Primed: A Kayla Madison Story

Primed Part 36

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE: COMING OUT OF THE DARK (CONT)

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After Michael had finished his looooong conversation with Calista, we walked back to Jake's home. Todd, not unexpectedly, bowed and headed immediately to his curricle due to a "previous engagement."

I watched Todd leave.

"He is still not worthy of you." Michael's voice came from behind me.

I turned to speak to him, but Michael and my dad were already headed to the carriage. Only Jake was nearby.

I wasn't sure what to say. Jake had been through an enormous amount of stress and challenges in the past week. I didn't want to leave him there all alone. And, I didn't want to leave him because I liked him.

"Jake, thank you for everything. You are truly a remarkable guy and a remarkable friend." I started tearing up. We had been through so much together and seemed so compatible. If he were the Jake on my world, we'd probably start dating. The whole two-worlder thing seemed unfair. Of course, I wouldn't want to miss my friend Jake back home either.

"Leave it to me to fall for a girl who does not even live in this dimension."

He gently stroked my cheek with one hand and then drew my face toward his.

My pulse sped up. He slowly placed his lips on mine in a kiss. My first kiss.

His lips were tender and perfect.

He pulled his face away, but his hands wrapped around my waist. I reached up and touched his face and pulled him back toward me. He followed my lead and kissed me again as I ran my fingers through his hair. The second kiss had more intensity and made me feel light-headed.

Although I wanted to stay in his arms a lot longer, I had to head home. I pulled my face away and looked at him, trying to remember this moment. His usually well-coiffed hair was a bit disheveled from where my fingers had mussed it up. I reached up to smooth it and glanced behind him.

Michael was in the distance behind Jake and our eyes met. I could clearly see his brows were furrowed—not in a mad furrow but a confused or hurt furrow.

Jake pulled me into a close hug, but I could still see Michael. It didn't make sense. It wasn't like I was breaking any Public Display of Affection laws on this world. Plus, Michael was all smitten with Calista so even if Spyder tormenting him earlier about liking me was plausible, his interactions with Calista made it clear he was not.

I focused back on Jake.

His hand brushed the side of my face. "I cannot believe my good fortune that allowed me to get to know you. I only wish it was me with on you on both worlds."

"I wish you were too." I watched his lips which still beckoned me.

Jake pulled my face close to his. "I will not forget you, Kayla. I hope we will see each other again even if I live on this Earth." He kissed me once more.

"I hope for the same thing too."

"Oh, I almost forgot." He pulled slightly away. "I have a gift for you. Here is a copy of the local newspaper. It explains all about my father and what you and the others did to stop him. If you and the other Jake are as close as I think you are, you might want to share with him your experiences. This paper will help you to do that. Although I hope I am the only Jake you have kiss."

"Yes, you are the only Jake I've kissed. I will take the newspaper although I think I will need to keep this adventure to myself for now."

"That is understandable but when the time comes to tell the other Jake, this paper should help. I have to admit I would like to meet this other Jake sometime."

I thought of the two of them meeting and it caused me to smile thinking of the similarities and differences they'd notice. "Thank you, Jake." I sobered as I thought of Jake Prime being alone. "Will you be okay?"

"Fret not about me. I will think of you when I get stressed by the situation." He moved my hair that had fallen on my face.

I slowly and reluctantly pulled away from him—trying to keep contact for as long as possible.

Jake caught my hand and kissed it. "Until we meet again."

"Until then." I walked away.