dani’s death so hard. Helping her get past that was important to him. Getting to know the girl he was falling for was even more important.
Vidalia nodded and smiled. “Yes, I do remember now that you said that. She leaned back in her chair and folded her arms, which pushed her breasts up in the thin T-shirt material. “So, what’s for dinner tomorrow night?”
Jake swallowed hard when his lowdown buddy reared his head in interest. “Dinner?” he finally managed to croak.
Vidalia lifted an eyebrow. “You’ve managed to get yourself into my vacation so far with your bossy ways, so now you can pay the piper by doing the cooking. Surprise me with the ingredients I brought with me,” she challenged, her eyes gleaming.
Busted!
Jake had to laugh. “You’re onto me, aren’t you? I should have known you were too smart for your own good.”
Vidalia closed her laptop and removed the flash drive she’d downloaded her pictures on. “Just so you know, I don’t take orders. I’m only going tomorrow because I want to help spread the word about the bears and because I love beautiful spots I haven’t seen yet. So, your spot better be good.”
Jake leaned in close to her. “Just soyouknow, I don’t respond to threats, no matter how beautiful the lips they come from,” he replied softly. “I consider that bratty behavior and I don’t put up with bratty.”
Her eyes widened and her pink tongue reached out and licked her lips. “I don’t consider stating an honest opinion to be bratty,”
“But you’re not being completely honest, are you?” His buddy below stiffened even more as his gaze chased that little tongue.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean those aren’t the only reasons you agreed to go out with me tomorrow. I know better than that.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?” She huffed.
Jake chuckled and reached up to slide a lock of soft auburn hair behind her ear. “I’m a man, Vidalia. I like you and I’m pretty darned sure you like me. Even if it’s only a little bit. I can work with that.” He closed the space between their mouths and pressed his lips firmly against hers.
When Vidalia melted against him and allowed him to explore the sweetness of her mouth, he knew he was right. His entire body responded, his breath quickened, and everything in him stamped her his territory. When she suddenly pulled away and stood up, he forced himself to let her go—temporarily. Disappointment washed over him but he could handle it. He wasn’t a lovesick high school boy anymore.
