Tangled Love

CHAPTER 43

The car eventually comes to a stop and I blink, my eyes adjusting as I begin to stir awake.

"Did you sleep well?" Jake asks me, killing the engine and glancing down at me. I nod, feeling a blush travel from my neck up to my cheeks. "Yes, thank you." I murmur, sitting up straight.

"Are we here?" I ask him and he nods, opening up his car door. He disappears into the darkness outside for a few seconds before my car door opened.

"Come on, hop out Muffin."

I undo my seat belt and wrap the blanket around my shoulders, taking Jake's hand as he helps me out the car. As soon I was stood up straight, I glanced around, frowning. We were surrounded by trees, in the woods. It was dark out here, no lights to guide us.

"Are we in the woods?" I ask him quietly, keeping a tight hold of his hand. I shiver slightly and Jake immediately wraps his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side.

"Yeah, I want to show you something. Don't be scared, I'm here." He whispers, his body pressed against mine. I shiver again from the tone of his voice, not from the cold.

"Come with me."

I nod and we both begin walking, leaves crunching underneath our feet. It feels like we're disturbing nature at night. Minutes pass whilst we weave through trees and bushes but I don't feel scared anymore, not with Jake by my side.

"This is my favourite place," Jake says quietly, breaking the silence between us. We slowly walk forward where the floor disappears and rocks surround us instead. I frown as I glance around and Jake takes a step forward, hopping onto the first rock. I mirror his action and his hand tightens in mine, squeezing it slightly.

"I don't want to fall," I murmur, wobbling unsteadily.

"You won't fall, I've got you."

I smile in the dark at his response and we continue to walk along several rocks until before I know it, it's all I can see surrounding me.

"Almost here," Jake whispers, his voice causing goosebumps to travel down my neck. I peer around in curiosity. A large hole in one of the rocky walls lays ahead of us.

"Are we going inside a cave?" I ask him. Jake nods his head, turning around to flash me a quick smile.

"Not just a cave, you'll see."

As soon as we enter, it's like nothing I could ever imagine. The cave entrance leads to a clearing where the ground is even and the rocks disappear. The walls are covered with intricate art, some of it glorified graffiti. I continue to study them in awe, stunned by its beauty.

"It's beautiful," I whisper, reaching out to trace over the pictures spray painted all over the walls. Carvings of initials and names are littered between the art and I read every one, a small smile on my lips. Behind me I feel Jake's presence, his body pressed against mine lightly.

"It gets better, tilt your head upwards," he breathes down my ear. I wrap the blanket around my shoulders and turn around, facing Jake. His face is lit up with a smile and when I I tilt my head back and look up, I realise why.

The cave has an open ceiling where the sky is dark and lit up with the most beautiful stars. I let out a small gasp, unable to tear my eyes away from the beauty of the sky.

"Amazing, right? I love to sit here when the sky is clear," Jake murmurs, dropping down onto the floor and lying on his back. I slowly nod and lie next to him, our heads almost touching. Moments of silence

pass between us and I turn briefly, my heart thumping against my chest.

Jake is looking up at the sky, looking deep in thought. His arm suddenly reaches out, pulling me against him gently. I breathe in sharply, resting my head on his shoulder. It feels so natural being close to him. His body radiates heat and I feel myself relax against him, goosebumps travelling up and down my arms.

"Why do you come here?" I ask him softly, liking that I'm discovering who the real Jake Melvin is.

"When I'm angry at the world or myself I come here to remind myself that no matter what, life goes on. The sky and the drawings calm me down. I can sit here for hours just staring up at how beautiful it looks at night."

I listen carefully to him before reaching for his hand, locking my fingers into his.

"Thank you for showing me your favourite place," I whisper, both of us unable to tear our eyes off the beautifully lit sky. It feels special, almost as if the darkness knew he was going to bring me here tonight.

"You're welcome, it's just as beautiful as you." Jake murmurs, his voice low and sleepy. His words cause my heart to leap into my throat and I blink in surprise, butterflies exploding in my stomach.

"Thank you Jake.”