Reputation's Bloom

Chapter 67. Buttercup

Chapter 67

Lily

Lily curled up against Jake on the soft throw blanket draped across his bed, her head resting against his chest. His arm was wrapped around her shoulders, holding her close as his thumb drew lazy circles on her arm. The warm glow of the bedside lamp cast a cozy light over the room, illuminating their relaxed smiles.

Jake tilted his head, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "You're so cute when you're all snuggled up," he murmured, his voice low and affectionate.

Lily chuckled softly, her cheeks warming. She lifted her face to meet his, and he leaned down, catching her lips in a slow, tender kiss. His hand moved to cup her cheek, his touch so gentle it made her heart flutter.

When they broke apart, Jake gazed down at her, his dark eyes warm and full of affection. "Finals are almost over," he said, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "You excited to go camping after?"

"Yeah," Lily said, her lips curving into a small smile. "It'll be nice to get away for a bit."

Jake grinned. "Good. You deserve the break. You've been working so hard." He kissed her again, softer this time, then pulled back to ask, "What about the party tomorrow night? You coming?"

Lily shook her head, nestling closer to him. "No, I can't. I have my last final to study for."

Jake pouted dramatically, making her laugh. "Aw, come on, babe. Just for a little while?"

She poked his chest playfully. "You know I can't. Finals first, fun later."

"Or," Jake grinned, pushing off the bed and rolling them over so Lily laid underneath him. "Fun now and finals later."

Jake's grin widened as he hovered over her, his hands braced on either side of her head. His eyes held a playful glint, but there was something deeper in his gaze—a flicker of heat that made Lily's heart race. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was no longer playful, but slow and deliberate, pouring every ounce of affection and longing into it.

Lily's breath hitched as she kissed him back, her hands instinctively sliding up to rest on his shoulders. His lips moved against hers with a quiet intensity, the weight of his body pressing against hers as he deepened the kiss. Jake's hand trailed lightly down her side, his touch moving Lily's shirt up the sides of her stomach.

As his hand slipped lower, Lily stiffened, her mind snapping back to reality. She gently pressed her hands against his chest, breaking the kiss and turning her face away. "Jake, wait," she murmured, her voice soft but firm.

He froze, his lips hovering close to hers, and pulled back just enough to meet her eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice low, though the tension in his tone was unmistakable.

"I'm ... not ready yet," Lily said, her words careful, her gaze dropping to avoid his.

Jake let out a quiet sigh, his brow furrowing as he leaned back, giving her space.

"Okay," he said after a moment, though there was a flicker of disappointment in his voice. He sat up, running a hand through his hair. "I get it."

Lily propped herself up on her elbows, watching him carefully. "I'm sorry," she said softly.

Jake shook his head and forced a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Don't be sorry. I just... I guess I thought maybe we were ready by now."

Lily sat up fully, reaching for his hand and squeezing it gently. "We will be," she said, offering him a reassuring smile. "Just not yet."

Jake studied her for a moment, then exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. "Alright," he said with a small nod, his smile softening. "Whenever you're ready."