Tate chuckled. “I knew it was bound to happen when she moved in under your roof, but I thought for sure it would take longer for you to realize you have feelings for her.”
Jacob scoffed. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” He took a swig of his bottle of water, but it didn’t go down easy and he coughed.
His friend only continued smiling at him like he knew some grand secret. “I think she’s gonna be good for you. You’re far too serious. All you think about is your job.”
“Yeah, well, my job isn’t exactly going to be around when I get done healing, so maybe it’s time I settle.”
That had Tate’s smile faltering. He cut a look over to Hallie then brought his concerned gaze to Jacob. “If that’s what you’re thinking, then you need to do the right thing and keep your distance.”
Jacob straightened in his chair. He didn’t like the turn this conversation was going.
“That girl practically worships the ground you walk on. For years, Jacob. There’s not a single person in this room who hasn’t noticed the way she looks at you. So, if you’re only now considering her because you don’t think you have anything left to live for, then just… don’t. Hallie deserves better.”
The tightness in Jacob’s jaw grew painful. Tate was right about one thing. Hallie definitely deserved better. But this wasn’t just about his job.
This was more.
It was more than his physical attraction to her.
It was more than noticing all the little quirks about her that made him smile.
It was more than realizing that she was a good person who prioritized other people over herself.
This was about the way his heart hammered when he’d reached for her. This was about the fluttering in her pulse when he’d traced his thumb over that spot on her wrist. This was about feeling sick to his stomach if he had to imagine what might have happened if he hadn’t jumped in front of that bull in time.
He swallowed hard then set his hard gaze on his friend. “Even if I could get back on a bronc tomorrow, I’d still want to see if there’s anything between us worth fighting for.” Those were the most honest words he’d admitted to anyone, including himself.
And speaking them aloud strangely calmed him.
Tate’s smile returned. “Then I guess all I have to say is good luck.”
“Tate, you’re up!” Jason called over to him.
Jacob watched his friend cross the room before he stopped and glanced over to Hallie. “What do you say we duet?” He winked at Jacob when Hallie put down her cup and strode for him.
And when the music started, Jacob couldn’t tear his eyes from the prettiest girl in the entire room.
“Thanks for coming,we’ll have to do it again!”
Jacob nearly choked on the water he was drinking. Then he glowered at Hallie from across the room. She stood in the doorway staring out at their guests who were finally leaving. With a huff, he placed his glass on the coffee table and moved across the room with more coordination than he’d had in weeks.
Apparently, he was quieter than he’d been in a while, too, because Hallie didn’t hear his approach.
She shut the door and turned around then immediately gasped and bumped against the closed door.
Jacob placed both hands against the cool wood of the door on either side of her head. His face lowered to within inches of hers as he searched her face. It was time they finally had that conversation and he wasn’t going to let her get away from him this time.
Her breathing stuttered. “Jacob?”
He hummed, deep in his throat. “You want to know what I think?”
She blinked several times and looked away but only briefly. Then she moistened her lips and gave a slight nod. “Okay.”
“I think that you’re avoiding me.”
“What?” Hallie squeaked. “No, I’m not.” She tried to play it off with a nervous laugh but there was no way she didn’t hear just how ridiculous she sounded right now.
Jacob pulled his lower lip between his teeth, attempting to make sense of all the thoughts and words he’d prepared to say to her the second her friends had left. He’d been so full of confidence up until he got close to her and could smell her perfume.
