Chapter 22 29.00 Thanks , you're welcome here anytime Emily . It's not like we don't have the space . Ivory gestures at the open air . I smile at her in response and look down at my hands , biting my lip nervously . They're both being so nice to me and I'm not accustomed to that , Jake shuffles closer and leans down so that his lips meet my ear- " Why are you nervous ? Relax , he whispers , his voice sending a shiver to run down my spine . I glance up at him , noticing how thick and dark his eyelashes are . His eyes are beautiful and I don't realise I'm staring until Jake laughs . " You could take a picture , it'll last longer and you can use it to keep you company at night . " Jake smirks smoothly . I gasp , my mouth dropping open slightly . " Ha , you wish . I'd end up with nightmares . I mutter playfully , earning a chuckle from Jake . " What time is it ? " I ask out loud to no - one in particular , Jake glances at his watch before answering - " Eleven thirty . " My eyes widen and I immediately spring off the couch . " Crap . I mutter , reaching for my jacket . I'm late , very late . " What's wrong ? " Jake asks me , his expression confused . I mutter a brief explanation and turned towards Ivory in a hurry . " Thank you both for letting me stay here . " " You're welcome , don't be a stranger . Ivory smiles , holding out her arms as she signals for a hug . I return her smile , leaning in and embracing her . I can't thank her and Jake enough for being so kind to me . I make my way towards the door , glancing down and sighing at my clothes . When I push down the handle to leave , Jake's hand slams the door shut again , stopping me from leaving . " Where are you going ? " He questions me , frowning deeply . " Home . I really have to leave , like now . " I reply desperately , trying to open the door again . Jake shakes his head at me , his jaw tense with frustration . ' No , you can't . " Jake , please . I need to go ! " I tell him firmly , feeling the panic inside me increase . " Emily , you can't go back there . Let me look after you . " Jake argues back , anger lining his voice . I feel the panic increase inside my chest and images of Trevor growing increasingly angrier by my lack of presence clouds my mind . " You're not my hero Jake ! " I yell at him , trying to make him see sense . Hurt flashes through his eyes and he lets go of the door before taking a step back . " Please understand , I need to get home . " I plead with him , pulling the front door open . I silently wish Jake doesn't hate me for it . I walk out the front door , the fear inside of me growing until I feel nauseas . It's my birthday today but Mum has clearly forgotten . No - one else knows beside Trish . I pull my phone out of my pocket and glance at the screen . One message from Trish . Happy Birthday Bestie ! I'll see you in college soon ! Love you xoxo 1/2 9:04 Tue , Oct 14 B ... Chapter 22 1 stuff the phone back inside my pocket , making a mental note to reply to her later . My gaze lands on Jake who's leaning against the doorway , watching me like a hawk . " Please don't tell anybody my secret , " I plead with him before turning around and hurrying down the driveway . I hear Jake follow me from behind and his warm hand slip in mine . The smooth feeling of paper falls into my palm and I feel him close my fingers around it . I turn around , curiosity written across my face as I look at him . I don't have time to question his action so I wrap my hand around it tighter , not wanting to lose it . Before I can leave Jake leans close to me , bending down slightly . I feel his lips press against my cheek tenderly and 1 freeze , stunned to the spot . The skin sparks up with electricity from his touch and his lips linger before he pulls away , I inhale sharply , my fingers tracing over the skin . I can still feel the pressure and contour of his lips . " Happy Birthday Muffin . " He turns around and walks back to the door , hands stuffed inside his pockets . My heart skips a beat from his words and begins thumping wildly against my chest . He knows it's my birthday . I want to run up and kiss him properly but decide against it . It just a friendly birthday kiss , close friend to friend . I have to push any feelings for him aside especially since my life is so crazy right now . Having feelings for Jake will make everything increasingly difficult ... Especially with Trevor in my life . Speaking of Trevor , I turn around and bolt down the street . I need to get home , before it's too late . Chapter Comments 14 Write Comments SHARE