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After all this time there is no way Lincoln found me. It must have been a combination of the creepy feeling of being watched and a panic attack.
By the time Jake joins me, I’ve talked myself into believing it was just my imagination.
The way he lights up when he sees me behind his desk, makes my heart melt in a way that surprises me.
“Not that I’m complaining or anything but what are you doing here?” He asks.
“Things are slow at Poison Pen today, so Arin gave me the day off. Just thought I’d spend some time with you.” I answer.
He doesn’t look like he believes me but shrugs his shoulders. “I need a shower, you want to join me?”
“Umm,” not expecting his question leaves me speechless and a little off balance.
He laughs while he walks away, “I’m not giving up on you.”
The door closes behind Jake but already lost in my head, I don’t see the closed door. With my eyes closed, I’m seeing Jake naked with water running down his defined abs. Imagining myself licking the drops of water from his pecs. I want to run my fingers over every inch of his body.
For just a moment, I wish I had my vibrator with me but then I flashback to the grocery store and my head clears.
The reminder of why I can’t get attached to Jake shocking me out of my drool fest.
“How am I expected to walk away from these people?” I shout to the empty room, not expecting an answer.
Maybe I won’t have to walk away. For the first time since this all started, I’m making real connections. Knowing Arin, her words aren’t empty and she’s not the only one that seems to have my back.
Alaska feels like home, Poison Pen feels like home, Arin and Mika feel like family and there is something brewing between Jake and I. My last thought before Jake comes back is ... maybe.
When the door opens Jake is still wet from the shower and his t-shirt is clinging to his body like a second skin, leaving nothing to the imagination.
My heart pounds and my hands are clammy, but I don’t let it show.
“You want to come back to my place? We can order pizza and watch a movie.” Jake asks.
Pulling myself together, I walk out of the gym by his side.
After locking up behind us he reaches for me. Instead of pulling away, I allow him to hold my hand as we walk to his truck.
Jake’s house isn’t far down the road from Arin and Taylor’s place, just outside of town. When we drive past I see Arin standing on the porch hugging her husband.
She must have come home for dinner. Watching her kiss Taylor as they head inside, makes me long for a little bit of what they have.
Noticing where I’m looking Jake gives my hand a gentle squeeze. “You know she saved his life?” Jake says.
“What?” I look at him beside me.
“Yeah, Taylor won a big case and the woman’s brother tried to kill him.” Jake continues to tell me about it while we watch the two of them.
“Little Arin?” I ask incredulously.
“Little five foot nothing Arin that gives tattoos and spoils her kid. Arin that sends her yappy chihuahua after people that annoy her?” I can’t help the disbelief in my voice.
“That woman has a spine of steel and doesn’t let anyone mess with the people she loves.” He confirms.
He takes my hand once again as he helps me from his truck and we head inside.
While Jake is doing something in the kitchen, I take a seat on the couch. Thinking about everything he just told me about Arin, makes me think maybe she was being serious.
I’m so used to people telling me they’ll be there for me and then disappearing when I need them the most. So used to hearing empty promises and fake words, it’s hard to put my trust in anyone.
