Chapter 28
Mila
Two things greet me as I walk through the front door of Jason’s house—Jarryd James’ Give me something, playing softly through the speakers, and the mouth-watering scent of chicken carbonara wafting through the air. If you ask me, I’d say tonight’s already off to a great start.
When Jason texted to invite me over for dinner and a movie, just the two of us, I’ll admit I hesitated for a moment.
The idea felt a little too… intimate. We’ve never done anything like this before, not unless I was babysitting Jake or staying with them after the incident.
Back then, it felt casual, like two friends just hanging out.
But tonight… tonight feels different. Tonight feels more like a date.
I’m trying not to read too much into it, even though I can’t ignore the vibe I’ve been picking up from him lately, one that makes me wonder if there might be something more beneath the surface.
There are moments when I’d catch myself wondering if there was something more behind his sweet, caring gestures, his protectiveness, or the subtle ways he seemed to want me to stay a little longer.
I know that’s just who Jason is, he’s always been kind and attentive, but a part of me can’t help but wonder.
Still, whatever it might be, I’m walking into tonight with no expectations.
We are merely two friends who’ve grown closer, just catching up. Nothing more.
I clutch a bottle of Prosecco in one hand and smooth down my black maxi dress with the other as I stroll through the hallway.
I went for a casual look tonight, pairing it with brown bohemian-style sandals that show off my fresh berry-red pedicure.
I’m not sure why I thought coming here without a jacket was a good idea in the first month of winter, but thankfully Jason has the heat blasting. The place feels warm and toasty.
As I walk into the dining room, Jason is already there, setting the table and scooping generous portions of pasta onto our plates.
The smell is heavenly. But it’s not just the food that smells and looks divine.
The way he looks tonight is almost downright illegal.
He’s wearing a light grey long-sleeved cotton shirt and black denim jeans that mould perfectly around his tall, muscular build.
His dark hair is styled back, highlighting his tanned skin and striking green eyes.
And that sexy five o’clock shadow he’s got going on makes me want to just trail my fingers through it like a total creep.
When he notices me in the doorway, his eyes linger for a beat, slowly roaming over me before that wickedly charming smile spreads across his face. My face heats up in an instant, and I have to quickly look away before he sees the change of colour on my cheeks.
“Good evening, my lady,” he says in a playful tone as he pulls out a chair for me.
“Dinner is served. Come take a seat.”
“That smells freaking amazing, Jase.” I beam, settling into my chair and passing him the bottle of wine. “I hope you don’t mind, I brought a little something extra for us tonight.”
He grins, setting the bottle down next to him on the table before taking a seat across from me. “Not at all. The more the merrier. We can save this for later tonight. I’ve just poured us some French Chardonnay, if that’s okay with you.”
“Pulling out the expensive stuff, I see. You didn’t have to go through all this trouble.
Although, I’m not one to complain if you do.” I give him a playful wink.
He chuckles softly. “Well, if I’m going to invite a beautiful woman over for dinner, you can bet I’m going to put my best foot forward.”
Wow. Is it me or is the room getting hotter?
I feel my body start to warm, my chest fluttering as if butterflies are trapped inside. If he keeps this up, I’m afraid I’ll burst into flames from all the heat coursing through me before the night is over.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, feeling like a teenager on a first date with her high school crush. “Well, you did well, Jason. This smells and looks ridiculously good!”
He releases a deep, breathy chuckle. “Thank you. And thanks for coming over for dinner. I’m sorry it was a little last minute, but I kind of miss having you around.”
“Of course. Who am I to say no to a homecooked meal?” I toss him a cheeky smile.
“But no, seriously, thanks for the invitation. My apartment’s been so quiet and empty since I’ve been back, that I’m actually starting to miss hearing Jake’s laugh, or your grumbling when you’re about to tell him off for the eighth time in a day.”
He lets out a booming laugh. “Yeah, sorry about that. It can be a little crazy at times living with a sneaky little five-year-old.”
“I love that, though. That’s what makes a house a home. The laughter, the arguments, the warmth and love shared by the people inside. If you ask me, it’s a house well lived in.”
