Page 41 of From the Moment We Met

Chapter Eight

Jacob

Jacob meant every word, not that he wasn’t mentally stripping Lilly naked and devouring every inch of her body.

It was refreshing to meet a woman who didn’t throw herself at him. It was a nonexistent trait in the dog-eat-dog world of Hollywood, sleeping your way to the top was a practiced artform.

“It’s getting late, and I have an early yoga class in the morning.” Lilly glanced at the clock, her lips swollen from his kisses.

Jacob smiled, embarrassed he’d overstayed his welcome. “I’m sorry, I’ll leave immediately.”

Lilly stopped him. “You don’t have to leave. You’ve had several drinks, and it’s after midnight. I don’t think it’s safe for you to drive.”

Jacob smiled at her innuendo. “Are you asking me to stay the night?”

Lilly’s cheeks flamed, a trait Jacob found adorable. “Not in that way. You can have the bed, and I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“You’re not sleeping on the couch, but you’re probably right about driving. Let me make a quick phone call and check on Charlie.”

Lilly’s head cocked inquisitively. “Who’s Charlie? Your son?”

Jacob laughed, shaking his head. “I suppose in a way, he’s actually my golden retriever.”

“You’re an animal lover.”

Jacob pressed his lips to Lilly’s forehead. “And he’s a rescue, you’d be proud.”

Lilly’s brow furrowed. “How do you know about my animal rescue? Never mind, she has a name, and it’s Sabina.”

“It’s wonderful you’re so committed to them. Most people look the other way.”

“They don’t have a voice, so you’ll never stop hearing mine. That’s a quote I saw and adopted immediately. We’re building a new wing onto the current shelter that includes dog runs. It will increase shelter capacity by ten, and that’s more lives saved.”

Jacob was enamored watching Lilly speak about the shelter, her face glowing with passion. She could rally troops like a general if needed, her enthusiasm was contagious. “When are you building the dog runs?”

“This weekend.”

“I have interviews Saturday morning.”

Lilly nodded absently as if unsure how his statement related.

“I could head over there in the afternoon and help.”

Lilly’s face lit up at his offer, and she threw her arms around his neck. “That would be wonderful, thank you!” Her lips pressed against his, and he felt the fire reignite in his belly. She was making it damnably tricky to keep his libido in check.

“I hope you don’t convince everyone this way,” Jacob murmured, his hands wrapping around her hips. “It would be an honor to help you.”

Lilly backed away, blushing at her impulsive gesture. “Sorry, but your presence would bring so much attention to the shelter. You’re a huge star, and people would flock there to catch a glimpse of you.”

Jacob slumped his shoulders in disappointment. “I was doing it for you and the dogs, not as a public relations spot.”

Lilly’s brow furrowed with concern. “I didn’t mean it that way. You’re an important person, and people respect you. I’m thrilled if you can assist in any way. It means the world to me.”

Jacob chuckled, pulling out his phone. “Let me call my house and check on Charlie.”

Jacob stepped into the other room. When he returned a few minutes later, Lilly’s face was cloaked in uncertainty.

“Did I miss something important in the last three minutes?” Jacob inquired.

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