Page 5 of Wanting His Girl

"Sounds like you've made a great life for yourself here." I mean it, too. There's a resilience about Jake that's admirable. He’s fashioned a new dream out of the remnants of an old one.

Is this normal? This easy back-and-forth between us? My heart dances a nervous samba in my chest as I ponder whether this is simply friendly banter or if there's a deeper connection simmering underneath.

But then, a familiar nagging thought creeps in.

What if I'm just a young girl with a crush, seeing signs where there are none? It's a gap that seems wider than the mountain ranges surrounding Cooper Hills, and for a moment, doubt clouds the hopeful shimmer of this new friendship—or whatever it is.

“What’s on your mind, gorgeous?” Jake's voice pulls me back from the precipice of overthinking.

Did he just say I was gorgeous?

I decide to ignore his comment for now. “Oh, nothing,” I reply, flashing him what I hope is a convincing smile. "Just thinking about how much I have to learn from someone with your experience. You know, life stuff, business... beer."

Jake grins. "Well, anytime you want a lesson in beerology, you know where to find me."

“I just might take you up on that,” I laugh. “My twin sister is going to be so jealous when she finds out I got to pick your brain.

His eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “You’re a twin?”

I beam proudly. “Yep, identical. Most people can’t tell us apart. Even some people in our family.”

“Trust me, sweetheart,” He chuckles. “Twin or not, I’d recognize you anywhere.”

We arrive at the bustling Cooper Hills Museum of Fine Arts a short time later. The building is a beehive of activity, with throngs of people streaming into the sleek glass lobby. The centerpiece of the main exhibit, a mixed-media painting called 'We Were Stars,' is visible from the truck.

"Wow," Jake says, his eyes riveted on the radiant canvas visible through the glass facade. "That's amazing."

"Isn’t it?" I smile as I follow his gaze to my favorite artwork in the exhibit. "I love paintings like this one.”

“Oh really?” Jake asks. “Why is that?”

“I’ve never been stargazing before. But I love seeing paintings about it. They always make it seem so magical.”

He grins as he glances over at me. "I'll keep that in mind.”

We pull into a parking spot just outside the entrance, and I'm reaching for the door handle when my heart drops like a stone in water.

“Oh no,” I groan.

There, standing by the glass doors with his arms crossed, is Mr. Calloway, my boss. And the way his eyes narrow when he sees me tells me this isn't going to be pleasant.

"Ms. Watts!" Mr. Calloway's voice is stern, slicing through the crisp mountain air as we approach. "Where have you been? You’re almost thirty minutes late, and the attendees don’t have any programs!"

I open my mouth, but words fail me, stuck in my throat like dry bread. My stomach twists into knots, and all I can muster is a weak, "I’m sorry, Mr. Calloway. It won't happen again."

Mr. Calloway's brows arch slightly, and I sense his resolve soften. Maybe it's the sincerity in my tone or the fact that Jake is standing next to me. Whatever the reason, his next words are less biting.

"Very well. See that it doesn't." With that, he turns on his heel and strides back into the gallery.

“Geez, what a fucking asshole,” Jake grumbles. “It’s not like you were late on purpose.”

I roll my eyes. “He’ll get over it. Mr. Calloway is always in a bad mood. Anyway, thanks so much for giving me a ride.”

"Of course," he replies with a casual shrug.”It's the least I could do. Want me to swing by later and pick you up?"

I shake my head quickly, "No, that’s okay. My roommates are coming to the event. They should be able to drive me back."

As I speak these words, a flicker of something akin to disappointment crosses Jake's face.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com