Page 34 of Cupid Loves Curves

JESSICA

Luke came to talk to me.” My brother’s voice is tight.

I know where this is going and I sigh. “Can we not talk about this right now?”

This dinner should be about family time, not the confusing mess that is my non-relationship with Luke Foster. Mom is in the kitchen preparing dessert, and arguing with my brother is not what I want tonight.

“No, we talk about this now,” Jake insists. I close my eyes for a moment, hoping Mom comes back sooner than later.

“There’s something between us, Jake. It’s electric. I just don’t know if it’s worth the risk.”

“Jess, he’s my friend, but you’re my sister. If he hurts you—” His jaw clenches, the soldier in him ready to defend.

“Then I’ll deal with it,” I insist, my resolve stiffening. “I need to find out what this is. And I don’t need you beating him up on my behalf.”

Jake snorts and studies me, his gaze softening. “Just...be careful, okay? I won’t always be there to pick up the pieces.”

“Since when do I need you to pick up the pieces in my life?” I tease, trying to lighten the mood and ease the tension coiled within me. Luke said he’d call, and it’s been eating me that he hasn’t. Part of me says, “Well, what did you expect from Luke Foster?” and part of me keeps hoping we’ll work everything out and start a future together.

“Smartass.” He chuckles, reaching over to ruffle my hair. “All right, if you want to pursue this thing with Luke, you have my support. But I swear, if he breaks your heart, I’m—”

“Yes, yes. I know. And I’m not your property–I don’t need your permission,” I say, rolling my eyes dramatically. “You’ll take him up on the mountain and hide him where no one will find him.”

“Jacob Pierce,” our mother says sharply. She places the cake she’s brought out for dessert so heavily on the table that I’m surprised it doesn’t collapse. “You will do no such thing. That’s not funny to even joke about.”

“Sorry, Mom,” he says, looking down. But when Mom isn’t looking, he gives me a look that says he’ll do exactly that if Luke hurts me.

“Jessica,”Jake says as he waits for the light to change so he can turn his car onto my street. His voice is softer this time, but his protective concern is still evident. “I meant what I said earlier. If you want to give Luke a second chance, then do it. But keep your eyes open.”

A sigh escapes me, half frustration, half longing. “I know, Jake. Believe me, I know.”

“Look, he’s been through a lot, and so have you. You’re both strong and as stubborn as hell,” Jake continues, his hands tightening briefly on the steering wheel. “Sometimes the things we want most are the scariest to reach for,” he adds, surprising me.

“Scary doesn’t begin to cover it,” I confess, staring down at my hands in my lap.

“Whatever you decide,” Jake says, accelerating once the light changes, “I’ve got your back.”

“Thank you,” I breathe. I may not want his protection, but I appreciate that he has my back if needed.

My phone dings, but it’s only an email notification from the matchmaker.

“Do you need to take that, Jess?” Jake asks. I know from his tone he’s peeved that my ringer is on, but I can’t help it.

“No, it can wait,” I say, pressing the button to turn the ringer off.

“Is it Luke?” His voice is tight even though he said he’d support my decision.

“No. I got an email from the matchmaker. I’ve been putting off responding about how the date went,” I confess, my voice quiet.

“Jess.” Jake sighs as he pulls into a parking space in front of my apartment building. “Just be careful, okay? Guys like us...we come with baggage, and I don’t want to see you get hurt. But you wanna know a secret?”

“Sure,” I reply.

“One call, and I’ll be there with a shovel,” he reminds me. “I know how to hide a body.”

I roll my eyes, but I can’t help but smile a little.

CHAPTER 8

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