By the time they finished eating, Amy had learned that Robert made out with twin sisters in high school and got punched by their brother. All within a twenty-four-hour period. And Ben, in a freak accident, managed to break his ankle by running over it after popping a wheelie on a motorcycle.
It was dusk by the time Jake brought Amy home. She gripped the edge of her seat as he turned into the cul-de-sac, dreading the goodbye-on-the-doorstep moment. Would he kiss her? Could she keep herself from responding if he did? She jumped when he spoke.
“Poor guy.” He nodded his head toward Ben’s truck parked in front of Debbie’s house.
Again?Grateful for the distraction, Amy reflected on how frequently Ben visited Debbie. What was going on between them?
Jake parked his truck and climbed out before she could ask what he meant by ‘poor guy’.
Her stomach knotted at his proximity as he walked her to the door. She stumbled up the steps, and Jake grabbed her arm to steady her.
“Are you okay?”
Amy’s eyes widened. He stood so close. Warmth seeped through her sleeve from his hand. His masculine scent, though weaker than before teased her nose. Her breath caught in her throat.
Amy nodded, unable to speak.
“Good.” Releasing her arm, he shoved his hands into his pockets. “I’d better leave before you pass out or something.”
“What?”
Jake chuckled. “You’re jumpier than the colt I’ve been trying to break. I’m not sure whether you’re afraid of me, or something I might do, but let me just say thanks for going out with me. I had a fun time. And I’m sorry again about the buckshot thing.”
He gave her a small wave and turned toward the steps.
“Jake, wait.”
He turned back. With him on the lower step, they stood eye to eye.
“I’m sorry. It’s not you... It’s me.” Squeezing her eyes shut in frustration, she took a deep breath. She couldn’t say the words racing through her mind.
Don’t mind me, I’m freaking out because I’m afraid you might kiss me, and I’ll enjoy it.
She felt like an idiot. A slow smile spread across her face. Wouldn’tThe Menget a kick out of her inner turmoil over a kiss? She put a hand on Jake’s shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I’m acting so... ridiculous. I really did have a great time. I’m obviously not very good at this kind of thing.” She waved her hand in a broad circle.
“No kidding,” Jake chuckled. “And I thought I didn’t get out enough.” Taking her hand from his shoulder, he held it in his. “Let’s not ruin a nice date by making it more awkward than it needs to be.” He bowed his head and pressed a quick kiss to the back of her hand then released it. “Bye, Amy. I’ll see you around.”
“Thank you, Jake.” Amy remained on the porch until he’d driven away.
She placed her hand on her chest where her heart had skipped a beat. No man had ever kissed her hand before. Surprisingly, Jake’s kiss affected her almost as much as Ben’s, in an entirely different way, of course. Jake’s gentleness and respect triggered in her a longing for something she’d never had before. She’d met few men in her life who were as kind and respectful as Jake, Robert, and Ben, even though they loved to tease. She wanted to spend more time with a man like that. Wanted that kind of a man to be a part of her life.
She shook her head at her foolish thoughts. She’d gone from responding to a kiss from a handsome man to thinking she could have the fairytale dream.
The problem was fairy tales didn’t happen in real life. Not to poor little nobody’s that were unlovable.
