While it would be easier, I’d never wish for him to be more like me or the people in my world. There isn’t a single thing I want to change about this man, no matter how complicated it makes everything.
Little Lucas fusses again, and Hana offers me an apologetic wince. “Sorry, I think the little prince needs to be changed.”
“It’s alright, Hana. I need to do some makeup touch-ups, anyway. Thank yousomuch for helping me out. I was really desperate.”
“Girl, that was purely selfish. I need Jake to knock you up fast so our kids can be best friends.”
An incredulous laugh rips out of my chest. “Jesus Christ, don’t say things like that. This is literally our first date.”
“You two have had plenty of evenings together before. Even spent a whole weekend cooped up,” she retorts with a roll of her eyes.
She’s not entirely wrong, but still. Tonight is meaningful and feels more official than anything we’ve ever done.
Hana and I stay on the phone for a few more minutes, then we mutually decide it’s time to hang up. I’m reapplying a layer of red lipstick when I receive a notification. I expect it to be my ride, but it’s a message from Jake instead.
Wombat Guy
When’s the driver picking you up?
Me
In five minutes. Why?
Wombat Guy
Just making sure :)
I make my way to my bedroom to throw the last of my toiletries into my overnight bag. After one last look in the mirror and an approving nod for myself, I exit my apartment, heels clicking on the marble floor.
The notification that the car has arrived comes when I’m in the elevator, so I seek a sleek black sedan once I exit the building. It’s easily located, as well as the driver standing beside it, his hands professionally folded together in front of him. But my attention is swiftly drawn to what’s parked right in front of it. The deep green vintage sports car is undoubtedly a beautiful sight, but it’s nothing compared to the man leaning against it. In my stupor, I stare at a very handsome, very mine, Jacob Clarke, grinning with pride like a cat that got the cream.
He’s wearing all black, and the crisp shirt that hugs his broad torso has a few buttons undone at the collar, and the sleeves are rolled up, which exposes some of his tattoos. I thought I did a good job getting ready for tonight, but dear Lord… he absolutely nailed it.
I’m still processing what’s happening when the driver of the sedan steps to the side and opens the door for me. My heart flutters, my eyes stuck on Jake’s handsome face.
“Miss Kensington,” the driver says, gesturing for me to enter.
“Sorry, but I won’t—I won’t be needing your services,” I say to the driver, finally ripping my gaze from the mesmerizing sight.
“Miss?”
“I’ll pay the fees and whatever. Sorry again.”
Without another word, the driver offers me a nod and returns to his car to drive off. I return my attention to Jake, whose cocky smirk never wavered.
“You were ‘just making sure?’” I say, failing to contain my cheerfulness at seeing him. Pleased isn’t adequate to express how his unexpected presence makes me feel. I’m elated.
“What kind of man would I be if I let another bloke service my woman on our first date?”
I’m so entranced by his gorgeousness that I almost miss the fact that he called mehiswoman. Already, I know that I’ll want tonight to last forever.
As I stare into Jake’s jade eyes, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
“Is it cheesy if I admit I came because I couldn’t wait to see you?” he asks, half joking, half embarrassed.
I laugh at his blunt admission. “Definitely. But you’re in luck because I love cheese.”
We grin at one another like two enamored buffoons, and I step closer to him. His eyes take me in, raking up and down my body with nothing but appreciation. “Fuck, red, you look stunning,” he praises once I’m by his side. “But how am I supposed to kiss you with those lips?”
