  &quot;She gave me some good advice while you took about three hours to get ready…. I didn't want a reaction, miele, I was grateful. I'll never make you jealous either. I'm sorry, baby.&quot; He kisses me, breaking away to rub his nose against mine, a little show of affection that I'm getting fond of. &quot;I don't have any interest in getting reactions from other women … Only you.&quot;
      I smile up at him shyly; he always knows just what to say to me and that inner anxiety fades away, replaced with a sudden desire to curl around him and squeeze tightly.
      &quot;What advice did she give you?&quot; I question softly, my arms finding his waist even though we're still standing at the top of the stair in my apartment building. His mouth staying close to mine.
      &quot;To remember how easy it is for you to hide behind that wall when you're scared … To never let it stand between u

  He pulls me tighter; his mouth coming to my temple and presses softly. Exhaling warm air across my skin soothingly.
      I'm beyond not fine. I'm devastated. She's the thorn in my happily ever after that just ruins everything.
      &quot;This is the last thing I ever wanted. I want you and I want to just have us and a clear future … This shit with Marissa complicates things but all I can do is try to do the right thing at the same time as trying to make you feel better about it.&quot; His nose brushes the side of my face as he places a gentle kiss on my temple again, over my hair. I relax slightly, as always, his touch soothing me even when my hearts shredding.
      &quot;I hate it,&quot; I utter softly, finally. &quot;I hate her.&quot; The tears fill my eyes bitterly and he turns my face to him by holding my chin, coming close enough to inhale me.
      &quot;You'll never have anyt

  I start packing up my case, my phone on charge in its dock by my bed as I take my time and breathing space from Jake so I can think. He's like a tornado that devours everything in its wake when he's with you and sometimes I just need some time to process things more slowly.
      I'm wearing jeans and a T-shirt, which skim my figure, Converse on my feet and a denim jacket. This is probably the most casual he's ever seen me other than my gym attire, but for some reason, I like being this way around him. So far removed from the Emma he met a year ago who didn't even own jeans at all, so he has to see how much he's changed me. I want him to see how different I want to be with him.
      My hair alone is a huge deal, changed from long, sleek, and always tied back immaculately, to short and wild waves hanging just under my jaw, blonde highlighted which makes me seem young and carefree. I ca

&quot;She gave me some good advice while you took about three hours to get ready…. I didn't want a reaction, miele, I was grateful. I'll never make you jealous either. I'm sorry, baby.&quot; He kisses me, breaking away to rub his nose against mine, a little show of affection that I'm getting fond of. &quot;I don't have any interest in getting reactions from other women … Only you.&quot;
      I smile up at him shyly; he always knows just what to say to me and that inner anxiety fades away, replaced with a sudden desire to curl around him and squeeze tightly.
      &quot;What advice did she give you?&quot; I question softly, my arms finding his waist even though we're still standing at the top of the stair in my apartment building. His mouth staying close to mine.
      &quot;To remember how easy it is for you to hide behind that wall when you're scared … To never let it stand between us again.&quot; He kisses my forehead softly. &quot;She reminded me that despite seeming like you're

Chapter 30