“Figured there was a chance. A big chance.”
He moved closer, then stopped, hesitation creasing his handsome features. She suddenly noticed that his face was clean-shaven. Not a hint of stubble, not even a five o’clock shadow. And for once, he wasn’t wearing jeans. Black trousers encased his long legs, and his sky-blue button-down didn’t boast a single wrinkle. Was it a new shirt?
Does it really matter?
Bree dragged her brain out of the gutter. Right. Who cared if he’d bought a new shirt? There were more pressing concerns at the moment—like what on earth he was doing here.
“How’s the case going?” Jake asked, glancing at the mountain of files on her desk.
“Good. The defense is still presenting its evidence, but they should wrap up tomorrow and then I’ll get a chance to state my case. I’m hoping that—” She stopped abruptly, growing frustrated. “Did you really come all the way to Denver to ask me about my job?”
He slowly shook his head.
“Then why are you here, Jake? We haven’t seen or spoken to each other in almost a month.”
Regret flashed in his eyes. “I know. I would have come sooner, but I figured actions speak louder than words. I wanted to get my shit together before I came begging for a second chance.”
Bree ignored the rush of warmth that flooded her belly. Feigning indifference, she cocked her head and said, “Is that why you’re here? For a second chance?”
“Yes,” he said simply.
He closed the distance between them, and the scent of his aftershave tickled her nostrils. She found herself backing away, until her ass bumped against the desk, but Jake just moved closer.
“I’m sorry about the way I acted at your parents’ house. I’m sorry I embarrassed you, and even more than that, I’m sorry I disappointed you.” His voice became gruff. “You were right.”
“About what?” she murmured.
“Everything.” Shame flickered across his face. “People in town expect me to be an asshole, so I act like it instead of trying to prove them wrong. I avoid responsibility, I’m scared of commitment, I don’t open up to anyone. Really, I’m just a big fucking child.”
Her lips twitched.
“But not anymore,” he said, sounding confident. “I’ve decided to grow up, Bree, and I think I’ve made some real headway. I accepted the job on the base, I’ve got a house in Colorado Springs, I even bought furniture.” Amusement danced in his gorgeous eyes. “And get this—you’ll totally be proud of me—I’m taking cooking classes.”
The smile reached her mouth. “Wow. I have to say, I’m shocked.”
“But there’s just one thing missing,” he said softly. “One thing that every grown man should have in his adult life.”
Her throat tightened. “Yeah, and what’s that?”
“A woman who loves him.”
His quiet answer hung in the air and brought another flood of heat to her belly. The sincerity in his eyes made her want to throw her arms around him, but she resisted the urge. Jake might be radiating this new sense of maturity, but he’d still acted like a total jerk and she wasn’t ready to hand over her forgiveness until she knew without a doubt that he wasn’t screwing her around.
As if reading her mind, Jake chuckled and said, “I know it’ll take a lot more than heartfelt words to show you that I’ve changed. Don’t worry, I’ve got a whole plan of action ready to go.”
She had to laugh. “You do?”
He nodded. “First, I’m going to say some more heartfelt things. And after you’ve agreed to give me another chance, I’m going to prove to you that I can be the kind of man you deserve. Dates, dinners, flowers, whatever it takes, Bree.” The arrogance that both thrilled and aggravated her made an appearance. “Sweetheart, I’m going to prove that I’m boyfriend material, and once I convince you of that, I’ll prove that I’m husband material, and then, you know, daddy material.”
This time her laughter lasted for several long moments. “I see. So this action plan of yours consists of us not only dating, but getting married and having babies.”
He grinned. “And your father said I had no ambition, huh?”
Her humor dissolved into uncertainty. “Where is this coming from? Why are you so determined for us to give it another shot?”
“Because I love you.”
All the air left her lungs. “You love me,” she echoed.
“I love you,” he confirmed. “You keep me real, Bree. You…soothe me. I know, it sounds weird, but I swear, when we’re together, I feel…at peace. Like I’m right where I’m supposed to be.”
She knew the feeling. In the twelve years since she’d graduated high school, she hadn’t met anyone who made her feel the way Jake did. He was the only man she’d ever felt truly comfortable with, in and out of bed.