Emma's Home (The Fairfield Series) Read online

  It took a minute for his heartbeat to slow and he lowered his head to capture her lips again in a soul searing kiss. Letting Emma slide down to the floor, he held her close until her legs were steady. Pulling out of her, he looked down as their mixed fluids ran down her leg. Emma, aware of his eyes on her, looked down at herself as well.

  Realization washed over Jake. “Oh God, Emma, I’m so sorry,” he exclaimed. Emma looked at him questioningly, not understanding his outburst.

  “I forgot a condom,” he said looking into her eyes. “I promise I’ve never done that before. I’m clean, I swear.”

  Emma, wide eyed, nodded. “I trust you Jake. I’m clean too. I haven’t been with anyone before you in years.”

  Jake reached his hand and cupped her cheek. “But baby, what about protection? No matter what happens, baby, I’ll…,” Emma put her fingers to his mouth, effectively shushing him.

  She smiled up at him, leaning her face into his hand. “It’s okay, Jake. I’m on the pill to regulate my periods. It’s all good.”

  Jake leaned in closer to her so that their bodies were pressed together from chest to knee. “Yeah, it’s all good. Very good,” he replied. “In fact, it’s never been better. It’s never felt like that for me, Emma girl. That was amazing.”

  Just then, something furry rubbed against Jake legs. Jumping back, stumbling over his pants, he began to fall pulling Emma down on top of him. A yowling sound screeched through the room, causing Jake to scramble up over her to get to his revolver.

  Emma, gasping and red faced from laughing, was still lying partially naked on the floor.

  Jake getting to an ungraceful stand, stared at a scrawny yellow cat glaring up at him. “What the fuck is that?” he roared, attempting to pull his pants up.

  The cat calmly walked over to Emma. She reached out her hand to pet him, explaining, “I found a stray in my yard and adopted him.” Stifling her giggles, she attempted to stand as Jake assisted her from the floor.

  “Bloody hell, babe. You could’ve warned me,” Jake bit out, fastening his pants.

  “Honey, why are you putting your pants back on? Surely you’re not done with me yet are you?” Emma said looking up into his still shocked face.

  Jake’s eyes moved from the cat back up to hers. “Babe, a man does not want his dick hanging down with anything that’s got claws like that,” he stated as a fact.

  Laughing again, Emma tried to placate him. “Jake, he won’t hurt you. He slept with me last night and was perfect.”

  Swinging his gaze back to her, Jake stated emphatically, “Emma girl. That cat and I are not sharing a bed. Not tonight. Not ever. The cat stays out of the bedroom.”

  Walking over, placing her hand over his heart, she looked up into his face. Standing on her toes, pulling his face down toward her, she placed a gentle kiss on his lips. “Okay, baby. You’re the only male in my bedroom.”

  Satisfied, Jake leaned in to deepen the kiss. Jake picked her up again and walked to the bathroom, leaning into the shower stall to turn on the water.

  Emma, confused, said, “Jake, I am perfectly able to take a shower myself.”

  Jake slowly lowered her to the ground, but kept his arms around her, holding her tightly. “Baby, there are lots of things you can do by yourself, but let me do this. Let me take care of you.”

  He slowly peeled off her clothes. When the water was warm, he moved her under the spray as he quickly divested himself of his clothes. Stepping into the shower, he grabbed the shower gel. Lathering her back, Jake made his way down to her luscious ass where he spent a great deal of time washing.

  Emma, giggled, “Is that the only place you plan on getting clean?”

  “Oh Emma girl, I plan on giving all of you this attention,” Jake answered, moving his hand between her legs.

  Moaning, Emma leaned against him as he continued his ministrations. Jake turned her around and began to lather her breasts. After thoroughly washing every inch of her body, he began washing her hair. Massaging her scalp as he washed, Emma could not remember ever being so relaxed and pampered.

  Smiling, she faced him squirting the shower gel in her hands saying, “Now, it’s your turn.” She began to wash his chest, marveling at the expanse of muscles. She worked her way up to his shoulders and around to his back, slowing sliding her hands down to his ass. Looking over his shoulder, he smirked down at her.

