Page 16 of From the Moment We Met

Jacob captured her gaze, his azure eyes deep and probing. “The way he looks at you. But you deserve better than being a side piece.”

Lilly squinted in confusion. “A side piece?”

“Yes, someone he’s with on the side when he isn’t with Emma.”

“This from a man who advocates for meaningless romps?” Lilly’s eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“I believe my exact words were numerous romps and meaningless sex.”

“Because that makes all the difference.”

Jacob chuckled, and Lilly wasn’t certain if he was endearing or exasperating. “I take it you don’t approve.”

Lilly shrugged, although his crass statement bothered the hell out of her. “It’s not my business who you’re sleeping with; I’m just glad I’m not programmed that way. I would hate to think my existence was centered around such shallow banalities.”

The energy in the room changed as Jacob’s fingers drummed the table again, his blue eyes darkening.

Lilly opted to back off. This man was not happy. “I appreciate your concern regarding Enrique, but we’re not an item, in any way.” The memory of Enrique’s behavior earlier in the day flashed in her mind, apparently he liked to keep multiple women hanging by a thread, too. “You didn’t need to call a cab.”

Jacob stood, allowing Lilly to slide out. “Yes, I did. It will be here in five minutes.”

Enrique reappeared, his gaze moving between Lilly and Jacob. “Lilly, I’m so sorry; I didn’t think I would see Emma tonight.”

Another shrug, Lilly was getting this gesture down pat. “No problem. I’m heading home. Jacob was kind enough to call me a taxi.”

“I can take you home,” Enrique implored.

“I’m fine. Have a nice night with Emma.” Lilly kissed the surgeon’s cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’ll walk you out, let me pick up my food.” Jacob excused himself and headed for the bar.

Enrique’s eyes narrowed, and he huffed. “You’re leaving with him?”

Lilly scoffed—was he serious? “What? No.”

“You came here with me.”

“And you walked off with your girlfriend, whom you weren’t expecting.”

“She’s not my girlfriend, she’s—”

Lilly held up a hand, she was beyond done with this conversation. “I don’t care. It’s late, and I’m exhausted.”

“Lilly…” Enrique beseeched.

She kissed his cheek again. “Hey, I’m not angry. Have a good evening.”

“Are you ready?” Jacob’s voice interjected into the moment.

Lilly nodded, and the two walked outside, pulling their coats tight against the chill. “Thanks again for the cab.” Christ, could she come up with anything else to say?

Jacob set down the bag of food on an outdoor table, putting his hands on Lilly’s arms and turning her towards him. “What were you thinking before?”

Fuck, he’s touching me again, my brain doesn’t function when this man touches me. “Before when?”

“Right after I said how I pity the fool dumb enough to fall in love. You had this look on your face, but at the last second you held back and asked me to let you up.” His grip tightened slightly. “What were you going to say?”

“I don’t remember,” Lilly lied.

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