Page 59 of Jackass

“Why were you sleeping on the couch, Sammy?”

“There were only two bedrooms, Jack. Charlie’s room wasn’t large enough for a bigger bed.” She shrugged as if her explanation was logical.

“Does Carrie work?”

“No, she took care of Charlie for me while I worked.” Sammy just stared out the window. She wouldn’t look at me, and I knewwhy. She understood what I was saying.

“So, Carrie had the one decent room? Why didn’t you and Charlie share that room? Surely, Carrie could have slept on the couch?”

“Jack, I would not ask her to do that.” She lowered her voice so Charlie couldn’t hear her. “Taking care of a child all day is more taxing than waiting a few tables.”

“Bullshit,” I growled. “Sammy, I know how many hours a day you spend on your feet. There’s no way you got a good night’s sleep on that fucking couch.”

“Just let it go, Jack. Charlie and I are moving into the clubhouse, so it’s not a concern anymore.” She sighed.

I reached over, connecting our hands. “I love you, Sammy. You and Charlie are my world now. It breaks my heart to see how much you were living without, is all,” I said, squeezing her hand in mine.

“I know, Jack. It wasn’t that bad, I promise. I would give up even more if it meant keeping Charlie safe.”

“I know, baby. That’s one of the many reasons why I love you. Before we go back to the clubhouse, we’re going shopping. Both you and Charlie need so much.”

“Jack, that isn’t necessary,” she protested.

“It isn’t always about necessity, Sammy. Let me spoil you both.”

She shook her head at me. “Fine, if it will make you happy.”

“It will.” I winked at her. “And tonight, after we hook up the monitor in Charlie’s room, I will make you happy.”

She just laughed at that.

Once the tension that had surrounded us at the cottage finally dissipated, we spent the day shopping. I spoiled my girls with lunch and enough material things to make up for the years they had been living without.

After we returned to the clubhouse, the monitor got hooked up in Charlie’s room.

Thank you, Nav.

Then, Sammy and I spent the first of many nights to come in each other’s arms.

Chapter Fourteen

Samantha

Life at the clubhouse over the past week had been interesting. There was still tension between Jack and Blade. I hated that I was the cause of it.

Today was a cookout for Blade’s birthday.

Jack was pouting. He wanted to take Charlie out for the day. And because he hadn’t gotten his own way, he was acting like a child.

Blade was his best friend. I wasn’t letting him miss his birthday. Besides, Ryder was bringing his girls today, and Charlie needed friends.

I rolled over in Jack’s arms so I faced him. He was so handsome. I knew he was awake. However, while his eyes were still closed, I took the opportunity to look him over.

“Why are you staring at me, woman?”

“Because I can.” I smiled.

Jack opened his eyes, and my smile grew.