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Jake reluctantly broke the kiss and released his hold on her. She stumbled. Reached out to grab hold of his truck, training her gaze on him. Her sky blue eyes were hazy, unfocused and a surge of male pride filled him at the sight. Knowing that he did that to her, rattled her like he’d been so keen to do.
“Um, okay.” She cleared her throat, her fingers playing with the cotton strap that wound up and around her neck. Tied in a perfect bow, she looked like a pretty package and he was dying to unwrap her.
Later, bro. Settle down.
“Should I apologize?” Was that the wrong move? Maybe, but he wasn’t about to regret it.
“N—no.” She shook her head, pressed the tips of her fingers to her lips. His still tingled from that mind blowing kiss. He wondered if hers felt the same. “It was just—totally unexpected.”
“I couldn’t resist.” He reached for her, unable to stop himself. Trailing his fingers along the delicate line of her jaw, he felt her tremble. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’re gonna make this work. Trust me.”
A little smile curled her lips and she leaned into his touch. As if she wanted more of it. “Then let’s get this over with.”
He took her hand as she led him to through an open gate and into the backyard. His fingers threaded with hers, palms clasped. A united front, he hoped they made that impression on everyone. She still looked a little scattered, her gaze dreamy, but at least she didn’t seem so panicked. Her body language wasn’t tense but loose and languid. He wondered if he’d kissed the tension right out of her.
Hell, he hoped. That had been his intention all along.
A woman appeared out of nowhere with a wide, insincere smile on her face. Gleaming, too perfect teeth shone, framed by her deep red-stained mouth. If he thought Mia immaculate then this woman was downright plastic. Perfectly curled and unnaturally vibrant red hair, her face was pulled tight and nary a wrinkle in sight. She was most likely in her forties but preserved via a plastic surgeon’s care.
It was disconcerting, her face. It barely moved when she spoke.
“Mia, so good to see you. When Larry said you were coming I didn’t believe him but look at you. Pretty as a picture in your simple green dress.” The woman made simple green dress sound like an insult as she drew Mia into a hug, though she really didn’t touch her. Her gaze shot in his direction and she eyed him hungrily with a narrowed gaze. “Who is this? Don’t tell me it’s your mysterious boyfriend.”
Jake grabbed Mia’s hand and yanked her back to his side. His hackles already went up at her remark about Mia’s dress and the predatory way she watched him. “I’m most definitely the mystery boyfriend.” He offered a hand to the woman. Even though she set him on edge his mama did raise him right. “Jake Miller.”
“Antonia Britton. I’m Larry’s wife.” She shook his hand, her grip soft, her fingers skidding across his palm when he released her hand. “So very nice to meet you,” she practically purred.
Jake frowned. What the hell was wrong with these people? Why was Mia’s boss’s wife flirting with him? Freaking strange.
“Nice to meet you too,” he mumbled, his gaze going to Mia. She watched both of them silently, her expression wary. He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
“And please, call me Toni. All of my special friends do.” Emphasizing the word special, she tipped her head back. Her gaze zeroed in on him with unabashed interest. “So, so glad you could make it.”
“Likewise.” He needed to get away from this woman and quick. Were they serving alcohol? He could go for a beer right about now.
“Let’s go to the bar.” Mia waved a hand in the direction of a makeshift bar sitting on the opposite side of the wide expanse of emerald green lawn. “I’m really thirsty.”
“Yes, do grab something to drink. There’s a variety to choose from.” Toni took a step back, letting them walk past her. “We’ll catch up later okay, Mia? Maybe I can get to know your—friend better.”
They walked away together, Mia clutching his hand so tight it almost hurt. Her expression was pained, lips tight. She looked mad.
“I apologize,” she said, her voice low, strained. “I can’t believe she came onto you like that.”
“What’s going on with these two?” He glanced about the crowded backyard, trying to figure out which one was Mia’s boss. “I feel like I stepped into a really bad made-for-TV movie.”
Mia laughed, the reaction he was hoping for. “I know, and I’m sorry. You probably had your fill of those when you were recovering.”
She was awfully close to the truth. He’d watched enough crappy TV to last three lifetimes. “Don’t apologize. None of this is your fault.”
“You wouldn’t be here without me,” she pointed out.
“Well, I don’t regret spending time with you.” He drew their clasped hands up, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles. Her gaze met his, her expression not so strained anymore. “Don’t let them upset you.”
“I won’t,” she agreed as they approached the bar.
Luckily they had ice cold Coronas, so he grabbed one, took note that Mia had a soda, no alcohol added. Most likely she wanted to stay sober since she was with people she worked with and for.
Not that he could blame her. Though she wouldn’t be one to make a fool of herself, it was the ones hosting the party they needed to watch.
