I narrow my eyes at him, instantly upset. “Jeff hasn’t been in my bed here. I wouldn’t expose Lennon to having a man stay over. He’s too young to understand and it just felt wrong.”
I figured this would upset Jake, too. Because it’s talking about Jeff, but it’s also letting him know that we won’t be sleeping together either. Instead, the idiot is smiling.
“It’s interesting, isn’t it?”
“What is?”
“How you agreed to me sharing your bed last night. You didn’t even hesitate.”
“That’s different and you know it,” I huff, wondering why trying to talk to him is frustrating as hell.
“I know it is. You love me.”
I thought I was panicked before. Now, my breath practically freezes in my chest. “You’re dreaming, Jake. It was different because you kept your clothes on and were above the covers. Sex wasn’t involved.”
“Oh, sunshine, how you tempt me to prove you wrong. Sadly, you need to heal, and I have pancakes to make, so that will have to wait.”
“Jake—”
Before I can argue further, Jake slides his hand against the side of my neck and brings his lips down to mine. My body goes rigid. I can’t let him make me forget what we’re discussing here. I just can’t. I try to hold onto my senses, but his tongue slides against mine and he moans into my mouth, deepening the kiss.
There are a few things you can forget in life. Yet, I think the taste of Jake kissing me will remain forever engrained inside of me. It’s something I can’t describe, probably because there are no words invented. It’s heated sin, tempting, delectable, and so sweet that it feels like heaven. There’s a musky dark flavor that feels forbidden and yet completely like coming home—all at the same time. It’s perfection and familiar while feeling like the first time. Just like I am right in this moment, I lose myself to his kiss every single time. He transports me like an out of body experience and I’m just part of him and he’s a part of me.
He breaks away and I’m left staring up at him, licking my lips to get just one more small taste.
“We’ll buy new furniture to start our new life together,” he says his voice throaty and full of hunger.
“Are you sure you aren’t suffering from brain damage?” I murmur, touching my lips that are still tingling.
“No brain damage, Katie. I’m just in love.”
I gasp. I had to hear him wrong.I had to.
“Jake—”
He shakes his head. “I don’t expect you to believe me, Katie,” he murmurs, stroking my cheek with his thumb.
“Jake…” I don’t know what to say. I don’t even know what I’m feeling.
“I love you, sunshine. I love you and I love Lennon. I’ve missed you from the moment I walked away and for seven years there’s been a void in my life that just can’t be filled. I’m not going to stop until I get my family back—the family that should have been mine all along. Now let’s get you dressed and then I’ll go freshen up and get Miss Hazel before helping Lennon make pancakes.”
I watch as he gets out of bed, wondering what on earth I’m going to do about Jake Ryan. I don’t know how to fight him, mostly because he’s right.
Idolove him. I always have.
I’m an idiot…
CHAPTER 33
Jake
One Week Later
“Are you guys ready?” Katie calls out.
“Mom! We’re ready!” Lennon yells back, obviously tired of waiting. I ruffle his hair, sighing because I haven’t been able to tell him who I am yet.
I’m doing my best to be patient, but my patience is running thin. I’ve been in Katie’s bed every single night. I’ve held her, kissed her, and that’s it. We’ve not done anything more because I know her body isn’t physically capable. That doesn’t mean I’m not going insane. I have her in my arms and Lennon in my life every single day and yet, I still feel separated from them. I want more.