Laura
It's been a week since moving in with Jake, and a routine had settled into my days. Every morning, he'd check in on me before he left for work, making sure I was comfortable, that I had everything I needed. Sometimes, he would bring me breakfast, and other times, he would just check in and leave. Even if he didn't say much, his actions spoke volumes. I couldn't lie, it was nice to be taken care of, even if it was only temporary. Still, every day that passed with no news from Jackson made me more restless, as if waiting for the other shoe to drop. It would be more better if I atleast have an update on him, it would ease my mind but with nothing, I was constantly worried and scared.
I didn't tell Jake any of this though, I didn't want him more worried that he was already. He had even hired an intern to take over my duties, but it was becoming clear that she wasn't quite meeting his standards. At first, I'd laugh it off whenever he called to complain, thinking he just needed to be a little more patient. But by the fourth or fifth call in the span of a few days, I could tell he was genuinely frustrated.
The thought of resuming work kept crossing my mind. Jake was under enough pressure as it was, and adding a subpar assistant to the mix wasn't helping him. Maybe going back to work would be good for both of us, I'd have something to distract me, and he wouldn't have to deal with the constant mistakes. The decision felt oddly empowering.
So, that morning, I decided to bring up the idea to Jake in person. I got up early, a slight thrill running through me as I brewed a fresh pot of coffee and made a simple breakfast. I arranged everything neatly on a tray, feeling my nerves build and was about taking it into his room when my phone rang. It was Arlene.
"Heyyy, Laura, sweet morning to you…" she let out, and I could tell she was all smiles.
"I see you're having a great time, you sound so excited." I let out and then she burst into a loud laugh, cracking hard and I didn't even know when I joined too.
"Please, please, put me out of my misery. What's happening? Did you win a million dollar lottery?" I quizzed.
"I caught him again, Laura!" She exclaimed.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry, Arlene. Please don't get yourself worked up over it. You know he's not worth it at all. That's who he is and I thought you were just having fun with him, nothing serious right?" I asked.
"Switch to FaceTime??" I asked and within second, we had switched.
There was a smile on her face but looking deeper, I could tell she wasn't okay. She was trying to hide it but I could see it.
"Oh my baby, do you want me to come over?" I quickly asked while she shook her head.
"No, please don't. You're safe there, I'll be fine. I'm fine."
"But you're not…" I cut in.
"I am… I'm not even bothered about his cheating ass. I'm worried about the baby growing inside my belly. I'm pregnant Laura." She let out and I had to stop myself from jumping up.
"What? You're pregnant? For him?" I cut in again, this time sharply.
"Yea."
"Are you even sure? Did you get tested or what?" I quizzed.
"I know, I did a test at home this morning and it was positive. I'm confused Laura."
"You shouldn't. I'm coming over, we're going to the hospital to confirm." I said and then hung up before she could try to talk me out of it.
I dropped the tray on the table and went straight back into my room. I had a quick shower and got out just in time to meet Jake leaving too. He was already done with the food.
"Thanks for the breakfast, you didn't had to do that though." He chimed in and I smiled.
"Going somewhere?" He added when he saw my dressing.
"Yes, I just need to quickly check up on Arlene. She isn't feeling too good so…"
"No way. You're not leaving this house. Have you forgotten that who is out there? I may not be able to protect you out there, but inside these walls, your safety is guaranteed." He said firmly.
"I know right but it's been a week with no news from him. Jackson isn't that gentle, if he's not making moves now, he's definitely not out for me. And then, Arlene really needs me. We need to get to the hospital for some tests, and I mean important ones." I affirmed.
"I will send a doctor to the house, she will be checked and well taken care of."
"Under no circumstances should you leave this house… please." He added and then turned to leave.
My mouth was opened but I couldn't even say a word. I just stood there and watched him walk away.
About an hour later, my phone rang and it was Arlene…
"You didn't tell me Jake was sending someone over…"
"I'm sorry, I didn't know how to tell you I wasn't coming anymore. Jake wouldn't let me leave. He says I'm safer in here and he would send someone to check you ahd make sure you're okay." I replied.
"Girl, that man is in loveeeee!!! Are you guys together now?" She asked.
"What?? Heck no… he's my boss, remember?"
"Sure… your boss indeed?? How many of his staff have you seen around the house? Or do you see him sending a doctor to their friend just to protect them?" She quizzed and I found myself smiling.
"Ohhh please, Arlene. How was the test?" I quickly changed the topic. I didn't want her hyping me into imagining things with Jake. That wouldn't do me any good.
"I'm not pregnant!!" She exclaimed…
That was such a great news and it was obvious from the way she screamed it out. I was happy for her too. It wouldn't be nice being entangled with such cheating ass boyfriend.
After we hung up, I spent the rest of the day thinking of ways to approach Jake ahd make him understand that I wanted to resume work. I was tired and bored of being at home alone.
When he got back in the evening, I summoned courage and went to his room along with his dinner tray. I hesitated outside the door, wondering if he'd be annoyed that I was bringing this up so soon. But I knew Jake well enough by now to know that he appreciated honesty. So, I took a breath and knocked softly.
When I didn't hear an answer, I figured he hadn't heard me, so I opened the door, stepping quietly inside. Jake's bedroom was dimly lit, with morning light spilling through the edges of the blinds. I took a few steps in, glancing around before setting the tray on the small table near the door. Just then, I heard a faint rustling from the closet, and before I could react, Jake stepped out, completely, utterly naked.
I froze, my mouth going dry. He looked as surprised as I felt, his eyes widening just slightly before his lips quirked into a half-smile. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the air thick with tension.
"I… I'm sorry," I stammered, quickly averting my gaze. I could feel my cheeks heating up as I set the tray down on the stool and turned to leave, my mind racing. But, in my rush, I didn't notice the edge of the rug beneath me, and my foot caught, sending me stumbling backward.
Jake was faster than I'd anticipated, stepping forward and catching me just before I hit the ground. His arms wrapped around me, and for a second, everything else faded away. I felt the warmth of his skin against mine, his breath on my cheek. My heart was pounding, but I couldn't pull away. I didn't want to.
Before I knew what was happening, his lips were on mine, soft and tentative at first, as if testing the waters. But then, something shifted. The kiss deepened, our mouths moving together with an intensity I hadn't felt in so long. It was like we'd both been holding back, and now that we'd crossed this line, there was no turning back.
He pulled me closer, one hand moving to cup my face as the other slipped around my waist. I felt myself melting into him, all of my reservations slipping away. In that moment, nothing else mattered, Jackson, the threats, the uncertainty of the future. It was just me and Jake, tangled together in this dizzying haze of desire.
Finally, he pulled back, his breathing ragged as he looked down at me. "Laura," he murmured, his voice low and full of something I couldn't quite place. "I…"
But I didn't let him finish. I reached up, pulling him back down to me, wanting nothing more than to lose myself in him.