Tiffany felt the world around her blur as she processed Jacob’s confession.“Tiff? Are you okay? Your ice cream is melting,” he said and casually leaned against his chair.Of course, she wasn’t okay!“Are you… are you pulling some kind of prank on me?” she asked, her voice trembling. The thought was maddening, but she couldn’t shake the lingering doubt.Jacob’s expression hardened for a moment and then softened as he shook his head. “No, Tiffany, I’m not joking. This isn’t a game.” His grey eyes pierced through her defenses, searching for something she wasn’t sure she could reveal. “I wouldn’t do that to you.”Tiffany swallowed hard, still uncertain. “But why? Why now?” She felt like she was on the edge of a cliff, peering into the unknown, and the thought of falling terrified her. “You’ve always treated me like I was some kind of joke. What’s changed?”“I was scared,” Jacob confessed, his voice lowering to a near whisper. “I didn’t know how to handle what I was feeling, and I thought
His words were like a match to gasoline, igniting the flames of desire that she didn’t know she had.He was right. She was curious to know what it felt like to be with someone in that…way.But doing it with Jacob? Oh god…“Take me home,” she demanded, her voice shaky but determined. “Now.”Jacob laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that sent shivers down her spine. “As you wish, princess,” he said with a mock bow. “Your chariot awaits.”He held out his hand, and Tiffany hesitated for a brief moment before placing her trembling fingers in his. She allowed him to lead her out of the ice cream parlor, her heart pounding in her chest as she wondered what the hell was happening.As they walked to his car, Jacob’s hand remained firmly clasped around hers, his thumb tracing maddening circles on her skin. Tiffany’s mind raced with a million thoughts and doubts, but one thing was certain - she was in way over her head.Jacob opened the passenger door for her, and Tiffany slid into the leather seat.
Jacob couldn’t stop grinning, his cheek still tingling where Tiffany’s lips had barely brushed against it. It wasn’t much of a kiss, just a quick press, really—over before it even started. But to him, it was everything.His head felt light like he was floating in some sort of pink cloud that kept him high above the ground. He could still see her face in his mind, the way her cheeks had flushed right after, like maybe it had meant something to her, too.If only she knew how much he adored her, how long he’d been watching from the sidelines, never daring to hope that she might actually see him the way he saw her.He shook his head, still grinning like a fool as he turned onto his street, pulling his beat-up car into the driveway. The house looked dark, the curtains drawn like they always were. He sighed. The high from Tiffany’s kiss faded just a little, replaced by the heavy reality that awaited him behind those closed doors.Jacob got out of the car, his smile faltering as he stepped i
Tiffany’s heart swelled with joy as she caught sight of her little sister, her inky black curls bouncing with each wobbly step. The toddler’s chubby legs struggled to keep up, but determination shone in her eyes as she reached out for Tiffany.“Tiffy!” Sky squealed, her arms reaching upward for a hug. “Up!” Sky commanded with a giggle.Tiffany bent down and scooped Sky into her arms, pressing a soft kiss to her sister’s cheek. “Hey, little darling,” she whispered, holding Sky close.Sky giggled, wrapping her small arms around Tiffany’s neck.“She missed her big sister,” Riley said as she walked in, her eyes soft with love for them both.Tiffany frowned. “I am sorry for worrying you and Dad.”Riley shook her head. “Don’t look so guilty, Tiffany. A girl your age needs to skip school once in a while. Your father understands that, and so do I.”“How did you find out so fast, anyway?” Tiffany asked.“The school called and said you weren’t in class. But don’t worry, I got you covered with t
Tiffany’s heart fluttered as she stepped through the double doors of her school. After yesterday, she wasn’t sure how she should react when she saw Jacob again.Is he going to tease him about the kiss?She tucked a strand of chestnut hair behind her ear, trying to quell the butterflies in her stomach. “Get it together, Tiff,” she muttered to herself. “He’s just a guy.”But even as the words left her lips, she knew they weren’t true. Jacob wasn’t just a guy. He was the guy who’d turned her world upside down with a single smile.Damn him.As Tiffany made her way down the crowded hallway, a hushed giggle caught her attention. She glanced to her right, spotting Emily and Amber huddled near a row of lockers. The self-proclaimed queens of the hallways were whispering furiously, their eyes locked on Tiffany.“Oh great,” Tiffany thought, her anxiety spiking. “What are they up to now?”Emily nudged Amber and nodded in Tiffany’s direction. Amber covered her mouth to stifle another giggle.Tiffa
Tiffany’s heart pounded as she thought about Jacob’s words.“Meet me after school…”Despite her better judgment, Tiffany found herself counting down the minutes until the final bell.There was no way she would kiss him. Really kiss him. But she still wanted to meet him to…to give him the piece of her mind!As the day dragged on, Tiffany couldn’t focus on anything else. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Jacob, his smirk, and the way he’d so casually declared her his girlfriend in front of everyone. The nerve! And yet, the excitement bubbling inside her was undeniable.She wasn’t supposed to be thinking about this. She wasn’t supposed to care. But the more she tried to push the thoughts away, the more persistent they became.When the final bell rang, her heart skipped a beat. She gathered her books slowly, trying to play it cool, but her stomach twisted in nervous anticipation.“Just tell him off,” she muttered to herself as she walked through the hallway, weaving through the crowd. “Y
