Page 33 of A Very Merry Mistake

“I’d love that,” I admit truthfully. “I’ve thought about taking a few cooking courses, but time is always my issue. My schedule is hectic, and it never worked out.”

He takes another bite. “I understand that. Most of the stuff I learned from my mama. Other things, YouTube. I swear a person can learn to do anything they put their mind to by watching tutorials.”

“That’s true,” I say. “One time, I learned how to tie a very specific sailing knot by watching a video.”

“Sailing? Like on a boat?”

A few clumps of egg fall out of the back end of my sandwich, and I scoop them up with my fork. “Yeah. I’ve done a few trips. Not my favorite, though. I get horrible seasickness, something meds can’t really cure. Long story short, I avoid the ocean and boats now. I much prefer having my feet on the ground anyway.”

“That sucks,” he says. “Did you enjoy sailing?”

I think back to all the times I’ve gone on the boat and the company surrounding me and answer truthfully. “No. Hated it, even without motion sickness. I feel like the only people I’ve met who actually enjoyed sailing are assholes. Not the company I like to keep.”

But somehow, it’s the company that’s always surrounding me. I keep that part to myself.

“That makes a lot of sense.” He chuckles. “Most people I’ve seen on TV who enjoy it are dicks, too. I actually hate flying.”

My eyes widen. “Really? Why?”

“Heights. They freak me the fuck out. I like my feet planted on the ground.”

Jake stands and grabs two bottles of water from the fridge and hands me one. I take two big swallows, the cold water quenching my thirst and cooling me down all at the same time. I’m not sure what it is, maybe the excellent food and conversation, but I’m hot from the inside out.

“Have you ever been to the top of an extremely high building?”

Jake shakes his head. “No. Not something I plan on doin’, either.”

“Don’t blame you. I’ve been to the top of the Empire State Building a few times. It’s extremely disorienting, but the view of the city is beautiful. Three-hundred-sixty-degree view of everything.”

“Nothing I can’t Google and enjoy more, since I’m not worried about plunging to my death.”

I chuckle.

“What?” He lifts a brow.

“Just thinking about all the things I know about it. For instance, on a windy day, the building can sway up to three feet.”

He blanches. “No way. That’s now been added to my never-ever, not-even-once list.”

“I don’t think you can really feel it, though. Some experts believe that during an earthquake, a modern-day skyscraper is one of the best places to be.”

“Don’t want to find out.” With a lifted brow, he pops the last bite of his sandwich in his mouth. I finish my food, too. He places our forks in the sink and throws our plates in the trash. I stand and stretch before making my way to the couch.

“I wonder if your friend picked up my truck yet.”

“Probably not. Don’t imagine he’ll even go out there to tow it until after some ice has melted. Speaking of,” he says, pulling his phone from his pocket, “let me look at the weather again.”

Jake sits beside me, and moments later, Tinsel hops up between us. She glares at me before placing her paws on Jake’s thigh and getting comfortable. Her long, bushy tail flicks against my arm, and it tickles. As he scrolls, I pick up the book.

“Oh, hold on, I have a reading light you can use to make it easier.” He walks over to his bookshelf and grabs it, then hands it to me.

When he finally returns, Tinsel is curled up in his seat. He lifts her and she hisses before prancing away. “The chair thief did not succeed,” he says, shaking his head.

“Your cat is a diva,” I tell him, clipping the light onto the back cover and flicking it on. It’s bright and lights the pages perfectly.

“Yeah, she is. But gotta love her. She wouldn’t save me from an intruder or get help if I had an emergency, but I know she enjoys my company, even if it’s on her own terms. What about you? Do you have any animals?”

“I don’t,” I say. “I’m hardly ever home.”

---