Chapter 88

He leans down and quickly kisses me on the mouth before moving off to accept the serving dishes she’s holding out to us. I can’t help but smile at his back, a warm feeling washing over me because I know he isn’t one to make empty compliments. Jake really does think I’m beautiful.

“Take them to the table,” she grins, nodding toward the living room at the dinette set in the small room. Jake carries the cooked chicken and salad bowl over, already set up with other dishes and plates. Coming out of the tiny kitchen, she walks up to me and lightly kisses me on the cheek.

I stiffen automatically because we don’t do this kind of touchy-feely stuff! Feeling awkward, I reach out and pat her on the shoulder before swiftly moving toward Jake and sliding into the nearest chair, draping my jacket behind me.

“My beautiful daughter is home,” she gushes toward me before choosing the seat facing me and sitting down. Jake sits beside me after putting his leather jacket on the back of