Love The One You're With

Chapter 36-Your Heart

"I'm sorry...you didn't have to leave your family," I said sheepishly as Jake helped me carry my things in to my apartment. I carefully tucked the heavy box from Sam under my arm as I shifted my weight to better hold the front door open.

"It's fine, love. Truly. I didn't want you to be uncomfortable for any longer than you already were," he admitted as he walked in and sat my things by the door. "Are you ready to talk about what happened with Sam?" He asked as he raked his fingers through his hair nervously.

"Do I have to?" I joked with a dramatic whine as I threw my arms around him, just wanting to be held. I usually hated feeling so soft and vulnerable, but with Jake I didn't mind it... He backed us towards the couch before sitting down allowing me to climb into his lap, unwilling to allow any space between us as he held me.

"Mhmmm," he murmured as he gently kissed my forehead. I stuck out my lower lip in a pout.  "If you're down and confused..and you don't remember who you're talking to," he sang softly, quoting his favorite song until I cracked a smile. I leaned in to kiss him sweetly as a thank you.

"Fine," I relented with a groan. "Sam tried to kiss me while we were dancing at the party," I felt silly explaining, especially after breaking the rules with him not long before the incident.

"Quinn," he began in a comforting tone, but I cut him off. I didn't need him defending his brother, not when it's my fault they're in this position.

"I know, I sound ridiculous, but I didn't want either of you to have to explain this to your family, especially not on Christmas.." I explained with a forced laugh as I waved my arms around gesturing to everything.

"Sam and I both know exactly what we signed up for, love," he replied graciously, but tears were already stinging my eyes.

"What happens when I have to decide?" I blubbered as the tears truly started to fall. He pulled me closer, letting me sob on his shoulder.

"We will be okay, I promise. If you pick Sam, of course I'll be gutted...but before anything else, I just want you to be happy," he wiped away my tears as he spoke. "And when you pick me, Sam will have to get over it," he laughed a little trying to lighten the mood.

"Your family will hate me...and they were so nice to me," I continued to cry, nearing a hysterical level as my chest burned.

"Love, please don't worry about them. They could never hate you just for following your heart," he whispered as softly rubbed my back. After a few moments, I sniffed and pulled away, slipping into embarrassment as I noted how drenched his shoulder was.

"Sorry," I mumbled as I tried to wipe away any remaining tears. He let out a chuckle when he saw my cheeks flush red and followed my eyes to his wet shirt. His calloused hands found my face and pulled me in to a passionate, yet comforting kiss. "Stay with me tonight," I finally said quietly after pulling away breathlessly. It wasn't a question, but Jake smiled and nodded.

"I'll find some food if you'll pick a movie," he smirked as he lifted me off his lap and stood up to take off his shirt. He playfully tossed it towards my face before laughing and walking to the kitchen.

I hurriedly ditched my shoes, pants and bra then grabbed a blanket off the back of the couch to cover up while I searched for a movie. I hated pants, and much preferred to watch movies in just a shirt and panties. I could hear Jake rifling through the bare pantry as the fridge beeped indicating it was open, but did my best to ignore him and scan the movies on Netflix.

"Nice! Ramen and Die Hard: the perfect Christmas night," he teased as he handed me a bowl and sat down beside me, kicking off his shoes and pants before snuggling under the blanket with me.