"Why are you nervous? Relax," he whispers, his voice sending a shiver to run down my spine. I glance up at him, noticing how thick and dark his eyelashes are. His eyes are beautiful and I don't realise I'm staring until Jake laughs.
"You could take a picture, it'll last longer and you can use it to keep you company at night." Jake smirks smoothly. I gasp, my mouth dropping open slightly.
"Ha, you wish. I'd end up with nightmares." I mutter playfully, earning a chuckle from Jake.
"What time is it?" I ask out loud to no-one in particular. Jake glances at his watch before answering — "Eleven thirty."
My eyes widen and I immediately spring off the couch.
"Crap." I mutter, reaching for my jacket. I'm late, very late.
"What's wrong?" Jake asks me, his expression confused. I mutter a brief explanation and turned towards Ivory in a hurry.
"Thank you both for letting me stay here."
"You're welcome, don't be a stranger." Ivory smiles, holding out her arms as she signals for a hug. I return her smile, leaning in and embracing her. I can't thank her and Jake enough for being so kind to me. I make my way towards the door, glancing down and sighing at my clothes. When I push down the handle to leave, Jake's hand slams the door shut again, stopping me from leaving.
"Where are you going?" He questions me, frowning deeply.
"Home. I really have to leave, like now." I reply desperately, trying to open the door again. Jake shakes his head at me, his jaw tense with frustration.
"No, you can't."
"Jake, please. I need to go!" I tell him firmly, feeling the panic inside me increase.
"Emily, you can't go back there. Let me look after you." Jake argues back, anger lining his voice. I feel the panic increase inside my chest and images of Trevor growing increasingly angrier by my lack of presence clouds my mind.
"You're not my hero Jake!" I yell at him, trying to make him see sense. Hurt flashes through his eyes and he lets go of the door before taking a step back.
"Please understand, I need to get home." I plead with him, pulling the front door open. I silently wish Jake doesn't hate me for it. I walk out the front door, the fear inside of me growing until I feel nauseas.
It's my birthday today but Mum has clearly forgotten. No-one else knows beside Trish. I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the screen. One message from Trish.
Happy Birthday Bestie! I'll see you in college soon! Love you xoxo
I stuff the phone back inside my pocket, making a mental note to reply to her later. My gaze lands on Jake who's leaning against the doorway, watching me like a hawk.
"Please don't tell anybody my secret," I plead with him before turning around and hurrying down the driveway. I hear Jake follow me from behind and his warm hand slip in mine. The smooth feeling of paper falls into my palm and I feel him close my fingers around it.
I turn around, curiosity written across my face as I look at him. I don't have time to question his action so I wrap my hand around it tighter, not wanting to lose it. Before I can leave Jake leans close to me, bending down slightly. I feel his lips press against my cheek tenderly and I freeze, stunned to the spot. The skin sparks up with electricity from his touch and his lips linger before he pulls away. I inhale sharply, my fingers tracing over the skin. I can still feel the pressure and contour of his lips.
"Happy Birthday Muffin."
He turns around and walks back to the door, hands stuffed inside his pockets. My heart skips a beat from his words and begins thumping wildly against my chest. He knows it's my birthday.
I want to run up and kiss him properly but decide against it. It just a friendly birthday kiss, close friend to friend. I have to push any feelings for him aside especially since my life is so crazy right now. Having feelings for Jake will make everything increasingly difficult . . .
Especially with Trevor in my life.
Speaking of Trevor, I turn around and bolt down the street.
I need to get home, before it's too late.
Chapter Thirteen - A step too far.
I turn the key slowly in the front door, my heart pounding as I push it open. Silence comes from inside and I breathe out a sigh of relief before stepping inside. I don't dare slow down and risk Mum or Trevor spotting me in last nights clothes. I make a beeline for the stairs, taking them two at a time.
"Emily? Is that you?" Mum's voice fills the air and I ignore her, pushing through my bedroom door and locking it behind me. I hear her walking up the stairs, her voice lined with confusion.
"Emily? What are you doing?"
I quickly tear off my clothes, dropping them to the floor.
"I'm in the shower! I'll be just a minute!" I yell back at her, heading for my bathroom. I turn the shower on and step inside, grabbing my shampoo to get rid of last night's scent.
Ten minutes later and I'm squeaky clean, smelling of sweet vanilla. I wrap a towel around my body and search through my wardrobe, picking out my white cashmere jumper and denim jeans. My hair is falling freely on my shoulders and I begin to tackle it with my hairdryer, my arms aching from the
