“The tea?” Joe asked.
“Yeah I made her a sleepy tea and then she passed right out. It’s -” Jacob paused for a minute. “Oh my God, I didn’t drug her.”
“I didn’t say that - and I never thought you did until right now.”
“No, but I know how this looks and earlier today when you were in and someone grabbed the coffee and then they had a thing- and now this happens and now there’s another thing and- I swear this isn’t what normally happens here.”
“You’re fine. I believe you.” Joe chuckled. “I mean mostly. If there’s a third then I might get concerned.” Joe took his hand and casually placed it on Jacob’s arm for a moment. The feeling sent an electric shiver through his body. Jacob was glad for a moment he was sitting.
“There won’t be. But I’m happy you could come back and check up on me. I appreciate you letting us know.”
“Of course. That’s what I do. I try to protect people.” Joe responded.
“A noble cause.”
“Very.” Jacob’s face felt like it was on fire. Why did talking to Joe make him so flustered? This was a straight man. Probably. This was a handsome straight man. This man had absolutely no attraction to him…
And yet…
Maybe not?
“How is she getting home?” Joe asked.
“My boss is pulling his car around. Going to drive her home.” Jacob responded.
“Okay. I’m happy to go with them just to make sure nothing bad happens.”
“She’ll be fine. But…actually just in case I’m sure she’d appreciate it. You know. If she wasn’t dead! To the world I mean. I mean we both know she’s not dead. I didn’t kill anyone!” Jacob felt his embarrassment level rising again.
“You are getting closer though.” Teddy whispered.
“Shut up!” Jacob whispered, but was still loud enough to get a curious look from Joe.
“Okay. I’ll take them out and wait for your boss to drive around.”
“Do you want a drink for the road?” Jacob asked hopefully, but Joe shook his head.
“At this hour, I’d be up for the whole night.” He snorted. It was cute.
“I could keep you company.”
“What?”
“What?” Jacob shrugged it off. Teddy shook his silly little bird head in shame.
“Here- I’ll get her on her feet and you- well I’ll see you tomorrow.” Joe responded.
“I’ll look forward to it.” Jacob said as he helped him balance Serena between them.
“I’m sure you will. Now let’s get her in drive.” In a smooth, easygesture he positioned himself underneath her arm and effortlessly lifted her into his arms. The jealousy Jacob felt in that moment was extraordinary.
“Drive…” Jacob whispered to himself. He killed the word in his head for a moment before he had a thought.
“Teddy- could I instill a desire to work into the drinks?” Jacob asked.
“I think that would qualify. But how would you do it?”
“Caffeine…Lots of it- Need to use cold brew and sugar…cocoa…honey…espresso…” Jacob began formulating the drink in his mind. He could feel the pieces come together until in the end, he had an idea.
