“Just break it down for me real quick. What is it exact?—”
I grabbed the collar of his shirt and yanked him toward me. His footing stumbled as our bodies clashed together. Before I could talk myself out of it, I drew my arms up around his neck.
“Or you could just show me, I guess.”
“Shut up and let me hug you, you big oaf.”
“Big oaf? Grandma? Is that you?”
I smacked the back of his head but held onto him stubbornly. Jake had effectively killed the mood for whatever I was hoping to achieve by doing this. I was doubting myself now. Jake didn’t need a hug. He had his mom here. His daughter. Even Kelsey seemed like a hugger now that I thought about it. Now it felt like I was making a pass at my friend, which I most assuredly was not. It's just…I couldn’t forget the look on his face when he stepped out of Sophie’s room, before he saw me.
Anguish.
Anguish was the only word to describe it. In that moment, Jake had been a man who was carrying a load almost too big for his shoulders. Right now…the moment had obviously passed. Before I could step back, ready to do the walk of embarrassment back to my cabin, Jake’s arms circled my waist. My breath stopped while my sensors took in a heightened awareness all around me. Jake’s light smell of mint and pine was familiar to me now, and I breathed it in. The way his face nuzzled softly into the curve of my neck was…nothing to get worked up about. I swallowed as Jake shifted, his arms pulling me closer.
Someone’s heart was pounding. I hoped it was Jake’s. There was no reason for me to react like this. I willed my breathing to level while I tuned in to the real problem. This hug felt like we were back in high school with a friendship so solid I could tell him anything. Jake had a way of cherishing the things he loved most, and with his arms around me, it almost felt…like I was something he cherished.
We were together again, and it felt much like how it used to be. But there was something more raw at our core. Both of us held so tight to the past. Keeping it between us like a safety net, though we’d each lived so much life beyond that. And for a split second, in his arms, I found myself…wanting more. Wanting tobemore to Jake.
But Jake was a man still entrapped by heartbreak. He had very clearly stated what this summer between us was to be. I had always held a respect for Jake’s boundaries growing up, and I would do so now.
Which was difficult to think when my body was literally molded against his. For all his initial reluctance, Jake had quickly acquiesced to the idea of this hug, and I felt his warmth everywhere around me. So comfortable. So dangerous.
But after hearing Sophie scream for her mother and him being unable to do a thing about it, I couldn’t blame him for putting his heart on lockdown. So I no longer allowed myself to think of the strong shoulders supporting my arms or the way Jake’s fingers grazed my sides as his arms pulled me closer. Instead of thinking of all those things, I concentrated my efforts on infusing between us all the friendship and love I had for him. An entire life’s worth.
And I hoped he felt it.
The Hot Housewives of Eugene and their husbands, and Layne Marten
Kelsey: I’ve added my dad into this convo. If any of you need to swear or say mean things about him, please start a new thread.
Cade: Hey, Layne!
Tessa: Welcome!
Logan: Hey, Dad.
*Seven hours later*
Layne: I’m both reluctant and terrified to be here.
Kelsey: Did you type that all by yourself or did Mom do it?
Layne: Smart alec
Kelsey: We are requesting permission to add a new excursion package.
Layne: What package?
Kelsey: An overnight trail ride. Small groups would pay to participate. Jake could guide them up the mountains, tell them stories, and pick a pretty spot for a campout. Shelby could go with him as a guide.
Layne: Jake and Shelby, huh? You guys are trouble. I like it.
14
JAKE
“Okay, listen up, everybody!”I hollered as loud as I could, attempting to gather this week’s guests at the entrance of the horse barn. Shelby and I were set to take them horseback riding this afternoon.