I will lower the moon for you

by Becca Randall

  We kissed innumerable times while witnessing the mystical light show, our fingers tightly intertwined, as we leaned on to each other, with a promise to never let go.

  Chapter 22

  The morning after

  Emma

  Lofoten Islands

  I woke up feeling the sun shining brightly through the glass windows. I fluttered my eyes open and saw a pair of adorable blue eyes looking at me.

  "Good Morning, Emm." He gave me a soft smile and kissed my forehead.

  "Good Morning, Jake" I replied shyly.

  I realised I was sleeping in his arms on the couch in the living room. After seeing the mystical light show to the satisfaction of our hearts; we headed back in.

  We both were not sleepy due to the sudden excitement caused by the magnificent view of the sky and also due to our respective confessions. Jake made us some coffee, and we started chatting. I couldn't precisely recall when and how, but I ended up snuggling in his arms and fell asleep.

  "When did you wake up?"

  "Been a while." He softly caressed my hair.

  "Why didn't you wake me up? I am sorry to keep you stuck here." I gestured towards my arms that were tightly wrapped around him.

  "I love to be stuck like this. Close to you, watching you sleep, peacefully. I would like to get used to this". With that, he stole a lingering kiss on my lips.

  "If this is not bliss, then what is?" I softly whispered while cuddling in his arms and resting my face on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

  "Last night was beautiful." He gave me a loving look.

  We stayed like that for what seemed forever. I did not want this moment to end. After some time, I asked him, "what time is it? The sky looks clear."

  "It's almost one pm, and we will head back tonight. I texted my manager earlier to make all the arrangements. We would need to fly back to our hotel first, and from there we can take my jet to fly back home".

  "Your personal jet?" I asked with a raised eyebrow.

  "Yes."

  "Are you trying to impress me, Mr. Richmond?" I asked cheekily.

  "Absolutely. Is it working Ms. Carter? A girl like you deserves nothing but the best". He pulled me closer in a tight embrace.

  "Hey, can we first take a detour to my cottage, please? My luggage is there, and I really would like to take a shower and get out of these clothes. I feel like I am stinking." I sighed, making an ugly pout.

  "Nope, you smell like strawberries. I love your scent. And yes, I can help you with both." He said in a playful tone while sniffing my collar bone.

  "Both?"

  "Yes. The luggage and the shower."

  "In your dreams, Mr. Pervert. Come on now. Let's go. It looks like a long day ahead. And I absolutely hate flights."

  "You won't after today," came his immediate response.

  "Whatever that means." I rolled my eyes at him.

  "Give me fifteen mins, and I will meet you at the front door." I moved out of his embrace before giving him a quick kiss on his cheeks and headed straight to my room.

  After my morning routine and freshening up, I went outside to find Jake standing next to a luxurious silver sedan. He looked so handsome even in a basic white t-shirt and blue denim. Next to him, there was a guy in his late twenties wearing a black suit. He was well built and dressed to perfection with a pair of black sunglasses on.

  Jake was looking in the opposite direction when I got out.

  "Sir, shall we start now?" The unknown guy asked Jake while pointing in my direction.

  Jake turned around with a bright smile and extended his hand to me. I took his hand and stood by his side.

  "Thanks, Brett. Take us to Emma's cottage first, then we head to the airport".

  "So, you are Brett? I wanted to thank you for saving my life. I am so grateful for all your help. I really am." I told him warmly, meaning every word I said.

  "No problem at all, it's my job, Miss." His words and tone were both professional.

  "Emma. You can call me, Emma." I extended my hand for a shake. Brett shook my hand while giving yet another professional nod.

  "Let's keep it at Ms. Carter for you, Brett." Suddenly Jake's arms snaked around my waist and pulled me closer.

  "Noted, Sir." Brett went ahead and opened the car's door, "Ms. Carter", he gestured me to sit in the car while Jake went around and entered from the other side.

  As he entered and sat close to me, I gave Jake a curious look, "Ms. Carter? Really Jake?" I slowly whispered in his ear, making sure Brett doesn't listen.

