AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Shit, I forgot. I mean, not that you’re turning eighteen, because I obviously know that. I just didn’t put two and two together. What would you like me to order for you instead? Oh shit, I should know that already, shouldn’t I? I’m so—”
“Jake, babe, breathe.” He gives me another sheepish smile. He’s cute when he’s nervous. My big, burly, teddy bear. “It’s totally fine. I can just tell her that I’ll have...tea or something. No need to stress, okay?”
He gives me a nod. “I’m sorry, babe. I-I just wasn’t thinking. I want this night to beperfectfor you. We’re in a different country, and I’ve sort of kidnapped you for two months.” He gives a nervous laugh before looking down. I’ve never seen him this nervous before. It’s cute. I reach for his hand, and he accepts immediately.
“It’s already perfect because I’m with you. Please don’t overthink things, love. That’s a me thing, and it never turns out well.” He chuckles at that. “Trust me when I say, nothing you do can spoil this night.”
He smiles at me. “Allie, you’re a dangerous girl.” Well, that took a turn. I can’t help the laugh that comes out. He says the oddest things at the oddest times. “Baby, I’ve known you for a year. And my feelings are still the same.” I don’t know how he does it.
“Well, I’d say you’re a dangerousguy. At any moment, you surprise me. One second, you’ll think I’m the most beautiful girl, and then the next moment you could be talking to a blond girl named Milena,” I say before I can stop myself.
I’m being insecure, which is stupid. He’s already made it clear that he wasn’t interested in her. But I can’t help but think this is all unreal. He freezes when I bring up Milena. Crap. I made this uncomfortable.
“I’m not into Milena, babe. At least,I’mnot the one into her,” he asserts. What does that mean? I give him a look that he doesn’t return. Is there something he wants to tell me?
“Who else likes her? Someone on your team thinks she’s cute?” That would explain why I haven’t seen her around lately. Maybe one of the guys has asked her out, and she’s spending her time with him. Jake gives me a curt nod. This just feels awkward now. “I didn’t mean to make it weird, Jake.”
“I know, babe. I just...hate when you talk about yourself in that way.”
I roll my eyes. Of course, that’s why he’s acting strange. I keep projecting my insecurities onto him. I don’t mean to do it intentionally, but it just happens.
“I know, I know. You’re just larger than life, Larson. You have to see that. People will soon begin to think something’s wrong with you if you’re seen with me.”
He sighs before sitting back in his chair, annoyed. “Is this your way of writing me off, Allie?”
He has a look that’s hard to decipher. I consistently put my foot in my mouth when I talk to him. He gives me a pointed look, waiting for an answer, but I can’t give it to him. I’m not trying to write him off, but I also don’t want to be wasting my time on a guy who doesn’t see me as forever. I’m falling in love with him. Slowly but surely. But if he doesn’t return that feeling...I don’t knowwhatI’d do.
“No, Jake. I’m not trying to write you off. I just want to make sure that isn’t just...aphasefor you. You’re my first, in terms of everything except for having a boyfriend.”
He flinches at that reference to Nick. Hell,Ieven flinch at that reference.
“Babe, I’d feelwaybetter if you just referencedmeas your first boyfriend.” I laugh at that. I’ll happily do that. He gets up from his chair and walks over to me. Kneeling down, he cradles my cheek. “And this isn’t just a phase for me, babycakes. I’m not sure what it is about you, but I don’t see myself wanting anyone else. I can’t fully convince you, since I know actions speak louder than words. But just know, it’s not a phase.” With that, he kisses me. A soft, gentle kiss. He stands up and sits back in his seat. “Now, are you ready for dinner?”
I give him a smile before nodding. I’m falling way too hard for this guy. And I don’t care.
