I don’t want to bring it up.I don’t want to ruin what we have.It’s so good.
Being with Jake feels right, yet I know something isn’t right.It’s so damn confusing.
On a bright note, a few friends he worked with in the Marshal service are here.One of them knows Liam and Ryder, so everyone is getting along well.
I won’t ruin this.I’ll let him tell me in time.
Surely his mom will extend an invitation to Thanksgiving after not being able to make it tonight.
“Hey,” Jake lifts my chin.“The party is great.”
“Thanks,” I let him take my lips, then find some courage deep inside.I slide my hand down his chest and rest it on the top of his rock-hard abs.“Jake, I want to meet your mom.”
I physically feel him tense.
Why?
What is so damn horrible about introducing me to his family?
His jaw clenches, though he tries to hide it, and an invisible wall comes up between us.
“Let’s take things slow, baby.There’s no hurry.”Jake cups my cheek, but there’s a coldness to it.
“Okay.”I let my hand drop away.“Okay.”
Forcing a smile, I head back to the party to socialize with everyone, but the sense that something is wrong is heavy on my shoulders.
Jake is hiding something.
I can’t pretend he’s not anymore.
When I glance up, Cole is staring directly at me, knowingly, because I can’t hide from my brother.His darkening gaze shifts behind me to Jake.
Shit.
I head toward my beautiful niece for a cuddle.
God knows I need it.
I think I’m about to get my heart broken.
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JAKE
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TIME IS RUNNING out.
I know that.I can see it in her eyes.
But now is not the time to be ending this relationship.First, I need to know she’s safe and out of any dangerifwe decipher that Brad is guilty and responsible for the disappearance of these girls.
Then, I need to do the right thing and walk away.
Cole was right this entire time.
That doesn’t mean I’m not going to be a selfish asshole and take more of what I crave from her.
