Page 81 of Practically Perfect
Kate
You’re the best.
And I’m starving.
Jake
Same, but I’m not talking about dinner.
I shake my head and chuckle. Every day, Jake makes me feel valued. Lighter. Erasing a lot of the deep-rooted anxiety and insecurities I’ve been plagued with for most of my life. I feel confident to be my true, authentic self with him, sharing my wants and needs without worrying whether I’ll be judged for it.This must be what it feels like to have a true partner in life. Someone who helps you become a better version of yourself. Appreciates every aspect of you. All-encompassing and life-changing.
I’m in love with Jake.
I finally know what true love feels like, and I can’t help but feel slightly terrified. If we can’t make this relationship last when he goes back home, I’m not sure how or if I’ll ever recover.
It’s why I’ve been unable to say those three little words to him. The ones that have been on the tip of my tongue for weeks now.
But that ends this weekend. I’m going to finally confess the depth of my feelings. Tell him that I’m undeniably, madly in love with him.
Everything about my relationship with Jake is different. He’s enabled me to step into my own and focus on whatIwant from life, rather than what others want or expect from me.
And what I want is a life with Jake.
Today.
Tomorrow.
Forever.
fifty-four
“Dinner’s done,”Jake calls out, walking into the kitchen from the deck, wearing athletic shorts and a loose T-shirt. We spent the day exploring Chicago like tourists. Architectural Boat Tour, riding the Ferris wheel on Navy Pier, consuming too much Garrett’s popcorn, and stuffing ourselves with Giordano’s deep-dish pizza for lunch. Another core memory day. One I hope expands when I tell Jake I love him.
“It smells great, babe,” I say, chopping cucumbers for our salad. I still can’t get over Jake’s domestic side. Growing up, he was helpless in the kitchen. Couldn’t make a simple box of mac and cheese without screwing it up. That’s not the case anymore. He’s an expert on the grill and offers to make or help with dinner every night. He even attempted sourdough bread on his own. It’s been the most welcome surprise, as I’ve always wanted a partner in the kitchen. Someone who has the same passion for food as I do. It’s one of my love languages, after all.
Jake comes up beside me, the tip of his nose dragging along my neck as he breathes me in. “Fuck, you smell amazing. Definitely better than dinner,” he whispers, nibbling on my ear. “Already know what I plan on having for dessert.”
“You’re insatiable,” I reply, biting my lower lip, attempting to stay focused on chopping.
“Only when it comes to you.” He presses a kiss on my temple and walks away to set the table. Although he loves spending time cuddling on the couch, he’s advocated for having meals at the table. Every night, he comes prepared with one or two topics for us to discuss, and it’s been instrumental in allowing us to deepen our relationship.
“We need to make a bucket list of things we want to do in Chicago before I start traveling for work,” he says, looking at me across the table. “I know you’ve mentioned a few museums, and I’m sure you have other ideas we can add to the list.” He takes a bite of his steak, his eyes not leaving mine.
“It’s crazy how long I’ve lived in this city and haven’t done many of the tourist attractions. I had so much fun exploring with you,” I reply, grinning so big my face is almost uncomfortable.
“Definitely a core memory day,” Jake says, causing my heart to skip a beat.
“Me, too.”
“Let’s start the list at breakfast. You can even make a spreadsheet for it,” he teases.
“You’re going to learn to love my spreadsheets. One day, they will change your life.”
“Wanna bet?” His eyebrows arch, already planning something devious that I’m likely going to love.
“Maybe.”
“How about this… If you convince me to create a single spreadsheet on my own, I’ll doanythingyou want.” He smirks. “If not, you have to fulfill one of my fantasies.”
