Only Mine novel Chapter 27

"I... Jake...," I was at loss of words.

But he didn't give me a chance to say 'no' to him. Or 'yes' for that matter. He got up, pulled me in the tightest hug like he never wanted to let go, but still as loving and gentle like he was afraid I will dissolve in his arms if he squeezed too much. God, even my thoughts made no sense.

He kissed the top of my head and then the shell of my ear, down to my neck, back up and finishing with a small peck on my nose.

"It's fine. I don't need an answer now. I'm going to let you process it, but you need to know I'm not backing down. As long as I will feel at least a hint of the love you have for me, I'm not going anywhere. And I'll make sure your love won't disappear. I may have screwed up, but I am more than ready to make up for my mistakes and show you no one will ever love you as much as I do. So, go now. Enjoy the rest of the wedding and will talk tomorrow when you had some chance to breathe."

"I don't know if I will be ready to talk tomorrow. You kinda went 180 from the last time I saw you."

"I feel stupid and naive to start trusting you again." My words a mere whisper at the end, but he still caught them. His thumb and forefinger touched my chin gently and pulled my eyes to his, so I could see how serious he was when he spoke his next words.

"You were never stupid or naive. I was the one who didn't deserve your trust and I will always hate the days without you because of it. And I promise, baby, I will do anything to get your trust back. I swear you won't be able to get rid of me. Do you want me to go out there now and pledge my love for you in front of anyone?"

He already started turning and pulling me after him.

I grabbed his hand forcefully in an attempt to stop him.

"No, Jake. Stop. I'm serious. You'll embarrass me. Us. You'll embarrass us!"

He turns around and lifts me up in his arms, so the soles of my shoes are no longer touching the soft grass. He laughs my favourite laugh, the one with dimples showing, and I can't help but smile back.

"I don't mind public humiliation if it means you'll forgive me. I love you, you know."

"I..."

"Shh, don't say anything. Just remember now that the entire wedding I'll be wishing to be by your side, thinking about our own wedding. Think about this when you decide what to do with our relationship."

I give him a small nod and kiss his cheek before turning around and heading back to the wedding. Even though I feel shaken to the core about Jake's revelation, something I really did not expect today, my step is lighter and breathing became just a bit easier.

And then the thought actually settles in my mind. Jake is back. My Jake is back.

—-

Waking up the next morning was not pleasant for my head or, realizing when trying to get up from the heavenly soft hotel bed, any other part of my body. The wedding was a success and we had way too much fun, hence the raging hangover. That last few shots of tequila were definitely pushing it.

Nothing else happened with Jake after our talk in the garden, him keeping his promise of giving me space to breathe. Though, a few hidden glances were enough to heat me up from inside out. God, I missed sex. Sex with Jake, to be precise. Oh, hot sweaty dirty-talking sex that only Jake can provide for me.

My hormones are going haywire this morning and I can't help but laugh at my thoughts. Which turns out to be a mistake. Shit, my head hurts.

I drag myself out of bed and opt for a cold shower to wake me up. Then I can tackle the question lurking in my mind since last night.

Am I taking Jake back... today? Or letting him sweat for a bit longer?