Starting Over •JJK• ✔️

Twenty Nine

Regardless of what JK said, I still wrapped up and submitted a few things for work that day. I know how I am, and I knew that it would have bothered me if I didn't. Plus, they would be a few less things that I'd have to do when I got back.

But now it was time to head out. I packed pretty light, mainly just my toiletries and some comfy clothes since JK said we wouldn't be leaving the house to go anywhere. We met up in the underground parking garage and I was practically trembling with excitement as I loaded my suitcase into the trunk of JK's car. Although I was still a bit nervous about being seen since the sun hadn't fully set yet, I fully trusted him and his plan.

I joined him at his side as he talked with the member of security who would be following us there. JK put his arm around my shoulders as they went over the plan again. This first guard would travel there with us to make sure we arrive safely, and then different men would rotate in shifts to keep watch. Apparently, this house had a very long driveway leading up to it that required gate access. They would take turns and post up at the gate, sending JK a text to let him know about each shift change.

JK thanked him and opened the car door for me. I settled in, buckled my seatbelt, and turned to look at him once he climbed in next to me. "That seems like a lot to ask of them. Just sitting in a car for hours on end to make sure no one breaches a gate would be exhausting."

JK shook his head and started the car, buckling his own seatbelt. "These guys are actually pretty excited about it." He started tapping the screen on the dashboard to set up the GPS. "And other than the ride up, they'll be hanging out in pairs as an extra precaution. They've all told me that this is the easiest part of the job they've had to do in awhile. They love a good stakeout." He smiled and kissed the back of my hand. "Are you ready, baby?"

I nodded and returned the smile. "I'm really excited."

And we were off.

The ride took just short of an hour but it passed by in a blur. He got some music going and we bounced in our seats as we sang along. I can't sing worth a damn but we had fun and laughed as we dramatically hit the high notes. Everything about the short road trip was so carefree. I loved that we could act completely ridiculous with each other without a care in the world.

The GPS pinged and I saw the gate ahead. Minus the occasional street lamp along the road, it was dark outside. Smaller lamps anchored either side of the gate and he rolled my window down as we approached it. The guard pulled up beside us and JK thanked him again. I gave him a wave and thanked him too.

JK pushed a Bluetooth button on his key ring. The gate slid open and my heart fluttered. We made it, and I leaned forward in my seat to look all around us. I watched in the mirror as the gate slid shut behind us and saw the guard move to parallel park in front of it.

It really was a long and winding driveway. A few lamps lit the way as we seemed to be going up an incline. Trees lined both sides as we made our way up. And after a few minutes, there was a break in the trees. We turned a slight corner and the space opened up, and the house revealed itself in front of us.

I gasped. It was beautiful.

We parked on the side and I scrambled to get out of the car. I could hear JK laughing as I ran out to stand in front of the house, wanting my first real look at it.

It was a single story, modern style home. It wasn't enormous, but it was certainly larger than anything I'd ever been used to. The lights were on inside and radiated out through the large windows, casting light onto the ground around me. I rubbed my arms when a breeze kicked up, quickly reminding me that we were in the mountains.

I looked towards the front door to see JK standing in front of it with our bags, so I went to help bring them inside. I looked up and around in awe as we stepped through the door. Natural wood beams lined the ceilings and a large stone fireplace greeted you into the living room. Everything about the house was welcoming, comfortable, and warm.

JK stepped behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. "What do you think?" He rested his chin on my shoulder as he held me against him.

"It's perfect." I smoothed my hands over his forearms. "I love it."

He moved away and took my hand, each of us bringing our bags with us. "Come on. There's still more to see." He excitedly tugged me along with him through the rest of the house.

We passed the kitchen but didn't stop until we reached the large master bedroom. Dropping our bags by the door, he brought me over to the far end of the room. He started pulling at the curtains to reveal a large sliding glass door that was the length of the entire wall.

I looked outside when he slid the door open and he flicked on a light. A balcony lined the length of the back of the house. I stepped onto it and hugged my arms again when the breeze hit me. I looked straight ahead but saw nothing but pitch black darkness. And it got even darker when JK turned the light off.

I immediately froze in place, unable to see a thing. But I quickly relaxed when I felt JK behind me again. His voice was quiet as he spoke against my ear, his arms around me to try and keep me warm. "Give your eyes a minute to adjust and look up."

I did as he'd suggested, closing them for a moment. And when I opened them, I looked towards the sky. "Oh wow." The clear black sky sparkled with millions of shimmering stars, with even more seeming to appear with each passing second. It was as if we were standing in the middle of our own personal planetarium. "Kookie, this is amazing."

He kissed my cheek. "Wait until you see what it looks like out there when the sun comes up."

I fully relaxed against him, feeling his heart beat against my shoulders. I felt it skip a beat when a bright light suddenly streaked across the dark sky. It was the most vibrant shooting star that I'd ever seen. He whispered "make a wish" and I did. I closed my eyes and rested my head back against his shoulder. I smiled, thinking of my wish and hoping someone, somewhere, would hear it.

The words flowed easily through my mind as if I'd made this wish many times before. Maybe I hadn't deliberately made this wish, but it was what I was hoping for regardless.

Part of it was already coming true just by being here with him.