She fist pumped the air, did a little foot dance, and wiggled her hips before racing out to follow her sister. And ran smack into the hunky fireman who held her in his arms yesterday.
“Ooph!” The breath was knocked out of her and she reached out for something, anything to stop her fall.
Her fingers latched onto a soft T-shirt with muscles underneath. Arms folded around her and kept her upright against a hard chest. The fresh smell of cologne filled her nose as she sucked in a breath. Unlike yesterday, when all she could smell was smoke, this morning she caught the undertones of vanilla and coffee, a hint of lime. And very hunky male. Unattached male as she now knew.
Bella unwrapped her arms from around his chest, brushed his arms away, her face flaming in embarrassment. “Sorry. I didn’t see you there.”
Jake smiled. “I gathered that but don’t worry. I’m a fireman, we’re built tough enough to handle a whirlwind like you.”
“Jake, you haven’t formally met my little sister, have you? This is Bella. Bella Moore.”
*
The name suited her. He held out his hand. “Bella, lovely to meet you. Apart from a quick hello when you arrived and our encounter yesterday, we haven’t had a chance to do the whole greet and meet. Welcome to Cherry Lake.”
“Thanks. Not used to such an exciting entry into the local community but it could have been worse as everyone keeps saying.”
She withdrew her hand and jammed it in the pockets of her jeans. Jeans that looked like they cost a fortune and they’d been sprayed on, hand ripped at the knees showing the barest hint of flesh. Her feet were incased in the most ridiculously sexy strappy red sandals he’d ever seen. A slash of shocking red nail polish on her toes did something to his stomach he couldn’t fathom. Breathe, Jake. Just breathe.
“Yes, it could have.” He turned to Mari, tried to swallow down the bolt of lust that rose in his gut. Lust he hadn’t felt in years. “Any idea of what you’re going to do with the kitchen? I can put you in touch with someone who cleans after a fire if you like.”
“That’d be great, thanks. I don’t have the time to start scrubbing walls and fittings. Listen, I have to get Noah ready for school. Bella and I were just talking about the kitchen and what our options are and whether or not we should go all out and gut the place. Since you’re going to have to make sure it fits fire regulations once we’re ready to open again, did you want to chat about it together? I’ll be back as soon as I can get my child organized.” She grinned and skipped up the stairs leaving them standing in the foyer.
“Look, if you don’t have time, I’ll understand. I’d hate to hold you up.” She looked toward the kitchen, avoiding his gaze. How intriguing. All that achieved was ratcheting his interest up a notch or two.
“No, I’m not in a hurry. Show me what you’re thinking of.” He hooked his arm through hers and guided her back into the kitchen.
Jake glanced around. “Has Mari had the electrician in yet?”
“I think he came in last night. The fridge is still working so I guess there wasn’t any damage to the electrical system. At least not that I could see.”
“I didn’t think there was but it pays to be sure.” He stood beside her. “What did you have in mind? A total rebuild or what?”
“I don’t want to hold you up. I’m sure you’re too busy to listen to the ramblings of the likes of me.” Pink tinged her high cheekbones.
“It’s my day off and there’s nothing else I’d rather do. Tell me what you think should be done to keep the kitchen going and I’ll tell you if it meets planning requirements. My family has a vested interest in the hotel on Sunday nights so it’s no bother finding out what you have planned.”
She lifted her hair, twisted it in a knot and slid a band off her wrist to keep it all on the top of her head. The pale skin of her long neck stood out against her dark locks. “Okay then, if you’re sure. I don’t know how much Mari wants to spend but I think I know where she can get a replacement stove for half what she’d normally pay for a new one.” She tapped her bottom lip with her index finger, tilted her head as she surveyed the room. “Pretty sure insurance would cover most of it too considering it was an accident. I could probably get it delivered here in a matter of days if I ask nicely.” She walked over and stood between the old stove and the work prep table not seeming to give a thought to the soot getting on her expensive clothing. “Rather than close down and do major renovations, what I’d do is this. I’d move this prep table back, turn it around so it faces out toward the door and add another section in, one with refrigerated storage underneath. Then”—she paused, pointed to the refrigerator—“then I’d pull that cabinet closer and put that storage shelf on the other side. It’s easier to have your pantry staples close to hand, saves you running back and forth to a storage cupboard. At least that’s what I find.”
“You sound like you know your way around a kitchen.” He noticed her eyes were now shining with excitement.
The thump of tiny feet came hurtling down the stairs and into the kitchen. “Aunt Bella.” He squealed, ran past Jake, and threw himself into her arms. “You’re okay?”
“’Course I am, silly.” He hung his arms around her neck and clung to her. “I had a hero fireman to save me. Didn’t your mom tell you that?” She looked up, a hint of a smile lifting the corners of her bright red lips.
“Yeah, she did but you didn’t come in
