Page 24 of Wrecking Boundaries

Sarah: …

Jake: It was a bad day, and you’re the only person I’m comfortable talking to.

Sarah: Room 322, end of the hall.

Jake: Be there in ten minutes.

“Stay as long as you want,” I say and stand. “Be back in the morning.”

“Hooking up with the little sister again?” Derek barely glances at me. “It’s going to blow up in your face, big time. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

My confident smile makes clear how much I intend to. “I have a plan, and it’s not hooking up. It’s serious.”

“I’m sure it is. Every woman’s idea of the perfect man is a fake guy who communicates via DM.”

“Go fuck yourself,” I shoot back. “My plan is working perfectly.”

“How do you intend to tell her?” Derek asks me.

Telling him about the dating profile was a horrible decision. “I won’t because there’s no reason. It’s low-pressure and gives me insight. I’ll end it in another week or two.”

He doesn’t respond.

∞∞∞

“No funny business,” Sarah says before the door has time to open.

“You look amazing,” I say back.

She’s wearing a tank top and boy shorts, which gives me a magnificent view. Her still-damp hair tells me she was in the shower not that long ago. Another Marilyn Monroe comparison comes to mind, but I hold back, remembering Sarah’s reaction the last time.

“First warning.”

“A sincere compliment isn’t a pass,” I say because it’s true. “You’re a beautiful woman, and I want you to know that.”

Sarah arches a brow but otherwise doesn’t respond. “Have you eaten?”

“Sandwiches, nothing else.”

“That’s perfect.” Sarah pulls a container out of the room’s mini fridge. “There’s room for tiramisu. There are two slices, one for each of us.”

We sit down on her bed, and I respectfully keep my distance. “This is amazing,” I say after a single bite.

Relief fills me, and it’s not from the food. Her presence is enough to relax me.

“World’s most perfect food.” She glances at me and then stares. Her expression turns serious. “Something happened today.”

“Day started great and then kept getting worse.” Surely, my turning to her is proof of something. I could return to my trailer and watch TV with Derek, but that feels empty. “Do you mind if I stay here tonight?”

10-Sarah

Jake wants to stay the night. The entire night.

His text message said it was a bad day, which I guessed was just an excuse. Instead, he made only one comment on my appearance, ensuring it was both flattering and appropriate.

Allowing him to stay overnight is a horrible idea.

“You can stay,” I say.

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