Page 39 of Mia Amata

“We could join your friends if you really want to, I don’t mind.”

“Hell no,” Jacob said. “I won’t subject you to them. Plus, they are all sitting over there jealous that I am here with the most beautiful woman in town.”

“I seriously doubt that!”

“Just wait, tomorrow, maybe even later tonight I will start getting tons of text messages asking me who you are and what are you doing with me. Some will even have the nerve to ask for your number.” As if to prove his point, one of the new guys who came in while we were playing pool walked over.

“Hey, Jacob, how are you?” he asked, sticking out his hand.

“I’m good,” he shook the man’s hand. “Tyler, this is Mattie. Mattie, Tyler.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said.

“Same,” Tyler said, looking at me. “I haven’t seen you around here before.”

“I’m new to town, haven’t been here very long.”

Tyler nodded, wanting to say more, but Jacob spoke up first. “Hey, if you don’t mind Tyler, Mattie and I were having a conversation, I’ll catch up with you later.”

“Oh, sure, just wanted to say hi. Nice to meet you, Mattie. Catch you later Jacob.” He walked back over to the bar, and immediately, the other guys were leaning over asking questions.

“See what I mean? They are great guys, don’t get me wrong, but any one of them would love to have your phone number right now. I’m trying to eliminate the competition.” Jacob smiled at me.

“Competition for what?”

Jacob looked at me, “For you.”

A slow song came on the jukebox right then. “Dance with me?” He stood up and held out his hand. Somewhat taken aback, I took his hand, letting him lead me onto the dance floor where three other couples were dancing. He took me in his arms, and I lost all train of thought. It was like the entire bar was swallowed up by a hole in the ground. Nobody else existed except for this man who had me in his arms. I felt confused and anxious. What was going on here?

Soon the song ended, and another one started. Someone tapped Jacob on the shoulder. It was Tyler. “Mind if I cut in?”

Jacob tensed up; I could feel the tension in his arms. “That’s up to Mattie,” he said.

I had no desire to dance with Tyler. I looked at him, “Oh, I’m sorry, but we were just leaving.” Jacob led me off the dance floor, and I grabbed my purse. I caught a glimpse of Tyler joining his buddies at the bar.

They were all laughing, punching him in the shoulder.

We got to Jacob’s truck; he walked me to the passenger door. Before he opened the door for me, he said, “You could have danced with him if you wanted to.” He was looking at me intently, those blue eyes felt like they could see to the bottom of my soul.

“I know.”

He moved a little closer. “Why didn’t you?” still looking at me.

“I didn’t want to.”

He leaned down like he was going to kiss me. “Why?” he said softly.

I had no answer, I looked down. He put his fingers under my chin, tipping my head up to look at him. “Mia Amata, look at me. Can I kiss you?” I nodded, not understanding exactly why I did. He started kissing me gently, I’d never been kissed like that before. I reached my arms up around his neck, and he put his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. He moved his lips down my neck while he slid his hands down to my hips. All of a sudden, he pulled back, “Damn Mia. You take my breath away.”

I stood there breathless, not sure what really just happened.

He helped me in the truck. He stood there with the door open. “You may not believe me, but I am falling for you, Mia Amata.” He leaned in, kissed me again, then shut the door, taking me home.

Chapter 17

Friday came around and Randy picked me up early Friday to take me to my OB/GYN appointment. She went in with me, taking a seat while I checked in with the receptionist for my appointment. I sat down next to her; we chatted a little bit about our plans for the day when we finished here. I didn’t have to wait long until they called my name. I went back with the nurse who took my history, got my vitals, and then left me alone to wait for the doctor to come in. Soon there was a knock on the door. A young woman walked in. “Mattie?” she asked.

“Yes,” I said.

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