Jesse
"What do you mean you can't deliver it today?!"
The dull hammering against my cranium walls was starting to cause me aggravation. How hard was it to deliver a cake?
"Sir, it is short notice. I mean, we're happy to fulfill your order for tomorrow."
I could hear the distress behind the employee's professionalism. I knew I was causing it, and I needed to calm down. It wasn't her fault that I was terrible with timing.
"Look," I sigh heavily, my eyes shifting to look through the double doors—Katherine's figure coming into view. I had left her at the beach for a moment to order the cake. And right now? It seemed like the impossible. "I can't wait until tomorrow. Her birthday is today, and I want it to be perfect."
"I understand that sir," The baker replies, sounding somewhat sympathetic and annoyed. "But as I told you before, it is short notice to change locations. Perhaps if you picked it up yourself—"
"I can do that!" I say too excitedly, earning an awkward laugh from the other end of the call. "Sorry, yes, I'll pick it up."
"The order is still for Thomas, Jesse, correct?"
"Yes," I exhale with relief, going to stand from the dining room chair. "Thank you." And I hang up the call, making my way down the beach.
I reach my girlfriend, kneeling beside her on the deckchair. I can hear the soft guitar strumming through her headphones, her lips syncing to the lyrics. I sit back for just a second, adoring the candid sight of her. It was almost a glimpse of her without the walls or barriers that I knew she kept up around me. That wasn't her fault, and it never would be.
I gently place my hand on her arm, and her eyes flicker open.
"Oh, hey," A nervous smile appears on her lips as she removes the headphones, her eyes shifting to mine. "Were you there for long?"
I shake my head, shifting my position to rise on my feet. "No," I say with a grin. "I have to make a quick trip to the store since the delivery man forgot some things. I wanted to know if you needed anything while I'm gone."
Katherine sits up, glancing at her phone to pause the music before looking back at me. "You're leaving?"
"I won't be gone long," I say, trying to reassure her with my tone. "It's only a few things, baby. I promise."
Her shoulders visibly dropped as if my promise meant more to her than she wanted to admit. She nods, then puckers her lips for me to kiss. I didn't need any more confirmation. I bend down, meeting her soft lips for a peck.
"Drive safe, okay?" She mumbles against my mouth, earning a chuckle from me.
"Always," I reply, kissing her one last time before I head back inside the house. I grab my keys with haste as I race out the front door. I slip into my car and drive to the local bakery.
It took longer than I thought to reach the bakery—the traffic backed up from corner to corner. For a beach town, it was exceedingly packed with people. My fingers tap against the wheel, my eyes trained on the streetlights, waiting as they go from yellow to red.
"Come on!" I exclaim, growing impatient with the ill-timed lights. I could see the shop from the corner of my eye. It was taking everything in me not to run the red. But, if I do, I'd be breaking my promise to drive safely. Finally, as if the universe read my mind—the light turned green.
I went over the list of things I had to do while turning the corner, and my thoughts were packed with all things...Katherine. Despite her saying she didn't want any presents, I wasn't planning on listening. Even if she had told me many times before we arrived, I didn't have it in my person to do it.
I pull into a spot, shifting the gear into Park before shutting the engine, and I step out of the car.
Katherine
Jess had been gone for a while. The sun barely touches the horizon with how late it's become. Though, I was starting to get worried. I reach for my phone, debating whether to text or call him. It'd been hours, and I had the habit of thinking the worst.
"He's fine, Kat," I whisper as I set my phone below me, laying back on the deck chair. I was overreacting—besides—I didn't mind the alone time he seemed to gift me unknowingly, even if I was missing him.
Laying here reminded me of how much I enjoyed the smell and sound of the ocean. It was comforting, like warm air to breathe. Regardless if Jesse knew it or not, this was the best birthday. For the first time in a long time, I felt...serenity.
"Sweetheart..."
My heart skips a beat, the suddenness of his voice startling me, and I almost fall from my chair. "Holy shit...!" I exclaim, twisting my neck to take in the man behind me. "Jesse, what the..." He steps into my eye line, and I can not help but appreciate the outfit change. "...hell," I trail out, assessing how good he looks, almost...edible.
