The Summer of Jake Read Online Free PDF Page A

phone before I’d confidently told him he could go—there was no point in him staying once the fire was out. So he drove off, leaving me and my crippled Mindy on the side of the road, both of us looking and feeling forlorn.
    I cast a look over Mindy Mini’s form. We’d been through a lot in our three years together. Mindy was my first car, and although I knew flames were a very bad sign, the thought of her not pulling through was just too devastating to consider.
    I reached into the front seat for my phone and called a tow truck, then Jake. I could hear his car engine and radio in the background. “Hey, Annalise, I’m on my way over to your place.”
    “Um, slight change of plans.” I tried to sound normal, with a touch of casual flippancy. I was pretty sure I’d pulled it off.
    “You sound strange. Are you all right?”
    Guess not. I drew my lips into a tight smile, hoping it made my voice come across calm. “I think I’m fine, but my car isn’t feeling so well.” I looked at poor Mindy, sitting there, helpless.
    “Do you want me to come and get you?”
    I released a shaky sigh. “That would be great.” I quickly gave my location.
    “I’m not too far away. I’ll be there in a few minutes.”
    “Thanks.”
    As I hung up, I noticed my hand trembling. It was a funny tremble that was coming from inside, like my organs themselves were shivering and the outside of me was getting caught up in the motion. Feeling a touch melodramatic, I sank down onto the sidewalk and dropped my head to my knees. It was probably just shock—I’d heard that could happen. Yet, knowing what it was didn’t lessen its effects at all. If anything, sitting down and letting go encouraged the trembling.
    It was probably only a minute or two before the shaking slowed, even though it seemed much longer, and I was almost feeling normal again when Jake pulled up and walked over.
    As I watched him standing there, my thoughts were torn between Mindy and Jake. Jake won.
    It just wasn’t Mindy’s day.

Chapter Three
    Annalise
    After helping me to my feet, Jake put an arm around my shoulder, and I felt his strength seep through to my flustered insides. I didn’t want to have to rely on his strength, but as mine was missing in action, I gave myself permission to soak up all the Jake-ness I could. He stood still, holding me close, not saying a word until I felt nurtured and comforted and okay again.
    “Thanks for coming, Jake.” I picked up my handbag and groceries and put them in his Jeep.
    “Couldn’t leave you stranded out here—not when I’ve been promised lunch.” He gave me one of his slow, sexy smiles.
    Yep, there was the body disobedience—a slight increase in temperature, a flutter in my belly, and a blush thing trying to come out. Why was I always blushing around him? He hadn’t done anything, and I hadn’t said anything embarrassing. It was as if my body was punishing me for allowing any distance between itself and Jake, when all it wanted was Jake’s touch. I glanced down at his hands—they were strong and confident hands. Capable of building a surfboard, and I’d bet they could also make my body sing if they chose to.
    The tow-truck driver arrived a few minutes later.
    “Where do you want it towed, love?” the driver asked as he loaded Mindy onto his truck.
    Didn’t they just tow them to a mechanic? “Um…”
    Jake spoke from behind me. “Do you have a regular mechanic?”
    “Not really.” Not at all.
    Jake moved around to stand beside me. “Why not get it towed to Adam’s workshop?”
    Adam. Yes, I trusted Adam. “Sounds good.”
    Jake gave the driver the address, and they talked man-talk as Mindy was winched higher. After the driver finished securing her and left, I waved a little good-bye to my car and promised to see her soon.
    Jake drove us back to my apartment before carrying the groceries up to my floor. As we walked in, he looked around and whistled. “This looks…unique.”
    I had to laugh, which