Page 47 of Finding Jacob
Of the calls we’d already had, according to Jane, it was all about the prince and did we know how he felt.
I shook my head as I prepared to make calls. Once sat at my desk, I retrieved my phone from my bag and noticed a text.
Hey, I’m so sorry to hear the news. I expect you’re inundated. I won’t call to add to your busy day but know I’m thinking of you. I’d like to meet up this evening if you’ve got the time. Just a night in, perhaps. I’ll cook for you and be a shoulder to cry on.
I read Jacob’s text message over and over. I could easily fall in love with that man, for sure. Maybe I was a little already. Whatever it was, was being held back just now, though.
I replied to a second text, first, however.
Babes, my God. Emergency Lunch?
I’d received that text from Dory hours ago and because I was still sleeping, had missed it.
No can do. I have too much on, only just got into work! I will call later, might need a cuddle.
She replied with a thumbs up.
Thank you, Jacob, I needed to hear that. Yes to dinner, my place? I’ve no idea what time I’ll be leaving, but I’ll try to give you as much notice as possible. Or, I could have Nathan send over a front door key for you?
He replied he was in London and could collect the key. Despite my sadness and tears, my heart swelled. I needed his arms around me. I sent him the address, suspecting he’d already know it.
I spoke to designers, fellow agents, publicists, and a couple of my favourite magazine editors. My voice began to get hoarse from holding back the emotion. I rested back in my chair and closed my eyes. When I opened them, Jacob was standing in the doorframe. He held a brown paper bag and a takeout cup.
“I bet you haven’t eaten, have you?” he asked, striding in.
I shook my head and took the bag from his outstretched hand. I peered in to find a sandwich, homemade, some fruit already cut up, cutlery, and a napkin.
“Did you make this for me?” I asked, unwrapping the sandwich.
“Yeah, just a simple chicken with a citrus dressing. I’ll need to learn what you can and can’t eat, I guess.”
“I didn’t know you could cook.”
“I’m an excellent chef when I have time. Now, how are you?”
As he walked around the desk and crouched in front of me, I let the tears fall.
“Why?” I croaked, giving in to the contained emotion.
He placed his arms around me, and I leaned into him. I inhaled his scent as he ran his hand up and down my back and cradled my head to his shoulder. He kissed my temple.
“Who knows, baby,” he whispered. His term of endearment melted my heart further.
I cried on his shoulder, and he held me. When he leaned back and cupped my face in his hands, I wanted to kiss him. His lips were soft and unlike before, our kiss was gentle and comforting. When he pulled away, he ran his thumbs under my eyes to wipe away the tears. I stared at him.
“You are so beautiful,” he whispered, and his words were strained as if he’d found the statement hard to say.
“So are you,” I replied.
He kissed the tip of my nose. “I’ll get out of the way now and wait for you at home, okay?”
I nodded and handed over my door keys to him. As he stood, he pocketed them. “Eat, please. I know this is a distressing time, but we must still think about the baby.”
I smiled gently at him. “Is that your demanding voice?”
He leaned down, his mouth to my ear. “No, you’ll know when I’m demanding because you’ll be hot and wet for it.”
My cheeks flushed, my stomach flipped, and my clitoris instantly throbbed. It was most inappropriate, given the situation, but delicious at the same time. I’m sure Jules would have laughed.
