Come to think of it, I haven’t heard a thing. I’m normally kept up-to-speed on cases, but for some reason, I’ve been shut out of this one. “I haven’t heard anything, to tell you the truth. I’ve been dealing with a wave of burglaries in the Roanoke and Fairfax County areas, so that’s been keeping me pretty busy.”
“Ana, do you want a burger?” I look over and see Jake holding a plate out to me. I’m starving, so I don’t hesitate. I walk over and take it from him, noticing that his eyes are still like turquoise fire. They’re so hypnotizing; I just want to stare at them all day long.
“Thank you,” I say, smiling.
His smile suddenly vanishes. “I bet this is the first you’ve eaten today, isn’t it?” My eyes look sheepishly down, giving myself away. “Ana, you have to eat.”
Before I can determine an answer, Tony decides to make his presence known by marching over with a glass of wine. Jake lets out a growl and the butterflies flutter in my stomach.
“Ana, your glass of wine was still in the kitchen.”
“Thanks, Tony.”
I take a sip just as Alison decides to speak. “Ana, dear, your back is full of dust. Have you been rubbing yourself up against a wall?”
I start choking on the wine, unable to contain the horror on my face. I look up and see Jake’s eyes widening. He’s starting to look blurry as my eyes are glassing over from coughing so much.
I feel Tony patting my back and wiping down my dress. “Are you okay?”
I try to compose myself. “Yes, I’m fine, thanks. It just went down the wrong way.”
“Go and sit down and eat. You can’t be drinking like this on an empty stomach,” Jake grumbles.
I salute him and say, “Yes, sir,” before sitting down on one of the sun loungers under a parasol. The heat is getting pretty intense, and the more I gaze at the pool, the more inviting it looks. In the corner of my eye, I can sense Jake’s eyeing me up and also keeping a close eye on what Tony is up to. He really doesn’t like Tony for some reason.
I eat my burger in under a minute, and it is quickly replaced by another from Jake. He’s certainly determined to see me eat. I quickly relish that one also, and before I can stop myself, a loud burp escapes me. I instinctively cover my mouth and blush a deep crimson red as everyone around me laughs.
Bill winks. “Well, that has to be a compliment to the chef.”
I blush again. “I’m sorry, guys. I didn’t mean to be rude.” Oh, God, how embarrassing.
“Do you want another?” I look up at Jake who is trying hard not to laugh again.
“No, thanks,” I say, patting my stomach. “I think the tank is full.”
Satisfied with my answer, he turns towards his audience. “Okay, who else wants another?”
A row of hands shoot up, which everyone ceremoniously laughs at.
12
A few hours later, the party is in full swing. To try and keep my mind off Jake for more than five minutes, I keep myself busy by making sure everyone is being tended to. I also make sure everyone’s drinks are replenished—which Jake is grateful for.
After everyone seems to be suitably filled, I grab myself another glass of wine and sit by the table outside. The relief I feel after sitting down is instant. My feet feel like they’ve walked the Route 7 and back. Glancing up, I find that the sun’s going around the other side of the house. With each passing minute it disappears from one side to the other—the coolness also an instant relief.
Closing my eyes, I let out a contented sigh as a gentle breeze sweeps across my face. The air doesn’t feel as oppressive as it was earlier, which is nice. I smile as my ears instantly pick up on laughter. The sound makes me feel happy inside. It’s amazing how hearing laughter can light up your heart.
Once I open them back up, I jump a little when I find Tony sitting next to me, staring intently. “Tony, you gave me a heart attack,” I giggle.
Placing his hand on his heart, he smirks. “I’m sorry. Am I forgiven?”
I giggle slightly. “I’m sure I can forgive you.”
His smirk disappears as he scans my face with his intense eyes. “Wow, you sure know how to make a guy weak in the knees.”
My cheeks instantly flame at his inspection. “You’re incorrigible.”
He smiles, showing me that cheeky dimple of his. “Only around you.”
I return the smile, but suddenly, I feel goosebumps rising on the back of my neck. Goosebumps that tell me that I’m being watched. I know full well I have a set of eyes boring into the back of me. And I also know full well who it is.
To wind Jake up further, I lean in closer to Tony, and immediately he starts playing with my hair. I know I shouldn’t be encouraging him, but the little, immature imp in me can’t help it. Guilt surfaces as I think of using Tony like this, but I’m so mad at Jake for treating me the way he has in the last few days. I’m not his lapdog, so this is my way of telling him so. Childish, I know, but for some reason with Jake, I just feel compelled to do it.
Leaning farther into Tony, I take another sip of my wine. I feel a little light-headed already, so I’m sure part of the reason I’m doing this is because of the alcohol currently coursing through my veins.
Once Tony leans in to smell the scent of my hair, a fierce voice from afar says, “Ana, I need to speak with you right now.”
And there it is.
I try my hardest to hide my smirk as I feel Tony instantly stiffen beside me. Instead, I look up to find Jake’s green eyes blazing. I pat Tony’s hand. “Sorry, Tony. I’ll be right back.”
He offers a curt nod, so I place my gaze from Tony to Jake. I watch as his nostrils flare and his jaw ticks. Jake is all man and then some, but when he looks angry, oh boy! I can’t seem to keep my eyes away from him. What makes it even worse is when I walk up to Jake and he whispers, “No, you fucking won’t,” as he grabs my wrist and practically drags me towards the kitchen. Once there, he lets go of me, instantly inhaling a deep breath. “Do I have to go over this with you again?”
I let out an exasperated sigh of my own. “Over what? Please explain because I don’t know what the fuck is going on.”
Placing his hand on the breakfast island, he leans over with a scowl on his face. “Will you watch your fucking language?” He gets up, running his hand through his hair. “Shit, you drive me crazy.” Then, out of the blue, he lands a fist on the breakfast island and shakes his head in anger.
Knowing I need to calm the situation, I walk up to him. “Calm down, Jake, people will hear you. Why are you acting like this? I don’t understand.”
He locks his icy green eyes with mine. I can tell he’s really riled up. Frustration is obviously pouring from his whole body. “I’m trying so hard,” he finally says, looking lost. “I really am, but I can’t stay away from you, and when I see that fucking asshole Tony touching you, I see red and want to knock his teeth out. I’ve never had these feelings before, and to be brutally fucking honest, I don’t how to deal with them. You can see how this is all wrong, can’t you? You do know just how fucked up this situation is, right?”
Instant tears well at his confession. “I don’t know why you keep pushing this away like it’s not happening. We’re not doing anything wrong, and I can’t understand why you’re treating me as though I’m some sordid little affair you’re trying to sweep under the carpet. Do you know how hard this has been for me? I don’t care about any other men, and I’m not interested in Tony. It’s only you, Jake.” I step close, imploring him with my eyes. “It’s always been you.”