Jack was sending Madison into overdrive each time he fucked into her. He was exciting & whatever this was between them, it was special. This had to mean something right? It was a forbidden feeling she had sworn off, but each time he slammed into her she felt a brief connection that made her wonder if she was ready for more?
Jack was temptation at its finest & hottest.
Then his hazel eyes poured into hers & for a second, she could see her whole future.
And it looked beautiful:
Him, her, a dog, a house, them in bedâŠ
The life she always wanted seemed plausible w/ Jack.
Something rang her ears & those cute little brows pulled together: âhey!â She reached up & caught his jaw in her hand breaking their kiss, his hips were still searching for her but she squeezed his face (maybe even a little harder than she shouldâve).
âYouâre babeâŠ. Iâm your baby.â Her tone was firm like she was drawing a clear line in the sand. She wanted to be his baby & wanted to hear him say it.
Madison didnât have alot of experience w/ guys, but one thing was certain, no man had ever been as sweet as Jack.
He called her such pretty names: baby, sunshine, menace.
Those sounded so lovely compared to what she had heard in the past: stupid, Maddie, or useless
Madison had warned Jack about spoiling her. She could feel herself slipping down a dangerous path of happiness. And as they stared at eachother there was some obvious chemistry that had been building between them for month. And some how they ended up here: grinding up against eachother like horny teenagers, making out like their life depended on it.
The hold on his face loosened & he was guided to a slow & sweet kiss.
And then they were back at it again. Her moans, his growls, the kissing, the headboard slamming, the whispers of affections.
It was too much & yet not enough.
She was right where she wanted to be.
Then their shared moment came (literally).
They were mid kiss that she had to break to cry & moan. Their sweaty foreheads pressed together & Madison wrapped her arms around jacks board shoulders to hold him through his release. âShhhhh~ itâs okay, I got you.â
Jack's body erupted in goosebumps. It wasn't just the way Madison's body felt under him; it wasn't just the way she was looking at him. It was how right this all felt. How right she felt. It scared him and excited him all at the same time. Because he could imagine it, he could see it. And he'd never had that before, not with anyone. Not even when he had convinced himself it had been real with others, nothing had come close to this. When she cupped his jaw, Jack's eyes locked onto Madison's and his mouth curved into a slow smirk. "Okay, baby, but for the record? I kinda like being your baby too." He said raspily. His voice was low and husky, the kind of way even he hadn't heard himself sound in a long time. And yet, Madison brought it out of him so easily. He ducked his head down again and stole a hungry kiss, it wasn't soft but it was deep. It felt as though he couldn't stop himself. He couldn't. Not when it came to Madison. Not when she was looking up at him like that. A low half moan, half growl curled low in the back of Jack's throat and his body decided for him that he had to move faster. Harder. He was so close...again. He never thought that he would do something like this, not even six months ago he would have scoffed at the idea, or maybe even laughed. But with Madison, he was honestly just grateful to have her in whatever way she was willing to give. He was also more than willing to wait. Moments like this helped to satiate the hunger inside he had for her. For now. His hand slipped up beneath her shirt and cupped around her again. His touch wasn't as harsh this time. It was more appreciative. And he puffed out his chest to where Madison's hands touched him, pressing himself into her touch. Greedy for more of her, always. Then it happened, and his body let go hard. All at once and a low, loud moan tumbled from Jack's mouth that he had no control over. His body was covered in both goosebumps and slick with sweat. He could feel how damp Madison was between her legs, and that pulled another quieter, breathier moan from Jack before he collapsed against Madison. His head pressed to her chest as he tried to catch his breath. "Madison...." He breathed out...."That.... you.... it was.... amazing."
Madison was breathing hard & shaking from the overwhelming pleasure that had torn through her.
When Jack collapsed, her arms immediately encompassed him in a tight hug. She held him close while running her hand through his damp sweaty hair. The only sound was their heavy breathing & even when Jack tried to talk, she shushed him gently in his ear. âShhâŠ. Donât thinkâŠ. Just be here w/ me.â
Suddenly the long week felt like nothing more than a minor inconvenience, all that mattered was Jack in her arms & their hearts beating for eachother. Her hand slowed from playing w/ his dark hair & she pressed her lips to his temple & planted them there for a while.
