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“I figured you were under a lot of pressure deciding between Gavin and Jake. But even if Jake’s sketchy, I’m glad you followed your heart and called it off with Gavin. You seem happier now.”
“Yeah, I… am.” I hate lying. My relationship with Gavin ended because of me. Jake had nothing to do with my choice. But looking back on the past few months, I feel more alive than I have since I signed the lease for Paisley’s Boutique.
Greer hums, sipping her drink a slight bit more tentatively. “Is it serious? Between you and Jake?”
My lips twist. “I met his mom, and he’s supposed to meet mine at the hospital’s annual fundraiser for the cardiac unit.”
Her jaw drops. “That’s big—Okay, maybe not in this day and age. What do I know considering I put the cart before the horse with the whole baby thing?—But I doubt Jake Ballentine holds a meet-and-greet with anyone’s mothers, especially his. Andwow! Isn’t this the benefit they named after your father?”
“Renamed. It existed before.”
“Still, Paisley, I can’t imagine introducing Byron to my parents at an event of that magnitude. It was nerve-wracking enough driving to my mom and dad’s house for a simple barbecue.” Greer has anxiety riding in cars to begin with. However, she makes a valid point. “We’re talking hot dogs and hamburgers, not coq au vin.”
“I’m counting on it taking a lot to rattle Jake. He’s um—”
“He’s? Paisley, you’re blushing!”
“Jake enjoys doing things that…”
Greer cocks her chin to the side.
I squeeze my eyes shut, blurting, “Have you ever had shower sex? But on your own. While he’s in the bathroom telling you what to do.”With a massaging shower head.And while he’s getting himself off.I leave out.
“Well, that’s kinky. No, but now I’m intrigued and might want to try it. Also, do you mind if I go get a croissant? I’m starving.”
The tight coil in my stomach releases. I’ve never shared details of my sex life with anyone and Greer’s nonchalance, excusing herself to get a treat from the bakery case, makes it less awkward.
I can’t imagine giving a play-by-play comparing Jake’s prowess to Gavin’s. I had no complaints in the bedroom with the man I was supposed to marry. I was marrying him after all. Gavin wasn’t the first man I fucked, but getting to the point where we were naked in bed wasn’t as much of a challenge as keeping my clothes on with Jake seems to be. It’s as if I’m always on a slow burn, waiting for Jake to stoke the flame, instead of waiting for the spark of life to be snuffed out.
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21
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I screw the backing onto my diamond earring, dashing for the door as the bell chimes. On the other side, Jake’s arm is bent up and his forehead rests on his fist. Blue eyes like a melting ice cap meet mine and his irises flare.
In the other hand, Jake holds a small plastic box. A corsage of three coral roses rests in a bed of champagne gold tulle with sprigs of baby’s breath with pink-tipped petals.
He says nothing, casually offering me the flowers while taking in my appearance as he strolls inside.
I must say, for as many times as I’ve seen Jake Ballantine in a suit, I’m speechless, too.
Clothes make the man, and Jake has exquisite style. That he was adventurous with his wardrobe and did not require I purchase him the uniform dark suit every other man will be wearing tonight made my inner shopper ecstatic. He was as fun to outfit as Sloan can be. Though I won’t risk telling Jake, I’ll tell Sloan that when I see her.
He has on his typical crisp white button-down paired with a salmon-colored tie. His spring line tuxedo trousers are a shade lighter than the tan jacket I picked out and had the tailor he uses send over. His broad shoulders are a beacon my eyes can’t resist. Not a strand of his blond hair is out of place. Not a speck of lint is caught on his coat.
He’s sublime.
I slide my hands over his chest and touch the handkerchief in his breast pocket.
Jake sucks in a breath. “You look incredible,” he says.
His knuckles brush my bare arm, sending a tingle throughout my entire body. However, deep lines groove his forehead. Jake appears to be concentrating too hard at keeping is hands off of me.
I frown, unable to understand his hesitation after the ways we’ve touched one another. The anticipation of being with Jake after a hectic week flows away and I’m left wondering what I’ve done wrong.
We’ve exchanged brief text messages since the day I had coffee with Greer. Jake had club-related business, and one of my employees took bereavement to travel to a family member’s funeral. I covered her shifts and the extra hours at the boutique kept me on my toes. I hoarded the things I wanted to tell Jake in person for tonight.
