Page 51 of Stolen

“Somewhere in the lodge? I’m not exactly sure.” He shrugged. “I think this room was initially supposed to be part of the main lodge, but something happened. It kind of seems like they just left it. Or maybe they haven’t had the chance to do anything with it yet.”

“Someone’s been keeping it up, though.” I nodded toward the pristine hot tub, right before I noticed the pillows and blankets piled right next to it. They were just as pristine as the tub, with inviting and luxurious fabric.

“Is that—did you—” I started.

“I also got us a nice bottle of wine,” Jacob said, pulling a bottle of wine from out of the corner. “I told you. You need to relax.”

“Does anyone else even know this part of the lodge is here?”

“Probably no one, except for the employees.” Jacob smiled. “Which I think makes this placeour little secret.”

“Has anyone told you that you’re wildly romantic?”

“What?”

“Nothing.” I instantly regretted my words, embarrassment flooding my system. “I just think this is pretty cool. That’s all.”

Jacob uncorked the wine before he handed me the bottle. “I think you’re pretty cool. That’s all.”

I let out a harsh laugh just as I took a sip of wine straight out of the bottle. I let the warmth of it seep into my system, the taste of it perfectly bitter and sweet. “God. I feel like I haven’t had a drink out of the bottle since I was in high school.”

“Sounds like you were a bit of a troublemaker.”

“Completely the opposite. I was obsessed with getting good grades and staying at the top of my class. The only reason I everhad any fun was because my friends would practically drag me out of the house.” I smiled, thinking of the memories. “Someone usually brought some stolen beer or wine from their parents’ place. And then, it was really bad karaoke and even worse dietary choices. There was this chicken and noodles place, with the best teriyaki?—”

I suddenly stopped speaking as I felt myself getting choked up. “Sorry. I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s going on with me right now.”

“What did you want to be when you grew up, Leo?” Jacob’s voice was soft. “Back when you were in high school? Having a good time with your friends?”

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I think I just wanted to be good at something. And eventually, I figured out that I was really good at PR. Networking. Being the most liked person in the room, so I could convince people that my ideas were good, too.”

“I didn’t know what I wanted to be back then, either. Not until I met Damon and Parker. I’m pretty sure I was just living life one day at a time.”

“Sounds kind of nice. Better than stressing out for four years.”

“It was a different kind of stress.” Jacob took the bottle out of my hand and brought it to his lips. “I like to think I’ve got it all figured out by now.”

“Sure. Right.” I scoffed. “I’ve got all the answers now. For sure.”

“You’ve got more of the answers than you think.”

“Based on what exactly?”

“The fact that you’re about to work a miracle with that photoshoot. The fact that you’re so anxious all the time, even when you’ve got everything in the bag.”

“Anxiety is good. Anxiety is how you know you’re alive.”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s the only way to know you’re alive.” Jacob grinned as he closed the distance between us, the wine bottle now at his side. He then leaned down toward me, his lips grazing softly against mine.

“Hi.” It was all I could think to say, the wine making my thoughts a little fuzzy.

“Hi.” Jacob sighed against my lips before he moved away, taking another sip of wine.

“Wait. Does that mean I win?” My face lit up with a smile. “You touched me. You lose.”

“Not really. No. I mean, would you even really call that a kiss?”

“Come on! That has to count! You lose!” I pumped my arms in the air, pleased with myself. “You just couldn’t resist me.”

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