“Nope.” Jake shook his head, “There’s no way in hell that could possibly taste good!”

“It does! It tastes amazing!”

“Made from cashew milk?”

“Yes!” Lily laughed as she crossed her legs on the sofa, digging in to more of this strange, chocolate ice cream Jake had never heard of, “It’s delicious and vegan!”

“But you’re not even vegan!” Jake scoffed. Shaking her head, Lily held out the pot to him.

“Just shut up and try some, will you?”

Reluctantly, Jake pushed himself from the sofa and to the kitchen area. The other ladies and gents in the crew room were watching the afternoon’s football match. Spoon in hand, he plonked himself next to Lily. Their thighs grazed the other lightly and Lily felt a jolt of electricity in her fingertips.

“Right, ok…” Carefully, he scooped a spoonful of smooth ice cream in to his mouth. Lily eyed him expectantly. His eyes widened. Rich, deep flavour melted deliciously on his tongue.

“Oh my God.”

“Right?” Lily smiled brightly, scooping another mouthful of ice cream. “See? I told you it was good!”

“Good?” Jake laughed incredulously, “That’s the best ice cream I’ve ever had!”

“And just a moment ago you were sceptical, sir!”

“Ok! Ok!” Jake took another spoonful, “I’ll have to put my go-to Fudge Brownie to the wayside. Where did you get this stuff anyway?”

“From the shop just down the road,” Lily said, “It is a bit expensive, though. I only got it as a treat.”

“Well, you are sweet enough as it is.”

Jake regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth. Shit, did he just say that out loud?! He cursed himself. How would she react to that? Would she catch on how he felt? Embarrassment churned sickening in his stomach while he braced himself for a shake of the head or a sarcastic slow-clap. To his surprise, none came. Lily’s brow furrowed and her lips tugged up into that shy little smile. Jake’s stomach flipped. She’d been doing that a lot recently, but he never grew tired of it.

“Thank you.”

Lily felt her stomach grow warm at his charming, mischievous grin. Phew, he thought, feeling relief wash over him. He lowered his spoon for another scoop of ice cream but Lily held the pot back, holding it close to her chest.

“Nu-uh, mister!” she tilted her chin up defiantly, “I said you could have a taste, not share! If you want to share, you’re buying the next pot!”

  *                                     *                                         *

Jake heaved a heavy sigh and stretched his arms over his head. One show down, another to go before the day was out. Strolling in to the crew room, the football was still on. The highlights were in full swing, with two commentators replaying a particularly impressive goal. The room was pretty much empty, when something caught his eye on the sofa.

Lily was curled up, sound asleep among the cushions. Jake scanned over her porcelain features, completely free of stress and worry. Peacefully her chest rose and fell in steady melody. A stiff, cold breeze tickled at his skin and he noticed the window was open on the latch. Why would someone keep the window open? It’s freezing outside! She’s going to be cold! Jake blew out an irritated breath and made his over to the window. The latch was stiff again; it took a few good tugs before the window closed with a loud BANG. 

He heard Lily stirring behind him, before a frantic rustling on the sofa had him right at her side.

“What time is it?” she asked panicked, “Has everyone gone for beginners?!”

“No, no…” Jake soothed, gently placing his hands on her shoulders, “Everything’s fine. It’s twenty to six. You’ve got an hour and a half. You have plenty of time.”

Slowly, relief washed over her pretty face and her breath steadied. Jake rubbed his hands soothingly over her shoulders. Amidst the panic, Lily felt his hands burning through her t-shirt. Anxiety still coursed through her veins and her hands were shaking. Jake’s concerned eyes searched hers.

“Right…” she nodded slowly, “Hour and a half…”

“What got you so worried anyway?”

“I saw it was dark outside and I couldn’t see anyone here and…”

The words poured from her mouth like a raging river. Her hands shook more violently and she struggled for a steady breath once more. Why hadn’t she just set her damn alarm?

“Hey, hey…it’s ok. You don’t need to panic.”

Before she knew what was happening, Jake’s arms were round her, pulling her in to a reassuring embrace. Rocking her side to side as if she were a child, his soothing words comforted her. She felt a hand gently stroke over the back of her hair and she relaxed against his warm torso, resting her head on his shoulder. It had been a while since she’d had a panic like that. After what felt like an hour, Jake broke the embrace, but not by much.

“Were you frightened you’d missed your call?” he asked softly.

“Yeah,” she nodded, “Didn’t want to get in to trouble with anyone.”

“You know the crew wouldn’t just leave you there if you got call, right? What makes you think you’d get in to trouble?”

The corners of Lily’s lips tugged up sombrely and she pointed a finger to herself.

“Little Miss Perfect.”

Jake sighed heavily. She put too much pressure on herself; that’s why she was so meticulous about how she worked. Him only calling her that must have made her feel worse, no doubt.

“Well, you don’t need to be,” Jake tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, “They know you can do your job well. They wouldn’t have hired you if you couldn’t! Hell, I know you ace your job, I’ve seen you do it enough during the shows! I know it’s difficult at times, but try not to push yourself too hard, ok? Trust me, it’s not worth it.”

Lily listened and nodded again slowly.

“I’m sorry if me calling you that made you feel worse.” Jake said sadly. Their eyes locked.

“I thought I’d already accepted that apology?”

“Ok,” Jake chuckled, “Point made. Are you cold?”

He felt her shivering under his hands. Clearly it was colder than he felt. Lily quickly shook her head.

“No. I’m fine.”

“Here…” Quickly, Jake unzipped his hoodie and shed it off, “Take this, it’ll keep you warm.”

“Jake, seriously I’m fine -”

“Lily,” he said firmly, “You’re shivering. Take the jacket.”

From Jake’s stern expression, she knew she wasn’t going to win this argument.

“Thank you.” Lily conceded as he draped the hoodie round her shoulders. It took her a little while to poke her hands through the end of the sleeves. The thing practically fit her like a dress.

“There you go…” Carefully, he zipped it to the top and pulled the hood over Lily’s head, smiling as if pleased with himself, “Looks better on you.”

“If you say so.”

“I do indeed.” He smiled widely and perched himself next to her on the sofa. Lily looked up at him sleepily.

“I’m going to nap again if that’s alright.”

“Of course. Want me to wake you up?”

“You’re ok with that?”

“Sure, I’m not going anywhere for a bit. How about we get some dinner and bring it back here?”

Lily smiled up under the hood and Jake’s chest tightened. She looked so cute in his hoodie.

“Twenty minutes and then we’ll go?” Lily asked.

“Fine by me. I’ll even buy you more of that nice ice cream. Keep my end of the bargain!”

Lily’s giggles made his chest tighten all the more as she got herself comfortable, laying down to rest her head on his lap. Jake froze. Should he move? She seemed perfectly happy lying on him and he felt himself react in the ways men do. She did it as if she’d done it a thousand times before. If he was honest with himself, Jake wasn’t complaining one bit. Lily hummed satisfied.

“Thank you, Jake.” she murmured. Her heart gave a little leap when she felt warm fingers stroke soothingly over her head.

“Anytime, love.” Jake said softly. His hand carried on stroking over her head as she fell back to a sound slumber, and long afterwards.

 

*

 

© 2018 – Life of Violet – Violet Grey

All Rights Reserved.

*Picture – Pinterest