  “I just never knew how fun this could be!” She moved around again so that she was facing him, gliding her hands down to his cock. Emma began to stroke his manhood, moving her hands up and down his length. Her small hands could not grasp all of him, but the sensations created had Jake throwing his head back and groaning.

  He grabbed Emma under her arms, lifting her up and turning so that the spray of water was hitting him on his back. Pressing her against the shower wall, he slammed his lips onto hers. His tongue swept into her mouth as Emma’s tangled with his. She wrapped her legs around him, moaning as he sucked on her tongue and nipped at her bottom lip.

  No longer worrying about a condom, Jake couldn’t wait to feel skin on skin again. He checked her readiness with his finger and then pushed his thick cock all the way in, pressing her back against the wall.

  “Can you take it, baby?”

  “Oh god, Jake, yesssss!” she screamed. Jake pounded inside her, over and over until he felt her muscles contract around his cock. She threw her head back, eyes tightly closed, and face strained as the orgasm washed over her. Jake immediately pushed harder one more time and felt himself explode inside of her, his seed spilling deep. Both panting, he held her tightly as their breathing slowed.

  Jake looked deep into her sparkling eyes, satisfied with the smile on her face. Leaning in, he kissed her softly before lowering her down. Surprised that the water was still warm, he turned her towards the spray once again, washing between her legs.

  Stepping out, he wrapped her in a towel, patting her dry. Emma moved to the bedroom where she put on his t-shirt as he dried himself. Jake walked into the bedroom to see Emma folding the covers down.

  “Can you stay tonight?” she asked hopefully. Not wanting him to feel pressured, she quickly added, “But if you have to go home to check on your mom, that is fine.”

  Jake walked over, looked down at her beauty, and brought his hands up to cup her lovely face. “I checked on mom earlier. She’s fine. And babe? There is no where I’d rather be than right here with you tonight.”

  Smiling up at the face that had crept into all of her dreams, she took his hand pulling him down with her. They curled together in bed, Jake pulling Emma tight against him.

  I’ve found the one, I just know it. Emma went to sleep with a smile on her face.

  I’ve found the one, I’m gonna cherish her. Jake slept better than he had in years.

  Chapter 8

  Emma decided to throw a party, thanking all of her friends for helping her get moved in and working on her house. An outdoor fall party would be perfect, complete with barbeque, beer, and a fire pit in her backyard for smores and snuggling. The Saturday of the event dawned bright and clear, the sun shining over the woods, filling the air with the crisp coolness so welcome by the end of summer. Emma cleaned all day and Laurie came over to help with the food. Tom and Jake manned the barbeque, Rob took care of the large fire pit, along with some of the other firefighters, and Carol was in charge of the smores. Helen, Roger, Wendy, Bill and Brad came and Emma watched Brad finally hanging out with Suzy in public. Mac and Bernadette arrived, bringing Mary with them since Jake had gotten there early. Several of the firefighters brought dates as well as several of Emma’s co-workers.

  Jake looked over when Ted showed up, but stopped scowling when he saw that Ted had a date. Emma rolled her eyes at him until another teacher came, bringing Brandi. She hadn’t seen Brandi since that first night at the bar. Even knowing Jake had no desire to be around Brandi, she couldn’t help but feel a little jealous. Brandi, oblivious as ever, made the rounds to all the single men. Emma
relaxed once it became apparent Brandi had the good sense to stay away from the claimed men and Emma made sure that everyone knew that Jake was hers. Mike was there, along with some other people from the police force.

  Emma was glad she had bought enough food although it helped that many of the guests brought dishes, desserts, or beer.

  “Do you have enough, dear?” Mary asked, walking back into the kitchen. Emma looked up and smiled at Mary as she walked over to hug her. She pulled out a chair and helped Mary to sit. “Don’t fuss over me” Mary ordered with a smile.

  Emma admired Mary so much, knowing that Mary was in pain most of the time but never complained. “I’m not fussing,” Emma said. “Just being a good hostess like my momma taught me.”

