Page 97 of From the Moment We Met

“Is that what you’re calling it these days?” Audrey was enjoying this ribbing far too much, and it was touching on Jacob’s last nerve.

“Yes,” he hissed. “Considering she up and vanished on me. What would you prefer I call it?”

Janie patted Jacob’s cheek. “You, being a stubborn ass. Admit it, you’re in love with her.”

Jacob had heard enough. He muttered an excuse about retrieving his phone from his car, but in truth, he needed some air. He missed Lilly so much he felt like he was suffocating.

∞∞∞

Jacob paced the patio, willing himself to calm down and relax when he saw Lilly walking up the driveway. His breath quickened. Why was she here? If she wasn’t interested in pursuing a relationship, then why show up at his bloody best friend’s house?

“Lilly, this is a surprise.” His voice was calm, but his heart hammered in his chest; he hoped she couldn’t hear it. Damn, she looked beautiful. He wanted to peel off her dress and lick every inch of her porcelain skin. Focus man, focus. This woman doesn’t want you. Remember that.

Lilly shifted, looking uncomfortable. “Janie invited me. I hope you don’t mind. I’m an awful poker player but…” her voice trailed off as she looked away, biting her lip in that sexy manner that drove him crazy.

“It’s fine,” Jacob snapped, “I’d walk you inside, but I have to make a phone call. The housekeeper can show you the way. If you’ll excuse me.”

“Of course, thanks. It’s so wonderful to see you, Jacob. I really missed you.”

“Right. I’ll see you later.” The words were clipped and harsh, and they hit their mark as Lilly’s face fell. All he wanted to do was grab her to him and tell her how empty his life was without her, but his heart was wounded and his haughty facade firmly in place. It was his only protection against this woman and his overpowering feelings.

Lilly nodded, looking wounded as she turned toward the house.

Jacob sighed, running his hand through his hair and turning his phone on. The battery had died again. It booted up after what seemed an eternity, and he was about to dial his voicemail when the message alert sounded. It was a message from Lilly.

‘I don’t know if it matters, but I left a note, I didn’t realize you never saw it. It must have fallen behind the bed. It was such a beautiful night, and I hate that it looked like I left without a word. Perhaps, though, you were glad that I made myself scarce. Regardless, it was lovely, and I’ve missed you.’

“Shit,” Jacob hissed under his breath as he reread the message. He thrust his phone in his pocket and ran into the house to find Lilly.

∞∞∞

Lilly

This was an epic mistake, Lilly thought as she followed the housekeeper through the mansion. She figured Jacob might not be thrilled to see her, but he was downright biting at her presence. She needed a few moments to collect her emotions.

“I’m sorry, is there a bathroom I could use?”

The housekeeper directed her to a bathroom, giving her the last few directions to the rec room where Roger’s friends were gathered.

Lilly mumbled her thanks as she closed the door. She moved to the sink, taking a few deep breaths. She was out of her element, unwelcome, and didn’t know what the hell to do next. Should she leave without a word? Invent an excuse and make a hasty exit? Hide in the bathroom until everyone forgot she was there?

Realizing she couldn’t spend the evening in the loo, she gathered herself together and opened the door.

Jacob stood on the other side of the door, his hand impatiently tapping the jamb.

“H—hi.” Lilly stammered.

His blue eyes were searching. “You left a note?”

Lilly nodded, her eyes glassy. “Do you want me to leave?”

Jacob didn’t answer with words. His arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the ground and enveloping her in a blistering kiss. He kicked the bathroom door shut and placed her on the vanity, his tongue searching and needy, his hands hiking up her skirt to caress her thighs.

Lilly pushed away from him, her brown eyes confused. “I don’t understand, do you hate me or do you love me?”

Jacob caressed her jaw. “I never saw the note, I thought you just left, that you regretted the entire evening and—”

“Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting all week for you to call me, I thought you regretted the whole thing.”

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