Page 69 of Just for Tonight

I was Rachel from Accounting. Jake covered for me because Abbie was there. That’s why he didn’t say much or defend himself. I didn’t even think he wouldn’t be alone.

Cameron bursts into another soliloquy about how gorgeous Jake is. She wonders when he’ll be back in town and where she might meet him, then how she could get his number.

“You could ask Candace,” I suggest and she seizes on that plan.

“Great idea. I’ve got to go. Shit. I have to get to work.”

And she’s gone, leaving my office sounding very quiet. I could call Sylvia or Merrie, but it would be better to wait.

I send Jake a message.

Nicely played.

I wonder if it’s enough, but he replies right away.

Glad you approve.

He must still be in town somewhere. He hasn’t booked the townhouse. I can’t believe he’d stay with Candace. They can’t be getting along that well. While I’m thinking about what to do, my phone confirms a booking at the townhouse.

For tonight.

In fact, Mr. Wickham is using the keypad right now.

I grab my keys and head out the door.

I ring the doorbell at the townhouse and see the shadows moving inside. Jake opens the door then leans in the frame, looking cocky and irresistible. He’s wearing shorts, which makes sense as it’s hotter than hell today, and a short-sleeved cotton shirt. He’s barefoot and I take a moment to admire his legs.

Fair’s fair. He’s admiring mine. I’m wearing shorts as well, but with a T-shirt.

“Rachel from Accounting,” I say and he laughs.

“I had to say something.”

“I didn’t know Abbie was with you.”

“Obviously. And I had to maintain Mackenzie’s rules for not dating in Empire.” He shrugs. “It was the best I could do on the fly.”

Now I’m the one smiling. “And it worked. Thank you.”

He nods, our gazes locked as the temperature rises between us. He doesn’t ask me in and I know why. “Not at your mom’s then, after all?”

“I don’t love being fixed up.”

“Not even with the perfect match?” Jake makes a tsking sound. He’s teasing me but he’s way too interested in my answer. His eyes are glittering. “Are you afraid he will be perfect or he won’t be?”

“I don’t know.”

“That doesn’t sound like you.”

“No, it doesn’t.” I won’t stand here and consider that the one person in the world who seems to understand how I’m feeling about this is the one person who is officially a stranger to me.

No one says anything for a few minutes. I can hear the mosquitos closing in.

“So how far would we have to drive to get something to eat without being in violation of Mackenzie’s rules?”

“Not far,” I say, relieved he’s made this suggestion. “There’s a burger place my dad used to love. I don’t think anyone else I know ever goes there.”

Jake grabs his wallet and keys and steps into his shoes. “Sounds great. Lead on.”