Page 90 of Burn It Down

But I must because he said he lov—

“I love you too,” I blurt out, remembering I had yet to say it back. The light in his eyes is enough to punch me right in the chest and if I didn’t already know I’d walk through fire for this man. I sure as hell know it now.

After our declarations of love, Jake and I rejoined the group around the bonfire. I sat in awe, listening to the banter and conversations taking place around me. I was a little afraid that meeting my idols, my favorite band in the world, people I admire and respect, would somehow be a letdown. Like I’d built them up so much in my mind there was no way therealversion of them could compare.

But the guys of Beautiful Deceit were even more amazing in person and that bonfire was an experience I’ll never forget.

Rolling over to face him now, muted sunlight filtering through the sheer curtains in our room, I take a moment to study his face. Even in his sleep, worry pinches his brows. I smooth the crease with my thumb, willing him to relax.

His facial muscles twitch once before the worry melts away. The scruff on Jake’s facedoesmake him look slightly older — which, according to him, is good in his field of work — but it isn’t him. Jake is a clean cut, classically handsome man with a gorgeous jawline and…

“I can feel you staring,” he mumbles, not bothering to open his eyes.

“Might as well get used to it.” I grin even though he can’t see it.

“What time is it?” he groans.

“Seven-thirty.”

We stayed at the bonfire until two a.m., but even still, my internal alarm says it’s time to wake up.

Jake throws his arms overhead to stretch, causing the sheets to reveal more of his naked torso and I rub my hand across the expanse of skin. He hums in contentment.

“I don’t know how I ever survived without your touch,” he says, finally opening his eyes, holding me captive with those dark chocolate orbs.

“Tell me we don’t have to hide when we go home.”

I don’t mean to say it out loud, but my insecurity gets the best of me. The road trip up here, the surprise of meeting the band, introducing me to his brother, and having Jake’s head on my chest all night have me ready to give this thing a name. He’s called me his boyfriend to everyone here and he’s broken up with Cora.

I want this to bereal.To be permanent. I want him to bemineand I want everyone to know it. Including his father because fuck him for making Jake live a lie.

Jake sits fully upright and runs a hand through his hair.What is it about that action that sends my libido into orbit?

He and I had decided not to talk about his father for the remainder of the trip after the texted conversation last night. Heeven put his cell phone ondo not disturband has left it on ever since, but I have to know where we stand. With each passing second, I fall more and more in love with him and I don’t see that changing.

He hesitates and I feel my heart falter.

I move to turn away from him and get out of bed, fleeing before he denies my plea…but he catches my wrist before I can escape.

“Hey, don’t run from me,” he says.

“I’d call it more of a protective stance thanrunning,” I counter.

He pulls hard, damn near dislocating my shoulder, and I fall onto my back on the mattress. Immediately, he moves on top of me, pinning my arms to my sides with his thighs on either side of my torso.

“Could you give me a second to find my courage? Christ, it’s not even eight o’clock yet, I’ve had no coffee, and I’m a little slow this morning after being fucked to within an inch of my life last night.”

“Courage for what?”

He drops his eyes to my tattoo like it’s a place of comfort for him. His fingers trail mindlessly over the ink, causing goosebumps to break out on my flesh. I gently buck my hips to regain his attention.

“Hey. Courage for what?” I ask again.

“I want to move in together.” My eyes widen in surprise because that’s not where I thought this was going. “Just hear me out,” he continues. “I’ll sell the penthouse. Being with you and beingherewith you, has made me realize I want ahome, not an extension of my sterile office. I’m done with that chapter of my life and whatever that looks like moving forward, I want to come home to you every day.”

“Jake, I…” his thighs squeeze harder with his rising anxiety, waiting for my answer. “I’m starting to lose feeling in my hands,” I laugh. He slides down my body, releasing my arms, but continues straddling me. “I want that too. A lot actually. But it’s enough for me just to be near you and know you’re mine so there’s no pressure to—”

“Is that a yes?” he asks excitedly, making my smile widen.

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