Chapter Six

October 12, 2024

reeva ✓ 1h

Jacob stood slightly off to the side of the bustling studio, his phone pressed to his ear. His cousin Zilla's incredulous voice crackled through the line, cutting through the vibrant chaos of the photoshoot.

He watched Reeva pose in front of the camera, her energy captivating everyone in the room. She wore a big white shirt that floated around her, and her bright green makeup made her look striking.

"So you telling me you left from Greenville, South Carolina, and went straight to New York because Reeva has a photoshoot there?" Zilla asked a hint of disbelief in his tone.

"Yup," Jacob replied, unable to suppress a grin.

"You're crazy, uce. You and this girl seem too attached. It's only been a week since y'all met. Is it the moose knuckle?" Zilla quipped, a playful edge in his voice.

Jacob chuckled, his heart racing slightly. "We've only kissed. And she's different. I can't explain it, but I know what I'm feeling is strong as hell."

"Please tell me you ain't in love already," Zilla teased, but there was an undercurrent of concern.

Jacob shook his head, laughing. "I ain't that far gone now."

As he spoke, he turned his gaze back to Reeva. She laughed with the photographer, and the warmth in her smile drew him in. When she had asked him to come to New York with her, he hadn't hesitated. Yes, he had kids back in Greenville to think about, but saying no to Reeva felt impossible. There was something about her that wrapped around him like a warm blanket, making it hard to resist her pull.

"Maybe this is why her dad doesn't want her dating. She just has some effect on people," Zilla said, half-joking.

"Uce, you stupid," Jacob replied, rolling his eyes, even as he pondered the truth in Zilla's words.

Just then, Reeva walked off the set, her eyes sparkling as she approached him. "You wanna be my prop for the day?" she asked, her excitement contagious.

"What you tryna have me do?" Jacob replied, curious.

"All you have to do is sit in the chair while I do a variety of poses on you. It'll be fun!" she said, grinning.

"Okay. Let's do this," he said, a smile breaking through as he focused on her.

"If you're uncomfortable with your face showing; I'll make sure to block it," she assured him with a playful wink.

He ended the call with Zilla and followed Reeva back onto the set. Sitting down in the chair, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she climbed onto his lap. The intimacy of the moment caught him off guard, and for a moment, he forgot they were surrounded by a crew.

As she settled against him, he felt a rush of warmth. It was just a simple act, but it felt significant. He lost himself in her presence, the chaos of the photoshoot fading into the background.

"Ready?" Reeva asked, glancing back at him, her eyes bright.

"Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, a smile breaking across his face.

Reeva's face lit up, and she dove back into her poses with renewed energy. Jacob couldn't help but admire her; she moved with an effortless grace that captivated him. With each click of the camera, he found himself falling deeper into the spell she cast.

It was as if time stood still, and in those fleeting moments, he allowed himself to imagine a different life—one where he could truly explore this connection without the weight of responsibility holding him back.

"Alright, Jacob," the photographer called out, snapping pictures of Reeva as she leaned in playfully towards him, their chemistry undeniable. "Let's see some more interaction!"

Reeva turned to him, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright, how about a kiss for the camera?" she suggested the playful challenge hanging in the air between them.

His heart raced at the thought. They had kissed before, but now it felt different—more intense, more loaded with meaning. "You sure?" he asked, half teasing, half serious.

"Definitely," she said, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

With a glance towards the photographer, Jacob leaned in, their lips brushing against each other's. The kiss ignited something within him, a fire that spread through his entire body. He pulled her closer, deepening the kiss just as the camera clicked, capturing the moment for eternity.

When they finally pulled away, Reeva's breath came in short gasps, her cheeks flushed. "Wow," she said, her voice a mix of surprise and delight. "That was... wow."

"Yeah," Jacob replied, still dazed by the intensity of the kiss. "You really know how to work it, huh?"

She laughed, a sound that sent warmth flooding through him. "You have no idea. Now let's keep going!"

The energy on set surged as they resumed shooting. With each pose, their chemistry became more apparent, not just in the way they moved together but in the laughter and stolen glances shared between takes. Jacob felt the boundaries of their week-long acquaintance blur, replaced by a sense of intimacy that both thrilled and terrified him.

As the session drew to a close, the photographer praised their work. "You two have great chemistry. I'd love to shoot you together again sometime."

Jacob felt a mix of pride and apprehension. He was in a whirlwind of emotions, caught between the excitement of this new relationship and the reality waiting for him back home. As the crew began to pack up, Jacob turned to Reeva, who was still buzzing with energy.

