Page 72 of Remember Me

He must spot my look of confusion as he says, “I don’t normally get seen here, but with the season starting soon, you never know who might be around.”

“That’s a good idea. I keep forgetting you’re a big star. To me you’re just Jake.”

“It’s one of the reasons I love you; I can just be me and not what everyone else wants me to be.”

“Let's go.” Grabbing his hand, we take the steps down to the sand. Jake lets Bella off her leash, but she doesn’t stray far.

From the corner of my eye, I spot a few people glancing at us, pointing and throwing questioning looks our way. Thankfully, though, we’re left alone to continue our walk in private.

Once we’re home, Jake takes a quick shower whilst I make the finishing touches to his birthday cake—well, it's a six-pack of donuts with candles on them, but close enough. I know he’ll only be able to have one, but I’m sure I can find a good use for the rest.

Jake saunters into the kitchen in nothing but a towel, and my mouth drops open at the sight. I’ll never get tired of seeing his abs, let me tell you.

“See something you like?” his dark eyes glitter with mischief; he knows exactly what he’s doing.

Clearing my throat, I look him up and down. “Very much so.”

He approaches me slowly, giving me time to take in every inch of him, and—boy—is he glorious. I’ve read about guys like this, but to have my own? He is every book boyfriend rolled into one.

“I know I’ve already said this, but thank you for making all my birthday wishes come true, baby.” His hands run up my waist, under my T-shirt, fingers tracing my ribs.

“You’re more than welcome, you deserve all the good things after everything you’ve done for me.”

“Trust me, it was no hardship nursing you back to health. Especially if this is the end result.” His lips find my neck, pressing the gentlest of kisses on my pulse point.

My arms loop around his back, feeling the muscles flex. “I got you one more thing.”

Looking up from his spot in the crook of my neck, he replies, “I have everything I need right here.”

“Well, every birthday boy needs a birthday cake, right?” I reason.

He pretends to think about it. “Hmm that is true.” Reluctantly, he lets me go so I can retrieve the donuts.

“Why don’t you go and put some clothes on whilst you wait? You’re distracting me like that.” I wave my finger up and down.

Laughing, he turns around and walks toward the bedroom, dropping the towel on the way. You could bounce a quarter off that ass.

I quickly light the candles spelling out happy birthday, so I’m ready for when he comes back.

Singing “Happy Birthday” to him, I smile as he blows out his candles and closes his eyes. “Make a wish.”

“I told you, all my wishes already came true.”

“Come on, there must be something else,” I urge him.

“Ok, fine.” His eyebrows furrow as he thinks. “Done.”

Chapter 50

Charlotte

Getting to Nashville was pretty plain sailing thanks to Wren letting us use her private jet again.

We chatted on the phone the other day for a solid three hours. We text nearly every day, but I miss my girl—I can’t wait to see her again.

We’ve made it to our hotel and we’re now chilling in our suite with some room service. It reminds me of when we were in the suite in Portland, although our situation now is a lot brighter and happier.

Deciding to just hang out in our room for tonight, we binge-watch every episode of The Great British Bake Off we can find while we try every item on the room service menu. Hannah has been sending us regular ‘pupdates’ of Bella, and she looks adorable in her new knitted sweater. It's lilac with pink and white flowers on it—super cute.