I’m actually glad he asked. It probably would be better if he came with me, just in case. It makes me angry again to think I have to watch my back like this. “Sure thing, that would be great, thanks.”
We head outside where we both decide to do some stretches.
“Do you normally like to get up this early in the morning to run?” he asks.
“Sometimes, yes, but normally no. I had a bad dream and couldn’t get back to sleep. Also, if I’m brutally honest with you, I need to let off some err … tension.”
He raises his eyebrow at me and offers a knowing smile. “If it’s the kind of tension I’m assuming, then I’m sorry. I can’t help you out as far as that’s concerned. I can run with you, but don’t ask me to do that.” I erupt into giggles at his joke, Brian quickly joining me.
“So what brought this on? Was it the flowers yesterday?”
I wish it was just the flowers, but just the thought of having Jake near me and touching me this morning alighted fires that had been buried deep within me for the last few days. Now I’m hot and ready for him, and I don’t like it.
“Sort of, yes. He really knows how to turn it on, in more ways than one.”
“Well, he sounds just heavenly to me. I would love to meet him.”
We laugh again then head off on our journey. I let Brian lead the way as he obviously does this on a regular basis. “So do you normally run often?”
He nods. “Yep, every other morning I drag myself out of bed and do this. I like to keep in shape, and I also feel that running sometimes helps me think … if you know what I mean?”
Yes, I do know. Most of the times, I’m in a world of my own when I run. I always tend to find myself drifting off into a daydream. It’s amazing how I don’t end up getting lost at times.
“Yes, I do know what you mean. That’s also why I like to do it. So how long have you been dating your man?”
Brian smiles at my question. “Around four months. We met through a mutual friend and just hit it off straight away. I’ve never known anyone like him. He makes me laugh so hard at times. I think we should always have someone like that in our lives, don’t you think?”
I wholeheartedly agree. “Yes, of course, you should. No sense in being with a right old miserable fart, now is there?”
The sound of laughter erupts from us both, but soon the conversation lightens as we get well in to our run.
On the way back, my heart nearly drops at the sight of Jake’s Range Rover parked in the parking lot. The thought of him being here and going upstairs to find Michael answering the door has me in a panic. As I get nearer to the car, I let out a gasp as I find him easing down in his seat. He spots me, then immediately after, Brian. The scowl that appears on his face doesn’t go unnoticed. Oh, dear, this isn’t going to help with his alpha male tendencies.
Little does he know.
“Jake, what are you doing here?” I gently jog towards him and stop, trying to catch my breath.
“I came to see you.” The whole time he says this, Jake’s staring daggers at Brian. If he was a lion, he would be baring his teeth and roaring by now.
Thinking it’s best to try and diffuse the situation, I make quick introductions. “Jake, this is Brian, my downstairs neighbor. Brian, this is Jake.”
Brian offers his hand to Jake. “So you’re the Jake. Nice to meet you.”
Jake stares down at his hand but doesn’t take it. I roll my eyes, and of course, Jake notices.
“Yes, I’m the Jake and still am, so—”
I quickly halt him before he says something he’ll regret. “Jake, stop it. I think you’ve said quite enough.” I turn towards Brian. “Brian, thank you for the run. I’ll see you later.” He gives me a sympathetic smile then runs off.
“So who’s that jerkoff?” he snaps, making my attention fully focused on him.
Oh, for goodness sake. This morning I wanted him to take me in every way possible, but now I’m just plain angry.
“Jake, why is it you seem to think you can just turn up here unannounced and jump on every guy you spot me talking to?”