Cocky Roomie_ A Bad Boy Romance Novel(26)
Embarrassed, Drew’s eyes are cast down to her lap.
I’m about to punch him when my uncle barks, “Hank! That’s sexual harassment and I won’t have it here. You got me?”
The guys back off, everyone awkward.
Hank grits his teeth and puffs his chest at Uncle Don. They all file out, heading to their trucks to go to the site where they won’t be back until the end of day, if at all. That’s a good thing. The air is tight, and I’m about to ask Drew if she’s okay, when my Uncle says, “Jake, I booked you a flight for Tuesday.”
Drew and I both stare at him for a couple silent moments.
“That soon?”
He nods to me, laying down a three-ring binder in front of Drew. “Read through our company policies for me, Mrs. Charles, while I speak to my nephew a minute.”
She nods as he motions for me to follow him.
In his office, I shut the door and say with a lot more anger than I’d planned, “You’re going to watch over Hank when I’m gone? I don’t like how he looked at her.”
Uncle Don sits on his desk and levels me with a wise look. “Hank was just riling you up.”
“No, he can spot a prize when he sees one. And he’s a sexist fuck who needs a beating,” I growl.
“Uh-huh. Do you have any idea how much you were staring at that poor woman, Jake?”
My frown deepens and I shove my hands in my pockets. “I wasn’t staring at her.”
My uncle chuckles and shakes his head. “Okay. Sure. But yeah, you were. You have something you want to tell me?”
“Like what?” I shrug.
“You ask her out? That fight you two had, was it a lover’s quarrel? What? Fess up.”
I cross my arms. “We’re…friends. That’s it.”
“You like that girl.”
“She’s not a girl. She’s eight years older than me.”
He whistles under his breath. “Hot.”
I can’t help but smile, “Dude.”
He chuckles while flipping on his computer. “Older women, younger men, it’s the new thing. I read what’s on the internet.”
“I see what you’re doing, but I don’t do relationships, Uncle Don, you know that.”
“Who said you have to?” He winks at me.
Anger rises from my gut without warning and I shoot him a look. “Don’t talk about her like Hank did. She deserves to be happy. I can’t make her happy.”
I walk out without looking back.
DREW
O n the ride home, Jake’s quiet. He was very professional with me today, after he came to my rescue when the men swarmed around me. Ever since he spoke to his uncle, he treated me like I was just a co-worker. I’m sure he’s got Denver on his mind. That’s going to be a big change for him. Still, I would have liked to catch him stealing a glance at me at least once. I guess he really is going to keep that promise. I was being silly when I thought what was between us could mean something more than just sex.
Marietta Street flies by the window as fast as the clock ticks. It’s Friday now. Tuesday is just around the corner. He’s moving away and I’ll live in his home all by myself. Our home, I guess. But all the furniture, save for what’s in my room, is his. I’ll be surrounded by him, but he won’t really be there.
I’m not looking forward to it.
“Your uncle was nice for sticking up for me today.”
Jake’s hands tighten on the wheel. He gives a curt nod. “Watch out for Hank when I’m gone.”
“Okay.”
More silence. More storefronts blurring past. And as we’re almost home, he reaches over and lays his hand on my thigh. The warmth from his palm is both soothing and jarring. I glance over to meet his eyes. “If Hank gives you any trouble, will you tell me?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll have my brothers take care of it.” He’s dead serious.
“Okay.”
He nods and leaves an empty feeling behind as he puts both hands back on the wheel. “Botanical gardens tonight.”
“Really?”
“Yeah,” he mutters. “May as well make the most of the few days I’ve got left here. With my friend Drew.” He huffs through his nose.
“You really don’t want to go to Denver, do you?”
“Not at all. I’ve never been there. I’m sure it’s fine.” He makes the last turn onto our street. “I’m just going to miss my family, that’s all. And my city.”
I touch his thigh, too, wanting to comfort him. “I’m sorry, Jake.” He relaxes and exhales.
“Me too.” Pulling into the parking lot, he leans forward in concentration and breaks into a grin. “Oh shit!” Cutting a mischievous smirk to me, he puts his hand over mine. “Ready to meet my brothers?”