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Warmth spreads through my chest at his words, but I keep my expression playful. “Oh? And I suppose you're offering to change that?”
Jake chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I might be a bit older than the men you normally date, but I like to think I've got a few things going for me.”
I appreciate the way he keeps me on my toes, even as I feel myself being drawn to his charm.
“You're incorrigible,” I say, shaking my head with a smile I can't quite suppress. “But I admit your persistence is growing on me.”
His eyebrows raise slightly, a hopeful expression on his face. “Does that mean you'll let me take you out? I promise I'll be a perfect gentleman.”
A flutter of excitement mingles with apprehension in my stomach, catching my breath. I've gotten used to our flirty banter, but the thought of a real date sends my pulse racing.
“Jake, I'm flattered, but I don't know if it's a good idea,” I confess, fidgeting with the strings of my apron. “The age difference doesn’t worry me, but I’m not looking for anything serious right now.”
I keep my fears about being a rebound to myself, seeing as I don’t have all the details of his personal situation.
Jake reaches out and takes my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. A tingle runs up my arm, and I feel the sincerity in his words.
“I get it, but trust me, I'm ready for this. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't.”
I hesitate, biting my lip as I look away.
The rich, inviting aroma of coffee wafts from Jake's cup, mingling with the lingering scents of sugar and vanilla in the bakery.
The familiar fragrance grounds me, reminding me of the countless conversations we've shared over his morning coffee and my latest baked creations.
Jake reaches out and takes my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring, just like the steam rising from his cup.
A tingle runs up my arm, and I feel the sincerity in his words. “I get it, but trust me, I'm ready for this. I wouldn't ask if I wasn't.”
I bite my lip, hesitating. A flicker of uncertainty crosses Jake's face, and he starts to backtrack.
“Forget I said anything,” he says, his voice tinged with regret. “I don't want to make things awkward between us.”
“Wait, no, it's not that!” The certainty in my voice surprises me. “You caught me by surprise but I'll go out with you.”
The words hang in the air, and a sense of liberation washes over me. I've been so focused on protecting my heart, but something about Jake makes me want to take a chance.
A smile spreads across Jake's face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “How's six o'clock on Sunday?”
The way he looks at me makes it impossible to resist the pull between us. I nod, feeling a giddy anticipation bubbling up inside me. “It's a date.”
As Jake and Amber leave the bakery, I find myself lost in thought, marveling at the unexpected turn of events.
Jake and Amber have become a part of my weekly routine, bringing joy and comfort to my otherwise lonely days.
I've grown used to my life and the way things are, finding solace in baking for my small but loyal customer base.
As I wipe down the counters, I hum to myself, my mind already drifting to Sunday evening. The prospect of a date with Jake sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
What have I gotten myself into?
The thought of opening myself up to Jake is both thrilling and terrifying, but something tells me it's a risk worth taking.
Chapter 3
Jake
Ipull into the parking lot of Clearwater Lanes. The neon sign casts a glow over Finley in the passenger seat.
