Thankfully, Dale kept his mouth shut and didn’t ask any awkward questions that I didn’t want to answer.
Yes, Jake said he wanted me, and at that time, I would’ve followed him anywhere. But now? What happens now? Hedidn’t say it was anything more than a physical attraction. Maybe all he wants is to break his dry spell.
I understand that. It’s been months since I’ve had sex. Okay, it’s been over two years. So, ending the dry spell sounds like an excellent idea.
Does he really expect me to show up at his place tonight? Probably not. That was hours ago. Besides, I had to work past my shift due to a call and ended up stopping by to see my mom even though Jake said he would, so he’s probably given up on me anyway.
I should go home. I flip the blinker to go to my place and stop at the next sign. Right goes to my apartment. Left goes to Jake’s house.
He’s only a couple of blocks away.
When my phone dings, I glance in all directions and place my car into park. Anywhere else, I’d have to pull over, but this is Brookhaven, and there’s no one out running the street at this hour.
Jake: Why’s your blinker on going the wrong way?
A smile curves up to my cheeks as that stupid heartbeat of mine flutters in my chest.
Me: Are you stalking me?
Jake: Maybe.
Me: Where are you?
Jake: I’m parked a block over. I was on my way home when I saw you. It’s been a long day, and I canprovide you with a place to relax. And that meal I promised you.
Mira Woods snaps on her front porch light. What am I supposed to say to her if she asks why I’m idling at the stop sign? This is ridiculous.
She probably has Dominic on speed dial. That’s the last thing I need. One of my brother’s friends rushing to the rescue. Catching me flirting with his best friend.
Me: Can you cook?
Jake: I’m wounded. Of course, I can cook.
Before I can respond, another message pops up.
Jake: If you like cold cereal and apple slices. Never mind. I’m not sure the milk is any good. And the apple? It’s probably bad.
My finger hovers over the screen. I force myself not to respond with the words floating in my head. A one-night stand doesn’t equal happily ever after, and if I tell him that I’d gladly eat cold cereal with him every morning for the next sixty years, he’s going to toss his cell phone into a boiling vat of hot water.
If he knows how to boil water, that is. I giggle despite myself. I finally decide on a compromise between sounding desperate and uninterested.
Me: I’d love some cold cereal. Tonight.
Jake: Is that a euphemism for oral? Missionary? Or reverse cowgirl?
I laugh and glance from left to right like someone is going to pop out of from behind a trashcan and tell me I’ve beenpranked. Mira snaps off the porch light. She’s either decided I’m harmless, or she’s studying me from the dark recesses of her living room where she can gawk without causing attention to herself.
Jake: Shit. Forget I said that. I promise if you come over, I’ll be a perfect gentleman.
I should be relieved by his response, but instead, it feels like a letdown.
Me: What if I don’t want you to be?
My finger hovers over the send button. I can’t send that. Can I? That’s too forward. Except, he just asked me what position I wanted. Heat roils in my core.
Mira’s light comes back on again as her front door swings open and she steps onto her front porch. She’s wearing a thin robe that flutters in the breeze and a pair of slippers on her feet.
After I roll down the window, I say, “Hey, Ms. Wood.” I give her my most disarming smile. “My car was making a noise, so I stopped here to listen to it for a second.” Or five minutes. “I don’t hear it now.”
