Page 376 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

“Sorry, I didn’t realize your reputation was more important than my freedom.”

“That’s not—Jake.”

He turned back, three steps away already. “It’s Jacob. It has been for years, but you weren’t here.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want us to be enemies.”

“We don’t get to be allies like this.” He wanted her in his life. But was she going to keep the law between them, just to keep herself safe?

It could be that was exactly what she was doing. Playing it safe, so she could guard her heart as it were. Staying aloof to keep things business so she didn’t have to get involved. Meanwhile he drowned in his feelings for her.

“It’s messy, it always is,” he said. “There’s no avoiding the fact that feelings get hurt. It’s a part of life. At least you have feelings. That means you care about someone.”

“Feelings were never the problem. As much as I might wish otherwise.” She sighed. “Apparently fifteen years and a lifetime apart hasn’t done anything to cure that problem.”

“So I’m an illness you suffer from?”

“Whatever it is, it’s chronic.”

They stared at each other until Jacob said, “You’re unbelievable.”

“I thought it was funny.” She rolled her eyes. “What’s that saying, laugh to keep from crying?”

“That’s terrifying.” They’d both pushed aside their feelings and relationships, to keep themselves safe. “But maybe it’s time to embrace the fear.”

He moved closer to her. Slow, to gauge what her reaction might be.

“What do you say we live dangerously? See what happens?”

Addie bit her lip. Considering his words. “You’re going to be a bad influence.”

“As I recall, that was you back in the day.”

“Yeah, you were a real choir boy.”

Jacob grinned. “I still go to church now.”

“Seriously?”

“Maybe you should try it.” If this developed into something, they’d have to establish how things would be different thistime around. He wasn’t making any assumptions, but he lived differently now than he had in high school when he thought he could do whatever he wanted with no consequences.

“Russ wants me to go with him on Sunday.” Addie shifted her weight from side to side. “I think I might. I still believe, but…it’s been a while since I went to actual services.”

“Church is free. Therapy costs money.”

“I’m completely sane, I’ll have you know.” She squared her shoulders and looked down her nose, but he saw the gleam in her eyes.

Jacob grinned. “Me, too. Of course.” He winked.

“Of course.” She gave him a wry smile.

“Have dinner with me.”

“Is that a question?”

“Please,” Jacob added.

“Where? And don’t say your apartment.”

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