I should have known he was no good when Beau claimed to like cats, but she took an instant dislike to him.
“Maybe I should put you in charge of my love life,” I mused. “How does that sound, Miss Priss? Will you screen my dates for me?”
Her purr intensified, and I laughed softly.
“You like that idea? Of course you do, you egotistical thing. You always think the world revolves around you.”
Her little chirrup of sound caused me to laugh harder, which made her jiggle where she lay on my chest. Annoyed that I bounced her, the small cat leaped to the other side of the bed where she groomed herself in defiance.
After a shower, I took my laptop, phone, and mug to the screened-in patio. Since the sun was still making its daily debut, I grabbed a light blanket off the chaise and draped it over my lap when I sat down.
With a smile on my face, I set a timer on my phone to make breakfast, and I worked on a new client’s design idea. I was so engrossed that the noise didn’t penetrate immediately. When it finally did, I caught my breath at the sight of the backyard next door.
“Holy shit,” I muttered under my breath.
Wearing nothing but a pair of running shoes and board shorts, Jake was working out in his backyard. He was engaged in some horrible movement involving push-ups and jumping. I couldn’t look away.
His body was a work of art. Since he wasn’t in the army anymore, I didn’t know why he was punishing himself, but I was happy to watch. I’d never seen so many muscles. His body moved with a beautiful fluidity, and I wondered if he’d bring that vitality to the bedroom.
Guilt swamped me. Here I was, drooling over my childhood best friend while dating someone else, if in name only. Ashamed, I quietly gathered my things and fled into the house.
I made breakfast, and then I helped Dad with his physical therapy. Most days, he didn’t need help anymore, but since he hadn’t been doing his neighborhood walks, I worried he’d lose progress.
Afterwards, I couldn’t concentrate. My mind was full of Jake. Hopeful a change of scenery would help, I grabbed my laptop and headed to the diner.
When I got there, someone called my name. I knew most people in town, so that was no surprise. The surprise was who.
“Wait up,” Jake said as he jogged across the parking lot.
He even looks good jogging. Damn, I need to get over this attraction immediately. The last thing I needed was a crush on Jake, especially while I lived next door.
He ran to where I stood next to my car. Those years of physical training paid off. That man was fine.
“How’s it going?” he asked.
I have too many lascivious thoughts in my head, that’s how.
Obviously, I couldn’t say that, so I kept my mouth shut. I’d never struggled for words with Jake, but that was before. I wish I’d never seen him shirtless.
“What are you up to?” Jake leaned against my car and faced me.
If he noticed I was being weird, he didn’t call me on it.
“I’m going to work at Crust & Crumble.”
“You work there, too?” he asked in surprise.
With a laugh, I responded. “No, on my laptop. Sometimes I work better at home, where it’s calm and quiet, and other times, I need people around.”
“Gotcha. Would you mind some company? Or are you on a strict schedule, and I’d interrupt?”
It was refreshing that he got it. Though I worked for myself, my time wasn’t always my own. Beau never understood that. Maybe it was a mistake, but I agreed.
“No, I’ve got time.”
We each ordered a coffee, and I grabbed a muffin. Once a week, I splurged on a coffee and dessert. I alternated between the Crust & Crumble and Wildflower Books.
“Still can’t resist a blueberry muffin, can you?” he teased once we were seated.
