9. CHAPTER NINE - BLAZING REVELATIONS
Jake’s POV
My eyes fluttered open, greeted by the afternoon light filtering through the curtains. I couldn”t help but let out a loud yawn, feeling the warmth of her presence beside me. Turning my head, I took in the sight of Lily lying there, her tousled hair flowing over the pillow. She looked absolutely stunning, even in the simplicity of the morning.
Gently, I shifted a strand of hair away from her face and pressed a small kiss to her forehead before reluctantly untangling myself from the sheets. The thought of slipping back under the covers with Lily crossed my mind, but I had a few things I needed to do, so I slipped on my boxers and pants, preparing to head outside.
Just as I managed to stand up, I heard her stir and let out a sleepy moan. Turning back, I saw her slowly opening her eyes, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
“Hey there,” she murmured, her voice husky with sleep. “Where do you think you”re going? Come back to bed.”
I chuckled, leaning against the doorframe. “I blame you, actually. You made me forget about work today. I was planning on going in late, but after, uh, our activities,” I said with a grin, “You”ve rendered me incapable of going to work today.”
Lily raised an eyebrow teasingly. “Oh, please. Last I remember, you were the one who couldn”t keep your hands off me.”
I smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. “I was just trying to keep up with your energy. Couldn”t resist. You could”ve stopped me if you wanted.”
We both shared a laugh, but then I remembered I had some errands to run. Grabbing my shirt, I announced, “I”ve got to head out, babe. Got some stuff to take care of,” I explained, preparing to leave.
“Babe?” She smiled. “Now you’re calling me babe, huh?”
“Well, aren’t you?” I smirked. “Anyway, I’ll see when I get back.”
Lily”s voice stopped me in my tracks.
“Wait,” she said, sitting up in the bed, her naked form on full display. My eyes couldn”t help but roam over her, admiring every curve.
She blushed, hastily covering herself with the sheets. “Stop staring, dummy,” she mumbled, her cheeks flushed.
I couldn”t help but grin. “Can”t help it. You”re breathtaking.”
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she invited me closer, and I eagerly complied. Leaning in, she planted a soft kiss on my lips, leaving me longing for more.
With a satisfied smirk, I bid her goodbye, leaving the house, and making my way to the car, with the memory of her kiss lingering on my lips. I was already looking forward to coming back to her.
With a determined grin, I got into my car, pulling out of my driveway as I set out to put my plan into action.
This would be the first time I would ever be going to such lengths for any girl, but everything in me told me that Lily was worth it.
I planned to give her the perfect surprise, and my mind buzzed with numerous ideas as I drove through the city streets, the anticipation of seeing that beautiful smile of hers building with each passing moment.
My first stop was the florist. I wanted to pick out the most beautiful bouquet of flowers to brighten Lily’s Day, but as I stepped into the shop, a riot of colors and fragrances greeted me, and my brain hurt from the decision I”d have to make.
I wasn”t a romantic guy, I”d never been, but here I was, in a fucking flower store. “If my teenage self could see me now,” I muttered to myself.
After browsing through the different options, I settled on a stunning arrangement of her favorite blooms – roses, lilies, and daisies – carefully wrapped in soft tissue paper and tied with a satin ribbon.
As I made my purchase, the florist couldn”t help but smirk. “Looks like someone”s in the doghouse.”
I chuckled nervously. “Actually, I”m planning a surprise for my girlfriend.”
Her eyes softened. “Well, she”s a lucky lady. I hope she appreciates the effort.”
“Thanks,” I replied, a surge of determination fueling my steps as I left the shop.
As I got back into my car, next on the agenda was her favorite bakery. Lily had a sweet tooth, and I knew she would appreciate some delicious treats to accompany the flowers. I selected an assortment of pastries – cupcakes frosted with pastel colors, flaky croissants filled with chocolate, and delicate macarons in every flavor imaginable.
As I waited in line, I overheard a couple chatting behind me. “I don’t mean to be rude but, what”s the occasion?” the man asked, nodding toward my purchase.
I grinned proudly. “Just surprising my girlfriend. It”s her favorite bakery.”
The woman smiled warmly. “She”s going to love that. It”s the little things that count, you know?”
“Trust me man, she’s right.” The man winked.
