Page 104 of Jacob

A chatter of gratitude and farewells fuse together as my team heads out of the office for the night.

It’s almost Christmas and the dazzle of the snow douses a soft hue throughout the office.

We are off to pick up our Christmas tree I ordered this weekend and decorate it together. I can’t wait to spend our first Christmas together. It feels super special this year and I’m so excited to wake up with Jacob in his beautiful house that he tells me I’ve to call my own.

The past few months have zipped by in a flash, and with every day that passes, I fall deeper and crazier in love with Jacob.

After Kimmy and Jacob moved my stuff out of the rental, I moved in with my parents for a few weeks, but as I was spending more and more time at Jay’s place, it made more sense for me to move in with him. So I did, and it’s been incredible. I love living with him.

Traveling to work together, lazy Sundays reading, Saturday meals out, and, of course, the constant surprises of theater tickets and nights away.

He couldn’t love me more if he tried.

I feel loved beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. He looks after me, making my breakfast and lunch. He bought me a new fancy e-book reader and filled it with hundreds of books, which must have taken him hours. He had my winter tires fitted to my car for the snowy months and, on a daily basis, he ensures I have everything I need to do my new job, which I interviewed terribly for. I was so nervous.

Even though I knew the job was mine, I still felt like I had to prove myself. Jacob reckoned my nerves got the better of me because it meant something to me and that I needed to prove that I didn’t get the job because I am his girlfriend.

He was right.

He’s always right.

It wasn’t weird either when we announced at work that Jacob and I were officially dating. Everyone nodded their heads as if to say,well, we always knew that was gonna happen.

It felt so nice that they were all so happy for us. Except for some of the girls in accounts who are gutted that they didn’t bag the hottest guy in the office and give me the evil eye. Those girls, I make sure I’m extra nice to.

A week ago, the police contacted me informing me that Jules would be reviewed again under the Mental Health Act. It was reassuring to hear that he wouldn’t be released as there was too much evidence against him. They also said that he would remainin custody until the court case, which is not until next summer. I am not looking forward to that one bit. However, my therapist, Dr. Burns, said that he would prepare me for questioning, ensuring I had the tools and coping techniques to deal with that. My lawyer also assured me that Jules will most likely be sentenced to life in a psychiatric hospital with zero chance of release, which is such a relief.

I have to admit the therapy helps; it’s certainly making me sleep better. I’m no longer waking up screaming, covered in sweat. I’m so glad those days are over.

It helps that I’ve thrown myself into my new role at work to tire me out, and I have to admit, it’s a good distraction, especially when I find my thoughts slipping into dark memories. The ones I want to completely forget.

Owen seems to be finding it less difficult to be around us the longer we’re together. He even drops in every week to see us and we’ve even managed a meal out as couples, although Evangeline never did show up that night. The date for their wedding is set but Owen hasn’t told us anything other than that.

It’s the weirdest arrangement. I’m glad I’m not involved.

“Hey, beautiful.”

I look up from my tablet, to find him looking all sexy, standing against the doorjamb, arms crossed, sleeves rolled up because I finally talked him into showing off the body art he’s been hiding from everyone in the office.

I don’t know how he manages it, but he gives my butterflies butterflies. He’s so handsome.

“Hi.” I close down my tablet, which I now only use for notes… no more hand lettering for me. I’m not sure I will ever do any again. What a waste of a beautiful piece of equipment.

Sensing my tension, Jacob walks around the table to me.

“Come, stand.” He full-arm beckons me to get up.

Rolling my chair away from under the huge table, I swivel the seat around and stand up.

“You look tired.” He kisses my forehead and then rests his brows against mine.

“It’s been a long day.” I roll my stiff shoulders.

Reaching up, and like always at the end of every day, he unravels my two space buns, then massages my scalp.

“That feels nice,” I moan with relief.

“Well, if you will insist on being involved in everything. That’s what you have an assistant for.” He massages his fingers into the back of my neck and then down to the top of my shoulders.

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