"Did I scare you?" He asks as he rolls his sleeves to his elbow, giving me a gorgeous view of his arms. God, his arms. I could stay wrapped in them for days. I barely process his question, my teeth drawing in my lip before I chew on it. My eyes travel over the dark slacks, first, trailing above the belt to admire how his upper body fits into a white dress shirt. Arms bulged through the fabric, and a few buttons were undone, letting me see light chest hair. The things I wanted to do to—
"Baby?" Jesse takes a few steps forward, reaching for my hand as he crouches below me. "Are you okay?" A flirtatious grin appeared on his lips as if he knew I was checking him out. I hoped to God I didn't say any of that out loud. He takes my chin between his fingers, eyes searching for any amount of comprehension. He asked me if I was okay, right?
"Hmm...?" I hum in response, hoping that would suffice.
Jesse's chuckle rings in my ears, and I suddenly snap out of my daze, finally focusing on the man in front of my face. "You took longer than I expected," I say, ridding my thoughts of desire. "I was starting to miss you."
"I know," He replies, sighing heavily as dropped his hand from my chin. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting. I'm so sorry, sweetheart. It wasn't my intention."
"So, what kept you?" I ask bluntly.
Jesse stands tall, a smile on his face as he offers me his hands to take. I look at his hands, eyes them and him suspiciously. Why did he look so chipper?
"If you got me a gift, I swear to—" I start to protest, but his head shake cuts me short.
"Just...come on, please, sweetheart?"
If his eyes weren't so pleading, I would've denied him, but I loved him, so I had no choice. I place my hands in his, letting him pull me up to lead me back to the house.
The sand is warm beneath my bare feet, my cover-up blowing with the afternoon breeze as we head down the beach. I look at Jesse, taking in the giddy smile that painted his mouth. Why did he seem nervous and excited at the same time?
A flash of pink hits me as we step over the deck, and I have to stop myself from panicking at the glittery streamers hanging above the French doors. "Jesse..." I say softly, my eyes burning at the tears brimming. My heartbeat pounded in my ears the further inside he led me, and I was starstruck.
A variety of pink and purple balloons surrounded the interior of the house. Fairy lights and party streamers hung overhead, making the ceiling almost invisible. Jesse lets go of my hands, letting me step forward to take it all in. My eyes flicker to the dining table—sweets and presents cover the entirety, and a single birthday cake is displayed in the middle.
I couldn't forget the words "Happy birthday, baby" on the wall in gold balloons.
"You..." I choke out, fresh tears rolling down my cheeks as I turn to face him. "You did all of this?"
"I know, okay?" Jesse starts to say, rubbing the back of his neck. "I know you said you wanted something small and intimate, but I couldn't decide if I should—"
I step in his proximity and take his face in my palms, crashing my lips on his to shut him up. Tears continue to fall as I kiss him passionately, and his arms come around my back to pull me in. I knew he would go against my wishes, a man of many qualities, but I was so damn glad he did because I never imagined something as thoughtful as this.
Jesse knew what this day meant to me. He knew of the hardships and disappointments that came with today. The failed plans and dormancy of twenty-five—twenty-six years, now. He managed to go above and beyond for me, and because of that, I was forever grateful to him.
"You are the sweetest guy I've ever known," I mumble as I pull away from his mouth. Jesse looks down at me, smiling softly as he drys the tears from my cheeks. "This is..." I look around again, shaking my head in disbelief. My gaze drifts back to his, and I can feel another wave of tears coming to the surface. "I love you, Jesse,"
"I told you once that I wanted to give you the world, remember that?"
I nod as he takes my head between his palms, lifting my face to lean into his—lips so close to mine.
"I meant it with all of my heart." He finishes, pulling me into another kiss.
And just like that, I was sure that moving in with him was the right choice.
*****************************
I'm officially off for the summer, you guys! I'm so fucking excited. You don't even know. Anyway, you'll be glad to know that I have more time to write and pop out more chapters. As I said in the past, this book is to be finished. There was never a doubt about that:) Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter because I had fun writing it.
P.S. Buckle up, buttercups. Next chapter is gonna be spicyyy, xxx
- Angela