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“Regardless of what you think you know about me, we have a lot of history.” She takes a step closer, her perfume wafting over me. “I'm sure you understand.”
“Oh. I'm Finley. Jake's, err, friend,” I say, my voice sounding small and unsure.
Natalie arches a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. “Is that what he's calling it these days?”
“I'm not sure what you're implying,” I say, my cheeks heating up. “But Jake and I are?—”
“Let me guess, he's told you that you're special? That he's never felt this way before?” Natalie interrupts, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I want to tell her what Jake and I have is more than just a fling, that we're building something real and meaningful.
The words stick in my throat as I remember my place in the family hierarchy.
My heart sinks as her words hit their mark, and the nagging doubts in the back of my mind grow louder. What if she's right?
What if I'm just another notch on Jake's bedpost?
I hear the faucet turning off, followed by Jake's footsteps as he approaches the door. He's still drying his hands on a towel when he comes into view.
The moment he sees Natalie, he freezes. The color drains from his face, and the towel slips from his fingers, falling to the floor with a soft thud.
Jake's voice cracks the tense silence. “What are you doing here?”
Chapter 9
Jake
As I rinse the dishes, I think about Finley. She's had a profound impact on me. In a matter of weeks, I've become a different person because I'm in love with her.
I can envision my life with her as clearly as watching a movie.
I can see myself with her in my kitchen, talking to her in bed and holding her hand as we stroll down the street. She's an essential part of my life now, and it scares me to realize how much I want to keep her with me.
A familiar voice interrupts my thoughts, stirring doubts about my sanity. Curious yet cautious, I head toward it, dish towel in hand, unease knotting my stomach as I near the door.
My heart plummets when I see my ex-wife shoulder past Finley, barging inside.
Finley looks uncomfortable, her arms wrapped around herself. Anger ignites in my chest. I want to comfort her, but I must deal with Natalie first.
“What the hell, Natalie?” I demand, stepping between them.
“I need to talk to you, Jake. It's important.” Natalie's tone is demanding, as if she still has a right to my time and attention.
“You can't just force your way into my house like this,” I say firmly, trying to keep my voice level.
Natalie scoffs, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows arching in disdain. “Your house? This is our house, Jake. Or have you forgotten?”
I grind my teeth, trying to control my temper. “This hasn't been our house for a long time. You know that.”
She sneers, her perfectly shaped eyebrows showing her disapproval.
“Oh, I see. You've moved on already.” Her gaze cuts to Finley, standing quietly behind me, her face unreadable.
I step forward, blocking Natalie's view of Finley. “My personal life is none of your business. We're getting divorced, remember?”
Natalie rolls her eyes, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder.
“Technicalities. I still have a right to be here, to see my daughter.” Her eyes narrow. “It's summer holidays, Jake. I should have Amber for part of the break.”
