15. Complications and revelation

Emily sat on her bed in the dimly lit dorm room, her heart swirling with a cocktail of emotions. The memory of Jake kissing some girl at the gym played on a loop in her mind. Why does this bother me? she thought, frustration creeping in. Jake was charming, undeniably so, but he reminded her too much of her ex-boyfriend, who had broken her heart.

She glanced at her phone, biting her lip. On one side, Jake had a way of making her smile, caring in ways she hadn't expected. He was different when they were together—funny, attentive, and seemingly genuine. But every time she thought she might be able to move on, she found herself back in this tangled web of feelings.

Her phone buzzed again, pulling her from her thoughts. It was an invitation to a house party from a friend. She hesitated, then decided to go. Maybe a night out would help clear her head.

As she arrived at the party, the atmosphere was electrifying. Laughter and music filled the air, and she spotted Jake across the room, his easy charm drawing a small crowd of girls around him. He was in his element, flirting and kissing girls as if he hadn't a care in the world.

"Look at him," Tyler, her friend, said with a laugh. "Jake's on his game tonight! What's he up to now? Kissing all the pretty girls?"

Serena, nearby, chimed in, "He should consider starting a kissing booth!"

Emily rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the pang of jealousy tightening her chest. Old habits die hard, she reminded herself, the quote ringing true as she watched Jake work his magic.

"Hey, Emily! You good?" Tyler asked, snapping her back to reality.

"Yeah, just peachy," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.

As the night wore on, Emily found herself nursing a drink, feeling more and more detached from her emotions. Her phone buzzed again, and she froze. A social media update from her best friend—there was a picture of her ex-boyfriend kissing someone else, a pretty girl with long, flowing hair.

Anger surged through her, igniting something reckless within. "I need another drink," she announced to no one in particular, downing her cup. The alcohol warmed her insides, igniting a wild desire to retaliate.

In her haze, she made her way to the dance floor, trying to get someone to kiss her, to forget the heartache. But just as she leaned in towards a random guy, Jake appeared out of nowhere, grabbing her wrist.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! You're drunk, Emily!" he said, concern etched on his face.

"I need a picture to send to that asshole!" she slurred, exasperated. She held up her phone, her intention clear but her mind fuzzy.

Jake's gaze softened, yet mischief flickered in his eyes. "Alright, let's give him a show," he said, a grin spreading across his face. He pulled her close, wrapping his arms around her waist and bringing her legs apart with his hands. Their bodies were inches apart, and Emily could feel the warmth radiating from him, sending a thrill coursing through her.

As he leaned in, his lips brushed against hers, igniting a fire within her. She melted into the kiss, losing herself in the moment, the world around them fading away.

Suddenly, Jake pulled back, snatching the phone from her hand. With a sly smile, he took a picture of them, their faces inches apart, her eyes glazed over with alcohol and longing. "Here you go, sweetheart," he said, a teasing lilt in his voice as he handed her back the phone.

Before she could react, he swooped in again, capturing her in a passionate kiss, their chemistry undeniable. The room spun as Emily wrapped her arms around him, their kiss deepening as they lost themselves in the heat of the moment.

When they finally broke apart, she was breathless, and the crowd around them erupted in cheers and laughter. "I can't believe you just did that!" Tyler shouted, shaking his head in disbelief.

Jake chuckled, his breath warm against her ear. "Just trying to lighten the mood," he murmured, his voice low and smooth.

Feeling dizzy from both the alcohol and the kiss, Emily knew she had to get out of there. Jake slipped an arm around her, helping her stand upright. "Let's get you back to your dorm," he said, guiding her through the crowd.

As they climbed into his car, Emily leaned back against the seat, a wave of confusion washing over her. The world outside blurred as they drove, but her thoughts were crystal clear. "Why can't God make handsome men loyal?" she suddenly blurted out, the alcohol loosening her tongue.

Jake chuckled, glancing at her. "What's that about?"

"I mean, look at you," she said, playing with Jake's hair, her fingers brushing against his face. "You're such a good kisser. I don't get it! Why are you all players?"

Jake laughed, but there was a hint of seriousness in his gaze. "Not all of us are players, Em."

"Then why do I always run into guys like you?" she continued, her words tumbling out. "You're just like my ex… always with the flirting and the kissing. I can't seem to escape it."

Jake kept his eyes on the road but stole a glance at her, intrigued. "Maybe it's the charm," he replied, trying to keep the mood light.

"I just don't want to get hurt again," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But you… you make it so hard."

They pulled up outside her dorm, and Jake turned off the engine, the tension in the car thickening. Emily looked at him, her heart racing as she felt the heat between them.

"You're not going to get hurt, I promise," Jake said, his voice low and sincere.

As she stepped out of the car, Emily stumbled slightly, the alcohol still affecting her balance. Jake was there to steady her, his hands warm against her waist. "Let's get you inside," he said softly.

As they walked towards the entrance, Emily felt a rush of emotions. She was angry, confused, and undeniably drawn to Jake. What did she want? Could she really let herself fall for another guy who seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve but was, at the same time, a flirt?

Before she knew it, they reached her dorm door. Jake leaned against the wall, looking down at her. "I had a lot of fun tonight, you know?"

"Yeah, me too," she replied, her heart pounding in her chest.

Jake leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Just remember, sometimes old habits die hard, but it doesn't mean we can't create new ones."

With that, he brushed his lips against hers once more, a soft and lingering kiss that sent shivers down her spine. And as he pulled back, she realized that despite the chaos in her life, Jake made her feel alive in a way she hadn't felt in a long time.

As Jake turns to leave, Emily grabs his hand, pulling him back slightly. "Don't be like the others, Jake. Please…" she mumbles, half-asleep and leaning against the doorframe. Jake pauses, staring at her for a long moment, then nods before walking away, leaving her with her conflicted thoughts

---