CHAPTER92
“So, I should just donate it? What I don’t need?” I ask sardonically, really not amused with his lack of care.
“They’re your clothes, mio amore.” He shifts on the floor to pick up another dress, this time having a closer look at it and then looking at me. He’s trying to remember if I’ve ever worn it. I throw him a disdainful look and start throwing items toward the door for donating; this feels so wasteful. I don’t even want to tally up the costs of half of this and, apart from Sarah, I don’t know anyone I can give them to.
“You’ve never worn this?” He raises an eyebrow at me so that I look over at what he’s holding.
“Nope.”
“Why not? It’s nice, kind of cute, yet sexy.” He’s still admiring it and I frown to survey it properly.
“Where would I wear it?” It’s not exactly formal, but it’s not exactly casual. It’s sort of a romantic, floaty dress in a short, flirty style in a lovely deep red shade.
“Take it with us on our trip. Parade around on deck for me in it.” He puts the dress on the bed as though he’s decided it’s coming on the trip, regardless of my view on the matter; sometimes Jake can be exasperating. I can’t argue though; it’s a lovely dress and perfect for a vacation.
“Just the two of us?” I ask warily. I’ve been wondering about this since I agreed, churning it over nervously.
“Not if that makes you uncomfortable; I have friends we could invite. My father’s yacht has six double cabins if you want a crowd.” He’s still looking through the clothes on the floor with a little too much dedication.
Maybe it is the thought of just the two of us alone for two weeks on a boat that’s bothering me. No work to converse over, nothing to distract me from my own mind, no boundaries and rules to keep things in check. I think he’s hit the nail on the head.
“Who would you invite?” I ask.
“Daniel, a couple of the guys I sometimes take trips with, and whoever they want to bring. I was also thinking Leila Huntsberger, that way you could meet Sophie’s new sister.” He cocks his head at me and I smile gratefully. I would really like that a lot.
“So, they’ll all be couples?” I press warily, not sure how this will work.
What if Jake wants to hook up while we’re there?
“Really, Emma?” he sighs, “What do you think I’m going to do? Try and seduce my PA, because we’re surrounded by couples and I’m incapable of abstaining from sex? I may always be trying to flirt with you but I’m not an idiot; I know where the boundaries are, bambina.” He seems exasperated for a moment.
I’m not sure that would be a reason to refuse, if I am being completely honest. I’m just anxious about all the possible outcomes, not having the control or planning.
“No, it’s just … it will be awkward.” I don’t look at him, just keep sorting random clothes from the pile. Jake has stopped and is leaning against my bed watching me.
“Why?”
“They might think we’re …” I hesitate and catch his eye. His relaxed pose accentuates that upper body mass and I glance away quickly, always caught off guard by my own hormones.
“Who cares what they think? I don’t give a shit what anyone thinks, Emma. I need a break and so do you. Stop overthinking and just agree. Besides, they’re my friends; they’ll know right away that we’re not screwing.” He slides his hands behind his head, frowning at me and shrugging a little angrily.
“Okay, for God’s sake.” I put my hands up in defeat; he’s so grouchy tonight. Then I throw him an apologetic look before saying, “Don’t laugh, Jake, but I don’t own anything I could wear on a beach or a yacht.” His face breaks into the biggest smile I’ve ever seen."
