Page 21 of Second Down Darling

WithJake.

I close my eyes and give in to the temptation. Let myself think about Jake at the park last weekend. When I first saw him, I wanted to drop everything and fling myself into his arms, but the expression on his face stopped me cold. I’d secretly imagined our reunion and all the things I’d say to him, all the things I’d apologize for, but that’s not what came out of my mouth. Just like every other time, I fumbled—big time—and made thingsworse.

That was new. Jake’s never been upset with me. He and my sister would have crazy arguments, but he’s never once raised his voice with me. Not that he yelled at me last weekend. No, this was worse. There was a hurt in his eyes I hadn’t expected. Hurt and so muchanger.

At this point, I don’t know how to make things right with him. I used to think I was doing him a favor by leaving. No man needs his girlfriend’s sister mooning overhim.

But how do I say that to him? Do I just confess that I’ve been in love with him for years and seeing him date Dakota was slowly killingme?

I’m curious how Jake and my sister worked out custody. Does she visit every few weeks? Does he take Asher up toNTU?

My nephew is so big and beautiful. I want to hug him and never letgo.

“Hey, what’s going on? Your eyes went glassy, and if you cry, I’m going to scrub your face and do your makeup all overagain.”

I laugh and sniffle and carefully wipe my lower lashes so I don’t smear the mascara. “I’m fine. I swear. Although I’m not sure I’m ready to go on a blinddate.”

“Well, it’s nottotallya blind date, but I think you’ll feel comfortable with this person, which will give you a chance to use those moves I taught you.” Roxy holds up a hand. “Before you freak out, you should know he understands you’re just friends. He’s not at home right now counting hiscondoms.”

I chuckle. “That’s good toknow.”

I’m not completely surprised when Billy shows up at my door. The bouquet of flowers, though, that is asurprise.

“I have to be honest, Billy,” I say as I smell the pretty roses. “I didn’t have you pegged as a flowers kind ofguy.”

“I’m really not. Besides my homecoming date in high school, you’re the only woman I’ve ever gotten flowersfor.”

“I’m honored. Thanks. These arelovely.”

He clears his throat. “You look hot. I’m digging that shirt. Makes your tits lookamazing.”

“Um,thanks?”

Roxy pops into the living room. “Have fun, kids! Be sure to useprotection!”

I roll my eyes because I know she’s teasing and push Billy out the front door. “Ignore her. We’re not havingsex.”

“You’ve mentioned this before. I don’t know why I’m getting ruled out. I’m a nice guy, I have a big dick,I—”

Reaching up, I shove my hand over his mouth. “No. Whatever you plan to say, just…no.”

He’s laughing as he bites my hand. “Just teasing, Chuck. I like ruffling your feathers for somereason.”

“What exactly did Roxy say about tonight?” I ask as I wipe my palm on myjeans.

He tosses his arm over my shoulder. “I’m supposed to let you use your moves on me. Teach you how to flirt.” Billywinks.

“Ugh.” Hanging my head, I cover my eyes with my hand. “This ishumiliating.”

“We’ll up your game. Don’t you worry. And I have the perfectplace.”

After all the buildup, I’m caught off guard when he parks in front of the Rise ’N Grind. “This is your bigplan?”

“Patience, grasshopper. If my sources are correct, this will all make sensesoon.”

We grab two iced coffees and some cinnamon cookies and camp out in the corner. I’m busy shoving food into my mouth—I’m not excited to spill my lackluster dating history to Billy—when Jake walks in with two drop-dead-gorgeous girls. One has beautiful, thick blonde hair like my sister, and the other one has dark tresses piled up on herhead.

They’re batting their eyelashes at him and flirting as they order drinks. Jake puts his hand on the blonde bombshell’s back as they walk to a nearbytable.

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