Page 11 of Riding with the Secret Billionaire

The corner of Jake's mouth twitches."Fine. Vanilla."

"That's more like it," she says with satisfaction, moving away to prepare our drinks.

"Vanilla?" I tease once she's out of earshot."Living dangerously, Captain Control."

"I'm full of surprises," he deadpans, but there's a light in his eyes that wasn't there earlier.

Our milkshakes arrive, mine topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles, his classic and unadorned.I take my first sip and can't help the small moan of pleasure that escapes me.

"God, that's good," I sigh, closing my eyes briefly.

When I open them, Jake is watching me with an intensity that makes my skin tingle.His eyes have darkened, his focus entirely on my mouth.

"Sorry," I say, suddenly self-conscious."I get enthusiastic about desserts."

"No need to apologize," he says, his voice rougher than before."It's... refreshing to see someone enjoy things so openly."

There's a weight to his words that suggests he's not just talking about milkshakes.I hold his gaze, the air between us charging with that now-familiar tension.

"You should try it sometime," I challenge softly."Letting yourself enjoy things openly."

His expression shifts, something darker and more primal flickering behind the careful control."Maybe I will," he says, his voice dropping to a register that sends heat spiraling through me.

We're interrupted by Kathy returning for our orders.I choose the famous Hearty Breakfast platter, while Jake opts for the Club Special, both recommended as house specialties.

As we wait for our food, conversation flows more easily than it has since we began our journey.Jake tells me more about his time in the Marines, carefully edited stories that still reveal his natural leadership and strategic mind.I share anecdotes from my marketing career, the challenging clients and surprising successes.

"So, wait," I say, pausing with a fry halfway to my mouth."You actually designed a security system for a Saudi prince?"

"Among others," he confirms. "High-net-worth individuals have unique security concerns."

"I can imagine." I study him over my plate."Is that the kind of work you still do?For celebrities and royalty?"

He hesitates, choosing his words carefully."Sometimes. These days I'm more selective about my clients.I prefer projects with actual security needs rather than just paranoid wealth."

"And yet you still drive ride share on the side," I point out."Which doesn't add up, by the way.A high-end security consultant moonlighting as a driver?There's more to that story."

Jake takes a sip of water, his expression unreadable."Maybe there is."

I wait for him to elaborate, but he doesn't.Another piece of the puzzle that is Jake Winters, offering tantalizing glimpses of disclosure that never quite reveal the full picture.

After dinner, we step back onto the street, now fully dark except for the warm glow of streetlights.The night air carries a hint of coolness, despite the summer season.

"Want to walk a bit before heading back?" Jake asks."Dawn mentioned something called Lover's Stroll Park nearby."

I laugh at the name. "Sounds dangerous.Like it was designed specifically for couples to make out."

"I think that's exactly what it's for," he says with a rare smile."But the walking path is supposed to be nice, and I could use the movement after sitting all day."

We make our way to the park, which lives up to its romantic name.Tree-lined paths wind through carefully maintained gardens, with wrought-iron benches positioned at scenic intervals.A narrow wooden bridge crosses a small stream, looking charmingly rustic in the moonlight.

As we walk side by side, close but not touching, I'm acutely aware of the rhythm of his breathing, the subtle scent of his soap,and the way he positions himself slightly ahead of me when we pass other people.

"You weren't kidding about always being on alert, were you?" I observe as he subtly scans the area for what must be the twentieth time.

"No," he admits. "It's ingrained at this point."

"Even here? In possibly the safest-looking small town in America?"

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