Page 48 of From the Moment We Met

Lilly nodded. She wasn’t sure where this conversation was headed, but she assumed it was his way of apologizing for the events of the other night.

“Can you say something, please?”

Lilly sighed before answering. “It’s fine, really. It’s over and done with. Let's blame it on too much whiskey and bad karaoke.”

Jacob leaned back as if slapped. “I don’t regret anything from that night, except the way I rushed out on you. I didn’t think I could stay there and keep my promise to you.”

Lilly’s brow furrowed. “What promise?”

His eyes held such longing that any vestiges of anger washed out of Lilly. “To not make love to you.” He turned, gripping the section of fence with white knuckles. “I wanted you so badly, but I had to respect your wishes. I can’t stop thinking about you, you and those damn butterflies.”

Speaking of butterflies, they whipped into a frenzy at Jacob’s words. Lilly’s jaw slackened, but before she could respond, Enrique marched up, drill in hand. “Lilly, I need some help, can you give me a hand?” His gaze hardened on Jacob. It was clear he didn’t appreciate his presence.

Lilly nodded. “Of course.” She extended her hand to Jacob. “I’m sorry I was boorish before. Friends?” She saw the hesitation in his face before he grasped her hand. “Sabina could use some help inside.” She backed away, her gaze locked on his face. “Thanks again for being here.” With that, she turned, walking to the other side of the shelter.

∞∞∞

A few hours later, the volunteers were famished and sweaty, but the runs were complete. Lilly smiled at the finished product, excited for the pups that would enjoy the sunshine and fresh air.

It was a pleasant afternoon, and the group worked well together, except for Enrique’s pointed questions toward Jacob about his girlfriend and their reconciliation. Jacob dodged and denied any involvement, but after each answer, Enrique caught Lilly’s eyes as if to drive home the point that this man was not someone she should get involved with.

She shrugged off the situation although it hurt her heart to think of Jacob reconciling with that gorgeous vixen. How can you believe you were ever his type—short, brunette, ordinary—compared to a blonde goddess who owns half the world?

Lilly returned her focus to the dog runs and stepped back to admire their handiwork, her boot snagging a piece of lumber on the ground. She tumbled backward but Jacob scooped her up, and Lilly wasn’t sure if her pounding heart was from the near fall or staring into his eyes. His scent washed over her—a mixture of musk, cologne, and sweat—it was a heady aroma. “Thank you,” she tittered. “No one ever accused me of being graceful.”

His eyes searched her face. “Are you okay?”

“Right as rain, thanks to your quick maneuver.” She wiggled, but Jacob seemed content to hold her in his arms.

“Do you want me to put you down?” He shot her a sexy smirk as his grip tightened around her, sending a flash of longing through her body.

Lilly cleared her throat. “I’m sweaty and sticky, so, yes, that would be wonderful.” Her voice caught as his hand caressed the side of her breast, she was reasonably sure it wasn’t an accident.

Jacob set her down on a nearby picnic table, and Lilly rubbed her hands on her jeans, aware of his eyes observing her every move. Feeling the all too familiar flush creep up her cheeks, Lilly pushed the hair from her face, wishing he would direct his piercing gaze elsewhere.

Sabina and Ben interrupted his attention, strolling over with keys in hand. “Well folks, are we ready to go?”

Lilly nodded and stood, seeing a muscle twitch in Jacob’s jaw. Unsure how to behave, she opted for gratitude, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Thank you so much for today.”

His arms enveloped her, and she inhaled his scent again, feeling his hesitation when she pulled away.

Sabina stepped in, smiling at Jacob. “Will we see you at the fundraiser?”

Jacob nodded, but his eyes remained on Lilly. “Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it.”

Lilly smiled at him. “People will swarm the place, hoping for a glimpse of you.”

“I’m only looking to attract one person. Ben, if you don’t mind, I’d like to drive Lilly home.”

Ben shrugged as he looked from Jacob to Lilly. “I suppose that’s up to Lilly.”

Lilly, surprised by the offer, shook her head. “I’m sure it’s out of your way, Jacob. I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

Jacob’s eyes locked with hers. “You didn’t ask, I offered.”

She bit her lip. “How can I turn down a ride in a car that costs more than my house? Just give me a moment to say goodbye to everyone.” She watched Jacob head to his car before turning to her friends.

Sabina laughed. “That boy has got it bad.”

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