She made the bed then looked around for something to distract herself with. The open closet caught her attention. Hmm . . . maybe while Jake was out of the house she’d take a little look at that big bag of toys he had. She hadn’t gotten to have a good look inside and she was curious. She grabbed the handles of the bag, dragging it out, surprised by how heavy it was. As she pulled at it, she accidentally knocked a box sitting underneath it, causing the lid to fall.
“Drat.” She grabbed the lid, attempting to put it back on. But something kept it from sitting properly. She pulled the box out so she could get the lid on properly and froze when she saw a photo of Jake sitting on top. He was dressed in a tux, smiling down at a petite, dark-haired woman.
The photo was in an ornate, silver frame. Who was the woman? What did she mean to Jake? Was she an old girlfriend? But then why did he keep a photo of her?
A bad feeling developed in her body as she drew out the photo album resting in the bottom of the box. She opened it. Photos of Jake and this woman filled the album. Smiling, happy photos. A dark feeling hit Molly and she slammed the album shut.
“I shouldn’t be looking at this.”
“No, you shouldn’t,” a dark voice agreed.
She squealed in shock, glancing up to find Jake in the doorway. He was in his uniform, his hat held in his hand as he glared down at her coldly. “What the hell are you doing?”
“I’m sorry, Jake. It was an accident.”
“What? You accidentally went into my closet, where you accidentally pulled out that box and accidentally opened it up and went through the contents. Is that what happened?”
Oh, hell. She’d never heard him sound so hard. His g
aze was glacial. She swallowed heavily. He had every right to be furious with her. She’d poked her nose in where it didn’t belong.
“You’re right. I shouldn’t have been looking through your stuff. I’ll just put it—”
“Leave it,” he barked. “I’ll put it away.”
Because he didn’t want her touching it? She stood and backed away. She looked up at him. “I really am sorry.”
He just nodded, his eyes on the first photo.
“She’s beautiful,” Molly said.
Jake swung his gaze back to her, and she really wished she hadn’t said a thing. She’d just wanted to break the tension in the room.
“Maybe I should go.”
“Maybe you should.”
Hurt filled her at his quick agreement. Had she expected he might protest? Might apologize for his reaction? Maybe.
“Um, okay . . . I’ll just get my stuff . . .” She looked around for her bag, remembering it was in the dining room. Tears threatened as she made her way past him. He didn’t move. Didn’t try to touch her. Didn’t even look her way.
She grabbed her handbag and returned. He’d already tidied everything up and put it away.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry again. I’m leaving now.”
Feeling like her heart was breaking, she made her way to the front door.
“Molly, wait.”
Oh, thank the stars.
She turned.
Jake walked towards her, looking more tired than she’d ever seen him look. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to react so harshly. I was just caught by surprise.”
“It-it’s okay. I mean, I had no right to go through your stuff.”
“Doesn’t give me permission to act like an asshole. What were you doing in there?”