Practically Persuaded in Pittsburgh Read online

  One of Jake’s sweet kisses had started on her cheek and travelled ever so deliciously. Because he’d intended that or because she’d turned into him giving him the all-clear, she didn’t know. Probably both. When he reached her mouth, she’d sighed. His hand had come up to cup her neck, and his thumb caressed her jaw line near her ear. He kissed her ever so softly, bottom lip then corners, making her melt and ache for more.

  She’d grabbed a fistful of his jacket and came up on her toes—and then both his hands were on her head, their tongues danced, and yowza, but she’d heated up fast.

  Jake was the one who broke away. He rested his forehead on hers and whispered hoarsely, “I’ve got to buy a car.”

  She agreed. And not just because she didn’t want some car-service driver watching her get kissed to within an inch of inviting Jake to her bed.

  Unlike New York City, in Pittsburgh, most people needed a car. Of course, she’d chosen not to spend the money on one, but in her case that was reasonable. Her apartment, jobs, and campus were all within biking distance, and she lived alone, eliminating the need for superstores or trips to the suburbs for this or that. If her bike didn’t cut it, there was public transportation, car services, or her friends. And Rita and Chuck—bless them—always sent someone to get her or dropped her back home themselves if the weather was abominable.

  Sadie eyed Jake this evening as she went in and out of Wanderlust’s kitchen. He gave her a grin or a wink or some kind of acknowledgement every time. But even when his smiles weren’t specifically for her, she still got the sense he was happy to be here. As in here, following in his dad’s footsteps, helping his mom, in this neighborhood…away from New York.

  She had a hard time imagining that everybody in his company was as craptastic as he said, but certainly it seemed the excitement of the big city and high-intensity career had worn off. Still, she remembered what he’d been like as a teenager. Always busting to go. Almost vibrating with the need to go and do faster, more, something else, somewhere else… He moved fast serving tables or mopping up a mess, but became supersonic when he’d pound out the back door and take off to who-knew-where.

  The novelty of being home would wear off. Sadie just knew it.

  And then, when he’d left a big wake of hurt behind him, South Korea would feel like a relief. She’d stitch back together the pieces of her heart, expand her horizons, and create her own adventure.

  Midway through the evening, she ended up between customers and stepped out back to take a break and get a little fresh air. That was one thing about working all the time—she missed a lot of the fabulous weather. Tonight was perfection and meant to be appreciated, even if it was only for a few minutes.

  She leaned against a support beam and watched the comings and goings of people crisscrossing the Strip to go to dinner or run errands.

  Jake came out, too. He’d lost the apron, but still wore his bandana. She loved the way he looked in it, like a pirate or biker without all the tattoos and jewelry. Strapping and sexy, ready for anything. His snug t-shirt only enhanced the look.

  She doubted she looked as good with a couple of pens jammed in her hair above her ear and milkshake drips all over her t-shirt, but Jake didn’t seem to notice.

  He grabbed her hand and tugged her back toward him, alongside the wall next to the door.

  He didn’t waste time, just kissed her right on the lips. A long press, then he breathed in deeply. On his exhale, he said, “I’ve been dying to do that all day.”

  Sadie raised her arms and looped them behind his neck, pressing herself flush against him. “Then why’d you stop?”

  Jake’s eyes darkened and then he’d kissed the bejesus out of her for a few minutes right there for all the outside world—and even Saint Stanislaus Church—to see.

  When sense returned, she pulled away, sliding her hands from his neck to his chest. Such a perfect chest: hard muscles and a heartbeat that thumped as fast as hers.

  “I better go in,” she said.

  “You’d better,” he agreed. He’d been holding her hips. He squeezed once, then released her.

  “You coming?” she said.

  He gave her a rueful smile and glanced down to make his point. “I need a minute.”

  Holy moly, she’d made Jake Walker hard.

  Thank God, because she was near to liquid heat herself.

  She could only grin and wink before going inside.

  When Sadie left that night and unlocked her bike, she discovered that Jake had needed time for more than getting himself together.

