Cake: A Love Story Read Online Free

long locks, something told me Jake’s hair was not so much a fashion accessory as it was a protective shield. It gave him a dangerous ‘leave-me-alone’ type vibe.
    As beautiful and talented as he was, even at first glance, it was easy to see why the media would describe him as reserved. There was an unapproachable quality to him...almost like he was daring people to bother him. Jake made me nervous just looking at him. If I weren’t already paired with him, I wouldn’t dare go up and talk to him. In fact I was actively regretting my decision to be his partner for the wedding. He was so far out of my comfort zone.
    Still I couldn’t help but admire his physical attributes. My eyes travelled the length of his body. He was an impressive guy. He had to be around 6’0 feet tall with long legs and a long, lean muscled torso. He took care of himself and was strong and powerful, that much was obvious. His shirt was opened a few buttons exposing a strapping chest as the fabric clung to his sculpted muscles. My body tingled in response. Keep on dreamin’ girl! You’re not even in the same league as this guy.
    Jake’s brother, whom I’d seen at the rehearsal, had gone over to greet him as he propped his guitar against the wall then dropped his bags. After a quick exchange, Jake turned toward all of us in the rehearsal party just as a commotion from the entrance caught his attention. A girl from the restaurant burst through the door and lunged for him. Jake didn’t even flinch, not even when she was inches from grabbing onto his arm. His brother and the restaurant manager simultaneously pulled her back, pushing her from the room. The manager then shut the door on a gaggle of teenagers ready to take the girl’s place.
    I saw a flash of annoyance cross over his face but he immediately masked it. He replaced that second of irritation with a strained smile, like he knew he was being watched and had to put on a show for us. As Jake moved across the room he radiated strength and prominence. He was an imposing figure. I wondered how old he was. From what I remembered about him, we were close in age, but the way he carried himself made him seem so much older. There was a maturity to him that went far beyond his years…and one which could only be borne through living and learning. And there was no doubt in my mind that Jake had lived through more than his fair share. By all accounts, he’d grown up quickly and had learned some pretty tough life lessons at a very young age.
    Jake walked directly over to Mitch and Kate. He hugged his brother and apologized for being late. He then took a step back and shook Kate’s hand, introducing himself. Jake was neutral in his expression but he seemed genuine upon meeting his future sister-in-law. As for poor Kate…well, I had to smile. She was blushing and smiling like a fangirl meeting her idol for the first time. Even though Jake was about to become her brother-in-law, she was still hopelessly star-struck.
    We all were. Jake exuded a dynamic presence. It wasn’t just the fact that he was a beautiful specimen of a man or that he was universally famous; there was something else about him…something that made you feel that you were in the company of someone special. My attraction to him was instantaneous. Of course, a quick glance around the room at all the swooning women told me that I was not the only one having that reaction.
    And something also told me that Jake was well aware of the response he was eliciting from his female admirers. Really he was a bit of a walking contradiction. He may have been a reserved person but he was no shrinking violet. He had the commanding, quiet confidence of a person who knew exactly who he was. All that worrying I’d done about him being introverted or broken was all for naught. If anything, Jake McKallister appeared to be the complete opposite of what I’d imagined. This was a guy who could get any girl in the room and he knew it.
    As Jake turned toward