Olivia hated the thought of everyone walking on eggshells around her, but appreciated the fact that they cared enough to do so. “Soup sounds perfect, Derek. Thank you.”
“That reminds me,” Trevor reached into his jacket pocket. “Here. I’m sure you know how to take these.” He handed her two prescription bottles. Turning to Jake, he said, “Ibuprofen and antibiotics. She’s likely to be sore for the next few days, but nothing she can’t handle.”
“Thanks, man,” Jake shook Trevor’s hand. “I appreciate it.”
Trevor pulled Jake into one of those half-hugs guys do. They slapped each other’s backs, then shared a look that apparently said it all.
“We will leave you to your dinners,” Trevor smiled back at her. “Enjoy.”
“Thank you,” Olivia said again, truly grateful these men had been brought into her life. “For everything.”
Trevor smiled. “Well, I’d say ‘anytime’, but let’s keep this to a one and done, shall we?” He winked, then opened the door and left.
“Have fun, kids.” Derek said with a little bit too much enthusiasm. Olivia didn’t miss the smirk he gave Jake as he walked by.
Shaking his head—she suspected he did that a lot around Derek—Jake secured the deadbolt and chain. He turned and held out a hand toward the table. “Shall we?”
He pulled out the chair closest to the door for her. It didn’t surprise her that he wouldn’t want his back to the door. It was a habit of his she’d picked up on long ago.
“Thanks,” she smiled and sat down.
Jake removed the items from the bags. He set the bowl of soup, a plastic spoon, and some napkins in front of her before taking his own seat. Olivia watched as he unwrapped a deliciously greasy cheeseburger.
She removed the plastic lid from her bowl. Steam billowed upwards, carrying with it a mouthwatering aroma. You couldn’t go wrong with chicken noodle. “Your team seems great.”
“Yeah, they’re solid.” Jake eyed their food and grimaced. “We’ll have a better meal when we get back home.”
“Are you kidding? This looks wonderful.”
Olivia could feel him watching her as she sipped the first spoonful. An explosion of flavor erupted on her tongue. In reality, it probably was no better than a can of condensed soup, but after practically starving for weeks, it tasted like heaven. She moaned in appreciation.
“Good?” he asked.
She wiped some broth from her chin. “Delicious.”
He smiled wide, his whole face lighting up. Damn, the man was gorgeous.
They continued to eat with little conversation. Olivia only ate half her soup, for fear she’d overdo it and make herself sick. Jake, on the other hand, had absolutely no problem finishing off all of his food.
Against his objections, Olivia insisted on cleaning up the mess. Giving in, he excused himself to the bathroom to brush his teeth. Once he was out, she went into do the same.
After, she changed into the nightgown. This time, when she saw her reflection, she smiled. If it weren’t for the bruises, she’d actually look halfway decent. Butterflies began dancing in her stomach as she wondered what Jake would think.
Olivia ran the brush through her hair before turning off the light and walking out. Her breath caught in her chest when she saw him.
Chapter 17
Jake was lying on the bed closest to the door. He was shirtless and, holy hell, the man looked flawless. It was so not fair.
Sitting with his back against the headboard, he looked like a freaking underwear model. And the way he was staring back at her...wow.
“Wow,” he echoed her thoughts. “You look...” his words tapered off, as if he wasn’t sure what to say.
“Fine?” Olivia teased, but Jake didn’t crack a smile.
“Gorgeous,” he whispered breathlessly.
The sincerity in his voice caught her off guard. Blushing, she tucked some hair behind her ear. “Oh...um...thanks.”
Hiding her nervousness, she walked around the foot of the empty bed. A soft, rustling sound came from behind her as she made a move to turn down the bedding.
Fingers gently caressed the bruised skin on her arm, the unexpected contact causing Olivia to jump. She felt Jake pull away, and instantly wished she could take back her reaction.
“Sorry.” His voice was low as he spoke from behind her. “Did I hurt you?”
She turned to face him, those damn butterflies swirling around like a hurricane. She inhaled his scent. He smelled of soap and something that could only be described as Jake.
“No. You just surprised me, that’s all.”
Jake’s brow creased as he looked down at her. Cautiously, he moved his hand up toward her face, running the back of his knuckles across her bruised chin and cheek. His touch was so gentle, she could barely feel it, yet her pulse raced from the contact.
“I’m so fucking sorry I couldn’t keep those bastards from hurting you.”
The guilt in his eyes was tearing her apart. Wrapping her fingers around his wrist, Olivia assured him, “I’m okay, Jake. I promise.” And for the first time in a long time, she believed those words to be true.
Without breaking her gentle hold, Jake turned his wrist and cupped the side of her face. “I’ve never met another woman like you. So strong,” he leaned in, their lips nearly touching. “So beautiful.”
The set of crystal blue eyes shining back at her darkened with desire. Olivia’s heart beat with the force of a kick drum as she realized the dream she’d been holding on to all these years was about to come true.
“Jake,” she exhaled his name.
He brushed his lips against hers in a barely-there kiss. Moving his free hand around to the small of her back, Jake gently pulled her to him, her breasts pressing against his bare chest. The gown’s thin silk wasn’t much of a barrier, and when she felt his erection against her belly, a shiver raced down her spine.
The tip of his tongue traced her bottom lip, and she
