Survivor

46| Greatest Adventure

Jake's POV:

I've been through a lot in my life. I have had more pain and suffering than most have by my age. I put on a brave face and I try to be a better man for the people that I love, but I never truly felt connected to anyone until I met her. I signed up for this survival camp as a means of escaping. I wanted to get away from my family for a little while in hopes that I would return with a new perspective. What I didn't realize, is that this trip would change more than just my perspective. It changed me as a person. I was seated on the plane ready to go on an adventure, but I didn't know that she would become my greatest adventure yet.

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37 days ago:

As soon as I looked up and saw the beautiful blonde girl walk onto the plane, she had me hooked. She looked around as if she was self-conscious to even be on the plane, tucking her hair behind her ears and shielding herself behind the tall brunette in front of her. 

I watched her scanning for her seat, intrigued instantly by each of her movements. I was deep in thought when I suddenly realized her big, brown, doe eyes were locked onto mine.

Fuck... she's looking at me. Does she know I was staring? Maybe I should say something to her.

"Are you taking the window seat?" I blurted, hoping that she was.

She nodded in response, seemingly flustered as she made her way over to me. I smothered a smirk while her large bag repeatedly smacked the aisle seats. When she was close, I stood up into the aisle to perhaps assist her with her bag and let her slide into her seat.

Her eyes went wide while she looked up at me; possibly shocked by my height. I found it cute that her face gave away everything she must be feeling. She seemed intimidated by me, but for some reason, I was completely captivated by her as well. I made an "after you" gesture with my hand in order to appear casual and not at all infatuated by her.

I wanted to chuckle again as she scooted into the seat with her large bag in hand instead of putting it up in the overhead compartment. However, she was clearly flustered, so instead of commenting I found myself offering to put her bag up for her.

"Ummm... yes actually, that would be great. Thank you," she replied. Even her voice was sexy. She let out a soft grunt as she handed her bag over to me and for some reason I was kind of turned on by the sound. I grabbed her bag from her and hoisted it up to the compartment, hoping I made it look effortless.

Once it was settled, I finally sat down next to her, excited to hear her beautiful voice again and learn her name. When I glanced over at her, however, she was staring straight ahead.

Is she nervous? Or not interested?

"I'm Jake," I blurted, holding out a hand for her.

She put a small hand in mine and I noticed it was cold; I wanted to hold on to it until I felt it warm up. "Cassie. It's nice to meet you," she responded, shooting me a smile.

God she was beautiful. I was completely dazzled by her smile. I realized I may have been staring at her and quickly blinked and pulled my hand away to snap out of it.

Shit... that must have been a little awkward of me.

I cleared my throat and quick shot out a question to get her talking again. "You excited for this trip?"

She looked relieved that I started the conversation and was quick to answer. "Yeah actually I am! I think it's going to be really cool to see what I am capable of."