Page 50 of Bleeding Heart
I also wonder if I sought their pity. Their condolences. Their good favor. A glimpse at something I’ll never witness the way I was present for the community’s outpouring of support at my father’s funeral.
Which is also odd since I’m relying on these people, whom I hardly know, to replace the friends who should be there in the end.
I cast a final look at my date. Jake’s rough edges are no longer jagged enough that I live in constant fear he’ll hurt me.
Will he be there?I think. And it hits me all at once that whether we’re still together or not, Jake would. He might hide behind a gravestone and wait for the crowd to disperse so that no one saw Jake Ballentine express emotion, butmy Jakewould be there to say goodbye.
The pitter-pat in my chest shoots up and out of my shoulders. As if carried by wings, I’m weightless. My dad’s presence surrounds me as I give into the inexplicable draw to Jake.
Sloan and Holly’s hugs intercept me from my target. I’m glad they are here. The way the mill girls have their brunches and shopping trips, I have the uncanny notion that this could be our thing. The three of us could get dressed to the nines and enjoy a triple date for a good cause.
When they return to their seats, I don’t stop to worry if they’d be sad—or even notice—if I weren’t here. I’m simply happy they are.
Standing behind Jake, I don’t have far to lean for my breath to blow over the shell of his ear. “I’d like to dance.”
“With me?” There’s a hint of sarcasm, but no hesitation.
“No. With Mr. Crowder. Yes, with you!”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He sweeps me to the parquet, tucking me into the safe spot in his chest I adore.
What an odd coupling. The big man and the tiny lady. The carnie act was the opposite, but we’re still a sight to behold.
Jake interrupts my thoughts. “There’s something I want to tell you, and I don’t want you to get an inflated ego.”
I stop swaying and pull back from his embrace. “I’m sure that’s my line.” I wink.
“Ouch,Corazón. You think I have a big ego?” He tugs me back and I have to crane my neck up to see his brilliant blue eyes.
“Along with a few other parts of you.” I lick my lips. I can’t not be aware of the heat from inside Jake’s trousers intensifying. His belt presses against my belly, no matter what.
He laughs and I reach up to cup his face. To hold on to this gruff man’s gentle smile.
“I wanted to say I’m proud of you.”
“You are?” My voice cracks.
“It’s quite a con you pulled tonight, separating all these rich socialites from their money. I’m impressed. I could use a talent like yours.”
“Jake!”
“Shh… I’m kidding, Pais. What you did was remarkable, though. I’m glad I got to watch it, even if it meant losing out on the time I’d wanted to spend with you.”
“I missed you so much this week,” I whisper.
“Now there’s an ego boost.” He makes me laugh. “I should have asked if Greer was okay.”
“Can you keep a secret?”
“King of secret keeping at your service.”
“Greer and Byron are having a baby. She needed someone to talk to and chose me.”
“You seem surprised.”
“I thought there was someone she was closer with who she’d share such important news with.” I frown.