Page 61 of Play For Keeps

I blink at him, trying to take in every word he just said. Jake leans in and he kisses me. He presses his lips to mine, soft and lingering, before his tongue sweeps inside, mingling with mine. The kiss is passion mixed with something that feels a lot like love; a kiss that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

He slowly breaks the kiss but doesn’t pull away from me, leaving only a few inches between our faces. “Say yes, baby.”

I nod with a smile. “Yes.”

It happens so fast, I’m not sure how I got here. But Jake’s hands are on my waist, and my hands are wrapped around his neck. I’m straddling him on the tailgate of his pick-up truck, under the purplish-pink glow of the sky, my heart in his hands.

“You know what this means, right?” Jake asks, squeezing my hips.

“What does it mean?” I giggle.

“It means you are my girlfriend. I’m making it official.” He smiles, and It’s infectious so I’m smiling too, so hard that my cheeks hurt.

“I don’t get a say in it?” I ask playfully. He can tell I’m teasing by the way I hold him a little tighter, move my body a little closer to his.

“Nope, you don’t.”

“I’m very okay with the label.” I say, before my eyes dart down to Jake’s lips. He leans forward, giving me a quick kiss. When he pulls back, his gaze is on me.

“I think I’m falling for you,” Jake murmurs, his emerald-green eyes shining back at me. I feel my face flush.

I know without a doubt that I’ve already fallen for Jake Matthews.

JAKE

I watch Everly yawn from where I’m sitting at the bar at Catch 21. Her shift tonight is exceptionally long, which is why I’m waiting inside to walk her home instead of out on the sidewalk. After 20 minutes of standing around outside, I decided a Pilsner at the bar sounded better. And I was right, because watching Everly work in her black skirt that ends mid-thigh and a blouse that looks sexy as fuck on her is an unbeatable view.

I glance at my watch. It’s almost midnight. I take a look around the restaurant, noticing that there’s only one table left, and they look like they’re getting ready to pay their bill. Thank God. I’m tired. But I’m not the one who has been working on my feet all night, so I can’t imagine how Everly is feeling.

She’s behind the bar stacking a tray of clean glasses when she looks over at me and smiles. She looks exhausted. And it breaks me. She has been working so hard, picking up extra shifts at night to pay for Birdie’s birthday and dance classes, then taking care of her daughter all day by herself. She never complains, but a person can only work so hard before they break.

I hate that her jackass ex isn’t man enough to take care of his own daughter. Just the thought of that guy makes me grip my beer bottle a little tighter.

“Hey, Everly. After you’ve done that, get out of here. I’ll handle the rest,” Owen says to Everly from where he’s wiping down bottles.

He nods at me, and I can’t help but notice that he looks like he has more energy left in him than Ev and I combined. “The beer is on the house. It’s good to finally meet you, man.”

“Nah, you don’t have to do that,” I say, reaching for my wallet in my back pocket.

“You’ve spent enough money here. I recognize you. You come in with the Bennetts sometimes. Keep your money.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate it” I say, grabbing a few bills and leaving them on the bar. Everly walks past Owen, clasping him on his shoulder. “Thanks O. I’m beat. I’ll see you Monday.”

“See you Monday. Have a good weekend,” Owen says over his shoulder as Everly stops in front of me, leaning her elbows against the bar.

She looks tired, her eyes glassy with exhaustion. “I’ll grab my things and we’ll get out of here. I’m sorry it’s so late.”

“It’s fine, babe. Take your time.”

Ten minutes later she’s changed into sweats and a pair of Converse. “Have a good night, Owen,” Everly calls out as we’re heading out the door to my truck. As I pull out of the parking lot, Everly rests her head against the headrest with a groan. “That was the longest night ever,” she sighs, closing her eyes. By the time I’ve thrown the truck into park in front of her apartment, she’s almost asleep.

“Come here, baby,” I say when I open the door for her. “I’ve got you.” Her tired eyes flutter open and I slip one arm around her lower back, easing her out of my F-150.

When we get to her door, I take her keys from her, quietly opening the door. Franny gives us a little wave from the couch, then stands up to gather her things. “You poor thing,” she says to Everly, pulling her in for a hug. “You look wiped.”

“She’s working herself ragged,” she tells me quietly with a shake of her head as she walks to the front door. “I’ll get going. You get her to bed.”

I nod at Franny as I kiss my tired girl on the crown of her head before saying, “Goodnight Franny. Thanks for watching Birdie.”

---