Page 31 of Chain Reaction

“Have some.” She extended her arm.

Jake started to argue, but Raven shook her head.

“I won’t be able to eat all this anyway, and I’d hate to see it go to waste,” she insisted. “Plus, you need to tell me how much I owe you.”

“It’s not a big?—”

“And before you say it’s not a big deal, I insist. I like to pay my own way.” Raven’s words came out harsher than she’d intended, but it was too late to take them back.

He stared at her before swallowing hard. “Understood.”

He took the half sandwich she offered and grabbed a napkin, placing it on top.

Then Raven took her first bite.

The mix of the savory cheese with the sweet peaches was surprisingly tasty.

“What do you think?” Jake watched her curiously.

Raven hated to admit that the sandwich was good, but she wouldn’t lie. “I didn’t think I’d like this. I was very skeptical. But I can see myself craving this combination again.”

“Right?” Light filled his eyes as if he’d forgotten about the troubles between them.

The easygoing moment between them only lasted a few seconds. Then Jake said, “I think I should sleep on the couch here tonight.”

Any good vibes Raven had felt disappeared like sunshine in a hurricane.

Jake had known staying here overnight wouldn’t be a pleasant subject when he brought it up. But he’d done so anyway.

His words were true—it wasn’t safe for Raven to stay here alone, not until they knew what was happening.

Just as he’d thought, Raven quickly insisted, “I’ll be fine.”

“Someone was watching us at the site of the explosion, set off a second bomb, left a picture of the Syrian embassy where you once lived, and then someone tried to break into your house. I don’t think you can say with affirmative confidence that you’ll be safe.”

“I can call you if something happens.”

“Unless somebody uses a signal jammer again.” Jake gave her a pointed look. “Then you’ll be here without any backup.”

Raven’s lips parted as if she wanted to say more, to think of a reasonable objection.

Then she closed her mouth again.

“If you’d feel more comfortable, I could take you to the Blackout headquarters,” he offered instead. “We have guest bedrooms there, and you would be safe.”

Raven remained silent before finally saying, “I’d rather stay here.”

He nodded. “I promise, I won’t be in your way. I’d just like to be close in case something happens.” Jake locked gazes with her, refusing to look away.

She narrowed her eyes and let out a little breath. “If you insist on staying, then you can. But for the record, I didn’t ask you to do this.”

“Noted.”

“And I don’t want you to think I’m being rude. But when I finish eating, I’d really like to escape to my room.”

“Just pretend like I’m not here.” Maybe it was for the best, Jake rationalized. Maybe they could both use some time apart.

CHAPTER 14