As I wonder all this, Jake starts stroking the back of my hair. I close my eyes trying to shut all the bad shit out of my head. I only need to concentrate on this right now.
We sit in silence for a moment, Jake patiently waiting for me to calm down. Although I’ve slept, I feel exhausted, and although I’m exhausted, I don’t want to go back to sleep. Not if I’m going to have the same nightmare over and over again like that.
It’s only once I’m calm that I realize there’s light coming through the windows, so it must be morning already. I turn only to see Jake staring at me, watching my reaction.
“I was downstairs getting some coffee. I was going to bring up some breakfast when I heard you screaming. You gave me the fright of my life.” He strokes my arm and wipes a tear from my eye.
“Every time you’re not here in bed with me, I have nightmares. You can’t ever leave me again when I sleep.”
He lets out a little laugh. “Well, I did say I wanted you in my bed, so that settles it then.”
I look into his startling, green eyes and sigh. “I didn’t say it so that—”
He strokes my face. “I know.”
“We can’t do this to Matthew. Not so soon after … well, you know.” I so want to be with him deep down, but at the same time, I don’t want to upset the family dynamics.
“I think we need to play this thing out and see what happens. Matthew isn’t even back yet, so we shall see. Was it the same dream?”
I nod my head and try to stop the barrage of tears threatening to come at any moment. Jake throws his arms around me, and I nuzzle my head into his chest. I take a deep breath in, relishing in his aroma. He smells wonderful.
After a while like this, we break free, Jake pulling away to look at me. “Are you better now? I want to bring some coffee and toast up.” I nod and watch as Jake gets up to walk towards the stairs.
With a sigh, I shuffle out of bed and make my way to the bathroom, and it’s then I realize I’m still naked. I really need some clothes.
I rush towards my room, but instantly shudder when I walk inside. I look towards my pillow and cringe at the thought that he had his hands on it. Suddenly, this room doesn’t feel as welcoming as it used to. Knowing that this psychopath has been in here—probably looking through my things—makes me feel sick to my stomach.
As quickly as I can, I go through my drawers, pick out a tank top and boxer shorts, and then slip them on. I grab my phone by my bedside, since I left it in here again. There are three missed calls and two text messages, all from Jessie badgering me into answering my phone and calling me every bad name under the sun. I decide I can’t avoid her forever and give her a call. As I’m walking back, I also notice a missed message from John.
John: Sorry to hear that you can’t make it. I will wait for your call.
I sigh, thinking I have to contact him at some point, but for now, I have too much on my mind. Instead, I walk back into Jake’s room and dial Jessie’s number. After two rings, she answers.
“Where have you been, you little bitch? I’ve been worried about you.”
The laughter is out straight away. Typical Jessie. “I’m fine. Sorry, I didn’t realize you’d called or texted. I’ve been a little preoccupied the last couple of days.”
She snorts. “So I’ve heard. Tom sent me a cryptic message saying he knows you’re not gay anymore. What the fuck’s he talking about?” She suddenly gasps like she’s realized something. “No! You’re not shagging … Tom … are you? Have a little more respect for yourself than that. Michael yes, but not Tom. Or is it Michael? He’s the superior choice between the two. He also has a nice—”
I had to stop her twenty questions. “Jessie, stop talking. I’m not, as you say, ‘shagging’ Tom or Michael. Tom’s a little shit for blabbing anything to you, but you’re my friend, and I wanted to wait until tomorrow before I spilled everything. I can trust you, can’t I?”
She huffs but the sound is nothing compared to the excitement in her voice. “Of course you can. What do you take me for? Now come on, spill the beans.”
I take a deep breath. “I know I won’t be able to hide this from you anyway. Something happened between me and Jake, and now we’re … well, we’re … I don’t know what we are, but I haven’t left his bedroom since Friday night.”
I hear the gasp and the squeals of excitement through the phone. “You’ve been holding out on me, girl. Now tell me, what’s he like in bed? I imagine he’s quite the animal. Is he an animal?”
A flurry of giggles leave me just as Jake enters the room. I stop abruptly and blush a crimson red. Jake just smiles at me, amused.
“Um, yes and yes.” I don’t know what else to say.
Jessie squeals again. “Hold up, is he there with you?”
I scratch my head. “Yes.” Man, this is getting awkward.
She makes a sound which is clearly meant to represent disappointment through her teeth. “Well, I guess I will have to wait until tomorrow then. But you must promise to tell me all about it then, okay? Oh, and by the way, why does Tom know about this before I do?”
Shit! That is a very good and very valid question. I was hoping she wouldn’t pick up on that. “It’s complicated. I’ll see you tomorrow, and please remember what I said. It’s so important. I will explain all to you then, but you must promise me.” She promises she will, then we say our goodbyes before hanging up.
Jake brings a tray of coffee, toast, and juice, which all smells wonderful. He pours me a cup and hands me over the mug. “That smells wonderful. Thank you.”
He smiles, pours himself a coffee, then starts buttering the toast. He then hands me a slice. “I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that it was Jessie who wanted all the gossip?”
I wince, slightly embarrassed. “Yes. I hope you don’t mind? She said she wouldn’t tell anyone, and she is the closest friend I have.”
He shakes his head. “Look, I’m not judging you. I let it be known to Bill, Tom and Michael. Who am I to say who you can and can’t tell?” I take a bite of the toast, and my mouth instantly waters. I didn’t realize how hungry I’d allowed myself to get. “My only concern is for you, what this fucker wants with you, and catching him as soon as possible before he hurts any more women. He needs to be locked up, or better still, be given a long, slow, torturous death. It’s been going on too long.” I finish my toast, and he quickly butters me another. “You’re starving yourself as well, and it’s not good. You need to eat.”
I sigh, realizing he’s right, but also noting how much has happened in the last forty-eight hours.
I take a sip of my coffee then put it down. “Yes, my caveman. I will be sure to take heed of your advice.” I smile at him, and he smirks back.
“Are you being cheeky with me again?”
I fake gasp. “Heavens no. I wouldn’t dream of it.”
He places the tray on the floor and edges closer to me. “Do you realize just how damn sexy you look right now?” He’s practically purring the words out, making the fire between my legs ignite again.
I take in the last bit of toast and watch as his eyes bury deep into me. My God, he’s a sex-on-legs, hot-as-hell, hunk of a man. How could I ever say no to anything he asks of me?