Page 10 of Unpredictable Flames

As we settled into our seats, there was a gentle warmth in the air, like a soft embrace wrapping around us. The flickering candlelight danced across her face, casting shadows that seemed to illuminate the depth of her eyes.

I enjoyed the meal immensely, sometimes stealing glances at Lily until she finally caught me, and our eyes locked together. Lily's gaze softened, her eyes searching mine with a gentle intensity.

“Jake,” she said, her voice soft but determined. “Tell me something deep about you. Something you've never shared with anyone else.”

Her words caught me off guard, and for a moment, I hesitated. I had built walls around my past, and they were sturdy, protecting me from the ghosts that lingered within. But Lily’s sincerity, the earnest curiosity in her eyes, somewhat melted away my reservations.

Taking a deep breath, I decided to open up to Lily about my past—a part of me I rarely shared with others.

“Well, Lily," I began, "my past... it hasn't been an easy road,” I confessed, the memories of my tumultuous upbringing flooding back. “Growing up, I faced challenges that shaped me into the person I am today. But it wasn't until I joined the fire department that I found a sense of purpose—a family, if you will.”

As I spoke, I could feel the weight of my past lifting off my shoulders, replaced by a sense of relief at finally sharing my truth with someone who seemed to matter to me.

Lily listened intently, her gaze never wavering as I bared my soul to her. “But sometimes, it feels like I'm still fighting the same battles, like I'm trapped in a cycle I can't break free from.”

Lily reached across the table, her hand gently covering mine. “Jake, you’re definitely not trapped. Not anymore. And I know this may not mean much, but you don't have to fight those battles alone anymore. I'm here for you.”

I smiled at her, genuinely glad that she was sitting across from me at that time. “Alright, your turn, Lily. What about you? What are your fears, your dreams?”

She took a moment, a contemplative look crossing her face before she began to speak. “Well, I've always been afraid of not living up to my own expectations. There's this constant pressure to be successful, to meet the standards set by society and myself. But deep down, I just want to be happy, to find someone who understands me.”

“But wouldn’t that be putting your happiness in the hand of another person?”

“That’s just the thing. I don’t want just another person. I want someone who would love and adore me. Someone who understands where I’ve been and where I’m going. I want my own special person.”

Her honesty resonated with me, and I couldn’t help but nod as she spoke. “That’s beautiful Lily.”

“Thanks.” She sighed. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she continued. “I've also always dreamed of traveling the world.” Her voice filled with a quiet longing. “Of experiencing new cultures, trying new foods, and making memories that will last a lifetime.”

“That sounds incredible, Lily," I said. “Hopefully we can create our own memories.”

“I would like that.” Lily smiled, “I would like that very much.”

Our eyes never left each other, and I could feel a spark ignite and burn the longer I stared at her beautiful green eyes.

Fuck she’s amazing. I thought to myself. “But she is Cole's sister.”

I felt something deep in the pit of my stomach and sighed at the impossibility of our relationship.

I groaned in frustration. “What the hell was I going to do now?”

CHAPTER SIX - FANNING THE FLAMES

Lily’s POV

The sound of the incessant ringing of the doorbell woke me up from my sleep. I groaned, throwing my feet off the bed, and stood up.

I threw on a robe to cover my nightwear and made my way to the front door. Jake was probably still sleeping, and I had to make breakfast before he had to leave for work, so maybe the doorbell waking me up wasn’t a bad thing.

As I got to the door, I saw Jake already standing with the door wide open, and a look of shock was written all over his face.

“Cole?” I heard him say, and a wave of panic washed over me.

Jake turned to look at me, his eyes locked onto mine, and they said one thing and one thing only. Fuck.

I covered myself with the robe properly and waited for Cole to step inside the house.

“Hey, man!” I heard Cole yell and he lunged to hug Jake. He sauntered into the house, and his eyes caught sight of me.

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