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“You’re welcome.” He didn’t walk away. I knew he wouldn’t until he heard my door locks click.

Chapter 45

Meg

On Sunday, Jack taught me the basics of drawing from a holster. He said I could use one of his until I found one I liked, then he laughed and said I’d probably need a couple, because most women do. When I asked why, he said it was because women didn’t wear the same things day in and day out, so one holster rarely served all our needs.

I asked Jack if he wanted to grab lunch after our range date. It was about time I told him how I felt. I didn’t want to do it in public, so we ordered burgers and fries and went back to my apartment. I made small talk while we ate, not willing to bare my soul with a mouth full of cheeseburger and fries.

I sat back down after cleaning up and stared at my clasped hands. I wasn’t sure where to start. Jack waited patiently. The only sign of his nervousness was the soft tapping of his foot.

Just do it. “I’ve thought a lot about what happened and while you weren’t totally honest with me, I wasn’t totally honest with you, either. I’ve already forgiven you, and I hope you can forgive me.”

Jack opened his mouth to speak again. He leaned back when I held up a hand to stop him.

“I don’t want to leave anymore, but how can I stay knowing I'm putting your family in danger just by being here?” I tried to hold back the tears, but failed. At least I wasn’t sobbing this time.

Jack stood up and walked around the table. “I don’t want you to leave either.” He pulled me up into a hug. “Come here.”

Jack walked me to the couch and pulled me onto his lap as he sat down. “There’s nothing for me to forgive. I understand why you kept your secrets. You had to.”

“But I put your family in danger.” I said into his chest.

“No, you didn’t. You took every precaution. The only person I, we, blame is Sullivan. And we’re keeping tabs on him, his known associates, and your parents. They won’t be able to make a move without us knowing about it. When, if, they do, we’ll be ready for them. You’re not alone anymore. We’ll face this together.”

I nodded into his chest. “Sorry, I’m blubbering like a fool.” At least this time I wasn’t crying because I was sad. I’d never felt so loved or supported. “How sad is it I don’t know how to handle people being nice to me?”

“Very.” Jack placed a finger under my chin and lifted until my eyes met his. “But you should get used to it, because I’m never going to stop being nice to you.” He wiped the tears from my cheek with his thumb before kissing me.

I closed my eyes and let the emotion flowing through his kiss wash over me. He pulled me into a hug when the kiss ended. We stayed there for a couple of minutes, Jack’s arms wrapped around me and my head tucked under his chin while the last of my tears dried up. I sighed into his chest.Is this what happiness feels like?

“I got your shirt all wet again.”

Jack chuckled. “I’m not worried about it.”

“Can you stay a while longer?” I felt silly asking, but didn’t want him to leave yet.

“Yeah, I’m yours for as long as you want.”

I smiled against his chest. “I’m going to go wash my face. There’s some beer in the fridge, if you want one.”

Jack handed me a pumpkin ale when I got back. I sat on the couch facing him, my knees bent. We drank our beers while we talked, sharing different parts of our pasts, the good and the bad.

For the first time in my life, I could talk to someone openly. It was refreshing not having to censor every word. Though I was struggling to break the habit.

“It’s weird talking to someone and not being worried I might slip.”

“A good weird, I hope.” Jack squeezed my knee.

“Yeah.” I stretched my legs out over Jack’s lap and scooted closer. I heard Jack suck in a breath. “Should I move?”

“No, you’re fine. Well, since we’re being honest,” he grinned, “I think you’re still too far away.” He laughed and pulled me onto his lap.

I wrapped my arm around his neck and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. I hadn’t planned on kissing him. Or wanting more. I hovered close, smelling the pumpkin ale on his breath. I wasn’t sure if I should kiss him again or wait until he kissed me.

Jack grinned but didn’t move, letting me know I was in the driver’s seat. It was up to me to make the first move. I wasn’t ready to be that bold, yet. I laid my head on his shoulder and sighed.

The tension drained from my body as he held me. I fell asleep sitting in his lap, his strong protective arms wrapped around me.

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