Jake let himself take in the sensations around him—the steady rocking of the hammock, the light breeze against his skin, the smell of the salt in the air—for a few moments before opening his eyes.
She was snuggled up tightly next to him, her arm draped across his stomach and her head resting on his chest. Violet.
“Cozy, Princess?”
“Mmm, yes.” She mumbled, nuzzling her face against his bare skin.
He placed his hand under her chin, gently tilting it upward. He took in her beautiful features for a long while, trying to memorize each and every detail. From the look on her face, he could tell she was doing the same. He slowly pressed his lips to hers, feeling her hands tangle in his hair, pulling him in closer, closer.
“I missed this. I missed you.” He muttered against her mouth.
She smelled of warmth, of summer. He could practically taste the sunlight on her lips.
“I wish we could stay like this forever.” She sighed, returning her head back to his chest.
“But we can’t, can we, Princess?” He whispered into her hair, barely daring to voice the question out loud.
She pulled back, looking into his eyes, and shook her head sadly. “I have to go back soon.” He knew this was the case, but the words cut through him nonetheless.
“I miss you so much, Violet.” His voice was thick with emotion as he felt the tears stream down his cheeks.
“I miss you too, Jake. But you know I’m always with you.” And he did know; every day he felt her presence.
“I’ll love you forever.”
“Good,” She let out a shaky laugh, “Cause forever’s all I’ve got.”
His lips curved up in a sad smile before he kissed her passionately one last time, clutching her tightly to him though he knew it would do no good.
Jake sat up in bed, taking in the stillness of the dark, empty room around him. He could still feel her on his skin, her scent lingering in the air. He looked at the time on his phone. 12:01am. It had been one year since La Huerta.
