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“Damn right, you will. By buying the drinks tonight. Maya’s already got a sitter. So you’re stuck. Time to suck it up, buttercup.”
“Okay, whatever you say. What time is this all supposed to be happening?” I pick up my phone to send Jake a quick text and see that I have one from Jordan.Strange, I haven’t heard from her in a few days and find myself wondering what the other woman needs.
Clicking on the message, I can’t help smiling at my friend.
Jordan the Hair Goddess
I’m pretty sure we’re all in love with your man. Definitely a keeper. ;)
Margot
Ha. Thx. You wanna get drinks tonight?
“You’re ignoring me,” Poppy says, causing me to look up.
“Oh, sorry. Jordan just sent me a text. Jake must have gone in there to get his hair cut.” I smile, thinking of the fact that his hair growing out must have been driving him crazy. Hell, everything about him makes me smile lately.
“I was saying that we’re going to meet up at seven at Lucy’s. I have to go home and take a shower. Get the stink of dispatch off me.” Poppy fake shudders and then smiles at me. “You should invite Jordan and the girls. They’re always a blast to hang out with.”
“One step ahead of you. When she responds, I’ll let her know the details.” I see that it is just after four p.m. I sigh with relief, knowing I can head home whenever. “Okay, well, I’m going to go home, grab a shower, and get something comfy on. All I have at Jake’s house are some work clothes and jam jams.” I stand up from my desk, turning off my computer. As Poppy and I leave, I lock the door behind us.
“I’ll text you if the plans change, but plan on meeting at Lucy’s.” Poppy smiles at me as we leave the building.
“Sounds good. I’ll see you later.” Sliding into the driver’s seat of my car, I look at my phone to see that Jordan answered my text. After giving her the details for the night, I decide to wait to send Jake a message until I’m done at my house. I’d be too tempted to look at my phone while I’m driving to see if he has messaged me back.
Instead of taking the now familiar drive to Jake’s house, I turn in the opposite direction. Heading toward the elementary school and my house, I actually feel a little relieved. I haven’t really spent much time in my house since Dustin died. Granted, the biggest reason is that I’m not comfortable there at night by myself. The worst part is that I have been so caught up in what is going on with Jake that I haven’t taken a minute to slow things down in my head and think about what I want.
After I pull into my driveway, I slowly make my way into the house. Exhausted, I decide to take a hot shower and let the water soothe away the tension of the day. It’s surprisingly serene and peaceful to be able to take an entire shower by myself again. Not that I’m complaining about things with Jake… I just don’t want to rely on him for everything.
He hasn’t changed the core parts that make up who he is, but small things have changed about Jake. The important ones that no one really knows they’re looking for until they’re faced with them. Like the fact that he eats breakfast with me every day now. Taking the time to see each other before the craziness that exists in our lives means more to me than I can put words to. Even the fact that he doesn’t hide anything from me or that he still talks to my mother.
As I wash my hair and shave my legs, I come to a realization that shocks me to the tips of my toes.
I love Jake.
Not the love of a woman who thought that he was the same man he was when I was growing up.
Not the love of a girl being rescued from her nightmares.
Or the first blush of childhood love.
No, I love him as he is now—flaws and all. I love the way he snores at night and pushes away from me when he’s sleeping, only to rub his feet against mine when he moves around, seeking the warmth of my body.
I love the way he picks a fight with me just to get me riled up.
Now I just need to hold on to what we have and fight to keep it forever.
Getting ready to go out for the night doesn’t take as long as I thought it would, and it’s just past six by the time my hair and makeup are all done. My hair is blown out and curled slightly so that it lies against my back, and I wear just enough makeup to make me feel pretty without feeling like my face will melt if I get too warm.
“You look beautiful.” The voice startles me, and I screech before I realize it’s Jake.
“Jesus Christ. Jake, you scared the shit out of me.” I press my hand to my chest in a futile attempt to force my heart to stop beating furiously. “How did you know I was here?”
“Well, I went home and you weren’t there, so I figured you were here picking up more clothes. When I got here, the door was unlocked so I let myself in to enjoy the show.” He grins at me, the look in his eyes telling me that he’s starving—just not for food.
“Oh, no. I just got dressed. And I look good. Besides, I’m supposed to be meeting Poppy and the girls at Lucy’s in less than an hour.”
“Oh, baby. I don’t need an hour. I just need long enough to get my fill of you until after your night out with the girls.” He stalks across the room toward me, the predatory look in his eyes only making him seem even more attractive.
