Trusting Jake (Blueprint To Love Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page A

napkin to his mouth, unable to hold back his smile. "I think she's talking a few years down the road, Sport."
    When Meg unleashed an appreciative smile on him, something in his chest tightened. Shyness warring with her desire to question him, she hesitated. "Do you have any kids?"
    Jenna returned from the kitchen, embarrassed, yet still composed amid the chaos. His smile tugged wider. "No, but I'm in the market for a few. Are you two for sale?"
    "Yes," Jen piped in, amusement shimmering in eyes so pretty he found it difficult to look away. Jake acknowledged he would have to concentrate on not staring. "I could give you a deal on two for one." 
    Alex' laugh was gleeful. "Mommy says we're really expensive."
    A moment later, the little guy toppled his milk. Thankfully, he'd already slurped up half the glass. As though by magic, a roll of paper towels appeared. Jenna began mopping up the flood before it reached the edge of the table.
    Three for three, he realized. Her predictions had all come true– in the first ten minutes. Reaching for the salad bowl, he helped Megan heap greens on her plate, smiling when she requested nearly a dozen cucumber slices. Observing the happy family, Jake realized he couldn't wait to see what surprises the next hour would yield. After she mopped up the spill, Jenna passed him a beer.
    "By the time dinner is over, you'll probably be glad you have this."
    ***
    "So, would you be interested if I said there's a position opening up?" Finally able to broach the topic he'd stopped by to discuss, Jake set their plates on the counter while Jenna wrapped leftover pizza. Her back to him, he heard the catch of surprise she tried to hide.
    It had been one of the most entertaining dinners he'd experienced in the last six months. Jenna's kids were funny, curious and sweet. But even they had eventually tired of their rapid-fire questions for the stranger at the table. Before heading upstairs for cartoons, Alex had coerced him into promising to show him all the construction equipment in Specialty's yard.
    Though her expression was neutral when she turned, the gorgeous blue eyes flashed with interest. "What would the job entail?"
    "I'm looking for a hybrid of a project assistant and an engineer."
    Disappointment flashed over her features as she ripped a sheet of foil from the box. "I should tell you . . . I never finished my engineering degree."
    Jake wondered why. She struck him as the type of person who kept at something until it was done.
    Eyes averted, she set the pizza in the refrigerator. "In one of my brighter moves, I quit school with a year left to go."
    "Did something happen at home?" When a fleeting sadness crossed her face, he wished he could retract the question.
    "No– just . . . a bad decision. My husband-" Jen faced him as he leaned against the counter.
    "You quit to get married," he filled in the blank.
    "At the time, it sounded romantic." Her sigh was one of frustration. "I found out later what it really meant. At work, I'd train the kids just out of school." She moved to the sink to attack the pile of dishes. "The new grads couldn't even read a set of blueprints. But a year later, I was working for them instead of the other way around."
    "Well, that wouldn't be the case here," he responded. "You'd be working with me," he emphasized. Following her into the dining room, Jake cautioned himself. He liked her personality. Her calm. He could envision them working well together. She would bring order to his workload– which was on the verge of exploding. She'd be a real asset. But she was also something of a mystery. He needed to give the idea some time. Bring her in for an interview. Maybe let Harry and Jeff meet her– and then talk him down. "I've reviewed your resume. You have great experience."
    Her guarded expression flashed with hope. "I would definitely be interested in continuing the conversation."
    He nodded. "I'll check my calendar in the morning and see if we can set something up in the next