Chapter 23
JESSI
Over the next few days, Jack and I find a routine.
He wakes at the crack of dawn to leave for work, while I spend most of my morning scrolling college websites and jobs.
In the afternoon, I make dinner before Jack gets home.
We eat in front of the TV while watching The Sopranos or a mafia movie.
Neither of us talks about the night we spent on the couch together.
But that doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about it more than I probably should.
We don’t mention the idea of me getting a job at the club either. I haven’t brought it up, and Jack hasn’t said anything. Lately I’ve been wondering if I should apply to some of the positions I’ve seen advertised for fast-food places around town. At least I’d be making quick money.
On Friday, I’m stir crazy and need to get out of the house. I decide to check in person if any local cafés or smoothie shops are hiring.
I’m almost out the door when I realize I didn’t grab my keys from my house. Dammit. How did I forget them? I contemplate running back over there when my phone buzzes.
Jack
Do you have any plans tonight?
Me
Nope. You?
Jack
I usually hang out at the club on Friday nights. If you want to check it out, I could pick you up. No pressure.
Me
Sure! I would love that. What time?
Jack
Now?
Me
Okay :) See you in a bit.
I hurry upstairs, change, and fix my hair and makeup. It isn’t long before I hear Jack’s motorcycle rumble down the street. I’ve learned precisely what Jack’s bike sounds like and can tell it from others immediately.
I run out as he pulls into the garage. He parks, grabs a helmet, and hands it to me. His eyes glitter as they travel up and down my body. I changed into one of my shorter skirts, a little different from my typical plain attire. Definitely not to impress him or anything.
“Sorry,” Jack says. “The helmet’s a bit dusty.
Normally I ride alone. What did you do today?
” I pause, picking up the hint of irritation coloring his tone.
I think it’s because I’m taking too long to clasp the strap.
My hands are shaking. I don’t know why—I’ve been around Jack so often it’s become habit—but his presence tonight unsettles me.
“Let me help,” he says as he draws me in by my belt loop.
I sigh. This helmet is going to make my hair flat. “I don’t need a helmet,” I say as I try to remove it.
“Yes you do. You don’t get on a bike without one. Do you understand?” he says as he takes the straps, our eyes locking. He snaps the buckle under my chin but doesn’t let go.
Something about him having full control of me excites me. My heart pounds as the fire in his green eyes takes my breath away.
“Did you wear this outfit all day? What’d you do?” he asks, his voice gruff.
I bite my lip. I don’t know what to say.
I don’t want him to know I changed for him.
Will Jack think I’m dumb for changing my clothes to go to the club?
I decide to be honest with him and let the chips fall where they may.
“I just changed into this,” I say quietly.
His eyes darken, and I swear I hear him growl as he releases the strap.
He jumps on the bike without another word, starts it up, and motions for me to hop on.
I’m not sure what his reaction means, but that’s not new.
Jack is hard to understand. Sometimes he’s a caveman, and other times he’s Jesus Christ. His sweet and caring side makes my heart warm.
But his possessive side . . . thrills me.
I’m not sure what that says about me, but I crave him in his feral form.
“Hold on tight,” he says as I settle in on the back.
I take full advantage of the invitation, wrapping my arms around him as we speed down the road.
The rumble and vibration mix with the warmth of the asphalt racing under our feet.
Throw in being flush up against Jack and I’m on a high.
I never want this ride to end. Unfortunately, the club is a few miles away.
When we come to a stoplight, he grabs my calf and runs his hands up and down it. “You okay? Scared?”
I lean closer. “No, I love it.”
He nods while motioning to a pipe by my calves. “Watch it here. This exhaust gets hot. I would hate for you to burn your perfect legs.” I don’t miss the way his fingers graze my knees as he talks.
I widen my stance, pushing even closer to him. He moves his hands up my thighs and under my butt, giving me a tug so that my body is plastered completely against him. When the light switches to green, he lets go, but I stay stuck to him like glue.