Page 6 of Unpredictable Flames

I clenched my fists, fighting back the urge to abandon the food and pull her into my arms right then and there. But I knew better. Lily wasn't just another conquest, and I couldn't risk jeopardizing both ours and Cole’s friendship, not to mention her trust in me.

“Dinner will be ready soon,” I managed to say, my voice slightly strained. Lily nodded, her eyes downcast as she slowly approached me, her fingers fidgeting nervously.

“Jake, I just wanted to thank you,” she began, her voice soft and hesitant. “For everything you've done for me.”

Her words sent a jolt of electricity coursing through me, my mind racing with wild fantasies of what could be.

“Get your mind out of the gutter, you pig.” I quickly pushed the thoughts aside, forcing a smile as I replied, “It's no problem, Lily. I'm just glad I could help.”

“Can I at least help with dinner?” she asked, taking another step closer. “It’s the least I could do.”

I didn’t want her in the kitchen, afraid of what I would do if I wasn’t able to control myself, but I wasn’t able to think of an excuse fast enough and ended up nodding my head in acceptance. “Sure, Lily. Why not?”

Soon enough, dinner was served, and we shared a meal in the dining room together. The atmosphere between Lily and me was oddly subdued. The clinking of utensils against plates echoed through the room, filling the silence that hung between us.

When we had finally finished eating, Lily got up and made a move to clear the dishes, but I quickly stopped her. “No, no, let me take care of that,” I insisted, flashing her a reassuring smile. “You've been through enough today. You should just rest.”

Without saying a word, she gave me a reluctant nod and retreated to her room, leaving me alone in the kitchen with my thoughts. As I loaded the dishes into the dishwasher, my mind wandered, reflecting on how rare it was to share a meal with a woman, without those thoughts inevitably leading to something more.

Usually, by now, my tongue would have been deep in her throat, and her legs would be locked around my waist as I carried her to my room.

But with Lily, it felt different. It felt...nice.

Finishing up with the dishes, I made my way to my own room, a sense of unease tugging at the corners of my mind. As I passed Lily's closed door, an inexplicable urge washed over me, and I stopped right by her door.

My hand began inching towards the doorknob almost of its own accord, and my mind had already started racing. Thoughts of Lily just coming out of the bathroom with only her robe on flooded my mind, making my heart beat even faster.

But before I could act on the impulse, reason kicked in, reminding me of the boundaries that existed. Boundaries I had placed because of Cole. Lily was off-limits, and I couldn't afford to forget that.

With a heavy sigh, I pulled back, retreating from the door before I forgot my morals. But just as I turned to leave, the door suddenly swung open, revealing Lily standing before me, her eyes locking onto mine with a mesmerizing intensity.

I found myself momentarily speechless. Her eyes were the most beautiful shade of emerald I had ever seen. The small flecks of gold dancing within made her seem even more irresistible. And in that moment, I realized that no matter how hard I tried to resist, there was no denying the pull she held over me.

“Jake?” she asked, with a bewildered look on her face. “Is something wrong?”

“Yes,” I said, and found myself suddenly leaning into her, capturing her lips in a savage kiss of raw desire.

CHAPTER FOUR - FLAMES OF PASSION

He tasted raw and fierce, just like I had expected. He gently sucked on my lips, and his hand cupped my breast. Then, ever so gently, he massaged my flesh. Jake’s touch was so gentle that I was purring like a kitten before I realized his hand was on me. A fresh wave of warmth spread throughout my body, and I felt deliciously alive and sexy.

My longing for him became stronger as well, and I realized that Jake was and always had been an enigma, but one thing was for sure: he was an incredible flirt, and I didn’t want to be the brunt of his devilish charm.

I reached up and held his wrist, pulling his hand away from my breast as I released myself from his kiss.

“Jake, I think you should…”

“Shit, I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, quickly stepping back, putting some distance between both of us.

“Wait, no, no!” I said, stretching out to hold him, but he walked away from me, waving his hand as he disappeared out of my line of sight.

I just wanted to tell you to come inside. I sighed. The thought of going to his room to call him back flashed in my mind, but I quickly dispelled it.

“He probably regrets it. Why would I even do that to him?” I muttered to myself. My hand subconsciously went to my lips, and I touched them, reminiscing about the taste of Jake’s lips.

I need a fucking shower. I sighed, closing my door.

I needed to get rid of the thoughts of Jake flooding into my mind. I couldn’t afford to make any rash decisions. Especially after how I felt.

---