“You don’t have to be brave for me,” he says quietly. “I don’t want you to hide your emotions to protect me. It’s okay to be scared.”
I should have known he would figure out exactly what I was trying to do. I hate seeing him so worried and upset, especially knowing that I’m the cause of it.
“I am scared,” I admit. “I’m fucking terrified, actually, but I refuse to let him ruin this day for me. He’s done having any power over me. I’ll change my number tomorrow after we talk to Maria. There has to be a way to speed this process up. I want him out of my life for good.”
“And he will be. I’ll make sure of it.”
He takes the sponge and lathers me up with body wash. The smell of lavender hits my senses, and I breathe deeply, inhaling the calming scent. By the time he’s done, his magichands have me in a better state of mind. I feel more relaxed, and the excitement for our afternoon plans weaves its way back in.
We finish washing up, and I quickly get ready while mouthfuls of pancakes keep appearing near my mouth. He makes sure I eat the whole plate before he disappears back into the kitchen.
I finish my makeup and eye my phone sitting there. I reread the text, but this time, I’m not scared…I’m angry. Chewing on my bottom lip, I go back and forth on what to do.
I type my response quickly and hit send before I can think about it.
Don’t contact me again unless it’s through my lawyer. Sign the papers and let me go.
I turn off my phone, not bothering to see if he responds. If the past nine months have taught me anything, it's that I would rather stand on my own two feet in a shitty apartment and love myself than live in a mansion and loathe what I’ve become and what I let be done to me.
It may have taken me a bit longer than I would have liked, but I have found my strength again, and I’ll be damned if I let one text bring me to that dark place he kept me in.
Feeling stronger for standing up to him, I walk back into the kitchen, eager to spend this day with Jake. The last of my worries fade as he looks up from cleaning the kitchen. His greys search mine for any sign that I’m still upset. I feel his love wash over me and let my eyes reveal my love for him. A beautiful smile appears across his handsome face, and my heart feels full to the brim.
“Ready to go?” He asks. “I should warn you I hate rollercoasters, but I’m willing to make an exception for you.”
“You hate rollercoasters?” I ask, surprised that he’s scared of anything.
“I’m depending on metal, wood, and bolts to keep me safe while I’m being flung around and turned upside down,” he frowns. “I prefer to be in control and have my feet on the ground, not dangling some three hundred feet in the air before dropping me like a rock to the bottom.”
“My big, strong man is afraid of something,” I grin, wrapping my arms around him.
“Not afraid,” he smirks. “More like a dislike.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll hold your hand.” I bite my cheek to stop my laugh.
“You are enjoying my discomfort way too much,” he mumbles.
“I’m sure they have kiddie coasters. I rode them once when I was five…” I shriek when he hauls me over his shoulder.
“Come on, smart ass.” He grabs his keys and wallet off the counter and walks us to the door. “That sassy mouth of yours needs to be put to better use later.”
“Looking forward to it,” I giggle against his back.
“I’ve turned you into a very naughty little girl,” he chuckles, setting me down and opening the door for me.
“Only for you,” I breathe, my cheeks getting warm.
His hand runs along the redness before giving me a piercing stare. “You got that fucking right. And if I survive today without plummeting to my death, I’ll show you later just how much my naughty girl is mine.”
“Plummeting to your death? A bit dramatic, don’t you think?” I step up into the truck and look at him in amusement.
“Metal, wood, and bolts…” he says, closing the door to my laughter.
We pullinto a waterfront restaurant a few hours later withsmiles still plastered on our faces. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun.
“Ready for another surprise?” He turns off the engine and unfastens his seatbelt.
“You’ve already done so much. Breakfast, amusement park, a new watch…” I finger the new Apple Watch on my wrist.
