Stone Tavern: Isabella's Savior

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

~CHAPTER FOURTEEN ~

To celebrate the verdict and Bella's freedom. I wanted to take her out to dinner to celebrate. Honoring this special occasion was important. She is going to live her life again and not be afraid to do so. But she wanted to stay in and celebrate. So, I ended up ordering Chinese food, and we watched a movie in the living room while we ate dinner.

ISABELLA/BELLA

When I heard the news about the verdict of David's trial, it truly opened my eyes to the reality of the situation. At that exact moment, I experienced a sudden realization that washed over me, filling me with a profound understanding. I felt liberated from the shackles of my past and could embrace the joys of living my life once more. I knew I was in a protected space. My parents would prefer that I don't remain frightened indefinitely. I have a lot of admiration for someone who puts in extra effort into assisting me in overcoming difficulties.

We watched a movie as we both ate our dinner tonight as I got slightly tired, and I rested my head on his shoulder, and he put his arm around me and just held me. I dozed off in his arms. 'I love you Bells'. As I was dozing off to sleep. I thought I heard Jack said that he loved me. I opened my eyes. Was I really dreaming? I have to be dreaming. Did I just hear him right? Did he just say that he loves me? That can't be right. He wouldn't want to love someone as broken as me. I got up and headed to my room.

"Bells, what's wrong? The movie isn't over." Jackson said.

"Nothing." I lied. "I'm just tired. I am going to go to bed." I told him. I turned and walked out of the room, and headed for my bedroom.

Jackson sat on the couch in the living room, and he was very confused. Unsure of what the hell just happened. He stood up and went after Bella. He had to know what was really going on. She was already in her room. He knocked on her door. Bella reluctantly opened her door.

"Jack, I told you I was tired and going to go to bed." I told him. He gave her a look.

"I know that something is bothering you. Bells, please talk to me." Jackson said.

"Ugh. I don't know Jack." I said.

"What do you mean Bella?" Jackson said.

"Honestly, I think I was just dream, and I heard you say something to me to as I was sleeping." I told him.

"Umm ok. So what was that, Bells?" Jackson asked. I took a deep breath.

"This is so embarrassing, Jack." I said.

"Babe, you're fine. Trust me. Just tell me, it can't be that bad." Jackson said.

"I swear I heard you say, 'I love you Bells'." I said.

"Oh." Jackson said. He just stared at her.

"That's all you're going to say...?" I said.

"I don't know what to say. I didn't think you heard me." Jackson said.

"Oh, ok... Wait what?" I asked. "You love me?"

"Yes, I do!" He said.

"Why? I am damaged, broken-" But he interrupted me.

"Bells, you are far from being broken or damaged. You are perfect." Jackson said. As he pulled me into his arms.

"How can you say that? Just look at me. I am a mess." I told him.

"Bells, I am looking at you. I see you. You want to know what I see." Jackson said, and I nodded my head.

"Yes." I said.

"The women I see before me is not only strong and courageous but also incredibly beautiful—she is unlike anyone I have ever met. Not only is she smart, but she also possesses a great sense of humor." Jackson said as he looked at me straight in the eyes. I could tell he was being honest right now.

"Jack..." I went to say, but he interrupted me by pressing his lips to mins.

Jack leaned in and planted a soft, tender kiss on my lips. Oh, my goodness gracious, dear lord in heaven. I am receiving a kiss from him. Our lips are connecting in a tender embrace, and his hand is softly caressing my cheek. Our mouths are the vessels through which our tongues work their magic. It felt as though I was in paradise when this happened. The unexpected nature of this kiss completely took aback me. As soon as he pulled away from our embrace, I slowly opened my eyes and found him looking directly at me.

"Bella, I don't want you to leave. I know everything about David, and the trial is over now. But I will give you all the time you need." Jackson said.

"What are you saying Jack." I asked him.

"I am saying, I want to be with you." He said.

"You mean like?" I went to say, but he finished my question.

"Yes, my partner. I want you to be my girlfriend. So, Bella, will you be my girlfriend? We can take things as slow as you want to?" Jackson asked.

I remained in that spot, completely taken aback by the unexpected and intense kiss that Jackson and I had just experienced. I was completely caught off guard when he confessed his love for me and expressed his desire to be in a relationship with me. The fact that he wants me to be his girlfriend and will do it on my terms is truly the sweetest thing ever. My deepest wish is to embark on a new chapter and start living again. I felt like David had already taken an excessive amount from me, leaving me feeling depleted and resentful. My intention is for him to not take anything else away from this. In that moment of eye contact with Jackson, a deep understanding dawned upon me, illuminating the path I had to follow. I could feel myself becoming more and more attached to him, knowing that I was already falling in love. The time I spent with him was perfect.

"Yes, Jack. I would love to." I said and jumped into his arms and hugged him. I kissed his cheek. "You want to lie down with me? I am exhausted. I wasn't lying about that." I asked him.

"Always, babe. Let me get changed. You want to sleep in here or in my room?" He asked.

"Let's go to your room. Your bed is bigger and more comfortable." I said, and he laughed.

"Come on then. Grab whatever you need." He said.

I quickly picked up my duffel bag and proceeded to fill it with a variety of clothes, including nighttime attire, undergarments, and daytime outfits. Additionally, I gathered all my bathroom essentials and toiletries to bring along. He just gave me this weird look.

"What?" I asked him.

"You know our rooms are like across the hall from each other, right?" He said.

"Yeah, but I don't want to run back and for constantly to just grab a shower or change. Especially when I can just take a bag over there." I told him. He nodded.

We walked across the hall to his room. I don't know why I am so nervous. I have slept in here before when I have had a nightmare. But he slept more in my room than here in his room with me. But this will be the first time we sleep in the same bed together as a couple. Will he do anything of those things that I have often dreamed about? Will he make love to me? Will he join me in the shower? I shook my head; he said he was taking it slow. Because that it what he thinks I need.