had a couple of weird days. My surprise call from Alan was traced to a burner phone, which was picked up in the Ashburn area. We’re uncertain if that’s where he’s living, but I’m guessing not. He would have known we would trace the call, so I assume he deliberately chose that particular location to throw us off. Whatever the reason, he’s gone quiet, and despite not liking the fact, I’m at least relieved that I haven’t received any further surprise phone calls or cards.
Now when I say things have been a little weird, I mean as far as Jake since I haven’t seen him for days. He’s been missing from work with no explanation as to why. The only communication I got from him was a text message reading: I love you, Ana. Never forget that.
It worried me when I received that as it almost sounded like some kind of goodbye. I had a fitful night’s sleep, and when he didn’t turn up for work the next day after, my worry turned to panic. That’s why, after work, I decide to drive straight over to his house to check on him.
My heart is pounding, my legs and hands trembling. I’m not sure what I’m going to do once there, but I need to see for myself that he is at least okay. Despite everything, I still care for him. I still yearn for him.
I still love him.
As I drive onto his cul-de-sac, my heart leaps into my throat. I have driven here a thousand times over, but never has it been under these circumstances. I miss the house—miss seeing Matthew every day, but more still, I miss waking up to find Jake in my arms.
As I near the driveway, I notice Jake’s car is parked outside. It makes me frown a little as it’s usually in the garage.
After parking, I step out of the car and walk the distance to the front door. I ring the doorbell, and at first no one answers. I decide to ring the doorbell once more, telling myself I’ll leave if he doesn’t answer.
Seconds pass that feel like minutes. My worry level picks up, wondering whether he’s okay in there. Feeling a little more panicked, I dig my phone out from my bag and light it up to call him when the sound of the door opens.
I look up, my heart in my throat when I see Jake standing in the doorway in a pair of denim jeans and black, V-neck t-shirt. He looks toned and in greater shape than ever. His face, though, tells a different story. It’s evident that he hasn’t shaved in a couple of days, and his piercing, light green eyes are darker than normal. His hair is a little disheveled, and he looks tired—like he hasn’t slept in ages. Despite all of this, he’s still as handsome as ever. Just not the Jake I’m used to seeing. It makes my gut twist seeing him this way. In this moment, I don’t care about what’s going on with my aunt and the baby. All I can think about is how much I love and miss this man.
As if the situation couldn’t get worse, Jake smiles when he sees me, and it lights up his whole face. It’s like seeing a completely transformed man from the one who initially answered the door.
But then his smile fades. He seems almost panicked about something. “Ana, so nice to see you.” At first he pulls the door closer to him like he doesn’t want me to see inside. It makes me frown a little. Maybe the place is a mess, and he’s embarrassed for me to see?
“You didn’t turn in for work yesterday. I got worried. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by like this?”
Jake quickly flits his head back inside the house for a moment before stepping outside and closing the door behind him. He appears both happy but nervous at the same time.
“Of course, I don’t mind. This is your home, remember? And I’m fine. Just some stuff going on that I need to deal with.” His jaw tics at whatever irksome stuff he’s referring to.
It troubles me that he’s trying to deal with whatever it is alone. He has me. “I’m here if ever you need me. I hope you still realize that.”
His broad shoulders sag as if in relief. He sighs, stepping towards me. “I know,” he says, grabbing my shoulders before pulling me to him. “Please don’t pull