She nodded. Why did he have to lie like that? From the limited French she had done in school, Willow was quite aware that he had ordered the house white and specifically asked for the cheapest bottle. Really, she knew she should call him out on it, but she didn’t have the energy for it. The last thing they needed was another argument.
‘So,’ she said, attempting to change the subject. ‘How was work for you?’
Jake was on another early shift today and had only got in an hour or so ago. She could tell by the dark shadows settling under his eyes that he was tired. Jake was good at masking his exhaustion with a smile.
‘It was alright. Busy as usual, but we made the best of it.’ Jake tugged out his phone. ‘I need to check my latest post. I uploaded it just before I finished. I’m getting so much traction now, thanks to Alex Rose.’
Willow glanced at the screen. Jake had posted a picture of himself posing in his figure-hugging shirt, sweat clinging to his skin. He looked like an all-American hero – dirty, rugged and strong. Who wouldn’t be turned on by that? Certainly, she felt a little fizz in her skin. She wondered fleetingly whether this Alex Rose had similar thoughts.
‘So, how did you get her attention anyway?’
‘I’m not sure.’ He grinned. ‘I guess she likes what I do. She’s even messaged me and offered to help with some promotion.’
‘That’s great …’ Willow nibbled on the bread that was already out. It was dry and tasteless.
‘People like hearing about my work. Obviously, I never go into too much detail – but Alex says they like the danger of it. I guess it’s exciting.’
‘You do dangerous work. It’s great you’re doing so well.’
Willow was always a little in awe of Jake and how he could put himself in the most dangerous situations yet barely seem to flinch. She knew he loved his job, and there was no doubt he was good at it too.
The waiter came back and started to pour the wine. Willow noticed that Jake was staring at her with a kind of amused look on his face.
‘What?’
‘I dunno.’ He took his drink and had a long sip. ‘I just figured you would be more excited for me than that.’
‘What do you mean?’ Willow also sipped her drink. It was very dry and stuck to the roof of her mouth. She frowned. What did Jake expect her to do? Jump up and down in excitement? Start a cheerleading routine for him?
‘My followers have doubled in the last few months. A huge influencer is in touch with me. I have companies contacting me asking me to endorse their products, I mean, that’s a big deal, isn’t it! I’m even debating taking this clothing brand up on their offer. What harm would it do, wearing one of their T-shirts on my shift?’
‘I’m not sure, Jake. Your first job is being a first responder. You can’t forget that.’
‘Of course I won’t forget that. This is just some fun, that’s all.’ Jake’s tone was sharp. He sat back in his chair, his arms folded. ‘I thought you’d be pleased for me, Willow. This is your world after all. For so long, I didn’t really understand but now I do. Even better than that, I’m doing well in it. I thought that would make you as excited as I am.’
‘I am excited,’ Willow soothed. ‘I really am. It’s just the online world is a tricky space. I guess I feel differently towards it now.’
‘What do you mean?’
She shook her head. ‘Don’t you think it’s a little fake? And so forced. It’s so easy to get burnt out by it all. And it only takes one small mistake—’
He chuckled softly. ‘You don’t need to worry about me, Will, I’m not going to be making any mistakes. This is my life I’m documenting. I know exactly what I’m doing and I’m good at it.’ He reached across and took her hands inhis. ‘It’s sweet you care so much though, babe. That’s what I love about you. You’re always thinking about others.’
Willow smiled shyly back, trying to ignore the guilty thoughts drifting in her mind. The truth was she hadn’t been thinking of Jake at all.
She had been thinking of herself.
And just how quickly she could get herself out of this world she had created for herself.
Later, Willow lay in bed with her head on Jake’s chest, still warm from sex. It hadn’t been a very long session. More of a familiar, ‘quick kiss and rip your pants off’ kind of routine. Jake had been turned on and fast and even though Willow had enjoyed it, she still felt a little unsatisfied.
‘Was that good for you?’ Jake whispered, his breathing still a little ragged.
‘Yeah …’ Willow traced the lines of his chest muscles, more defined now by his sweat. ‘I could be up for a little more though … If you know what I mean?’
Jake wrapped his arm around her and drew her close. ‘Ah, babe, can we hold off? I’m exhausted. It’s been such a long day. I promise to spoil you tomorrow.’
Willow kissed his skin, tasting the salt. ‘Sure. I’ll look forward to it.’
