Page 102 of Jackass

The one time I told him he was hurting me, he dropped his hands like I had burned him. He walked away.

Jack had never given me a reason not to trust him.

I cheated on my husband.

I used Jack for my selfish wants.

I kept his daughter from him.

He had so many reasons not to trust me. So many reasons to walk away. Instead, he pulled me closer. He told me he loved me, even after he knew I couldn’t say it back. I turned back to say something to Banshee, but he was gone. The doors to church opened, and the guys shuffled out.

I locked my eyes on Jack and watched him walk over to check on Charlie and talk to Tank before coming to find me.

He turned in my direction and smiled. As he walked toward me, I hopped off the stool and ran into his arms. My hands went to the back of his neck and I pulled him down and pressed my lips to his.

He didn’t hesitate. His tongue slipped between my teeth to wrestle with my own. His arms wound around my waist and tugged me against his hard form. Whistles and catcalls were barely a whisper as I focused on Jack.

Pulling back, Jack searched my face. “What was that for?”

“I love you, Jack.”

Surprise showed on his face.

“I thought—”

“I was wrong. I should have told you when you told me. I shouldn’t have kept that from you, despite our circumstances.”

“Sammy, I didn’t need to hear the words if you weren’t ready. I could feel it with every touch, every kiss, and every word from that beautiful mouth.”

“No, I should have given you the words,” I insisted.

“Hey, why don’t we take a ride, and we can talk without an audience?” he suggested.

“What about Charlie?” I looked over and saw her still sitting with Tank on the couch.

“Tank said he’ll stay with her. She’ll be fine,” he assured, pulling me toward the front door. We walked outside to his bike, and I pulled my hand back.

“We aren’t taking your truck?” I asked.

“No, we’re taking the bike.”

“But you said the only woman that would ride on the back of your bike would be your old lady. I’m not your old lady,” I reminded him.

“You will be.”

“You don’t know that, Jack,” I said, shaking my head.

“I do know that. And regardless, you will definitely be my wife. You are the only woman I want on the back of my bike,other than our daughter, and any other daughters you may give me.”

He grabbed my head and kissed me hard and quick.

“Come on.”

He placed a helmet on my head, clicking the strap under my chin. I watched him throw his leg over the bike, and he made it look so easy. I stood there frozen for a minute. I had never been on a bike.

“Sammy, come on. I promise you’ll love it.”

I simply stared at him. I wasn’t convinced I would like any part of this, let alone love it. But Banshee was right. I needed to trust Jack.