Page 21 of Unpredictable Flames

“Thank you,” she said with a grateful smile.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’ll tell you something I haven’t told anyone.”

“What’s that?” curiosity laced her tone.

“I grew up in foster care.”

Lily's eyes widen in surprise. “Wait, what?”

I chuckled, staring at the sunset. “Yeah, it was a really tough time for me. I felt so alone, moving from one home to another, never feeling like I belonged anywhere.”

“I can't imagine how hard that must have been for you, Jake.”

“But it’s fine now. I have the best job in the fucking world.” I looked down to gaze at Lily, a small smile tugged at my lips. “And I’m with the most amazing woman in the world as well.”

Lily giggled, nestling her head into my chest as I held her closer. “Thank you for telling me, Jake.”

I felt a sense of relief wash over me. In that moment, I knew that I had found someone truly special, someone who accepted me for who I was, scars and all. “No, thank you, Lily,” I said, planting another kiss on her forehead.

CHAPTER TEN - IGNITED TRUST

I had never felt this way before. Lying in Jake's arms, I felt a warmth spreading through me, unlike anything I'd ever experienced before. Who would have thought the notorious playboy firefighter of Lakeridge could be so unexpectedly romantic?

As we nestled together, the warmth of his chest comforting me, and his heartbeat a soothing rhythm beneath my ear, I reflected on the picnic he had arranged. It was like something out of a dream, with each detail carefully thought out.

And then there was the way he accepted me, flaws and all. It wasn’t every day you told someone about a mental illness that runs in your family, and they accepted it without any judgment. He even went ahead and shared his own vulnerabilities about growing up in foster care. It was a level of intimacy I never expected from anyone; much less Jake.

The memory of that kiss between my bedroom and the hallway that started it all flashed through my mind, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the fact that I didn’t back down when he tried to retreat and give me space.

As the sun finally disappeared from our sights and the darkness of the evening began to creep in, Jake's voice pulled me from my thoughts. “Hey, Lily, I got you something.”

I lifted my head from his chest, watching with a smile as he rummaged in the picnic basket and produced a bouquet of flowers. When he handed me the bouquet, a blush crept across his cheeks. “I, uh, probably should've given these to you earlier, but, well, I got nervous.”

I couldn't help but giggle at his adorable awkwardness as I accepted the flowers. “Thank you, Jake. They're beautiful,” I murmured, inhaling their sweet scent.

Then, to my surprise, he passed me a book. My heart skipped a beat as I saw the title, one of my all-time favorites, but in an illustrated edition. “How… how did you know?” I asked, unable to contain my excitement.

Jake shrugged, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Let’s just call it a lucky guess.”

Unable to contain my joy, I threw my arms around him in a tight hug, feeling the warmth of his embrace enveloping me. And then, without hesitation, I pressed my lips to his, savoring the sweetness of the moment, and I realized just how lucky I was to have Jake by my side.

His hand snaked around my waist, pulling me even closer to him, although I was already pressed against his rock-hard chest. He deepened the kiss, and I could feel myself melting under his touch.

“Jake,” I moaned into his mouth.

“Yes, Lily?” he answered, breaking the kiss and looking into my eyes.

“I think we should go home,” I said, my eyes gleaming with mischief.

He looked at me, and a smug smile tugged at his lips. “You’re crazy. I love it.”

We quickly got up, packed up our makeshift picnic setup, and took them to Jake’s car. We hurriedly got in, and Jake drove off, heading home. We kept sneaking glances at each other, anticipating what would happen when we got home.

By the time we got home, it was already pretty dark. We made our way to the house, and the fading light of dusk cast long shadows across the porch. Jake's arm draped protectively around my waist, and I couldn't help but giggle at the ease with which we moved together.

But as we reached the porch, a chill crept over me, sending shivers down my spine. Jake reached for the doorknob, only to pause, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Lily, did you lock up?”

Before I could respond, Jake turned to look at me, and his expression shifted. I followed his gaze and saw three figures looming behind me, dressed in black with ski masks obscuring their faces.

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