Sam spent the rest of the week in a daze, counting down the hours until her dinner with Jake. She'd agreed to dinner as friends, but she knew that she was playing with fire. The attraction between them was still there, and she wasn't sure if she could keep her feelings in check.
On the night of the dinner, Sam got ready with a mix of excitement and nerves. She chose a simple yet elegant dress, did her hair, and applied a light layer of makeup. When Jake arrived at her doorstep, she felt a flutter in her chest.
Jake looked handsome in his dark jeans and a light blue shirt that brought out the color of his eyes. He smiled as he handed her a bouquet of flowers, and Sam's heart skipped a beat.
"Thanks," Sam said, feeling a little shy.
Jake drove them to a cozy Italian restaurant in the heart of Willow Creek. Over dinner, they talked about everything and nothing, laughing and joking like old times. Sam felt herself relaxing in Jake's presence, enjoying his company.
As the night wore on, Sam realized that she was having more fun than she'd expected. Jake was charming, witty, and kind, and she found herself feeling drawn to him in ways she hadn't anticipated.
As they finished their dessert, Jake reached across the table and took Sam's hand. "I'm glad we did this," he said, his eyes locked onto hers.
Sam felt a spark of electricity run through her body. She knew she should pull her hand away, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
"I've missed you, Sam," Jake said, his voice low and husky.
Sam's heart skipped a beat. She'd missed him too, more than she wanted to admit.
As they left the restaurant, Jake walked Sam to her doorstep. They stood there, looking at each other, the tension between them palpable.
"I had a great time tonight," Sam said, trying to sound casual.
Jake smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Me too. Would you like to do it again sometime?"
Sam's heart fluttered. She knew she should say no, but she couldn't bring herself to do it.
"Yes," Sam said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jake's face lit up with a smile, and he leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I'll call you soon," he said, his voice low and husky.
As Sam watched Jake walk away, she felt a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. She knew she was taking a risk by spending time with him, but she couldn't deny the attraction between them.