"Mom... Can I talk to you?" I asked cautiously."Sure." She smiled."Um..." I paused. "I... I've been thinking about it and I...." I trailed off, fidgeting nervously."Just spit it out, sweetheart. You can tell me anything." She reassured me.I took a deep breath and glanced away from her."I like Jake and I want to date him." I mumbled.My voice broke a bit as I said the last sentence. Mom immediately wrapped me in a hug."That's great, darling." She smiled softly. "Does he know yet?""Yea, I told him today." I sighed."How is he?" She asked, releasing me from her hug."Great. Actually, that's the reason why we're going to dinner with my grandparents tomorrow night. They invited Jake to dinner with them tonight.""Wow. That must be exciting for him." Mom commented. "I'm proud of you, sweetie.""Thank you." I smiled and blushed lightly."Do you need any help getting ready for bed?" She asked."Umm... No, thanks." I shook my head."Alright then." She smiled. "Goodnight, dear.""Night.
I noticed the toothbrush lying on the counter and I hurried over to grab it before making my way back to the sink. I washed my mouth before putting the toothbrush back onto the counter and turning to face Jake. I stepped closer towards him and wrapped my arms around his neck as he rested his palms on my hips and pulled me against him. He leaned forward and pressed his forehead against mine as we continued to stare into each other's eyes. My eyes fluttered shut and I couldn't help but smile softly as I enjoyed the moment. I didn't feel tired or sick anymore after getting a good night's rest and seeing Jake again. In fact, I actually felt quite well and happy.Then, without warning, Jake suddenly tightened his grip on me and buried his nose deeper into my hair. I felt his warm breath tickling my ear and shivered slightly as goosebumps formed all over my body. His breathing increased in speed and I heard a slight whimper escape his mouth. He didn't' seem like he was enjoying the kiss a
"Sorry, I tried sleeping in a little longer." He apologized sheepishly."That's okay." I smiled. "You needed the sleep after everything you went through.""Didn't want to wake you." He explained.I placed my fork down and grabbed another plate out of the cupboard. As I poured my food into my bowl, I noticed the bag on my desk that contained the necklace I'd bought yesterday. Without thinking, I walked over and grabbed it, examining it carefully. The charm hanging from the chain was silver."What do you think about this one?" I asked, pointing at the silver necklace.He leaned forwards and examined it closely."It looks nice." He commented.He returned to his chair and began eating his breakfast. When he finished eating, he leaned back in his chair and stretched his arms behind his head."So..." He hummed. "How was your first full week of vacation?""Pretty nice. I managed to get most of the things done that I wanted to do while on break. Well, except for homework, but I guess that'll
"Do you remember it?" He questioned, stepping closer to me.I looked up at him, my eyes filled with tears. Before I could answer him, he gently pulled me into his embrace. I buried my head into his chest and cried silently, allowing myself to soak up every ounce of comfort I could. Jake held me tightly, rubbing soothing circles on my back."Jake." I sniffled."Shh..." He said softly. "Don't cry, baby. I'm sorry.""Don't be... Just... Be gentle with me. Please." I begged.His grip tightened on me slightly."Whatever you say." He murmured.He pulled away from the hug and kissed me gently on the forehead. He cupped my face in his hands and gently wiped away a tear with his thumb. He gave me one last lingering glance before turning around and walking towards my bedroom. As he opened the door, I followed him in. He walked over to the bed and plopped himself down onto it. I followed suit, sitting next to him. After he lay down on the mattress, he looked up at me. His gaze travelled slowly
"Where are you going?" He inquired."To get some sleep." I told him.He raised his eyebrows skeptically."Why?""Because I'm exhausted." I chuckled."It's only 6pm." He pointed out."I know but I need sleep." I sighed. "Besides, I don't want you to think that I am enjoying this. I just want to make sure that I'm comfortable enough to fall asleep comfortably." I explained.I walked towards my closet and picked out a large hoodie. Then, I walked back over to Jake and laid on the bed, pulling my blanket up to my shoulders."Just give me a minute, okay?" I requested.He smiled fondly at me before nodding his head. He stood up from the bed, stretching his arms above his head."Okay. I'll see you tomorrow."Once he had left my room, I climbed into bed and immediately closed my eyes. Within minutes, I was out like a light.I awoke early the next morning. I rolled out of bed, heading straight towards the bathroom. After getting ready for school, I came back into the room, finding Jake already
"How was that?" He asked me.I nodded my head."Much better." I responded, smiling."I wish that I could spend the rest of eternity with you like this." He said quietly.I stared at him for a few seconds, wondering why he suddenly brought that topic up. However, I was glad that he did because I knew that I felt the same way. The last time we had done this... we hadn't exactly ended up being very happy. I remembered the way that he had held me and how scared I was that I would lose him. However, I also remembered how good it felt to feel his lips on mine. As I remember that moment, a smile crept onto my face. I could feel my cheeks heating up. It surprised me how easily I could become embarrassed. I knew that it was wrong, but I didn't care."I wish that we could stay here forever..." I mumbled.He smirked and shook his head before pressing his lips against mine once again. We stayed like this for a few more minutes before I pulled away. Jake smiled and rested his forehead against min
