Page 62 of A Very Merry Mistake

“You need to answer your phone?” he finally asks.

As I expected, it’s my sister calling. “I should probably take this.”

He nods, and I step away.

When I answer, she’s chatting with someone in the background.

“Hey! What’s up?” I’m smiling, watching Jake type on his phone. I can’t seem to keep my eyes off him, and when he meets my gaze, my heart flutters.

I’m doomed. I’m fucking doomed.

“Did you hear me?” she asks.

“Sorry.” I shake my head and turn my back so my attention isn’t pulled away again. “Can you repeat that?”

“Did Dad call you?”

I think about the conversation we had the other night. “Yes.”

“You told him you were in Merryville?” I can hear the disdain in her tone, and I can tell she’s not happy.

“No, I didn’t. I told him I was taking a holiday vacation but kept it vague.”

She sighs. “Claire. He knows what you’re doing and that you’re there to scout the property for the business.”

My mouth falls open. “How could he possibly know that?”

“Dale,” she states.

I suck in a deep breath, almost forgetting that we were still together when the reservations were made. He probably realized it after I refused to tell him where I was.

“Shit.” I shake my head. “I’m so stupid. This is a disaster.”

“Yeah, it is, especially if I’m hearing about it. What will you do now?”

I squeeze my eyes closed. The panic rises, and my chest feels tight. I search my mind for useless facts, but nothing comes. Random people are walking down the sidewalks, and I close my eyes, trying to avoid their looks. I’m frozen in place and can’t move. I’m a prisoner to my thoughts as I spiral.

The only thing that brings me back to reality is the gentle touch of a hand on the small of my back.

Jake.

“You good?” He searches my face.

“Oh my God, is that him? His sexy voice is giving me life! And I saw his picture! Please tell me he has brothers who are hot and single, too.” She says something else, but I don’t comprehend her words as my heart races. I can’t suck in air quick enough.

“I gotta go,” I force out. Then I end the call and shove my phone into my pocket. My breaths are ragged, and he pulls me into his arms. His warmth blankets me as he kisses my hair.

“Hey, everything is fine. Nothin’ to worry about. You’re safe, CeCe.” He holds me against his chest so tight that I know he won’t let me go, not until I’m ready.

I close my eyes tight, sinking into him, focusing on how he smells. It’s a mixture of evergreen and man.

He noticed me and saw something wasn’t right and took action. No one has ever done that before.

After five minutes, Jake pulls away. He lifts my chin with his fingers, gently encouraging me to meet his eyes. When I do, he smiles, and that’s all it takes for me to realize that this man is what dreams are made of. And the last thing I want to do is hurt him.

Though that might be inevitable.

CHAPTER 16

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