Second Summer by Shirleen Davies

Author:Shirleen Davies
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary romance, inspirational romance, second chance romance, western contemporary romance, contemporary romance series, contemporary romance rancher, romance midlife adults, romance series family, romance strong woman, romantic story of strong man and woman

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Chapter Nine

“Come in, Annie, and Merry Christmas,” Jace leaned over and kissed her cheek then extended his hand to Jake Davison, the man everyone had heard Annie was dating. He was a businessman from Denver who’d met Annie years before when Kit was alive.

“You must be Jake. I’m Jace MacLaren.”

Jace took their coats and ushered them into the great room that combined a living room with a family room. It looked into the kitchen and dining room, making for one big entertaining area. The room was filled with people, most that Annie knew. She introduced Jake, grabbed cocktails for each of them, then led him around the giant kitchen island to find Caroline.

They hugged then Annie turned to Jake. “Caroline this is Jake Davison. Jake, I’d like you to meet a close friend, Caroline MacLaren.”

“I’ve heard so much about you, Caroline, that I feel like I know you,” Jake commented.

“Same here, Jake. I’m glad you were in town during the party so that I could meet you. Annie told me you don’t get to Fire Mountain often.”

“No, only since I’ve become reacquainted with Annie. But I do go to Phoenix every few weeks on business.”

“Well, we’re only a couple of hours away, so we expect to see more of you.”

“Hello, Annie.” Everyone turned at the deep voice. Heath stood a few feet away, a beautiful woman holding his arm.

“Hello, Heath. Merry Christmas.” Annie turned on her brightest smile, hoping the pain she felt at seeing him for the first time in weeks wasn’t apparent. She turned to Jake. “This is Jake Davison.”

The men exchanged handshakes.

“Annie and Jake, this is Diana Clements.”

“Pleased to meet you, Diana,” Jake said.

“Hello, Diana. It’s good to meet you.” Annie extended her hand. Diana’s was cold, like ice even though the room was warm.

Caroline watched Annie struggle. She knew her friend had only spoken with Heath a few times on the phone, and seen him just once, at a board meeting, since he’d told her about Diana. What Caroline also knew was that her brother-in-law was struggling as much as Annie.

“May I get you a refill, Annie?” Jake asked and took the glass from her hand. “Diana, may I get one for you also?”

“I’d love another drink. In fact, I’ll come with you,” Diana let loose of Heath and linked her arm through Jake’s.

“I need to make sure the cook is still setting out fresh food,” Caroline said and left the two to themselves.

Heath stared at Annie. She looked incredible. Her blond hair was straight, the way she wore it when it wasn’t in a ponytail. She’d done something with her makeup that made her glow and her eyes look huge and round. Her red dress fell off her shoulders and she wore a striking ruby necklace set in gold that rested between her breasts. Heat rose to his face and he felt himself harden. Both feelings, connected with Annie, were a complete surprise.

“You look stunning tonight,” he choked out, his voice thick.

“Thank you. You look pretty magnificent yourself.

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