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“I’m sure.” He put his hand under my chin and gently lifted my face. “Can I please kiss you now?”

I almost choked on my spit. Jack was full of surprises tonight. Not trusting my voice, I nodded. He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips to mine. He held us there, his warm hand cupping my face. His lips gentle, undemanding. His beard rough on my skin. He let me take the lead.

I was in control, and I wanted this. Jack groaned when I parted my lips and deepened the kiss. It didn’t last long, but kissing Jack was everything I’d dreamed it would be.

I pulled back, breaking the kiss. My chest heaving as I tried to catch my breath.

Jack’s grin stole what little breath I had left in my lungs. I didn’t care. We were officially dating. And he said it was okay to take things slow.

We settled on the couch to watch a movie. Jack brought his laptop since I didn’t have a DVD player. I told him he could pick the movie, and he surprised me by choosing Princess Bride.

“Madi made me and Jamie watch it with her a couple of years ago. I thought you’d like it. Have you seen it?”

“Yup, but I don’t mind watching again.” I loved this movie.

Every so often, he quoted Wesley, making my heart skip a beat. It was silly, but I loved hearing him quote the movie’s hero.

We chatted off and on throughout the movie, quoting the occasional line and making fun of the silliness. Jack grabbed me as the first fire spurt happened in the swamp scene and made me scream.

“Don’t worry, I’ll save you, princess,” Jack whispered in my ear. He didn’t sound like he was joking.

“I don’t need saving.” I mumbled.

Jack paused the movie and turned my face towards him. “What was that?”

“You don’t have to save me, Jack.” I repeated. “I can take care of myself.”

“I know you can,” Jack pulled me in for a hug and kissed the top of my head, “but is it so wrong that I don’t think you should have to do it alone?”

I shrugged, but didn’t pull away. I was afraid he’d see the fear in my eyes. Jack kept an arm around me and turned the movie back on.

I sighed. I could do it on my own, but it was nice having someone who wanted to help me.

I couldn’t stop smiling as I cleaned up after Jack left. We were officially dating. And we had our first kiss. He also asked me to go to his parents' for Thanksgiving dinner. I told him I wasn’t sure, this was all so new, and I was worried I’d feel awkward around his family. Besides, I didn’t think his father and brother liked me very much, though I didn’t tell him that.

I went to bed expecting to have sweet dreams about Jack.

I didn’t.

I woke up drenched in sweat, my heart racing out of control. I was being chased down a hallway and every time I thought I was about to reach the door and escape, the hall would get longer.

Chapter 35

Jack

Icalled Meg before she left for work the morning after our first kiss. I wanted to make sure she was okay. Her voice sounded distant when she answered.I hope she hasn’t changed her mind. When I asked her what was wrong, she said nightmares were keeping her up. I repeated my offer to listen if she wanted to talk about them. She didn’t. I wanted to push, but had promised to take things slow. We talked for a few more minutes. I relished the sound of her laughter when I made my best, but not good, Wesley impressions.

She sounded more like herself by the time we hung up.

It had been a week since we talked, and had our first kiss. We hadn’t gone out on a date since, choosing to spend our time together at her place. I didn’t mind. Meg was more relaxed when we were alone, plus she would take her contacts out. Which made hanging out in her motel room worth it. Luckily, she was looking for a new place, so we wouldn’t have to see the ugly carpet much longer.

Meg hesitated when I asked if Jamie could join us for dinner.Does she think I plan on having my big brother chaperone our date? Or is she worried he doesn’t like her?Whatever her reason, she agreed after I assured her he’d only be there for dinner. “Jamie’s dying to try your bacon mac and cheese after I bragged about how good it was.” Dinner would be a good chance for them to get to know each other.

It started sprinkling as I finished grilling our burgers. I set them on the table and called for Jamie, who was reading in his bedroom.

I grabbed beers for me and Jamie and a glass of water for Meg. She still wasn’t a big beer fan.

“Hey Meg. How’s it going?” Jamie was still concerned about the circumstances surrounding my relationship with Meg, but he was happy I found someone I liked enough to invite to Thanksgiving. Holidays are a big deal in our family. I wasn’t asking her was the right thing to do after promising to take it slow, but my mom wanted me to invite her. I promised Meg I’d respect her decision.

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