Chapter 115

Mercifully,the movie ended, and Claire called it a night.

Dana began collecting the dishes, but Jake intervened, tossing them unceremoniously into the trash before sweeping Dana off her feet.

"Jake!" Dana laughed, doing her best to keep her voice down as Jake carried her to his bedroom. "We can't do this here."

"Nope, I waited through not one, but two terrible movies. You said this is what you want and there's no take backs."

Hand to her chest, she pretended to be offended. "Ghostbusters is not terrible."

"It is when it's standing between you and the woman of your dreams."

Dana practically swooned. Lord help her. She was no match for Jake Shepard when he turned on the charm. "I'm the woman of your dreams?"

"And beyond," he crooned, wrapping his arms around her waist, and pulling her in for a kiss, which quickly escalated until she pulled away, panting for air. "Wait," she breathed against his neck as he pinned her to the wall, her legs hitched around his waist.

She could see it took herculean effort, but Jake stopped, dropping his forehead against her shoulder as he tried to regain control. "Having regrets already?" he asked.

She knew he was being sarcastic, but she knew him well enough to realize there was always a bit of truth in his jabs.

Dana grabbed Jake's face with both hands, relishing the feel of stubble against her palms. "Jake, I have no regrets when it comes to you."

His stormy gaze bore into hers. "But?"

"But maybe we should take it slow?"

A broad smile spread across his face. "Dana, I don't think it's possible for two people to move any slower than we have."

She laughed. "Okay, you're right. But what about Claire?"

Jake nuzzled her neck. "I thought we cleared that up."

"We did, but she's in the next room. Don't you think we should tell her first?"

Jake suddenly shifted positions, hauling Dana over his shoulder like a fireman. "Let's go wake her up and tell her right now!"

"Jake!" Dana smacked his ass, trying to contain her laughter. "Put me down, I'm serious."

Relenting, he dropped her carefully onto the bed and took a seat next to her. Jake threaded his fingers through hers and sweetly kissed Dana's hand. "Tell me how you want to handle it."

Dana bit her lip, fighting the tornado of butterflies in her stomach. "Let's tell her tomorrow morning."

"Okay. What does that mean for tonight?" he asked.

Dana unleashed a grin that made her face hurt. "It means, take me to bed or lose me forever."

Jake's eyes glowed with desire. "Did you just quote my favorite movie?"

Dana nodded, unable to stop smiling.

"Just when I didn't think I could love you more," Jake whispered, scooping Dana into his arms.