‘Why not?’
‘Because he’s not here.’
‘Where’s he gone?’
‘I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you!’ Sammie laughed.I didn’t.‘Sorry!That was supposed to be a joke.I’ve just always wanted to say that!Anyway, Jake had to leave to sort out stuff for tonight.But he asked me to find you in the meantime and said if you can meet him at eight tonight, he promises to explain everything.So what do you say?Can I tell him that you’re gonna give him a chance?Will you still go ahead with the date?’
‘Yeah,’ I said quickly.‘I will.’
43
HALLE
As Sammie led me to a secret location, my heart hammered against my ribcage.
She’d blindfolded me with a silk scarf, at Jake’s request because he wanted everything to be a surprise.I knew we were on the beach, as I could feel the sand and smell the fresh salty sea air.I was intrigued to find out what he had planned.
‘Almost there,’ Sammie said.After a few more minutes, she stopped.‘I’m going to untie the blindfold now.’
I felt her stand behind me then the blindfold loosened.
‘Ta-da!’ Sammie whipped it off dramatically.
I blinked a few times as my eyes adjusted to the light.
There was a large projector screen, just like the one that was used for the movie night on the beach last week.
In front of it was one of the hotel’s large, comfy white double sofas with cream and gold pillows and blankets.
I guessed we must be watching a film.Probably a romcom.But from the way Sammie had hyped up the date and spoken about how much work Jake had put into preparing it, that didn’t seem right.
Jake stepped out from behind the screen and my heart skipped a beat.
‘Hey,’ he said softly.
It’d only been hours since I’d seen him, but it felt like weeks.As crazy as it sounded, I’d missed him.
And God, he looked gorgeous.
He was wearing a fitted white T-shirt and black jean shorts.So understated, butsosexy.
‘I’ll leave you guys to it – for now…’ Sammie turned then left.
‘Hi,’ I said as Jake approached the sofa.
‘Thanks for coming.’ He flashed a cautious smile.‘I know you’ll have some questions, but first, there’s something I’d like to show you.Is that okay?’
‘Okay,’ I said.
We both sat down.I desperately wanted to snuggle up beside him, but instead, I sat at the furthest end.I was going to give him a chance to explain everything, but until then I had to keep my guard up.Just in case.
Jake pressed play on the remote control.
The title ‘You Light Up the Room’ flashed up on the screen and the sound of a guitar playing filled the air.I immediately started tapping my feet, it was catchy.
Next, a flurry of photos filled the screen.
Photos ofme.
