“Yes.” He stood up and walked over to the bed. She sat up as he sat down on the edge, he handed her the pad and watched her reaction.
Cara had seen his work before, knew that he was talented but the drawing that she stared at was impeccable. Hard to believe that the beauty he had captured on paper, was hers alone. This drawing was like she was looking at herself through Jake’s eyes. Overwhelmed by the intensity and beauty that he captured, she felt her eyes fill. The woman looking back at her from the paper was beautiful. It was hard for her to admit that. Jake had helped her see beauty through his eyes, in turn, only making her love him more. She looked soft and happy. Her eyes looked full of love and mystery. Her body languid and flushed, the woman that stared back at her was a woman in love. She averted her eyes to Jake’s and he smiled at her, tucking a strand of her wild hair behind her ear. “I can’t believe that’s me.” She whispered.
“You’re beautiful, Cara.” The back of his hand stroked her cheek. “So, beautiful.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and leaned in locking her mouth with his. “I love you.” She whispered against his lips. “I’ll always love you.”
“Ditto.” Was all he said before he leaned them back against the pillows, and showed her how much he meant those words.
Chapter Twelve
Cara couldn’t wipe the grin that played upon her face. It was official, Jake and she had broken down the barriers and were officially a couple. It felt surreal and she wouldn’t lie, she was kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. Surely, she wasn’t entitled to such happiness, and when the powers that be figured it out, her happily ever after would be ripped from under her.
However, she could enjoy it while it lasted and that’s exactly what she planned to do. Now that they were back in Riverdale, after the most amazing weekend, she was back tending to the bar at Rudy’s.
The bar was decently packed for a weekday and she was the only bartender due to a few call outs. She was pouring three fingers of scotch for the man at the end of the bar, Billy. He was a regular that constantly tried to sway Cara to date him. Sam walked in carrying balloons and Cara slid Billy his scotch and treated him with a wink before leaving him to meet Sam.
“Happy belated birthday,” Sam beamed, placing the balloon weight on the bar.
Cara laughed and naturally when she looked around the bar, all eyes were on her. The chorus of Happy Birthday began around the bar, and her regulars lifted their glasses to commemorate her. She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, but graciously thanked everyone before leaning over the bar and smacking Sam’s hand.
“I could kill you right now, but thank you.” Cara said as she smiled.
“Well I would’ve loved to have seen you on your actual birthday but my brother seemed to have other plans.” Sam made herself comfortable in the bar stool and then peered at Cara curiously. “I suppose I should ask; how was it?”
Cara bit her lip contemplating on whether or not she should be the one to let the cat of the bag. “It was great.”
“I knew it!” Sam exclaimed, slapping her palm against the wooden bar. “You totally got some!”
“You knew that by three little words?”
“No it was a hunch, and you just confirmed. Thank you very much!” Sam leaned in. “I’d ask for all the juicy details but its Jake and that would just give me nightmares. So instead I’ll ask, are you finally dating my brother?”
Cara lifted her gaze and watched as Jake walked through the door. Her heart raced at the sight of him. He was dressed casually, in jeans and fitted hoodie. His sleeves were pushed up to his elbows and his hair was slightly mussed from the wind she figured. He wore the biggest grin, and hers matched it. His eyes locked with hers and she couldn’t help but completely ignore her surroundings.
Sam swung her head around and caught the exchange between Cara and Jake, before she rolled her eyes. “Oh boy, you two got it bad.” She sang.
“Hey, Sis,” Jake said, his eyes still on Cara as he placed a quick kiss on his sister’s cheek.
Cara bit her lip, and wondered how he would greet her. Usually a peck on the cheek like he gave his sister would suffice. Would he kiss her in front of all these people? Did she want him to? Of course she did, she wanted more than anything for him to claim her as his own. Maybe then she wouldn’t be hit on every second she worked.
Jake leaned over the bar and grabbed her face with both hands, placing his smiling mouth over hers. Well that answered that, she thought for a moment before responding to the kiss. Her hands wrapped around his wrists, and her lips worked his softly. It was quick, but the message was well received. He wanted everyone to know they were together.
“Hi.” She whispered against his mouth.
“Hi yourself,” Jake said before releasing her face.
“Well that answered my question.” Sam said as a matter of fact.