Page 36 of From the Moment We Met

He walked to his car, started the engine and immediately turned it off again. He strode back into the pub, making a beeline for Sabina and Ben.

“Didn’t you two leave?” Sabina asked, scanning the bar for Lilly.

“Lilly left, I got cornered by some fans.”

“She left without you?” Sabina chuckled. “That girl never makes it easy.”

“I’m worried about her walking home. It’s late and bitter cold.”

“I’ll call her and verify she’s home safe.” Sabina grabbed her phone and began dialing, but Jacob stayed her hand.

“I’d like to check on her in person.” He fumbled over the words, like a child asking permission from a parent.

Sabina chortled. “Oh no, she’ll kill me. I can’t give you her address.”

Jacob turned on his movie-star smile, sliding his arm around Sabina. “She won’t kill you. I accept full responsibility. I just want to check on her and then I’ll go straight home.”

Sabina grunted, shooting him a pointed stare. “And what do I get out of this deal?”

Jacob’s smile broadened, she was going to cough up the address. “What do you want? Another round? A hug? A puppy?”

“No puppies. Lilly is already bugging me to adopt from her shelter. I’ll take one and two please, top shelf.”

“Of course, my lady,” Jacob said with an exaggerated bow. He got drinks for Ben and Sabina, setting them on the table with a flourish. “I asked the bartender to keep my tab open. I’ll cover you both for the rest of the night.”

Ben chuckled, exchanging a knowing look with Sabina. “You really want this address, don’t you?”

Jacob said nothing, his eyes focused on Sabina.

Ben pulled out a pen and wrote the address on a napkin. “Here. It’s my family’s place.”

“I was buttering up the wrong person the whole time?” Jacob asked, feigning horror.

Sabina giggled.

“Good night you two…and thank you,” he said, shoving the paper into his pocket.

∞∞∞

Lilly

Lilly hustled the last block to the cottage, burying her face in her scarf in a futile effort to ward off the night chill. The wind wasn’t helping matters. The last gust lashed her cheeks, leaving her breathless.

She sighed with relief when her porch light came into view. The cottage had been in Ben’s family for generations, and he let her stay there, in exchange for her help at St. Luke.

She heaved open the oak door, greeted by her two rescue cats, who demanded attention and tuna, not necessarily in that order. Lilly lit the fire, grabbed a glass of whiskey, and peeled off her clothes.

Fifteen minutes later she crashed on the couch in yoga pants and a tank top, whiskey in hand, listening to Lenny Kravitz croon about sex. She ruminated on the evening, uncertain how to feel about Jacob Edmonton.

At times, he seemed genuinely interested in her, but then he’d cut her to the quick with a biting remark. She never knew what was going to come out of his mouth next, but she had to admit, it made for an exciting ride.

One thing was sure, Jacob oozed sensuality from every pore, but he didn’t seem arrogant about it. He had to realize his effect on women. Hell, he had to know his effect on her; that kiss nearly ate her alive.

But it was their dance tonight that really got her fired up. She closed her eyes, reliving their moment on the dancefloor—lips almost touching, breath intertwining…

Lilly’s reverie was shattered by the knock on her door. It was after eleven, must be Ben and Sabina stopping by for a nightcap.

“Just a second—” Lilly’s voice caught when she swung open the door and found Jacob leaning against the frame.

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