“I’m fine. I just wanted to give you some space. I figured you wouldn’t want to be seen coming out of NBC with me anyway.”
Jake walks over to stand in front of me. He grabs the remote out of my hand and switches off the TV. His eyes narrow.
“So, you just left?”
My throat feels like it’s filled with gravel. I’m not sure if I’m angry or just hurt, but either way, I’m too distraught to put my feelings into words. So instead of answering, I draw my knees to my chest and wrap my arms around them. Jake sits down beside me. He slips a finger under my chin and lifts it up until my eyes meet his.
“Lexi, what’s going on?”
“Why didn’t you say anything when Fallon asked if you were dating anyone? Are you embarrassed of me?”
“Of course not. It’s nothing like that. It’s just—” He lets out a long, labored sigh. “I’m trying to protect you.”
My jaw clenches as a flicker of anger ignites in my chest. “That’s how you protect me? By lying?”
“I didn’t lie! I just didn’t go on one of the most popular talk shows on television and tell the entire world about my private relationship.”
“Lying by omission is still a lie, Jake. Why are you hiding me like I’m a bottle of Smirnoff on a band-camp bus?” I let out a bitter scoff. “Besides, it’s not like people don’t already know about us. It’s all over the tabloids.”
Jake shakes his head. “I’m nothidingyou. I’m just trying to keep you safe. And I thought keeping you out of the spotlight was the best way to do that. I don’t want the attention I get to cause you any more problems, like it did when I showed up at your work.”
“I don’t need you to protect me, Jake! I’ve been taking care of myself for a long time. I think I could survive a few paparazzi photos.”
The truth is, I do understand where Jake is coming from. But my rational side can’t seem to surmount the overwhelming waves of anger in order to talk through it. It isn’t strong enough to topple the walls that are instinctively rising around my heart.
“Lexi, look at me.”
Reluctantly, I drag my eyes away from the TV and meet Jake’s gaze. His chocolate eyes are wide, his mouth set in a hard line.
“I get that you’re upset, and rightfully so, but this is never going to work if you shut me out. You’ve gotta talk to me. I’m not going anywhere, not this time.”
My jaw tightens at the reminder of our past. But at the same time, I feel the anger start to dissipate. Scary as it is, there’s something comforting about being so seen, about having all your emotional armor stripped away.
“I understand why you did it,” I say quietly. “And you’re right; I don’t want my life to be completely disrupted. Having the paparazzi linger outside the restaurant is bad enough. But I also don’t want to feel like I’m someone’s dirty little secret.”
“I know,” Jake sighs. “Lex, I’ll never stop trying to take care of you. But we are partners, and what you want matters too. I’m not trying to hide you. I’m proud to be with you. So, if going public is what you want, then… okay.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’m actually heading to LA for a few days next week. My team scheduled a couple of press junkets, plus I was invited to a film premiere.” His eyes crinkle with amusement. “You know that new Pixar one, where the pets open a babysitting agency?”
“Sounds like fun.” I sigh. “I’ve always wanted to go to LA.”
Jake’s expression turns hopeful. “So why don’t you come with me?”
“You want me to go to a movie premiere with you? Like, as your date? In public?”
He nods. “Yeah. I still don’t want to talk to the press about us, but an appearance together will confirm our relationship. And having you by my side would be a dream. Maybe I’ve been moreconcerned about this than I need to be.” He tilts his head. “Think you could get off of work?”
A nagging sensation tugs at the back of my mind as I consider my limited amount of leave time, but I brush it away.
“Probably. I haven’t taken any time off, other than that visit to Marietta. I guess it would be okay.”
Jake grins. “This is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to get you poolside in a bikini, a whiskey sour with two cherries in each hand.” He buries his face into my neck, and I giggle as I wonder what on earth I’m going to tell Oren.
20
“THIS IS GOING TOchange everything. But there’s no one I’d rather be here with.”
