He could hardly admit that he was missing her crazily, pining like some love-sick fool over being apart for an hour. He knew he should be putting down the phone, turning it off, and heading straight out that door to the nearest bar with any of the guys he hung out with. He should be concentrating on finding a woman. Fuck it—twins, and fucking Emma out of his head.

If you’re that bored, how can I deny you my sparkling company?

Fuck.

Walk away, Jake, stop!

He knew this was stupid, working beside her was one thing, sharing hotels borderline, but actually going to hers socially after hours like this? Completely fucking stupid. He was blurring the lines of what they were more and more, the holiday idea was even more stupid but part of him couldn’t let it go. He wanted to see her have fun, kick back with him around to look after her. He wanted to take her away, to the boat, to sun and sea, and he had to admit the thought of seeing her in a bikini had his blood pulsing.

Are you home alone?

If others were home, then it would be better, not just the two of them. He had never been into her apartment before, couldn’t believe he was even considering it, but he was sure they would be in a smaller space than a hotel suite and most likely near her bed. He was trying so hard to tell himself that this is what friends did—hung out after work—but he already knew it was a lame excuse. He wanted her.

Aren’t I always?

Fuck.

be there in

Why, Jake, why?

treat her nowadays. How could he be rational when his own head was acting like an idiot and throwing caution

boat trip. Emma had never shown any hint of wanting more, not even a onetime fling. He wouldn’t have done it even if she had. The one-night thing that was, he would happily give her more even if it scared him shitless. She was a girl you gave it all to, nothing less, and

* * *

to her apartment made him impatient and his car liked being opened up on the straights. The thrill of a car with this much power meant it demanded a little release every so often. He

Did he just think

record time. Trying not to think too hard about the love thing, he just pushed it back down. It was dumb and impulsive, and he hadn’t really thought about that whole love thing; sure, he knew he had feelings for her, but love? He had no

help himself glaring a little. He knew Emma didn’t rate him highly for whatever reason and that was enough reason for him to dislike him too. He didn’t say much, just a shrug and nodded toward a room down the hall which he assumed was Emma’s, they both sort of grunted instead of conversed. Returning to caveman behavior was fine with him; if this asshole ever laid a finger on his girl he would

walked past him, towering over him by a few inches in height and most definitely out-muscling him. Jake was already sizing him up in his head for possible outcomes if he ever needed to get heavy-handed on this one; heading toward Emma’s room and keeping an eye on the retreating

and he slid into the space. Instantly assaulted by her enticing perfume and the girlishness of her bedroom.

the wall of scenery, mainly New York skyline and some more tranquil black and white stills. The room had a matureness to it, but the small soft touches,

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