Her Only Dream

Chapter Seven

***Kathrine's POV***

    The end of the night came faster than normal for me, Jake keeping me laughing through the night while I worked, or telling me about interesting stories and getting me to talk about a few different things as well.  Finally though the time came to kick him out so I could finish closing, which I did with a mix of excitement and nerves that I hadn't felt in a long time.  I'd spent a lot of time talking with him by now, but I still wasn't fully sure what this was, I didn't do well without some kind of guideline for what was going on, I knew I should be past the point of titles in my life, but I needed something to gauge things, some way of knowing what I should be doing or not doing.  The manager and clerk from the book side were both ready to go after I was, but I still had to wait on them, the three of us would have to leave at the same, which could be a bit of a pain tonight since I was almost vibrating with energy at the moment.

    We walked to the front of the store, my eyes scanning the windows for him, though I didn't see him, and I hoped he hadn't changed his mind about tonight while waiting.  Amy called for us all to go still while she armed the security code, and this was the part of closing that I always hated, we had to be perfectly still while the code was being entered, then the manager would have to unlock the door, let us out, and lock the door again in a very short time or the alarm would have issues.

    Thankfully, Amy was one of the quicker managers when it came to entering the code into the system, and it only took one try, all of us heading quickly to the door so we could get out for the night.  I pulled the scrunchie out of my hair as soon as we were out of the building, I hadn't gotten used to having to have my hair up all the time yet, and I didn't like keeping it up when I didn't have to.  

    "I think that's the first time I've seen your hair down."  Jakes voice came from behind me, and I turned to see him leaning against the wall, Amy stopping as well until I waived her off, I'm sure she was a little concerned that about people at night, but I wasn't worried at all.  Jake seemed like the kind that would protect others instead of hurting them, I wasn't worried at the moment.

    "Well, I have to keep it up at work unless they pull me over to help with the books."  I did feel a little self-conscious though, unsure of how to take the comment.  I still mentally cursed the sound of my brother's voice in my head, echoing about how I couldn't do anything right, I liked keeping my hair longer, and since I had started growing my bangs out to be as long as the rest of my hair, I found that it was a great way to shield my face when I wasn't certain.

    "You have beautiful hair, I wonder if it is as soft as it looks." Jake had walked over to stand beside me, and I watched as he lifted his hand near my hair, but he paused, which was unusual for him.  He'd poke me in the side, without thought yet was pausing near my hair, I just watched him, waiting for him to decide what he was going to do,  and after a moment he brushed my hair behind my ear, running his fingers through my hair in the process.  "Softer than it looks, and while it is beautiful down, I'd rather be able to see you."

    I was thankful that the night hid some of the blush that he caused once again, I wished I knew why he was always able to do that so I could find a way to stop it, but his laugh let me know it didn't stop it all.  He took my hand and started heading towards the parking lot, even after being outside while we were finishing closing, his hands were still warm, while mine were quick to loose any heat.

    "Your hands are cold already?  Well let's get going and get you in somewhere warm, which car is yours so I know which one to follow?"

    "I've got the Toyota over there."  I pointed to my car, noticing that there was a truck nearby, and Jake was grinning like crazy for some reason.

    "So I guessed right, cool.  I thought that might be yours, well let's make sure your car starts and then I will follow you over."

    I just nodded, both of us walking out in the parking lot, Jake hadn't let go of my hand, but I had to admit, I didn't mind too much, his hand was keeping mine warm.  When I unlocked my car and got in, I noticed he didn't move away until my car was started and running, and only then did he walk towards the truck.  I gave it enough time for both our vehicles to warm up enough to not have the windows fogging up as soon as we started driving before I moved to back up and head out, checking my rear view mirror frequently to make sure he wasn't having any issues with following me.   A couple times we would get separated by a light but due to the low amount of traffic this late at night it was rare that anyone got between him and I while we were driving, and even then, it was usually only for a block or two, but I appreciated that he was one of those drivers that actually understood the concept of staying back a ways, and he never tailgated me.

    Pulling into the parking lot of the bar, I and seeing my friends' cars and trucks, I felt a new wave of panic trying to claw its way up my throat, I didn't know how I would introduce Jake to my friends.  I got out of my car, locking it, but fidgeting with my keys as I did so, waiting for Jake to find a place to park, watching as he got out, his eyes locked on me as he came to me, a smile still gracing his face.

    "Ready to go in?"

    "Well, I am just trying to figure out how to introduce you to everyone, I'm sure they are going to ask." I tucked my keys into my pocket, trying not look at him while my heart was racing so hard I was afraid I wouldn't hear his answer.

    "Well, I will accept whatever you want to say, and I don't want to push you but I know that I would be very happy if you introduced me as your boyfriend."