Key to His Heart (Sequel)

Dear Love

The last thing Hope expected when she entered Jake's room was to be engulfed in a tight hug by him. "I'm sorry," he repeated. He messaged her several times per day until she arrived, checking on her movements and making sure she was still coming back. So far, he seemed less reserved with her, more willing to be closer emotionally.

But this physical closeness made her body shake. He spoke again while he held her. "Thank you for coming back. I don't know who I used to be, or how we were with each other. But I want to start from where we are now and move forward. It won't be the same, but maybe it will be even better."

Jake sounded sure of himself, but it was still hard for her to believe. "If you change your mind again, please tell me right away," she replied softly. "I can't take it if you lead me on, Jake."

"I never changed my mind," he clarified. " I knew what I felt, but I was afraid of it. I wanted to hold you like this, to take your hand, and to tell you that I think of you...all of the time." Jake cupped her face gently while keeping one hand at her waist. "I promise I won't be so timid anymore about my feelings. I know I have a lot to prove. I feel horrible about my previous behavior, and I appreciate you returning so I can make things right."

Hope was astounded by his admission. It made her happy but also worried her. Jake hid his feelings so well that she had been unaware of them. She felt out of sync with this version of him and realized she couldn't throw herself into a relationship recklessly as she had last time. She felt no remorse for what happened when they reunited in Colville. It was euphoric and everything she had dreamed of during those long years by herself. But now her heart was battered, and she must proceed cautiously.

"I appreciate that, but I must set some boundaries for myself. Firstly, I cannot pretend that nothing has changed since we were together before. We should still move slowly while we get to know each other. We are not a couple right now, but we can work our way up to it."

Jake was disappointed, but this was an equitable compromise. He couldn't expect Hope to give herself over to him immediately, particularly after his recent actions. It was fine; it was his fault for chickening out before, and he was determined to show her how good things could be. "I understand. Is there anything else?"

"Yes. While I appreciate the initiative you showed in trying to find me, please don't do any more hacking. The government thinks you're dead. If they discover the truth they'll want to make sure it's true for real this time."

"But coding is fun," he argued. "And I'm good at it. Look how quickly and easily I got what I needed to contact you."

"Then only break into my devices," she suggested. "And if it's the coding you enjoy so much, why not write some applications? It'll be good for your brain, and keep you occupied."

Jake nodded. "Alright. I will do those things, but I have a request as well. I want to continue my rehabilitation as an outpatient."

"The doctors said you can't live alone right now. But probably within the next few months, you'll be well enough to be released. Can you wait that long?"

"I would rather not. It is so dreary here, and I'm alone. I hated that apartment for you; it was so cramped and depressing. Wouldn't it be nicer for both of us if we lived together?"

Hope felt nervous. The apartment had been her sanctuary, the place where she could have solitude and recharge so that she could be around Jake. Even though he acted differently, he still wasn't her Jake, the man she fell in love with. Living together would mean she would have less time to herself and therefore less energy and patience around him. "I don't know..."