Tangled Love

CHAPTER 39

When I wake daylight isn't streaming through the window but darkness welcomes me. I slept through the whole day. It's ideal I have two weeks off college because my sleeping pattern is seriously messed up.

I rub my eyes and sit up slowly, feeling my stomach ache from my recovering bruises. I lean over and take two tablets from the bedside cabinet before popping them into my mouth and swallowing them with some water. The water is like a god send and I don't realise how thirsty I am as I guzzle down almost half of it. There's a knock on the door before Ivory opens it, popping her head round.

"Hey Em, you're finally awake."

"Yeah, come in." I smile back, sitting up straighter. She holds a food tray in her arms and as she walks over the delicious smell of pizza hit me, causing my stomach to grumble loudly.

"You're an angel sent from the pizza heavens above." I say gratefully, shooting her a smile.

"All I did was heat up some left over pizza," Ivory giggles, pushing the plate towards me. I reach over and pick up a slice, my mouth watering. I haven't eaten since last night and I'm starving.

Ivory grabs a slice of her own before sitting cross legged on my bed, taking a huge bite. We both remain silent, chewing on our pizza in a comfortable silence.

"So what has Jake done?" She asks me, breaking the silence between us. I glance up at her from under my lashes and she rolls her eyes.

"It's obvious something has happened between you two. He's been slamming doors and avoiding conversations all day." Ivory tells me. I chew on my bottom lip before deciding I trust Ivory enough to confide in her. When i'm done pouring my heart out to her, she scrunches her nose up in distaste.

"Wow, he seriously walked out on you when you told him you liked him? He should know not to treat you like that."

I smile at her, grateful to have her as a friend.

"I can't remember the last time he bought a girl back to the house so he must really like you."

"Do you really think so?" I ask her, the excitement rising in my voice. Butterflies flutter in my stomach and I bite back the smile containing my glee. Ivory nods —

"Definitely . . . besides you are smoking hot." Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"You're not so bad yourself pizza angel." I smirk, nudging her shoulder lightly with mine.

Ivory and I are nestled on the couch, several blankets surrounding us. She flipped through a few channels before stopping on the Food Network and I nodded my approval.

"I love this channel. I just love food in general really." I admit, chuckling. Ivory gasps and holds her palm up for a high five. "We're like twins separated at birth."

The door swings open, revealing a shirtless Jake. He's panting, his chest rising heavily up and down. Beads of sweat cover his forehead and my eyes immediately zone in on his body. His skin tone is tanned, stomach rippling as he moves and my mouth almost drops open in shock.

Tattoo's travel up his chest and covered parts of his arms that were equally as defined. I wanted to explore and know every single story behind each tattoo.

A sharp nudge in my ribs caused me to snap out of the trance Jake's body put me in and I turn towards Ivory, confused.

"Stop drooling over my cousin Em, it's weird."

"I was not!" I defend myself but her words cause me to blush a crimson red. Jake chuckles, his eyes landing on my blushing face.

"I've just been for a run, excuse the appearance." His voice is hoarse and low and I physically have to tense my jaw from almost dropping open once again.

"You look great," I respond sub-consciously, my eyes drifting down Jake's body. His eyebrows rise and he smirks at me, knowing I'm checking him out. . . And enjoying it too. I mentally groan and sink lower into the couch.

Did I really just say that?

Ivory jumps up, heading towards the door.

"I'm going to leave you two alone for a minute, looks like you need it." She smirks before disappearing out the door, leaving me alone with a shirtless Jake Melvin.

It should actually be a crime to be left alone in a room with a boy who turned your brain along with all your common sense into mushy peas.

Jake made his way towards me, running a hand through his damp hair, combing it back. I tried my best to keep my eyes trained on the television but to be honest, I'd rather be drooling over Jake's abs rather than a pavlova. Jake stood in the way of the TV, blocking my view and looked down at me.

"Can I talk to you Muffin?"

I look down at his body again before meeting his eyes, nodding.

"Sure but you should put a shirt on first," I tell him firmly, knowing there was no way I could talk to him when he looks like that. Jake tilts his head to the side, studying me intently before chuckling.

"Does it make you nervous?"

"It makes me everything but nervous," I reply suggestively before realising what I'd said. I slap my hand over my mouth and close my eyes, wishing the floor would open up and swallow me whole for being such a Jake crazed idiot. I can hear Jake laughing at my expense and I groan further.

Ivory enters the room, clutching a drink before her eyes flickers between me and Jake.

"Did I miss something?" she asks confusingly which causes Jake's laughter to deepen, the sound filling the room.

Well played Emily. . . Well played.