Emma's Home (The Fairfield Series) by Maryann Jordan Page A

and will you support me?”
    Ted looked contrite and said apologetically, “Absolutely, Ms. Dodd. I think it’s a great idea. Sorry if I offended you.”
    Since they had already finished their meal and paid, he stood and looked down at them. “Jake,” he said looking straight into Jake’s eyes. “Hope you know what you have there?”
    Jake just gave a head nod.
    “Ms. Dodd, I will see you tomorrow and I’ll let my boys know to report to you after school.” He couldn’t resist giving her a wink as he turned to leave.
    Jake growled behind Ted’s back, but it turned into a grunt as Emma’s elbow jabbed into his side.
    “Let me out,” Emma said, pushing against Jake who had her pinned in the booth. Pushing against him was as effective as pushing against a large tree.
    Jake just looked down at her. “Not doin’ it babe.”
    “Jake if you don’t move I am going to scream,” she said, in truth knowing she would never do that.
    “Darlin’, I get you’re pissed, but I am not apologizin’ for wantin’ to make sure everyone knows who you belong to.” Jake could feel the tension rolling off of Emma. “Don’t go getting all independent on me. I know you’re a competent woman, but I want to take care of you. And we are an us, ” he said pointing back and forth between them.
    “I know we are together, but Ted an-,” Emma started to explain, but Jake jumped in.
    “Emma girl, I’m tellin’ you I have known Ted for years. He loves football and he loves women. Couldn’t keep his dick in his pants when he was married, so he’s not married anymore. And there was no way, he was just here for a talk.”
    Emma’s shoulders slumped. Why did men have to be so complicated? They always thought that women were, but it was men who she couldn’t figure out. She knew Jake was upset, but really did not know what to say. He pulled her in for a hug, resting his chin on her head.
    “Jake, I feel like I should apologize because you’re upset, but honestly, I didn’t do anything wrong.”
    Jake felt Emma’s breathing hitch, as though she was holding back tears. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s get out of here.”
    Emma allowed Jake to lead her out of the diner and he lifted her up into his truck.
    Once settled, Jake turned to her. “You don’t owe me an apology – you’re right, you did nothin’ wrong. And you need to know, babe, I wasn’t checkin’ up on you. I was just going to drop by to say hello, but when I saw Ted leaning towards you, I knew he was makin’ a play.” Emma sat quietly. “You don’t owe me any explanation, but what’s goin’ on with Ted’s players?” he continued.
    “I can’t discuss students, Jake, but I will say that I have some academic concerns and wanted to discuss a helpful idea with him. He suggested we meet for dinner.”
    “Yeah, I got that,” he said frowning. Emma huffed and crossed her arms in front of her defiantly. Jake couldn’t help but notice that not only was she cute when angry, her arms had pushed up her breasts and suddenly any thoughts of Ted flew out of his mind. In fact, the only thing that was on his mind at the moment was getting her back to her house, where he intended to make sure she knew who she belonged to.
    Reminding him she had driven to the diner, Emma turned toward the door of the truck.
    “I’ll follow you home,” he told her. She rolled her eyes, and reached for the door handle but Jake stopped her. “Emma girl, no woman of mine is gettin’ out of my truck unassisted.” When Emma started to protest, he just reminded her, “My momma raised me better than that.”
    Hopping down, he walked around to her side. Opening the door, reaching in and lifted her out, he set her down carefully on the pavement. Leaning in, his massive body surrounded her as his hands continued to span her tiny waist.
    Emma’s face was pressed against his chest as he enveloped her and she breathed him in. Lifting her head back to stare into the eyes that completely