Chapter 47
I stared up at him. "What are you talking about?"
"The 'thing' that Vince wants to steal," Jake said, "isyou."
"Oh stop it," I said. "He does not." I forced out a laugh. "I mean, he already has Bianca, right?" I lowered my voice with mock sincerity. "I think his work here is done."
"You think it's a joke?" Jake said.
"Of course it's a joke. I've met the guy like two times."
"Yeah," he said. "You did. And if you think he's not interested, you're nuts."
"Fine. Then I'm nuts."
"And," Jake said, "heknowsyou're important to me."
"How would he know anything?"
"He's smart," Jake said. "He knows."
"How?" I repeated.
"He knowsme."
"Yeah? Well here's whatyouneed to know," I said. "Vince showed zero interest in me last night."
Jake's gaze met mine. "Right."
"It's true," I said. "I mean, he was friendly. But notfriendly-friendly."
"You disappointed?" Jake said.
My jaw dropped. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"The way it sounds," Jake said, "You showed interest inhim."
"Get real. I did not."
"Uh-huh."
"Oh come on," I said. "Is this because Bianca said I was 'drooling' over him? Seriously? You're gonna believe her? Over me?"
Jake glanced away. "Forget it."
"No," I said. "I want an answer. Who do you believe? Me? Or Bianca?"
Jake said nothing, and I felt my temper rise. I liked him. I liked him so much, it hurt. And probably, I had always been at least a little in love with him. But enough was enough. Maybe itwastime to call my sister for that ride.
Looking for my phone, I turned away.
Jake's voice, quieter now, carried across the small distance. "You," he said.
I didn't bother to look at him. "What?"
"I believeyou."
"Yeah. Sure you do." I scanned the nearby bed and spotted my phone on the far pillow.