Chapter 28.2: Boyfriend

As the kiss landed on his hair, Jake realized that Ryder had kissed him twice on the lips yesterday. He had been so immersed in his worries and fear, in that rollercoaster of emotions that he let such an important thing slide.

Closing his eyes, Jake hesitantly asked. "Ry."

"Mm."

"Did you tell me... that you like me?"

In just one second all the sleepiness vanished, and now Ryder was fully awake. Awake and blushing. Yet she still tried to remain calm, her eyes closed as if the fast heartbeat wasn't betraying her at all. "I did."

If it weren't for the fact that Jake could hear her heart beating faster, he would have thought she was either sleepily admitting it or she was just that cool about her feelings. The corner of his lips lifted and an unexplainable joy warmed his body from inside, spreading from his fast-beating heart to every inch of his being.

"I like you too."

Ryder smiled. "Mhmm. I know."

"Can I be your boyfriend then? I promise I will be good and will never hurt you."

Ryder c