Page 32 of Learning to Love

He faces me and gives me the biggest kiss on the lips. "I've told you I have a girlfriend."

"Her? That's your girlfriend?" She asks viscously.

I’m like two seconds away from knocking that look of disdain off of her ugly face. It's not really ugly, but whatever. Stupid beautiful Janet!

"Yes. That's my girl. She's perfect, beautiful. The best I've ever had! Got a problem?"

He thinks I'm perfect and he called me his girlfriend!!!!! AHHHH! He's my boyfriend. I put my hands on my hips and scowl at her. When did I even jump up? Janet is so mad that I think her head might explode. I can't take it anymore. "Yeah, what's your problem, Janet?"

"I don't have to answer to you, fat bitch!"

The words sting, but I have too much pride to let a mean girl make me cry. I laugh instead. Jake jumps up, but I step in front of him. I have to fight my own battles. "And...is that supposed to hurt my feelings?" I quickly add, "It's Ms. Fat Bitch to you!"

She stomps her foot. Literally, I'm embarrassed for her. "I...you...ugh!"

"Nobody cares, Janet!"

She storms off, and everyone around me starts cheering. I hadn't realized a crowd had gathered. That felt good. I can't stand a bully. There's no point in being mean to anyone and I hope Janet learns that lesson one day. Maybe that day was today.

Jake grabs me and leads me out to the dance floor. "So, you're my boyfriend?"

He nods. "I am. Sorry, you were the last to know."

I giggle. "It's okay. I kinda like you."

"I don't blame you. I'd like me, too. I might like you a little."

"Only a little." I give him my best sad face.

He holds out his arms as far as they will go. "Okay. Maybe this much then."

"Well, you like me more than I like you. Because your arms are a lot longer than mine!" He gives me a look as he twirls me around on the dance floor. We dance the night away. He's surprisingly a good dancer, and I'm okay. He twirls me a lot (that might be his signature move) and dips me once or twice, even during the fast songs. My heart starts racing every time I think about later tonight. Jake said we would both take care of each other. What does that even mean? Will he instruct me? I hope so because I need instruction. I have zero knowledge of what I'll be doing!

As if reading my mind, he smiles. "I can't wait to get you home." I bury my face in his neck, which brings me comfort. I can't help but think, me either.

Chapter 18

Revelation

Everything Fearless 24/7

I prefer sipping my tea slowly. It's best served when it's all hot and steamy, after all. Don't be mad. You know I like to tease. Update in 20. Make sure your notifications are set.

We leave the party early because the boys have football practice. The vote to eat was almost unanimous. Jake voted against eating. He wanted to go straight to my house. He must be used to girls that don't need nourishment! We napped through supper, and I need a little something before we work up another appetite later. Oh God, I can't think about that now.

We head towards our favorite diner. Jake’s being quiet, not saying much since we left. Is something bothering him? Is he tired or something?

The diner is so busy tonight. I get out of the car, and Jake walks over to my side and holds out his hand. I gladly take it as I smile up at him. He bends down and gently kisses my lips. He whispers in my ear. "Why did you vote against me?"

I laugh. "Because I'm chunky and hungry." I blush! I can't believe I told him that. Dang stupid alcohol.

He laughs. "I'm hungry for something else. I want to eat you."

My eyes grow big. I let out a nervous high-pitched laugh. "Shut up!"

He laughs. "I can't wait to get you back to your place. Just call me the big bad wolf, baby."

I cannot with him. With just a few words, I'm already throbbing again. I jump when I realize we have an audience. Everyone laughs, even Toby and the petite blonde he brought with him. She seems nice. I think her name is Karen, but hopefully, she's not that Karen. You know what I mean. They rode in her car, and he is staying at her place off campus tonight. She's in her junior year, and a total babe. Way to go, cuz.