  "Yes, you didn't like it? Do you prefer Madam or Miss? I can ask him to call you more respectfully, whatever you like." He had a sarcastic smile on his face.

  I just rolled my eyes at his childlike possessiveness and started to look outside the window, appreciating the beauty of the island we were in.

  Jake wrapped his arms around my shoulder and moved to sit closer to me. The moment he did, I felt extremely relaxed, my heart bounced in joy.

  He was my happy place. I held his hand on my shoulder and interlocked his fingers with mine.

  ***

  "Hello, Jacob. Everything is ready. The weather is a bit rainy, but the air traffic control has cleared us to fly. We can take off as soon as you are ready." A man in his mid-fifties told Jake as he took his business suitcase from Brett and passed it to the steward standing behind him.

  "Thanks, Augustin. Let's start without any further delay. I have a crucial meeting to attend tomorrow morning". Jake gave him a small smile.

  As Augustin was heading inside, Jake called him from behind, "by the way, this is Emma." Jake pointed at me, while his other hand was placed at the small of my back.

  "I thought so. Who else could she be? I am so glad to meet you finally. I have heard a lot about you." Augustin gave me an approving look and extended his hand in my direction.

  I took his hand to reciprocate the gesture with a friendly smile. "Emma, this is Augustin. The head of my family's security detail but also a close friend, mentor, confidante. Whatever you would like to call him." Warmth and adoration were evident in Jake's tone.

  I remembered Aunt Amy's words. So, Jake visited that small cafe with Augustin? He must be very close to him.

  "I am pleased to meet you Augustin," I stated politely.

  We all headed inside the plane, and the moment I entered, I was enthralled by the luxurious interiors. It was my first time in a private jet, and I didn't expect it to be so extravagant. There were many sections, Jake and I got seated in a deluxe cabin while everybody else seemed to be in the cabins at the back.

  We were now seated on the comfortable sofa-like seats as the plane took off. The moment we took off, Jake took out his laptop and started working. Soon, his skype and phone were buzzing with back to back calls.

  I was observing him silently. It took a lot of effort and hard work to run a multi-million company.

  He truly worked round the clock. Meanwhile, I was trying to keep myself busy with the available magazines and books. I think almost after an hour; there was a sudden jerk. The aircraft was now shaking due to heavy turbulence.

  I was suddenly very nervous; this was one of the reasons I hated flights. I closed my eyes, trying to calm myself, that's when I felt Jakes arms around me. He suddenly dropped all he was doing and came by my side.

  He was now sitting next to me, holding me tight. "Relax Emma. It's going to be fine. It's normal turbulence due to bad weather". He tried to assure me.

  I put my head on his shoulder while holding his arm tightly and closed my eyes. He was leaning closer to

  comfort me. My breathing became even, and slowly I felt calm in his embrace. We sat like that for more than an hour after that; Jake was still working when one of the attendants came to ask our meal preference for dinner.

  "What would you like to eat Emma?"

  "I am not very picky. I am fine with whatever you decide."

  "Get small portions of all the available dishes."

  I looked a
t him, astounded. "What? I am starving", he shrugged simply.

  Soon the food was served. It was like a seven-course meal at any fine restaurant—so much variety.

  We both ate together, chatting a bit about work and other random things. After some time, Jake continued his work, and I excused myself to head to the restroom. As soon as I opened the door, surprisingly it was a small bedroom with an attached washroom. I was astounded looking at the way luxurious amenities were made available thousands of feet above the ground. The room was neat and cozy; I took a while to admire the interiors.

  I quickly used the washroom and was now adjusting my clothes in a mirror right outside the door.

  That was when Jake entered the room.

  "What took you so long? I got worried."

  "Sorry, I was just coming out. I was looking around and lost track of time."

  "That's fine. You can also rest if you wish, we still have a few hours before we land. I need to wrap up one last thing." Jake gestured at the bed.

