When I looked at Jake I got goosebumps and tingles between my legs, which wasn’t like me.Especially considering we hadn’t known each other that long.
Then again, we’d spent a lot of time together over the past five days, so that was bound to accelerate things like feelings.
After we’d left The Huntington yesterday, we’d chatted easily all the way back to the hotel.Then we’d met up for dinner where we’d spent more time talking about our visit and discussing gardening.I know, right?Sounded weird, and probably a bit boring to other people, but somehow I found it fascinating.
After dinner, he’d asked if I wanted to get a drink at the bar, but I’d said I was tired, which was partly true.But mainly, I declined because I could feel myself being drawn to him and I needed to shut it down before my feelings escalated.
That was also why I’d spent most of the day reading on my balcony because I was too worried about bumping into Jake by the pool or on the hotel’s beach.Fully clothed Jake was hot enough.I wasn’t prepared to see shirtless, muscles-on-show Jake.
If it was just the fact that he was beautiful, I could’ve handled it.I’d met a lot of good-looking guys who were dicks.Being hot alone wouldn’t have been enough to move the needle.But there seemed to be so much more to him.
Jake was a walking contradiction.A tough-looking rockstar with a bad boy reputation, who also seemed gentle and kind.
He appeared arrogant, yet he also seemed vulnerable.I couldn’t figure him out and I was intrigued.I really wanted to find out more about him.
There was something drawing me to him.And it was more than just his delicious scent.
‘So,’ Sammie said as she stood in front of our group, ‘if you haven’t already worked it out, this is The Griffith Observatory.It’s the most-visited observatory in the world.It doesn’t get more romantic than doing a spot of stargazing, so that’s what we’re here to do tonight.’
‘Whoop!’ someone near the front cheered.
‘There’s telescopes so you can gaze at the stars and see the city with your match.This place was also featured in the movieLa La Land!’
‘That’s so cool,’ a guest called Annie called out.
‘It is!There’s also some interactive exhibits for those who are interested in learning about space, time and the universe,’ Sammie added.
Once Sammie had shared more interesting facts and told us what time we had to meet back at the coach, the couples went their separate ways.
‘I need to go to the john,’ Jake said.‘You okay to wait for me here?’
‘Sure,’ I replied.
The views here were magical.As I looked up and saw the City of Angels lit up underneath the twinkling sky, I thought about how much Vanessa would love to see it too.Maybe I could take a few snaps.Just to show her.
Seeing the photos yesterday reminded me how nice it was to have memories in print.And if they were on my phone,Icould decide whether or not to share or delete them.I didn’t need to be so afraid any more.
I pulled out my phone, took a few snaps, then checked them on the screen.They didn’t come out very well.My phone was too old.
Oh, well.At least I tried.
Just as I was about to move to another position, Sammie came over.
‘Hey, where’s Jake?’ she asked.
‘He went to the john.I mean, the toilet.’
‘Why do Americans call the loo “the john”?’
‘Maybe it’s something to do with the name of the guy who invented the toilet?I’m not sure.’
‘They have so many different words, it’s hard to believe we speak the same language.’
‘I’ve lived here for years and even I forget the lingo sometimes!’
‘I can imagine!So…’ Sammie said, ‘did you enjoy the excursion yesterday?’
‘It was great, thanks.So many beautiful gardens.’
