CHAPTER
I felt safe in Jackie's arms. He didn't cheat me, didn't let me down, didn't pretend to be something he was not. With him, everything felt real.
I remember falling asleep in his secure arms.
The next thing I knew, I was in a room, and he was sitting on the bed tapping on his computer. I tried to pull the blanket up—
"Oh my gosh… who changed my clothes?" I asked nervously.
"I did," he said calmly, still focused on his computer.
"What?!" I gasped and jumped off the bed, grabbing his shirt collar. "How dare you!"
"Hey—I mean I asked the hotel helper to do it," he said quickly. "I didn't do it like that myself."
I paused, then slowly let go of his collar.
My face burned with embarrassment.
"Sorry," I said quietly.
"No, no," he said softer now. "Since you're already this close, why are you moving away?"
I chuckled nervously, looking at him.
He gently brushed my hair behind my ear, and our eyes locked. The air between us changed.
Slowly, he leaned in.
Our lips met softly at first—warm, careful, and full of something I couldn't explain. I didn't pull away. Instead, I melted into the moment, feeling safe, wanted, and completely seen.
A knock at the door interrupted us.
Jackie pulled away and went to answer it. A delivery man handed him a parcel and left.
He came back holding it.
"Look what I got you," he said.
"What now?" I asked, curious.
"It's a swimming costume."
I froze.
"I've never worn that," I said quietly.
"That's why I bought it," he said. "You need to enjoy yourself since you're not sick."
I hesitated, then took it and went to the bathroom to change.
At first, I felt uncomfortable. I stood there unsure in front of the mirror, but I finally took a deep breath and changed.
When I stepped out, I felt nervous and exposed.
Jackie looked up—and immediately went silent.
I shifted under his gaze.
"Is it that bad?" I asked.
"No," he said softly. "You look gorgeous."
My heart warmed instantly.
Without thinking, I stepped forward and hugged him.
With him, I felt wanted.
I pulled back slightly and looked at him properly.
"Are you going to swim in jeans and a T-shirt?"
He sighed. "Alright, alright."
I smiled. "Go change already."
He went into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, he came out wearing tropical shorts.
I stared for a second… then burst out laughing.
"What?" he asked, walking closer.
"You look funny!" I said, still laughing.
He kept coming closer until I backed up step by step… until my back hit the wall.
I froze.
He was right in front of me now.
"Why are you laughing?" he asked softly, lifting my chin so I would look at him.
"You just do," I said, smiling.
We headed to the pool just outside the hotel.
I hesitated at the edge for a moment.
"You'll be fine," he said gently. "I've got you."
I slowly stepped into the water, holding onto him at first as I adjusted to the cold.
"Relax," he laughed softly. "I'm not letting you drown."
Little by little, he taught me how to swim—how to float, how to breathe, how to move.
My fear faded.
And soon, it turned into laughter.
We splashed water at each other, laughing and chasing each other like kids.
For the first time in a long time…
I felt free.
I felt happy.
And with Jackie…
I felt safe.