  "Sure, that sounds good. Go ahead; I will be here if you need me." Jake left, and I lied down on the bed relaxing my muscles. Soon, I drifted to sleep.

  Sudden ruffle inside the room woke me up.

  I looked up to find a shirtless Jake with just his pants on standing in front of me.

  "I am sorry, I tried to keep it low and not disturb you".

  "It's fine, Jake. What are you doing? And why are you... umm… shirtless?" He gave me a mischievous look, "like what you see?" He chuckled. I was blushing and looking down, avoiding eye contact with him.

  He looked so sexy.

  He chuckled, "I was changing into formals, I will be heading straight to office from the airport. I have an important meeting."

  "But you hardly slept a wink. It’s been more than fourteen hours we have been travelling."

  "It's fine. I am not very tired". He was now opening his bag to take out a neatly ironed shirt.

  He was still standing bare chest, and I was drooling at the sight. He glanced in my direction, and I quickly averted my gaze. I stood up to leave the room, giving him some space to get ready. He held my hand and stopped me from going. He slowly stepped closer and took me in his arms. His eyes laced with lust.

  "I love it when you look at me like that, Emma. You are mine, just mine. I want to hold you, touch you and tame every burning desire you hold, please you till you completely forget the world." He whispered with his sensuous breath brushing on my skin. Every word he said made me tickle at all the wrong places. He had me swooning, deep inside I wanted to live each and every word he just said.

  He leaned closer and kissed my lips with passion. I immediately responded and kissed him back, with my hands running in his hair. His shirt was still unbuttoned, and he was holding me tightly against his bare chest. After a heated session, I gasped for air breaking our kiss, and now his kisses trailed down my jaw to my exposed neck. He was nibbling at my collarbone with his other hand under my shirt caressing my skin, causing me to let out a soft moan. My body was washed in an unknown craving. I wanted to get rid of his shirt and kiss every inch of his sexy chest. My corrupt thoughts were clouding my head, when suddenly, we heard the captain make an announcement. "Flight attendants, prepare for landing please."

  "We are starting our descent. Make sure you are seated, and your seat belt is securely fastened."

  We both got out of our trance. Jake was still holding me tight, and as soon as we saw in each other's eyes, we both burst out laughing.

  "Damn it! I was so not done with you." Jake whispered in my ears, gradually losing his hold on me.

  "Me too. You get dressed. I will meet you outside." I shyly retreated from his arms and ran out of the room. I went back to my seat and calmed my racing heart.

  One thing I was truly sure of, Jake made me feel things like no man has ever done before, and I was uncontrollably and irrevocably falling for his charms.

  Chapter 23

  At my door

  Emma

  NYC

  It was almost seven am when Jake dropped me home from the airport. "But I want to get back to work today. If you can, then why can't I?" I pouted.

  "Because you need to rest. You were stuck in a storm Emma, you were unconscious for seventeen hours and then travelled for over fourteen hours" He held my face, cupped between his hands.

  He took a deep breath and continued, "I can work in peace if I know you are alright. Don't be too hard on yourself; you can start work tomorrow. I will let the legal department be informed of your leave today."

  Reluctantly I nodded and agreed to him. He gave me a soft kiss on lips and then I hugged him goodbye.

  In reality, I felt like a complete mess, as soon as I reached my apartment. I took a long warm bath, and changed into my favorite shorts and spaghetti top. I was in front of the mirror, brushing my hair when I saw a deep red mark on my collar bone. Immediately vivid memories of my short make-out session with Jake filled my mind. I was feeling so turned on just by thinking about him.

  Get a grip girl. I immediately shoved back all the sexy intimate thoughts to the back of my mind. After a while, I hit the bed with a big smile on my face and dozed off within minutes.

  I woke up when it was already five pm in the evening. Crap. I really slept through the entire day.

  I got up and dragged my lazy self to the kitchen and cooked some salad with garlic bread. After eating, I started unpacking my stuff, putting half of my clothes in the laundry; and organized my remaining things to where it usually was placed in my closet.

  An hour or so later, I heard my doorbell ring.