  Rubber-banded to her bike seat was an envelope marked Sades.

  She smiled and ripped it open. Inside was a printout of an online shopping item. It showed bike wheels with glowing LED lights that formed pictures like cartoon characters and superhero logos. The non-lit-up pictures showed four black bars attached to bike spokes.

  Sadie peered at her bike. Sure enough, her back wheel sported those bars.

  Scrawled on the side of the page was a note.

  * * *

  Yours is a Pirates P.

  xx

  Jake

  * * *

  OMG. It was the gift he’d mentioned. He’d custom-designed her a bike decoration.

  Sadie banged back through the door and flew into the kitchen. Jake was coming back into the kitchen himself from the other end. Sadie crossed the room, note in hand, and launched herself at him.

  “I love it!” she said. Jake caught her and spun her around once. As soon as he set her down, she gave him a big smack on the lips. “How do I turn it on? I want to see it!”

  Jake laughed.

  Rita came through the swinging doors. Jake’s arms were still around her. Had Rita seen Sadie kiss him through the door’s windows? Sadie felt a second of panic then squashed it. Sooner or later, Rita would catch on—if she hadn’t already—which was what they were aiming for, right?

  “What’s going on?” Rita asked with a raised eyebrow.

  Jake didn’t react as if anything was out of the ordinary. “Come see,” he said.

  But Sadie was too excited. “Jake made custom lights for my bike!”

  They all tromped outside, and Jake used the app he’d downloaded on his phone to turn the lights on. It was full dark, and the thing glowed. Sadie jumped up and down and clapped. Her whole back wheel shone bright gold, except for the black Pittsburgh Pirates-style P in the middle.

  Rita said, “Now I can stop worrying. No driver can miss that.”

  She was right. Sadie had reflectors and a front lamp, but this was so much better.

  “Bonus, you can show off your team spirit,” Jake said. “We’ll need to get you the app.”

  “Thank you,” Sadie said. “I love it. It’s the best gift ever.”

  She had to force herself not to jump right back into his arms and kiss him for all she was worth right in front of Rita.

  The rest of the week was spent kissing and laughing. Even at work, Jake pressed his lips to Sadie’s as many times as she’d let him catch her. She laughed when she managed to spin out of his grasp—even if it meant he untied her apron in the attempt. He loved to hear her laugh.

  On Thursday evening, Benny was on the grill, which meant Jake was mostly on the move. Not only did he catch Sadie for a kiss, he managed to yank her into the storeroom, shut the door, and pull her body to his.

  Then he really, thoroughly devoured her. His hands roamed from her back to her waist to her ribs and right up to the underside of her breasts. When she threw her head back and moaned, he put his mouth to her neck and fondled her breasts. She dug her hands in his hair and pushed his head down. The next thing he knew, he’d yanked down the V-neck of her t-shirt, popped one breast out of her bra, and latched his lips on to the most glorious, dark nipple.

  “Yes,” she said, and thrust her hips against him.

  He wanted that too but couldn’t get any purchase, so he spun them and pushed her against the shelving, where he could match her movements.

/>   “Maybe we should break out the Firefly for this reenactment,” she said in a throaty whisper.

  He chuckled. “I always think of you when I smell or taste cinnamon.” He went for her mouth again. “I still taste it when I kiss you.”

  She moaned his name and slid one hand over his back. The other was on his ass.

  Just then, the door opened with a bang and he heard a gasp.

  Oh. Shit.

  Jake straightened and turned, careful to entirely block Sadie with his body.

  His mom held her hand over her mouth and her eyes were wide. Sadie wriggled behind him and then went still. It felt like she’d curled against his back. He prayed that she’d managed to get that perfect breast back into both her bra and t-shirt. He reached behind him with one hand, and Sadie grabbed it hard.

  “Jacob Alastair Walker,” Rita said with complete horror in her voice.

  “Mom, it’s not what you think—”

  “You have no idea what I am thinking right now.”

