Maybe he could be kind of traditional and even a little rigid… but he didn’t see that as a bad thing either. The army had instilled a lot of discipline in him and he’d thrived in the regimented lifestyle. Being out had him at a bit of a loss. Life was messier now, and Sharon was the messiest person he’d ever met in a lot of ways. He didn’t understand why he was so drawn to her, but he was willing to enjoy it while it lasted.

Fighting his attraction had gotten pretty old, if he was being honest. Sure, they wouldn’t work as a couple, but she seemed down for enjoying the chemistry between them while it lasted. And it was a hell of a lot more fun than constantly bickering with her.

Seeing his parents just confirmed that Sharon wasn’t the right type of woman for him. Maybe it was weird, but he wanted a woman who was just as classy, calming, and put together as his mom (not that he’d ever say so out loud, it sounded a little too Oedipal). His mom was awesome and he was just like his dad in a lot of ways. His parents were old-school and Jake knew he wanted a relationship like theirs.

Although, he could do without his mom’s obsession with getting him married off.

“So, are you seeing anyone?” she asked. It was the second thing she’d said to him after hello and kissing him on the cheek.

Behind her, his father chuckled. “At least let the boy in the door before you start the inquisition, Wendy.”

Sighing, his mother stepped aside so Jake could give his dad a hug and greeting. Unfortunately, she was only delayed, not deterred.

“So?” she asked, putting her hands on her hips and peering up at him. The blue eyes that both he and Lexie had inherited were piercing, demanding an answer from him.

Jake groaned as his father laughed again and then abandoned Jake, making his way back to his chair and whatever show he was currently watching. Okay, so Jake’s mother wasn’t perfect.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone,” he said, deliberately pushing the memory of raven hair and luscious curves out of his mind. There was no way his mom would understand the idea of ‘fuck buddies,’ and even if she did, it wasn’t an appropriate topic to talk about with his mother. “Isn’t the fact that one of us is getting married enough for you?”

She harrumphed, giving him one of her patented motherly looks as she turned away, heading back toward the kitchen. Whatever she was making smelled amazing. Any other time Jake would join her in there, because he found cooking to be relaxing, but considering her current line of inquiry... He made his way over to sit in the armchair opposite his dad instead.