I'm one step ahead of you

Jake achieved his dream. He went for it and he got it. It leaves me thinking about my dream, the dream of becoming a romance author. The last few months have definitely sidetracked me from what I want to do. At least now I have enough material to write that happily ever after after I've been stuck. Maybe managing the gym will give me time to write on the side? If not, I'll have to make time. You can't achieve your dream unless you try, right?

I sit by my father's fresh grave, silent tears rolling down my cheeks. The sun sets over the harbor, its orange-red hue coating everything in a pretty pink light. I've been sitting here for hours, dreading the thought of going home. Richard left this morning to return to Pakistan. He promised to have more Skype time, which made his departure more bearable and Mom won't be home either. She decided to spend some time alone in a hidden hut for two nights. Apparently, she and dad stayed there the whole time. I don't know how I'll manage being home alone. I haven't really been alone with my thoughts yet. There was always someone hanging around the place, but for the next two days I'll be alone.

I stand up and move away from Dad's headstone. I want to avoid being alone in the cemetery at night, so I walk a mile to my car and leave. When I get home, there are no cars in the driveway and I go inside, parking right in front of the garage. I take a deep breath, mentally prepare myself and get out of the car. I walk to the small white door and my fingers linger on the latch. I can't stay here alone. Not tonight. The door creaks as I let it go and head to my car. I'll stay in my apartment.

''You're not going to leave me here alone, are you?''

Jake's voice startles me and I turn to face the house. A movement by the tree catches my eye and there he is, leaning against the oak tree in the front yard. His hair is messier than usual, giving him devastating sex appeal as it sticks out roughly above his forehead. His arms are folded across his chest and the short sleeves of his black shirt cling tightly to him, accentuating the strong, muscular ridges of his bare forearms. He looks positively delicious and my nipples harden against my lacy bra as my gaze settles on his mouth. His full lips curve into a cocky little smile, as if he knows I'm lusting after him. I glance over my shoulders. I can't see his car anywhere.

''How did you get here?''

''I park around the corner.''

Forgetting the latch, I jump the door and run to him. He opens his arms and I fit perfectly, wrapping my legs around his waist and crushing my lips to his. Jake presses me against him with devastating pressure, but I don't dare complain. I don't want him to let go, ever. I pull my lips away, gasping breathlessly.

''I had no idea you were coming back today.''

''It was painful to avoid your calls on purpose, but I wanted to surprise you.''

I laugh.

''Mission accomplished.''

I'm happy, really happy. If anyone can erase my angst and doubts, it's Jake. It's always Jake. I slide off him and tug on his hand. He follows me to the porch and I pull the key out of the back pocket of my jeans. I unlock the door and pull him inside. I turn on the living room lights and close the door behind him.

''What about your mother?''

''She's not home.''

I interrupt rather enthusiastically. I drag him down the hall and into my old room. I turn on the light and Jake almost cringes.

''It's so pink.''

''I know. I don't know what the hell I was thinking.''

Jake grabs my hips with a firm, unbreakable grip, catching me off guard. A shiver runs down my spine at his touch. A second later, he pushes me backward onto the bed. I land on my elbows, sliding up as he climbs on top of me. His body presses mine against the bed. I moan as his full lips crash against mine and his tongue moves to slide against my lower lip. His fingers move steadily under my shirt, brushing against the delicate skin of my sides. Strangely, his finger slides over a specific spot on my ribs and I shiver. Pulling away from his mouth, I laugh and he smiles at me.

''Ticklish?''

''Absolutely not.''

He strokes the spot with his finger again and I turn, biting my lip. I manage to hold back the flow of laughter long enough for him to give in and give me a kiss on the nose.

''I missed you like crazy, you know?''

I tease, playfully.

''Yeah, sure, I saw all those pretty prom girls. I bet you had a wonderful time.''

He rests his chin on my chest and looks up at me through his thick dark lashes.

''It was hell, actually. Do you want to know how many girls showed up in my hotel room practically naked?''

I shake my head. Some people have no shame and it pisses me off.

''Would you mind if I told you that I turned down every single one of them?''

I look into his eyes and the golden swirls in his irises light up.

''I was such a good boy, I wasn't tempted by anything for a second.''

He's smiling broadly, like he's super proud of himself. I'm proud of him. He's come a long way from the person he used to be.

''Well, there was a lack of naked men pouncing on me in your absence, unfortunately, so I don't have anything to help boost your confidence, not that you need anyone to boost that already incredibly high ego.''

He laughs the laugh I love so much and forces me to join him.

''You are hilarious. You deserve punishment.''

The word 'punishment' ignites something in the pit of my stomach and I cup his face between my hands, drawing his mouth to mine.

''Speaking of punishment...''

I chuckle against his lips.

''I'm one step ahead of you.''

He replies, undoing the button of my jeans easily. My hips flex against him as his finger slips under my jeans and the fabric of my underwear. I laugh once before his tongue slips into my mouth and I dissolve into him. His teeth grip my bottom lip, roughly and I gasp.

''I love you.''

He whispers.

I smile.

''I love you too.''