Fight Me(17)

“No. There is no me and Jake.”

“So that wasn’t you kissing him on my back patio just a little bit ago?” she smarts back with another big grin on her face.

“Oh my gosh, you saw that?” I throw my forehead down on my folded arms on the island top.

“Honey, everybody saw that. We sent Maddox out there to break it up before it went from PG-13 to rated R, and we’d have to turn on the sprinklers.”

“I am so embarrassed. I can’t believe I just made out with him in front of his entire family!”

Avery laughs again. “It’s okay. Actually, it’s really nice to see him kiss someone that he didn’t meet at Jack’s.”

“Jack’s? The pub?”

“Yeah, sorry. Jake doesn’t exactly do long term or commitment. He just seems to want to play for a little bit. Not that he won’t change for the right girl or anything. Heck, Maddox was the same way before we started seeing each other.”

I don’t really know what to say to that. Is Jake just interested in hooking up with me just for the sake of hooking up? Before I can ask Avery any further questions, the guys all come down the stairs and decent upon the kitchen.

“Where’s Maddox?” Avery asks her brothers.

“Trying to bribe Bean into going to sleep,” Will says.

“We’ve read six books so far and still nothing,” Travis adds.

“Well, it’s because you were all up there at the same time. She was too excited to sleep,” Avery replies. “I better go up and check on them.”

“No, don’t. Maddox was actually making headway with her,” Jake adds. He turns towards me sitting at the bar. “You ready to head out?”

“Yes.” I stand up and we make our way to the front door. Jake holds up my coat for me in a very gentlemanly manner. But I can’t help but wonder if he’s just doing it to score.

I turn my attention back to Avery. She leans in to give me a hug. As an only child, I’ve obviously never had a sister. But if I did, I imagine good-byes to go something like our exchange. A warm hug and maybe a peck on the cheek. “I’m so glad you could come tonight. Don’t let Jake scare you off again,” she says in a low voice.

“Thank you for having me. You have a lovely home.”

I turn my attention back to the guys all gathering around. Nate leans in and gives me a big hug, too. “Good to see you again, Erin.”

“Hey, keep your hands to yourself,” Jake growls behind me.

“I was just saying good-bye,” he replies with a cocky smile.

“Next time, try a handshake, douchebag.”

Nate laughs at Jake and throws me a little wink as he turns away. Jake places his hand on the small of my back and leads me out the front door. Even through layers of clothes and a coat, I can feel the heat from his hand on my lower back. It sends lightning-like sensations straight through me. If someone were to hand me a light bulb, I’d probably make it glow from the amount of energy and electricity racing through my body right now.

We’re both fairly quiet on the ride back to my place. I’m lost in my own thoughts of work, home improvement projects, and of course, Jake. I wish I knew what his agenda was. If seventh grade has taught me anything, it’s that history has a way of repeating itself, and I shouldn’t trust the sweet talking, charming smile of Jake Stevens.

“So, why don’t you have a boyfriend?” Jake asks, breaking into my thoughts.

“Who says I don’t have one?”

“I’d say that kiss said you don’t. No way would you kiss me like that if you had a boyfriend.”

“I didn’t kiss you. You kissed me,” I fire back.

“Does it matter who kissed who? The point is you enjoyed it whether I started it or you started it.”

“Whatever. You just caught me off guard. Like I said before, it’ll never happen again.”

Jake takes his eyes off the road for just a moment. “Oh, it’ll happen again.” When he returns his attention back to the road, I take the opportunity to change the subject.

“So, why did you become a cop?”

“It seemed like a great fit. After I got out of the Marines, I craved the discipline and the toughness that came along with it. Plus, I like the idea of helping people and taking the perps off the streets. Rivers Edge doesn’t have the high crime like the bigger cities does, but we still have enough that you need to make sure you lock your doors at night and be careful.”

“That’s very honorable. I’m sure you make a good cop.”

“I try. What about you? Why a librarian?”

I stare out the passenger window as I consider his question. “I’ve always liked to read. When I was growing up and moving from place to place, books were my constant. I spend more time at libraries than any other place. There’s just something magical about them.”