Loving Jacob (Breathless 5)

“That’s what I’ve been saying all along, but it’s the truth cousin. I just have to live with it. That’s why I’m fixing my house back up—if that gives you indication of how close Jacob is to getting me back,” I said as I dropped a laundry basket down on my bed and began folding my clothes and putting them into the drawers. “Enough about me and my woes. Tell me what’s going on with you. Are you still babysitting for that sexy boss of yours, Matt?” Tasha had sent me a picture of Matt to show me the man who was paying her enough money to buy a small community for babysitting his nephew.

“You know I’m still working for Matt. Why would I leave him? Girl, that man is going to need the sheriff to kick me out, and I’ll still be holding on to the doorpost as they try to push me out the door, screaming ‘no, don’t fire me!’”

I laughed harder than I had in a while, imaging Tasha acting up about having to leave Matt.

“I’ve made more money babysitting than I have writing or any other job that I have done in my life,” she continued.

“Why is it that when you talk about him I get this feeling that the money isn’t the only thing keeping you there?” I pressed.

“Huh?”

“Oh, now you’re dumbfounded,” I snickered. “You love to write and working for a high-profile magazine press is your dream job. You never even liked to be around kids before. Now, you’re the best sitter on this side of the map. What’s really going on?”

“That’s not true. I love Junior and Montana, and they are kids,” Tasha said. “As far as the rest of what you said, I plead the fifth.”

“You better plead, because I know how you are with kids, too. Junior and Montana are the first children I have ever seen you not use your three-feet rule on.”

“Yeah, well, maybe it was time for me to change that and let the little creatures in my space. I’ve found so much joy being around Cody; he’s one of the brightest and kindest little boys I know. He’s a lot like his uncle, too.”

“You never did tell me why Matt has custody of him.”

“His parents died in a plane crash, leaving Matt as his custodian. His nanny got deported back to Mexico earlier this year, so Matt needed a babysitter. My friend Dana told me that Matt was looking for a sitter and set me up to meet him, since I was looking for work. Cody and I clicked the first day I went over there, and we’ve gotten close since. It would kill me if I couldn’t be there with him. He’s become such a big part of my life in such a short time,” Tasha said in a sincere tone that melted my heart.

“Whoa, sounds like two men have stolen your heart,” I said.

“No, just Cody. Matt has his own life. That’s why he has me babysitting Cody so much, so he can go out on dates and do whatever he likes. Therefore, no matter how sexy he looks, I’m not falling for the games men like him play.”

“Well, I can’t say that’s a bad idea,” I said.

Jacob’s handsome face flashed through my mind and lingered for far too long. I wondered if I would ever think of being loved without images of his gorgeous smile tormenting my mind.

The ringing doorbell brought my attention back to the phone in my hand.

“Hold on, Tasha, someone is at the door,” I said as I strolled up the hallway.

I peeked through my peephole, and lo and behold the devil stood arrogantly on the other side.

“Why is he back in town already?” I mumbled.

“Who is it, Jacob?” Tasha asked.

“Yeah.” I blew out a loud huff. “He was supposed to be in Utah for another week.”

“I guess he couldn’t stay away from you that long. I’ll let you go talk to your husband, Destiny. And remember what I said earlier.”

“Oh, I will, but this won’t take long. I’ll call you right back.” Determined not to give in to him this time, I ended the call and spoke through the door. “What do you want, Jacob?”

“Let me in. I want to talk to you.”

“No, Jacob. I’m busy. Call me tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? I’m not waiting that long to see you. I’ve been gone three weeks already. Now, let me in, Destiny. It’s cold out here.”

Standing at the door listening to him would only cause me to crumble. I’d probably get lost in his relentless demands, open the door to hear his velvety voice full of promises to make things right, and fall six feet under his mind-numbing kiss, as I had done before. I still had a lot to figure out on my own.

Therefore, I walked toward my bedroom with light, slow steps to finish putting my clothes back in their rightful places. I was determined to rebuild my life the best way I knew how.

Chapter Eleven