Love The One You're With

Chapter 39- Valentine's Day

"You look amazing, love," Jake purred as I opened the apartment door to greet him. He was wearing his favorite black button up that he left mostly unbuttoned, gray dress pants, and a pair of black boots, along with a plethora of silver jewelry and his wide brim black hat. The few strands of hair that fell out of his low bun framed his face perfectly, especially with that smile being directed at me.

"You look very handsome," I replied with a wide smile that widened even more when his cheeks flushed pink. "Hopefully this is what you meant when you said dress nice," I laughed and gave him a little twirl as he walked in. I couldn't help but giggle as his mouth fell open and he fawned over me in my new dress. It was a short and flared pale pink satin dress with long sleeves that ballooned and cuffed at the end, and I had opted to wear a pair of white pointed-toe heels with pearl accented combs pinning back my dark hair.

"Perfect," he smirked before leaning in to kiss my lips gently. "Come on, love," he said softly as he held out his arm for me to link mine in and follow as he lead me towards his car. "If I've gotta have you home by 9pm for your date with Sam, then we better get this show on the road," he laughed as he pulled out of the parking lot. The music was softly playing through the radio, and Jake kept his hand on my thigh. The feeling of his rough and strong hands against my bare skin sent delicious tingles throughout my body. I kept catching him stealing glances at me as he drove, but he'd blush and look away quickly.

"Is there something on my face or what?" I asked nervously as I pulled down the visor to check.

"No...it's just—nevermind," he stopped himself and took his hand from my lap to fidget with his mouth. A tell-tale sign that he's nervous.

"Jakey," I coaxed gently, leaning over the console to kiss his cheek, which made him smile.

He let out a long sigh and shook his head. "I don't want to be a bummer and ruin the night..." he said softly, clearly trying to avoid this conversation despite how badly he needed to say how he felt.

"But?" I asked nervously.

"But I was just thinking about how beautiful you are, and how lucky I am to be with you...even if tonight could be our last night together," he said wistfully with a single tear cascading down the planes of his face. My heart sank, so I leaned in and kissed the tear away. "I'd rather not talk about the decision or anything like that, though. Let's just enjoy tonight," he forced a smile, but I agreed. If this was our last night together, I wanted it to be fun.

When we pulled in to the parking lot, my jaw dropped. "Are you sure? This place is really expensive.." I marveled as he opened the passenger door and held out his hand for me. He smile widened as he pulled me to my feet.

"Yes, I'm sure," he giggled as I hooked my arm in his and followed him to the door. He held it open and the maître d' escorted us to a small table by the window after asking for the name.

"I've always wanted to come to a place like this," I mused as I admired the fancy atmosphere. There were large crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, crisp white tablecloths on each table, and the lighting was romantic. It felt too perfect.

"I've always wanted to take you to a place like this," he grinned when I looked back to him. My heart ached seeing him smile like that, knowing a simple decision of mine could take that away. I shook the thought, blocking out the upcoming choice entirely. I reached across the table, taking his hand and leaning in to kiss him.

"I love you, Jakey. Thank you," I whispered before I settled back into my seat.

"I love you, too," he replied as he lifted my hand to his mouth and kissed my knuckles. I felt my cheeks burn a bright pink as a smile spread across my face. The waiter arrived and greeted us in a thick French accent, asking what we'd like to drink.