  “Sadie and I are—”

  “I’m leaving,” Rita interrupted. “You close up. Then come directly home, and I’ll tell you exactly what I’m thinking.”

  Jake nearly gulped. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Sadie,” Rita said, in only a slightly softer tone.

  Sadie stepped out from behind him, though she kept a death grip on his hand. “Yes?”

  “Don’t stay to close up. Get yourself home pronto. You don’t have much time before the rain starts.”

  Then she looked from one to the other of them, serious worry pulling at her features and a fiery look in her eye. She shook her head, spun on her heel, and banged out the door.

  “Sit down,” Rita told Jake when he entered her kitchen.

  She hadn’t changed her clothes, just sat with a cup of tea. The travel magazine next to it lay unopened.

  Jake sat. She looked at him with steady eyes but didn’t speak.

  “Mom, I really like Sadie.” Her mouth tightened, and he tried again. “As in really, really like her. We’re dating.”

  “You are dating Sadie—and you didn’t tell me? Don’t you think that’s rather important? A girl who is like my own daughter?”

  “It just happened so fast,” Jake said. “We hadn’t put an official name to it yet.”

  She shook her head. “You are going to break that girl’s heart.”

  Jake’s temper flared. “I’m going to marry her!”

  And in that moment, he knew it to be true—not because he’d proposed some practical agreement for some crazy plan. But because he wanted, with all his heart—holy shit—to marry Sadie.

  His mom took a shaky breath and raised her chin. “You two have always had a special connection. And in many ways, there is nothing I would love more.”

  “But?” Jake asked, trying not to let the bitterness he felt at this moment be heard.

  “You be very careful, Jacob Walker,” she said.

  He leaned back in his chair, feeling like an insolent teenager. “Why don’t you think she’s going to break my heart? Why is this on me?”

  She breathed in deeply, her nostrils flaring, and stared him down. “Because you’ve made a practice of chasing the next best thing.”

  He rolled his eyes. “Every guy dates a bunch of girls until he finds the right one.”

  She snorted. “You’ve certainly done your share, but I was talking about places, experiences, jobs—whatever shiny next that’s on the horizon.”

  That hurt, and Jake froze for a moment to process it. Being willing to take risks, move forward, and pursue opportunities was a good thing. He’d never been haphazard or impetuous or stupid about any of it. He was just sure about what he wanted—and decisive when it was time to act. Like now.

  “This is what comes next. I’m marrying Sadie.”

  She pressed her lips together. “We’ll see.”

  Then she got up and turned her back on him. She put her mug in the sink, crossed the kitchen, and headed for her bedroom.

  Feeling defensive and unjustly attacked, Jake had to fight the urge to yell and bash things. Instead, he swore and squeezed his head in his hands, elbows on the table.

  That wasn’t how he’d imagined telling her. And that sure as hell wasn’t the joyous reaction he’d hoped for.

  What in the world did we’ll see mean? Didn’t she believe him? Didn’t she trust that he knew what he wanted? Or did her reservations lay elsewhere?

  Maybe, he thought with a sinking weight pressing on his chest, she didn’t think Sadie was the right choice for him. Or worse—that he wasn’t right for Sadie.

  11

  Things with his mom were a little tense, but Jake tried hard not to let it bother him. Sadie arrived early for her shift on Friday evening and pulled him into the office.

  “What’d Rita say last night?”

  “Not much,” he said. “She told me to be careful.” He grinned. “She probably thinks you’ll break my heart.”

  “Yeah, right.” Sadie rolled her eyes. “Seriously, what was said?”

  She had no idea of her power, Jake thought. No idea how much he liked her, how deep in he was getting. She could easily crush him.

  “I told her we were dating. She told me to be careful.” Jake sighed. “Maybe she’s worried we’ll ruin our friendship or make things uncomfortable at work. I don’t know.” Jake was starting to worry about the same, but doing his best not to think about it.

  Sadie frowned, and Jake wanted to rub the little crease in her forehead with his thumb. Or better yet, kiss it away. But there was more he needed to tell her, and he suspected she wouldn’t like it.

