Page 49 of Jake

There were actors she recognized, actresses that she’d been a fan of forever. She schooled her expression to remain as neutral as possible, as though she belonged here and this was normal.

“I ordered wine and an appetizer.” Jake pulled her back to him with his words.

She hadn’t meant to get so distracted. “Sorry.”

“You’re fine, stop apologizing,” he said with a grin. “Is there someone here you wanted to meet?”

Her eyes popped open with her shock. “Of course not, that would be rude.”

“No, it wouldn’t. I know most of these people.”

It wasn’t a brag, she knew that, but it was just so casually said she couldn’t help but gape at him.

“Another time.” She brushed his question away.

Jake nodded. Their wine was delivered quickly and poured for them before being left chilling next to the table.

Dinner moved somehow slowly and too quickly at the same time. The desert, a molten chocolate brownie thing with caramel and ice cream, was heavenly. She softly moaned as she took her last bite of it, savoring the taste.

“If you do that again, we won’t make it out of the restaurant,” Jake said, watching her from across the table.

She didn’t blush this time, instead playing along. Slowly, she slid the upside-down spoon out of her mouth, intentionally letting her eyes fall closed as she did.

“I’m going to buy all of that and bring it home just to watch you do that.” Jake’s voice was gravelly as he spoke.

In less than five minutes, they were ready to go and leaving the restaurant. He pulled her along with him, not answering anyone or looking at the cameras. He barely looked where he was going, watching her instead.

She didn’t look up at him. It took all she had to keep it together as people yelled and camera flashes went off. It wasn’t that she’d never been around them, cameras often plagued Cade, but to be their focus was unsteadying.

They got into the car quickly. Jake’s hands were on her, his mouth on hers before the car was pulling away.

“Jake.” She pushed him away, surprised.

He blew out a breath as he leaned back. “It’s that dress. It’s you. I need you,” he told her.

She knew the feeling. She felt the same way about him. “We will be out of this car soon,” she assured him.

“Not nearly soon enough. Part of me regrets taking you to dinner because it was torture waiting for this night to end and get you home.”

“Torture, huh?” She played with the nearly invisible strap on her dress.

Jake’s eyes followed her hand as she let it follow the strap down, over the dress, over her body, to her lap.

He grabbed his pants, adjusting himself as he watched her. “You’re beautiful. I love that dress but I can’t wait to take it off you.”

She pretended to pout. “I wanted to take it off me.”

“Dear God, if we don’t get home soon,” he mumbled as he looked out the window, trying to see where they were. “Almost there, hope you’re ready to run.”

“In these shoes? A brisk walk is too much.” She couldn’t help the giggle that burst free as Jake rolled his eyes at her.

No sooner than the car came to a stop did Jake have the door open, not waiting for the driver. As soon as she stood up, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the elevator.

Lauren wrapped her arms around his neck as she laughed. “My bag,” she remembered.

“The driver will send it up,” Jake assured her as the doors closed.

Chapter Sixteen

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