Tiffany’s heart pounded as Jacob’s fingers gently lifted her chin, his eyes locked onto hers with an intensity that sent shivers down her spine.She wasn’t supposed to feel like this—she had come here to tell him off, to put him in his place. But now, standing this close to him, her resolve was slipping, melting under the weight of his touch.“You’re trembling,” Jacob murmured, his voice low and teasing, his grin widening as if he could read her thoughts. “What’s the matter, princess? Afraid of what might happen next?”Tiffany’s breath hitched. She should be furious, not flustered. But his confidence, the way he called her princess with that smug smirk, was making it impossible to think straight.She shook her head, taking a small step back to regain control. “I’m not scared of you,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt.Jacob’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Oh, I think you are.” He leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear as he whispered, “And I think you like it.”Her f
River’s gaze was piercing as he locked eyes with Jacob, his tone steady but laced with an undercurrent of warning. “I know a lot of things, Jacob. Especially about anyone who comes near my daughter.”The room grew tense, and Tiffany’s heart sank. This was exactly the kind of scenario she’d been dreading. She exchanged a worried glance with Riley, but she just gave her a small, reassuring smile.Jacob’s jaw tightened, clearly caught off guard, but he managed to keep his composure like a seasoned actor on stage. “What else do you know, sir?” he asked, his voice steady.“Things are not appropriate for the dinner table, so we will pick this up another time,” River said as he took a sip of his drink.Pick this up another time? Tiffany was hoping there was no other time.But she decided to talk to her father about this later. He had no right to embarrass Jacob like that!She stole a glance at Jacob, who had managed to keep his cool, but she could see the tension in his jaw, the way his knuc
Lucas found himself staring at Amy, feeling irrationally happy. The aftermath of their lovemaking left his muscles relaxed just like it did when they did this back in Sweden. But somehow, this time felt even better than that time.“Stop looking at me like I grew a second head,” Amy teased.The corner of his mouth quirked up in a half-smile. “Sorry. You look really pretty,” he said.“Pfft,” she scoffed, but Lucas could see that her cheeks were turning pink.He loved it when her cheeks turned pink like that.“Come on, Lucas,” Amy nudged him, her eyes twinkling. “Drive me home now. I have work in the morning.”“Let’s go,” he said, standing up.Amy chattered about random things on the way home, but Lucas only half-listened. A tightness coiled around his chest, an unfamiliar pressure attacking him.He didn’t want to take her back to her apartment yet. He missed her already.“I want to show you my Penthouse, Harpy. How about now?” he asked.Amy furrowed her brows. “What? Now? No way. I am d
This wasn’t fair.Amy thought as Lucas slowly, almost lazily, kissed her.This just was not fair.How was she supposed not to fall in love with him when he kissed her like that—like he had all the time in the world, and he simply didn’t care what he was doing to her?Amy’s fingers curled against his chest, torn between pulling him closer and pushing him away. She knew this was dangerous, knew it would only complicate things further, but when his lips moved against hers with that maddening patience, every rational thought vanished.Lucas made a low sound in the back of his throat, his hand sliding up her spine, his touch warm and steady. He wasn’t in a hurry, wasn’t rushing to take more. He was simply enjoying this, enjoying her.It wasn’t fair.Because the way he kissed her made her believe that she could have him all to herself.Amy knew better. She really did!Lucas wasn’t hers. He never had been, and he probably never would be. But in a moment like this, when his fingers traced her
Lucas lay beside Amy, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed up at the stars projected above them. The soft hum of the planetarium filled the air, but all he could focus on was the quiet rhythm of Amy’s breathing beside him.He felt at peace. No expectations and no responsibilities here. Just him and his Harpy.He turned his head slightly, glancing at her. She looked mesmerized by the stars, her eyes reflecting the soft light of the projection. Her lips were slightly parted as if she were drinking at the moment, and Lucas felt something tighten in his chest.“I think this is the calmest I’ve ever seen you,” he murmured, a small smile tugging at his lips.Amy turned her head to look at him, an amused glint in her eyes. “Are you trying to tell me again I talk too much?”Lucas chuckled. “Oh, absolutely.”Amy laughed softly, shaking her head. “I guess I do talk too much. I am sorry if it bothers you. I can’t help it sometimes. I promise I will try to be more quiet.”Lucas frowned sl
