“No.”
“Did she have a broken bone?”
“No,” I growl as the cup in my hand dents inwardly at the pressure from my grip. Condescending asshole.
“You know Jake is a player, right?”
“Yes.” My jaw aches almost as much as my heart does. “I’m aware of that.”
“Not to mention, I heard you acted like a jealous bitch at his place on Saturday. It’s embarrassing. Now everyone knows that you still have a thing for him.”
I’m going to throw up. “No, I don’t.”
“Then stay away from him.”
“I’ve got to go.” I stab the end-call button.
“Who was that?” Jake grasps my upper arm to stop me. “Is someone bothering you?” His fingers tighten on my arm. His look of concern sends my belly flipping. “Tell me who it is, and I’ll take care of it.”
“What’re you going to do? Beat them up?” My heart skips a beat.
“If I need to, I will.” This time, the sincerity in his eyes nearly buckles my knees.
“Your amazing best friend is the person bothering me.”
“Oh….” His shoulders relax as he steps back. “I thought it was someone harassing you.”
“He was.” My voice drips with sarcasm.
“You know what I meant.” He takes off his hat and rakes a hand through his hair, leaving the strands tousled. Damn him and his good looks. “I thought it was an ex-boyfriend or some stalker bothering you.”
“I appreciate your concern.” I arch an eyebrow. Does he actually care about me? Like, really care about me. What if all his attempts to reconnect with me are legitimate? “Would you really offer to beat up someone who was giving me a hard time?”
“Sure. If someone was trying to hurt you, I would.” He shrugs a shoulder without meeting my gaze.
“Thank you. But as a police officer, you might want to arrest them instead of getting into a fight. I wouldn’t want you to get into trouble.” Are his cheeks pink? Surely, he isn’t embarrassed.
“You have a point.” He finally meets my gaze.
Flop. It feels like there’s fish flipping and flopping in my chest. And I thought envisioning Jake punching my brother’s face was an adrenaline rush. But it’s nothing compared to having him look at me like…. Like what? Like he might actually be interested?
“But if you want to fight Kaleb for me, I have no objections.” I can’t stop the smile from curving up my cheeks as the vision of Jake and Kaleb rolling in the dirt takes root in my head and won’t let go.
Oh my God, I’m flirting with Jake Thompson, and I have no idea what I’m doing.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” His voice is low and rough.
Shit. I suck at flirting. I straighten my spine. “Forget I said anything.”
“I can’t forget it.” He winks, sending goosebumps racing along my skin as his eyes dip to my lips and then back to mine. “The idea is too appealing.”
My phone beeps again. Kaleb–again. Son of a bitch. Remember, Kaleb is right. This is his best friend. He knows Jake better than anyone. Even if he was somehow interested, it would only be for a night or two. “I’ve got to go.”
“Right.” He nods and steps out of my way, letting me pass.
And like that, the moment is gone.
Chapter Eighteen
