Page 30 of Jacob

“I know.”

“Good luck,” they both say in harmony.

“Fix it, Jay,” Lincoln says, then hangs up.

First thing to do: apologize.

13

SKYE

Almost drifting off, my body tilts slightly when the mattress dips on the other side of the bed.

Panicked, I shoot up and fumble about, desperately trying to locate the switch for my nightstand lamp and flick it on.

My pulse stops racing when I realize it’s just Jacob.

But wait, what?

Lying fully clothed, still in his dress shirt and trousers from earlier, fingers laced together over his hips, he’s lying on his back, staring at the ceiling.

“Everything okay?” I turn onto my side to face him.

Pulling the pillow into my neck, not knowing what comes next, I make myself comfortable.

“I’m sorry for shouting at you, Skye.”

“It’s okay,” I whisper.

“It’s not okay. I’ve behaved like an asshole this week,” he answers miserably.

I reach out and wrap our pinky fingers together and he gives mine a little squeeze.

“Jay,” I start. “Neither of us knows what we are supposed to say or do, or how to behave now. This is new territory for us both.”

Our entwined hands land on top of the bedcovers when he turns to face me. The warm, low light of the room makes him look even more gorgeous. I’ve always admired how handsome he is, but the sex appeal and dominance he exudes suddenly feels overwhelming, making it difficult not to eat up the space between us and kiss his tempting lips.

I draw a shaky breath. “We have to learn how to work together again. I miss my friend. And my bossy boss.”

“I want that too,” he replies with a long sigh. “And I’m not bossy.”

“Yes, you are,” I tease and throw him a smile.

A look of distress flashes over his face. Painful minutes pass, but I’m happy to lie here with him.

Eventually, he says, “I’ve loved you for as long as I can remember. I have nothing to hide from you anymore and I want you to know that it’s never beenjusta stupid high-school crush or an infatuation. You are like no other woman I have ever met. You’re stupidly smart, creative as hell, funny. You giggle at the silliest of jokes; you class everyone as your friend. You’re accepting of everyone’s quirks and you always make people feel important. You’re all I’ve ever wanted, but everything I’ve never been allowed to have.” The vulnerability drips from his words, making my heart and body ache for him.

Daily, Jacob displays big-dick energy. His presence can be felt from a mile away, but he’s quiet and he never talks about his feelings; he’s deeper than the abyss. However, tonight, he’s so sincere, cracking open his heart and letting me see inside.

His thumb slowly brushes across the top of my hand. I could grow to like him doing that.

“I hate the weekends,” he blurts.

Confused, I frown.

“It’s the days I don’t get to see you and if you leave Baxter and Bain, I might fucking die if I don’t get to see your beautiful, kind face every day. I don’t think my heart could survive not seeing you, Skye.” A glimmer of sadness dances in his eyes as he keeps on talking. “I asked my father if I could move to a different role, away from Castleview. But honestly, I can’t bear the thought of being away from you. I can’t live without you?—”

“Jay,” I interrupt.

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