“So, let me show you around,” he says, clearing his throat. “This is the kitchen where your magic happens. It has a double oven, so feel free to use it for any other work you have. There is also another refrigerator in the garage if you need the extra room. I’ll leave a credit card for you to use for grocery shopping and leave the menu planning up to you. Miles will be hit or miss around here with meals. He’s a drummer in a band and is gone a lot with his shows. When he is here, he lives in the apartment above the garage.”
“So meals, grocery shopping…you mentioned cleaning too.”
He leans against the counter and crosses his arms. I try not to stare at the way they fill out his grey t-shirt. “Just the basics. It doesn’t get too dirty because I’m usually working all the time. My room is there,” he points to the door off of the kitchen. “I don’t expect you to clean up after me or in Miles’s apartment. I especially would stay out of that area. There’s no telling what you might find,” he laughs. “It’s for your own safety, trust me.”
“On the other side of the house are three more bedrooms and a bathroom,” he says, pointing across the kitchen. “Upstairs are two more, but since none are in use now, they won’t need tobe cleaned often. One more thing,” he opens a drawer and pulls out a set of keys. “Miles’s old tour van is just sitting in our garage since he upgraded to a bus. It runs good and has plenty of room for your deliveries and grocery shopping. It’s yours to use anytime you need to get around instead of taking the public bus or Ubering.”
I stare at the keys on the counter, unsure of what to think. It all seems too much. It doesn’t feel right to have all of this practically handed to me.
“Don’t give me that look just yet. I have one more thing that comes with the job.” He smiles and motions for me to follow him.
Opening the cottage doors, we step out onto the back deck. A light breeze lifts my hair, and I close my eyes to the sound of the ocean, already feeling calmer than I have in months.
I look around and see an outdoor kitchen with a sectional next to a fire table. The pool looks inviting, with the lounge chairs lining up on the side. I see steps leading down to the soft sand below.
He walks to what must be a pool house. I notice that it perfectly matches the blue shingles on the main house as he unlocks the door. “We built onto this when we moved in and made it a one-bedroom apartment. Ryder lived here so he could have privacy, and it’s been vacant since he moved out. This would be where you would be staying.”
“What?” I shake my head. “No, this is too much. ALL of this is too much. I can’t accept this job. It doesn’t feel right. You barely get anything out of it, and I get what seems like everything.”
I look around at the cute one-bedroom apartment. There’s a small kitchen with black granite counters and white cabinets. An island sits in the middle with a couple of bar stools. The living area is cozy and fully furnished with a small, comfysofa and table. The door off the kitchen must lead to the bedroom.
“I get a LOT out of this, trust me,” he chuckles. “This place is just sitting out here, and it makes sense that you live closer to Blue Haven Cafe since you will be making deliveries there three times a week. And what if I want a midnight snack? I need you close by in case of emergencies.”
“A midnight snack?” I hide my grin at his adorable look.
“Yes. I sometimes get these mad sweet tooth cravings, and I will need you here to take care of those for me. And don’t forget that best friends help each other out, and that’s what I’m doing. You can’t say no to best friend help…it’s like an unwritten rule that you must accept it.”
“Do you always get your way?” I feel myself begin to cave as I start to feel his excitement edge its way in.
“When it’s something I really want…yeah,” he grins.
I walk to the window overlooking the ocean. This is a big step for me. The last time I accepted help, it ended up being the worst decision of my life. I put my trust in someone who turned out to be unrecognizable in the end.
I feel him walk up behind me. Heat burns through my back and weaves its way down my arms. Taking this job would solve all my problems but could also create new ones. I don’t want to bring him into my mess, and I know the longer I’m with him, the more I won’t be able to keep it a secret anymore. Even though we just met, I know he will take it upon himself to protect me. He’s already proven that today.
“You can trust me, Lyla. All I’m asking for is a chance here. We can go at your pace. You are in charge here.” He steps closer, and I close my eyes to the sheer intensity I feel whenever he’s near me. “I’m just the guy who’s begging you to stay.” His breath warms my skin, and all I want to do is lean back into him and make him take it all away.
“I’m just so tired,” I whisper. “I’ve been barely surviving for so long that I don’t know how to live anymore. I’m tired of living like this and constantly looking over my shoulder.” I angrily swipe a tear away, upset that I’m not strong enough to hold them in.
“Lyla,” his pained voice pierces my heart. He’s made me feel more things in the past two days than I have my entire life, and it scares the hell out of me.
“What if you don’t like what you see when you get to know me?” I voice one of my biggest fears of doing this. I worry that it will be too much for him when he knows the whole truth. I don’t know if I could survive this time. He’s already embedded into places I’ve never let anyone in.
“That will never happen,” he whispers hoarsely. “I can’t explain it, but I already see you, Lyla. I’m not talking about the beautiful woman on the outside, even though I find it hard to breathe when I’m next to you because of your beauty. I’m talking about the beautiful person on the inside. The one that’s hiding in there, just begging to come out. You’ve forgotten how strong she is and how much love she has to give. You just need someone to hold her hand and show her the way out. I want to be that person for you if you will let me,” he says softly. “There’s not a thing you could tell me that would make me walk away.”
I turn to him and see so many emotions swirling in those greys. His hand comes up to brush away a tear, and his touch is so loving that it causes more to fall. I can’t stop myself from reaching out and placing my palm over his heart.
It’s beating fast under his t-shirt, matching what I’m feeling. I lean closer, and his gaze darkens when he sees my lips part on their own. I’m not sure what I’m asking for, but I just know I need to feel him again. I want him to make me feel alive like he did last time.
“You have to ask me, Lyla. I promised you I wouldn’t crossthe friend zone, and I’m trying very hard to keep that promise to you. I’ll give you anything you want…all you have to do is ask.”
His breath caresses my lips, and I feel his fingers dig into my hair as he waits for two words. Two words I know once said means there is no going back if we cross the line again.
“Kiss me,” I breathe against his lips. He dives in without hesitation like he’s been wanting this just as much as I have. His lips are soft and gentle as he takes his time. I cling to him, feeling like I’ve just been handed a lifeline after months of treading water. His tongue finds mine, and I greedily take what is offered.
He moans and pulls me closer to him. When his body makes contact with mine, sparks ignite deep inside. He’s hard against my stomach, and every part of me wants to know what he can show me. All these sensations are new to me as they flood me all at once.
“Jake…” His name leaves my lips on a plea. I don’t know what I’m asking for…I just know he can take care of it.
