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Stepping back, I take a sip of my coffee. “It does, actually. I’m almost free, and then we won’t have to hide anymore. We can be together everywhere. It doesn’t get better thanthat,” I tell him confidently.
A smile spreads across his face, but I see a flash of…something. Fear, maybe? Reaching out, I cup his cheek. “What is it?” Concern fills my voice.
Jack shakes his head. “It’s nothing.” He takes my hand in his and presses a kiss to my palm. “I’m just looking forward to Sunday.” He pulls me into a hug.
I hang on to him, squeezing him as tightly as he squeezes me. I don’t have to ask what he meant. I know. By Sunday, Christopher will be behind bars, and I will be free. Jack and I can officially start our life together.
A life we never knew existed a few weeks ago. Standing here with Jack now—wrapped in his arms, enveloped in his scent, and loving my safe space tucked against him—I can’t imagine not having this every day for the rest of my life.
Before I realize it, the words pass my lips. “I love you, Jack.” It comes out barely a whisper.
A moment passes in silence, and I think he didn’t hear me or that he might not be ready to say it back.
Clearing his throat, Jack says, “I love you, too. So much.” His voice is filled with emotion, which only fuels my own.
I know now that it was, indeed, a flash of fear I saw in his expression moments ago. He’s scared of losing me.
I won’t let that happen.
I won’t let him down, and I won’t let go of this life with him.
I will kill Christopher myself before I allow Jack and me to be ripped apart.
He kisses the top of my head. “We have to get going.” There’s a bit of sadness in his voice.
I pull back, lift onto my tiptoes, and kiss him on the lips. “Don’t be sad. We have so much time ahead of us.”
He smiles, taking my hand in his and leading me out to his truck. We ride in silence on the short drive to the café. Both of us no doubt reflecting on days past and anticipating the days ahead. We park out front, and Jack walks me to the door. Irene hurries over and unlocks the door to let us in. Once we’re inside, Jack locks the door behind us.
“Morning, you two,” she says.
“Morning,” we say in unison, avoiding eye contact with her.
I feel like a teenager that just got busted making out with her boyfriend. I feel my cheeks heat, and I roll my eyes at myself. There’s no way she could know what we’ve been up to, and I’m certainly not going to tell her.
Charlie comes from the back, her face immediately brightening as her eyes go wide.
Uh oh.
That can’t be good.
“Ohhh, my bestie got laid!” she shouts as soon as she sees me.
Jack lets out a bark of laughter, which surprises me. I figured he’d be all private and shy about it. I guess there’s no denying it now, though I should have anticipated as much. Charlie can read me like a book.
My eyes widen, nearly popping out of my head. “Geez, Charlie!” I’m unable to hide my embarrassment, and I feel the heat blooming in my cheeks and spreading down my neck and across my chest.
“There’s no shame in a good roll in the hay,” Irene says, handing Jack a cup of coffee.
I could die right here, right now. In fact, that sounds like agreatidea.
Jack leans in for a kiss. “Looking forward to another roll later, beautiful.”
Though I return his kiss, my embarrassment continues to grow. “Floor, please swallow me up,” I say out loud so everyone can hear.
Everyone laughs, and I try to join in and accept they’re just happy for us, even if it is humiliating to be outed like that.
Jack kisses me one last time, and we all say our goodbyes as he walks toward the door. After unlocking it again, he gives us a wave before he heads outside. Irene follows behind him, locking the door back until time to let customers in.
