[Jake has this way of reacting to news in which he makes something like a loud donkey sound, a chicken call, and a peacocks mating call.]
Jake had to ask Mia six more times if it was a joke and then he hung up. He kissed my cheek hard, which was fine by me. After calming down a bit, he sad he'd meet me down at breakfast. With one more hard kiss, he bolted happily from the room and went to his own. I dressed myself in a cotton tank top and jeans then, for that extra badass measure, I strapped my tomahawk to my thigh and redid the black streak in my hair.
Little Tyler pushed open the door and jumped up and down, "Tina, Tina! Come downstairs-you have to see what Xian can do! And what I can!" Tyler jogged away and I heard the other little kids tramp after him.
'He is quite adorable,' Amy said in an amused voice, 'Like a little boy you.'
I rolled my eyes, 'I'm flattered.'
More calmly then Jake and Tyler, I walked down to the terrace and I was about to go outside when I saw the best thing ever. The temperature on the terrace always stays nice and warm so kids were lounging by the pool; playing and talking and laughing. At the table, kids were crowded around grabbing breakfast and chattering and smiling. I noticed Carter and Zia sharing one pool chair as they held one book and kissed; not much reading, really. Rythiam seemed to be showing of his chain to the other boys as Zoey and Lia discussed what looked like a weapon's blueprint over coffee. Rachel and Zachariah were sitting next to each other, laughing nervously, there hands lacing secretly. And in the center of it all, leaning over the table in a white workout shirt, beautifully showing off his jet black tattoos, his face set in a bright smile, Sadie and Walt on either side of him also laughing, was Jake. Boys are handsome, yes, but Jake's eyes looked like a Disney princess. Like Dean Winchester or someone, I don't know, but he looked full of energy. Tyler stood near him as well and his eyes scanned around until he found me, dreamily staring out at the terrace.
He beckoned excitedly at me then tugged Jake's sleeve, saying, "Jake, she's here! Over there!"
Sadie, Walt, and Jake looked at me with smiles as I made my way out to the terrace. As I was closing the door behind me, strong arms wrapped around my midsection as Jake snuck up and kissed my neck as he said, "You...look...stunning." He kissed me three more times before turning me around and looking into my eyes. I must've slept great that night because that morning everything was perfect. Jake kissed me on the nose and laughed, "A fine morning, is it not?"
I really wanted to answer but I just kind of answered, "Umm hmm" instead. Damn him and his irresistible charm! [He's now behind me as I speak, saying 'Easy, breezy, beautiful, Coverjake. Isn't he so funny AHEM stupid?]
Jake laughed before turning around and saying, "Here get on."
"What?" I responded shocked.
"A piggy-back ride!"
"No thanks."
"C'mon! It's fun!"
"You know what? Fine," I climbed onto Jake's back, melting at the feel of his hands gripping my legs. We didn't draw that much attention, given there was a ton of other kids, but when Sadie and Walt saw us, they laughed.
"What in Ra's name are you doing?" Sadie asked us, taking a bite out of her pancakes.
Jake set me down in one chair and pulled one up next to me so we could hold hands, "Just like you said, Sadie, romantic bonding."
The three of them laughed which was good to hear. I didn't know how long our peace was going to last.
Sadie nudged my shoulder as I bit into my toast and she whispered, "Not gonna lie, Jake looks pretty bloody hot."