  Mary laughed, loving the beautiful woman who had captured her son’s heart. Jake walked in, looking at his mother and Emma laughing and his heart warmed at the sight of the two women that meant the most to him enjoying each other’s company. Walking all the way into the room, he stooped to kiss his mother’s cheek before continuing over to the counter to wrap his arms around Emma.

  “Just came back in to get some more hamburgers, doll,” he said, reaching around Emma to grab the plate of meat. “Everything is almost ready so I wanted to make sure my two favorite women were ready as well.”

  Emma grabbed a couple of more dishes and handed a small platter to Mary to carry out. Mary smiled as the made her way out into the back yard.

  Jake looked at Emma’s face. “How did you know that would make her happy?” he asked in amazement.

  Reaching to cup his face in her hand, Emma smiled. “Everyone wants to feel useful, Jake. Your mom needs help with so many things, but she doesn’t want to feel helpless. So even something as simple as me giving her a dish to take out, makes her feel as though she is contributing.”

  Jake stared in wonderment at the woman in front of him, not believing that he had the good fortune to be able to call her his own. “Emma darlin’, just want to put it out there… I am falling for you,” he told her softly.

  “Jake, just putting it out there…. I already have,” she whispered back. Jake’s eyes grew wide but before he could respond, Emma grabbed her platter and headed out to the yard.

  His eyes followed her as Emma walked in front of him. Lordy, he would never get tired of looking at that ass, cupped just perfectly in her tight skinny jeans. Her light green sweater was slightly large and hung off of one shoulder. God, how can a sweater that is so big, look so goddamn sexy and show off her tits? Growling, Jake grabbed the next platter and followed her out.

  The dinner had been consumed, games had been played, and now the guests sat around the fire pit relaxing in the comfort of good food and good company. The sparks from the fire rose in the air as the wood crackled and snapped. Everyone’s faces were illuminated only by the firelight, casting shadows all about them.

  Emma’s cat, who she simply named Mister, walked around sneaking tidbits from the plates, then sat by the fire watching the sparks. Sitting on a blanket, Emma snuggled up against Jake’s chest. The fire gave off heat, but she was aware that the heat coming from Jake’s body was providing all the warmth that she needed. She wiggled, wanting to burrow down deeper in his arms. Jake chuckled and wrapped his mighty arms around her tighter.

  Leaning down to whisper in her ear, “You warm enough, babe?” Emma sighed in response and leaned back closer.

  Mike looked around at her yard and nodded toward Emma. “This is a great place, Emma. You’ve really done a nice job with it,” he said.

  Emma, full of pride, smiled back. “I can’t believe it is all mine. It feels so good to finally put down roots and know that when I drive down the driveway, I’m coming to my home. I seem to remember when some of you couldn’t believe that I was actually going to even look at this place.”

  “How many acres do you have?” asked one of their friends.

  “About ten acres, but it feels like more. There is a small part of the river that backs to the property and beyond that is the state park, so I have no neighbors back there,” she replied.

  “Have you walked it all yet?” Ted asked.

  “No, but I was thinking that I needed to do that soon. Mike keeps scaring me with stories about critters around in the woods so I didn’t want to go by myself.” she answered. “There is supposed to be a tiny hunter’s shack near the river, but I haven’t seen it yet. I was thinking of walking down there tomorrow.”

  Mike looked across the fire at her. “Emma, I don’t think it would be safe to go by yourself and I know Jake is on duty tomorrow.”

  Jake, walking back from the house having run in to get more beer, agreed. “Babe, wait a little longer until we can go together.”

  “I’m not helpless,” Emma huffed.

  Laurie, leaning back on Rob’s chest spoke up. “I could go tomorrow with you.”

  Emma smiled at her niece. “Perfect, it’s a date!”

  The conversation continued to flow until the guests began to leave. Emma hugged them all, feeling for the first time in her life she was really home. Home with friends, family, and a house that welcomed them all.

  Jake was finishing the cleanup from the party, when he looked over at Emma’s face. He saw exhaustion mixed with her contented smile. He left the room for a few minutes and when he came back, took her by the hand and led her down the hall to the bathroom. Emma looked in and was shocked at what she saw. The tub was full of bubbles, and candles were lit on the bathroom counter. She turned around, looking up into his baby blues, that were sparkling in the candlelight.

