After a brief exploration of the mansion, we make our way back to Jake's. Still nursing my embarrassment from earlier, I focus on scouring Google for any overlooked details for the upcoming renovation. Navigating through the chaos felt endless, and by the time we finish dinner, I'm mentally and physically drained.

Aislinn, eager to catch up with Ellie and Ben, somehow convinced their parents to let them have a sleepover. I can only imagine how little sleep she's going to get tonight. Not much. Yet, witnessing my daughter so happy eases some of the worry that's been consuming me.

Jake and I cozy up on his couch, him sitting tall on one end while I snuggle into him, stretching my legs out along the length of the cushion. The crackling fire provides comforting warmth, aided by a knitted blanket Jake found in his closet, a treasured item passed down from his mother.

As I lay my head against Jake's shoulder, he wraps his arm around me and gently rubs my arm. "Are you ready to go to sleep, hun?" It strikes me that this is the first time he's used a term of endearment for me. Our relationship seems to be progressing to a new level of intimacy. Though, I haven't quite figured out what to call him yet. Not that it really matters.

I tilt my head slightly upward from where it rests on his shoulder. Jake's eyes meet mine, conveying kindness, happiness, and something else-perhaps a hint of lust? With his free hand, he caresses my face, brushing away a stray hair that has fallen out of place. This is a gesture he has done countless times before, and each time, it still makes my heart flutter. This man continues to captivate me with his love and tenderness.

Jake stops me from speaking by gently placing his forefinger on my lips. He quickly replaces it with the soft press of his lips, barely touching mine. My heart races in anticipation as I long for more. Our mouths are slightly open, and I can feel the warmth of his breath on my tongue. Something stirs within me, and I let out a silent plea for more. Jake inches closer, waiting patiently for my response. My pulse quickens and I can barely contain myself. With a heavy whisper, I say his name, and he immediately dives into my mouth with passion. Our tongues dance together, exchanging breaths as though giving life to each other.

With a deep, guttural moan, he pulls me closer to him and shifts my position on the couch. I am now lying down with him on top of me. Our lips never part as he reaches for a cushion and gently places it behind my head. As we continue our passionate embrace, I can feel his weight pressing against me. My arms wrap around his shoulders and my legs, clad in denim, entwine around his waist. Despite being fully clothed, I can sense his desire for me, and I know I want him just as much.

Tonight, Jake and I take our relationship to a new level of intimacy. His gentle touch and warm embrace make me feel like a new person; all the nerves and hesitation from before disappearing in the flood of emotions that follow. As we lie in his bed, his arms around me, I feel safe and secure, ready for a peaceful night's sleep.

I awaken in Jake's bed, the warmth of his doona still surrounding me. He loosely drapes his arm over my waist as he lies in a deep slumber. Trying not to disturb him, I carefully remove his arm and make my way to the bathroom on tiptoe. Coffee sounds appealing, but the thought of slipping back into bed with him is even more tempting. There's no need to rush today.

As I lay on my side and watch him sleep, I take in every detail about Jake that has gone unnoticed until now. The steady rise and fall of his chest as he breathes, the intricate pattern formed by the hairs on his chest and stomach. But it's the shape of his arms that captivates me. Using one finger, I trace along the curves of his arm from his shoulder down to his hand. He shudders and holds his breath for a moment before returning to a peaceful rest. I resist the urge to caress his muscles again, although it becomes increasingly difficult not to succumb to temptation.

I gently trace my finger back along its previous path. Jake stirs and grabs onto my arm, pulling me towards him. My momentary annoyance quickly turns into laughter as he tickles me relentlessly until I beg for mercy. Even then, he continues for a few more seconds. After we catch our breath and return to our pillows, Jake turns to face me.

"Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?"

Still feeling playful, I respond. "Not that great. Someone kept me up half the night."

"Oh, is that so?" he asks with a raised eyebrow.

