Page 43 of Someone to Tempt
“Why can’t we have both?”
“You know why. I let Jodi have the afternoon off to buy a dress to wear to the rodeo tomorrow night.”
“I’m sure she’ll look lovely.”
“She will, and you’re going to fall for her.”
He takes a quick step forward then encircles my wrist with his big hand.
“No.”
I pull my hand away and plant both hands on my hips. “You told me you’d do anything. You haven’t?—”
“I told you I’d take her out, and I am. I can’t force myself to fall for somebody any more than she can. I’m not going to lie or pretend. Not even for you.”
“Why not?” I snap. “You’re good at it.”
He flinches, then searches my gaze as if I’ve uncovered some deep, dark secret I’m about to call him out on. I’ve been so busy with my own problems, I haven’t looked more closely at Jake or considered what’s really going on with him. If there’s more to him now than I know.
Something shifts in my perception, like when you've been staring at a puzzle piece and suddenly realize you've been holding it upside down. I've been so consumed with keeping my own walls intact that I never considered he might have defenses of his own. The easy charm, the casual flirtation—what if they're just as much a shield as my professional detachment? What other layers have I missed while I was busy making sure he couldn't see mine?
“That’s a low blow, Dixon.”
He’s right, even if he is hiding something. But I can’t bring myself to apologize. Not when I’m so spun up with no outlet for my overactive imagination or overburdened anxiety.
“You might like Jodi,” I say, deciding to focus on the issue at hand while I think about what he could be hiding.
“If so, it won’t be because you commanded it. I need you to understand that. I’m willing to do a lot to make up for the past. Being a man whore isn’t on my resume.”
“Nobody’s asking you for that, but don’t deny you’re good with women.”
“Why would I want to deny it?” He gives me that easy smile again, but it’s tight around the edges this time. “I like women. I like you. God knows why sometimes.”
“How lovely, the patented Jake Byrne charm on full display.”
“Why are you so hell-bent on pushing me away?” The question is spoken softly, making it hit even harder.
Do I tell him it feels easier to push before he runs in the other direction? We’re at a standoff now, and I wish I had my cowboy boots on because it feels like this setup fits the old-west Skylark history Gloria shared earlier. This town ain’t big enough for the both of us and all that.
Of course, as much as I want to throttle him, I also want to grab his shirt and pull him closer. Give both of us a reason to quit arguing, at least out loud. Use our mouths and bodies to decide who comes out on top. Or on the bottom. With Jake, I have a feeling any way would be good.It might only take one touch to shatter me.
A horn beeps, and we break apart.
Saved by the Subaru, I think, as my friend Molly pulls up. She rolls down her window and grins. I smile and wave at the two tow-headed kids sitting in the back seat.
“Another exciting beginner hip hop class coming up,” she says, then glances between Jake and me. “You doing okay, Iris?”
“Always,” I lie, but just as Molly is about to question me further, there’s a shriek from the back seat.
“Mommy,” a girl shouts, “Luke hit me.”
“No hitting,” Molly calls over her shoulder.
“Laurel called me a butthead,” comes the impassioned response.
“No name-calling,” she hollers back before focusing on Jake and me again. “They are my pride and joy,” she says through a tight smile.
“Are you okay?” I ask gently.
