I love being with Jake because

1) He doesn't consume me.
I am still myself, and he is himself. I don't expect to change him, and I feel good enough in who I am when I am with him. I make my plans, and he makes his, but usually we let each other be a part of or party to these plans which is fantastic, but not restrictive. I look at him as an independent entity, one that I am neither responsible for nor held accountable for his actions, but I care deeply and want to be supportive to him and continue to be supported by him.

2) He is communicative.
His mouth is wired to his brain with no detour, and he shares freely and lets me share freely what is on my mind. He doesn't misunderstand me and is always willing to elaborate when I ask him to.

3) He is sweet and caring.
Nothing changed there, then, but it is all on a much deeper level than when we were "just" friends.

4) He is honoured to be in the next book.
I was worried about that and ready to change anything he'd ask me to, but he is happy with being committed to print :)

5) He firmly plans to have me in his life, and be in mine.
But again, this isn't restrictive - it feels like the ultimate freedom, supported by an extra pair of wings.

6) of his musical talent
Sexy, impressive, amazing.

7) His sense of humour so closely matches mine.
We laugh and joke all the time - and it all feels normal, yet special to be in his company.

8) He is mischievous - and loves my own mischievous streak. Playing, dressing up, winding each other up, throwing grapes, flirting, watching evangelical preachers on late-night Sky rather than porn - you name it, it cracks us up!

9) The trust between us. I don't have to ask him or worry, I just know. And he knows. There is nothing to worry about, and nothing to jeopardise what we have. I absolutely know where I sit in his heart, and where he sits in mine. It is a niche nobody else can occupy, and I have earned my place, as has he. A lovely feeling!

10) He is brave and active, a doer.