CHAPTER 6

I didn’t wait for his response; I walked into the house, leaving the door open behind me. I heard him mutter under his breath before finally walking in and shutting the door behind him.

“I made enchiladas,” I began, “Would you like some?”

“I didn’t come here to fraternize Hayley.”

“You’re always so formal with me,” I teased, “I’m home alone for the first time in a long time and I need company so humor me.”

He followed me into the kitchen and I handed him a plate full. He thanked me and took a small bite from it. It occurred to me as he ate that he had never actually eaten anything I have cooked before. I watched and scrutinized his every move and expression and I was satisfied when he finally nodded.

“I’m glad you liked it.”

I made my way towards the cupboard and stood on my toes to reach the spices at the top drawer. While I was trying to pull out an Oreo, my hand hit the curry and it fell to the floor; thankfully it didn’t get on my body but it gave me an idea.

Jake tried to help me clean up but I assured him I could do it by myself and gestured for him to sit in the living room and wait for me. I cleaned up the little mess and made a mental note to get some from the grocery store because if Alana hears that I poured out her curry, she would kill me.

I brewed fresh coffee for Jake and myself and took it to the living room for him. He tried to tell me that he wanted to leave but I ignored him and went back to get the milk. As I made my way over to him, I pretended to trip over my feet and spilled the milk all over my body.

Jake cursed and rushed over to grab some tissues while I quickly took the robe off me. He turned around and I saw the exact moment he froze in place.

I knew what he was seeing; my boobs peeking out from the low cut of the almost completely transparent tank top, my thighs on full display and half of my ass hanging out. His eyes quickly moved to my face but ever so lightly, I would see them flicker to my body.

“I should-,” he began and I knew he was about to pull away so I made my way over to him and took a hold of his hand that had the tissues.

“You wanted to help me clean, right?” He swallowed but didn’t respond, “So help me.”

I guided his hand down to my chest where some of themilk had spilled on my bare skin. I guided the tissue over my body and he let me.

“Maybe,” I began, “It’ll be easier if you used your hand.”

“Hayley,” his voice was hoarse and rough, “Your father-,”

“Isn’t here right now,” I cut him off, “It’s just me and you.”

His throat bobbed as he thought about it. I could see the cogs turning in his head and I knew he would think his way out of it- I didn’t want that. I took the tissue out of his hand and dropped it on the table then guided his hand to my chest.The heat from his hand seared my skin and I took in a short breath as he touched me.

“Hayley,” he began.

“We both want this.” I stepped impossibly closer to him, “So why are you fighting it?”