Free Blue Twilight by Sarah King

open herself up to something like this again? She knew she could no longer test the waters, so to speak. There would be no further wading into the water until she grew accustomed to it. She was either all in, cannon-ball jump, or not.

 
     
    Chapter 16
     
    Jake couldn’t believe how badly things had gone. He’d known she would be surprised, but he’d kind of hoped that once the shock wore off she would be excited, happy even. Now he had no idea where they stood. He regretted losing his temper when he’d tried to make her understand why he kept his life hidden. The woman really did drive him crazy. Smiling sadly, he glanced over and hoped this was not the last time he’d get to spend time with her. But, he knew the decision was hers. He’d said and done what he could but ultimately, the rest was up to her. Pulling into her driveway, he cut the engine and grabbed her music box from the back seat. When she didn’t make a move to get out, he silently hoped she’d at least invite him inside to talk. He decided to push his luck as he got out and went to open her door. As soon as he did, Lisa launched herself into his arms. Not expecting it, he tumbled backwards, taking her with him.
    “Are you alright?” he asked as he laid her on the grass and checked her for injuries. Lisa, he noted, was laughing hysterically. When he realized she was fine, he scrunched his nose as he asked, “What the hell was that?”
    “Cannon ball,” she whispered right before pulling his mouth to hers.
    Jake’s surprise gave way to warmth as he drew her closer and deepened the kiss. Losing himself, he wrapped a hand in her hair as his tongue met hers. Her soft moan met his ears, and Jake had never heard anything sweeter. Their perfect, intimate bubble was suddenly burst as a car drove by. The driver was leaning on the horn and yelling suggestions about getting a room.
    Quickly sitting up, Lisa brushed a hand across her mouth. “Oops.” She grinned. Wiggling out from under him, she stood and held her hand out to him. “Would you like to come inside?”
    “Give me just a minute,” Jake said lying back on the cool grass. He shut his eyes and heard Lisa giggle above him. Smiling, he peered up at her. “Hey, angel?”
    “Yes?”
    “I like cannon balls.”
    Lisa laughed as she pulled him up and gave him another quick kiss. He didn’t think he’d ever get enough of this beautiful, exasperating woman.
     
    ***
     
    Later, they were curled up on Lisa’s couch with Chinese take-out containers between them. “Not to push my luck,” Jake began as he pushed his aside “But what made you change your mind about me…about us?”
    Taking one last bite of lo mein, Lisa considered his question. “I don’t think I needed to change my mind,” she said honestly. “Once I got past the shock, I thought about things on the drive home.” Pausing, she sipped her diet soda before continuing. “You surprised me, and while I wish you had just told me up front, I understand why you didn’t.” Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage. “The truth is, I really like you, Jake. You took a huge chance revealing your secret to me, and now I’m ready to take a chance on you…on us.”
    Jake crossed an ankle over his knee. “Just like that?”
    “Well, no,” she admitted, tucking her feet beneath her. She blew a few stray hairs out of her face. “I told you, it’s not easy for me to trust you—well, not just you, but anyone. But with you…I don’t know. I think I’m ready to stop living in the past. There’s just something about you that makes it worth the risk.” Lisa had never laid her heart out like this before and even though it terrified her, she was excited to take this leap. “And it has nothing to do with you being Ryder,” she quickly clarified. “I like you , Jake.”
    Leaning over, he took her hand as his gaze met hers. “I like you too, angel. More than I care to admit.” He made a move to kiss her, but Lisa put her hand