Take a Breath (Take #1) - Jaimie Roberts Page 0,85

both make appreciative noises. “This is good, Ana. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.” Matthew smiles, and I say my thanks. Jake touches my hand and smiles tenderly at me. If Matthew wasn’t here, I would have dribbled some of this sauce on my chest and requested that he lick it all off.

My, my. I really do have it bad.

“You know, Clive really has the hots for you. He wouldn’t stop going on about you and how much he wishes you were his stepsister and what a lucky … um … person I am.” He glances at his dad, obviously trying to choose his words carefully in an attempt to avoid aggravating him. “Boy, is he is going to be angry when I tell him what’s been going on while we were away.”

Jake places his fork down. “I think it would be best if you didn’t tell anyone anything until we’ve caught this killer.”

Matthew sucks on a piece of spaghetti. “So what happened earlier? Has there been another murder?”

Jake nods his head. “Yes, another girl in Reston. Forensics is sweeping the scene right now, so we’ll probably know more in the morning.” Jake isn’t going to say anymore, and Matthew doesn’t push. He knows he won’t get more info out of him other than what he has already divulged.

Rising up from his seat, Jake moves to the cabinet and grabs two glasses. I watch in appreciation at his movements towards the fridge, the way he leans in to grab a bottle before pouring out some wine into the glass. He places it on the table for me before grabbing a drink for Matthew. It’s fascinating to watch the way he walks and the way his hips sway slightly—those same hips which know all too well how to drive me crazy.

We sit there for a while eating, and the silence tells me everything. The boys practically lick their plates clean and hum their approval as they do.

After finishing, Jake loads the dishwasher up and starts its cycle. Matthew excuses himself so he can finish getting ready for school, leaving Jake and me in the kitchen together. Alone. As I study my man, I take a few sips of my wine, feeling suitably filled and refreshed.

I snap out of my longing once Jake clears his throat. “Back to work tomorrow, and I am for now, fitting my hours around you. We’ll drive together and come home together.”

I smile. My caveman.

“You can’t change your life around me, I’ll be fine.”

He pulls a disgruntled look on his face. “You think I’m going to let you out on your own knowing he’s still out there? Think again. I don’t want to hear any more about it. I’m the boss. I say what’s what, and that’s the end of it.”

I take in a breath. “Wow. You really are quite sexy when you go all caveman on me.”

His displeased expression never waivers. “Ana, this is serious,” he scolds. “I want you to be safe.”

I nod my head, suitably told-off as I finish off my wine.

Who am I to complain? This means I get to be with Jake twenty-four seven. This is heaven for me!

He pours me another glass of wine, and we enter the living room. We sit for a while, snuggled up together as we watch a robot murdering anyone associated with John Connor.

I’m so relaxed in Jake’s arms that I must have fallen asleep, because next minute, I feel a tug on my arm. “Ana. Ana, wake up. It’s time for bed. Come on. It’s after eleven, and we have to be up early tomorrow.”

I moan, and then I hear him laugh. “So comfortable,” I sigh.

He drags me in his arms, and we head on up the stairs. At the top, he gently places me down. I give him a kiss and walk in the direction of my room, but stop when I hear a clearing of his throat.

“Um, where do you think you’re going, young lady?” I turn, scratching my head still half asleep. “When you were asleep, I moved some things of yours in my room. I hope I got everything, but if not, we can sort it out in the morning. Now, in my bed.” He points towards his room like he’s ordering me in there. “I’m just going to say goodnight to Matthew. I’ll tell him goodnight for you too. Now get.” He emphasizes his pointing.

I salute him and walk towards his room. Jake disappears for a while, so I