Retribution

Chapter 18 - Officialities and Serious Offers

Jake handed me the remaining marshmallows, his hand shaking just a little. "Seem a bit pathetic now, don't they?"

"No," I said, touching his hand. "They're a good distraction. It can only be a positive thing."

He sat on the edge of my bed and took both of my hands in his. "We have a thing," he whispered. "Does that make us an official couple?"

I giggled. "More like old."

Smirking, he lifted one of my hands to his lips, kissing each knuckle in turn. "Totally missed that, didn't you?"

"What?"

"My question."

I frowned, thinking back over the last few words we'd spoken. When the penny dropped, I widened my eyes. My breath caught in my throat. He couldn't be serious, surely?

"Not the ideal time or place, I know, but I'm more for the moment than having the perfect setting."

My heart clenched. This man had me in such a spin, I didn't know where I was going to land when I finally came back down to earth. "But...but it's been barely a week..."

"Well," he said, clicking his tongue. "We're taking it slower than a one-night stand."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Yes, I guess that much is true. I just...I don't know. Making it official after a few days, what does that even mean? Are you making a huge announcement of it or something?" The thought alone terrified me. What would that even entail? Magazines and interviews? I shuddered and forced the thoughts away.

"No," he said, chuckling. "Making it official means just that—I'm officially off the market and dating. That is if you accept of course."

Learning to trust my gut instinct was going to be vital for me. If something felt right, I was going to go with the flow. To hell with anyone else. I was taking back control of my life.

I stifled my inner giggly teenage girl. "My God, yes. Did you really have to even ask?"

"I've learned over my years to never assume anything where it concerns women. Clarification works best for me."

"Do you know how many hearts you've just broken?" I said, allowing a nervous giggle to escape.

"So long as it's not yours, I don't care." He picked two marshmallows out of the bag, popping one in my mouth, and one in his. "Seal the deal with a marshmallow."

We both burst into laughter, chomping down on the pink treats. When he kissed me afterwards, I was floating on cloud nine. Was this really my life right now?

***

To my horror and delight, Jake called in sick for the rest of the week. I felt bad he was skipping out on work just to sit next to me to watch trashy TV and endure endless chit chat.

"There are plenty of shots they can work on without me. They'll be fine," he said.

I surprised myself by how comfortable I became around him, revealing things as close to my heart as my dad's unfortunate fatal accident. I began to realise I was slowly coming back out of my shell, turning back into the Louisa I had once been. He really was the perfect, solid rock I needed in my life. What I had done to deserve such a turn in luck?

He scrutinised the nurses and doctors, questioning them on everything. He even kept an eye on what I ate to the point where I had to ask him if he was a 'feeder.'

"No," he said, laughing. "I just want to make sure you're fit and healthy. Is there anything wrong with that?"

"No," I said. "It's just weird."