Page 13

CHAPTER 13

R aven’s stomach grumbled when she smelled the sandwich as Jake brought it inside. He set the bag on the table in front of her.

That was when she noticed he held something else also.

“Is that ice cream?” That was when she remembered the delivery driver drove an ice cream truck.

Instead of offering an explanation, Jake walked to the freezer and placed two items inside.

But not before she realized what he’d bought.

One of them was a Drumstick ice cream cone. Her favorite.

Coincidence? Or did he still remember that?

What was he trying to do? Dig up the past even though she’d asked him not to? To remind her that he’d once fooled her into thinking they had something special when all along she’d been disposable to him?

Irritation flashed inside her. She’d fallen for him once before but never again. She was no longer that naive girl. But she had a feeling Jake was even more calculated now than when she’d fallen for him.

Men like Jake only perfected the challenge of making women fall for them just so they could break their hearts.

With multiple avenues available, there was no excuse for him not to have contacted her. Even if it was to break up with her. He could’ve at least respected her that much. But he hadn’t. And she’d do well to remember that fact.

Raven tried to shove the thoughts aside and put on a neutral expression.

But she wasn’t sure she was succeeding.

To distract herself, she pulled out the sandwich wrapped in brown paper. Jake had also ordered french fries. She set them on the table between them.

He’d ordered Raven food but nothing for himself. He had to be hungry too, right?

She might be irritated with him, but she didn’t want to see him go hungry. Nor did she want to give him anything to hold against her.

She split the sandwich, gooey cheese stretching between the two triangles. Slivers of peaches protruded between the melted goodness.

This would be an interesting meal.

“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.