Page 12 of Wild Cub

“Then what happened?” Seth presses me for an answer.

I need to act quickly, but I’m slowly realizing that I’m not going to win this battle. I lower my head. “Fine, he asked, and I turned him down. Strangers turn me off.”

Seth snorts. “Yeah, okay Tess. Throwing down another challenge.” He’s really digging his own grave here.

“Oh yeah, she’s heartbroken. But don’t worry, she’ll say yes and I tend to get what I want.” Jackson stands from his stool and heads towards the garage. “I’m getting another beer real quick and making a phone call. Y’all want anything?” Jackson asks with a light laugh.

“I’ll take another one or two of these,” I say, holding up my empty bottle.

“As the lady wishes,” Jackson responds as he leaves the room. The moment that Jackson leaves , my towel is folded up, ready to land a smack across the back of Seth’s head.

“WHY DIDN’T YOU SAY THAT HE WAS HERE, YOU ASSHOLE!” I whisper-shout. “Seriously, a heads up would have been great.”

“I didn’t think it was a big deal! I mean, you only met him once and sometimes he comes over for the club business when I need to be involved. Did I miss something?” He throws his hands up in surrender.

Breathe Bjorn. “Seth,” I begin, really thinking about the words about to come out of my mouth. “That man gives me a vibe.”

Seth furrows his eyebrows. “A vibe? Care to elaborate?”

I sigh. “A vibe. You know, like I need to stay away from him. Red Flag. Danger. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.”

“You feel a vibe?” Jesus asks fewer questions than Seth.

I hang my head. “Yes, a vibe. Listen, the day after the birthday party, he messaged me.”

“Did he threaten you? Did he harass you?” Seth doesn’t look surprised. Apparently, I missed the memo.

Obviously, I’m losing this argument. “No, I didn’t feel threatened. I just.. I’m not used to the attention. I’m an awkward goldfish.”

“An awkward goldfish?” Seth tilts his head.

I’m starting to get frustrated. “Are you going to question me about everything? Look, something’s just off and it may just be me. I just need to know something, Seth. Should I be worried? Should I actually watch my back?” I have to ask and Seth may be the only person who will give me an answer.

Seth runs his hands through his hair with a sigh. “Look, I won’t sugar coat it. I’m not as involved with club business ‘cause I have the kids, but even I know that Jackson is a serious man. I know he can be ruthless, protective. He’s determined, with a stubborn streak a mile long, but he doesn’t hurt people who don’t deserve it. So, to answer your question, as long as you don’t do stupid shit, you won’t be on his radar.” He sighs again. I know he’s being honest with me and it’s all I can ask for right now.

He’s not done, apparently. “What’s the harm in going on a date? I mean, I think he would treat you right. It might be time to get back out there,” Seth says, rubbing my back in comfort. I know he means well, but I still feel like I need to watch my back. Before I can respond, the door swings open and I shut my mouth.

“Oh, don’t stop talking about me on my account.” Jackson hands me my drink and I quickly twist the cap off, downing half of it before I march myself back to the couch

“Since Tessa is not going anywhere, y’all want to watch the Vegas game after?” Seth asks from the kitchen. Fucking hell. I will murder him in his sleep. I must’ve looked like a deer in the headlights because Seth tacked on a “no pressure,”

“Maybe. I still need to get home to Seamus,” I blurt out. I turn my focus to the game, then realize I picked the wrong spot. I tuck myself in the corner on the L-shaped couch.

“What kind of name is Seamus?” Jackson asks.

“He’s her corgi, but I’m assuming Brittany’s watching him, so he’s fine,” Seth says, sitting back on the couch.Yep, he’s going to die by my hands, and I’ll make it look like Winnie the Pooh did it.Jackson sinks down into the couch, nothing but solid muscle positioning itself directly next to me. He swings his arm across the back of the couch and I feel my heart rate climb. I don’t let it phase me; I continue to drink and watch the game. Slowly, so slowly I didn’t realize it at first, he starts to squeeze the back of my neck, spreading his fingers gently through my hair. I turn back into putty. He twists the little baby hairs underneath, just playing with them. He drops them to trace his finger across my shoulder blades. If he keeps doing this, I’ll fall asleep on this couch.

Suddenly, he stops. I let out a whisper of a whimper. Thank God for the volume of the game. Otherwise, I’m sure Seth would’ve heard. Jackson peeks me out of the corner of his eye and smiles into his beer. The sweet caress is intoxication, my body asking for more. Perhaps a few minutes longer and I would give in, might even say yes. But with that I decide against it and stand up and head towards the door, in the most “awkward goldfish” way possible.

“Thanks for the food and the drinks and the game, Seth, but I’m tired. Long day. I’ll text you when I get home.” I gather my keys and quickly shuffle out to my car, before anyone else could protest. I need to get home soon as possible. Thankfully, I don’t live too far.

As soon as I reach home, I lock my front door, then turn and slide down to my backside. What did I start to get myself into?

Me:Hey, I’m home. Sorry about all that. We’ll talk soon.

Seth: Glad you’re home safe.

I get in the shower to scrub this day away, the feeling of Jackson against my skin. Do I regret him touching me? No, I don’t. I wanted it; I could have turned away at any time and I didn’t.

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