Page 18 of A Love Bite

“Here you go,” I say, handing her the drink and trying to mask the turmoil inside me.

“Thanks, Jake,” she replies, taking a sip. “You’ve been such a help today. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“Just seeing you safe is thanks enough,” I say, leaning against the bar, trying to keep the conversation light.

She smiles, and for a moment, the weight of the day seems to lift. “So, what’s been going on here? Anything exciting happen after we left?”

I glance around, making sure no one’s listening too closely. “Actually, there’s been some talk about a fight that broke out not too far from here. It’s got everyone on edge.”

Alex’s expression shifts to one of concern. “Do you think it’s related to anything we’ve been dealing with?”

“It’s hard to say,” I admit. “But it’s definitely something to be aware of. We need to stay cautious.”

She nods, absorbing the information. “Thanks for letting me know. I’ll be careful.”

As we talk, I can’t help but feel the urge to protect her, to keep her close and safe, but with the rival pack lurking around and the uncertainty of the situation, I know I have to tread carefully.

“Alex,” I say, my voice softening, “I know this might sound strange, but I feel… I feel really connected to you. And I want to make sure you’re safe, no matter what.”

She looks at me, her eyes searching mine. “I feel it too, Jake. There’s something about you that makes me feel safe, even with everything going on.”

The words hit me hard, and I have to take a moment to steady myself. “Just know that I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

Alex finishes her drink and looks at me with a smile. “You know, I think I could use another one of those.”

“Coming right up,” I say, trying to maintain my composure. I turn back to the bar, determined not to mess this one up. I start making her drink, but as my hands move, the nerves kick in again. I can feel her eyes on me, and my hands start to tremble slightly.

Just as I’m about to set the drink down, my fingers slip, and the glass tips over, spilling its contents all over the bar.

“Oh no,” I mutter, quickly grabbing some napkins to clean up the mess. My face feels hot with embarrassment.

Alex laughs, the sound light and teasing. “You know, Jake, you’re really bad at this for someone who works behind a bar.”

I smile, despite my embarrassment. “I guess you just make me nervous,” I admit, looking up at her. “I usually don’t have this much trouble.”

“Well, I’ll take that as a compliment,” she says, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “But seriously, it’s fine. Just make sure the next one stays in the glass.”

I chuckle, finishing the cleanup and grabbing a fresh glass. This time, I take a deep breath and steady my hands, focusing on making the drink perfectly. When I finally set it down in front of her, I make sure to do it slowly and carefully.

“Here you go,” I say, relieved that the glass remains upright. “I hope this one makes it.”

She smiles, taking a sip. “Perfect.”

I lean against the bar, feeling a bit more at ease now that the drink disaster has been averted. “Thanks for being so understanding. It’s just… You have that effect on me.”

Alex raises an eyebrow, a playful smile on her lips. “That’s good to know. I guess I’ll have to come by more often and see if I can make you spill more drinks.”

I laugh, shaking my head. “I’ll have to work on my nerves, then. Can’t have you thinking I’m a clumsy bartender forever.”

She laughs with me, and the atmosphere feels lighter. Despite the spilled drinks and my nervousness, I feel so very close to her. Even though I’m not ready to reveal my true self to her just yet, maybe one day, I’ll be willing to. For now, I’m content to enjoy the present and the promise of what’s to come.

16

Alex

As I sip my drink,I can’t help but notice the way Jake looks at me—there’s a warmth and sincerity in his eyes that I find incredibly intriguing. Despite his nervousness and the little mishaps with the drinks, there’s something about him that draws me in. He’s genuine and kind, and there’s a spark between us that I can’t ignore.

After another round of easy conversation and laughter, I decide to take a chance. I set my glass down and look at him, my heart pounding a little faster than usual. “Jake, can I ask you something?”