Chapter 7

Jake

I'm frozen in place, my heart threatening to shatter as I watch Lily smile at her date across the restaurant table. She looks radiant, her blue eyes sparkling with laughter at something he said. It's a stab to my gut, seeing her so happy with someone else.

My fists clench at my sides. I want to storm over there, to yank her away from him, to claim her as mine .

But I have no right. I'm just her friend, the guy who's always been there for her but never had the courage to confess my true feelings.

The rational part of my brain tells me to walk away, to let her enjoy her evening. But the jealous beast inside me roars in protest. I can't stand seeing his hand reach across the table to touch hers. She's not his to touch. She's mi?—

Lily angrily yanks her arm away as the guy grabs it more forcefully. In an instant, the leash on my control snaps.

I'm across the room before I can think, my hand fisting in the collar of his shirt as I haul him up from his chair. He sputters in shock as I sling him away from her.

"Don't you ever fucking touch her again," I snarl, my voice guttural and seething with barely contained violence. "You lay a hand on her, and I will end you. Do you understand me?"

The guy pales and nods frantically before scurrying away. I'm breathing hard, my pulse pounding in my ears as I turn back to Lily. Her blue eyes are wide with shock.

"Jake! What has gotten into you?" she demands.

"Why can't you look at me that way?" The words rip from my throat before I can stop them, raw and desperate.

Lily blinks, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What? Jake, what are you talking about?"

I stalk closer, my body vibrating with the need to make her understand. To make her see me. "The way you looked at him. Why can't you ever look at me like that?"

"Like what? Jake, you're not making any sense."

A growl rumbles in my chest. I'm done with words. Done pretending I don't burn for her with every breath.

I close the distance between us and crush my mouth against hers. Lily makes a startled sound, but I swallow it down, my tongue delving deep to taste her. God, she's sweet. Better than I ever imagined.

I pour years of pent-up longing into the kiss, my hands gripping her curvy waist to yank her flush against me. I need her closer. Need to feel every soft curve melded to my hardness.

Lily's hands come up to push at my chest, and I reluctantly tear my mouth away. We're both panting. Her lips are pink and swollen, her eyes dazed.

"Jake..." She looks shell-shocked.

"I'm in love with you," I rasp. "I have been for years. I can't watch you with someone else. Not anymore."

Her mouth falls open. "You...you love me? But we're friends..."

"I don't want to be just your friend, Lily. I want to be everything to you. I want you to be mine ."

I smash my lips back onto her desperately, willing her to see the depth of my emotions.

If I can't put it into words, I'll show her.

She has to understand…