Lily took another aggressive bite of her sandwich, trying to regain the dignity life kept stealing from her. But her brain wouldn't stop replaying Emma's words.
He likes you.
She squinted at her cup of coffee like it personally offended her.
(Does Jacob Cross LOOK like someone capable of romantic feelings? His resting face is a corporate warning sign.)
[ Host, data suggests a 73% spike in male lead attention toward you since the "tiny puppy boy" incident. ]
"Shh," Lily whispered to the table.
Emma blinked. "Are you talking to your coffee again?"
"No! I—uh—was calling it… stupid. Because it's… bitter."
Smooth. Very smooth.
Emma gave her a long, knowing look. "Anyway. If Alfred Hale is involved, Jacob is definitely bothered."
"Why?" Lily demanded. "Alfred literally treats me like an acting project."
Emma held her cup, voice dry. "Yes, and Jacob definitely saw it that way too."
"…Right…"
Lily mentally replayed Jacob's face when Alfred touched her shoulder.
His gaze.
Cold.
