The Searching Secret

Chapter 24

I watched as the light in the sky faded on our last day here. Tomorrow we would start our return journey, leaving behind this hunt for Evan. I sighed at the thought and stared out at the ocean, wishing we had more time.

I smiled when Jay walked up behind me, and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned back against him, as we admired the scene in front of us. "I was thinking," Jay said, breaking the silence. "Maybe we could take the back roads again, and visit Layla. I'm sure she'd love to see us again."

"And Chase," I added, knowing how'd he respond.

"Yeah, well, we don't have to see him again. I don't know why, but I never really liked the guy."

I laughed softly. "Maybe, because of how jealous he made you."

"Well, I don't like how he looked at you," he replied. I shook my head slightly. "What? For that matter, I don't like how any guy looks at you."

I laughed again. "So that's the type you're gonna be."

"What type?"

"You know, the possessive jealous type of boyfriend." I froze when the last word left my mouth, and prayed Jay didn't hear. Yet, when I felt joy growing inside him, I knew it didn't go unnoticed.

"If that's what you want me to be," he answered, tenderly, as he rested his head on mine.

I stayed quiet. I honestly didn't know what I wanted. This moment, and most moments with Jay, were perfect. I knew this would be what I wanted, if it wasn't for Sam and all the questions he left, placing doubt in my mind. How would I be able to let this go? I couldn't keep sigh from escaping my lips.

"What's wrong, Ri?" he asked, feeling concerned.

I turned to face him, but he kept me wrapped in his embrace. There was no way of hiding it and no point on lying to him now. "It just isn't easy, ya know," I answered, at last. Part of me expected Jay to be angry, to pull away and put more distance between us. Instead, he pulled me closer and held me tighter. In response I rested my head on his chest, as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Riley, I'm not expecting you to flick some switch when we leave tomorrow, and turn all feelings for him off. Heck, I'm not even expecting us to be toget-" I shot him a look that cut him off. I knew that wasn't true and he did too. With everything that has happened on this trip, how could he not expect us to be together? I knew once I left here I'd be leaving my past behind, with Jay as my future.

Jay sighed, and I rested my head against him again. "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I understand and I don't expect you to forget him over night. It could take a week, a month, maybe even a year, but the important thing is that you are moving on with your life, instead of it revolving around him."

"And you'll be there to help me?" I asked softly.

"Of course," he answered, and lightly kissed the top of my head. "I'm not going anywhere."

I stayed wrapped in his warm embrace for a while longer, before I pulled away and turned towards his patio door. I knew I could be happy in Jay's arms forever, I just had to stop thinking about Sam...

Jay stayed where he was and eyed me questionably, unsure why I suddenly pulled away. I forced a smile to ensure him I was fine, as I asked, "So what movie are we watching tonight? Please tell me it's not another Star Wars movie."

Jay reached out and grabbed my hand. "First of all, Star Wars is amazing, and secondly, let's go out tonight."

"Really?" I asked, my face instantly lighting up.

"Yeah. We can watch Star Wars any night, and we will, when we get back to my place. But tonight's our last night here. Lets enjoy it. Walk the boardwalk, maybe get something to eat."

"Funnel cake sounds incredible."

"Then funnel cake it is," he replied, as he let go of my hand and reached in his patio door to turn his light off.

"And a root beer float! You still owe me one!" I insisted, as he slid the door closed. Last night, after the club, we were able to get a movie, regrettably Star Wars, and barbeque wings, but getting a root beer float delivered wasn't possible.

Jay took my hand and softly kissed it. "Your wish is my command," he replied. "Funnel cake and root beer floats coming right up." Then with my finger laced with his, he led the way to my delicious treats.

A/N Sorry it has taken so long to post another chapter, but I hope you enjoyed it and will enjoy the chapters to come. I have recently had my baby and things have been busy adjusting to life with a newborn. However, things are starting to settle down and that has given me time to share more of the story with you all!

Be on the look out for another chapter soon! While you wait tell me who you ship and what name you would give them!