“What guy?” I play ignorant. She takes a deep breath and reaches over, snatching the attached note before I can stop her.
“Jake?” she sputters, eyes wide open. “Jake as in Jake ‘The Beast’ Burns? Are you kidding me? Jake sent you flowers?” she practically shouts, and people are already turning our way.
“Shh, don’t be so loud. Lower your voice,” I tell her.
“Hello, it’s Jake we’re talking about. And he just asked you out on a date. Oh my God.” She uses her hand as a fan against her face. “You said yes, right? I mean, no one says no to Jake.”
“Okay, hold your horses. He didn’t ask me out. It’s just a dinner between two friends, and I haven’t said yes yet. I’m not even sure I’ll go.”
“Why?” she gives me a surprised look.
“You know why. And it’s not just Josh. I don’t know if I’m ready to go on dates yet. Certainly not with somebody who just wants me to warm his bed. You know that’s not me.”
“It’s been two years, Ella,” she sighs wearily.
“So?”
Rolling her eyes, Sophie shakes her head. “Perhaps a night of hot, wild sex is what you need. Jake will certainly give that to you. For at least once in your life, don’t overthink and just do it. Besides, it’s Jake we’re talking about, woman.” She is still fanning herself, and I laugh at her, shaking my head.
We are leaving the movies with popcorn in our hands when my cellphone beeps. “Who is it?” Sophie asks with her mouth full as I read the text.
Jake: I hope you liked the surprise :)
“Seriously? Jake? How did he get your number?” Sophie is astonished.
“Long story,” I say, and write Jake back.
Me: They are wonderful, thank you. I didn’t think you were the kind of a man to buy flowers :)
He replies immediately.
Jake: There are many things you don’t know about me yet ;) So? Will you go to dinner with me?
Shaking my head, I start to reply when Sophie grabs the phone out of my hands, and starts typing. “What are you doing?” I ask her.
“You’re going on this date if it kills me.” I manage to steal the phone away while she types.
“I’m not ready yet,” I protest.
Sophie sighs wearily. “And when will you be?”
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. I quickly write back with some excuse, and tell him I’ll be in touch.
The next day, I’m working the afternoon shift again, and my last customer of the day is Brett. I have become totally immune to his harmless flirting. Not that he isn’t cute, because he is, but I’m simply not interested.
“All done,” I say, as I wash the oil off my hands, and wipe them. I step to the counter to let him dress in peace. The bell above the door chimes, and I check to see who came in so late—after all, it’s time to lock up.
Jake.
“Um, we’re closing,” I tell him.
“I know,” he grins at me. I stare at him wordlessly. I wish he wasn’t so handsome. His thick, long lashes that frame his gorgeous eyes are watching me closely. He’s wearing washed out jeans again, this time light blue. His leather motorcycle jacket is open. I can see a black V-neck shirt underneath, hugging his muscles like a second skin. His black motorcycle boots makes him even sexier. And his stupid grin, ugh, it’s driving me crazy. He runs his fingers through his hair, which makes it messier, and I finally unglue my eyes from him.
“What are you doing here?”
Brett approaches at that moment, and gives us a sideways look. His gaze stays on Jake for some time, but then he comes closer to me and gives me the money.
“Have a nice evening, Brett. I’ll see you in two days,” I offer him a gentle smile. Measuring Jake from head to toe, Brett turns and leaves.
“He didn’t like me being here,” Jake says.
“Who? Brett? Oh, he’s harmless.” I go clean everything up, and then take the towels to the laundry room, Jake is right behind me the whole time.
“What?” I ask when I see him watching me.
“Will you finish soon? Do you need help?”
“What do you want?” I’m annoyed. I can’t help it. He makes me nervous, but not in a bad way. I just lose my sanity when I’m near him.
“Can I give you a lift home?” He scratches the back of his neck, and looks a little uncomfortable, too.
“I can walk. It’s not that far,” I try to excuse myself again. I find his persistence weirdly endearing, and I’m afraid he’s starting to get to me. I take my keys and we head out, locking the door on our way.