Always (Bold as Love) Read Free Page A

but I must tell her. "You are my heart. You make it beat and keep me alive. When I can go no further, you pulse with life and push me forward. Sweetness, I would be a lifeless body without you."
    Returning to her relaxed place, I feel her ribcage moving slowly as she struggles to contain herself. "I would still…"
    "Ssh. Don't go there, Sweetness."
    My hands run up and down her arms, which could easily circle her small arms. Movies play on the screen of the television, but neither of us are watching. Our eyes may be focused on the screen, but our minds are elsewhere. Mine is focused on what Emily could be thinking right now. Is she still stuck on the 'what if' of her past? I can only imagine what is running through her mind.
    “Sweetness?”
    “ Mm?” The sound appears as if she may be half asleep.
    “ I love you.” I was going to ask her if she was okay, but different words flew from my mouth.
    “ I love you too, Jake.” She hesitates, but looks up at me. “Have I told you recently just how much I love you?”
    Her hesitation threw me. Why was she delaying that question? Before I could answer, she spoke.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “ Nothing. How about you show me instead?” I tilt my head and kiss her neck slowly.

 
    3
     
    Emily
     
    Jake's kiss is tender, his tongue swirls in circles, and he gently sucks. My head leans to the left to grant him more access. I turn around and straddle him, running my hands over the soft fabric of his shirt. Honestly, I don’t feel like having sex. Today, I just want to cuddle and adorn Jake with kisses. Finding my favorite place, I kiss Jake’s neck here and there before resting my head on his shoulder.
    “ I love you,” I repeat, my lips brushing his skin. I can’t believe it but I actually want Jake to ask me what’s the matter. If I’m being honest with myself, the thought of Jake leaving has me terrified. Maybe I’m overreacting. He's been my life for a while, and he's always nearby. This it will be the first time we will be so far away from one another and the thought has my heart beating entirely too fast with fear.
    “ Sweetness,” Jake’s voice is soft, “My world revolves around you. Mind telling me what’s worrying you?”
    I don’t answer. Not right away.
    “Is it my trip?”
    I nod into his neck, feeling serious separation anxiety coming. He can't leave. What if I need him? He won't be here. Carefully, Jake speaks his next words, dragging me away from my raging thoughts.
    “I can’t read your mind, Emily. Tell me what’s going on.”
    I’ve grown to hate when he calls me Emily. It usually means he is either mad at me, upset with me, or both. Sometimes, I feel as if he gets tired of my constant worrying. He probably gets tired of my thinking this way too. I just can't help it sometimes.
    “It’s nothing.”
    “ Emily,” he starts, but I cut him off.
    “ Don’t call me that. It’s never good when you call me by name.”
    He has the nerve to laugh. However, he arms squeeze tightly around me.
    “I’m sorry. Sweetness , what’s going on?”
    “ I’m just worried.”
    “ About what?”
    “ What if I need you? You’ll be in a different country!”
    “ You’ll be with Conrad, remember?”
    I can hear the smirk on his face. I sit up, confirm the smirk, and hit his arm. “That’s not funny,” I declare as a chuckle ripples through him.
    “I’m sorry.” His hands rest on my hips. “Tell me and I’ll be serious about it.”
    “ It’s nothing.” I shake my head. It is nothing worth worrying about, I decide.
    “ Are you sure? I’m listening.”
    “ I’m just going to miss you, is all.”
    “ It’ll be over before you know it.”
    I sure hope so.
    The week flies by. Drake calls almost constantly to ask when I’ll be home. That is definitely one thing I’m looking forward to. Not to mention that I called Conrad yesterday. He sounded really happy, which in turn made me happy. I was surprised when he asked to speak with Jake. Who