Page 145 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 2

“I don’t need that kind of handholding,” she told him. But she would have loved knowing she was important enough to garner that kind of care. “I remember thinking things would change when those two had been dating a while, but it hasn’t.”

“When a man is into a woman, it only worsens.” Jake sounded confident.

“Which means the next logical conclusion was Flynn wasn’t into me anymore, and I asked myself why.”

“Because he’s an asshole. Now go on. How did he mishandle the breakup?”

“Really, I’m all good. I don’t need to rehash things. He won’t hurt me.”

“If you’re worried about that, then it’s a possibility. Flynn Walker? I don’t recognize the name.”

“He’s from Nebraska originally. He came here to stay with his cousin or something. They have a dairy farm.”

“I know it. Up near Buffalo.” Jacob finished his work and looked over at her. Their connection was intense.

“Anyway, Michael was shot in the shoulder that night. Since Flynn had been shooting earlier in the day…” she shrugged.

“What the hell? Did the sheriff look into him?”

“I don’t know because I kicked him out that same day.”

“I’ll let it go if you tell me if you run into any trouble with him or anyone.”

She shook her head. “You don’t have to do that.”

Jacob stepped in front of her. Not a foot between them. “I might as well get it out there and deal with this now. Willow Sage Appleton, I’m still in love with you. Not full-blown, lets-get-married love, but you are the only woman I still need, want, and desire. Hell, I don’t know what it is. I just know it’s all I’ve thought about since coming back and all I tried to run from when I was away. Will you give us a second chance?” He combed the lock of hair that had pulled loose from the up twist she’d always loved to do with her hair.

“Are you sure?”

“As sure as I’ve ever been.” There he was, the tender Jacob. The tear your heart out, Jacob.

“You hurt me.”

“I know. All I can say is I’m older and much wiser, and I’ll do whatever it takes to gain your trust. Please.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

His face lit up. “Did you just say yes to trying again?”

“I did.”

The kiss was incredible. Jacob gently took her head in his hands and slowly, with great intent, lowered his head to hers. Her hands settled at his waist, encouraging him to come even closer. It was everything she’d remembered and more, so much more. He’d had no skills in high school, but now, she was benefiting from all his acquired know-how. She hated it meant he’d kissed a lot, but at least he would only kiss her from now on. The whimper must have come from her but was met with his moan. He let them up for air.

“Wow,” Sage said between pants.

“Yeah, wow. If our kisses have gotten that explosive, I can’t wait to get you under me.”

Sage grinned, then arched her brows. “What if I want to be on top?”

“Then you climb on top. Sweets, if you want to do it upside down, so long as we finish, I’m all in.”

“Sure,” Sage said as she stepped back, her tone holding no heat. “Here you are, already controlling things. I’m not the teenager you were with all those years ago. I’m a woman with my own opinion and ways of doing things. I expect a say.”

Jacob nodded. “I knew she was in there all the time. You just weren’t ready to let the feisty side out before. But I’m the boss when a boss is needed.”

“What if I want to be the boss sometimes?”

He hiked his left brow up. “Do you?”

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