Fleckless

Chapter 12

Jake's POV

"Gracie? That's new," I remark, my voice tinged with surprise. Lizzie approaches me and gently rests her head against my neck, seeking comfort and closeness.

"I'm the one caught off guard. Girlfriend? When did that conversation happen?" She wraps her hands around my waist, and I rest my chin on her head.

I press my lips to the top of her head. She looks up, her eyebrow raising inquisitively to meet my gaze.

"I was hoping that you giving me a chance is evidence that we're in a relationship," I say, my lips pressing tightly together as I await her response.

Lizzie's eyes sparkle with amusement. "Do you always get what you want, Jake Adams?" she teases.

I lean in, responding to her teasing tone with a kiss on her lips. "Mmmh," I hum softly, savoring the moment. "Elizabeth Pepperman, would you do me the honor of being my confident, caring girlfriend?" I ask earnestly, now on one knee, holding both of her hands.

Tears trickle down her cheeks, and the following silence is almost deafening. My heart races and doubt creeps in. "What was I thinking?" I wonder, feeling the weight of the silence as if it's been hours rather than minutes. Every passing second feels like an eternity, and I count each one. The fear of rejection looms heavy in the air, anticipation mounting with each heartbeat.

"You have a talent for being a total jerk and a charming gentleman," she says with exasperation and affection. Her hands cup my cheeks, and I stand up, relieved and elated by her response.

She smiles, and I gently wipe away the tears staining her cheeks. "I suppose if it weren't for the contrast in my personality, you wouldn't give me a second look," I say with a hint of self-awareness, acknowledging the complexity of our dynamic.

I take her hand and guide her into the bedroom, a soft chuckle escaping her lips. Closing the door behind us, I wrap my arms around her from behind, pressing my lips to her neck as she inhales sharply. Her hands find mine on her stomach, and she places hers over mine, a silent affirmation of our connection.

"God, Elizabeth, you'll be the death of me," I whisper, my hands moving up from her chest to her throat, a mixture of desire and adoration evident in my touch. As our passion intensifies my breathing becomes heavy. My grip on her throat tightens and I watch the way her chest rises and falls in anticipation.

I suck on her neck and slap her ass. She moans softly and I smirk.

"Wear something nice, love. We're going out shopping and then a fancy dinner," I say, my voice filled with affection as I release my grip on her throat and step back, already picturing the evening ahead.

My phone rings, and I leave the room to answer it. "Sir, the directors are requesting your presence," my assistant, Jude, informs me.

"Schedule a meeting with them for the 1st of November," I reply, irritation evident in my voice. "It's urgent, sir," Jude insists, his tone surprising me with a rare hint of fear. Jude has always been composed and professional in our five years of working together, never displaying much emotion.

"10 am tomorrow, I'll hold a Zoom meeting with them," I declare with finality, ending the call just as Elizabeth approaches me, unaware of the sudden shift in my demeanor.

As I hung up the call, my mind couldn't help but wander to what new antics Theo, my business partner, might have come up with. Our business was thriving, so there shouldn't be any urgent need for my presence. As I ponder the situation, a fleeting thought crosses my mind: if I had found a way, I could have gotten rid of him when he threatened me eight years ago. But now, with the business thriving, it seems like a distant concern.