Page 30 of The Other Half

“Damn girl, you’d better wear that thing every night!” Jo laughed while she walked by. “We’ll be retired in no time!”

“But not tomorrow night,” Jake said, smiling. “You’ll break an ankle fishing in those things.” He pointed to my stilettos.

“I’ll try to rustle up some camo.”

With a deepening laugh, I saw him glance over to Jo. His face dropped and his laughter petered off when they locked eyes. I looked over to see hers still burning with satisfaction and then saw his cheeks turn a dark crimson. Is he blushing?

“Can I get you another?” I asked him, pausing while I watched her stare him down like a mother who knows damn well her son stole the cookies.

Standing abruptly, he shook his head. “No. I’m good. Gotta go.”

“Good night, Jake,” she crooned, as another knowing smile tipped her lips.

“Night,” he mumbled then turned to me. “Thanks for the drink.”

“Thanks for fixing my car.”

“Don’t forget to pick her up at six,” Jo called after him as he headed toward the door. A quick nod of his head acknowledged her then he bolted outside.

I stared at the closed door for a moment after he left, then turned to Jo who stepped up beside me. “What the hell was that about?”

“He likes you.” She smiled.

“He does?” My eyes bulged, and I struggled to suppress my own smile. “You think so?”

“Oh yeah. I know so.”

Elated I’d made progress with my small-town hottie, my smile grew before faltering. “Wait a minute. If he likes me, then what’s the problem? Why did he leave?”

“For Jake, it’s a big problem. You’re threatening to ruin his vow to be miserable and alone for all of eternity.” She snorted and gave an exaggerated eye roll.

“Is that a bad thing?” I asked her, still unsure what had all transpired.

“No, Cassie. It’s a good thing. That was the first time I’ve heard him laugh in months. You’re good for him. It’s a good thing.”

“Oh,” I whispered.

“Just don’t break his heart, got it?” She turned to me and that playful glimmer that was in her eyes while she’d watched us had faded. That dark gaze bore into me while she stared me down. “He’s a good guy. He’s been dicked-around with enough, and he deserves someone who will treat him right. Break his heart, I break your face.”

The power of her words sent me back a step, and I gulped while nodding. “Got it.”

“Good.” The playfulness in her eyes returned, and she exhaled a breath. “And seriously, don’t wear those fishing tomorrow night,” she said, pointing to my shoes.

“Okay,” I said on a sigh, grateful she didn’t look ready to kill me anymore.

I was going fishing with Jake. And I really had no idea what to wear.

CHAPTER TEN

Jake

––––––––

After slamming my truck door, I pulled out my phone, clicked on Jo’s contact and typed a text.

I am going to kill you.

When I looked back up into the window of the Ox, I saw her smiling out at me before she looked down. A moment later her response popped up.