12. Jack
Chapter 12
Jack
“Why don’t you take a quick shower while I get everything ready?” Holly suggests as she emerges from the bathroom. Her hair is damp, clinging to her neck, and her cheeks are flushed from the warmth of the steam. She looks radiant, even with her slight limp betraying how much effort it takes to stand.
“Like hell you will,” I say, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. “You’re barely able to stand, Holly.”
She smirks, her gaze falling on my now-flaccid cock. Her lips curve into a mischievous smile that does something to me every damn time.“True, but not because of my leg.”
Laughter huffs up from my chest. How does she manage to do that? Pull laughter from me so unexpectedly, even when I’m worried about her?
“I’m fine,” she insists as she tugs on her clothes, covering the beautiful curves I’ll never tire of admiring. “Seriously, Jack. Let me do this.”
I hesitate, my jaw tightening. She’s been through so much, and the idea of her pushing herself too hard doesn’t sit right with me. But her determination is fierce, and I know better than to argue when she sets her mind to something. With a resigned sigh, I relent. “If you fall, I’m carrying you back to bed. No arguments.”
“Like that’s a punishment.” She beams, her grin lighting up the room as she limps slightly toward the door. “Deal.”
Her resolve makes me smile, even as I keep a wary eye on her retreating form. After a quick shower, the hot water working wonders to loosen the tension in my shoulders, I throw on a clean T-shirt and sweatpants and make my way to the kitchen. The savory aroma of the casserole fills the cabin, a warm, comforting smell that feels like a reminder of normalcy amidst all the chaos we’ve endured.
Holly stands at the counter, pulling the casserole dish from the oven, her movements slow but steady. She sets it down with a small huff of pride, her face glowing from the effort.
“It’s not much,” she says, glancing over her shoulder at me with a shy smile, “but I prepared it, which is an achievement in itself.”
I move behind her, sliding my arms around her waist and pulling her gently against me. The feel of her body against mine soothes me every time. “You know I’ll eat anything you give me, Hollyberry,” I murmur, pressing a kiss to the side of her neck.
“Hah! You certainly did a good job earlier, eating my?—”
I cut her off with a kiss, sliding my tongue inside her mouth to taste her again. The sound she makes—a soft moan that vibrates against my chest—sends a rush of heat through me. She clutches at my arms, her fingers digging in slightly as if I’m the only thing keeping her upright.
“No fair,” she says breathlessly when I finally pull back, her lips swollen and her eyes hazy with desire. “Using my weakness against me. And to be clear, my weakness is you.”
I grin, my hands still firm on her hips. “All’s fair, Hollyberry. Especially when you say things like that and expect me not to react.”
She swats my chest, though there’s no real force behind it. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love it,” I counter, my voice low as I rest my forehead against hers.
“I do,” she admits, her smile soft, her cheeks flushed.
The honesty in her eyes strikes something deep inside me, making my chest tighten with a love I’m still learning how to navigate.
Before I can respond, Holly slips out of my grasp, her steps slightly uneven as she reaches for the serving spoon. I resist the urge to hover, sitting at the table and watching instead as she dishes up two plates with a sense of accomplishment that makes my heart swell.
“See?” she says, setting a plate in front of me before lowering herself into the chair beside mine. “I survived.”
I shake my head, my smile rueful. “You’ll be the death of me.”
“Not today,” she quips, handing me a knife and fork. “Well, hopefully not,” she adds, eyeing the casserole doubtfully. “I won’t claim to be a chef. I’ve never had to survive off my own cooking before, so hopefully, it’s edible.”
Reaching across the table, I take her hand in mine. “Thank you for making dinner. You didn’t have to.”
She shrugs like it’s nothing when, to me, it’s everything. “This last week has been so chaotic, but now we’re here”—she ducks her head shyly—“I just want to feel normal for a bit.” She lifts her eyes back to mine, a teasing glint in their depths. “I know I don’t seem like the domestic type, but there’s more to me than a designer wardrobe.”
“Oh, I never doubted it,” I say firmly. “You’re an extraordinary woman.”
Her cheeks glow as she blushes. “Merry Christmas Eve, Jack.”
My smile deepens as I drink her in, her hair still tousled from my hands and our time in bed. “Merry Christmas, Hollyberry.”
The casserole is a little salty, packed with preservatives, but somehow, it tastes like a feast. Maybe it’s that we’re together, sharing something simple, but I enjoy every bite.
Holly watches me closely, her gaze filled with hope and a touch of nervousness, as if she’s afraid I might find fault with her efforts. “You know,” she begins slowly, her voice quiet as she carefully chooses her words, “I’m grateful to my father.”
My eyebrows rise in surprise. “You are?”
She nods, a small, thoughtful smile on her lips. “Because he chose you to be my protector. I’m a different person when I’m with you. A better person.”
Setting down my fork, I look at her, really look at her. “If your father hadn’t chosen me, I’d still be out there looking for you, Holly. I wouldn’t rest until I found you.”
Her flush deepens, and she tries to hide the surge of emotion by taking another bite of casserole. “Are we safe here, Jack?” she asks, her tone light but unable to completely mask the concern beneath her words.
I nod, my gaze steady. “No one can connect this place to us. Not your father, not anyone. Only Gabriel knows we’re here, and he’ll keep it that way. We’re good for now. We’ll figure out a long-term plan, but this place…it’s ours for as long as we need it.”
She lets out a small sigh of relief. “I love this place. I love the Christmas tree.” She grins and sighs dreamily. “I loved watching you cut down the Christmas tree. I don’t need presents. I have you, and that’s more than enough. I love you, Jack.”
The words hit me with the force of a tidal wave. I reach for her hand again, twining our fingers. “Love you, Hollyberry. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. This time next year, we’ll be married, and we’re going to have a lot more Christmases together—safe ones.”
Her brow arches, her grin teasing. “Married, huh? Don’t you think you should ask me first?”
I shake my head, my voice firm and full of resolve. “Nah. I’m not giving you a reason to say no.” I hold her gaze, my determination clear in every word. “I don’t deserve you, Holly. But that doesn’t mean I’m not keeping you. You’ve saved me in more ways than you’ll ever know.”
She leans closer, her mouth hovering over mine, our breaths mingling. “We saved each other.”
Her lips meet mine, her kiss like a promise. I never want to let her go, never want to lose the feeling that washes over me as I hold her close.
Holly wraps her arms around my neck, her forehead pressing against mine. “Take me back to bed, Jack.”
No need to ask me twice. I stand, cradling her against me as I carry her back to the bedroom.
Outside, snow begins to fall softly, the world beyond the window blanketed in white. The cabin feels like a world unto itself, a haven from everything that chased us here.
Our journey is just beginning. Whatever lies ahead, I know one thing for sure.
We’ll face it together.