Page 53 of Off Limits
He walks down the porch steps, hands inside his pockets. ‘I was beginning to think you weren’t gonna show.’
I force my fingers apart and point behind me. ‘Sorry. I got lost somewhere back there. Took a wrong turn.’
‘So… you got my note?’
I nod my head once. I’m not sure I should confess how many times I’ve read it. ‘I got it.’
He looks more nervous than I do. ‘Would you like to come inside?’
‘Sure.’
My phone is switched off, hidden away in the glove. I close and lock my car door and my lips twitch when I try not to smile.
‘After you,’ he says, holding out one hand.
I go ahead and climb the porch steps, walk through the open door. Inside, the cabin has wood floor, walls and beams. The décor is pretty, yet sparse, a set of deer horns mounted above a fireplace. There’s a large brown couch with pillows.
‘How did you find this place?’ I ask.
‘Oh. Uh. It’s a rental. I paid up front. Got the keys for a couple’ months.’
I can’t conceal my surprise, because that says to me that he plans on making this a regular interlude. Unless he plans on inviting anybody else up here.
‘Uh, are you hungry?’ Jake asks. He clears his throat as he closes the front door behind us. ‘I brought Chinese food. Do you like Chinese food?’
‘Sure,’ I say lightly, though if I’m honest I barely ever order takeout because it’s too expensive. ‘What did you order?’
One hand goes to the back of his neck. ‘I got, uh… I didn’t know what you’d like so I just ordered a variety of stuff. Kung Pao chicken, spring rolls, chilli wontons, firecracker spicy beef… that sorta thing. You’re not a vegetarian, are you?’
‘No, I’m not.’
‘No nut allergies?’
‘No, I’m good.’
‘Can I get you a drink? A beer? A soda?’
‘Soda’s fine. Thanks.’
‘Do you like Dr Pepper?’
‘Sure.’
‘Have a seat, I’ll be right out.’
I pull off my jacket. He takes it and hangs it beside the door. I notice the beads of sweat at his temple. It’s not warm in here, so my guess is he’s nervous.
I sit down and wait. He comes back with my drink, then disappears again. I check my watch. I probably have about ninety minutes before I’m gonna need to head back into the city, and the thought leaves me a little miserable inside.
I can hear him heating food in the microwave. We don’t really talk as Jake brings all the dishes out onto the table. I like that he’s made so much effort.
‘Thank you for this,’ I say as he pulls me out a chair.
There it is: the hint of a smile. ‘Guess I’m always tryna get you to eat.’
He takes a seat on the opposite side of the table, and I help myself to a small plate of food. He waits for me before serving himself.
‘So, did you take Lemon out?’ I ask as we start to eat.