“Sounds to me you’re ready to move back in,” he jokes, but there’s something in his expression that looks as though he’s not entirely kidding. “And just so you know, you’re always welcome here,” he adds.
“Thanks, Jason. I’ll remember that.”
We engage in small talk for the next half hour, chatting about my classes, the restaurant, Jake, and even Elena, who suspects that Jason and I are in some kind of intimate relationship.
I couldn’t help but laugh at that. She’s always had it in for me, for reasons I, myself, don’t even understand.
But the idea of her thinking I’m involved with her ex-husband is kind of funny.
If she couldn’t stand me before, she probably hates me even more now. Oh well.
We’ve just finished our meal, which was absolutely delicious, and are now sitting back, sipping the rest of our wine, when his next question catches me completely by surprise.
“So, I wanted to ask how you’d feel about using the spa tonight. I know it’s last minute again, but I thought it would be perfect for tonight’s weather, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you use it.”
I gulp my wine a little too quickly, the liquid nearly going down the wrong pipe. I cough, clearing my throat. “Oh… umm… I didn’t actually bring anything to wear for it.”
“That’s okay. Just wear whatever you have under your dress.”
I let out a snort. “Jason, I’m wearing a lace bra and thong.”
He swallows hard, his cheeks flushing a subtle shade of red. He definitely walked right into that one.
“If you’re comfortable wearing that, then that’s fine too. Otherwise, I’m happy to drive you back to your apartment to grab a swimsuit.”
“Umm…” My thoughts scatter, short-circuiting at the worst possible time.
“We don’t have to if you’re not feeling up to it,” he says, as if sensing my inner turmoil. “I’m happy to just throw on a movie and lounge for the rest of the night.”
“No, I want to. I’ve always wanted to try out your spa. I’ll just wear what I have on underneath. No big deal.”
He gives a slow nod, then smiles. “Okay, great. I’ll clear the table and get the spa set up,” he says as he starts to gather our plates.
“Why don’t you go ahead and meet me at the spa, and I’ll clean up in here? You’ve already done so much, this is the least I can do.”
“Are you sure? You’re the guest. I should be doing this.”
“Don’t be silly. I’ll just meet you outside.”
He hesitates for a moment, then nods slowly, picking up the bottle of Prosecco and our wine glasses before carrying them outside.
Twenty minutes later, the dining table is cleared, the dishes are rinsed and loaded into the dishwasher, and the kitchen counters are wiped down. After switching on the dishwasher, I grab a couple of towels from the bathroom cupboard, and head out to the deck to join Jason.
As I step outside, the cold, crisp air hits me with a sharp chill, making me momentarily second-guess my decision to venture out here.
But then my eyes land on the pool and the person standing beside it.
Jason is still in his clothes, scrolling through his phone, looking unfairly handsome while the water bubbles away in the spa.
“How’s the temperature?” I call out, making him jerk his gaze towards me.
He quickly pockets his phone, then crouches down and dips his hand in the water.
“It’s perfect. You ready?”
I nod and stroll towards him, placing our towels on the ground next to the wine glasses and bottle of Prosecco.
“Thanks for bringing those.” He gestures to the towels.
“It’s all good.”
We stand in awkward silence for a brief minute, both unsure what to say, our eyes flicking nervously between each other, until Jason finally speaks.
“Umm… you can go in first and let me know if the water’s okay for you. I’ll turn around while you get undressed.” Without waiting for my response, he spins around, giving me his back and privacy to strip down and step into the spa.
The instant I sink into the water, the heat wraps around me, like a warm blanket, melting away the cold chill and loosening every tense limb and nerve in my body. Oh, I can definitely get used to this.
I find a comfortable spot to sit and glance over at Jason, who’s back is still towards me. “The water is amazing. You can come in now.”
He turns to face me and flashes an irresistible grin. Then like a scene straight out of Magic Mike, he starts peeling off his clothes, one piece at a time, while I sit there, shamelessly gawking like a creepy pervert.
I should look away. I know I should. Seriously. But then again... nah.
He doesn’t seem the least bit bothered by having a one-person audience while he strips off his clothing; if anything, he appears to be relishing the attention, judging by the way his smouldering gaze keeps flicking back to me.