The Key Read Online Free Page A

won’t return my phone calls, you disappear, and now you suddenly reappear” throwing her hands in the air, “and tell me you’re sorry and expect everything to be ok?” Placing her hands on her hips, she jutted out her chin accusingly, here eyes flashing with resentment.
    Sighing, he rubbed his forehead with his thumb and index finger, “Anna… I-”
    “You’re forgiven.”
    She jumped forward and, on her tip toes, encompassed him in her small arms, burying her face in his neck and holding him tightly. Stunned, he paused for a moment before wrapping his arms around her and lowering his head- breathing her in. His heart pounded in his chest and he let out a relieved sigh.
    “Anna?” A male voice sounded behind Jake. Anna lifted her head from Jake’s chest and rocked to the side to look around her friend. Jake turned his face and scowled when he saw a dark haired man dressed in an expensive suit watching them with anxious interest.
    “Oh!” She exclaimed, her eyebrows jolting up. She withdrew her arms from Jake and grabbed his hand, pulling him towards the waiting man. Her smile was large and immediate, “Jake-” she paused, looking from Jake’s somber expression to the visage of Mr. Expensive-suit, “This is Ric. Ric-” she turned back to Jake, “this is Jake.”
    Ric raised his eyebrows- obviously familiar with the name- and stuck out his hand, “Oh, Jake- I’ve heard a lot about you.” Anna beamed at Jake, her grin happy and carefree.
    Jake looked at the hand then reluctantly took it in his own for a short grasp-of-war with the well-dressed Ric; “Funny, I’ve never heard of you.”
    Anna laughed and hit him on the shoulder, “Jake- you’ve been gone for six months.” she sighed, shaking her head. She moved from Jake’s side and kissed Ric on the cheek then wiped the lips stick away with her thumb.
    Jake’s eyes narrowed into dangerous slits at the exchange and his sensibilities were gripped by jealousy… very intense jealousy. Jake cleared his throat and looked away from the couple, shoving his hands into his pockets.
    Anna spun to face him, her smile bright and sincere, “Jake- you are never going to believe this: Ric found the key for the chest.”
    Jake opened his mouth to speak, but no words came- the key… Immediately, his fingers connected with the brass key and a wave of regret crashed over him.
    He was too late.
    ~*~
    Jake was lamenting his decision to have dinner with Ric and Anna almost from the start of the evening. He squirmed in his chair every time Ric touched her or gazed at her with that sickeningly sweet smile of his. He figured this must be his penitence for waiting so long… he lost her, lost any chance.
    Jake was searching for an excuse to leave after the first fifteen minutes back at her apartment- she’d disappeared into the kitchen to get herself chocolate milk, leaving Jake and Ric alone in the great room. It would be easier leaving without having to say good bye to them both- seeing them stand as a couple by the door as he departed. He felt like he was going to be sick.
    And to make matters worse, Ric the prick was talking about asking her to marry him- about how they had talked about marriage and both agreed it was a good idea and didn’t he think Anna would be well suited to a comfortable lifestyle. Jake fisted his hands and sat on them, trying to keep his temper under control. This guy was a piece of work.
    But, just as he was about to make his excuses, Ric smiled smugly- his tongue loosened from too much alcohol- and offered, “You want to hear something hilarious?”
    Jake scowled at him and looked toward the kitchen, hoping he would still have enough time to make his exit but wanting to catch a glimpse of her before he left.
    “The funny thing is- I just had the key made.” Ric laughed loudly at his joke, his eyes tearing up with humor.
    Jake’s mouth dropped open in shock as his gaze shifted from the kitchen to the expensive suit in front of him,