Blessed Vows by Jillian Hart Page B

the house and the fact that Jake was going to come breezing through that door anytime—
    â€œHey, do I rate enough to get one of those?”
    His voice. Jake’s voice. The pleasant rumble of it wrapped around her soul and squeezed. Unfortunately her mouth was full of cupcake, and the instant she locked her gaze on the fine sight of him, she automatically gasped. She felt a few crumbs being sucked downthe wrong way and she fought hard not to start coughing. Too late. She covered her mouth and luckily the cough wasn’t a big one. Tears filled her eyes and blurred her vision as she struggled to clear her throat.
    Ben came to her rescue, amazing as always, as he strode straight to the table and stole two cupcakes. “Now this is what dessert tastes like in paradise. C’mon, take a bite.” He tossed one to Jake who caught it with one hand. “Hey, Rachel.”
    She mumbled hello as she watched Jake catch the cupcake with one hand. Was it her imagination, or did he look more awesome than usual? His short dark hair was seriously windblown, and it seemed impossible that a man could look even better every time she saw him. And kinder, she added, when their gazes locked. “Did you guys have a good jump?”
    â€œYep, went up a couple a times. Good weather. Great views. I could see all the way to Yellowstone.”
    It took no effort at all to imagine him falling fearlessly with a packed chute on his back, the airplane above and the earth below. His cheeks were wind-burned and his inner spirit glowed from the exhilaration. It was as if the layers had been peeled away and she could see the true soul of this man—fearless and stalwart and unfailing.
    Her heart gave a little tumble. Not that she was falling for him or anything, but it was hard not to like him more and more. And how could she help it? She tookanother bite of her cupcake, just to keep her jaw from sagging.
    One brow hooked upward, as dashing as any silver-screen star’s, Jake asked, “Did you bake these?”
    Her mouth was full again, so she nodded, chewing fast and swallowing. “I’ve been known to dabble in the kitchen.”
    â€œPretty fancy.”
    â€œJust the outside. Wait ’til you taste it.”
    He rose to her challenge and took a huge bite. He rolled his eyes as a sign of ecstasy.
    â€œMy own secret recipe.” She couldn’t help smiling wide. “I made two whole dozen, so have as many as you’d like. How about a plate to go with that?”
    When he shook his head, she asked, “A napkin? A glass of chocolate milk?”
    â€œI’m a fan of chocolate milk. Count me in,” he said around a mouthful.
    â€œOne tall glass, coming up.” She tossed him another smile before she made a U-turn toward the refrigerator. “How about you, Ben?”
    He nodded as he took a big bite, his attention focused on dragging out a chair next to Amy. “Gonna sit, Jake?”
    While Jake’s pleasant baritone answered, and another chair scraped along the linoleum, Rachel plopped her half-eaten cupcake on a napkin and got to work. Glasses, plenty of chocolate syrup and cold milk. While she stirred each glass, she enjoyed the sounds of conversation: Ben and Heath talking about the real estate market, and Amy asking Jake if Sally knew how to swim and could she come along with her and Westin on their planned jaunt to one of the county pools.
    That would be good for Sally, Rachel thought as she gave the milk a final stir. But what about the uncle? What did Jake have planned for tomorrow? None of your business, Rache. Just serve the milk.
    A firm hand settled on her shoulder, and it didn’t startle her. Although she hadn’t heard him approach, she felt the zing of his presence, and her pulse thudded loudly in her ears.
    â€œThat sure does look good. You are amazing, Rachel.”
    â€œMe? Really? That seems like a pretty big compliment over chocolate milk.” Rachel