“Let’s hope he doesn’t eat the whole container.”
Jake handed a few kernels to Noah. “Don’t worry. I’ll be eating most of it.”
I laughed. “You do that.”
We found a good spot and laid out a couple of blankets. Noah’s eyes lit up when the movie started. “Nemo!” He jumped up, and I had to pull him down into my lap so he wouldn’t annoy the people behind us.
Jake leaned back on his elbows. “I guess he does love this movie.”
“He does, and it’s one we don’t have.”
“Really? I’ll have to remember that.”
Somewhere around half-way through the movie, Noah fell asleep. It was his bedtime, so I decided not to wake him up.
“Do you want to head home?” Jake asked, taking my hand.
“I probably should get him to bed.”
“All right, let’s go.”
I pulled into his driveway. “This was a great surprise. Thanks for inviting us.”
“I’m glad you liked it.” He unbuckled his seatbelt and glanced behind him. Noah was still sound asleep. “I had a great time. I just wish we didn’t have to say good night.”
“I know… me either.”
“Not to push you in any way, but do you think you’d ever be comfortable having me stay over with Noah at home?”
I knew my answer. “Yes. Maybe not quite yet, but sometime.”
“Good. I can’t wait.” He leaned over and kissed me gently. “Can I see you tomorrow night?”
“Yes, but it’s kind of late notice for a sitter.”
“My mom’s been bugging me to watch Noah again…”
“All right, if you’re sure. When should we come down?”
“Let’s do dinner.”
“Perfect.” I leaned over to kiss him. “Sleep well.”
“I will.” He waved as he got out.
I was falling hard.
Chapter Nineteen
Emily
I got lost in Jake’s arms. It wasn’t a bad sort of lost, but a good one. I didn’t forget about the rest of my life, but I could escape the stresses that usually kept me wound up too tight.
We’d dropped Noah off with Jake’s parents, and I wasn’t so nervous leaving Noah this time. He’d had a ball the first time, and I could tell Mary enjoyed having a kid around. I also got the feeling she wanted things to work out with Jake and I. My biggest concern with leaving Noah was that he’d be a trouble maker and leave a bad impression. He was such a good kid, but I think most boys that age are rambunctious.
“Would you want to go somewhere to look at the stars?” We’d picked up sandwiches, and were curled up on Jake’s couch after finishing dinner.
“Wow, I haven’t gone stargazing in years.” I did it all the time growing up. My brother and I would lie out in the backyard and watch the sky for hours. Somehow I knew it would be different with Jake.
Jake ran a finger across my cheek. “Then we definitely should.”
I looked at my wrist—realizing I’d forgotten my watch at home. “What time is it? I don’t want to leave Noah too much longer.”
“He’s fine. My parents would call if there was a problem.”
“Let me call and check on him at least.” I started to pull out my phone but Jake touched my hand to stop me.
“How about we wait and call when we get there. I bet you’re going to want to check the reception.”
I froze. “Why would I worry about reception? Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
“Jake. I don’t want to go too far.”
“We won’t. I promise. And I know we’ll get reception. But I bet you’ll still worry.”
“It’s called being a mom. We worry.”
“And I get that. I completely get that.” He kissed me gently.
“All right, let’s go. I guess I’m driving so I can turn around anytime.”
He shook his head. “Whatever gets you moving.”
When we pulled into the marina I was a little skeptical. “Are we getting on a boat?”
“Yeah. There’s no better place to take in the stars than out on the water.”
“Maybe this is a dumb question, but can you operate a boat if you don’t have a license?” I wasn’t sure of the specific laws, but the last thing Jake needed was more legal trouble.
He shrugged. “I’ve taken all my exams. I’m clearly sober. I think we’re good.”
“All right. But I’m checking reception.” I pulled out my phone. I had four bars.
He laughed. “I knew you would.”
***
It was a beautiful night out, slightly cool, but still comfortable. The only sound was my flip flops slapping against the wood of the dock. Jake stopped in front of one of the smaller boats at the marina. “This one’s mine.”
I glanced around. I didn’t know anything about boats, so I had no idea what any of them were. “Are a lot of these your dad’s?”
“Most of them, but other people keep theirs here too.” He took my hand and helped me on board. I took a seat. Jake jumped on behind me, sitting down and starting the engine. I enjoyed the short ride, waiting to see where he stopped.
“Perfect,” he said to himself, before pulling out a blanket and laying it on the floor. I had a feeling he left a blanket there for exactly this purpose. He moved to lie down, and took my hand to get me to follow. I situated myself next to him, and looked up. The only light came from the stars and moon. There couldn’t have been a more romantic atmosphere.
“It’s beautiful.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the stars. There were so many.
“I know.” Jake turned to smile at me. “It’s so peaceful.”
“Thanks for bringing me out here.” I shifted slightly on the blanket.
“My pleasure. I love doing this at night.”
“Do you come out by yourself?”
“Yeah, it’s relaxing. Of course, it’s much more enjoyable with your company.”
He ran his fingers over my arm, always tracing the same pattern. It took me a minute to figure out what he was writing.
“Jake’s. You’re writing Jake’s on my arm, aren’t you?”
He gave me a mischievous smile. “Maybe.”
“Marking ownership?” I always got nervous with things like that.
He leaned over me slightly. “No. I don’t need to own you. But I can still write my name on you.”