Page 8 of Evergreen Desires
“I’m not a criminal, I just…” Jake said as he walked toward me, shoulders tense and eyes darting around like he was still waiting for someone to call him out.
Before I could think better of it, I stepped forward and pulled him into a quick hug.
It wasn’t something I normally would’ve done—not with someone I barely knew—but the moment he was close, a sense of relief washed over me, like my body had needed that physical confirmation that he was okay. I could feel his warmth through his jacket, his breath steady against my shoulder. No panic, no pain—just worn-out nerves and something softer beneath.
And then,there it was—a trace of something I couldn’t quite name in the air around him. Emotion layered into scent: unease, fatigue… maybe even fear still clinging to the edges. I took a quiet breath, not to be weird or creepy, but because my instincts were louder than my manners. It wasn’t aboutsniffinghim—it was about grounding myself. My kind could smell what people felt, whether we wanted to or not.
I stepped back quickly, not wanting to push it.
“Sorry,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “I know that was… a little much. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
I glanced down at his face, watching for any flicker of distress or confusion. But he didn’t look freaked out—just surprised. Maybe a little thrown. Then again, so was I.
"Are you really okay?" I asked, my voice filled with genuine concern. Jake nodded, assuring me that he wasn't hurt. I let out a sigh of relief, grateful that he wasn't injured in the chaos that had unfolded. "That's a relief," I said, a small smile tugging at the corners of my lips. "Let's go before more people start bombarding you with questions. Can I drive you somewhere?"
He hesitated for a moment before answering, his response laced with uncertainty: "Um, yes."
I led him toward my Jeep, keeping a respectful step beside him. I had the sudden urge to offer some kind of reassurance, maybe a pat on the shoulder or even just a quiet word—but I stopped myself. He didn’t need to be herded or handled. He just needed space and someone who wasn’t judging him. So I kept my hands to myself and gave him a small smile instead. “Come on,” I said gently. “Let’s get you out of here.”
Opening the door, I noticed the case of beer on the passenger seat and quickly moved it to the back. I turned back to Jake to offer my help as he climbed into the Jeep and fastened his seatbelt.
Closing the door firmly, I walked around to the driver's side, stealing glances at Jake through the window.There was a strange pull between us, a feeling of safety that seemed to envelop us both. I couldn't help but wonder about the connection we shared, and if he felt it too. Or maybe I was just reading too much into things and getting my hopes up for nothing…
As I climbed into the Jeep, I turned to Jake and asked him where he was staying. His eyes diverted downward, and I sensed something was bothering him. “Well, my car’s at the library, but…” He hesitated, taking a deep breath as if steeling himself over… or deciding how much to tell me. “But it’s broken down. That’s where I’ve been sleeping.” There was a pause as he seemed to collect himself, unshed tears glistening in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away, turning to the side so I couldn’t see them. “Fuck it, you saved my ass back there. You deserve the truth. I just got out of a shitty relationship, so I’m kind of on the run, I guess. I don’t know where I’m going; I just had to get away. My ex… he kind of drained my bank account.” Jake chuckled, but I wasn’t sure if he actually found the situation funny or was just trying to lighten the mood. “That’s why I was trying to steal the beef stick and Snickers. I’ve hit a new low.”
My heart ached for him, and I sat in silence for a moment, taking in the weight of his words and the depth of his emotions. I knew in that instant that I wanted to do whatever I could to help him. "If you're open to it, I have a proposal," I said softly. His muscles tensed briefly before relaxing under my touch. "Let's get your car towed to my place, which is only five minutes away. I'll make you a proper dinner, and you can stay with me until you figure outyour next steps. I just want to ensure your safety and well-being."
Jake's eyes held hesitation, but a small smile played on his lips as he spoke. "That sounds like something an axe murderer would say."
I chuckled, returning his smile. "Yes, I suppose it does. But in all fairness, I do run a Christmas tree farm, so I have plenty of axes and chainsaws."
He agreed tentatively, and I reached into my pocket to grab my phone. Dialing Will's number, I asked him to bring the truck with the winch and meet us at the library parking lot. I assured him that everything was alright and hung up, turning my attention back to Jake.
"Will is the foreman at the farm," I explained. "I mentioned him to the police chief earlier. He's good with cars, unlike me. He'll be able to help us out. You'll like him. He's much more outgoing than I am, but let me warn you, he has no filter whatsoever."
"You seem like a people person to me," Jake said, causing me to snap back to attention.
"Toward you, yes," I admitted with a smile. "I can't quite explain it, but I promise you, I'm not usually like this with people."
Silently, we made our way to the library. Conversation was limited in the noisy and compact Jeep, but the drive didn't take long. Armsville was a small town, and the library was one of the first major buildings when entering from the south.
“There it is,” Jake said, pointing toward his car in the parking lot.
There were only two cars there, so it wasn’t exactly a hard guess—but I followed his gesture anyway. His ride was a faded blue sedan, the kind of car a guy in his twenties might’ve bought used, hoping it’d last a few more years if he treated it right. It looked like it had seen better days—scrapes along the bumper, one headlight slightly fogged over—but it still had some life in it. Will could probably get it running again without too much trouble.
I pulled into the space next to it, leaving enough room for Will to maneuver the truck and trailer if needed.
“We beat Will. He had to hitch up the trailer, so I am sure he will be along very shortly. Let's get your things out of the car.”
Jake nodded and got out of the Jeep, opening the trunk of his car. I hopped out the driver’s side and unzipped the back window of the Jeep. I was surprised when he walked over with just a duffle bag and what looked like a small camera case. “Is that all you have with you?”
“Yeah, I left in a little bit of a hurry. Not that I had a ton of stuff to begin with,” Jake answered, a little hesitant.
“We will get your car back to my house, get you some supper and some rest, and figure out the rest tomorrow,” I said, trying to provide some comfort. “Is Salisbury steak okay for dinner?” Trying to add even more comfort… especially since his stomach just growled.
“The frozen dinner stuff?”
“Well, yes and no. Yes, that is Salisbury steak, but I make it from scratch. I am a little particular about my meat. Now the mashed potatoes will be from the box mix and the green beans frozen.”
