Chapter 490

• “Emma, Bambina, wake up.” Jake’s voice comes at me through the darkness, and suddenly I’m aware of music, people, and a lot of noise. Warm fingers trace my jaw, and I push my face into them, rubbing like a greedy cat at the touch. I choke on the atmosphere and come to in complete confusion. I find my neck stiff from the angle I’ve been curled up at the booth's corner.
• “I’m going to lift you, okay?” warm, strong, familiar arms slide under my legs and behind my back, and I’m hoisted up against the smell of my Jake, the feel of him, his warmth, and his strength like some fantasy dream. I close my eyes, nuzzling into him, wanting this dream to last forever. I want the safe and comforting feel of him surrounding me to last, keeping the horrible ache of not being with him at bay.
• I come to my senses a little, aware of movement, and open my eyes suddenly, looking right at Jake’s face. Not a dream or a hallucination, but really him, and the pain of what that means right now is sheer agony. I choke back the gulf of emotions at seeing him again.