When she felt herself drifting thatâs when she chose to talk, âhow are you feeling?â Madison shifted a bit & stretched by arching her back beneath his heavy body. They managed to untangle themselves & Madison immediately rolled over so she was pressed right up against jacks chest, leg over his torso.
She was well aware he was still marinating in cum, but she didnât care.
She selfishly would keep him at her dispense.
âDoes it bother you?â She asked. âThat we havenâtâŠ. You know⊠all the way?â Madison shifted so her head was peering up at him. âDo you think the real thing willâŠ. Feel just a good?â
Here came the flood of doubt.
Jack didn't really care that he severely needed to clean up; he didn't care that his thighs were screaming in protest from the position he had been keeping himself up in. He only cared that he stayed in Madison's arms. It felt like nothing else existed outside of her bedroom, not the street, not his garage, nobody else except them. Which, after the week they'd had, surrounded by other people, was just paradise to Jack. He pressed a kiss to her neck, and his eyes fluttered closed for a moment, just enjoying their little bubble. "I don't think I can talk..." He murmured sleepily, and a soft laugh fell from his lips. The kind that not many people got to hear, not from Jack. "All I know is... this is my favourite place to be." Not just because of what they had done, or what she had made him feel, but because he felt safe. When Madison adjusted their positions, Jack let out a gentle sigh, happy to be lying flat. His arms wrapped around her almost instantly. "What am I feeling?" Jack repeated, and held her close to his chest so that he could press a kiss to Madison's temple. "Satisfied...safe... secure...." He smirked lazily, "All the S's.....what about you? What do you feel?" At her next question, Jack shook his head once. "No it doesn't bother me." Which was true; he just never thought it would be true of him. "I'm pretty sure you'll be worth the wait." Jack murmured. He then shifted and lifted his hips just enough to tug his sweats the rest of the way off, they were already at his knees. Leaving him in his less-than-clean boxers, but he didn't mind. "I think it feel amazing.." He said softly as his eyes fluttered closed again. "don't you?"
Madison smiled at his response.
She looked tired, her hair was messy, cheeks pink, eyelids fighting to stay awake for a just a few minutes longer w/ him.
âI donât know.â She replied while looking up at him. âI hope it does⊠I want it to.â There was a little moment of quietness before she pressed into him again. âI want it to feel good for you. And I hope it doesnât hurtâŠâ
Though this moment should been something to bask in, she could feel them testing the boundaries & that scared her. It seemed like everyday they were testing the waters to see how far they could tread & it was only a matter of time before they pass the point of no return. Madison didnât need to ask if Jack felt the same way, she knew he did, & if they crossed the line, Jack wouldnât stop. And she wouldnât want him to.
Physically she wanted him & she was ready.
Emotionally, not so much.
Mentally, definitely not.
The amount of tormented disappointment she faced when her & Zach started sleeping together was devastating. She wanted this time to be different. How could she handle more unsatisfied looks, failed attempts & endless questions of âwhatâs wrong w/ meâ.
Jack was different from everything she had known, so there was even more pressure to satisfy him. In her head she believed if she couldnât satisfy him, sheâd never be able to keep him.
âI need to clean up.â She whispered while touching her wet panties. âI need to get upâŠâ
Her voice was heavy & all those âI need toâsâ faded. She fell asleep semi cuddled to Jack.
Jack held onto Madison, and a gentle smile tugged at the corner of his lips. His face was one of complete satisfaction, and a low hum rumbled in the back of his throat. "Baby... I wouldn't hurt you; we don't have to do anything that you don't want to..." He paused to press a kiss to the side of her head. All he wanted was for Madison to feel safe. Yes, he wanted to have sex with her, he wanted that more than he could probably say, only he didn't because he didn't want that to sound like he was pressuring her or forcing something. He was happy to wait for when she was ready, because to him, doing that would mean their first time would be amazing.
