Page 71 of Remember Me

“I am a little hesitant.”

My stomach lurches at her words.

“Just because my memories are still so few and far between, and I want to remember more before I give you all of me.” She looks down at her body, emphasizing what she means.

“I’d wait forever for you, Lottie, you’re all I see.”

Leaning down, she plants the softest of kisses on my lips.

“So…if I’m yours…does that mean I’m your girlfriend?” she says it so quietly, I almost miss it.

My heart is galloping like a horse running its best race. Is she saying what I think she’s saying? “Damn straight it does. I’m yours, no one else's. For as long as you’ll have me.” Forever, hopefully.

She pretends to think about it, tapping her chin in thought. Catching her unaware, I roll us over until she’s on her back and I start tickling her. She’s squirming and laughing and panting for breath. “Ok, ok. It looks like we’re in a relationship then.”

The megawatt grin on my face would be able to be seen from outer space. I don’t even think there is a word that would explain just how happy I am right now. I’m on top of the world—cloud nine—like I’ve scored the winning goal in the Stanley Cup. I have everything I’ve ever wanted, and that scares me because it now means I have more to lose.

Chapter 49

Charlotte

Making out with Jake has to be one of my favorite things in the world—up there with waking up with him. We’ve been lying in bed kissing since we had the talk an hour ago, and it’s like we’re in our own bubble. No words, just our bodies saying what we couldn’t.

When we break away, we’re both breathless and my lips feel swollen. Jake pushes my hair behind my ear.

“This has been the best birthday I have ever had.”

For a big, burly hockey player, he sure says the sweetest things, and I know he means them. There’s a sincerity in his voice and his eyes are full of love and adoration.

“It’s not over yet, which reminds me: I need to go and prepare your birthday dinner.”

As I move out of Jake’s grasp, he grabs me again. “Stay here with me, baby, we can order in.”

“You are on a strict diet, mister. Training camp will be here before you know it, so I’ll be making dinner, but I have got you a treat for dessert.”

“Unless it’s between your legs, I don’t want it.”

I poke his chest, feeling my panties dampen, and leave the bed, heading toward the kitchen.

Once we’ve had dinner and I’m clearing away our plates, Jake scrolls through his phone for some music. Riley Green’s “Worst Way” comes on through the speakers.

“Dance with me?” Jake holds his hand out for me to take.

I close my eyes, resting my head against his chest, and listen to the words Riley sings about hands needing hips—if I could bottle up this feeling of contentment and safety, I would.

“I don’t know if you remember, but I got you Riley Green tickets for your birthday. It’s in two weeks’ time, if you still want to go?” Jake says into my ear.

“I’d love nothing more, J.”

I can hear his heart thumping against my ear, steady and sure. I wish I could remember more so I could give him all of me. I need to get up in the attic and find those journals. Hopefully, they’ll give me the clarity I need. I’ve also got the ones from my parents’ house to look through. I should have done this sooner, but I just haven’t been mentally ready. But now? I think I’m ready to see my life pre-accident.

The song finishes but we still stand there swaying, no words or music needed as we just enjoy the moment. That is until Bella decides to scratch Jake's leg, wanting to go out.

“Let me just grab my hat and your leash then I’ll take you out.” He bends down to scratch behind Bella’s ears.

“Hey, I’ll come with you if you like? My leg is much better on the sand now.” I like the idea of us walking her together by the shore.

Jake pulls his hat down, covering the majority of his face. I’ve not really noticed him having to do that much. I know he’s famous, but he doesn’t seem to get spotted out here.