Page 8 of One Drink

Oh, God, I didn’t want to hurt him. If I gave myself to him, I’d open up every wound my father ever cut, and I couldn’t drag Jake into that. He deserved better than my damaged heart.

Tears welled up in my eyes. He wrapped his arm around my waist and held me close. His face was inches from mine. His breath brushed across my cheek, sending a rush of heat straight to my core. I definitely thought he was going to kiss me now, but he didn’t. Instead, he nuzzled his face in my neck and hugged me. He just hugged me, and damn, it felt good.

A spark zapped through me and hit me between the legs as my body sank into his, letting him support all my weight. If he felt even a fraction of the emotions raging through my mind, there would inevitably be a repeat of Friday night.

NO!I wriggled myself free and gasped for air. Since when did I lose the ability to breathe around him? I turned to my desk and dropped my hands on the edge for support.

“I need more time.” I begged, knowing damn well time wasn’t going to change anything. There was too much history between us—good history—and no matter what I said, my body betrayed my every protest.

“Okay” His voice was calm, almost endearing, and that made it so much harder to resist him.

I didn’t have to turn around to know he stood inches from me. I could feel his presence, and all I wanted was for him to grab hold of me and kiss me senseless. I had to get this under control.

“Jake, I can’t talk about this right now. We’re at work, and all I can think about is Friday night, and when you—” I bit my bottom lip, unable to say the words.

He stepped closer, and his chest pressed against my back. A gentle hand swept my hair back and his lips grazed my neck. My knees wobbled, and my body swayed. Had my arms not been leaning against the desk, I would’ve fallen. He braced me with his strong hand at my waist.

“I’ve been here—with you and for you—for ten years.” He whispered in my ear. “I’ve hidden my feelings for you for too long. I hate that it makes you uncomfortable, but I can’t do it anymore. Don’t forget, I know you, Steph. Maybe better than you know yourself. And you know me. Please, don’t judge me unfairly and place me in a category I don’t deserve.”

The warmth of his body vanished, and by the time I turned around to face him, he was gone.

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