Page 93 of Jacob

Jacob gives me space to think.

“I can’t go back to the room I rent. I’m having Kimmy pack all my things for me but leaving all the furniture. I don’t want it andI’m going to move in with Mom and Dad until I get a new place. A place of my own.”

“You could move in with me.” Jacob lays his hand over mine to stop me playing with the thread.

I look deep into his eyes. “Although we know each other really well, we don’t know each other romantically and I’ve never lived with a boyfriend before…”

“Skye, I know you better than anyone else. I know what time you have breakfast and what time you reapply your lipstick in the afternoons. Where you buy your coffee from. I know you better than I know myself.”

“I think you do.” My heart pounds in my chest as it whooshes with emotion. He’s so sweet, and he doesn’t know how beautiful he is.

“I fucking love you with every breath in my body, every blood cell within me. I care for you and I want to love and protect you for the rest of my life.”

“I know, big guy.” I pat his hard chest mockingly, trying to wave off his sweet words that might make me cry again. I am done with crying. “I quite like you too though. Just in case you’re wondering.”

“Was that before or after the sex?”

“Before,” I snort. “The sex was, well… average.”

He turns onto his back and mutters, “Some people are difficult to please.”

Then we both burst out laughing.

Jacob isn’t usually the playful type, but I feel like I’ve unlocked a new level with him these last few weeks and then another after what we just did in his bed.

Sex with Jacob Baxter is another level I wasn’t prepared for.

They do say sex with your soul mate can be life-altering.

I think perhaps I found mine in him.

“I have to tell you some things,” I whisper.

He turns to face me again, mirroring my position, and rests his hands under his cheek too. I reach out and run my hand down his soft scruff. I’m most likely to have a beard rash on my chin tomorrow. It already feels raw.

“Share away.” He looks concerned.

I clear my throat, preparing myself for the first and not the last time I say these words. “You can’t ever call me doll face, baby doll, or dolly. Ever. When I testify against Jules in court, I will no doubt have to repeat these words that sound creepy to me now.”

“Okay.” He nods in understanding.

“You’re not to treat me any differently. I will not let that evil psychopath ruin my life.”

“Understood.”

“I don’t want any special privileges at work.”

He frowns as if disagreeing with me.

“I mean it,” I say firmly.

He doesn’t agree or disagree.

“I want to speak to a therapist. I think I should speak to someone outside of Castleview Cove. Someone in Edinburgh maybe.”

“I’ll take you.”

I knew he’d say that.

---