Page 23 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

Charity makes this little snort, obviously enjoying the way I straighten up and almost drop a hot pan of muffins.

“He knows he has the power to come back here, doesn’t he?” She lowers her voice. “Or, do you not want to see him? I can go tell him to buzz off if you want. Politely, of course.”

Offering her a smile for being willing to look out for me while secretly encouraging me to make this man mine, I take my time plucking each muffin out of the pan to cool on the rack. Trying to figure out what in the world I’m going to say to him, the words don’t come easy. Will I even be able to look him in the eye without getting flushed all over the place?

By the time I’m making my way over, my heart is sailing like I’ve run a marathon. Pounding away harder and harder, I make it to the counter and offer up one of the best smiles I can.

“I should’ve stopped by Monday,” leaning against the counter, his smile falls slightly. “Figured you might need a little space since you ran off before.”

With a lack of noise inside, I know our words are going to carry to the back of the bakery. As supportive as my friend is, I don’t want her to hear the fine details and everything embarrassing that comes with it.

“Why don’t we take a walk? I’m going to need some fresh air to survive this conversation.” Admitting the truth, I untie my apron and set it down.

He tags along, letting me take the lead. Not wanting to make this a long trip, I leave the building, shivering when the crisp air hits my skin. Passing the security guard at the door, he gives us both a look before sending a nod in Jake’s direction.

Debating where a good spot can be, he takes me by the elbow and eases me along the length of the building. With limited lighting, we don’t have to go too far to be by ourselves. Despite the poor lighting, I can see the concern etched on his expression.

“We shouldn’t have danced at the club,” I start up as soon as I get a lungful of fresh air. “I shouldn’t have done what I did.”

Morning traffic gathers on the streets, and lines of red back lights glow. The sun has barely lifted above the horizon, painting the sky with the prettiest shades of yellow and orange. There’s a distant sound of a horn as someone gets impatient at the sight of a green light.

“There are plenty of things we shouldn’t do in life.” I feel the heat from his fingertips against my cheek as he pushes a loose strand behind my ear. “I’m not someone who typically lets those moments hold me back. What I want to know is if I’m supposed to pretend we didn’t enjoy ourselves. I’m not a good actor, Eloise. If I’m going to be honest–”

“Don’t,” I interrupt with the start of a frown. Now is not the time to be honest. Honesty is dangerous. Wanting him that night is what made me reckless, and I was really honest with myself at that time.

“I want you, Eloise.” Ignoring me, the truth rolls out of him. “I know you have a past with Nic, a complicated one. I know you have your options, but I need you to know, I want you.”

As someone who always talks with an amused tone, there’s something nerve-wracking about hearing him talk so seriously.

“You don’t seem like the type to settle down,” I half-joke, forcing my eyes away. I can’t talk and look at him at the same time. Not unless I want him to see the way my emotions are all over the place. “I’m not the type of woman who just wants to have a round of fun and move on.”

Grabbing my face, I’ve got no choice but to look into the deep pool of his eyes.

“I’ve never felt this craving before. You’re special and it’s driving me nuts.” His thumb grazes my bottom lip and his eyes lower. “It was hell trying to give you space. So please, put me down if you can. Tell me you’re not interested soIcan move on.”

A few words, that’s all he wants. I can end these frustrated feelings with one sentence. Parting my lips, I try to put together an answer he wants. One we both want. Instead, my shoulders slump. “I can’t. I don’t know. I mean, I’m not sure–”

Jake grunts in frustration before I feel his mouth against my own. Too many days of separation and I can feel the frustration from the way his tongue hungrily slides against my own.

Aching for this man, I melt like a puddle. Before I can meet him halfway and completely forget about our setting, he pulls away.

“Do me a favor and figure out what you want. I’ll be here, waiting. My office is right at the top. You know where to find me.” His breath is uneven, a hunger radiating behind his stare. “I’ll wait for as long as I have to for an answer. Though, I’ll apologize in advance. I may pull you aside like this if the wait becomes too much.”

Jake’s the one who has to initiate us to move. I’m standing on wobbly legs, heat coursing through my veins. With a clouded brain, I have to work extra hard not to confess something by accident. With the added warmth of his hand pressed to my back, all I can do is nod as we head back into the building.

Despite Charity giving me multiple chances to reveal what happened with all of her curious glances pointed in my direction throughout the morning, my lips remain sealed. Once Claire pops up and is ready to take on the forming line, we’re simply too busy to talk about anything. It’s a good feeling, keeping my hands busy. I don’t have enough time to think about Jake or Nicolas.

My feet ache running back and forth as I make sure the display remains full. Two different directors have orders for their meetings that still need to be boxed up. I need to look into hiring another helping hand to help manage the front. My tasks are piling up here.

“I met someone,” Charity starts up once she’s accepted a lack of drama on my part. Filling a mixer with three cups of powdered sugar, the air smells sweet as she carefully starts to mix her concoction. “At the club.”

Yes. I’ll happily take news from her.

“What’s his name? Tell me about him.” Plucking off cookies from the cooling rack, I stand rows of six in a pan. Heading to the front to replace the old pan, I return with more questions.

“Don’t know.” She shrugs as her mouth curves higher. “One night stand.”

“Oh?” Surprised by her words, I cut across the small room to reach the bare white boxes to start planting muffins inside. “Must’ve been pretty good if you’re still thinking about him almost a week later.”

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