You are stubborn

''Yes or no, Jason. That's all I want you to say.''

It takes forever for you to answer me.

''No.''

And that's it. My job of two years is over and I'm officially unemployed... it really doesn't feel good. I swallow.

''Thank you.''

I hang up and touch the phone to the palm of my hand.

''So that's it.''

I sigh.

Jake's arms wrap around me, pulling me close.

''We'll work on something once the tournament is over in a few weeks. Until then let me take care of you. I'll cover your rent and electricity, food, whatever you need. It's the least I can do.''

It sounds good, but I can't do it. The thought of being so dependent and leechy makes me nauseous.

''That's okay, though. I have a good amount of savings. It should cover me for a month at most. I can arrange something by then.''

He laughs and his chest vibrates under my cheek.

''You're stubborn.''

He pulls me tighter against him.

''Whatever you choose to do, I'll support you.''

I tilt my head and look into his brown eyes.

''Always.''

I barely see Jake for the next six days. He's too busy training and preparing for this weekend. Even I'm nervous. We leave today and Jake should be here in twenty minutes to pick me up. Unfortunately, Olivia can't make it this time. Her father has asked her to start doing something with her life and put in extra hours at the company. She is distraught about it, but now she has researched some courses she can study, she feels a little better, but her dad still suffers with her cold shoulder. My phone rings, snapping me out of my thoughts. I jump off the couch and run to the kitchen bench where I'm charging my phone. I pull out the cord and answer it.

''Hey!''

Olivia's cheerful voice squeals.

''I've done it! I know what I'm going to become!''

''What am I going to become?''

''A police officer!''

I almost laugh out loud. Olivia, a police officer? I don't think so. She hates cleaning because she always breaks a nail. I'm pretty sure she can't have long, weird colored nails as a police officer...dress code and all.

''A police officer? Really?''

She sounds almost offended.

''What's wrong with that?''

''I'm trying to picture you chasing bad guys and shooting guns. No offense, but it doesn't look pretty.''

She snorts.

''Yeah, well, I'll show you. Anyway, you're leaving today and I'm so bummed. I wish I could go... I'm going to miss Jackson.''

I open the fridge and grab two small bottles of water.

''Wow, don't miss me that much.''

I walk across the kitchen floor and into the living room. I drop the two bottles of water on top of my little purple suitcase.

''You know I'll miss you! I don't know what to say. How long are you going to be away?''

''I've already told you twice. We'll stay a few days in Denver and, if he wins, the next stop will be Las Vegas for a week or so.''

''Your fights are close together... Doesn't he need time to recover or whatever?''

I don't know much about the tournament, but Darryl told me that once he turns pro it can be months between fights. Until then, Jake needs to avoid getting hit as much as possible. So far so good. I have yet to see a fist connect with his face.

''I don't know how it works.''

I mumble.

There's a soft knock on the door and my nervousness increases a little.

''Hey, I have to go now, but call me in a day or two, okay?''

''Okay, all right. Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do. I love you.''

''I love you.''

I hang up and slide my phone into the front pocket of my lemon-colored knit cardigan. I like this cardigan. It was a gift from my grandmother before she died. My favorite outfit to wear with it is a pair of white jeans and a white lace top. I run to the door and open it. Jake looks as drool worthy as ever. How he manages to wear a pair of jeans and a plain gray t-shirt and still look amazing is annoyingly beyond my comprehension. Her hair shines slightly, as if she's recently showered. Her skin looks smooth and soft and I really want to reach out and touch her. She sees me with an amused smile on her face.

''You're like a coconut and lemon bonbon.''

He laughs, leaning against the door frame.

''Yeah right...''

Me expressionless.

He takes a step forward, his eyes burning confidently into mine, no, lustfully.

''I love lemon chocolates.''

His smile turns arrogant.

''They melt my mouth.''

I feel a red blush creeping up my cheeks and he notices. His eyes sparkle, looking perfectly amused at my reaction and he takes a step forward, allowing his hands to slide up the back of my neck. Then, he kisses me, teasing me with his teeth as he bites my bottom lip. He steps forward, sliding his other hand down my side before grabbing my ass and pressing me against him. I know he's doing this to turn me on, knowing full well I can't do anything about it. He pulls away and catches his lower lip between his teeth.

''Mmm. You taste better than any kind of candy.''

I groan.

''You're going to make this painful for me, aren't you?''

He nods his head.

''Imagine what you're doing to me.''

I walk away and pull the suitcase closer to him. I close the door and follow Jake up the stairs to the car. My suitcase slides easily into the empty back seat.

''Isn't Jackson coming?''

I wonder aloud.

Jake opens the door and I climb in.

''Yes, but he's traveling with Darryl and the others.''

I smile. Spending some time alone with Jake would be nice. I've barely seen him this week and I've missed him like crazy. I'm excited to leave LA and I'm especially excited for Jake's fight to be over. I long, no, I need to be close to him, in every way.

As we pull onto the freeway, a dial tone rings throughout the car and my attention is focused on the center console. 'Mom' is calling. Jake quickly hits ignore.

''How is she?''

I ask.

''Did she end up going to the show?''

I glance sideways at Jake. His hands clench the steering wheel briefly.