“So did I. We’re friends, like you said. Let’s just keep having fun.”
I nodded. It sounded simple when he said it like that.
He hadn’t been lying last night. We’d been up for hours, exploring and tasting, getting comfortable with each other’s skin. I’d asked for what I needed and accepted what he’d offered. No strings or expectations. Jack had made it his mission to wring every ounce of pleasure from me until I’d collapsed in a boneless heap sometime around three thirty.
He’d been intense and focused but also gentle and fun. We’d laughed over awkward positions, and he’d teased me over the scratch marks I’d left on his backside. I felt connected to him in a way I couldn’t explain with words. That was the magic ofintimacy. It turned you into different people, the kind who were unknowable to anyone outside your perfect bubble.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure where we went from here, so I was glad he’d addressed it head-on. I’d like more nights like last night. More of Jack’s unwavering attention, his rough stubble on my skin, his strength combined with tenderness, the rough sounds he’d made when I’d touched him, and the feel of him all around me.
But then my attention snagged on the wrinkles of my dress. I’d be leaving here in the same outfit I’d arrived in yesterday. I thought about how I’d parked my car two blocks away from Magnolia to save us both from the rumor mill. I wasn’t ready for what everyone would say about me this soon after my divorce. Plus, I got the impression that Jack didn’t really date, so I didn’t want to cause trouble for him. He’d had to deal with enough gossip over the years.
“That sounds good. To keep having fun,” I clarified. Then I added quickly, just to dispel any fears he may have, “And I’m fine keeping this just between you and me.”
A beat passed, and I wondered if I’d misread the situation.
“Of course,” he replied after a moment.
I frowned. I’d thought for a second there’d been something on his face. An emotion, there and gone before I could identify it.
Jack brought my hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the inside of my wrist. Then his grin turned roguish, the devil peeking through bright hazel eyes and gold-rimmed glasses. “Can I interest you in a tour before you go?”
My brows furrowed in confusion. “A tour?”
“Yeah. You saw the bathroom last time—mostly the floor.” He grinned. “But I don’t think you got a good look at the shower.”
Realization dawned. “Oh, well. I’d hate to think I missed something. Is this a guided tour?”
He nodded sagely before standing and pulling me with him. “Very intimate. Highly personalized. Just you and your tour guide.”
Heat and anticipation became an insistent tug. A pleasant warmth shimmered across my skin, like a hot afternoon in the middle of summer. The lure of Jack in the shower was undeniably inviting. Wet hair, slick skin, and the promise I read in his eyes was more temptation than I could resist.
So I didn’t bother trying.
I slid closer to him, bringing our bodies flush before saying without a whisper of uncertainty, “Lead the way.”
twelve
BONNIE
There were times in my life when staying busy had kept me going.
After the separation, for example. I’d buried myself in work and end-of-the-year school activities. There’d also been the months—years—when Danny and I had been trying for a baby. I’d needed to keep myself occupied after all those negative pregnancy tests.
I was the sort of person who found it necessary to have reminders, reasons to put one foot in front of the other in order to maintain my sanity. Those came in the shape of volunteering or extracurriculars, helping my mom or my aunt, baking, donating my time and energy, participating in farm events, those sorts of things.
And right now, it was sort of nice to be so busy and occupied. I hadn’t really had time to freak out about Jack or my relationship with him. In the last few weeks, there’d been little free time to question my sanity or my decision-making. I was, truthfully, still riding the high of sex with Jack and showering with Jack and coffee with Jack, and getting knowing looks from Jack.
I’d left his apartment the previous Monday after a thorough tour of the shower. One that had my front pressed to the cold tiles while Jack pushed into me from behind. I’d left with wet hair and a big smile on my face.
Tuesday afternoon, I’d visited Diane and Eldridge again. I’d brought my former mother-in-law her favorite fried chicken from Roosters in Asheville, hoping she’d be able to eat. We’d had a good visit, and I was grateful they hadn’t mentioned my plans to Danny. I knew they hadn’t because he’d been texting me, asking when I’d like to go back over to see his mom. Annoyed, I’d ignored the messages.
Wednesday brought bowling league play. I’d been able to enjoy my time with Mac and Candace and Joan while also sneaking in some texts to Jack.
Thursday night had Jack and I facing off on the softball field once again. Only this time, I’d had fun with the flirty looks and the knowing smirks. Afterward, I’d followed him to his apartment and stayed over. We’d gotten up early for coffee and Pop-Tarts before I’d needed to be at school Friday morning.
I’d spent Saturday with Jack. Another long ride and a sunny day on the back of his bike. We’d gone east this time, through Miller Creek and beyond, stopping at a brewery to have lunch and listen to a band play. I’d stayed over again, liking the excitement and anticipation of being in his space.
This week had been just as busy. But between school, trivia night, and dinner with Mac and Brady, I’d found time to text Jack throughout the day and following his shifts at Magnolia.
