“I’ll call him back and explain.”
Jake’s jaw clenched, and his nostrils flared. “Who is Joe, anyway? And why would you tell him that?”
Emily thought about all Joe had helped her through. “He’s all I have left. I tell him everything.”
Hurt filled Jake’s eyes, and he turned to leave.
“Jake.”
He froze with his hand on the doorknob.
“Let me explain, please.”
Jake turned back and sat beside her, setting his hat on the arm of the love seat. “I’m listening.” He didn’t look at her and his shoulders remained hunched.
“I met Joe when I was sixteen and going through... some... difficult things.”
“Isn’t that when your mother died?” Jake’s voice sounded contrite.
“Yes, and I didn’t handle her death well. Joe helped me through all of that and... other things since.” She wanted to tell Jake everything, but she wasn’t ready to bare her soul to anyone new. Especially with her brother’s death bringing back those struggles.
“So, you’ve known Joe for what, fourteen years?”
“Yes.”
“And you tell him everything? You just talk?” Jake scratched the back of his neck.
“Yes.” Emily hid a smile.
Was Jake trying to get information about Joe because he was jealous? How would he react if he knew Joe was married and old enough to be her father?
She liked the idea of Jake being jealous over her.
“Do you have feelings for him?” The words exploded from Jake.
“I love him dearly.” Emily smiled, and Jake’s face fell. “But I’m notin lovewith him.”
“You’re not?” Relief swept over Jake’s features. “Good. I mean, so he’s not your boyfriend?”
Were those beads of sweat on his brow?
Emily shook her head, enjoying Jake’s discomfort. Then her lips curved up. “His wife, Beth, would be concerned if she heard you ask that.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?” Jake shrugged, as though the answer didn’t matter. “I mean... it might be good to know if I have to worry about a jealous boyfriend, since we... slept together... and all.”
Emily laughed. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend. What about you? Do I need to worry about any jealous girlfriends, besides Debbie?”
Jake let out a growl at the mention of Debbie. “No girlfriend.”
“Good.” Emily smiled and met his eyes. “I think what we’re dealing with is complicated enough, right now.”
“What exactly are we dealing with?” Jake asked with a twinkle in his eye, his confidence returning.
“A powerful attraction we can’t give in to.”
“Right.” Jake tore his eyes away from hers. “And sitting this close to you, staring into your gorgeous emerald eyes, is not helping.” He stood and put his hat on. He walked to the door and opened it, then with a sheepish look, turned back to his desk and shoved a checkbook and pen into his back pocket. He stopped again in the doorway. “When you call Joe back, make sure he knows I would never hurt you, Emily.”
Emily stared at the door for a long time after it closed.No, but I might hurt you.
