Chapter 21
21
“ I want to try this breathing thing you’ve talked about,” I say softly, melting into him.
Jake smiles, pushing the covers back as he sits up.
“Breathing together is really intimate. You’re going to feel things. It’s intense.”
“I’m ready.”
“Wrap your legs around my waist.”
I do, and he takes my hand, placing it over his heart before resting his own hand on top of mine.
I stare at his chest and admire how the tattoos cover his pec and shoulder and go into a quarter sleeve.
His skin is warm, his heartbeat steady beneath my palm.
The connection is instant.
Strong.
Already, the air between us shifts—heavier, more charged.
“Eye contact,” he reminds me, his voice softer now.
My gaze shifts between his eyes.
“Breathe with me. Inhale …”
I follow his lead, taking a deep, slow breath.
My chest lifts in time with his.
“Exhale.”
We let go together, and something inside me unwinds.
The second inhale comes easier, deeper.
His breath becomes mine, and mine his.
We are moving together, no longer needing words —rising, falling, sharing.
I notice the different shades of blue in his eyes and how he has a darker circle around his iris.
My body feels lighter, like I’m floating against him.
A warmth spreads through my core, a tingle settling low in my belly.
My skin buzzes where we touch, but it’s more than physical—it’s like we’re exchanging something unseen, a knowing energy passing between us.
Jake’s fingers graze my back, bringing me closer to him with each breath.
His eyes stay locked on mine.
“It’s nice to be intimate in a way that doesn’t involve an orgasm,” he says, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead.
I smile, completely in tune with him now.
The world outside of this moment fades, leaving just us —our breath, our bodies, the heat between us.
“One more,” he whispers.
Our final inhale is deep, full.
As we exhale, he slides his hands up, cupping my face before capturing my lips in a deep, intentional kiss.
He wraps his arms around me as he falls back onto the bed, pulling me on top of him.
“You’re a natural,” he says with a satisfied smile.
“Our connection is rare,” he breathes, holding me tight against his chest.
“I liked that a lot,” I say softly.
“It’s feels like I’ve known you for more than a couple of days,” I say, snuggling into his chest, trailing my fingers up his bicep.
I can’t remember the last time I felt this relaxed.
“Your mission tonight is to finish the show we were watching and tell me who ends up together,” Jake says, breaking our makeout session at the front door.
“Okay.” I smile, feeling light, relaxed—peaceful after hours of cuddling and kissing.
“Bye.” He lingers in the doorway, dipping back in for another sweet kiss.
“Enjoy your ‘me day’ tomorrow,” he says, his fingers squeezing me at my waist.
“I will.”
“You can tell me how the show ends while I’m cooking you dinner tomorrow.”
I nod, and the warmth in his eyes is making me melt.
“I want you to bring me a copy of the department calendar too,” I add, because I really want to see what Jake’s photo looks like.
“Anything for you.” He squeezes my hand.
“I don’t want to leave,” he whispers, pulling me in again, tighter.
“I miss you already.”
I smile against his chest.
“Red, you have some work to do.”
“Red?”
I smirk.
“If you’re going to call me Sparky, then I’m calling you Red.”
“Because I’m a firefighter?”
“Because that’s what I’m going to call you,” I say playfully.
He chuckles, then cups my face, his thumbs brushing softly over my cheekbones.
“Bye.” Another lingering kiss, then he steps back.
I watch as he opens the door and leaves, stifling the urge to call him for another kiss.
Instead, I close the door, leaning against it for a second to relish in the day.
My body still tingles from his touch.
My face hurts from smiling.
I grab a bag of popcorn and toss it in the microwave, but my thoughts drift.
I’m falling for Red.
Jake the firefighter.
Captain America.
The guy who kisses me like I’ve never been kissed.
Who wants to explore my body for hours without needing to take more.
Who holds me like he doesn’t want to let go.
The microwave beeps, shaking me from my thoughts.
Popcorn in hand, I snuggle into the couch, queuing up the dating show, but my mind isn’t on it.
Who even cares who ends up together on this stupid show?
I’m too focused on if I’m ready to end up with Jake Schmidt.