49. Chapter 49
Charlotte
Making out with Jake has to be one of my favorite things in the world—up there with waking up with him. We’ve been lying in bed kissing since we had the talk an hour ago, and it’s like we’re in our own bubble. No words, just our bodies saying what we couldn’t.
When we break away, we’re both breathless and my lips feel swollen. Jake pushes my hair behind my ear.
“This has been the best birthday I have ever had.”
For a big, burly hockey player, he sure says the sweetest things, and I know he means them. There’s a sincerity in his voice and his eyes are full of love and adoration.
“It’s not over yet, which reminds me: I need to go and prepare your birthday dinner.”
As I move out of Jake’s grasp, he grabs me again. “Stay here with me, baby, we can order in.”
“You are on a strict diet, mister. Training camp will be here before you know it, so I’ll be making dinner, but I have got you a treat for dessert.”
“Unless it’s between your legs, I don’t want it.”
I poke his chest, feeling my panties dampen, and leave the bed, heading toward the kitchen.
Once we’ve had dinner and I’m clearing away our plates, Jake scrolls through his phone for some music. Riley Green’s “Worst Way” comes on through the speakers.
“Dance with me?” Jake holds his hand out for me to take.
I close my eyes, resting my head against his chest, and listen to the words Riley sings about hands needing hips—if I could bottle up this feeling of contentment and safety, I would.
“I don’t know if you remember, but I got you Riley Green tickets for your birthday. It’s in two weeks’ time, if you still want to go?” Jake says into my ear.
“I’d love nothing more, J.”
I can hear his heart thumping against my ear, steady and sure.
I wish I could remember more so I could give him all of me.
I need to get up in the attic and find those journals.
Hopefully, they’ll give me the clarity I need.
I’ve also got the ones from my parents’ house to look through.
I should have done this sooner, but I just haven’t been mentally ready.
But now? I think I’m ready to see my life pre-accident.
The song finishes but we still stand there swaying, no words or music needed as we just enjoy the moment. That is until Bella decides to scratch Jake's leg, wanting to go out.
“Let me just grab my hat and your leash then I’ll take you out.” He bends down to scratch behind Bella’s ears.
“Hey, I’ll come with you if you like? My leg is much better on the sand now.” I like the idea of us walking her together by the shore.
Jake pulls his hat down, covering the majority of his face. I’ve not really noticed him having to do that much. I know he’s famous, but he doesn’t seem to get spotted out here.
He must spot my look of confusion as he says, “I don’t normally get seen here, but with the season starting soon, you never know who might be around.”
“That’s a good idea. I keep forgetting you’re a big star. To me you’re just Jake.”
“It’s one of the reasons I love you; I can just be me and not what everyone else wants me to be.”
“Let's go.” Grabbing his hand, we take the steps down to the sand. Jake lets Bella off her leash, but she doesn’t stray far.
From the corner of my eye, I spot a few people glancing at us, pointing and throwing questioning looks our way. Thankfully, though, we’re left alone to continue our walk in private.
Once we’re home, Jake takes a quick shower whilst I make the finishing touches to his birthday cake—well, it's a six-pack of donuts with candles on them, but close enough. I know he’ll only be able to have one, but I’m sure I can find a good use for the rest.
Jake saunters into the kitchen in nothing but a towel, and my mouth drops open at the sight. I’ll never get tired of seeing his abs, let me tell you.
“See something you like?” his dark eyes glitter with mischief; he knows exactly what he’s doing.
Clearing my throat, I look him up and down. “Very much so.”
He approaches me slowly, giving me time to take in every inch of him, and—boy—is he glorious. I’ve read about guys like this, but to have my own? He is every book boyfriend rolled into one.
“I know I’ve already said this, but thank you for making all my birthday wishes come true, baby.” His hands run up my waist, under my T-shirt, fingers tracing my ribs.
“You’re more than welcome, you deserve all the good things after everything you’ve done for me.”
“Trust me, it was no hardship nursing you back to health. Especially if this is the end result.” His lips find my neck, pressing the gentlest of kisses on my pulse point.
My arms loop around his back, feeling the muscles flex. “I got you one more thing.”
Looking up from his spot in the crook of my neck, he replies, “I have everything I need right here.”
“Well, every birthday boy needs a birthday cake, right?” I reason.
He pretends to think about it. “Hmm that is true.” Reluctantly, he lets me go so I can retrieve the donuts.
“Why don’t you go and put some clothes on whilst you wait? You’re distracting me like that.” I wave my finger up and down.
Laughing, he turns around and walks toward the bedroom, dropping the towel on the way. You could bounce a quarter off that ass.
I quickly light the candles spelling out happy birthday, so I’m ready for when he comes back.
Singing “Happy Birthday” to him, I smile as he blows out his candles and closes his eyes. “Make a wish.”
“I told you, all my wishes already came true.”
“Come on, there must be something else,” I urge him.
“Ok, fine.” His eyebrows furrow as he thinks. “Done.”