Chapter 58
JESSI
After a slow drive back to the house, Jack and I make our way inside.
Watching out the front window, we spy Becky and Kade saying goodbye.
All the lights at Shannon and Dad’s house are off, so I hope Austin stays the hell away.
He hasn’t tried to reach out to me since I bailed on the deal, so who knows what to expect next.
“I think they would make a cute couple,” I tease.
Jack groans. “I’m still trying to get over him asking you out. Don’t start with that.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. He’s clearly moved on, and you were the one I wanted all along. You were a stubborn brood.”
Jack snuggles into me. “I like Kade, and I think he’ll make a great club member when he gets patched in, but he isn’t one to be tamed.
” Jack gives me a somber look. “I don’t think he’s wired that way.
It’s one thing to like him as a brother, but it’s another being my brother-in-law.
He’ll drag anyone he dates into his darkness, and it will be over my dead body if it’s my sister.
Becky needs someone to keep her grounded.
She left this town for a reason, and she made the right call.
I never wanted a life like mine for her—or for you. ”
Becky skips in beaming, then startles at the sight of us. She points a finger at Jack. “Leave it alone. I’m here for a few days. I’m not stupid. But he is cute.”
Jack raises his hands. “I didn’t say a word.”
Jack and I show her my room. “This is much better than the empty room I stayed in with my blow-up mattress,” she says. She frowns and fixes me with a worried gaze. “Are you sure you don’t care that I sleep in your bed?”
“Of course not,” I reply. “It’s yours as long as you’re here.”
Jack slaps my ass and brings me into him. “She isn’t going to sleep in it anymore anyway.”
I swat at him playfully, fear and adrenaline licking my skin.
Becky rolls her eyes and gags. “TMI. Goodnight, y’all.”
“Goodnight.” Jack kisses me as Becky closes the door. Then we make our way to the bedroom. I flop on the bed and sigh. “I’m so tired.”
“I’m going to take a shower,” Jack says. “I need to wash the jail cell off of me.” He kisses my forehead. “Go ahead and sleep if you’re exhausted. It’s been a hard day.”
“No. I want to shower too. I went straight to the club and didn’t get a chance to earlier. I feel disgusting.”
Jack pats my thigh. “You smell like heaven to me. But if you want a shower, join me.”
I hesitate until Jack slips his hand in mine and tugs me up from the bed.
“Let’s go,” he says. “I won’t try any funny business. We’re both beat.”
I raise an eyebrow, and he grins then drops my hand. “Tell you what. I’ll hop in and if you decide to join me, great. If you prefer to take one alone after, that’s fine too. I didn’t mean to pressure you.”
“I don’t feel pressured. I’m just tired. The last few days have drained every ounce of energy from me.”
“I know, baby.” Kissing my forehead again, he heads toward the bathroom, the bell of temptation ringing in the air behind him.