Page 51 of Remember Me

“I need to be honest, Jake. I know Kayla told me how I felt before the accident, and I don’t doubt her because you are so wonderful, but I need to rediscover those feelings, so I can fall in love with you all over again. Because what if my memories don’t come back?” Therapy has been a bust so far, so I’m not holding out much hope.

“I’ll wait however long you need me to. Fuck, I’ve waited this long. Just the fact you’re willing to try is more than I could have hoped for. What else did you guys talk about?”

“I was worried about my inexperience, that I wouldn’t be enough for you and you wouldn’t…like it.” She tries to turn away from me, but I grip her chin.

“I love that you haven’t been with anyone else and your experiences will be all mine,” I groan into her ear. “Now I’ve got you, I’m not ever letting you go. You’re everything I’ve ever wanted, Lottie.” Taking her lips in a claiming kiss, my need for her is burning through me like wildfire. I have to keep reminding myself to take this slow. We have all the time in the world, and what's that saying? The longer the wait, the sweeter the reward? Well, I’m going to be the king of delayed gratification.

Chapter 36

Charlotte

It’s date night, and my nerves are making my belly flutter. I’ve never been on a date before, but there’s a first time for everything, and I did say I wanted to try new things. Plus, I need to soak up as much time with Jake as possible as I know his training will ramp up soon. I’m trying to decide what to wear, and not knowing where we’re going isn’t helping.

After PT this morning, which kicked my ass, I met up with Kayla and Alyssa to try and find a new outfit. Yes, I told Alyssa and Hannah about my date, and they were both thrilled. Alyssa claims she doesn’t want any dirty details, and I get that. It is her brother after all. It was the first time I’d been out properly since the accident, and I actually loved every minute of it. We had so much fun; we stopped for sushi and iced coffee whilst they pulled different dresses and accessories for me to try on. I ended up with two different options, which I’m now holding out in front of me in the mirror. One is a floral strapless maxi dress and the second is a tight-fitting, pale blue mini dress with tiny spaghetti straps. Old me would go with the maxi dress, but in the spirit of trying something new and wanting to be slightly more daring than I’d usually be, I go for the mini dress—even if it means no bra. I don’t have a lot to work with and feel a tad exposed, but this is a new me. Time to be braver, bolder.

I really don’t want my scar on full display, so I keep trying to pull the dress down further—ideally without causing a nip slip up top. After tying my hair up in a messy bun, I add some gold jewelry and a pair of flat gold sandals. My makeup is minimal: sun-kissed skin with just a hint of mascara and gloss on my lips. I take one final look in the mirror and head out to meet Jake.

As I walk into the living room, Jake has his back to me. I clear my throat to grab his attention, when he turns his eyes almost bug out of his head. “Do I look ok?” I pull my dress down again, and his eyes follow the movement.

His adams apple bobs as he coughs out, “Wow, Lottie, you look fucking incredible. Like something straight out of my dreams.” He blows out a breath, “Are you ready to go?” I nod, taking his hand as we walk to his car. Stopping me by the door, he leans down and kisses me until I’m breathless. I’m already counting down the minutes until we can come back home and do more of that.

“Welcome to The Lighthouse, do you have a reservation?” the hostess asks whilst looking at her computer screen, totally unfazed by Jake. Maybe she doesn’t recognize him or is just being discreet.

This place seems fancy—I hope I’m not underdressed. I start fiddling with my dress again, trying to make it longer than it is. Maybe I should have gone for the maxi dress.

We’re shown to a private circular booth in the corner, where we can sit next to each other. It feels so intimate being this close, but I like it. There’s a band playing soft jazz and couples dancing, it’s the perfect spot for our first date. I reach out and interlock our hands, giving his a squeeze as I look at the view out of the window.

“Beautiful view, huh?” I sigh dreamily.

“It sure is.” I turn to look at him, he’s not looking out of the window. He’s looking directly at me. I feel the heat directed behind his gaze and it’s like he’s undressing me with his eyes. The tension between us is brewing, and I can tell we’re going to explode like a grenade sooner or later if we don’t do something about it.

The server takes our drinks order, both deciding to have water; I don’t want a repeat of the last time I had alcohol, although it did get me the guy, so silver linings and all.

I let go of Jake’s hand and pick up my menu. There are so many delicious items I don’t know what to choose, but we decide to get a sharing platter of all different types of seafood. While we’re waiting, the server brings over our drinks with some bread and whipped butter, which smells so divine my mouth starts to water.

“Are you looking forward to the new season starting?” I ask Jake between bites.

“I am, it’ll be great to get back out there with the guys and hopefully bring home the cup this year. However, I’m not looking forward to being away from you so much. Luckily, there are a couple of months to go before we have to worry about that.” His fingers start drawing patterns on my thigh and I suck in a breath. He looks so unaffected whilst I’m almost hyperventilating at his touch.

“Yeah, I know. I kinda like having you around.” I decide to play him at his own game and move my hand to his thigh, feeling the muscles tense under my touch.

We’re broken out of whatever is going on between us when our platter is delivered. It all looks so delicious, I don’t know where to start. Picking up a scallop from the dish, I pop it into my mouth, and the moan that comes out of me is borderline pornographic.

He clears his throat. “Good?”

“So good you should try one.” Before I can stop myself, I pick up another scallop and bring it to his lips to taste. “What do you think? Good, right?” His gaze zeros in on my fingers as I bring them to my lips to suck the residue off.

“I can think of something that would taste even better.” His eyes sweep down my body to the juncture between my thighs.

Wow, is it hot in here? Did someone turn up the temperature because I am sweating! My heart is galloping at a record pace and feels like it’s about to burst right out of my chest.

We continue to feed each other bites of food, and I swear it’s becoming harder to breathe. I never thought feeding each other would be as sensual as this, or maybe it’s just because it’s Jake. I’m feeling all sorts of keyed up; my body is a live wire, like there’s electricity coursing through my veins. My thighs are rubbing together, aching to find relief. I’ve never felt this need before, and if I don’t do something to relieve the tension soon, I’m going to spontaneously combust.

Jake excuses himself to the bathroom, and on his way, his hands find my neck, fingertips skirting over my nape as he caresses me, making me shiver. What is he doing to me? I lean into his touch as his fingers leave me, and I watch him walk away, biting my lip to suppress a groan at the sight of his ass in those jeans.

Staring out the window, I watch the lights dance across the shore while I try and regulate my breathing. I also take a moment to think about how I’m not being my usual awkward self. I remember the only date I’ve ever been on and that was when I was sixteen. Troy took me to Burger King and, as a proud vegetarian, that was not the place to take me.

Lost in the memory, I don’t spot Jake until he’s holding his hand out to me. “Dance with me.”