A Series of Moments Trilogy

Enrique watched their interaction with a great deal of interest. “Do you two know each other?”

“No, not at all,” Lilly blurted, taking another swig of whiskey.

“She’s the most insightful person I’ve ever met; gave me much to think about today,” Jacob retorted.

Lilly closed her eyes, praying that reality would snap back into play. This alternate world was far too off-kilter for her liking.

“Certainly sounds like you know each other,” Enrique muttered, leaning back against the booth.

“We met today, just a few hours ago,” Lilly retorted. How much longer until she could make her escape?

“Enrique, darling, what are you doing here?” A tall blonde stood at the edge of the booth, a broad smile splitting her face.

Enrique’s eyes widened. He was definitely not expecting this woman. “Emma, what a surprise. When did you get back to London?”

“I came back early, tried calling your flat, but there was no answer. I hoped we might grab a late dinner, but I see you’ve already eaten.” She suddenly realized there were other people at the table, and her jaw slackened when she saw Jacob. “My goodness, you look exactly like—”

“Jacob Edmonton?”

“Yes, a dead ringer,” Emma laughed, shaking her head.

“I suppose I would resemble him.” Jacob slid further into the booth, his body now pressed against Lilly.

Lilly watched the interaction, her breath halting when Jacob’s fingers brushed her thigh. Figures, now the damn fireworks show up.

“Oh my word, you are Jacob Edmonton. My apologies. I’m a huge fan.” Emma held out her lithe, manicured hand. The woman had never done a day’s hard labor in her life.

“Pleased to meet you.”

The blonde’s eyes moved to Lilly, an uncertain smile on her lips. “I assume you’re Jacob’s wife? My name is Emma.”

Lilly wanted to die right at that very moment. “I most certainly am not!”

Jacob turned and shot her a startled look; apparently, he wasn’t used to women not wanting to be his significant other. Then an impish smile crossed his face, and Lilly knew she was in trouble. “Now, darling, don’t forget our earlier discussion. You shouldn’t be ashamed of our relationship.”

Lilly’s eyes were as big as saucers, slack-jawed after his statement. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Jacob turned to Emma, smiling at the blonde as he slipped an arm around Lilly’s shoulders. “She’s shy around strangers.”

Enrique scoffed, his face marred with a frown. Lilly wasn’t sure if he was angry about Emma’s sudden appearance, Jacob’s charade, or both. “Will you excuse me for a moment? I need to speak with Emma.”

“Certainly.” Lilly forced a smile, wishing she was anywhere but next to Jacob Edmonton.

“I’ll take good care of Lilly,” Jacob whispered, squeezing Lilly’s shoulder.

It was time to go. Enough of this arrogant prick and his mind games. “You are such an asshole.”

Jacob smirked, sipping his whiskey. “Is that your pet name for me, Luv? I just want you to be true to your feelings.”

Lilly considered dousing him with her remaining whiskey, glass, and all. Anything to remove that smirk from his mouth. His luscious, gorgeous mouth. Or…she could play his game and up the ante.

Turning in her seat, she curled her lips in a smile, running her hand along his jaw. His beard was surprisingly soft under her fingers, but it was the light in his eyes that pushed her forward with the farce. “You’re right, darling. We’ve kept our feelings secret long enough.”

“I’m so glad you agree,” Jacob murmured, his hand clasping her thigh.

“I more than agree. I think it’s time to take it to the next level.” Lilly moved closer to that spectacular mouth as her eyes drifted close, starting when their mouths connected.

Lilly’s mind reeled. She hadn’t planned on actually kissing him. Her lips weren’t that close to his mouth…unless Jacob leaned into the kiss, too. And that was not the reaction she expected.

His lips were soft and warm, and for an instant, she forgot everything beyond that kiss, beyond their physical connection.

Jacob’s mouth opened as his hand tightened on her thigh. He took her bottom lip between his teeth, and Lilly gasped.

This was moving into unfamiliar territory and quick. Lilly snapped back to reality and pulled away, a triumphant smirk on her face. “Sorry darling, I’m not quite there yet.”

Jacob’s eyes flew open, shooting darts at her as she finished her whiskey, but he quickly regained his composure. “Something we must work on, sweetheart.” His hand squeezed her thigh, his fingers trailing upwards along her leg.

Lilly gasped as she tossed his hand away, noting his smile and the glint in his eye. This man was enjoying the hell out of this game, and he wanted the last word. Fine, let him have it. She had proven her point, whatever it was.

Jacob leaned back against the booth, a genuine smile crossing his lips. “Touché, Lilly.”

Lilly smiled and shrugged. “Two can play your game. You didn’t invent it, you know.”