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“Are you out of your ever-lovin’ mind? The wolves and goddamn cougars are on the prowl! You don’t care that he’s going to be mauled to death?”
“Liv, he’s a grown man and can take care of himself.” Then again, I knew the types of women she was talking about. My best friend Martina was one of them. That poor guy being attacked on the beach right now didn’t stand a chance. Cade probably didn’t either, but not my problem…
“Ah shit, my beans are burning. I gotta go!” The line went dead, and I couldn’t be more relieved.
I was startled out of my daydream when Jake yanked my carry-on out of my hand to put in the overhead compartment.
“Thanks,” I pretended like I hadn’t glazed over boarding the plane. Memories were powerful little turds. I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how I’d been desperate that Labor Day, and Jake had been there in the snow cone line. He’d worked his charm to get me to go out for a drink. It had taken little effort on his part to get me to agree. I’d want to forget about the swarms of women after Cade.
After three amazing and expensive dates and being carted around in his black convertible Porsche 911 Carrera, I’d become a yes girl.
Yes, I’d love to take a romantic walk on the beach to watch the sunset.
Yes, skydiving sounds electrifying!
Yes, a weekend in Vegas sounds great. I’ve always wanted to learn how to play blackjack.
Within the first month, I’d said yes to surfing and scuba diving. Jake had paid for everything and seemed to be available at all hours of the day. The day he took me to his place was when I found out he was rich, richer than rich. He had oceanfront property in Pacific Palisades and owned an entire estate with a security gate and private guards. I’d known right from the start he was at the very least a millionaire. Later, I learned he was a billionaire.
By the third month, Jake had asked me to move in and I saidyes. As they say, the rest was history.
Settled in ourexpensivefirst class seats, I beamed. In five hours I’d be home and I’d get to hug my mom and dad. Maybe even decompress from my busy life.
I cozied up to Jake, resting my head against his shoulder and let out a contented sigh. Determination rushed through my veins. I’d do anything to make this weekend a success.
“Sorry about earlier, Shell.” He kissed my forehead. “I’m on edge. Didn’t mean to be an ass.”
“Thank you. I’m sorry too.” I laced my fingers with his. “I really want the visit to be a good one, you know? It’s important to me.”
“I won’t mess it up.”
I lifted my head and smiled at him. “They’re going to love you.”
“Of course they will, just like you.”
“Mhm…” I couldn’t verbally say yes, because it would be a lie. The L-word had never left my lips with Jake. I sensed he wanted me to say it, but I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be the truth, but I did like him a lot.
That wasn’t weird, right?
Stop it, Shelby. You’re making something out of nothing.
We both grew quiet. Jake went on his phone, and I let my thoughts drift off…
The physical part of our relationship was good, better than good. Jake knew how to make me come multiple times. A lot of women would be envious of me, so I wasn’t complaining, per se. But it was the emotional connection we lacked. More times than not, I would feel empty after he came inside me.
You enjoy it, I told myself.
Yes, except, it was only sex. Not lovemaking.
I needed more. To connect on a spiritual, soul-binding level in order to feel loved and to love Jake. At least that was how it had been with Cade. Our love had blossomed after many years of friendship. When we became a couple, then started having sex, it always started slow and sweet before we turned up the heat. We’d make love with our gazes locked and an immense outpouring of love would flow between us.
Maybe I had it all wrong?
What I’d shared with Jake had been very different from the start, but different wasn’t bad. It was just… different.
Jake had an unquenchable hunger. He would leave me exhausted many nights, unable to think about anything, to the point I’d pass out. What woman would complain about that?
Jake was also intense and moody, which I attributed to his wealth. The rich people I’d encountered had a selfish, me-first attitude, but after a little time, they had lowered their guard and warmed up to me. Jake might seem bossy and demanding, but I knew it stemmed from the neglect he’d experienced as a kid. I’ddone my best to understand him and show compassion. At the same time, I helped him, he distracted me from thinking about Cade.
