His gaze held me still paralyzing me in the softest, most terrifying way.
"I'm sorry for getting you—"
"It's okay. I understand," he muttered under his breath, avoiding my eyes.
"Can you get off me now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. Oh yes, sorry."
Jake shifted away and lay on the other side of the bed, his back facing me. The room fell into a strange stillness. I turned to the other side too, matching his distance. Why wouldn't he just face me? This is awkward. Unbearably awkward.
Jake turned slightly to glance at me only to see my back. He cursed under his breath.
God, he hated this.
Both of us kept turning, restless and longing to see each other's faces, yet too stubborn to make the first move. "Just say my name," I wished silently, biting my lower lip. Should I be the one to speak first? No way. He's the stubborn one. He should!
Jake, on the other hand, was caught in the same battle. She won't break the silence. She's as stubborn as ever. Still, he sighed. This cold war between us was unbearable.
Fine. Let me be the bigger person.
"Aurora," he finally called out.
The moment I heard him say my name, I sat up instinctively. I tried to act calm, but my heart fluttered wildly. Aren't you able to sleep?" he asked, gently brushing my cheek with his knuckles.
I shook my head. "No… I'm not able to."
"And do you know why?" His voice dropped into a deep, seductive murmur. I looked at him, confused. "Because you failed to kiss me," he said, eyes locked on mine.
Blood rushed to my cheeks. I blushed, stunned by his boldness. He closed the gap between us and captured my lips, not with hunger, but with reverence. His kiss was slow, devouring, patient. I responded the best way I could letting him lead. But Jake, as always, refused to let me win.
I pulled away, breathless. He had stolen all the air from my lungs. Jake… I love you so much." And I love you more, Aurora," he replied instantly. "I hate it when we're not okay. It feels like my whole world falls apart."
"I know…" I whispered. "That's how I feel too."
Then please… trust me," he pleaded softly. "I would never hurt you. I adore you. You mean everything to me."
A soft smile curved my lips. "You look good in my shirt, by the way. "Thanks. It's actually really comfortable." He opened his arms and I didn't hesitate I nestled into his embrace, safe and warm. I drifted to sleep wrapped in him.
The sun beamed harshly through the curtains. I could feel its heat kissing my face.
Ugh. Someone shut that thing. I groaned, squinting against the light. My lashes fluttered before my eyes fully opened.
I rubbed my eyes, stretched, and turned to the other side of the bed… but Jake was gone. Where did he go?
I slipped into my bathroom slippers and shuffled to the bathroom. And then I froze.
He was standing there, steam curling around him half-naked, a towel hanging low around his waist. Water dripped from his damp hair, running over his sculpted chest and tracing down his torso.I gulped.
Oh my…
My eyes followed the drops like they were in slow motion until his deep voice snapped me back to reality. "Are you done admiring my good looks?"
I gasped and shut my eyes, horrified. Damn it! He caught me! Without thinking, I turned and bolted out of the bathroom like my life depended on it.