Page 99 of The Originals

She knew there weren’t any strings attached with her staying at his house. Any connection she might’ve sensed on his endwas obviously delusional. He wasn’t interested in anything more than helping her out with a place to stay for a night or two. And now he was suggesting she leave Ghosttown. That stung more than it should’ve. How could it not? She’d been half in love with the man since the first time she’d stepped into the Ghosttown Riders clubhouse.

Colleen stuffed her clothes in her bag, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and made the bed. She hooked her bag over her shoulder and walked down the stairs. Jack was in the kitchen standing next to the counter, sipping his coffee and staring down at the newspaper. It was such a normal scene, yet somehow he made it look especially sexy in his black fitted T-shirt showing off his biceps and his worn jeans that fit snug against his ass. If she had to guess, this man’s body was perfection.But I’ll never find out.

After perusing his body, she glanced up to find Jack staring back at her with a small smile playing on his lips. Heat rushed to her face, and she ducked her head. This wasn’t the first time she’d been caught looking at him, but considering her current position, it was embarrassing.

She forced a smile, and hiked her bag up on her shoulder. Jack’s eyes immediately darted to her bag, and his gaze hardened.

“Thanks for letting me stay, Jack. I really appreciate it. Your hospitality and everything.”

Jack turned toward her, leaned his hip against the counter, and fisted his coffee cup. “Where am I dropping you off? Dunn’s place?”

Colleen bit her lip and shook her head. “I think I’m going to just stay at The Lodge for a night or two. I’m realizing how much Idon’tmiss him. That’s probably a sign I should follow.”

Jack slowly nodded but remained silent.

“Thanks for letting me stay here.”

He lifted his mug to his mouth, peering over the rim. “You said that already.”

“Right.” Her laugh was nervous and shaky as she drove her hand through her hair.

“This is about what I said last night?”

It was, but that was the last thing she wanted to talk about with him. It was embarrassing enough the first time. Colleen didn’t want to relive it.

“You know why I said it?”

She gave a small shrug. “I think maybe I’ve worn out my welcome.”

“No.” Jack’s face softened. “Said it ’cause I think you can do a lot better with your life than hanging here with us. You ain’t gonna shine the way you should, always in the background of the club.”

What? Her mouth fell open, and a rush of emotion shot to her heart. It was probably the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

“Thanks for saying that.”

Jack pushed off the counter and stalked toward her. He grabbed the handle of her bag and took it off, dropping to the floor in the corner and rounding the table. What was he doing? Jack didn’t say a word. He walked over to the fridge and opened the door, looking inside.

“You want eggs for breakfast?”

What?

“You don’t have to…”

He glanced over his shoulder, those brown eyes looking back at her. “We’re gonna eat, need to make a few calls, then you and me will take a ride. Grab some food, then we come back here.” His gaze narrowed. “Where you’re gonna stay until you can figure out what you wanna do.”

“What if I don’t figure out what I want to do in a couple of days?”

“Then you stay a couple more.” Jack arched his brow. “Now. You want eggs or not?”

Without even realizing it, Jack made her fall in love with him a little more.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

It had been a while since he’d had a passenger on a long ride. He’d never enjoyed it much. With a rider came great responsibility. It took away from the freedom of the ride. Or maybe he’d never had the right passenger.

Colleen’s arms were wrapped around his stomach with her clasped hands resting on his belt buckle. It made for an intimate ride as opposed to grasping his hips. It was interesting, knowing when he’d seen her ride with Dunn, she hadn’t held on the way she was with Jack. Colleen was a seasoned rider, which made it smooth and steady without having to give pointers on how to take turns.

Jack hadn’t planned on a three-hour ride through the mountains, but he was enjoying his time with her. At one point, he grabbed her thigh for no other reason than being absolutely content in the moment. And with her. Colleen slipped her hand from his waist and placed it on top of his, tucking her fingers between his. They rode like that for a while.