“I’m sorry, I don’t think that’s something,” I stammer over my words. “Jacob …” I clear my throat and continue, “Jake, I hope I didn’t give you the wrong impression.” I suck in a breath and push the stray hairs out of my face.

“It’s nothing at all that you did, I just,” he pauses to take a deep breath and smiles before letting out a small laugh. “It was stupid of me. I’m sorry, Kat. I just thought maybe there was a little attraction on your side?” he asks although it’s a statement.

“Jake, I’m …” I want to say married, taken, in love with another man. The last line would be true. I’ll always love Evan, and nothing will ever change that.

“I thought maybe you would like some company,” he states, tilting his head as he leans against the wall. The muscles on his shoulders ripple as he does it. “I went through something a bit ago and I know I could use a distraction.”

A distraction would be nice. I can’t help that the thought makes me more relaxed each second that passes.

His half smile and gentle sigh are what do me in as he shrugs and slips his hands into his pockets. “I thought maybe you needed someone. Or that you’d like the company.” He’s even more handsome when he looks at me like that. It’s a look that makes me feel warmth running through me. Compassion and understanding.

I’ve never been so tempted in my life. I so desperately need someone. I need someone to pick me up and force me to think about something else, because I’m a hopeless wreck.

“It’s very sweet of you and I won’t lie,” I start to say and then hesitate to finish the thought, but settle on the basic truth. “I wouldn’t act on anything because I just can’t right now. I would never forgive myself and it wouldn’t be fair to you.” My words are rushed at the end, trying to defend my decision and assuage me of the guilt I’m feeling.

“Hey,” Jacob says with an easy tone that breaks through the anxiety washing over me. His reassuring voice forces me to look into his gentle gaze. It’s comforting and relaxing and makes me not trust myself. “How about this? How about you call me if you think you want to hang out or talk, or whatever it is that’s on your mind?” he asks in a soothing tone that’s almost melodic. It calms me, each word a consoling balm to the hurt that rages through my body.