Chapter Nine
I park beside Jake’s truck. The early morning is cold and still pitch black by the time I pull into the complex. Turning off my headlights, I kill the engine. I should climb out, but I find myself stuck and reflecting on the past few hours.
What do I do with all this newfound information, assuming it holds even a bit of truth? Did Jake move in with me for his own reasons, like Vance speculated? What do I do if he’s right? So many questions, yet I worry about the answers.
A long time ago, I decided I wasn’t going to let Jake Hall cloud my mind or influence my decisions anymore. Yet here I sit in the middle of the night, finding myself all but consumed by him again. The only difference now is I’m hesitating. Is this all wishful thinking…or does Vance’s theory hold some merit?
Maybe I’d rather live in ignorance. And that kind of bliss is tempting. But don’t I owe it to my younger self to find the truth? If this is the chance to finally put the past to rest, to find closure, shouldn’t I take it? The more I think about it, the more my stomach ties itself in knots.
Vance is right; I need to sleep on this.
After closing the car door behind me, I lock it and start up the stairs. My thoughts cease when I notice the kitchen light shining brightly behind the closed blinds. Did Jake wait up for me?
“No,” I mutter aloud. “I must have left it on.”
Despite rationalizing to myself, I can’t stop yearning for a much different conclusion.
When I open the door, Jake stands at the threshold. “Good. You’re home. I was getting worried.”
What’s that supposed to mean? Ugh, I’m too tired to play twenty questions. Regardless of his motives, he had no business following me, much less interrogating Vance. He’s not off the hook for that.
“What’s your problem?” I snap.
He blinks. “What do you mean?”
I scoff as I walk through the door, then close it behind me, reaching down to peel off my uncomfortable high heels as I do. “You know damn well what I mean. Why did you follow me and interrogate my friends?”
As I tug at the second of my stilettos, I lose my balance. I’m falling when I suddenly feel strong hands grip my elbow and shoulder.
Suddenly, Jake is holding me, his face inches from mine. I gasp. His hazel eyes bear into my soul. I can’t help but drink in every detail. His sharp jawline, his tempting lips, the flare of his nostrils, and his hot drill of a stare.
What would happen if I kissed him?
His grip on me is gentle but firm, both powerful and capable. Are those sparks between us? I don’t know, and I can’t do this to myself. What if I’m wrong? What if our seemingly mutual attraction is actually one-sided? I’m not ready to take a leap of faith.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
I pull myself from his grasp. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
“Any time.”
Right. I shake my head. Back to what I’m trying to say. “Anyway, you had no right?—”
“To follow you around and interrogate your friends. Yes, I understand that. I just?—”
“Worried about me. Right.” Like I haven’t heard that before. “Does this mean you won’t do it again?”
“No,” he says with zero hesitation.
I put my hands on my hips. “Why not?”
“I need to make sure you’re safe.”
Of course. Jonathan told him to. As always, I’m the kid sister…
“Translation, you’re snooping on my personal life so you can give my nosy brother all the dirt.”
“That doesn’t stop me from worrying about you myself. I care about you.”
Like a brother.
I scoff. “I already have two older brothers looking out for me. I certainly do not need a third.”
“That’s not my intention.”
“But you and my brother are going to consider everyone I socialize with a potential threat?”
“Not necessarily.”
“So what you’re saying is that Vance is the only one on your radar. Heaven forbid another man I’m not related to comes within a few feet of me.” I roll my eyes.
“Being cautious isn’t bad,” Jake argues. “How well do you know him?”
“Well enough for me to tell you to take a long walk off a short pier.”
“Now you have me curious.” Despite my efforts, he doesn’t seem deterred.
“Jake,” I warn. “You are this close?—.”
“To you, I hope.” Suddenly, he’s disturbingly near. His warm breath drifts across my skin. His body nearly touches mine. We’re almost embracing. And other than my heart thudding between my ears, the whole world around us has gone silent.
The absolute audacity of this man. I shake my head. “I’m going to bed.”
He tightens his hold on my arm so I can’t escape. “I ask because I want to make sure he isn’t playing you. If you’re serious about this relationship, he should be, too.”
When is my brother going to wake up and realize I’m not as fragile as he thinks?
I yank from Jake’s grasp. “I’m done with you and my brother thinking I’m a porcelain doll. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you’re more than capable. But that doesn’t mean you’re the Hulk.”
“I’m not, but I’m also not so fragile that I’ll break at any second. I never should have trusted you to keep your word.”
“So I’m not allowed to worry about you?”
“There’s a fine line between worrying about me and treating me like a child.”
“You were at a club. Anything could have happened.”
“I know the dos and don’ts of a place like that.”
He scowls. “Do you? The number of men staring at you was concerning.”
“So what if I get a little male attention?”
“It’s more than that, and you know it.”
I know where he’s going with this. I get it, but he shouldn’t care this much. “I was with other people. I was covering my drinks with my hand, and I never let my glass out of my sight. I assure you, no one was going to drug me.”
“Do you know—and trust—Vance enough to not take advantage of you?”
“Yes.” Jake talks about Vance like he’s the enemy. “What do you have against him? You barely know the guy.”
“Then enlighten me. Who is he to you? How long have you known him? How serious is your relationship?”
Suddenly, I understand this isn’t about my safety. Jake thinks I’m dating Vance. Though all Vance and I did was talk, Jake clearly assumes we’re doing way more. Why does it matter so much to him?
“My personal life isn’t any of your concern.” I’m about to continue speaking when I hesitate. I could tell Jake he’s wrong—on so many levels. His idea of my relationship with Vance couldn’t be further from the truth. But if he’s going keep pushing, then fuck him. I’ll give him exactly what he wants. “And if you’re going to persist in knowing everything about my life, then yes, I’m in a relationship with Vance. There. What do you have to say about that?”
Jake looks taken aback, as though he wasn’t expecting my “confession.” But honestly, what did he expect? I told him what he seemingly wanted to hear.
Then why does he look disappointed, almost crestfallen?
A long silence stretches between us, the moment turning awkward. I clear my throat. “I’m going to bed. Good night.”
I turn away and slam into my room without another word, leaving Jake gaping after me, alone.