Page 12 of Jake

“She never put her hands on me until the gala, and I can’t even explain how livid I was. I’m sure the photogs got pics of my rage.”

“I can’t stop feeling upset by her.”

“You have nothing to be upset by.”

“She touched you, and I’ve waited for years.”

“You’re my everything. I was so damn pissed when she put her hands on me that I showered the second I got home and sent my suit to be immediately dry-cleaned.”

She giggles a little, making me feel better. “I love you, Jacob. I always have and always will, so forgive me for being jealous.”

“Sweetheart, I don’t even like men looking at you, so you don’t need my forgiveness—just understand that there will never be anyone else.”

****

The sun has just barely kissed the sky, but I’m already awake, too afraid to miss any more moments with her. The way Lea smiles as she rests makes my heart ache. I’ve missed staring at her all these years. She’s everything to me, and nothing will change that. I love this woman more than anything in the world.

“What are you staring at?” She stretches lightly, looking at me through sleepy eyes.

“The miracle that’s you. Having you back in my life is something I’ll forever be grateful for.”

A rapid pounding on the door throws us for a loop. “Put some clothes on and stay right here.”

Forcing myself out of our bed, I slip on a shirt since I went to bed in a pair of pajama pants and pad through the condo. I checked the peephole to see the police at my door. I’m going to kill Anderson without a doubt.

Throwing the door open, I ask them, “How can I help you, Officers?”

“Are you Mr. Jacob Reynolds?”

“I am. May I ask what this is pertaining to?”

“Yes, you were reported missing and in danger.”

“First, I’m an adult and legally allowed to leave my residence any time I please. Second, who would be dumb enough to report me missing in the past day, and why would you believe I was in danger?”

“Your uncle and your fiancée came in after finding your home in disarray.”

“Officers, I would like to make a formal report, filing charges against both of them. My property was fine when I departed yesterday, and I don’t have a fiancée.”

“They contacted the New York office because they had concerns about your well-being.”

“Again, they had no reason for such concern and absolutely no reason to go to my residence uninvited when my uncle was aware I would be out of town for a week.”

“Jake, is everything okay?”

“Lea, I told you to keep your ass in our bed. Please tell me you have clothes on, or I’m going to be committing a felony right now.”

“I’m dressed. Your phone was ringing and it was that woman.”

“Really? How did you know?”

“She threatened me.”

“She’s not supposed to have my phone number, and I don’t have it programmed into my phone.”

“Well, she told me I better leave you if I knew what was best or she’ll ruin your career.” Tears fill my beautiful love’s eyes, and I can’t take that shit.

“Lea, she’s not worth your tears, and neither is that job. I don’t need that position to take care of you and our growing family.” I take her into my arms and hold her close, giving no fucks that the cops are lingering just inside the doorway.

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