Page 4 of Stalked By the X-Ray Tech

Jacob nods, his eyes lingering on mine a little longer than necessary. “It was my pleasure, Bella. Maybe we can do it again sometime? Coffee, I mean...or something else.”

My heart skips a beat at the suggestion. “I’d like that,” I reply, trying to sound casual despite the butterflies rioting in my stomach.

He steps closer, reducing the space between us to mere inches. His voice drops to a whisper, sending shivers down my spine. “Great. It’s a date then.” He pauses, searching my face for a reaction. “Tonight?”

Tonight? The word zips through me like an electric charge. Nervous excitement bubbles up within me as I nod slowly. “Tonight sounds perfect.”

Jacob’s smile returns in full force, lighting up his whole face. “Fantastic. I’ll pick you up at eight?”

“Sure,” I manage to say despite my racing heart. There's something thrilling about making plans with him so spontaneously—something adventurous and slightly reckless.

As he turns to leave, he throws over his shoulder, “Wear something comfortable.”

I watch him walk away, my mind racing with possibilities for tonight. Comfortable? Where could he be taking me that requires comfortable clothes? My curiosity piques even more.

I head into practice with a new vigor—my strokes sharp and focused—even as part of my mind stays wrapped around Jacob and our impending date. The thought keeps me fueled throughout my sessions. Every swing of the racquet seems easier knowing there’s something exciting awaiting me at the end of the day.

CHAPTER

THREE

Jacob

I spread the checkered blanket with precision, making sure each corner aligns perfectly with imagined guidelines on the grass. The park is buzzing with life, but I've chosen a secluded spot under an elm tree, its leaves whispering secrets to the breeze. Bella's eyes are wide with appreciation as she takes in the array of finger foods and the chilled bottle of white wine nestled in a bucket of ice.

"Jacob, this is...wow," she stammers, a flush creeping up her cheeks. She's looking at me like I've hung the stars, and my chest swells with pride.

"Only the best for you," I murmur, pouring wine into two glasses. Our fingers brush as I hand her one, and sparks jolt through me, lighting fires in places I try to keep controlled.

We sit close, knees touching, the air between us thick with unsaid words and unfulfilled desires. I'm hyper-aware of her every move, the way her lips part as she savors the wine, the soft exhalation of breath when she leans back against the tree trunk. It's torturous and intoxicating, and I'm a man parched, craving the oasis of her touch.

"Jacob?" Her voice dances on my name, and I realize I've been staring.

"Sorry, just lost in thought." My voice is gruff, betraying the storm within.

Her laugh tinkles, light and carefree, but then she bites her lip—a small, seductive gesture that sends my thoughts spiraling down dangerous paths.

"Tell me more about your job," she prompts, breaking the spell, or maybe weaving a new one.

"X-rays reveal everything hidden beneath the surface," I explain, leaning in closer. "It's all about finding what's broken and helping to fix it."

"Like a detective," she muses, her brown eyes reflecting a world of possibilities.

"Exactly." I nod, feeling exposed yet exhilarated by her interest.

But then, he appears—muscles rippling beneath his too-tight shirt, his stride confident as he zeroes in on us. Bella lights up even more, if that's possible, and it's like a punch to my gut.

"Hey, Bella! Didn't expect to see you here," her trainer says, all charm and gleaming teeth.

"Alex! Yeah, just enjoying the day. This is Jacob," she introduces me, and I can't miss the way Alex's gaze flickers over me, sizing me up.

"Nice to meet you, man," Alex extends his hand, but there's a challenge in his eyes.

"Likewise." My reply is curt, my handshake firm, maybe too firm, but I don't care. I don't like the way he looks at Bella, like he knows her too well.

Bella chats away, oblivious to the silent standoff taking place. Alex's presence looms over our perfect picnic like a dark cloud threatening rain. He's too close to her, his body language too familiar. Every fiber of my being screams that he doesn't have the right—that only I should be this close, that my hands should be the ones guiding her, holding her.

"Jacob? Is everything okay?" Bella's voice cuts through my mounting jealousy, and I plaster on a smile that doesn't quite reach my eyes.

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