"So..." He cleared his throat nervously. "Are you hungry? I know that you don't eat anything in the morning anymore so?"He stopped talking as soon as he realized what he had said. His voice faltered and trailed off at the end, leaving him staring blankly at the floor. I couldn't help but laugh at his awkwardness. I loved hearing him stutter when he was trying to make conversation with me. I smiled and moved closer to him, wrapping my arms around his torso."It's ok Jake. You can say whatever you want." I reassured him.He looked over at me and smiled."Thanks." He muttered.We sat there for a few moments in silence. Jake leaned forwards and planted a quick kiss on my lips."Do you want to go anywhere today?" He asked me.I thought for a second."Why?" I wondered.He smirked slightly and shrugged his shoulders."You know, just somewhere fun. Wherever you want to go." He chuckled softly."That sounds great. But how about you pick out your clothes so that we can leave soon?" I suggeste
"Jake." I said quietly, breaking the silence between us.He didn't respond so I looked back at him and he still wasn't responding. His eyes were fixed firmly on the screen and he was shaking slightly."What are you staring at?" I asked softly, bringing my free hand up to caress his cheek gently.He didn't turn his attention from the screen and I could tell that he wasn't going to respond anytime soon so I decided to try again."Jake, are you okay?" I repeated, placing my index finger under his chin and turning his face towards mine so that I could see his eyes.He flinched when I touched him and pulled away from my touch. After taking a moment to compose himself, he turned back towards the screen and started to watch again."Are you scared?" I questioned.Again, he didn't respond, which prompted me to continue."You don't need to be scared, baby. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."He continued to stare intently at the screen and didn't seem to be listening to me anymore.
Jake remained quiet as he listened to her ramble. He then let out a sigh and placed his hand on top of hers. "Claire, slow down. Everything is going to be alright. You'll find a way to explain everything."She looked down at the table, letting out a heavy sigh. After what happened last night, she was beginning to doubt herself again. Jake squeezed her hand gently."Everything will be alright."She closed her eyes and gave him a weak smile. "I hope so."When lunchtime came around, Claire and Jake headed into town. Jake didn't speak very much during the entire walk there; in fact, he hardly said anything at all. After buying their food and taking a seat in the back of the restaurant, they started to eat."So, where do you live?" Claire asked once they were done eating."In an apartment complex," he answered vaguely."An apartment building? Really?" she exclaimed.Jake laughed softly. "Yes. I don't live in a mansion like you. Actually, I only live there temporarily. But you're welcome to
She opened her eyes again after a short while. She turned her head to glance at him. She couldn't believe it. He was still staring at the water, lost in thought.A warm feeling spread throughout her body. He was beautiful. Even though the sun was shining brightly upon him, his dark skin was perfectly shaded by the rays of sunlight and glistened beautifully. His hair, which fell across his face, was slightly damp due to the salty air. She wanted to run her hand through his hair and comb her fingers through his hair, running her fingers through his thick dark locks, causing his hair to stand up wildly. His lips were slightly parted, showing off those perfect pink, puffy lips she loved kissing so much. His jawline was sharp, but not masculine. It gave him a feminine look, making it seem as though he had more curves than muscular. Her eyes traveled downward, admiring the muscles that filled his abdomen and chest. She could just imagine the feel of them beneath her hands. She licked her
"Shh," he whispered, "don't worry. Everything will be alright." It took her several seconds to realize he was talking to her, and it took another couple minutes for her to register the meaning behind his words. She pulled away slightly and looked up at him.He looked concerned but at the same time relieved that he had finally gotten her to respond.She smiled weakly at him. "Thank you."Jake nodded before kissing her forehead gently.They remained silent for a few more moments until Jake started to drive back toward his house. She wrapped her fingers around his wrist and tugged lightly at his hand to get his attention."So…what are we going to do today?" she asked hesitantly, knowing very well that the subject of what they were going to do would probably cause him to start driving faster and she had never liked speeding down the highway, but she figured that he would probably enjoy the speed.He grinned mischievously at her and winked. "I was hoping you could give me an answer to tha
