"I said," Jacob says back calmly, "mind your manners. We're here for a movie. We're not bothering you. If you want to start something with someone, go and find another person. Do not speak to my lady like that."
My heart flutters. He's sticking up for me. It doesn't matter who, what, where, when or why, if someone sticks up for you, and is willing to defend you, it feels damned wonderful. I think I fall for him just a bit more.
"What are you going to do about it?" the girl throws back.
Jacob stares at her, and there must be something in his eyes because she drops her hand from her hip. "I'm not going to do anything except take my girl inside and watch a movie with her. I'm simply telling you to mind your manners, it'll do you good in the future."
With that, he turns us and we walk into the theater. I look over at him with a huge smile on my face.
"What are you smiling at?" he asks, raising his brows.
"You defended me."
He looks confused. "Of course I did. Nobody should speak to you like that."
"I know, but … it just felt nice. Thank you."
He leans in, brushing his lips across my forehead. "I'll always defend a woman, Hartley. It's the right thing to do."
Swoon.
"Now," he says, stepping back and clapping his hands together. "Are we doing action or romance?"
"I get to pick?" I tease.
He laughs. "You most certainly do. But only for this date, after that it's my turn."
///
He winks at me and I giggle. "Let's do action."
He raises his brows. "I like a girl who knows no boundaries."
I smile. "What can I say? I like to live dangerously!"
"Indeed," he murmurs. "Action it is."
He buys our tickets, some popcorn and drinks, and finds a seat in the back row. Jacob hands me the popcorn and for a few moments, we just sit there in silence, snacking, and then he turns to me and says in a low voice, so as not to disturb anyone, "Look at that couple down in front."
I look to where he points and see a couple practically chewing each other's faces off, hands everywhere, limbs tangled. They're young, maybe in their late teens.
"Oh to be that young again," I laugh softly.
"The movie hasn't even started yet," Jacob chuckles.
"Looks like we're in for an entertaining evening then."
Jacob laughs, reaching over and taking my hand, making my heart flutter. "Looks like it."
This is nice. Sweet. Comforting.
Yes.
Just what I need.
* * *
"Lena, hi," I smile to my elderly neighbor as Jacob and I make our way towards my apartment later that night after we've gorged ourselves on pizza. I was already full after eating all the popcorn at the movie, but the moment I smelled the pizza, I had to have some.
I'm certain Jacob could roll me into my apartment if I let him.
"Hello, dear," Lena smiles, walking towards us.
She was just about to enter her apartment, but stopped when I called out to her. She's got to be in her late seventies, but she holds her own well. I always see her carrying her laundry or dragging her garbage out. Every time I offer to help her, she waves and does it herself. She's stubborn, and she's proud, and she's one of the nicest old ladies I've met.
"Lena, this is Jacob."
Jacob steps forward and extends a hand. "Wonderful to meet you. Hartley told me you make some pretty incredible cookies. I'd love to try them sometime."
Lena flushes. "Oh, oh, that's kind of her. I'll drop some over next time I bake a batch, and she can share them with you."
"That sounds wonderful."
Lena looks to me. "How have you been, dear?"
"Very well, thank you."
"I saw Taylor earlier, she was looking for you. I'm not sure if she's still waiting or not. I told her I thought you might be out."
Taylor has a spare key to my apartment. I wonder if she's still waiting there? It'd be great to introduce her to Jacob, I'd like her to meet him.
"Thank you, I'll go and see if she's still there."
"It was lovely to meet you Jacob, and Hartley, I'll see you soon."
"Bye, Lena." I wave.
When she's gone, Jacob and I continue down the hall. "She's nice. Have you known her long?"
"Just since I've lived here. She checks on me often, even though it should be the other way around. She's really kind, I like her a lot."
"She is."
We reach my apartment, which is just down the hall from Lena's, and I unlock the door, going inside. As predicted, Taylor is sitting on the kitchen bench and her pretty blonde head swivels around when she hears us. Her eyes widen when she sees Jacob and she leaps out of her seat quickly. "Oh my god. I forgot you were on a date. I thought you might have just been out, so I waited. Oh gosh. I'm sorry."