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He has a point. Jonathan decided to pursue Kiera even though it put the company at risk. Ian posed as Kami’s boyfriend without asking her first just so he could spend Thanksgiving with her. Who’s to say Jake wouldn’t do something just as jaw-dropping?
“Take this as food for thought and sleep on it,” he adds. “But I’m willing to bet Jake will go to insane lengths—including moving in—to keep you in his sights.”
Chapter Nine
Ipark beside Jake’s truck. The early morning is cold and still pitch black by the time I pull into the complex. Turning off my headlights, I kill the engine. I should climb out, but I find myself stuck and reflecting on the past few hours.
What do I do with all this newfound information, assuming it holds even a bit of truth? Did Jake move in with me for his own reasons, like Vance speculated? What do I do if he’s right? So many questions, yet I worry about the answers.
A long time ago, I decided I wasn’t going to let Jake Hall cloud my mind or influence my decisions anymore. Yet here I sit in the middle of the night, finding myself all but consumed by him again. The only difference now is I’m hesitating. Is this all wishful thinking…or does Vance’s theory hold some merit?
Maybe I’d rather live in ignorance. And that kind of bliss is tempting. But don’t I owe it to my younger self to find the truth? If this is the chance to finally put the past to rest, to find closure, shouldn’t I take it? The more I think about it, the more my stomach ties itself in knots.
Vance is right; I need to sleep on this.
After closing the car door behind me, I lock it and start up the stairs. My thoughts cease when I notice the kitchen light shining brightly behind the closed blinds. Did Jake wait up for me?
“No,” I mutter aloud. “I must have left it on.”
Despite rationalizing to myself, I can’t stop yearning for a much different conclusion.
When I open the door, Jake stands at the threshold. “Good. You’re home. I was getting worried.”
What’s that supposed to mean? Ugh, I’m too tired to play twenty questions. Regardless of his motives, he had no business following me, much less interrogating Vance. He’s not off the hook for that.
“What’s your problem?” I snap.
He blinks. “What do you mean?”
I scoff as I walk through the door, then close it behind me, reaching down to peel off my uncomfortable high heels as I do. “You know damn well what I mean. Why did you follow me and interrogate my friends?”
As I tug at the second of my stilettos, I lose my balance. I’m falling when I suddenly feel strong hands grip my elbow and shoulder.
Suddenly, Jake is holding me, his face inches from mine. I gasp. His hazel eyes bear into my soul. I can’t help but drink in every detail. His sharp jawline, his tempting lips, the flare of his nostrils, and his hot drill of a stare.
What would happen if I kissed him?
His grip on me is gentle but firm, both powerful and capable. Are those sparks between us? I don’t know, and I can’t do this to myself. What if I’m wrong? What if our seemingly mutual attraction is actually one-sided? I’m not ready to take a leap of faith.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
I pull myself from his grasp. “I’m fine. Thanks.”
“Any time.”
Right. I shake my head. Back to what I’m trying to say. “Anyway, you had no right?—”
“To follow you around and interrogate your friends. Yes, I understand that. I just?—”
“Worried about me. Right.” Like I haven’t heard that before. “Does this mean you won’t do it again?”
“No,” he says with zero hesitation.
I put my hands on my hips. “Why not?”
“I need to make sure you’re safe.”
Of course. Jonathan told him to. As always, I’m the kid sister…