Free The unspoken Rule by June Whitfield Page B

head. Would we finally be together, nothing to stop us?
     
    My conscience didn't give up so easily. What about his cheating? It wondered. What about Cynthia? I pushed away the silly thoughts. Surely they didn't apply to him anymore. We had been over the moon and back in this short time of our on and off relationship.
     
    He pulled away and gazed into my eyes lovingly. "I have waited a long time to do that." He murmured.
     
    And he bent down and placed his lips on mine. It was only for a second, and it made me hungry for more. But I composed myself and we took our seats again. We would share a meal together, and it would be one of the best moments of my life.
     

Chapter 18: Perfectly Happy
     
    Maria's POV
     
    The following day, of course, Cynthia confronted me. Again.
     
    She huffed up to me and smirked at me. "Just to let you know," She snapped on her gum, "I went out with Zac on Saturday because he claimed you stood him up."
     
    Zac was history. We never were a thing, and wouldn't be, now that Jake and I were back together.
     
    "Okay."
     
    She narrowed her eyes at me. "That's it? That's all you're gonna say when I take him from you?"
     
    I looked her in the eyes. "He was never mine. And I don't care. I have someone else now." Now it was my turn to smirk.
     
    She heavily made up eyes widened in disbelief. "Who?" She cried.
     
    I gave her a small smile. "Why would you care? You have Zac now." I pointed out.
     
    Her jaw lowered. "No," She shook her head, her voice weak. "Not Jake."
     
    At that point, I just wanted to victory dance all around her and rub it in her face. Looks like witches don't win around these parts.
     
    "Yes," I told her. "Jake. Believe it."
     
    And I waltzed away from her, leaving her in shock. I met up with Jake in the cafeteria. He gingerly grabbed me by the elbows. "Hey, you alright?"
     
    "I'm good," I said giving him a peck on the cheek. He smiled and we went and grabbed some lunch.
     
    Jake's POV
     
    3 years later
     
    I put my hand in my pocket under the table for the millionth time. It was there, like it was always.
     
    Maria caught my nervous state. "Are you sure you're okay?"
     
    "I'm fine." I croaked, although I was far from it.
     
    She cocked an eyebrow, but didn't question further. I excused myself to go to the restroom. Once in the bathroom, I splashed cold water on my face. Why was asking this single question so hard?
     
    This, I knew the answer to. Because I was afraid to be turned down.
     
    I looked at myself in the mirror. Maria claimed these past few years had been treating me well in the appearance department. I had to kind of agree with her. I looked like I did in high school, but my boyish charm had disappeared. My body was more evenly toned and facial features were more manly. I smiled at the mirror, I suppose I did look alright.
     
    I took a deep breath and walked back to our table in the restaurant. Maria gave me a reassuring smile. She looked stunning tonight, she put all the other women in the restaurant to shame. No one could compare to her in her maroon dress. Her hazelnut locks were stacked high on her head, curled, making me want to run my hands through the softness.
     
    A waiter came by and delivered our spaghetti to us. Trying to calm myself down, I took a sip of my root beer.
     
    Maria noticed my drink. "Root beer has so many memories." She smiled.
     
    And it did. Hanging out at my house, and the date at Olive Garden where Laura had ordered my favorite drink for me.
     
    I took in the scenery around us. It was around 8 o'clock, the sky darkening as we ate. The waiters were all dressed nicely, all of them with spotless service. The food was excellent, which was to be expected in this fancy five star restaurant.
     
    It was beautiful, and perfect. Like Maria.
     
    I cleared my throat. I had to ask now, before I chickened out and lost my nerve. I could do this, couldn't I?
     
    Maria's POV
     
    Jake cleared his throat and looked uncomfortable. I