  “Baby, you’re about to drop on your feet. Strip off, climb in that tub, and have a good relaxing soak.”

  Emma, overwhelmed that he did this simple and yet poignant act for her, just stood there staring at him.

  “Baby, don’t let the water get cold.” He pulled her shirt over her head and peeled her jeans off her body. Her underwear followed quickly and he assisted her over into the tub. As much as Jake loved looking at her body, he wanted to take care of her.

  Emma looked up and invited, “Sure you don’t want to join me?”

  “Emma girl, first of all, I don’t think I’d ever fit in that tub and second, you need to relax. If I stay here with you naked under those bubbles, you’re never gonna relax.” With that, Jake headed back to the kitchen to take out the last of the garbage.

  A few minutes later, he went back into the bathroom, finding Emma sound asleep with her head resting on the back of the tub. He sat next to the tub and watched her for a while. Her dark air was piled on top of her head, with a few tendrils falling around her face. Dark, thick lashes lay upon her ivory cheeks that were slightly blushed from the warm water. He leaned over the tub and gently placed a kiss on her lips. Emma’s eyes fluttered open and she slowly smiled.

  “Come on darlin’, let’s get you out.” With that he lifted her out of the tub and patted her dry with a big towel.

  “Jake, I can …” Emma started, but Jake immediately shushed her, shaking his head.

  “I know, Emma. You can do it yourself. But I want to,” he said simply. Emma just nodded and let him continue to care for her. He then carried her into the bedroom and placed her in the middle of the bed before he stripped and joined her.

  That night, Emma and Jake made love. Slow and purposeful, worshipping each other’s bodies long into the night. Then they drifted into a peaceful sleep, limbs tangled, breath mingled, heart’s beating together.

  Chapter 9

  Emma awoke, needing to go to the bathroom. Slipping unnoticed from under Jake’s arm, she padded softly into the bathroom. Finishing up, she flushed and walked to the sink to wash her hands. As she looked into the mirror, a strange light was reflected in the mirror. Confused, she leaned closer before realizing that the glow was a reflection from the bathroom window. Turning around, she walked to the window to see where the light was coming from. An unusual orange glow was radiating from over the tree tops in her back yard. Staring out of the win
dow for a minute, she tried to force her sleep fogged mind to clear enough to figure out what she was seeing. She grabbed her glasses off of the counter to bring the scene into focus.

  Oh my god, NO!

  “FIRE JAKE, FIRE!” Emma screamed as she ran through the bedroom, flying out of the door heading down the hall. “Call 911,” she continued to scream as she was throwing open the front door.

  Jake, jarred awake at her first scream bounded up and out of the bed. He threw on his jeans and jammed his feet into his shoes, grabbing his phone as he followed her down the hall. Assuming the fire was in the house, he couldn’t understand why the smoke detectors were not alarming.

  “Emma!” he yelled as he pounded down the front porch steps, seeing her running across the yard towards the woods. “Emma!” he yelled again, trying to get her attention. Looking up he saw the orange glow in the woods.

  “Goddamn it woman, get back here!” he yelled once more, sprinting across the yard. He caught up to her right before she entered the woods. Grabbing her around the waist, he took her down, rolling over so that he took the impact of the fall and she landed on him.

  “Where the hell are you going?” he continued to yell as he rolled over pinning her under him.

  “Jake, the woods are on fire, we have to go!” she screamed, struggling to get up.

  “Dammit, Emma, you scared the shit out of me. I thought the house was on fire!” Standing up, he reached down to pull her up as well, while pulling out his cell phone. He dialed 911, talked to the dispatch and told them where the fire was. He kept one arm firmly around Emma’s shoulders holding her in place. Ending the call, he looked down at her, still wiggling to get free.

  “Emma,” he said. “Emma, look at me,” he ordered. Her frantic eyes looked up and focused on his. “Baby, breathe. The house isn’t on fire, we are safe, and the fire department is coming. You are out here with no pants, no shoes, no jacket. Let’s go back to the house, wait until Rob and Mac get here and see what needs to be done.” Emma slowly nodded.