Page 26 of Jack of All Trades
"No, it's not about the party." Jack runs a hand through his hair, making it stand up even more. "Can I come in? This isn't really a hallway conversation."
I step back, gesturing him inside. "Take a deep breath before you pass out on my brother's floor. I'm not explaining that to him when he gets home."
Jack enters, flashing that infuriatingly perfect smile despite his obvious agitation. He follows my instruction, inhaling deeply before letting it out slowly. The simple act seems to center him somewhat.
"Better?" I ask, closing the door behind him.
"Getting there."
I cross my arms, trying to ignore how good Jack looks in the simple white t-shirt that clings just right to his broad shoulders. "What's going on? Why do you look like someone punched you?"
"Because someone did." He touches his jaw gingerly. "Your brother, to be specific."
My eyes widen. "Rex hit you? Why? What happened?"
Jack takes another deep breath. "I went to see him at the Outlaw Order clubhouse."
"You went to the clubhouse?" I'm genuinely shocked. Rex has always kept his club life separate from his regular life. He barely even mentions the Outlaw Order to me, let alone invites people there. "Why would you do that?"
"Because I couldn't wait until tomorrow." Jack steps closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Because I needed to be honest with him, and with you, about what's happening here."
My throat suddenly feels dry. "And what exactly is happening here?"
"Something I've never experienced before." His voice drops lower, more intense. "Maya, I know this sounds crazy. I know we just met, I know you're only here temporarily, I know Rex would rather I stay far away from you. But I can't stop thinking about you."
I stare at him, heart pounding so loudly I'm sure he can hear it. "That's... that's the concussion from Rex's punch talking."
"It's not." Jack moves closer still, close enough that I can smell his woodsy cologne. "I've never been more clear-headed. I went to Rex today and told him the truth, that I'm interested in you, really interested, in a way I've never felt before about anyone."
"And he punched you," I say flatly.
"Yes." Jack's lips quirk into a half-smile. "Can't say I blame him."
"So what happened after the punch?"
"We talked. Really talked." Jack runs a hand through his hair again. "I made him a promise, Maya. A serious one."
I swallow hard. "What kind of promise?"
"I promised that if I hurt you, I'll give up rodeo. Permanently."
I actually take a step back, trying to process what he's saying.
"You... what? That's ridiculous, Jack. Rodeo is your life. It's who you are. You wouldn't risk that for—" I cut myself off, unable to finish the thought.
"For you?" He completes it anyway, his eyes never leaving mine. "I already have."
I shake my head, trying to make sense of this. "Why would you do that? You barely know me."
"I know enough." His voice is quiet but firm. "I know you're smart and sharp-witted and fiercely loyal to your brother. I know you pretend to be tougher than you are because you're afraid of getting hurt. I know you have a beautiful laugh that you try to hide. I know when you're really listening to someone, you tilt your head slightly to the right and your eyes get this incredible focus."
"This doesn't make sense," I whisper, my defenses crumbling despite my best efforts. "You're Jack Morrison. You date rodeo groupies and pretty blondes who giggle at your jokes. You don't put your career on the line for curvy, argumentative girls who call you on your bullshit."
"Maybe that's exactly why I'm doing it." Jack steps forward again, close enough now that I have to tilt my head to maintaineye contact. "Maybe I'm tired of easy and predictable. Maybe I want someone who challenges me, who sees past the charm to the man underneath."
I search his face for any sign of insincerity, any hint that this is just another line from the Jack Morrison playbook. But all I see is raw honesty, vulnerability even, in those brown eyes.
"What if this is just... novelty?" I ask, voicing my deepest fear. "What if you think you want this now, but once you really know me—"
