His phone dinged in his lap. Scott jumped, and Jake laughed. “Scare you?”
“Shut up. I care if this goes well for you, okay?”
They both stared at the phone. Jake didn’t want to flip it open.
“You can’t change the message by waiting longer, you know,” Scott said. Jake sighed and opened his phone, tapping on the message and keeping his eyes locked on the screen.
Sure! Let me know where and when. I can’t wait to see you. I mean it, Jake. I’m excited.
A string of happy face emojis followed. Jake felt relief flooding through him, far stronger than the moonshine. He closed his eyes and rocked his head back, sighing with relief.
“Yes!” Scott cried, reading the message from over his shoulder. “All right, bro, you got another shot with your girl. Don’t screw it up this time, will you?”
“I won’t,” Jake promised. “Since hanging out with you seems to be such good luck, I might order a few more pizzas.”
“Sounds like a great idea to me,” Scott said. He took another sip of the moonshine, turning to look at his painting where it sat propped against the wall. “You know what, Jake,” Scott said, his voice low. “I think you’re lucky for me too.”
“Why is that?” Jake asked, laughing.
“Because I think I finally figured out how to finish this bitch.”
CHAPTEREIGHTEEN
JAKE
Jake made a point of informing Casey that he wanted to take her out on his kind of date. That didn’t mean that he didn’t enjoy monster trucks or anything casual. He was open-minded, but there was one way he felt confident about winning her over, as the over-the-top billionaire.
Jake knew he wasn’t an artist, and after having that crucial conversation with his brother, he knew that he no longer needed to be ashamed of that fact. It came naturally to his family, and it didn't happen to him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t appreciate it.
Nor did it seem to matter to Casey. She, too, enjoyed art and poetry and everything that fell under a creative endeavor, but together they observed the beauty without prejudice or judgment.
That was a life he wanted to dive deep within and never escape from. Casey’s mind was just as stunning as her body. Her entire presence vibrated through him every time she was near. He knew that meant something more to him than just some fling. She was his everything, his heart, his soul, his mate, and his life partner.
That was, of course, only if she felt the same way.
Jake reassured Casey through text that she was in for a date of a lifetime. He asked her to wear warm clothing and to pack for a two-night stay. She could dress up if she wanted to, but staying warm was imperative.
Jake packed and got dressed, heart trembling inside his chest like an anxious animal. He was excited to see her, to woo her in the way he knew everything about, but he was also terrified. Her text had been very firm, and although he was trying not to read anything into it, he sensed that her words weren’t exactly connecting to the emotions he felt running through her when they were together.
Being together was electric. There was no doubt about that. But he also didn’t want to be one of those dopey men that just saw whatever they were looking for.
Jake tried to remain positive as he packed a large winter coat, then packed a few extra blankets and yet another coat, just in case Casey didn’t own a proper one. He checked and rechecked the plans, assuring himself that he had done everything he could to prepare. He was going to wow her, dazzle her, as much as he was mentally and spiritually able to.
Last but certainly not least, Jake reached into his side table drawer and pulled out a sleek, black box. He held it in his palm for a moment, then pressed it against his chest and closed his eyes.
He had never loved anything the way he loved Casey. As a matter of fact, he believed that he had never actually loved anyone more. But he knew that what he felt about her wasn’t fleeting; it was cosmic and eternal.
Jake kissed the box before placing it neatly inside his pocket.
Jake’s driver picked up Casey from her apartment. She seemed meeker than usual, and Jake did his best to give her apprehension some space. He kissed her lightly after helping her place her bags in the trunk.
They held each other’s gaze for a moment. Casey was wearing a long-sleeve black turtleneck with black jeans that hugged her curves magnificently. He knew he would never tire of looking at her and longing to know every road where her mind and body would lead.
“You’re so beautiful,” Jake whispered, holding both of her hands.
Casey looked away, biting her bottom lip with bashfulness.
Jake opened the door for her, and she slid into the car. He sat next to her, placing a hand on her thigh, just the way he had felt he’d done a thousand times.