“You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” I shift backward like I might disappear if I try hard enough. It’s not possible. If he calls my bluff, my mom will come out of her room with a slipper in her hand, fully intent on smacking me on top of the head.
“Yes, I do. I clearly do.” His teeth snap together as the television from my mother’s room blasts to life, drowning out her ability to listen to us unless she plasters her ear to the door. I wouldn’t put it past her to do just that.
“No, you don’t.”
“Obviously, I do. Even though it’ll do no good. Tabitha had been drinking. I wanted to make sure she didn’t drink and drive. And it took some convincing. Luckily, her friend showed up and offered her a ride. Yes, I spoke to her.” His eyes flash with anger as my shoulder sinks inward. “Yes, I showed her compassion and listened to what had upset her. And yes, I wanted her to get home safe. For herself and everyone else on the road. Is that so bad?”
Fuck, I’m such an asshole.
“No.” I shake my head as I stuff my hands into my pockets. “That’s not a bad thing. I’ve seen too many accidents on the road where someone didn’t show that same level of concern for someone else, and they ended up drinking and driving.”
Memories of mangled bodies and torn-up vehicles invade my thoughts, and I push them back just as fast.
“I’m sorry I jumped to conclusions. Besides, it’s none of my business if you’re interested in her. You’ve just returned to town. As far as I know, you’re not seeing anyone.” My shrug takes more effort to accomplish than it should. “So–”
“Stop.” He holds out his hand with his palm facing toward me.
“Okay.” It feels like a pickax is wedged in the middle of my back.
“I’m not, nor have I ever been a player. I realize that was my reputation back in high school, but it’s not true. And it wasn’t true in college either. Hell, I haven’t been with anyone in a long time.” He swallows hard as he rakes a hand through his hair. “Over the last three years, I’ve been focused on other things.”
My mouth drops open. “That’s….” I swallow and narrow my eyes. “That can’t be true.”
“Yes, it is. And before, there weren’t as many as you think.”
“Why….” I wave my hand toward his body. “I mean… How…. Shit.” The possibility is so unexpected, I can’t form a coherent thought. I lick my lips. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s simple.” He steps closer, making my breath catch in my lungs.
His gaze is intense as he stalks slowly toward me. He’s huge. Gorgeous. Caring. And open to being vulnerable. I inhale the scent of his cologne. Sandalwood and musk, with a hint of citrus.
His heat draws me toward him like a homing device, causing my heart to sputter in my chest. I sway toward him as if I’m no longer in control of my own body. “I’m not a player so it’s time to stop putting me into that category. It’s offensive.”
“I’m sorry.” I swallow over the lump in my throat. “I didn’t mean to be insulting. It’s just what Kaleb always said.”
He arches an eyebrow as one corner of his mouth lifts. “And you believe everything your brother says?”
“No.” I roll my eyes and chuckle. “I guess when you say it like that, I sound like a fool.”
“Em….” He cups my cheek. “You’re not a fool.” His thumb brushes along my cheekbone. “You’re the girl I–”
Both of our phones ring at the same time and my mom’s bedroom door snaps open. She looks at us with wide eyes. “There’s a fire at the corner of Main and Emerson.”
“Shit.” Jake drops his arm to his side and reads the message on his phone as I do the same.
A two-alarm fire at the intersection of Main and Emerson.
“I’m going,” I call to Mom as Jake places his hand in the middle of my back.
“I’ll drive.”
“Thanks.” I smile weakly at him. He’s thrown out a peace offering. At the least, I can accept it.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jake
Main and Emerson. The muscles in my back ache as I turn right on Emerson. I might be on the edge of a truce with Emily, but we’re on our way to a fire at Frank’s house. I’ve known Frank Gannon and his family since I was in the third grade, when he was our bus driver. I was the first on the bus in the mornings and the last off at night.
