HE TRIED NOT to let her see the anxiety he felt at not knowing the location of Peter Markum. He didn’t want her to worry. He’d put her through enough the last few days. Everyone in the world was hounding him for information. He upped the security for his family and even made sure Ang had protection. Ang had been handling all of the press for him. He was thankful he had her and that she knew just what he would want without him having to tell her. She’d been a lifesaver.
Jake pulled a sweater over his head and swept some gel into his hair. He folded his towel and made his way toward the amazing smell coming from the kitchen. He heard sounds of silver and gold coming from the stereo.
He rounded the corner and stopped in his tracks. Her hair was in ringlets around her face. She wore leggings with a long green sweater, covered by an apron. She was rolling some dough on the counter while she hummed. He watched her attempt to blow the bangs out her eyes then use the back of her flour-covered hand to push them away. He chuckled to himself.
She turned when she heard him. “Something amusing you?”
“Yes. You. You’re amusing me.” He strutted toward her and wiped the hair out of her face for her.
She smiled appreciatively.
“How can I help?” he asked.
“Hmm… You can check your piano for any lingering mementos from last night and make a fire,” she said through a smile.
“Done,” he nodded.
He felt her eyes on him and he turned to see her staring and biting her lip. “Are you checking me out again?” he asked.
“Always,” she responded without hesitation.
He examined the piano, wiping the top of it with his sleeve.
“Please don’t tell me…” she started.
“It’s fine. No worries.”
He turned and flipped a switch, lighting the fire. “That was too easy. Give me something else.”
“I don’t know what you’re capable of,” she said as she shrugged her shoulders.
“You don’t know what I’m capable of?” he questioned as he slowly stalked toward her with dark, alluring eyes.
Madi laughed and held up her floured hand. “Okay, stop. Idoknow what you’re capable of, and I can’t think about that right now. My parents will be here any minute.”
Jake smiled, took the plates from the counter, and began setting the table.
“God, you’re sexy when you’re helping me,” she said.
He smirked.
There was a knock on the door. Murphy charged it anxiously.
Jake peered at the security camera and saw it was Kendra. Rob stood outside in deep conversation with her.
“Look at this,” Jake whispered, pointing.
Madi hustled over to him, wiping her hands on a towel. She leaned on his shoulder as they watched Kendra cross her arms. Jake flipped a switch and they listened.
“Whatever, Rob. I really don’t care.”
“Why do you always have to act like that?” he asked.
“Like what? Like I’m pissed? It’s easy, because every time I’m around you, you piss me off.”
“Why do you think that is?” Rob asked.
“Maybe because you’re so fucking full of yourself?”
