Page 43 of My Ex's Best Friend

“You really don’t have to do this.”

“I want to.”

We stare at each other for a while before a worker walks up to Jake asking him to sign some forms, effectively breaking our bubble.

We start by organizing the half-empty boxes and carrying them out into the corridor before we start working on the room.

Just as I’m coming inside the narrow hallway, he’s about to leave, and as a result, we’re stuck in a tiny space.

A mere step separates us, and for a fleeting moment, time seems to pause.

"Sorry, didn't mean to cut you off,” I say as I try shimmy past him in the narrow corridor.

“No harm done,” he replies, his voice composed while my heart flutters in my chest. Doesn’t he feel the same way I do?

As we maneuver a particularly cumbersome desk into place, our bodies align in a way that feels almost too intentional.

"Easy does it." Jake’s breath grazes my cheek as we settle the furniture into its designated spot.

I’m aware of how close he is, how he can just reach out and wrap his arms around me, his fingers digging into my waist like he wants me desperately.

No!

I practically jump away from him.

He turns to look at me. “You okay?”

“Yeah, I think I stubbed my finger on something.”

Jake frowns.

“I’m fine.”

“Let me take a look.”

“I said I’m fine,” I reply, my voice way harsher than I intended.

“Jeez, alright, I was just looking after you.”

“You don’t have to,” I say, still not meeting his gaze.

I can’t be thinking of him like this and still have his hands on me. As innocent as it might be to him, it would give me ideas I should not be having.

He looks a bit taken aback before he nods. “Suit yourself.”

I walk away from him and make a point to ignore him for the rest of the day. I’m seated on the floor, having my lunch with the rest of the workers, when Jake approaches me with a guilty smile on his face.

I’m not over it yet but I look up at him, a brow raised.

"Mind if I join you?" he inquires, a subtle apology embedded in his tone.

"Sure, have a seat." As long as he doesn’t touch me, I’m sure it should be fine.

We sit in silence and eat. The workers around continue to chatter.

I can feel Jake’s eyes on me.

“What are you doing later today?” he asks.

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