Built To Last

“Stay out as long as you want. You’re a grown woman.”

Erin laughed as they stepped out the door. From the tone, as well as the love that laced every word, Jake figured they’d had this conversation more than once. But he didn’t mind having her father’s endorsement.

The drive to his home in Laguna Woods only took a few minutes. His stomach tightened when he turned onto his street. The moment of truth. He always hesitated before bringing someone to his house. He poured so much of himself into his pride and joy and his ego was fragile where his home was concerned.

She never said it, but he was convinced that the house was the final straw that drove Lindsay away.

When he pulled into the driveway, Erin gasped and her fingers flew to her mouth. “Oh my God.” She spoke softly, like she didn’t want to disturb the quiet with her voice.

“What?”

“This is like my dream home. I swear I’ve driven by this house a dozen times. You live here?”

He sat up a little higher in his seat. She loved it. Somehow, he knew she would. He intended to live here for the rest of his life. Any woman he brought into that life had to love his home. Because it was a reflection of him. “I not only live here… I built it.”

“What?” Her question came out on a screech.

Her excitement was contagious and she laughed as the color rose on her cheeks. “Come on in, I’ll show you around.”

Erin leapt out of the truck and rushed up the walk, Bella right on her heels. She barely contained her excitement as he unlocked the door. She pushed through into the expansive foyer as soon as he stepped back.

“Oh, Jake. This is just beautiful.” She spun around, taking in the open floor plan that showcased the foyer, great room, and kitchen all from the front door. Polished hardwood covered the entire main level and with bright chandeliers hanging in each room, the floors practically shone. His home was a showcase of every favorite feature he’d incorporated into the homes he built.

“Yes, it is,” Jake said, but he wasn’t talking about his house. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Erin. The fresh glow in her cheeks, the twinkle in her eyes and the bounce in her step made her beautiful to him. But it wasn’t her looks, but her personality and her strength and her boundless energy that really shone through that made her beautiful.

He stared at her until her gaze locked with his. They shared a smile. “Come on back so I can get dinner going.”

“What can I do to help?”

He grabbed two steaks from the freezer and popped them in the microwave to thaw. “You can make a salad if you’d like. Everything you need should be in the bottom drawer. I’m just gonna turn on the grill. I’ll be right back.”

Jake stepped out the back door and lit the grill. But instead of returning to the kitchen, he leaned his arms on the deck railing and sighed. He liked Erin. Too much for only knowing her for one day. And after Lindsay, he shouldn’t be jumping into a relationship with anyone so quickly. Not without knowing more about her and what she wanted out of life. He dropped his head and drew in a few deep breaths until his head finally convinced his heart to slow down.

Only then did he open the back door.

Erin was chopping vegetables at the counter when he stepped into the kitchen. An image of the two of them working side by side, preparing meals together, flooded his mind. He glanced over to his table and could easily picture two kids, a boy and a girl, smiling up at him.

Maybe he’d finally found someone to share his dreams of a family.

He stepped up beside Erin. “Looks good.”

“Well, I’ve done my part. You better get cooking. I’m looking forward to one of those steaks.”

“Yes, ma’am.” After a mock salute, he grabbed the steaks from the microwave, seasoned them, and carried them out to the grill.

Their conversation over dinner was lively, talking about their respective childhoods, their likes and dislikes. Typical “getting to know you” topics, but they talked like old friends. The time passed quickly and before he knew

it, their plates were empty.

“Can I clear your dishes?”

“That sounds great. How about I make some coffee?” He’d become so engrossed in how easily they fell into a comfortable routine that he practically hadn’t heard her question.

A cup of coffee was a good idea. Anything to prolong his evening with the most intriguing woman he’d met in a long time.

They made quick work of cleaning up the kitchen and moved into the living room, coffee cups in hand. Jake grabbed a DVD and slid it in the player. A movie was a safe “first date” event, right? Not that this felt at all like a first date.

He lowered himself to the sofa and patted the cushion beside him, inviting Erin to join him. She hesitated, nibbling her bottom lip for a minute, and then slid onto the couch beside him.