Tangled Love

CHAPTER 113

I decide I'm going to find Jake and ask him about the blonde. I enter the living room, noticing how the crowds are thinning out, people chatting quietly on the couches. The music has been turned down slightly so it wasn't booming off the walls and I grimace, my eyes landing on a couple making out heavily in the corner.

I sigh and make my way to the second room. It's crammed full with intoxicated teenagers and I push my way through, trying to spot Jake in the crowd. Someone bumps into me, knocking me sideways and I stumble in my heels, falling into someone.

"Hey, watch it!"

"Sorry." I mumble, pushing past them. I'm just about to give up when I noticed him in the corner of the room with his back to me. His leather jacket and broad shoulders stand out from the crowd and I weave my way towards him.

As I get closer, I notice he isn't alone much to my annoyance. The busty blonde barbie is stood in front of him, cup in one hand and twirling her hair flirtatiously with the other. She bats her long eyelashes at him and laughs loudly at something he says which I'm too far to hear over the noise in the room.

A lump forms in the back of my throat and I approach them warily. I feel a pang of jealousy as I see the blondes hand shoot out and land on Jake's arm, stroking his skin ever so subtly. My throat run dry and I want to force myself to look away but I physically can't. She leans in closer, whispering something in his ear and I see him shake his head before turning around.

His eyes instantly connect with mine and I stare straight into them before glancing at the blonde. The look of amusement on her face as she smirks at me made me want to rip out her fake hair extensions.

"Emily," Jake says, heading towards me with his hand outstretched. I shake my head at him, unable to speak and turn around quickly, elbowing my way through the crowd. I don't stop until I'm back outside

in the garden which feels like the only place I can breathe.

I stomp up to a surprised looking Tobias, grabbing his cigarette out of his hands.

"I thought you don't like smoking."

"Sorry," I mumble for the third time tonight. I hear Jake shout me from behind but choose to ignore him and carried on going until I reach the end of the garden. I take a seat on an old garden chair and wrap my arm around myself in an effort to stay warm. My other hand lifts the cigarette to my mouth and I take a long drag, inhaling it deeply.

"Emily, what's wrong?" Jake asks me, getting closer. His eyes land on the cigarette I'm holding between my fingers.

"Since when do you smoke?" He questions, his eyebrows raised. I blow the smoke back out in his direction obnoxiously before replying —

"Since blow up barbie tells me how good my boyfriend is in bed then throws herself all over him whilst I'm watching."

I raise the cigarette back up to my lips and Jake takes a step forward, grabbing it from my hands. He throws it to the floor before standing on it, putting it out.

"Hey!" I say angrily, standing up to face him. He usually towered over me but with the heels I'm wearing, we're almost eye level. I watch as his eyebrow rise once more and he takes a step back.

"What have I done wrong?" He asks me, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"It's not you, it's the countless girls leering at you and letting me know how good you are in bed." I shake my head, feeling the frustration build up inside me.

"I've never slept with anyone Jake and I have girls letting me know how experienced you are. Throwing themselves at you in front of my face."

Tobias begins to approach us, concern in his eyes as he notices the confrontation between us.

"Are you two okay?" He asks, keeping his distance from Jake.

"We're fine, go away." Jake snaps, not even bothering to look at him. Tobias looks at me and I nod at him, letting him know everything's okay. I see Jake's jaw lock angrily as Tobias' presence lurks in the atmosphere before he turns and walks away, leaving us alone once again.

"Emily, I don't want anyone but you," Jake says, his eyes growing soft as he speaks.

"You are beautiful Muffin and I love you. No matter how jealous others get or try to ruin what we have, I won't let them. It's something special, I know it. I feel it every time I look at you."

My heart softens at his words and I look into his eyes which look pleading and apologetic. He holds out his hand and I sigh before reaching for it, locking our fingers together.

"You're the one I want," Jake adds, pulling me close to his chest. His body heat radiates off him and I cuddle into him closer, feeling my breathing even out finally.

"You're the one I'm crazy about," he whispers planting a kiss onto my forehead.

"I'm sorry," I mumble into his chest and he pulls back, holding me at arms length.

"What for?" He questions and I look at him sheepishly —

"For being a crazy jealous girlfriend."

Jake laughs quietly, his breath tickling my face.

"I get jealous at anyone who even as much breathes in your direction. Remember what I said at the hospital? We don't have to do anything you don't want to. I'm still gonna love you the exact same even if you choose not to sleep with me Emily." He says and I smile warmly at him, knowing he means every word. He gives me a reassuring smile before draping his arm over my shoulders —

"Let's get you inside before you freeze, I like my Muffins warm and toasty," he jokes, causing me to giggle. I can feel my worries melting instantly from his words.

"That's better, I love seeing you smile." Jake murmurs down my ear, kissing my temple as we make our way back inside.

"You're the biggest cheeseball I know," I grin, nestling closer against him. Jake simply grins back at me, his blue eyes twinkling in the dark night.