  I rushed to the door and found an exhausted Jake with a small bag in his hand.

  "Where have you been, Emma? I have been worried, sick."

  "Well. Hello to you too, Jake." I instantly gave him a tight hug. His stiff posture relaxed, and he hugged me back.

  I would be lying if I say I wasn't expecting him here, a part of me knew and wanted him to come over. I was overjoyed to find him at my door.

  "You look so tired. Did you have a long day?" I asked him while pulling out of the hug and looking in his eyes.

  "Please come in. I am sorry my place is not in the best shape at the moment." I strode in and started keeping things in their place, making room for him to sit comfortably.

  "Hey. Shh! Relax. It's me. You don't have to put up a show for me. I like everything about you. When you are with me, nothing else matters." He gave me a warm hug again.

  After minutes, he stepped back, his eyes trailing down my body. He was completely checking me out. Suddenly his gaze got stuck on my collarbone. I could see mischief in his eyes, a smirk forming up his lips.

  "Did I mark you already?" He chuckled.

  I was embarrassed now, "Umm... Why don't you sit, I will get you some water?" I immediately rushed to the kitchen, dodging his question and hiding my flushed cheeks.

  As soon as I got back, Jake took my hand and made me sit close to him, "I asked you to buy a phone, Emma? You do realise that you are totally unreachable without a phone? Don't you?"

  "I know Jake. I am sorry, I slept in all day, and then I started unpacking and lost track of time. I just couldn't go out."

  "Sleepyhead." He chuckled while nudging my nose with his finger.

  "Hey, don't blame me. I was exhausted. I am glad you made me skip work today". I was snuggling in him now, his arms around my shoulders.

  He placed the bag he was carrying in my hands and gestured me to open it.

  "A new phone? Hey, you didn't have to. I really cannot accept this."

  "I didn't have to, but I wanted to. This is not for you. This is for me, actually. It was difficult surviving through the day today when you were not reachable, sorry I cannot take the torment for another day tomorrow."

  "Please, Jake. I cannot take this."

  "Shh Emma, it's just a phone. I got it for you because I missed you today, please accept it." He whispered while squeezing me tightly in his arms again.

 
"I know. I missed you too."

  We stayed in each other's embrace for a while, "Did you eat anything? You came straight from work, right?"

  "No, but I don't feel very hungry."

  "No way. I am going to fix you something to eat, any preferences?"

  "Anything you will cook would be my preference, Emma." He said with a soft smile.

  "Alright, coming right up. You can freshen up meanwhile."

  I went to the kitchen after showing Jake the way to the washroom. I made him some chicken steak with ravioli pasta and mashed potatoes. After a while, I entered the living room with a tray full of food. I saw Jake lying on the couch, sleeping soundly.

  My heart melted, looking at him. He must be exhausted. I took back the food and then covered him with a blanket. I dimmed the lights and adjusted the temperature of the room to make his sleep comfortable.

  I then took out my new phone, and synchronized it with my existing Apple ID, before calling dad.

  "Hi, Dad. It's me, Emma."

  "Hey, baby girl. I was starting to get worried. I was checking my phone every ten mins to see if you called."

  "Sorry, dad. I just landed today and then slept in all day".

  "It's fine. I am so relieved to hear your voice. Is this your new number now?"

  "Yes, umm ya I bought a new phone and number. I will just get the previous one deactivated, I guess".

  "That's fine. Please get some rest and keep in touch."

  "Absolutely, dad! Say hi to mom as well, I will call her tomorrow. Good Night!"

  "Good Night, darling!"

  Next, I dialled Niki's number, but it went straight to voicemail. I made a mental note to call her tomorrow again.

  I got my laptop and started to check my work emails. I responded to a couple of them and also wrote Benjamin an update on the Norway project.

  It was midnight, and I almost finished catching up with work. I closed my laptop and saw Jake was still sleeping soundly. I went closer to him and was now silently scanning his features; this man was gorgeous. He looked so handsome even in his sleep.