Page 4 of Winter's Surprise
“Yes,” she told him and ran her tongue along her lips.
Jake’s hand came to her neck and tipped up her face. Michelle’s lids grew heavy as Jake studied her. When he finally lowered his lips toward hers, blood rushed through her ears. She felt a puff of his breath land along her lips. Michelle placed her palm against his firm chest to hold herself steady. His lips met hers, and she noted they were softer than she’d imagined.
They took their time with the sweet kiss. It was innocent by all accounts, and yet no other kiss had made her burn from the inside before. Jake’s thumb caressed her cheek as he kissed her slowly, keeping the heat to a minimum in the very public diner.
All too soon, and to her dismay, he kissed her one last time before breaking their connection. Michelle’s eyes fluttered open, and she brought her fingertips to her mouth.
“Wow…” Jake whispered.
Michelle gave him a small nod of understanding. She was unable to speak as a myriad of emotions ran through her. The kiss lasted only seconds to anyone that watched, but its power packed a one-two punch.
Jake linked their fingers and pulled her to a booth in the corner. He stepped aside so she could slide onto the bench when his phone rang.
He looked at the caller ID, and Michelle watched his face soften. “I’m sorry, I have to take this.”
Michelle grabbed her own phone and couldn’t help but eavesdrop on the one-sided conversation.
“Hey, everything okay?... Okay, yeah. I can do that.… Do you need it now?... ” Jake chuckled, and Michelle noted the amusement in his eyes. In the diner’s light, she could finally see that they were hazel. “Hey, you married her.” Jake cast Michelle a side glance before adding, “You owe me big time.”
“Is everything okay?” Michelle asked as he ended the call.
Jake sighed. “Yeah. My best friend,” he said as he lifted the phone. “He needs me to pick some things up. I’m really sorry, but I have to make my sub to go.”
“Ah… okay.” Disappointment filled her as she looked down at her folded hands.
Jake sat next to her and turned his body to face her. “I would really like to pick this up where we left off. Do you think you could give me another chance?”
Searching his face, Michelle found sincerity in his words. What was the worst that could happen?
He stands me up, he dies, he’s married, murder…
Michelle halted her line of thoughts, making a memo to herself that she needed to stop watching crime shows. Closing her eyes for a second, she rearranged her thoughts.
“Is that a no?” Jake asked when she took a moment too long to answer. “I’d be willing to beg if you’re into that sort of thing.”
Her eyes popped open when he shifted his weight next to her. “What? No, you don’t—sorry. Yes, we can try this again.”
“Oh, good! That’s a relief. The last woman I ran over called the cops—”
“What?” Michelle squeaked.
Jake chuckled, throwing his head back for full effect. “Oh man, your face. I’m teasing you, sweetheart.”
His hand covered hers, and his face became serious. “I really would like to go out again. Preferably on purpose and without interruptions.”
“I would like that too—”
“Here you kids go,” Annie said, putting their plates on the table.
“Actually, Annie, it looks like I have to leave earlier than I wanted. Any way you can wrap that up to go and add a chicken salad sub with extra pickles to my bag?” Jake smiled sweetly at the older woman.
Annie looked between them, and her brows furrowed. “I may not be young, but I know a promising kiss. What the hell did you do, Jacob?”
“Hey!” Jake cried, his hand shooting to his chest in outrage.
“He didn’t do anything. Something’s come up. Can you wrap up mine too?” Michelle told her.
Annie looked between them one more time before lifting the two plates and mumbling to herself. “Kids these days… have to knock some sense into them.”
