Leopard 03 - Burning Wild

because she’d told him to do so. He watched her dress, heaving a sigh when she put on a bra.
    “Why do you have to wear that?”
    “Because I don’t want my body to break down as I get older. And I’m not a sex object for you to drool over all day. I’ve got work to do.”
    “What’s wrong with being both? I like the idea of you being a sex object while you work.” His voice held sensual speculation and a little too much interest.
    Emma frowned at him and hastily finished, clipping her hair up out of the way.
    “You know I like your hair down.”
    “Which is why I don’t cut it. Be happy with that. You try having hair down to your butt, getting in your way while you’re taking care of children.” She scooted past him. “I’m giving you an assignment today, Jake. Look up the meaning of the word romance. ”
    “I’m romantic.” He followed her down the stairs. “Ask Susan. She’ll tell you.”
    Emma paused by the window in the small breakfast nook where she’d left her day watch. She’d taken it off when she was dressing for the party the night before. “Susan is sixteen and her hormones are running amok. She thinks you’re hot.”

    “I am hot. You should listen to her more.”
    The window was open and the faint smell of skunk made her wrinkle her nose. “Isn’t this the wrong time of year for skunks to be hanging around under the house? It smells like one sprayed outside.” She closed the window to shut out the odor. “I think I’ll put some potpourri in here.”
    “Too much information for me,” Jake said with a small laugh. “It’s your house, honey. Do whatever you want to do with it. I’m going to be working all day in my office, hopefully without the smell of skunk or potpourri, but I might need you later.” Jake gave her a wicked smile, his golden eyes sensual as he patted her on the butt.
    “Anytime,” Emma agreed, her body growing hot at the thought as she slapped at his hand. There was something about him that could turn up her temperature in a matter of minutes.
    “Susan.” Jake beckoned the teen to follow him as the girl came around the corner. “I wanted to show you the library.”
    “I didn’t know you had a library,” Susan said, fascinated. She followed him down the long hall, past the closed doors that led to the wing of his private offices. “I’ve never even come into this part of the house. I stay upstairs or in the rooms with Emma.”
    Jake opened the double doors to the huge room. Behind him, Susan gasped as she took in the floor-to-ceiling book-cases, and the ladder on rollers that ran along all four walls on a track. “You’re welcome to use this anytime. You’re extremely intelligent and you can be anything you choose to be. It doesn’t matter if your father is home a lot or not. You’re welcome here. I’ve got a tutor coming for you and a self-defense instructor. If you need anything else, let me know. But this . . .” His hand swept around in a semicircle to encompass the entire room. “This is my sanctuary. This is where I learned to survive.”
    “I love books,” Susan said.
    “I keep the library up-to-date. If you need anything on any subject and you can’t find it in here, don’t hesitate to ask me. Everything is cataloged. And there are computers for you to use as well. I have a library of videos as well.”
    “Jake. I can’t believe this. Thank you.” Susan stepped inside and did a little hop and skip, rushing to one side of the room to examine the book titles in the history section.
    “Don’t neglect any subject. It’s amazing what knowledge can do for you.”
    She pulled out a large book and opened it, her gaze scanning the pages. “I love books,” she repeated. “I had no idea you had this library.”
    “Susan.” Jake went back to the door and paused until she looked up at him. “Never let anyone make you think you’re less than you are. Very few people have your gift for languages. You have a quick mind and a sweet nature. People may want to make you feel small or put you down to build themselves up. That’s their problem, not yours.”
    Susan nodded her head, clasping the book to her chest.
    “And I want you to learn self-defense. Emma can join you for the lessons. You may need them someday.”
    Susan nodded again, her eyes sparkling. “Thanks, Jake.”
    “I’m heading for my office. If you need anything, use the intercom.”
    Susan waited until he had disappeared before running down the hall to find