  “I told her I intended to marry you.”

  Her eyes flew open. “Oh my God. You didn’t.”

  “I did.”

  Sadie stiffened and went pale. She took a step back, away from him. “What did she say?”

  “Nothing, really. I don’t think she believed me.”

  Sadie shut her eyes, and Jake realized she’d been terrified to hear his mom’s reaction.

  “Sades, it’s fine,” Jake said. He moved in and took her cold hands in his. “We’re doing this.”

  “Jake, maybe—”

  “She’ll get used to us being together,” Jake said. “The way it went down was just a shock. We weren’t prepared to get caught like we did.”

  “I don’t know,” Sadie said. “This suddenly feels like a very bad idea.”

  “It’s a good idea,” Jake said. And it was. He still wanted to give his mom her freedom and the gift of travel. But more than that… “I don’t want to stop. I like you, Sadie. A lot. I want to do this with you.”

  His mom had planted doubts in his head that held him back. There was more he could say, more he would say if this situation wasn’t half concocted. But it must have been enough, because Sadie dropped her head to his chest.

  “We’ll go on more dates,” he said, and smoothed his hands up and down her back. “We’ll keep kissing.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

  Sadie shuddered out a sigh. “Okay.”

  Jake felt better already. “We just won’t ever enter the storeroom alone together.”

  “Definitely not.” Sadie laughed. “We’ll save the hot and heavy for outside The Wanderlust.”

  Jake felt immeasurably better. He liked that idea a lot.

  Mid-evening, Sadie slid behind the counter, where Rita was refilling the coffee machine. Her customers seemed to be content for the moment, and given that this was Friday night, this might be her only chance. Sadie knew she had to say something to Rita herself if she was going to have any chance of feeling better about all this.

  “Rita?” Sadie waited for Rita to look at her. “I’m really sorry about yesterday. It won’t happen again.”

  Rita crossed her arms and leveled a look at Sadie. “Are you two thinking better of dating, then?”

  Sadie cringed. “No. I meant we’ll keep things appropriate—professional—at work.”

  Rit
a nodded but held Sadie’s eyes. “It’s awfully hard to give advice when I love both of you, but I’m worried about you. Jake is a good man, but…”

  Rita was worrying about Jake’s staying power. No different than Sadie’s own concerns.

  “I know, Rita.” Sadie reached out and squeezed Rita’s arm. “I know exactly who he is, how he operates, and exactly what I’m getting into.” She took a deep breath. “I made this choice with my eyes wide open.”

  Rita blew out a breath and uncrossed her arms. “Okay, then,” she said, and gave Sadie a quick, hard hug.

  The relief was so great that Sadie’s eyes welled up.

  After that, despite a steadily darkening sky outside, Sadie walked more lightly through the rest of her shift. Rita acted like Rita. Jake was flirty Jake again. Sadie still had the usual worries, but Rita’s blessing made all the difference.

  Sadie thought about what she’d told Rita. She had gone into this eyes wide open. She knew Jake would eventually leave. She expected to get her heart broken. But she’d purposefully dipped a toe into this because she wanted the chance to be with him. To experience what she’d fantasized about for so long. Whether it ended well or didn’t, she wanted this experience and believed it would help her move forward.

  Sadie knew she’d been holding back. She hadn’t been sure, had needed time to acclimate to this new reality.

  Okay, fine, she was scared.

  But if you were going to do a thing, it made no sense to do it halfway. Now was the time to strip off her life vest—maybe her clothes, too—and jump in with two feet.

  If nothing else, she’d seize life and love for a while. Really, fully experience it with all her heart, if only she was brave and bold enough.

  A few minutes later, Sadie pushed into the kitchen with a ticket for a table of six and clipped it up. Jake was turned away from the grill, and she watched the play of his muscles under his dark t-shirt as he worked. When he turned around, his face was flushed with heat under that red bandana. His eyes lit with pleasure at discovering her standing so close.