Read Online Her Desert Treasure (Entangled Ignite) by Larie Brannick - Free Book Online

lucky to have them.”
    “I adored them. I miss them both so much.”
    “You really don’t have any other family?”
    “Nope. Just me.” She tried to lighten the mood with a smile. “My father had an older sister, Aunt Marge, but I don’t remember much about her. She died not long after my parents. I remember my grandfather talking about her son. I think I met him once when I was really little. I have no idea what happened to him.” She retrieved her hand and laughed, shaking her head. “God, it sounds like a bad soap opera. You must think…well, I can only imagine what you must think.”
    “I think you’re an incredibly strong person to have gone through so much already in your life.”
    There was no mistaking the sincerity in his voice, his eyes, and some of her tension eased. “Thank you, Jake.”
    They returned their attention to their food and were both silent for a few minutes until their waiter reappeared. “How was everything?”
    “Great as always, Rico.”
    “Wonderful. More wine?”
    Jake arched a brow at Meg, who shook her head. “No thanks, Rico. Just the check please. And tell Paul thanks, and I’ll talk to him later.” He turned to her. “Do you feel like a walk? The downtown area has a lot going on after dark.”
    She hesitated, and Jake hoped he hadn’t pressed too far. Then she smiled. “A walk sounds perfect. Thank you. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed a meal so much.”
    “I’m glad you liked it. And thank you. I can’t remember when I’ve enjoyed the company so much.” He stood and dropped some bills on the table then walked around to her side of the table and helped her with her chair. “Okay, let’s go.”

Chapter Six
    The evening air was warm, and it was beginning to get dark. The downtown shops were busy with tourists, the sidewalks crowded with people. Jake took Meg’s hand as they crossed the street and didn’t let go when they got to the other side.
    “How about some ice cream? This little shop has a great soda fountain. We can sit out front and watch people and talk.”
    “Okay.”
    When was the last time he’d felt more comfortable and relaxed? Ever? He really didn’t need any ice cream, but he didn’t want the evening to end yet. They went inside and ordered—a chocolate malt for him and a small, strawberry ice cream cone for her. They took their treats outside and chose a small, wrought iron table in the seating area. They settled into a comfortable silence while they enjoyed their ice cream, idly watching people as they walked by.
    At least she was watching the people. Jake watched her. Every long, slow lick of her cone, each swirl of her tongue around the ice cream turned him on until it became uncomfortable to be in a sitting position. Good God, there was going to be an imprint of the metal teeth of his zipper on his dick if he didn’t do something fast. Adjusting his junk in public wasn’t an option, so he tried turning his attention to something else. A familiar voice called to him from across the street.
    “Doctor Jake? Is that you? Well, I’ll be. It is you!”
    Helen Floyd bounded over to where he and Meg sat, her wide grin evaporating when she caught sight of Meg. “Doctor Jake, I’ve missed seeing you at the last two dinners at the VFW. I hope you’ve been all right.”
    The older woman was all but ignoring Meg’s presence, and it pissed Jake off. “I’ve never been better, Mrs. Floyd. Just real busy these days.” He leaned toward Meg and lazily hung his arm over the back of her chair.
    “That’s a…shame.” She stammered at the sight but recovered quickly. “I know our Melissa has missed seeing you, too. Maybe I should send her around with a pie for you.”
    “No, that’s all right, Mrs. Floyd. I wouldn’t want to trouble you.”
    “It’s no trouble at all. I can send her out this weekend if you like.”
    “Actually, I’ll be pretty tied up this weekend.” He dropped his hand to Meg’s shoulder and squeezed