Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

Jake pulled the chair out for me and I scooted into the cushioned seat.

“Gorgeous day.” He mused at the scenery.

“It is.” I pulled a bottle of chilled cider from the bucket. Jake never drank during the day. He said it gave him too much of a buzz.

I offered him a glass before filling my own.

“Remember when I first found this house?” I asked.

He smiled. “I think I found it for you.”

“Ok, remember when you found this house?”

He nodded. “Two years ago?”

“Yes. It was.”

I was headed somewhere. I just didn’t know if I could take Jake with me. I didn’t know if he was capable anymore of being the friend I used to have. But ever since the CYA nominations, it was as if a part of that man had re-emerged. The part that had drawn me to him.

He laughed. “I think we ordered pizza and ate in one of your dining rooms on the floor.”

“And the power went out on us because I forgot to call the power company.”

He chuckled. “Who buys a million-dollar house and forgets to turn the power on?” His eyes sparkled.

“I guess that would be me.” I giggled.

We had bought sleeping bags and crashed in a guestroom together. The furniture delivery was still a week off from when I closed on the house, but Jake and I were so excited about it we didn’t wait for furniture. We didn’t care there wasn’t a dining room set or any beds.

“So much has happened since then.” I turned to look at him.

“Yep. I’m having lunch with country’s reigning country music queen.”

“Oh, you’ve elevated me from princess to queen? I had no idea.”

“After where you started, I’ll give you the title.”

And that’s when my stomach clutched. The sick twisted game Jake played was between us.

“We’ve been so busy I feel like I have no idea what’s going on in your life. Tell me what’s going on,” I pried. I had to stay on track with my idea. My life with Luke depended on this.

“The usual. I’ve been running my ass off booking you for the awards. We’re so close.”

“I don’t mean work.” I smiled shyly. “You. Tell me what you’re doing. Are you seeing anyone?”

He shifted uncomfortably. “What are you getting at, Lex?”

“Nothing.” I shrugged. “We used to be close. We used to tell each other everything. I miss that.”

“You do?”

“I think we would work better together again if we were friends, Jake. I don’t like the animosity. It’s wearing me down. It’s got to be getting to you too.”

He picked at the chicken salad. “Where is this going? I know you don’t care about my personal life.”

“Do you care about mine? Not because of work, but because you used to be my friend?”

He rubbed his smooth jaw. “I’m always going to care.”