Heartstrings

Chapter 17: Healy House

Emma's Perspective

A part of me expected to feel a sense of guilt when I woke up next to Jake - or at least some anxiety over my decision to surreptitiously see where things lead. But... I didn't. Not even a little bit. In fact, as my heavy eyelids fluttered open, my only instinct was to relish the elysian moment.

Looking at Jake's peaceful face made me even more reluctant to disturb him... but I had to leave for orchestra practice. I reached forward and combed through his hair until he hummed semi-consciously.

- Jake?

- Mmmmmmmmm.

- Jake... I have to go.

- Mmm noooo. Stay.

He pulled me in tighter and I giggled softly.

- I have to go to orchestra practice.

- What time is it?

- 8:26.

- You can be a few minutes late.

His legs wrapped over mine, trapping me underneath, as he peppered light kisses all over my cheeks, nose, and forehead. When he finally opened his eyes, he propped himself up on his elbow.

I stared up at him in wonder - he was so attractive that it almost annoyed me. He'd just woken up from a nap after an all-nighter for God's sake, and here I probably looked like a cast member from The Walking Dead.

Jake chuckled at the perplexed face I was making and I suddenly became acutely aware of the fact that I was wrapped in this boy's arms and had only kissed him for the first time mere hours before.

His eyes gazed at my lips hungrily and he got closer and closer to them. My heart quickened in anticipation and continued to build until he was a mere centimeter away - and then he swerved and moved to my ear. My adrenaline rush came crashing down from his tease, but he knew what he was doing.

- If you want that kiss, you gotta come back in a few hours for our little date.

- I hope you know I'm going to get you back for that.

- Oh I'm counting on it.

He gave me a sly wink and I shook my head, trying hard to keep a straight face. Jake finally let me get up and I walked over to my bureau to pick out clothes. With a bundle in my arms, I made my way to my bathroom to change.

- You could always change out here you know. I don't mind.

- Oh I know you don't mind.

- Maybe someday, huh?

He wiggled his eyebrows at me mischievously and I let out a dry laugh.

- What do you mean someday...? Haven't you already seen me change?

I'd only suspected it, but the way his shit-eating grin dropped off his face immediately confirmed it - he had, indeed, seen me getting undressed that night a couple months ago. Satisfied with my sneaky detective work, I gave him a victorious smirk and closed the bathroom door.

X

The long drive to and from orchestra practice was grueling - I was operating on a total of maybe two hours of sleep and had been on a wild, emotional rollercoaster for the past 24 hours.

I was a little nervous for our date, too - and frankly, I wasn't really sure what to expect. As far as I knew, Jake hadn't gone on too many dates with Kaitlyn, and before her I figured he'd mostly relied on hook ups.