Page 51 of Falling for My Billionaire Fake Date

“Jake, I’ve taken the last few weeks to contemplate what all…. This,” I say, stretching my arms fully.

“The whirlwind relationship we built started from such a very different place than usual, and it was difficult for me to fully understand. My emotions were on rapid fire changes. I was questioning almost every major decision I have made in the past year or two. I didn’t feel I could just jump back to you. I hope you understand that I was not avoiding you out of malice.”

“I want you to know that I have made a first appointment to talk with a professional therapist about my feelings of abandonment. I know I need this, but frankly, you being here is a major step in my healing. You’re not abandoning me, are you?”

“No, Aurora, I am desperate for you to know that, from this day forward, I want to be at your side for everything, for every need, and to be the solid rock that you know will never move.” Aurora hears my deep sigh and soft thank you, which is way too little, but for now will do.

I think I mumble something about my cat being there for me too. I’m not sure but I hope it makes Jake grin.

“How’s your dad?” he asks, after a short pause.

“He’s fine. Recovering fast. It’s nothing serious, just some healing bruises and cuts, here and there. He has to take some meds for a while and use crutches until his leg heals, but other than that he got off pretty lucky. He went home two days after he was admitted and seems fine.”

“I’m sorry,” he says quietly, remorse coloring his voice. “I wasn’t there for you when you needed me the most. I shouldhave been the one to drive you to the hospital. I should have held your hands as you entered his hospital room that night.”

He rubs a comforting circle on my back and places a kiss on my gloved hands.

“How’s your mom?” I ask, feeling bad about my abrupt departure. I hope she’s not thinking I left without telling her because of what transpired between Jake and me.

“She’s good. But she’s not talking to me. She says she’ll not utter another word to me until I bring you back to the family.”

I laugh at that, imagining Melissa’s stern face.

“So . . . your mom’s back?” he asks, dragging out his question as if he doesn’t want to offend me.

“I don’t think so. She was only contacted because she’s my dad’s emergency contact. I guess he never changed it, even after she left him. I’ve not talked to dad about it, though. I want him healed totally before I bring up such a conversation.

I have no idea where or how close she is living and, frankly, I really don’t care. Believe it or not, Jake, I had a wonderful childhood with my father alone, and I truly don’t feel any need to have her in my life. Honestly.”

He nods at that, squeezing my fingers in a comforting manner.

“How did you know where to find me today?” he asks, squinting his eyes.

Man, how I’ve missed those eyes!

“Ryan tells me you come here every day, scaring children away from the park.” I laugh, remembering the image I came to see of Jake glaring blindly into space.

“He was right though, seeing as how you were glaring at the world right before I came.”

Jake laughs out loud, and I smile widely. This is my Jake. Not the one who had been scared of sitting right beside me.

A comfortable silence settles between us, and I sigh contentedly. Jake shifts and turns to face me fully, nailing me with an intense look.

“Aurora,” he begins. “I’m sorry things turned out this way. I’m sorry about our first meeting, I’m sorry about all the times I offended you, and I’m sorry you had to see that."

“Even though I never saw it coming, you’re my peace. You bring fun, joy, and laughter to my life, and that is not something I ever want to lose."

“I don’t ever want to lose you, Aurora. I want to do right by you. I’m . . . I’m falling for you, Aurora. No, I’ve already fallen, and I’m totally in love with you. There’s nothing fake about it. I’m ready to wait for you as long as I have to if you will have me.”

I feel myself getting teary at his confession, and I throw my arms around him, short of words. I never knew I was such a crybaby, but I seem to be doing a lot of it recently.

“I feel the same, Jake. I feel the same. I love you, too,” I whisper into his neck, and feel him sag against me in relief, rubbing my back, comforting me . . . and I know he’s comforting himself too.

“My dad wants to meet you, though. He’s heard the whole thing,” I say, after a while, releasing him from the tight hug.

“Should I be scared?” he asks, with a raised brow, and I nod, a silly grin gracing my face.

“Yep, he already doesn’t like you.”

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