Page 116 of The Originals

It was mid-afternoon when she found a scribbled note on the counter. It wasn’t addressed to her, but she knew it was meant for her.

Be back late. Call your brother. Check in. And you keep your money.

Just those four sentences had her on a high all day. It was sweet and kind of Jack to think of her and her family, making sure she checked in. He remembered. Colleen made the call and spoke to her brother for almost an hour. There was so much happening, there was a part of her that hated they were so far apart.

Colleen was doing dishes when she heard his bike pull into the driveway and a bubble of excitement built in her chest. It always did, but somehow, it was different this time. She quicklygrabbed a rag, dried her hands, and walked to the kitchen doorway to wait.

A minute later, Jack walked in. He tossed his keys on the side table with so much force, they bounced out of the tray. Colleen straightened. Something was off with him.

Jack took off his cut, slung it over the chair, and started toward her.

“Hi.”

Jack glanced up. “Hey, darlin’.”

He passed by her and walked in the kitchen. His tone was different. He greeted her as he did most times, but it lacked any sincerity. She slowly turned, watching him. Jack tossed an envelope on the counter, heading toward the back room.

“I made dinner if you’re hungry,” she said, lifting her chin and leaning to the side. She couldn’t see him in the small room but heard his footsteps as he walked out.

“Thanks,” he said without an ounce of emotion.

“How was your day?”

Jack opened the fridge, grabbing a beer. “Shit.”

Colleen bit her bottom lip, watching him walk from one end of the kitchen to the other, stopping at the sink, and peering out of the window. Since she’d been staying with Jack, she’d hadn’t seen such a mood shift. Unless, she countered, his ex-wife showing up. Even then he’d been angry. He seemed more frustrated tonight.

“Is there anything I can do?”

Jack took a swig of his beer.

“If I did something wrong…”

“You didn’t. You’re doing everything right, darlin’.” He continued to stare out the window. “Just in a shit mood, that’s all. Got a lot going on.”

Colleen understood it. As president of the club, Jack had a lot of pressure on him. While she was never privy to any of theclub business, she’d gotten a feeling that things were changing in the club. It wasn’t so much what anyone had said. It was more of a vibe. Members were doing longer runs and meetings at the clubhouse had doubled since last year.

The call Jack had gotten last night had changed his whole demeanor. It was the first night they’d stayed together that they didn’t have sex. Instead, he just held her close while they fell asleep. As much as she loved being intimate with him, she felt a deeper connection last night.

“Need to talk.”

“Sure, Jack.”

He turned, and for the first time since he’d walked in the door, he smiled. His gaze traveled over her body. She didn’t wear dresses often, but she was doing her laundry and it was the only thing clean.

“Never saw you in a dress before.” He paused. “You look pretty.”

“Would it put you in a better mood if I told you I wasn’t wearing any panties?” She hopped up on the kitchen table and spread her legs enough to prove her statement.

Jack’s gaze dropped to her legs and heated. He put his beer to the counter and stalked toward her. When he was inches away, she fisted the collar of his shirt, pulling him down for a kiss. Jack came willingly and wrapped his arm around waist, pulling her against his chest.

His kiss was slow, tasting every inch of her mouth, and his hands caressed over her back. There was no rush in any of his movements, as if he was taking his time. She curled in closer, deepening the kiss as his hand slipped between her legs. She released a breathy moan when he teased her clit, strumming over the sensitive nub with a light touch. It felt too good.

Colleen wasn’t used to gentle, and she’d never thought much of it. Until now. It created an intense build up. She tightened herthighs against his legs and reached for his jeans buckle, ripping it open. She hooked her thumbs inside the waist of his jeans and dragged them down to his thighs, refusing to break from their kiss.

Jack slid his tongue between her lips, just as he slipped his cock inside her. She was beyond wet for this man. Colleen arched her back, taking all of him. His lips trailed over her chin and down to her throat. Her skin prickled, and her blood raced through her veins. Jack had been the best lover she’d had, but tonight was something more. His slow strokes were sending her into a euphoric state.

Colleen closed her eyes, feeling everything. This was different from any time she’d ever been with Jack. His touch was softer and slower. He hand cupped her jaw, and she blinked open her eyes. Jack was staring at her with such intensity. It was as if he was memorizing her face, or the moment.