Page 37 of Hyde and Seek

What was surprising was that JakeownedHyde. The only person I’d seen or read about was Z, which was why I’d thought he owned it. I’d assumed Jake was the manager, just handling the day-to-day stuff of running the place.

I kept a smile on my face and forced myself to relax, hoping it wasn’t obvious that I was surprised.

Not one to miss anything, Jake’s hands tightened on my waist as he lifted me off of him. “Let’s go dance.”

I nodded, standing up and trying to think of an excuse. I didn’t want to admit I was a dingus, but my brain was drawing a blank.

With a hand at the small of my back, Jake led me to the living room. Looking around, I was able to see how the sound carried so thoroughly throughout the house. Along with the small speakers that were mounted around the room for surround sound, large speakers were set up near the stereo.

All of the furniture was pushed to the side, allowing people a place to sit while also opening up the majority of the space.

I was once again surprised to see how nicely the room was decorated. I wasn’t sure if it was more shocking that there were coasters on the coffee and end tables, or that people were actually using said coasters.

Between the music and the crush of people, the noise level was high. There was no way Jake and I could carry on a conversation.

My relief was cut short when the song ended and a quiet one began. I silently cursed the music gods because even with the volume up, we were able to talk.

Jake slid his arms around my waist as we moved. His head dipped down to the side of mine. “Sorry, babe. Gage doesn’t think.”

“Uh, it’s okay,” I murmured, confused about why he was apologizing.

“That shit about gettin’ tail. I’m obviously not a—”

I pulled back to look at him. “Totally fine. And totallynotmy business.”

His eyes searched my face, as if trying to determine whether I was lying. Seeming to accept my answer, he asked, “So what was it?”

“What was what?” I asked, playing clueless.

Just once I’d like to get away with it.

“One minute you’re smilin’ and laughin’… Christ, even not being able to see your whole face, you’re so fuckin’ gorgeous I can’t look away. Which is how I know that your smile changed.”

At his sweet words, my brain went to mush. Thankfully he hadn’t asked me anything too personal or embarrassing, because I’d have told him every last secret.

“I didn’t know you owned Hyde. I knew you ran it, but not that you owned it. I was just surprised.”

“You didn’t know I owned Hyde?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Fuck me. Seriously?”

“No. Z’s always the one doing the publicity—”

“I just hate doing that shit. Z only works part-time in the shop. Interviews, advertising, and all that are the other half of his job. So you really didn’t know?”

I shook my head again. “Does it matter?”

Some people took it personally when others weren’t aware of their accomplishments, as if it was an insult to their giant egos.

Jake seemed to have the opposite reaction.

His eyes warmed as he leaned down and brushed his lips against mine. When the music grew loud again, he moved his mouth back to my ear. “Yeah, baby, it does.”

Before I could ask more, Jet approached us with drinks in hand. “It’s been a while since you’ve had a drink.”

“What is it?” I sniffed the shot glass. There were fruity undertones, but it smelled boozy enough to make my nose tingle.

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