Page 26 of Acadia Falls

Now, I was alone in the office, studying for the bar exam. It was time to forget about all the fantastic sex. It was time to forget about you-know-who and his magic penis. Not to mention those muscles!

Sighing, I got down to work. I needed to focus on my future, on my real life.

But all I could think about was Jack.

Chapter Nine

MARAN

After a few hours, I needed a change of scenery. I grabbed my con law study guide and dragged it to the porch. It was a gorgeous afternoon, sunny and warm, a crappy day to study constitutional law. I did it anyway. I meticulously added to my outline, the process of handwriting my notes comforting, old-school, and helpful.

I heard a truck coming down the road and looked up, happy for any minor distraction.

Jack leaned out the window of his rusty pickup. I couldn’t help but stare at his colossal forearm dangling, dazzling me with its ropey veins and bulge-i-ness. My mouth pooled with water like I was one of Pavlov’s dogs.

FFS, Maran!

“You want to go to lunch?”

My stomach did a somersault. “Sure. Just give me a sec?”

He nodded. “I’ll pull around.”

I hustled inside and vigorously brushed my teeth. Then I dabbed on a bit of blush and quickly swiped on mascara. I brushed my hair, wishing that I’d had a chance to wash it.

I ran into my bedroom, tearing through my clothes until I found my favorite gray hoodie. It was boring, but it made me feel safe. Plus, it looked cute with my orange shorts.

I took a deep breath and went outside. Jack waited, truck idling. I hopped inside, and Alex’s words reverberated in my head. Never had a steady girlfriend. Huh. I wondered what it would take to change that.

I smiled at him. “Hi. This is a nice surprise.”

“Nice, huh?” He grinned at me. “I wasn’t sure you’d feel that way.”

“Because you didn’t say hello to me last night?” I asked. “Or because you didn’t say goodbye?”

“You’re the one who wasn’t talking.” He glanced at me. “Anyway, I figured you’d been studying. But everyone needs a break—and food.”

“Thank you.” Warmth bloomed in my chest as I sat beside him in the pickup. Why was everything about Jack so enticing? His truck was old but immaculate. He smelled delicious. His eyes sparkled with good health. His beard was trimmed but thick—in the sun, I could see all the different colors, blonds, reds, and browns.

An awkward silence descended over us as he eased down the road and turned into the restaurant’s parking lot.

“Did you work today?” I asked.

“First thing.”

“What time is that?”

He frowned. “We get up at four thirty.”

I winced. “Ouch. I can’t believe you guys went out last night!”

“It was worth it.”

I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face.

Jack smirked. “Tori has really good weed.”

When I scowled, he laughed. “Just kidding, Blondie.”