Page 78 of A Very Merry Mistake

When we exit the tub, he grabs a towel, drying every inch of me. “This must be what a queen feels like,” I remark.

“Anything for you, milady.” He does a bow, then grabs my hand and kisses my knuckles. Afterward, we go to his bed and slide under the blankets. Jake opens his arms, and I crawl into his embrace. I’m so tired that I immediately drift off. The last thing I remember is Tinsel opening the door and climbing onto the bed.

The morning comes early, but I wake up rested. I roll over to find Jake, but the bed is empty. I feel a tinge of disappointment.

Usually, I’m a light sleeper, but I didn’t notice he left. I reach over and feel where he was, and it’s cold to the touch.

I put my feet on the floor, somewhat disappointed, because I was hoping for round two. Though, when I stand and feel sore from the inside out, it’s probably for the best. I laugh to myself, almost feeling like a virgin again.

After my quick routine, I get dressed and go to the living room.

Jake is nowhere to be found.

I walk into the kitchen, where there’s a note next to a coffee mug.

CeCe,

Had to work this morning. I miss you already. I’ll be home around five.

JJ

“Aww,” I say, looking at the crooked heart he drew, just as Tinsel jumps on the counter and pulls my thoughts away. She hasn’t done this once since I’ve been here, and I feel like she’s testing her limits.

“Tinsel! Get down!” I walk over to her and pick her up. She’s heavier than I thought, but she immediately starts purring. Her claws dig into my shirt, and I don’t know what to do. So I awkwardly hold her until she wiggles out of my arms and jumps onto the floor.

“Meow?” She blinks up at me.

“Did you not get fed?” I ask, wondering if Jake forgot. I narrow my eyes at her. “Or are you a lying liar?”

I move to her bowl, and it’s empty. So I pour a can of her food inside her silver dish. She takes a few licks and then snubs it. This reaction doesn’t surprise me.

After I make a cup of coffee, I move to the couch and text my sister.

Claire

Are you around?

Emma

Will be in about five minutes.

Claire

Call me when you can.

She sends me a thumbs-up emoji, and I set my phone beside me. Since the electricity has returned, it doesn’t seem like much has changed other than the lights are on.

While I wait, I pick up the romance book I’d promised Jake I’d read without crying. The further I get into the story, the more of an emotional tug I feel toward the characters. I’m afraid this might break me just as much as leaving Jake. Knowing everything to come in January, I should probably plan to escape somewhere. Maui, maybe. I’ve never had a bad time when I’ve visited.

As I reach for my phone to contact my travel agent, it rings. But it’s not Emma; it’s my father.

I suck in a deep breath. “Hi.”

“Claire. Progress update, please?”

I try to act dumb as if I’m not sure what he’s referring to, but if Dale opened his big mouth, lying will only frustrate my father. The mental gymnastics immediately begin.

“Progress?” I act oblivious.

---