The silence between them was comfortable and they both didn't seem to mind. They had become quite close over the past few days and they had developed some sort of trust with each other that they didn't previously have. For example, whenever they met in public Jake always paid attention to her and made sure that she was okay, whether she wanted him to or not. Sometimes they would walk around Milan together, sometimes he would take her out on romantic walks along the coast, sometimes they would make plans to get together to have fun at the beach. The only thing that was missing was his presence at her side. But as long as he was nearby Claire didn't mind spending time with him. However, when he wasn't by her side, she became incredibly nervous and uneasy. Whenever she had to endure his presence, she felt guilty. She knew that she shouldn't have allowed herself to develop an attraction to him but she couldn't help it. When he looked at her or spoke to her she was unable to concentrat
Jake walked into the kitchen and placed his hands on top of Claire's shoulders. "Why did you stop working today?" he asked curiously."Oh," she answered sheepishly. "I forgot to eat lunch..."He chuckled softly. "Well I'll bring you something," he promised.Claire blushed lightly as he leaned forward and gently pressed his lips against hers. She relaxed in his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. She couldn't help but feel completely overwhelmed by love for this man. He made her feel safe and content, which was something she hadn't experienced since she was little. After a moment she pulled away slightly and rested her forehead against his. She took a breath."What are we going to do today?" she asked hopefully."Whatever you want," he replied happily."Good," she whispered before bringing her lips back to his.Jake smiled against her lips and brought his hands down from around her shoulders to rest on her hips. They continued kissing for a couple of minutes before h
"Are you hungry?" he asked. "Want me to make us breakfast?"Her eyes shot open at his question and she gave him a quick nod before pulling away slightly to sit up, propping herself up on her elbows."I think I should cook something," he added. "You should also take a shower and maybe try to get some more sleep."She groaned softly. "What kind of a guest am I? Don't you think I should be helping you with anything? I mean... I don't exactly live here.""You live here just fine, Claire," he said, placing a soft kiss on the tip of her nose. "It doesn't matter where you live or who takes care of you. That's what you're my wife now. No matter what happens, you'll always have a place in my heart.""Then... I guess cooking breakfast is the least I could do.""Sounds like a plan," he said with a smile. He reached down and removed one of her legs, moving it to the side of the bed. He sat up, swinging his legs over the edge of the bed. "Come on," he said as he stretched out his hand to help he
"Come on," he said, patting the space beside him. "Let's go get cleaned up."After changing into a pair of yoga pants, a tank top, and flip flops, Claire walked out of the bathroom. She jumped when she saw Jake sitting there. He put his magazine down and looked at her confusedly."You're taking too long."She shrugged. "Sorry.""It's fine. Go ahead and brush your teeth so we can head out."Claire did as told and brushed her teeth quickly before walking into the closet to pull out her outfit. Once dressed she went back into the bathroom to find Jake sitting on the bed, tapping his foot impatiently."How's it look?" she asked.He glanced up at her, his eyebrows knitting together. "Wow... you look great."Claire grinned. "Thanks."She walked over to Jake, placing her hands on either side of his hips. She pressed her lips against his, her tongue slipping inside his mouth to explore. He kissed her back hungrily, sliding one of his hands under her shirt and running his fingers over her bare
There were some very nice dresses that he would love to try on. He wondered if Claire would let him pick something out for her. The last time she wore something that expensive was when they were in college. He sighed to himself, knowing that this was probably the most expensive dress she owned.After the sales associate handed her the bag, she paid and thanked them before making her way back outside. They had gone to the same high school, so they were practically attached at the hip. She hadn't dated anyone since, though. After graduation she decided to focus on her degree and Jake stayed single until recently. He was happy for her. For the past four years, Jake had been a proud father of three children. One of whom he had named after Claire's mother, Rose, who was murdered by the man she called a father."What are you thinking about?" Claire questioned, noticing that he was deep in thought.Jake snapped back to reality and grinned. "Nothing. Just wondering where to take you for dinn
"Thanks, Dad." I said quietly before walking towards my bedroom. I entered the door and slid it closed before falling onto the bed. I let out a sigh and placed my head into my pillow, closing my eyes as tears began to gather in my eyes again.I couldn't believe everything that was happening. My parents had given birth to our daughter only a month ago and things were still progressing. The doctor hadn't told us much, only saying that we were having twins. As far as I knew, they were healthy babies and that was all we needed to know. I heard the sound of heavy footsteps coming closer to my bedroom door and I instinctively curled up in a ball, hoping to hide away from whoever was outside my bedroom door. I felt my breathing become ragged as my eyes began to fill with tears again, knowing full well who it was."I'm sorry, Jake, but I can't do this anymore. The stress is too much."They're standing outside a wedding dress shop at the mall in the city, waiting to go inside so that they can