Page 66 of Under His Control

We’re done.

Just like that?

Without anything to show for it?

How is that fair when he’s taken more than he’s given?

As my dismay turns into anger, Elizabeth comes out, rubbing her eyes.

“Jake wanted to shower so he kicked me out of his room.”

He’s kicking everybody out.

I feel a spike of irritation with her. She’s technically the reason why I’m being kicked out. Then again, Jacob has a point. She didn’t force me to go outside, against his order. I made the choice to do it.

Whenever I’m given options, you can count on me to pick the worst one.

Elizabeth frowns and opens her mouth. I stand before she can speak.

“I’m going to get dinner started.”

“Need any help?” she offers.

I force a smile. “If you want to.”

My bad mood lifts as Elizabeth and I work together to prep for a stir fry. It’s clear she never makes her own meals. Somehow, she cuts herself twice with the peeler as she’s peeling the carrots.

When Jacob comes out, Elizabeth abandons me to hang out with him in the living room. Every so often, I glance over at them, and I’m taken aback by Jacob’s personality change.

The man I’ve known this past week would give an iceberg a run for its money. Unless my clothes are off. The man tonight is actually smiling and laughing.

A part of me likes seeing that the side of him I remember is still there, even if he hides it well these days. The other part of me is ticked off. How can he find humour after telling me he’s screwing me over?

I won’t let him do it.

I’m going to change his mind.

How? When? I don’t know. Jacob is unyielding when his mind is set, and Elizabeth hinted she’s planning on spending the night.

But I’ll figure something out.

* * *

“That was delicious, Penny. I should’ve let you make me that omelette this morning.”

I smile at Elizabeth. “I’ll make it for you tomorrow.”

“Pretty, sweet, and cooks delicious meals? It won’t be long before someone wifes you up.” She turns a grin to Jacob. “You’ll be walking her down the aisle soon, Jakey.”

Jacob doesn’t return her smile. He looks annoyed. He makes a soft scoff and abruptly stands with his empty plate, taking it over to the dishwasher.

I gather up my and Elizabeth’s plates and carry them over to the dishwasher too. Jacob wordlessly takes them from me.

When his fingers brush over mine, my stomach flips. I dart my gaze up to catch his stare. The first night I came here, it was an accident when our faces came too close after he took my plate. He totally touched me on purpose just now.

I linger beside the dishwasher, fiddling with the collar as I watch him rinse and stack the plates.

Last night floats through my mind again, especially that moment he tenderly kissed and licked my stomach then looked into my eyes.