A knock sounds at my front door and I open it to find Jake and a little girl. A kid? He has a kid? Isn’t that something that normally comes up pretty quickly? I’m utterly shocked and have no idea what to do at this point.

“Can we come in?” Jake is looking at me with furrowed brows not understanding my confusion. I move to the side, and the two of them walk past me. I shut the door and face them. “Nina, this is Grace. Grace, this is my friend, Nina.

“She’s pretty, Unkey Jake” The little blond headed girl beams at me, before running away and plopping on the couch. I look at Jake in confusion waiting for him to explain to me what is going on.

“Hey, sorry about the little surprise. Grace is my friend Mason’s daughter, and he got caught up in traffic. I told him I would grab her from school and watch her ‘til he gets home.” Thank God she isn’t his kid. Don’t get me wrong she is cute and all, but I am so not down to play Mommy Dearest.

“No problem. I don’t know that I have much to keep her entertained, though.” He crooks his head at me before nodding his head over to the couch. Grace has already found some princess show and is sufficiently mesmerized by it. “Okay, never mind.” He takes my hand and walks us into the kitchen. There are a few grocery bags on the counter. I didn’t even notice them, I must have been distracted by the possible Maury episode that walked through my door. He is NOT the father; I laugh to myself and Jake looks over at me. “What’s in the bag?”

“I picked up some things to make dinner. I figure showing you I can cook is just another way I can hook you even more.”

“Even more? Who says you hooked me at all?” I turn around to make a sassy exit when his hands grab my hips. He turns me toward him, his lips softly pressing against mine.

“I’ve had you hooked since my indecent exposure.” He winks at me before starting to search through my cabinets. I’m about to offer him help when he lifts some pots and pans onto the counter. “Now get out of here so I can start on my panty dropping pasta sauce.”

My eyes widen as I cough choking on my sip of water. “Your what?”

“My perfect pasta sauce. What did you think I said? You might need to get your hearing checked, Sparky.” He laughs before turning away from me and taking ingredients out of the bag.

I have my work cut out with him. I shuffle uncomfortably into the living room and sit down near Grace. I have no idea what to say. Hey, any new drama in Barbie land?

“That’s Sofia. She’s a pincess.” I smile the way she says the words.

“That’s cool. Princesses are awesome.” I’m so awkward. I notice a doll she has in her hand it has long blond hair just like mine. “What is your doll’s name?”

“This is Carly; she’s my best friend.” I stand up and almost run into the bathroom. Her doll’s name is Carly. I lean against the cool tile and look up toward the sky. Is this a sign, Car? Are you telling me it’s okay?

A knock at the door makes me jump. “Nina, you okay?”

“Yeah, just an emergency.” Real smooth. Now he probably thinks I’m in here dropping bombs.

“Um, okay, just wanted to make sure you were okay.” I hear footsteps walk away.

How embarrassing! I look in the mirror, and my face is beet red. This night could not get any worse, I swear to God. I peel myself off the wall and decide to brave going outside. I try to walk into the kitchen like I didn’t just tell him I was taking a huge shit, and then I eat shit. My foot catches on the lip of the kitchen and I fly face first onto the floor. Fuck my life.

“Nina!” Jake is sitting on the floor next to me, helping me sit up. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” No. I’m not okay. My face hurts so bad, but I’m trying to keep from crying like a little bitch on top of all the other embarrassing shit.

“Shit, it looks like you hit your face good, that might leave a mark.”

Of course, it will.

Chapter Ten

Nina

It looks like an elephant stomped on my face. I stare at my reflection in absolute horror. The entire left side of my face is bright red and already starting to turn all sorts of funky colors. I really can’t win. I take a deep breath and walk back out to check on Jake, this time making sure not to break my face, again.

“So, anything I can help with?”

“Um, I don’t know that letting you near knives or the stove is a good idea right now.” He laughs. Yeah, it’s damn funny. Fine. Grace makes better company anyway. I walk into the living where she is still watching her princesses. “How is Sofia doing?”

“Her bunny is silly!” Grace laughs and then looks over at me. “What happen to your face?” Thanks, kid.

“I uh, I fell.”

“Were your eyes closed? Oh, Daddy says you should always watch where you walk.” I just got schooled by a three year old. Awesome.

There is a knock at the door, so I head over to answer it. When I open it, the most intimidating guy I have ever seen is standing there. He is dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, both of which are filthy. “Hey, we had that leak fixed last week. I called the super and told him.” I move to close the door when his hand reaches out to stop it. My heart starts to race. “Jake!” I don’t know what the hell this guy wants, but I need some backup.

“Hey, what’s going on?” I hear him say as he approaches. “Grace, Daddy’s here!” Daddy? Shit, this is Jake’s friend. I look like a total bitch.

Grace runs past me as he bends down to scoop her up. “Thanks for taking her, Jake.” He looks over at me. “Glad to hear there’s no leak. See ya later.”

“Bye, Nina! Bye, Unkey Jake!” Grace is waving wildly, I wave back before closing the door.

Maybe her doll wasn’t a sign, maybe the fact that nothing is going right tonight is the real sign. I lean against the door and let out a moan of frustration.

“You okay, Sparky?” I look over at him.

“Just peachy keen. I mean, I busted my face, and then assumed your friend was the hired help. I’m just waiting to see what other ways I can make an ass out of myself tonight.” I run my hands through my hair in aggravation.

“Well, you do have a nice ass.” I give him a pointed look to let him know flattery will get him nowhere. “Chill out, dinner is done.” He walks toward me with two plates in his hand. “Table or couch?”

“Definitely couch.” I take the plate from him and thank him. Whatever this is it smells amazing. My plate is full of spaghetti and some sort of orange sauce. “What kind of sauce is this?”

“That’s a secret. Just call it Jake Juice.” What he says hits him, and I can see his face redden. I start to laugh and place the plate on the end table.

“I do not think that I am at a point in our, whatever this is, to eat Jake Juice.” He glares at me before joining me in laughter.

“It’s vodka sauce, just eat it.” With his ego officially wounded he grabs the TV remote shutting off the cartoons Grace left on.

I take a bite and it is delicious. “Where the hell did you learn to cook like this?”

“My mom always told me that a man that can cook is a man a woman would never kick out of bed. Wanna test that theory?” He wags his eyebrows at me, and I gently kick him with my foot. “Don’t start something you can’t finish.” There is a challenge in his eyes, and it excites me.

I wait a minute before kicking him once more; I catch him off guard though, and his fork slips smearing sauce all over his cheek. He looks over at me, and I start to laugh again.

Before I know it, my plate is being taken out of my hands and Jake is on top of me. I wriggle to try and get away but end up flat on my back his hands holding mine above my head. “This is funny?” he asks with a dare in his question.

“Hilarious.” I’m taunting him.

“You asked for it.” He dips his head and I think he is going to kiss me, my heart speeds up as he closes in. Then he turns his face wiping sauce all over my nose and forehead.