I don’t count Arina in that. She’s genuinely stretched thin, and if life weren’t pulling her in a hundred directions, we’d be inseparable.
Jacob is everything I used to picture when I’d lie awake at night, wishing somebody would just seeme.
Not only does he see me—he listens.
He makes me a priority.
He just knows—when to be gentle, when to make me laugh, and when to hold me close because he feels what Iwon’t say, reminding me I’m not as alone as I pretend to be.
He never tries to change me—he just loves me exactly as I am.
Staying at his place feels like slipping into a version of peace I never had at home. He cooks for me, brings me food in bed, treating me like the queen he says I am.
It’s everything I thought love would be. Not the half-ass kind I grew up with.
Still, not having my mom around as much creeps into my thoughts more than I’d like to admit.
At first, it feels like freedom—finally being able to breathe without her rude comments or the everyday fighting. But it’s not just her voice that’s missing. It’s the silence that proves she doesn’t care enough to ask if I’m okay.
She doesn’t even know if I’ve eaten.
And the worst part is, some stupid part of me still aches for her to love me.
Meanwhile, Jacob’s out here raising the bar so high, my mom wouldn’t recognize love if it slapped her across the face and introduced itself. She’d probably say he only wants me for what’s in between my legs, or laugh like the idea of someone actually loving me is the joke.
But Jacob—he gets it.
He’s the always bringing me gifts that always has me smiling. That kind of effort makes me want to crumble to my knees every time I see him. I’ve never met anyone so thoughtful and sincere.
And don’t even get me started on his mom, Nikki. The woman’s like an angel that fell straight from the sky. Her genuine spirit warms me like a sunny day after a storm.
From the moment we met, she soaked me up like she’s been waiting for me. She’s never had daughters, but you’d swear I was hers.
And you know what? I let myself believe it—because why shouldn’t I? She doesn’t just treat me like her son’s girlfriend, she treats me like I’m part of their family.
Something my own mom never quite figured out how to do.
With Jacob loving me the way I deserve, and Nikki giving me the motherly care I crave, it makes it easier not to miss home.
With them, everything feels effortless. I can just exist without second-guessing where the love stands, without breaking myself apart to deserve it.
? ? ?
With our six-month anniversary creeping up, I can barely contain my excitement. I just know Jacob’s got something special planned—he always does—and with him, even the smallest gestures feel like a big deal.
Pulling into his driveway, I step out of my Toyota Camry like it’s a Lamborghini. My silver dress clings to every curve. The hem stops mid-thigh—short enough to tease, but long enough to keep him at bay until we’re alone. My black stilettos click against the pavement, the tan bottoms flashing with every step as I make my way to his door.
My curls tumble down my back, bouncing against my shoulders. I kept my makeup minimal—because I already know he’s going to ruin it before the night’s over. I drag my tongue across my lips at the thought of him, tasting the faint chalk of my red lipstick, heat pooling between my legs.
Some say I resemble a young Lisa Raye—only my skin’s a shade deeper with fuller lips. After sophomore year, I finally started to think I was actually cute—despite my momnever once telling me I was even pretty—compliments started to slide right off me.
Empty words that never meant much.
Until Jacob.
Around him, I’m not just a pretty face. I’m his obsession. I’m not just something to look at—I’m someone he studies, learns, and remembers. His obsession lives in the details: the way he reads my silences, the way he reaches for me when I don’t ask. It’s not about control. It’s about care. About choosing me with intention.
By the time I reach the door, he’s already there—leaning against the frame like lust. His crisp polo hugs his body just right, showing off every line of muscle beneath it. His dark hair is slicked back perfectly, his jeans fitted like they were specifically made for him.