The lunch rush has started.Amy zipped between the tables of the crowded diner, a tray balanced effortlessly on one hand.She delivered a steaming plate of meatloaf to Mr. Henderson, the retired schoolteacher who always insisted on extra gravy.“Guh. I need this today. Kids in my class are complete brats,” he complained.“Remember, Mr. H., it’s the digital age,” Amy quipped. “These kids can probably program your TV better than you can.” She laughed as he snorted into his coffee cup, waving a dismissive hand at her while hiding a grin behind his bushy mustache.“Ah, what do they know?” he grumbled.The bell above the diner door jingled.More customers, Amy thought. She was hoping today was a slow day, and she could go home early, but it didn’t seem like it was happening.“Look who decided to grace us with his presence,” Joanne murmured nearby, her voice low and teasing.Amy followed Joanne’s nod toward the entrance, where Lucas stood.Amy froze.“You go, Amy. You must’ve charmed his so
They all ate in silence. When they were done, Ben suggested that everyone go to the porch for some fresh air.Once they were out, the crisp evening air wrapped around them. Amy wrapped her arms around herself, trying to keep warm, but Lucas noticed the slight shiver that ran through her.Without hesitation, he shrugged off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Before she could protest, he pulled her closer against his side, his arm wrapping securely around her.Amy blinked up at him, surprised. “What are you—”“You are cold,” he said simply, his voice firm but gentle.Over Amy’s shoulder, he caught Alicia watching them.She stood near the porch railing, her expression grim.Lucas wondered if this whole plan was already a success, and Alicia was jealous.Lucas held her gaze for a beat, then smirked, tightening his arm around Amy just a little more.Alicia looked away, her lips pressing into a thin line.Amy hissed near his ear. “What are you doing, Lucas?”“Keeping you warm,” he
Lucas immediately spotted Alicia as soon as he entered the dining room.As soon as her gaze met his, her mouth hung open, and her eyes turned wide.Lucas grinned. This was the exact reaction he was hoping for. “Hello, Alicia,” he said in a smooth voice.“You two know each other?” Amy’s mother asked.“I went to college with him,” Alicia said, her voice tight.“YOU DID! NO WAY!” Amy exclaimed in a high-pitched, exaggerated voice, and Lucas could barely contain his laughter.Someone give this girl an award for the worst acting performance.Alicia shot Amy a look. “Yes, I did,” she said, regaining some composure.Amy gasped dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “Oh my god, were you two, like… a thing? This is so awkward.”Lucas snorted while Alicia visibly clenched her jaw.“No,” Alicia said sharply. We were just acquaintances, that’s all.”“Oh, thank goodness. Because this would’ve been so weird if my date was your boyfriend or something,” Amy said in a conspiratory tone.Alicia w
Saturday night came too fast for Amy.She wasn’t prepared. Not mentally, anyway.She was anxious about seeing Lucas again and doubly stressed about spending time with her mother and her new family. Every time she was in their presence, her mom found a way to make her look bad.She stood in front of her mirror, smoothing down her sundress, debating whether she should change for the third time.Her mother was always so critical about how she dressed and how she looked. What if she thought Amy was overdressed? Or underdressed?A knock at her door made her jump. She took a deep breath and opened it to find Lucas leaning against the door frame, looking effortlessly handsome in a fitted jacket and dark jeans.“Ready to go?” he asked, flashing that boyish grin that made her stomach flip.“You are here too early,” she said, forcing herself to sound casual.Lucas raised an eyebrow. “I am?”He glanced at his watch, then back at her with an amused smirk. “Pretty sure I’m right on time.”Amy huff
Lucas took a bite of the cheeseburger and grinned. “Not too bad. Definitely better than what I expected from a diner.”“It’s no fancy food you are used to, that’s for sure,” Amy said.“What’s your favorite item on the menu?” Lucas asked.Amy’s eyes brightened. “The apple pie!”“Oh really?” he raised an eyebrow. “I am more of a peach cobbler kind of guy.”“With Vanilla ice cream?” Amy inquired.Lucas chuckled. “Is there any other way to eat it?”Amy leaned towards him, her tone conspiratory. “By the way. Did you have something to do with the whole…sick grandma situation?”Lucas paused, his burger halfway to his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Maybe,” he said, setting the burger down and leaning back in his seat, his eyes glinting with amusement.“How did you do that? You sound nothing like me,” Amy joked.“I called in a favor. My younger sister, Sky, called your boss and pretended to be you,” he said. “She loves acting, so I figured, why not give her something she would enjoy?”“N
“Amy, you are back! I am so sorry about your grandma,” Joanne exclaimed, giving Amy a big hug.Amy blinked. “My grandma?”Joanne released her from her embrace and looked at her, her eyes full of sympathy. “Brian told me you called and told him you needed a week off to visit your sick grandma in Tennessee.”“I did?” Amy asked but then quickly recovered. “Ah, yes. I did. Poor granny,” she said, thinking about both of her grandmas, who had been dead for years now.Joanne patted Amy’s arm. “You did a good thing by going to her. Family comes first.”Amy forced a tight smile. “Thanks, Joanne. She will be fine. Where is Brian?”Joanne glanced toward the back office. “He’s in the back office.” Joanne gave her another sympathetic smile. Amy swallowed down the guilt bubbling up inside her. “Yeah… thanks, Joanne.”Amy made her way toward Brian’s office. So she wasn’t fired because someone called Brian and made up the fake grandma story.She lightly knocked on his door.“Come in,” Brian called o