Wrecked (Clayton Falls) - By Alyssa Rose Ivy Page 0,44
with Jake and I. My biggest concern with leaving Noah was that he’d be a trouble maker and leave a bad impression. He was such a good kid, but I think most boys that age are rambunctious.
“Would you want to go somewhere to look at the stars?” We’d picked up sandwiches, and were curled up on Jake’s couch after finishing dinner.
“Wow, I haven’t gone stargazing in years.” I did it all the time growing up. My brother and I would lie out in the backyard and watch the sky for hours. Somehow I knew it would be different with Jake.
Jake ran a finger across my cheek. “Then we definitely should.”
I looked at my wrist—realizing I’d forgotten my watch at home. “What time is it? I don’t want to leave Noah too much longer.”
“He’s fine. My parents would call if there was a problem.”
“Let me call and check on him at least.” I started to pull out my phone but Jake touched my hand to stop me.
“How about we wait and call when we get there. I bet you’re going to want to check the reception.”
I froze. “Why would I worry about reception? Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
“Jake. I don’t want to go too far.”
“We won’t. I promise. And I know we’ll get reception. But I bet you’ll still worry.”
“It’s called being a mom. We worry.”
“And I get that. I completely get that.” He kissed me gently.
“All right, let’s go. I guess I’m driving so I can turn around anytime.”
He shook his head. “Whatever gets you moving.”
When we pulled into the marina I was a little skeptical. “Are we getting on a boat?”
“Yeah. There’s no better place to take in the stars than out on the water.”
“Maybe this is a dumb question, but can you operate a boat if you don’t have a license?” I wasn’t sure of the specific laws, but the last thing Jake needed was more legal trouble.
He shrugged. “I’ve taken all my exams. I’m clearly sober. I think we’re good.”
“All right. But I’m checking reception.” I pulled out my phone. I had four bars.
He laughed. “I knew you would.”
***
It was a beautiful night out, slightly cool, but still comfortable. The only sound was my flip flops slapping against the wood of the dock. Jake stopped in front of one of the smaller boats at the marina. “This one’s mine.”
I glanced around. I didn’t know anything about boats, so I had no idea what any of them were. “Are a lot of these your dad’s?”
“Most of them, but other people keep theirs here too.” He took my hand and helped me on board. I took a seat. Jake jumped on behind me, sitting down and starting the engine. I enjoyed the short ride, waiting to see where he stopped.
“Perfect,” he said to himself, before pulling out a blanket and laying it on the floor. I had a feeling he left a blanket there for exactly this purpose. He moved to lie down, and took my hand to get me to follow. I situated myself next to him, and looked up. The only light came from the stars and moon. There couldn’t have been a more romantic atmosphere.
“It’s beautiful.” I couldn’t take my eyes off the stars. There were so many.
“I know.” Jake turned to smile at me. “It’s so peaceful.”
“Thanks for bringing me out here.” I shifted slightly on the blanket.
“My pleasure. I love doing this at night.”
“Do you come out by yourself?”
“Yeah, it’s relaxing. Of course, it’s much more enjoyable with your company.”
He ran his fingers over my arm, always tracing the same pattern. It took me a minute to figure out what he was writing.
“Jake’s. You’re writing Jake’s on my arm, aren’t you?”
He gave me a mischievous smile. “Maybe.”
“Marking ownership?” I always got nervous with things like that.
He leaned over me slightly. “No. I don’t need to own you. But I can still write my name on you.”
“Don’t need to? That’s a funny way of putting it.”
“How else would I put it? I’m not one of those guys that has to get all alpha male and claim a girl, but I still feel protective and possessive of you. It’s just natural.”
“It’s natural to be possessive?”
“Of course. You feel that way about me too.” He looked right at me.
“I am not possessive of you.”
“You’re not?” He ran his fingers through my hair. “Then why did you ask if I came out here alone? You wanted to make sure I don’t bring other girls out.”
I tried to look