Always (Bold As Love 4)

“Nothing. How about you show me instead?” I tilt my head and kiss her neck slowly.

3

Emily

Jake's kiss is tender, his tongue swirls in circles, and he gently sucks. My head leans to the left to grant him more access. I turn around and straddle him, running my hands over the soft fabric of his shirt. Honestly, I don’t feel like having sex. Today, I just want to cuddle and adorn Jake with kisses. Finding my favorite place, I kiss Jake’s neck here and there before resting my head on his shoulder.

“I love you,” I repeat, my lips brushing his skin. I can’t believe it but I actually want Jake to ask me what’s the matter. If I’m being honest with myself, the thought of Jake leaving has me terrified. Maybe I’m overreacting. He's been my life for a while, and he's always nearby. This it will be the first time we will be so far away from one another and the thought has my heart beating entirely too fast with fear.

“Sweetness,” Jake’s voice is soft, “My world revolves around you. Mind telling me what’s worrying you?”

I don’t answer. Not right away.

“Is it my trip?”

I nod into his neck, feeling serious separation anxiety coming. He can't leave. What if I need him? He won't be here. Carefully, Jake speaks his next words, dragging me away from my raging thoughts.

“I can’t read your mind, Emily. Tell me what’s going on.”

I’ve grown to hate when he calls me Emily. It usually means he is either mad at me, upset with me, or both. Sometimes, I feel as if he gets tired of my constant worrying. He probably gets tired of my thinking this way too. I just can't help it sometimes.

“It’s nothing.”

“Emily,” he starts, but I cut him off.

“Don’t call me that. It’s never good when you call me by name.”

He has the nerve to laugh. However, he arms squeeze tightly around me.

“I’m sorry. Sweetness, what’s going on?”

“I’m just worried.”

“About what?”

“What if I need you? You’ll be in a different country!”

“You’ll be with Conrad, remember?”

I can hear the smirk on his face. I sit up, confirm the smirk, and hit his arm. “That’s not funny,” I declare as a chuckle ripples through him.

“I’m sorry.” His hands rest on my hips. “Tell me and I’ll be serious about it.”

“It’s nothing.” I shake my head. It is nothing worth worrying about, I decide.

“Are you sure? I’m listening.”

“I’m just going to miss you, is all.”

“It’ll be over before you know it.”

I sure hope so.

The week flies by. Drake calls almost constantly to ask when I’ll be home. That is definitely one thing I’m looking forward to. Not to mention that I called Conrad yesterday. He sounded really happy, which in turn made me happy. I was surprised when he asked to speak with Jake. Who knows what was said during that conversation?

Standing inside the airport, Jake’s arms around my waist, I’m scared. More than scared. My gut is screaming out; my heart is throwing a temper tantrum, telling me that Jake shouldn’t leave. I can’t stop him though, and I don't want to make him stay. He deserves this so much. Jake, never to miss anything, asks once again what’s wrong.

“Nothing. You better go. I don’t want you to m