It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 21: Emani

"How are you feeling?" I asked Lake as he sat beside me on my bed. He shrugged. I felt as if he was embarrassed by his confession in court two hours ago, but he had no reason to feel ashamed. Larry was the one that should feel like a shitty human being. I don't know how he sleeps at night.

"I just didn't want you to know," Lake admitted avoiding my eyes. "I didn't want you to see me as less than a man."

I gave him an incredulous look shaking my head. "Lake, I would never think that about you. I'm sorry that you've been holding on to this for years. You were there for me when I told you about Travis, and I will be here for you."

Lake glared. "I don't need your pity Emani. I'm fine."

I flinched. He had never been so cold towards me, and I didn't like it.

Lake stood up, and I tried to touch his arm, but he took a step back. "I don't want to talk about this anymore." He slammed my door shut, and I heard him go downstairs.

I finally got up, unsure if I should go after him or not. I knew he was dealing with a lot and probably just needed space. Seven appeared in my doorway wearing her Hello Kitty pajamas, eating a peanut butter sandwich.

"Where did Lake go? He looked angry."

I sighed. "It's just been a long day. He'll be alright."

Seven nodded, then her eyes darted to the chocolate chip cookies on my bed. "I want those. They look tasty."

"Knock yourself out," I replied, grabbing my phone from my desk. I had no new messages.
With a groan, I sat beside Seven on the bed and laughed at the empty plate next to me. "Dang, you ate them all!"

"It's my birthday anyway," she mumbled, rolling her little eyes. "I see you forgot."

I felt like the worst sister in the world. "I'm sorry, Seven. How about we go out and celebrate?" Her little face lit up, and she nodded. "Give me a few minutes to get ready."

I got out of my pajamas and slipped into a grey sweater dress and ugg boots. I brushed my hair then set the brush on my end table. I headed downstairs and found Seven on a barstool waiting for me. We walked outside, and I helped her climb into my jeep. She swatted my hand.

"Emani, I'm ten years old now. I can get in your truck without your help," she said, trying to sound grown. I laughed and went to the driver's side, buckling myself in. After turning the radio on, I reversed out of the driveway and pulled onto the main road.

Around two, we arrived at Skateworld, and Seven pulled me towards the counter to get our skates. At that moment, I wished our dad was here with us to enjoy Seven's birthday. I miss him so much, but I know he's watching over me. Growing up, he always took me skating every Friday, and it became our little thing. After he died, my love for skating did, and I stopped going because it hurt too much.

"I love this song. SZA is my fav," Seven beamed, pulling me closer to the rink. "Don't you love this song?"

I grinned as I tried to steady myself on my skates. "You know she's my girl. So, anything new with you?"

Seven flashed me a shy smile. "There's this boy in my class that likes me, and I might like him."

I chuckled. My little sister really was growing up. "Does mom know?"

Seven smiled, then shook her head. "No, you have to keep it a secret."

"I pinky promise."

Things between Seven and I were back to how they used to be. We talked, laughed, and skated for another two hours. She insisted on getting ice cream on the way home, and then I dropped her off at a friend's house. By the time I got home, it was dark outside, and I noticed a familiar face sitting on the porch. Lake.

The crisp evening air hit my face, and I shivered as I walked up the driveway. Lake stood up and jogged over to me, wrapping his arm around me. He smelled so good, and I couldn't take my eyes off him.

Lake sighed and drew to a stop. "E, I'm sorry about before. I was angry and took my frustration out on you. I appreciate you for trying to understand me and be there. The Larry stuff just still fucks with me."

My body filled with warmth by his apology. "I get it, and it's okay. We will get through this together, and Larry will go away for good."

Lake's lips brushed against mine, eyes softening. "Can I stay over tonight?"

I pretended to think about it, and he laughed. "Of course, you can, and we have the place to ourselves."

With his hand in mine, we headed inside, and I flipped on the living room light. The house was quiet, and I put on some music to set the mood. Lake took his jacket off, and I did the same. My eyes slanted over to the time. It was almost midnight, and my mom wouldn't be back until tomorrow evening. She was working a double at the hospital.

I moved closer to Lake, humming to myself. "So there's something I've wanted to tell you."

Lake peered down at me, pulling me closer to him. "What's on your mind?"

My pulse sped up, and I licked my lips. "I love you, Lake."

Lake became very still, and I swallowed hard. What if he didn't feel that way about me? It would hurt, but I would get over it.

Lake tilted my chin up, forcing me to look into his dark eyes. "You love me?" He said it as if he was surprised I could love him. I chuckled a little at his reaction. He was so adorable.

"Yes," I answered. "How do you feel about me? It's ok if you don't feel ready to say it. I-"

Lake smiled wide, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I love you too, E."

I kissed Lake with all of my might then led him upstairs to my room, closing the door. I pulled my dress over my head with trembling fingers as Lake watched me with hunger in his eyes. I moved towards him, tripping over my boot on the floor. With a loud thud, I landed on my butt, and Lake busted out laughing, and I joined him.

"Well, that wasn't romantic," I said breathlessly.

"You still look beautiful, Emani."

I put my fingers on his chest and could feel his heart racing. "I think I'm ready, Lake. Do you have any protection?"

Lake pulled a foil packet from his pocket. "Are you sure, E?"

I answered him by removing the rest of my undergarments and sitting on the bed. "Your turn."

Lake's eyes raked over my body, and he turned dark red. He pulled his orange shirt and jeans off, and the only thing that remained was briefs. He hovered over me and kissed my forehead, sending chills down my spine.

"I'll go slow. I don't want to hurt you," Lake said, looking nervous. "Let me know if it's unbearable."

Sex always hurts the first time and rarely feels good. At least that's what Sasha told me.

"I'll be fine, Lake. Just do it before I wimp out."

Once he's inside, I jerked from the pain as a tear rolled down my face. I stiffened as I tried to fight more tears that were bound to fall. I squeezed my eyes shut, but it didn't work. I felt too full, like I was being torn apart. Lake stopped moving and swiped a tear away.

"I hate that I'm hurting you," he whispered in my ear. "Let's just stop."

"It's okay," I replied back, closing my eyes again.

Afterward, Lake pulled me close, and neither one of us talked. I was still sore but grateful that my virginity was out the way. I'm glad I never slept with Gunner and waited for the right guy.

I will always remember this night.

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Things got steamy this chapter!! Emani and Lake finally took that next step. Are you surprised? Lol