“I can’t ask you to–”
“You didn’t ask. I offered.”
“I….” I glance at the clock. “I don’t–”
“Em….” The deep rumble of his voice causes the hair on the back of my neck to stand. Jesus, the man could make a woman come with that voice alone. “Let me help. You don’t have to do everything on your own. Besides, if I know Kaleb, he’ll be here the second the fire is contained.”
“I shouldn’t accept your offer, but I will. We’re short on staff right now, and this would leave Ryan in a lurch trying to find a replacement.”
“It’s no problem.” He shrugs. “Today was my day off, and I’m not doing anything.”
It’s Friday night. How’s he not doing anything? “Thank you. I’ll owe you one.”
“See you around, Em.”
This time, my knees buckle at the nickname, and I clutch the doorknob to keep from falling into a heap. I glance over my shoulder. It’s criminal that the man is that good-looking. “Yeah, see ya. Thanks again.”
Chapter Twelve
Jake
I dry and put away a plate that Emily had rinsed before I arrived. The clock above the stove clicks slowly, minute after minute, as Aurora continues to sleep in the living room.
There was a time when I felt as comfortable here as I did at home. I was in and out of this kitchen too many times to count, staying over to watch movies, eating turkey on Thanksgiving night after we’d returned from my grandparents’ house, opening presents on Christmas afternoon. There wasn’t a time I was made to feel like a burden.
I shut the cabinet door and lean against the counter. Emily was the cute girl from down the street. Until she was more. Until I couldn’t sleep at night after brushing her hand while passing the mashed potatoes. Until I saw a boy waiting for her at her locker, and I wanted to smash his face in.
Until I came back from college and saw her ass wiggling in front of me. Right here. My hands ball into fists. I would give anything to change that night. If I hadn’t heard Spencer tell Kaleb he was going to find out what was taking me so long….
If he’d stayed downstairs, we’d have been alone, and I could’ve wrapped my arms around her, threaded my hands in her long, silken hair, and kissed her gorgeous, plump lips until they were bruised.
Instead…. Instead, my roommate took her out the next day.
I shove off the counter and march past the island where I’d stopped that night. I’d rather flip on the television or scan useless videos on my phone than live in a fairytale land wishing for things that aren’t going to happen.
When I walk into the living room, Aurora’s eyes pop open. “Jake?” Her brows crease as she sits upright. “I didn’t know you were here.” She looks around the darkened room. “Where’s Emily? Oh, right….” She shakes her head. “I’ve lost track of time. She’s off to work. Is Kaleb here?”
“No. There was a fire call, so I offered to sit with you so Emily could go to work.” I twist the lamp beside Aurora’s side of the sofa and hover over her. “Do you need anything?”
“No.” She looks down at the tray in front of her. “Well, I could use a fresh drink.” Her cheeks flush pink. “You know I hate asking anyone to do anything for me.”
“I know you do.” I pat her shoulder. Somehow, Emily got that same trait from her mother. Or maybe she just doesn’t want help from me. “This stage in the healing process won’t last long, and you’ll be back to picking up after us.”
She smiles. “That’s so true.” Her eyes get misty. “I’ve missed all you kids around. It was bad enough when you and Kaleb graduated, but then Em moved out.” She sighs heavily, “I know things change, and the whole purpose of parenthood is to raise your kids to be mature adults, but it doesn’t matter if you know it or not, it’s still hard.”
“I’m sure it is.” I leave her on the sofa as I retrieve her tumbler and refill it.
When I hand it back to her, she takes a sip while nodding to the seat across from her. “Thank you. Why don’t you have a seat? Tell me everything that’s been going on with you.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to grab you some of my mom’s soup?”
At the mention of my mom, Aurora’s eyes become distant, and she shifts her attention to the wall behind me. “No, I’m fine. Thank you.”
Moments later, she clears her throat, and the uneasy expression disappears as she smiles. But somehow, the change doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Go on, tell me everything.”
I sensed that my mom and Aurora had drifted apart, but I thought it was more natural regression rather than a complete estrangement. Another thing that’s my fault. Of course, my mom would have my back. She always has, and it’s time to remember why.
Emily chose Spencer. She wasn’t interested in me. No matter how I’ve managed to turn things around in my head. Reality is reality.
