Chapter 7 Love Confession
After I said something I didn't even realize, the atmosphere became silent. Jacob just stayed silent and didn't say anything. I don't know what I was thinking. All I knew was that I always felt better when I was with him like this.
Jacob let go of my hug, which surprised me. But he immediately returned the kiss by grabbing my hand before finally kissing me on the lips. My eyes widened, Jacob was really kissing me. I could feel his sweet tongue pushing into my mouth.
"Vanilla." I thought. I felt like I was eating soft, cold, and sweet vanilla ice cream. Jacob's kiss tasted like vanilla ice cream.
I could hear his heart beating very fast. Was Jake feeling the same way I would have felt when we kissed?
I felt uneasy, unsure of what to do. Jacob's hand, which had been tightly gripping mine, slowly began to wrap around my body. He pulled me into his embrace and that made me feel calmer.
"He smells good," I thought. Jacob smelled very nice because he had just finished showering.
"Are you sleeping?" Jake asked. I muttered softly, wanting to stay in this position for a little while longer.
"No!"
"But why are your eyes closed?"
"You're so warm and comfortable, Jake! I want to stay like this forever," I said. Maybe I wasn't aware of what I was saying, but for now, I didn't care what Jacob thought of me like this.
"So, do you want to sleep together?"
"What?"
Jacob's question spontaneously made me open my eyes and stare at his face. His eyes were deep and sensual, and I felt like he was trying to captivate me with his gaze.
"Do you want to sleep together? That way, you can stay in my arms as long as you want!"
I was silent for a moment, trying to process what Jacob had said. We'd lived together for years, but he'd never once asked me to do anything intimate with him.
Jacob had always looked after me and made sure I was safe when he was with me. Therefore, if he suddenly asks me to sleep with him when we have just kissed, I feel that something surprising will happen between the two of us.
I lowered my head, feeling utterly embarrassed because I wasn't sure I was ready for anything more than a kiss and a hug tonight.
"What's wrong? You look nervous? Is my request bothering you, Layla?"
"N-no, Jake! It's not like that! I-I just feel like my heart is beating really fast right now. I don't know why, but—" Jacob grabbed my hand and asked me to hold it to his chest.
I could feel his heartbeat, faster than mine. I looked up at Jacob's face to see his expression.
He was flushed, his face was red. His eyes looked so soft, and I couldn't stop staring. This couldn't be possible, could it? I'm in love with Jake? This can't be that kind of feeling, right?
"Jake, I—"
"I love you, Layla."
"What are—"
"I love you, can't you feel how much I love you?"
I was at a loss for words. Jacob loves me? Does he love me as a lover or as family?
"Jake, I don't know what really happened between us. But, haven't you always considered me family to you? That's why—"
"You really are insensitive, aren't you? Layla, you remember when I asked you to marry me when we were very young, right?"
"Yes, but we were very young then, and I didn't think you meant it. That's why—"
"When have I ever not meant it?"
"Jake, it's not like that. It's just that we've been together since we were little. I didn't know if we could have feelings like that for each other."
"You don't love me?"
"Jake, I love you very much. But I think maybe it's different than what we think!"
"What do we think?"
Jacob looked at me with a sad look, making me feel like I'd said something wrong. I still didn't know how I truly felt about him, Ivnever thought I'd love him in a different way.
Seeing me fall silent like this, Jake looked guilty. He kissed my forehead before releasing me from his embrace. When I couldn't feel his touch anymore, I felt anxious and uncomfortable. It was as if Jake was a source of calm and comfort to me.
"Jake, where are you going?" I asked, holding his hand tightly.
"I'm going back to my room. Go to sleep! You need plenty of rest to fully recover!"
"B-but you said we were going to sleep together and cuddle?"
"I don't know, I feel like you might want to sleep and cuddle with someone else. Good night, Layla?" He said as he walked away, leaving me standing frozen in place.
I think I'd said something wrong. My hesitation and my lack of understanding of my true feelings made me regret everything.
What else could I possibly want? Could I possibly want another man when I'm already with someone who's been with me through thick and thin? Could there be a man better than Jake? That's impossible, right? Jake is the best, the one who always looks after and protects me, there could be no one better than him.
"Jake, I-I love you. I think I really do."
" Really?"
"Y-yes."
"Can I trust you?" Jacob said, taking both of my hands in his.
He stared at me with his beautiful, dark brown eyes, sweet as candy. I had just realized how handsome Jacob was. Even though we'd lived together for years, this was the first time I'd noticed his powerful charm.
My heart was pounding, my face felt hot. Jacob kissed my hand, which was in his. This was a rare moment for both of us.
