Page 7 of Unpredictable Flames

With shaky hands, I made my way to the shower. The hot water descended over my skin as I tried to wash away the lingering memory of Jake's touch. But no matter how hard I scrubbed, his image remained etched in my mind, taunting me with what could have been.

After what felt like an eternity, I emerged from the shower, feeling slightly more composed but still unable to shake the thoughts of him from my mind. I grabbed my headset from the nightstand and put it on. I played music, desperate to soothe my mind, and ended up drifting off to sleep.

I woke up the next morning to the morning sun streaming through the curtains. I slowly got up, throwing my legs off the bed as I stood up. Images of last night replayed in my head, the taste of his lips still lingering, and a mixture of confusion and desire swirled within me.

Just as I finished setting the table, Jake appeared, looking unexpectedly handsome. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent acknowledgment of the shared moment we couldn't ignore. He inquired about the delicious scent wafting through the air, and I proudly announced that I'd prepared breakfast for him.

Determined to distract myself, I made my way to the kitchen, intending to whip up a quick breakfast as a thank you to Jake for dinner the night before.

The aroma of sizzling bacon filled the air as I worked, the sound of eggs frying in the pan echoing in the quiet kitchen. And just as I finished placing the food, I grabbed a small juice box from the fridge and took a sip.

“What's that delicious smell?” he asked, his voice sending a shiver down my spine.

He appeared at the door frame, looking impossibly handsome in the morning light.

“I made you breakfast,” I replied, gesturing to the spread before us. “I thought it was the least I could do after you cooked for me last night.”

“Wow, you really went all out. Thanks, Lily,” he said, his eyes holding a mix of surprise and gratitude.

“And why do you have so many juice boxes in your fridge?” I asked, but he just shrugged.

As I sipped my juice through the straw, I couldn't help but notice Jake's intense gaze on me. His eyes were like twin flames, burning with a heat that sent shivers down my spine. And though he tried to hide it, I could see the desire flickering behind those dark depths.

We sat across from each other at the table, and I poured us both a cup of steaming coffee, the fragrant aroma mingling with the lingering scent of breakfast.

“So, uh, how was your night?” I asked, trying to break the tension with a casual question.

Jake took a sip of his coffee, his gaze meeting mine. “It was... interesting,” he replied, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Yeah, interesting,” I echoed, internally cringing at my lack of eloquence. “Um, did you sleep well?”

He chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down my spine. “Not really. I couldn't stop thinking about... well, you know.”

I nodded, grateful for the distraction of my coffee cup. “Yeah, me too.”

Silence fell between us, thick and heavy with unspoken emotions. I fidgeted with the handle of my mug, searching for something—anything—to say.

“So, uh, work,” I blurted out, grasping for a safe topic. “You mentioned you're a firefighter?” I mentally kicked myself for asking such a stupid obvious question. Really Lily?

Jake let out a nervous chuckle and then nodded, a flicker of pride in his eyes. “Yeah, I've been doing it for a few years now. It's challenging but rewarding.”

“That's... really impressive,” I said, genuine admiration coloring my words. “I can't imagine the kind of courage it takes to do what you do.”

He shrugged modestly, a hint of color rising to his cheeks. “It's just a job, really. Someone's gotta do it.”

I smiled. “I know I already said this but, thanks again for saving me from that fire.”

“Stop thanking me Lily. I would do anything for you.”

We both paused and stared at each other, not sure of what to say. In the end, we ate our breakfast in silence, and when breakfast was over, Jake got up and announced that he had to head to work.

“I'll see you when I get back, Lily,” he said, with his usual charming smile.

As he disappeared into his room, I decided to head back to mine, hoping to put some distance between us and the confusing emotions swirling inside me. But as I reached my room, I decided to read a book while I recuperated. I heard a loud crash coming from Jake's room, followed by a string of colorful language.

Without thinking, I rushed to his room, throwing open the door to find him standing there, wearing nothing but a towel and looking absolutely breathtaking. His wet hair clung to his forehead, droplets of water trailing down his bare chest in a way that made my pulse quicken.

A blush crept up my cheeks as I tried to avert my gaze.

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