"Can I take you out to dinner?" he asked, a hopeful tone lacing his voice. It was a simple question, but it felt monumental in its implications.

"Absolutely! I'd love that," she replied, her eyes shining.

They left the studio, stepping into the vibrant New York night. The city was alive with energy, lights flickering, and people bustling by. Jacob couldn't help but feel like he was in a dream, walking side by side with Reeva, her laughter ringing out as they explored the streets.

As they found a small, trendy restaurant, they settled into a cozy booth, the atmosphere warm and inviting. Over plates of delicious food and shared stories, the conversation flowed effortlessly. Jacob found himself revealing bits of his life back in San Francisco—his kids, the challenges he faced as a father, and his dreams for the future.

Reeva listened intently, her expression softening as she absorbed his words. "You really care about your kids, don't you?" she said, her voice filled with genuine admiration.

"Yeah, I do. They're my world," he replied, a hint of pride creeping into his tone. "But I also feel like I need something more for myself."

"What do you mean?" Reeva leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

"I don't know," Jacob admitted, his thoughts spilling out in an unguarded moment. "I love being a dad, but sometimes it feels like I'm just going through the motions. Meeting you... it's like I've remembered what it feels like to really live."

Reeva's gaze held his, a shared understanding passing between them. "Life can be complicated. But it's moments like this that make it worth it," she said softly. "I know we just met, but I feel this spark, too."

His heart raced at her words, and he felt a surge of hope. "So, what does that mean for us?" he asked, a blend of hope and trepidation in his voice.

"I don't know," she admitted, biting her lip as she considered her answer. "But I want to explore it. Whatever this is, it feels special."

As they finished their dinner, the conversation turned lighter, filled with laughter and playful banter. Jacob found himself enchanted by Reeva's spirit, and her ability to find joy in the smallest things. She was a whirlwind, a breath of fresh air that disrupted his carefully structured life back home.

After dinner, they strolled through the city, the cool night air brushing against their skin. The streets were alive, and Jacob felt a sense of freedom he hadn't experienced in years. They wandered hand in hand, sharing stories and laughter, as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

As they paused in front of a street performer, Reeva suddenly pulled him close, her playful side emerging again. "Let's dance!" she exclaimed, dragging him toward the music.

"Here? In the street?" Jacob laughed, but her enthusiasm was contagious.

"Yes! Right here!" she insisted, and before he knew it, they were swaying together under the glow of the streetlights. It was spontaneous and silly, but at that moment, nothing else mattered.

Reeva's laughter echoed around them, and Jacob couldn't help but join in. They twirled and spun, lost in their world, the chaos of the city fading away. It felt right—like they were meant to be there together, even if just for a fleeting moment.

But as the night wore on and reality loomed, Jacob felt a tug of uncertainty. He couldn't ignore the life he had waiting for him, the responsibilities that would inevitably pull him back to Greenville. But he also couldn't deny the pull he felt toward Reeva, the undeniable chemistry that had ignited between them.

As they walked back to her hotel, the weight of the world settled back onto his shoulders. Jacob was caught in a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, fear, hope. Reeva turned to him as they reached her hotel door, her expression softening.

"Thank you for tonight. I had so much fun," she said, her voice sincere.

"Me too," Jacob replied, his heart racing as he stood closer, drawn to her warmth.

"Can I see you again?" she asked, her eyes searching his.

"I want to," he answered, the truth pouring out of him. "But I need to figure out what this means for me and my life back home."

Reeva nodded, her expression contemplative. "I understand. Just know that I'm here, and I want to explore this... whatever it is. Take your time."

As she leaned in to kiss him goodnight, the world around them faded away again. Jacob's heart soared, but the reality of their situation loomed over him like a shadow. He had entered this whirlwind without fully understanding the consequences, and now he was faced with a choice.

He stepped back, letting the warmth of her presence linger. "I'll text you, okay?"

"Okay," Reeva said softly, her smile radiant despite the uncertainty.

As Jacob walked away, he couldn't shake the feeling that his life had shifted in ways he never anticipated. The connection he felt with Reeva was real, and for the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to dream of possibilities beyond the confines of his responsibilities.

But as he made his way back to the hotel he'd booked for the night, he knew that when morning came, he would have to confront the choices that lay ahead.

The question now was whether he would allow himself to embrace this new adventure or retreat back into the safety of his familiar life in San Francisco.