Free Thirteen (Love by Numbers Book 4) by E.S. Carter

over to her, grabs the serving dishes from her hands, deposits them swiftly on the table and then spins around to take her into his arms.
    He dips her down to the floor and plants a scorching and frankly obscene kiss to her mouth which Emma submits to willingly before she bats him away mumbling about ‘having guests’. Jake grins devilishly and whispers something in her ear that makes the blush on Emma’s cheeks turn a fiery red. Then he sets her back on her feet, smacks her across the arse, and I hear, “Well, that’s what you get for calling me, Mr Fox.”
    “Can you guys, just for half an hour, stop pawing at each other like we’re not here because trust me, we are both still here, and I’m sure Lilah isn’t into a porn show, even if it could make her millions if she decided to film it.”
    “Now, there’s an idea.” I reach into my handbag and grab my phone. “Can you guys do that again? I’ve got a huge legal bill to pay off.”
    Everyone stops for a second, and then Harry laughs as Jake prowls towards Emma, who has her hands up in front of her, trying to ward him off.
    “C’mon, Emmy. Let’s help the girl out.” He all but growls at her under his breath, his eyes flashing with lust.
    “Jake, stop where you are right now. She’s teasing you.” She looks over at me her hands still in the air in front her even as she retreats from Jake’s advance. “You were kidding, right?”
    “As serious as a heart attack.” I say with as straight a face as possible and at my words, Harry laughs louder, and Jake stalks his pray with more purpose.
    She scrambles around the other side of the table, trying to create a barrier between them, but Jake is relentless, and I can’t help but finally let my laughter free.
    Flicking me a brief glare, she attempts to speak between her frantic evading movements and her giggles, “It’s supposed to be Hos before Bros. Haven’t you heard of the girl code?”
    Just as Jake reaches her, and promptly tosses her over his shoulder with another smack to her arse, I shout, “I hang around with a burly biker gang, remember? Not many Hos in their clubhouse.”
    To which Harry adds, “No, they were all about the Bros.”
    “Help yourselves to lunch, I’m just taking Emmy to show her my… Oh, hey there Roger, didn’t know you were back from your trip.” Jake promptly sets Emma to her feet and allows her to rush over to the older gentleman who has the same smiling eyes as his wife. They must be related.
    “Dad, you’re back! Why didn’t you let us know? We could have come and collected you from the station.”
    Yes, definitely related. I hope. Or else this scene really does deserve to be filmed.
    “You’ve got enough on your plate, Pud. Plus, I know how to call for a taxi.”
    He squeezes her tightly like he hasn’t seen her for months and then sets her on the floor and allows her to step back into Jake’s embrace.
    That’s when he notices Harry and me.
    “Oh, I’m sorry to interrupt. I didn’t realise you had guests. Let me just say hello to my grandson and I’ll be out of your hair.”
    He walks over to Harry, who is still holding CJ because the little lad has fallen asleep on his shoulder.
    He caresses the child’s dark, glossy hair, the same colour as his famous father. “Hey, H,” he all but whispers trying not to disturb the sleeping toddler. “Nice to see you, but would you mind if I took this little one off your hands? Grandpa needs a welcome home hug.”
    “Not at all, Mr C; he’s all yours. Besides, I think my arm has gone dead. This little bouncer is heavier than he looks.”
    Emma’s father gently prises the small boy from Harry’s arms, and the child doesn’t even stir, just settles contentedly into his Grandfather’s embrace.
    He slowly turns to face Jake and Emma who are both wearing happy smiles, and I think Emma is even fighting back tears so I guess she’s missed her Dad.
    “I’ll take this little guy back to the cottage with me. Let you