Secrets And Hearts

. Is it wrong to want both love and security? Am I being selfish? I think about my family, my mom and my younger siblings relying on me. Jake's offer

cole knocked and came in almost immediately since the door

on? You look like you'r

out life, you know? Trying to figure some things out." Nicol

ve been distant lately. Is ever

ng is okay. It's just.....my boss Jake.

u can't seriously be considering this. You're

your feelin

a new TV," Sophia said, t

ew TV? Really? That's not what

what's going on with your boss? You

muttered under her breath a

no see," Nicole said

le. "Hey!, Yeah, been

ed, her tone polite but slightly reserved,

phia's hands. "Oh, nice of you, Jake. Anyway, I

Has Sophia been telling me the whole story?" Nicole thought to herself, h

e space," she said, quickly standing up and grabbi

look before heading out the door, leavin

Sophia, who was busy examining the contents of the shopping bag. "So, how's y

all the time anybody can walk in without knoc

f defensiveness in her tone. "I know, I know, yo

ned in to give him a gentle hug. "Thanks for looking out for me," she sai

together as they held each other t

you so much

she replied, her voice

would," Jake admitted,

ed softly.

pulling away slightly. "Wan

lied, smiling. "What

She asked, already head

ollowing her. "I'll start boiling

Jake asked, peeking over Sophia's sho

's a family secret, but I might consi

handy in the kitchen," he s

with amusement. "Thanks, I think

d and handed

ectricity. Jake's eyes met hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each oth

more seasoning." He reached around Sophia to grab the spice rack, his arm brushing

nding shivers down her spine. They exchanged a glance,

y, I should get this," she said, breaking the spell. She glanced a

interruption brought Sophia back to reality, but she couldn't shak

e the video call with Jake standing right there. Alex's cheerful voice came through the phone, asking

ession questioning. "Everything

heeks. "Yeah, everything's fine,"

ly sound being the simmering sa