AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I toss my phone on the table with a thud and cover my face with both hands. Several deep breaths help me to remain calm.
Jack reaches up and takes one of my hands in his, rubbing his thumb in circles on the back. It’s oddly soothing. Letting my other hand rest on my lap, I stare straight ahead. We sit in silence for what feels like far too long.
“I’ll call Irene and let her know I’ll be up there to install a camera tomorrow,” Jack says without looking at me. The weight of what we’re planning comes into focus for us both.
I pick up my phone again and text Adalyn the café address for Andrew. When I check the time, it’s only eight o’clock, but I’m dead tired.
“I think I’ll take that shower I was robbed of earlier and call it a night,” I say, my voice full of sadness.
I stand, and Jack stands, too. He turns to face me directly, lifting my chin so I look him in the eyes. “Tell me the truth. Are you scared?”
Without hesitation, I answer with a simple and resounding, “Terrified.” I suck in a breath, fighting back the anxiety.
“You don’t have to do this. We can find another way.” His words are so genuine. I know he believes them.
I shake my head. “There isn’t another way. If there is, it’ll take too long to get there. I’m ready for this to be over. I want my life back.”
Jack only nods and steps out of my way so I can head to the shower.
My earlier shower would have been so much more exhilarating than the one I end up taking. It’s quick, and I waste no time with the delicious fantasies that plagued me earlier. All I want is to get in bed and pull the covers all the way over my head.
I dress hastily in the pajamas Irene bought me, towel dry my hair, and climb onto Jack’s bed. It occurs to me that I’ve slept in his bed since I’ve been here, and I have no idea where he’s slept. I flop back on the pillows and pull the blanket all the way over my head. It takes only a few minutes before I’m dozing off.
Theclickof the bedroom door latch wakes me, and I jolt up while uncovering my head.
“Whoa, it’s okay. It’s just me,” Jack whispers.
A relieved sigh escapes me, and I lie back to wait for my racing heart to return to normal.
“Sorry. I wanted to grab some clothes and shower in the hall bathroom.”
“Why?” I ask.
“I didn’t want to wake you.” He still whispers, and I wonder why he’s even bothering with it since I’m already, in fact, awake.
“It’s okay. I’m awake. Shower in your bathroom, and sleep in your bed. If you aren’t comfortable sharing the bed with me—”
“I’m not uncomfortable,” he interrupts. “I just didn’t want to makeyouuncomfortable.”
“Well, I’m not uncomfortable, so you can sleep in here with me,” I say, clearing up any doubt.
“Alrighty then. I’ll be right back,” he says before grabbing his clothes and disappearing into the bathroom.
Butterflies swim in my stomach at the thought of us sharing the bed tonight. I’m not ready for anything to happen, but I crave the safety he provides when I’m in his arms. The warmth I feel next to him is all encompassing.
Frankly, what I feel for him and how fast it developed both scares the ever-loving shit out of me. But I’m done not jumping in and going after what I want. Two attempts on your life will do that to a girl.
I won’t second guess my feelings. I’ll lean into them and see where life takes me. So far, it’s brought me here to these wonderful people. Three beautiful souls I feel like I’ve known my entire life. People I’ve missed but finally found.
The bathroom door opens, and Jack walks out in low hanging pajama pants and no shirt. My mouth instantly dries at the sight of eight beautifully sculpted abs that dip down into a tight V, disappearing under those pants. His hair is still wet and slicked back off his face. It’s longer on the top and short on the sides, giving the perfect balance to the bad boy/good detective vibe he has going.
I scoot over in the bed. “Which side do you normally sleep on?”
“This is fine. I’m not really picky.” He hesitates before lifting the covers and sliding in. “Are you sure?”
I nod. “Are you?” I tentatively ask.
He slides into the bed at my approval, settling himself then turning on his side to face me. I hold my breath, waiting for his response. He reaches out and twirls some of my hair that’s slipped into my face around his fingers.