I nod, "Yep," and playfully tug at the covers, revealing his perfect physique underneath. My eyes widen in appreciation and my heart races in the moment.

A slow smirk crosses his face. "Like what you see?"

My face and body flush with warmth, turning my cheeks a rosy pink. He moves across the bed on all fours, his gaze fixed on me. As he nears, I sink into the soft mattress as his lips capture mine in a passionate kiss.

Mesmerised by his passion, I surrender to him, entwining my bare limbs around his exposed figure. With each passing moment, our warmth intensifies. The morning passes amidst the tangled sheets of the bedroom until we finally make our way to the kitchen for coffee at midday. We're both dishevelled, but it doesn't matter. He's seen me at my most vulnerable and I him, and I know this man is here for the long haul.

Jake confirms my suspicions as he invites me to sit at his kitchen counter. As I settle into my chair and take a sip of coffee, he expertly prepares brunch - or maybe it was closer to lunchtime. With care and precision, he separates layers of bacon and places them onto a sizzling pan. In another pan, he cracks eggs and cooks them perfectly sunny side up. Just before finishing, he adds in slices of toast that is the perfect shade of golden brown, topped with generous amounts of butter.

When everything is ready, he plates each dish with finesse, wiping away any spills on the sides. I suspect he's been watching the cooking channel, but I don't mention it. He refills our mugs and sits next to me, signalling for me to eat.

I take a small bite and let out a surprised sound. "This is actually really good," I say with genuine surprise.

"Are you surprised that I can cook?" he asks, sounding slightly disappointed.

"Well, yeah," I reply with a laugh. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"

"It's just a natural talent of mine," he smirks confidently.

I can't help but give him a sly grin. "You seem to have quite a few talents, don't you?"

As we savour our tasty brunch, Jake and I engage in light conversation. Between bites, he casually mentions the need to address the plumbing and electrical issues at the mansion. With a nonchalant air, he suggests contacting some reliable contractors he knows around town to look at the place early next week. Grateful for his offer, I agree and thank him for his help.

Without hesitation, Jake whips out his phone and makes the calls; one to an electrician and another to a plumber. While speaking with them, he skilfully negotiates the best time for them to inspect the mansion. Luckily, they can fit in appointments around their busy schedules. However, the plumber's earliest availability is on Tuesday, while the electrician can come by on Thursday. Feeling relieved and grateful for Jake's efficient coordination, I know that progress is finally being made.

Jake smiles as I thank him for his help. "No problem," he says, "that's what the people in this town do. We help each other out."

I hesitate before asking, "I hope it's not too much trouble, but do you mind if we stay here for a few more days?"

Jake responds with a mischievous grin, "I don't know. Maybe you should find somewhere else to stay."

I playfully roll my eyes and reply, "You're such a smart ass!"

With our plans on hold until the contractors arrive, Jake leans in and suggests, "Why don't we do something fun this afternoon? There's not much you can do at the mansion anyway until they get here."

When Jake suggests mini golf for our afternoon activity, I eagerly agree. As I make my way to the shower, the warm water feels like a gentle hug, helping to ease my worries about the upcoming renovations. But then, much to my surprise, Jake sneaks into the shower with me. The close quarters make my heart beat faster, and I can't help but smile.

"Couldn't stay away from me, huh?" I playfully tease, feeling a wave of warmth beyond the steamy shower.

He grins mischievously, his eyes shine brightly. "How could I resist the chance to share a shower with such amazing company?"

I can't remember the last time someone made me laugh like this. Jake's teasing comment catches me off guard and I burst into a genuine fit of giggles, my stomach aching from the joy of it. It's as if a weight is now lifted from my shoulders and I bask in the lightness and warmth that comes with being in his presence. We continue to banter and flirt, each response more playful and cleverer than the last. As our conversation blossoms effortlessly, I realise how much I've been missing out on genuine connection. With Jake, I feel invincible, like all my worries and fears have melted away. Could it be that I'm falling for him?