Page 79 of Taking Care of You
I lean back and look him in the eyes. “When I’m with you, I’m not. I have my moments, yes, but for the most part, I’m happy. With you, I’m happy.” I bite my lip and look at him from under my lashes. Feeling shy, but also so, so loved, I say, “Right now, I’m not hurting.” I take his mouth in a sweeter, softer kiss that travels through my whole body, warming me as much as my conviction in what I just told him.
I pull back slightly and take a deep breath. “I love you, Ethan King,” I whisper shakily, not knowing what his response will be but needing to tell him how I feel.
His breath stutters and he leans farther back from me. He stares into my eyes with a surprised look on his face.
“You love me?” His voice comes out quietly and with a hint of disbelief.
Nodding, I maintain eye contact, even though I want nothing more than to hide my face. But I won’t hide from him. I love him and I want him to see in my eyes how much he means to me.
“Oh, Jakoby,” he groans, pulling me in for a hug that takes my breath away. “I love you too. I do. So much. I almost can’t believe how much.”
Happy tears well up in my eyes this time. God, it feels good to hear him say that back. And I know he means it. One thing I’ve learned over the past few months with Ethan is he doesn’t lie. If he didn’t love me, he wouldn’t say it just because I said it first. And I didn’t expect him to say it back. If he hadn't been ready to say it, I would have been fine. Because I know he has feelings for me. Him not saying the words wouldn’t have made me love him any less.
But hearing them is everything. Maybe this is something good I can have in my life, despite what my mother said.
I didn’t have to do anything other than being myself, and Ethan fell in love with me.
He lets me go and looks at me. “Come on, love of my life.” I chuckle softly and he swipes at the few stray tears left on my face. “Want to go look at the stars again? I know more constellations this time.”
Barking a laugh, I nod, and we go outside with a blanket and some pillows. And we lie together in the crisp night, sharing another perfect moment.
26
For New Year’s Eve, we head to Ryder’s house for a party. His parents are out of town and won’t be back for another few weeks. I didn’t really want to go—I still hate parties—but I don’t want to keep Ethan holed up with me just because I don’t really like peopleing. So, we go.
And it’s not a bad time. I take my usual spot in the kitchen, but this time, I have Ethan to keep me company. I told him he could go and talk to his friends, but he doesn’t leave my side. If someone wants to talk to him, they come over to us. We sit by the chips and dip, and the punch that’s more than punch, and we people watch, like I used to do alone.
It’s a bit more fun this time because Ethan joins in and adds side notes. He knows most of these people, so he can tell me if I’m right in my assessments or not. And so far, I’m right about most of them.
When we get to talking about Kenneth, he laughs because I think he and Tim like each other. I’m not sure how true that is, but I get those vibes. They’re circling each other and looking all weird. I could be wrong. I mean, I didn’t pick up on Ryder and Crystal dating, so I probably am.
Ethan doesn’t think so.
“I can see it. Kenneth was really aggressive with how he talked to you a few months back. Overcompensating.” Then his face goes hard and he glares at Kenneth.
“Cut it out. You handled it, it’s fine,” I tell him with a nudge.
We see Elle and Mitch dancing and laughing, much like we are. When they spot us, they come over. Mitch gives Ethan and I a smile, one that makes him look even more handsome. Smiles look good on his usually brooding face.
“Hey. Great party, right?” Mitch asks. I shake my head, laughing. “Yeah, you’re right. Too many people are being weird.”
Elle slides her hand into his. “It’s because you’re dating the most beautiful girl in the room. It’s jealousy, love.”
He looks down at her with a smile and adoration shining in his eyes. “That’s gotta be it.” She laughs and kisses him quickly. “Are you two staying for the ball drop?”
I look up at Ethan and he shakes his head. Thank God.
“Nope,” I say in relief. “We’re out of here soon.”
“Same,” Mitch says. He wraps his arm around Elle’s shoulder and she leans into him, her face all glowy. “My parents are gone too, so we’re going to watch a movie and bring in the new year singing musicals.”
That’s such a cheesy and cute thing to do.
They leave shortly after, and Ethan waves at Ryder and points to us, then the door. I’m more than ready to get away from the party scene.
Crystal comes over, gives me a hug and says she’s going to stay with Ryder. I tell her to use protection and she laughs. I’m not sure what that means, but I’m going to ask her in the morning. We haven’t exchanged gossip in forever. I haven’t even told her about losing my virginity to Ethan yet.
A party wouldn’t be a party without some drama. And it’s our drama, unfortunately. When Ethan and I are heading to the door, we run into our friendly neighborhood hater.
