Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,78

to him feeling just as embarrassed as I did.

Jake, having read my reaction correctly, jumps into defending his actions.

“You were obviously drunk. How he could not have seen that is beyond me. Why on earth would a decent guy take someone that drunk back home with him and take advantage of her like that? You know that’s not right. Besides, I fucking hated that someone else had slept with you. I had to try so hard to avoid hitting that guy because it would have gotten me into a lot of trouble. It would have caused a shitstorm both at work and at home. I couldn’t show how I really felt.”

As I absorb his words, I finally manage to gather my composure. “My caveman. What on earth am I going to do with you?”

I should be mad as hell at him, but—somehow—I find the whole thing rather amusing. I smile, and he relaxes at my reaction. I think he also thought I was about to blow.

“Wow. Of all the things to expect, I didn’t expect that.”

I place my hand on his chest and look into his eyes. “Do you remember what you got me to confess a little while ago under the Jake torture chamber?” He laughs, and it’s a lovely sound.

“Yes, and it better stay that way. You’re mine now, and you know it. Don’t you?”

I frown at him. “Well, yes, but who do you belong to?”

He takes my hand and kisses it. “You have me, my beautiful lady. I am yours.” My knees tremble, but I’m smiling from ear to ear. “Well, I think we have been in the bath long enough. Time for bed. You stay here for a minute while I get out and clean this mess up. I don’t want you slipping and hurting yourself.”

The Adonis rises from the water, making me gasp. What a sight. I’m practically drooling over him. Could he be any hotter?

Not being able to help it this time, I smack his bum as he edges forward to get out. I feel so desperate to sink my teeth into it. His arse is so perky, and so there for the biting. Getting carried away by the moment, I shout, “Yeah, I did it!”

“Hey, what did I say about who smacks who around here?”

I giggle. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself. It was just too tempting not to.” He gets out carefully and wraps a towel around his hips. I pout at the loss of the sight of him.

“You’re not a child anymore. Stop pouting.” After his mocking, he disappears, carefully waddling so he doesn’t slip.

Sighing, I reach for the knob to turn off the jacuzzi and set about washing myself down. I grab the sponge and soap then start to wash myself all over.

“Fuck me! Now, that’s a sight to behold.”

I jump, making Jake laugh. On a shake of my head, I dip back in the water and rinse off the soap as Jake mops the floor. When he’s done, he comes over with a towel. I let the water drain and jump up, ready to leave the bath. Jake eases me out with his big, strong arms and wraps a towel around me.

“You wouldn’t believe what time it was if I told you.”

I stumble a bit, but I manage to regain myself as I look at the clock on the bedside in his room. It’s just after midnight.

“Jesus, we’ve been in the bath for two hours.” I can’t believe how much time passes with Jake around.

“Matthew will be back tomorrow.”

I look at him for a reaction. I’m not sure if he wants to talk about that considering circumstances have changed dramatically since Matthew left. I feel slightly awkward, but the fact that Jake’s brought this up can only mean one thing.

“I know. I guess this will have to be the last time I get to be in your bed for a while.”

He sags his shoulders in defeat—like I’ve confirmed what he’s already thinking. “I don’t think I can do that. It would drive me crazy knowing you’re just across the hall and I can’t be with you.”

I place my hand on his shoulder with a sigh. “I think for Matthew’s sake this is what we need to do, until we can figure something out, at least. I don’t want it to be uncomfortable with Matthew. We get on so well, and I don’t want anything to spoil that.”

He grabs my hand and kisses it. “I’m his father, but you’re the