Free Time Changes Everything by Melinda Dozier Page A

lightly touched a loose tendril of hair. “We know each other already. We know our interests, our families, our habits. We’ve even kissed before – several times.” The smile in his eyes held a sensuous flame. “It’s a good thing, don’t you think?” Jake let go of her hair. His fingers caressed her face.  “Somehow, you managed to change into this beautiful, sophisticated woman, and at the same time, you’re still my Mandy.”
    Amanda’s heart skipped a beat. She lived in a dream. Either he really knew how to charm women, or there was an ounce of honesty in his feelings.
    “Jake, I–”
    “Hey, you two, the music stopped.” Ryan interrupted them.
    They looked around baffled. A few couples smiled in their direction. Amanda’s cheeks burned.
    “And Santa’s coming if you want to ask for your Christmas present.” Ryan nudged Jake in the ribs.
    “I think my gift’s come early this year.” Jake didn’t take his eyes off Amanda. “Come on. Let’s finish this outside.”
    Jake grasped her hand and escorted her toward the doors that led to the deck. His pace quickened, as if he couldn’t wait to continue where they’d left off. But they were cut off again, this time by a pretty blonde who could barely stand. Jake’s eyebrows shot up in surprise when the woman stepped in front of him, but he held Amanda’s hand tighter.
    “Jakey, you didn’t say hi and you’re leaving already?” The blonde leaned into him and Amanda could smell the liquor on her.
    “Amanda, this is Jeannie.”
    “So, you’re Jake’s date?” She turned away not waiting for an answer. “I thought we’d dance again, Jakey. Like last time.”
    Jake’s mouth dipped into an even deeper frown. “Who’d you come with?”
    Jeannie patted Jake’s chest and smirked at Amanda. “I knew Jake in Dallas. You’re in for a good time tonight.”
    “Jeannie, you’re drunk. We need to find your date.” He shrugged. “Be right back, Mandy. Stay right there.” He left her with the bimbo.
    Another one of his groupies. And apparently, this girl thought Amanda was just like her -- about to have a one-night stand. What scared Amanda most was she actually would have gone through with it. Then, this walking example of what she could become brought her to her senses. She didn’t like it. It made her sick to think she just about became another notch on his bedpost.
    Her ears were ringing as Jake looked around for Jeannie’s escort.
    He knew how to charm a lady, and he’d pulled one over her eyes fast. Something amazing happened all right.  She’d turned into a little naïve, pathetic teenager again. This little charade had to end.
    Nevertheless, when she looked at his concern and determination to find this woman’s date, tenderness entered her heart. Her mind burned with the memory of how he’d stood up for her all those years ago. Her thoughts filtered back to the day he’d beaten up the guy who’d stood her up for Homecoming.
    She swallowed hard, her head spinning. She wanted him; she didn’t want him. Uncertainties overwhelmed her to a point that she stepped outside to get away.  Once she stood on the deck, she tried to let the air wake her senses more. She had no idea what she would do.
    Jake hurried to her side, a little breathless. “Sorry about that. She’s a bit drunk.”
    “I could tell.” Amanda replied.
    “Jeannie only–”
    She held up her hand. “I don’t want to hear it, Jake.”
    “Can we ignore what happened?” Jake leaned toward Amanda with his hands in his pockets.
    “Easy for you to say.” She hated the feelings she had. The harder she tried to resist him, the more attracted she became.
    “We all have a past, Mandy.” He leaned back against the railing. “It sucked meeting that Dominic guy, too.”
    “You’re right. I know you’re right, but it’s all too weird.” Her heart hammered like a drum.
    “Even though we grew up together, there’s still a past we don’t know about each other.” Jake