Once we’re inside his garage, he lowers the door and shuts off the engine. I bite my bottom lip. What am I doing? This isn’t some random guy I’m going to fuck. This is the guy I’ve crushed on for years. My brother’s best friend.
There’s a potential storm cloud on the horizon if we do this. One with epic crashing of thunder, and slashes of lightning.
He turns slightly in his seat and cups my cheek, stroking his thumb along my cheekbone. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, I’m fine.” My voice is breathy and sounds anything but fine.
I’m in an enclosed vehicle with Jake Thompson. He’s not just my crush and my brother’s best friend. He’s more than that. He’s the guy I’ve been in love with for years. It doesn’t matter that I tried to convince myself I was over him. It never happened.
When he doesn’t move closer, I ease back into the cushions. He means about finding the baby this morning. “I called the hospital before my shift was over, and everything’s going well with the baby.”
“That’s great news.” His eyes are hooded as if he’s considering the same thing I have when not obsessed with thinking about our kiss–imagining finding the baby too late. After something….
No. Don’t go there. Everything’s fine. The baby is safe and healthy.
“Shit.” He frowns and shakes his head. “I invited you over so you could relax after a stressful day. Not to bring you down even more.”
I finally meet his gaze again. “You don’t.”
His eyes drop to my lips and stay there for a beat. And then, he drops his hand and opens the door. “Let’s get inside.” He winks with a wicked grin curving his lips upward. “Your cold cereal awaits.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jake
I’m not sure what I’m most shocked about. Emily listening to me when I told her to get into my pickup. Or that she’s now standing in my living room. The room that not so long ago, I kicked her out of and had no intention of ever allowing her back into.
It’s amazing what time and perspective can change.
But now, what do I do? I shove my hands into my pockets. I didn’t expect this to be so hard.
She stands in the middle of my living room with her arms crossed over her chest, and wary eyes darting over the sparse furnishings. I’ve focused more on the renovation project than the interior design.
While I had time to change, she didn’t. She’s still in her uniform from work with her hair piled high on her head to keep it out of the way during calls. Her second uniform of the day, changing after taking care of the baby.
And I’m still standing here, doing nothing. If I move too fast, she might bolt, and if I play it too cool, she’s going to think I’m not serious. I’ve never been more serious about anything in my life.
I ache to pull her into my arms and kiss her until morning. Those lush lips. Her delicious curves. Her sassy mouth. My entire body buzzes with electricity.
Her eyes meet mine, and the worry there sends all thought of sex out the window. I rake my hand through my hair. I offered her a night of relaxation after an emotional day. Not to screw her brains out.
“Have a seat.” I motion to the sofa. She remains staring at me as if she can’t figure me out. I need to do something to ease her tension. “I know I said I’d make you cold cereal, but I don’t have any.” My lips twitch at the corners in hopes of disarming her. “But I think you’ll like what I have instead.”
She licks her lips while rubbing her upper arms. “What’s that?”
I swallow over the lump in my throat as a wave of uncertainty takes root inside my chest. This is a bad idea. Emily barely tolerates me. Sure, she kissed me back when I kissed her, but that was likely from an adrenaline crash. She was emotionally exhausted, and I provided a reprieve from hitting rock bottom.
A dopamine hit. She probably regrets it already.
“I have some triple chocolate cake.” That’s my best line? I’m screwed.
Her eyes widen with interest. “From Jolie’s?”
“Of course, what other kind is there?” I shrug as if this conversation doesn’t carry the weight of my entire future on it. “I picked it up from Laura earlier today. I didn’t know until the fire at the Gannon residence that the market carried their desserts.”
“Thank heavens for that. I don’t think I would’ve survived without their cake.” She unlaces her arms and rubs her palmson her thighs. “Can you believe my mom thinks that German chocolate is a suitable alternative to triple chocolate cake?”
I clutch my chest in mock horror. “That’s sacrilegious.”
