Page 87 of A Dark Fall
“Oh, no need, Alex. You know we’re always available. No problem at all. And he’s mainly well-behaved.” He smiles.
“Oh, I know you don’t mind, but I don’t know what I would have done otherwise. I really appreciate it.” I know what Iwouldn’thave done, and that’s have amazing sex with Jake for a start. For that, I should probably have brought them two bottles.
Ed nods and glances down at the bottle.
“Oh, and I’ve moved the key from the plant pot, so if you guys wouldn’t mind holding onto the spare for me ... I’m definitely getting a little more paranoid in my old age.” Paranoid about arrogant ex-fiancés, mainly.
“Oh, sure, of course, no problem.” Ed takes the key from me and opens his mouth to speak but then closes it immediately before offering me an awkward smile. “You know, I thought I saw Ben coming out the other night. Are you two patching things up then?”
Ed isn’t nosy or a gossip—I think he just cares. As far as I know, most people around here liked Ben, and as far as I also know, they have no idea he was a lying, cheating prick. Which is why they still offer me a sad smile when they mention him.
As I’m about to explain, I hear a car turn up the road and then stop to turn into my drive. Over the hedge, I see Jake’s Audi moving carefully up the gravel. I glance at my watch and smile. He’s early.
“No, we’re not. He forgot a few things, so he came to pick them up,” I say.
Ed nods a little sadly and then glances over the hedge.
“Andthat’s my date. I have to go.”
“Oh, I see,” he says, sounding interested, craning his neck across the hedge to try and get a better look.
Okay, maybe Ed is alittlenosy.
“Thanks again, Ed. Thank Bets for me too.”
“Not a problem, Alex. Anytime. We’re happy to do it. Thanks for the wine.” He holds up the bottle.
Jake isn’t waiting at the door when I get there, and I like that. I like that he feels he can come inside. I laugh inwardly at the innuendo. As I’m taking off my slippers by the door, I hear him coming down the stairs, and I turn to look up.
My mouth all but drops open at the sight of him, my stomach swooping giddily.
Oh my god.
He’s wearing a perfectly tailored dark blue three-piece suit with a white shirt and black tie. The tie is tied but loosened, and the top button of his shirt is undone to show me a lick of tanned throat. He’s shaved, but there’s still a faint trace of stubble across his jaw, and his hair is slicked back elegantly. It’s a look I’ve never seen on him before, and Christ, he suits it. He still has that touch of edginess about him, but it’s polished now.
Jake always knows exactly what to wear that will show his body off at its best. Though, I don’t even know if he’s style-conscious at all. Maybe he simply throws things on and they justhappento look this good on him.
As he catches my eye on the descent, I see his slightly panicked expression evaporate, replaced by a slow smile brimming with desire. “There you are,” he says, running his eyes over me appreciatively. He rubs a hand over his mouth. “Fuck, you look beautiful.” He steps into me, lowering his mouth to mine.
I fold myself into his arms in a soft moan, welcoming the taste of him into my mouth. He tastes like masculinity, warmth, and danger. I’ll likely never forget it for as long as I live. When I pull back slowly, I feel dazed.
“And you look so bloody handsome,” I whisper, smoothing a hand over his lapel. “Handsome” doesn’t quite cut it though. He looks bone-meltingly gorgeous.
He smiles at the compliment, but it’s a little brazen, as though he knows full well how good he looks.“Wasn’t sure what to wear,” he says, looking down at himself. “Never been to a dinner party at my girlfriend’s friend’s place before. Figured you can’t go far wrong in a suit.” He shrugs.
“Youcan’t go far wrong in anything,” I tell him, and he only grins. I stand up on my tiptoes to kiss him again, a light peck this time. “I just need to grab my bag and put on my shoes. Give me a sec.” I squeeze his arm and go to the kitchen to get my heels.
“Where were you?” he asks, following behind me.
After I slip into my black heels, I turn to face him. “Next door, thanking my neighbors for cat-sitting the other day.”While you shower-fucked me and made me fall for you.This, I don’t say.
“Right.” He nods.
I grab my bag and decide to forgo my jacket. It’s a warm night, and we’re going from the car to Robyn’s and then the car home. There’s no need for one.
“Okay, ready?” I say with a smile I hope doesn’t look nervy.
As we drive, I try to concentrate on anything but the rumbling thunder in my stomach. It’s partly hunger, partly nerves. The music is far mellower than last time, which relaxes me slightly. Jake reaches over to cover my hand with his, letting go only to change the gears up or down before returning it to mine again.