Jake (Downton Cowboys #2) - Miley Maine Page 0,22

the living room.

Nervous about the dinner, I almost walk out of the kitchen without actually pouring that cup of coffee. As I turn around, I giggle a little and hastily prepare my mug. My eyes land on the box of chocolates and my heart races.

I take a sip as I march toward my room, my mind suddenly buzzing with contemplations of what I’m going to wear, should my hair be up or down, which makeup goes best with what, and the choice of fragrance for a date like this.

As I open up my wardrobe and stand in front of it, my eyes sift through the dresses I haven’t worn in months. Will I still fit into them? I have to try them on and see how they look now.

Gosh, when was the last time I went out with a man this exciting?

Trying on one dress after the other, my hands lift up my hair as I turn around and study my appearance in the mirror. I’m not sure of anything.

About half an hour later, Dad knocks and comes in.

“Oh, hello!” He shoots me an appreciative look as he holds a box in his hands. “I haven’t seen that one in a while.”

I’m trying on my navy blue velvet dress. It’s long, down to my feet, with a single slit on the side and a backless cut.

“You like?” I widen my eyes, grinning like a child.

“Depends who’s gonna be there.” He chuckles, setting down the box back under my bed. “Is he worth it?”

“Um—” My eyes wander around the room, not sure of what to say.

He takes a step closer, his hands helping me hold my hair up higher.

“Better.” He smiles at me in the mirror. “But maybe not this time.”

“Why not?” I giggle.

I feel his index finger tapping on my bare back.

“Fine.” I sigh, slouching in forged disappointment. “This?” I pick up another dress from the pile on the bed. A pumpkin number that hugs my curves yet shows little skin.

“Possibly.” He nods in approval. “Look, I don’t wanna tell you what to do.” He turns me by the shoulders to face him, his eyes carrying a great deal of understanding and tenderness. “I just want you to be happy with your decisions.”

My heart swells.

“I love you.” I launch forward and into his arms, which he instantly wraps around me as he kisses me on the cheek.

“I love you, too, princess. Have a good time tonight.”

As the hours pass, I grow more excited about our date. I decide on the pumpkin dress and a few bobby pins that hold my hair halfway up.

Before I leave, I remember to put on that necklace Jake seems to like so much.

Chapter Seven

Jake

I’m on cloud nine and can barely contain my enthrallment. Belle accepted my apology, and she’s coming over for dinner in just a couple of hours.

Instead of leaving Katie to her own devices like I always do, I head over to the kitchen as soon as I get home. She’s just beginning to wash the vegetables for a salad.

“Hey.” I rub my palms together.

“You’re early.” She grins. “And happy.” She raises an eyebrow with a knowing smile.

“Yes.” My eyes grow bigger. “Belle Frances will be here at eight, and—”

“You want an interesting menu,” she completes my sentence.

“Oh, Katie, what would I do without you?” I joke.

“You’d be lost, Mr. Downton.” She plays along, turning around and pulling a bigger pot from the pantry. “Don’t worry, I got it.”

“Yeah?”

“Leave it to a woman to impress another woman, okay?” She scrunches her nose as she ties the apron ribbon around her waist.

“Wine!” I suddenly blurt out.

“Off to the cellar you go.” She tilts her head, gesturing with both hands for me to get out of the kitchen.

As I make my way downstairs, I think about the way Belle looked in her element. So comfortable, cozy, and pure. She’s the one for me, I can feel it in my bones.

My finger flips on the light as my eyes scan the slanted shelves, searching for the perfect choice. I want her to relax and forget all about our misunderstanding earlier. I also aim to get her in the mood for romance.

The romance I can’t wait to share with her the only way I know how.

What has she done to me? I haven’t been this obsessed over showing a woman a good time in God knows how long.

Pulling out two bottles of the finest wine I own, I go back up the stairs and close the door.