A Heart of Gold

Chapter 19

A watercolor rainbow swirls around the bottom of the large utility sink and disappears down the drain. I watch the paint seep into the cracks in my skin when I squeeze the globby paintbrushes under the stream of warm water. The late afternoon sun shines on my back through the tall windows as I stand elbow deep in the sink in the back corner of the cafeteria.

The calming colors do little to soothe my body that is still tingling from Harry's hundred texts last night. I had to sneak them beside Lina and read his complaints about the state I left him in, his inappropriate craving for cupcakes with frosting and all the naughty things he wants to do to me the very next time were alone.

I absently flick the wet brushes against the side of the sink and check my watch for the third time. He's been at the studio all day with the whole crew but will be here right at 6 to pick me up and I'm counting the minutes.

A warm hand silently settles on my hip. A wave of heat to rolls through me and I can feel my face flush. He snakes his arm around my waist and my heart rockets in my ribcage but my wet hand flies to my chest when I turn and meet blue eyes instead of green. I gasp and knock my hip against the corner of the sink trying to back up and create some space, but Jake doesn't move. "Gotcha," he whispers, and then chuckles.

"Jake!" I exhale loudly, my hands dripping on the floor. I watch a small puddle form by my feet while I try to regain my breath.

He still hasn't moved from my space, only the to-go coffee cup in his hand between us. "You've been so busy, so I've brought the coffee shop to you." he says with a smile.

I have to stretch awkwardly past him to snap a rough paper towel from the dispenser on the wall. I dry my hands and walk him by his biceps away from me. He takes my hand and pushes the steaming cup into it.

"Thank you, Jake, I just..." and I push him back a few more steps.

"Oh." He realizes how close he is and his eyes go wide. "Oooh! I'm so sorry, Lynn!" and he backs up even more.

Sebastian, bouncing on his toes beside his dad scampers off, sensing that he can take advantage of a few extra minutes of play while his dad is occupied.

I didn't see him come over, but suddenly I can feel Harry standing behind me.

"Hi, I'm Harry. Don't think we've met."

His arm brushes mine when he reaches to extend his hand to Jake. He grasps it. Both men shake firmly and hold each other's stare. Neither smiles.

"Jack, is it?"

"It's Jake."

Neither has blinked.

I swallow. "Umm... Harry, this is Sebastian's dad."

I am standing, frozen, holding the hot coffee. Harry presents himself every part the English gentleman, but I see just the corner of his eye twitch.

Harry lets go first and pulls back, letting Jakes lower his arm to his side. For just a flash I see Jake stretch and flex his fingers before sliding both hands into his front pockets. I look to Harry with wide eyes, but his are still focused on Jake's.

Is he actually jealous?

I almost laugh, it's so ridiculous.

I turn my head to him. I reach out and touch his bicep, trying to draw his eyes to mine. Harry, this is so beneath you I want to say. I let my fingers slide down to his elbow but he doesn't flinch.

Jake clears his throat, rocks back on his heels and says in a tone I've never heard from him before, "So, you're the rock star, huh?"

"Yeah. The rock star." Harry smirks.