I nodded and smiled in agreement, then I collected my goodies and headed for the checkout, excitement bubbling within me.
Then, I swung by the local bookstore, knowing Lily”s love for literature. I scanned the shelves until I found the perfect addition to her collection—a beautifully illustrated edition of her favorite classic novel, complete with gold-edged pages and a silk bookmark.
At the cashier, I blushed slightly, thanked her, and returned to the car. As I drove away, I couldn”t wait to see the look on her face when she saw what I had in store for her.
After picking up the last items for the surprise, I made my way to the small picnic store tucked away in the corner of the town. Inside, I found a delightful array of picnic packages filled with delicious food and refreshing drinks. I quickly selected the perfect package and made my purchase, eager to complete my preparations.
“Thank you for your purchase and enjoy your picnic!” the store clerk called out as I exited. I grinned in anticipation as I drove toward the park.
I arrived at the park and found a sunny spot beneath a spreading oak tree, spreading out the blanket with care and arranging the food and drinks in a beautiful display. Every detail mattered, from the neatly folded napkins to the variety of snacks laid out on the platters.
Just as I was putting the finishing touches on the spread, my phone buzzed with a text from Lily, wondering where I had disappeared to and if everything was okay. With a chuckle, I quickly replied, telling her to meet me at the park for a surprise.
A weird, nervous excitement danced in my chest as I waited for her arrival. Would she like it? Would it live up to her expectations? I pushed aside my doubts and focused on the joy of the moment, knowing that, in the end, it was the thought that counted.
Finally, I spotted her approaching, her smile lighting up the park as she took in the scene before her. “Jake, what”s all this?” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Grinning from ear to ear, I took her hand and led her over to the blanket. “It”s a surprise, just for you,” I explained. “I thought we could enjoy a picnic together.”
Her smile widened, and she leaned in to kiss my cheek softly. “You”re the best,” she murmured, her voice filled with warmth. “I would have never thought you were capable of something so sweet.”
I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me at her words. “What can I say? I”m full of surprises,” I teased, pulling her down to sit beside me on the blanket.
As the hours passed, we laughed and talked, savoring each bite of food and each sip of drink. The afternoon sun cast a golden glow over the park, and we watched as the sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting a breathtaking sunset.
Wrapped in each other”s arms, Lily stirred, and I looked down and noticed the troubled expression on her face. “Lily, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing serious, except…” she paused, as if contemplating telling me.
“Hey. You can tell me anything. What is it?” I pressed, kissing her forehead.
She sighed. “Okay, but promise it won’t change anything between us?”
“I promise, Lily.”
“Alright then,” she began tentatively, her voice trembling slightly. “There”s something I haven”t told you about my family. Something I’m sure even Cole hasn’t told you.”
I looked at her with concern, urging her to continue. “Go on.”
“It’s just… my family. We struggle with mental illness.”
I nod, my expression softening, “You don”t have to tell me if you”re not ready, but I”m here for you, Lily. Always.”
Lily managed a small smile, “We’ve been through a lot, Jake. There have been times when it feels like we”re drowning in fear and uncertainty. The weight of it all... it”s overwhelming sometimes.”
I reached out and gently squeezed her hand, “I”m so sorry, Lily. You”ve been carrying this burden alone for so long. But you don”t have to anymore. I”m here for you, every step of the way. You”re not alone.”
“Thank you,” she said with a grateful smile.
“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll tell you something I haven’t told anyone.”
“What’s that?” curiosity laced her tone.
“I grew up in foster care.”
Lily”s eyes widen in surprise. “Wait, what?”
I chuckled, staring at the sunset. “Yeah, it was a really tough time for me. I felt so alone, moving from one home to another, never feeling like I belonged anywhere.”
“I can”t imagine how hard that must have been for you, Jake.”
“But it’s fine now. I have the best job in the fucking world.” I looked down to gaze at Lily, a small smile tugged at my lips. “And I’m with the most amazing woman in the world as well.”
Lily giggled, nestling her head into my chest as I held her closer. “Thank you for telling me, Jake.”
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. In that moment, I knew that I had found someone truly special, someone who accepted me for who I was, scars and all. “No, thank you, Lily,” I said, planting another kiss on her forehead.