The Summer of Jake Read Online Free PDF Page B

swimsuits.”
    Jake took the designs and leafed through them. “They’re good. Do you have any of them mocked up?” His eyes shifted to the cupboard filled with prototypes.
    I stood a little straighter. “All of them.”
    He raised an eyebrow in his movie star way. “You’ve been busy.”
    Having no life certainly helped. I stood as straight as I possibly could, folding my arms across my chest. “I take my work seriously.”
    “Good. I’d like you to model them for me.”
    My stomach fell clear through my toes on its way to the floor.
    …
    Jake
    Tossing the designs back on the desk, I assessed Annalise’s shocked face. “I assume you’ve made the outfits in your size to see how they hang?”
    “Y-yes I have, but…” Patiently, I watched an array of emotions flash across her face and then saw the moment she made her decision. “Okay. If you’ll wait outside, I’ll be out in a minute.”
    Closing the door, I smiled. This was a very nice bit of luck. I’d expected she wouldn’t have them made up yet and would sew up prototypes of the ones I chose to fit a model. A private fashion show of beachwear by a beautiful woman definitely fitted my idea of a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. I sat on her couch and made myself comfortable, happily anticipating the first design.
    Her weird cat jumped up on the couch beside me, sitting with her front paws hanging over the edge, just like I’d seen small dogs do. I watched for a moment, shook my head, then focused back on the hall, waiting for Annalise.
    When she walked out to stand before me, shoulders ever so slightly hunched and eyes averted, I couldn’t respond. Annalise wasn’t just beautiful—she was breathtaking. The sea-green and gold sarong-style dress tied around her neck had elastic strategically fitted to emphasize the curves of her breasts and hips. The green of the fabric brought out the color of her eyes, and her long, glossy hair fell around her shoulders. She swirled, and the dress looked stunning.
    “The fabric is wrinkle free and drip dry.” There was a barely audible waver in her voice. “So it can be stuffed in a beach bag, and it’s okay to get wet walking in water.”
    “Turn around again.” I didn’t have enough control of my voice yet to say much more.
    I watched her turn, enjoying her genuine coyness. Surely, with her body, she’d have had more than her share of compliments? Maybe she was worried about my opinion of her designs? Or was she still upset about her car? Whatever, it sure didn’t affect the grace of her movements—when she moved, it was like she floated above the ground.
    These designs would walk out of the shop. Women could wear them over their swimsuits on the beach or dress them up for a casual date.
    “That’s great.” I stood and walked over to feel the fabric, picking up the piece tied around her neck. “And it looks great on you.” She sucked her bottom lip in between her teeth, and I was surprised. Maybe she wasn’t as used to compliments as I’d assumed. I could do something about that. “If you stood in my store wearing this, they’d sell out in no time. Mainly bought by men wanting their girlfriends to look this good.”
    She shifted uncomfortably and stepped back. Apparently, that was enough complimenting for now. “I’ll take this one, regardless of what else you have. But the deal is for two designs, so I’ll need to see the rest.”
    “I won’t be long.” The words were muffled in her rush to leave.
    I sank back down on the couch, pleased. Her unexpected shyness had added an extra dimension to the enjoyment value of the show. Made it more special, because I was pretty sure this was something she’d never do again for a man.
    At the thought of Annalise parading around in front of another man, I had a flash of out-of-place jealousy and flinched. Where had that come from? I visualized the same picture again, like probing a sore tooth, and felt the same flash of emotion. I pushed out a breath