He was ready, but he knew that Madison wasn't, and he didn't want it to be like that. Jack rubbed an absent-minded circle into her hip when she started to say that she wanted to change except she didn't seem to make much effort to move, which only made Jack smile. "Hey... just come here." He said softly and tugged her closer, tucking Madison against his chest. His leg tangled with hers. "I do too, but thats what mornings are for..." Jack pressed another kiss to her temple. His eyes started to close again. He never used to fall asleep instantly even when he was tired, but every night he spent with Madison, regardless of what they had been up to, he always fell to sleep within seconds. And so, he could feel himself slipping off to sleep, and his hold around Madison loosened slightly as he relaxed fully. "You're ... so special to me.." Jack murmured in his half asleep state. Not overthought, completely honest in the seconds before slumber. Maybe he didn't mean to say it aloud but he did mean it.
Madison woke up early & for first time since since they started falling asleep together in bed, she wasnât curled up at his side. Jack was asleep peacefully, & for once she felt secure enough to not death grip him the whole night. At some point she had loosened her hold & just enjoyed behind beside him.
Carefully she rolled over, kissed his shoulder once then smoothed her hand over his stomach to feel his abs. âGoodmorning babe.â A little sleep filled voice called out.
He stirred but didnât wake fast enough, so she inched closer & rolled herself onto his chest hoping the weight shift would wake him. That soft makeup free face pressed into the crook of his neck & she gave him a little bite on his throat then his shoulder. âMmmmm I feel so refreshed this morning. You have no idea how much I needed you last night.â
It wasnât that she needed the physical release (though she wasnât complaining about that).
She needed Jack.
Only Jack.
âYou make everything better⊠why donât you stay in bed. Let me bring you breakfast.â There was definitely a pattern forming, a night of release almost always guaranteed Jack would get breakfast in bed & a very appreciative side of Madison. Even when he tried to keep her in bed, she wasnât having it. She wiggled free & made her way down stairs to her kitchen.
15 minutes later she returned w/ coffee, English muffins, bacon & some eggs. Jack looked all too fitting sitting up in her bed w/ that damn fluffy hair. âWell hello Mr. Ross.â The tray settled on the nightstand & she slipped back under the blankets straddling Jack.
âHave anything you have to do today? I was thinking we could go for a walk at the dam. Get some sunshine, fresh airâŠâ
Jack had been dead asleep until he felt the familiar weight settle against his chest. The bite to his shoulder earned nothing more than a sleepy groan before one arm instinctively wrapped around her waist.
"Mornin', sunshine..." His voice was rough with sleep as he buried his face against her hair, breathing her in before cracking one eye open. A lazy smile spread across his face as he kissed the top of her head.
"You know... this is becoming my favourite way to wake up." He felt her slip away despite the arm around her waist. "...Hey." His grip tightened for half a second. "I wasn't done cuddling."
She escaped anyway, making him chuckle as he watched her disappear downstairs.
Jack flopped back onto the pillows, running a hand through his messy hair before rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He could hear her moving around in the kitchen, pans clinking, cupboards opening. It was domestic in a way he'd never really had before, and he found himself smiling at the ceiling like an idiot.
By the time she came back upstairs, he was sitting against the headboard, still looking half asleep, wearing nothing but his boxers and that permanently tousled morning hair. His eyes immediately went to her instead of the breakfast tray.
"There she is."
He couldn't help grinning as she climbed back onto the bed and settled across his lap. "You keep bringing me breakfast in bed and I'm never leaving." His hands rested comfortably on her thighs as he looked over the tray, then up to Madison's face. "Anything to do today? No... perks of being self employed." Jack smirked and reached out to grab a slice of toast, offering a bite to Madison before biting into it himself. "Hmmm a walk sounds good, some air, leave the cars behind? Make a full day of it. But I will need to change my boxers and shower."
âYou say it like itâs a bad thing.â
Madison wiggled her brows then let Jack hold her hips.
âLeave the cars somewhat behind. I figured we could drive to somewhere nice , then have that walk.â
Then when he mentioned changing. She nodded understanding, âyeah, your stiff boxers are hurting me.â That brought a little smile to her face before she pulled back & stretched.
Their romantic night has definitely added some sort of glow to her face.
In the morning after a good orgasm & a good night of sleep, she was radiant. âWhat?â
Madison took a sip of his coffee. âYouâre looking at me suspiciously like you wanna say something.â
When she crawled off his lap & flopped beside him in her large comfy bed, her smile grew again. âIâll shower first. Then you next.â
The domestic part came next. Jack talked to her while she gathered her clothes all the way until she was showering. âA little louder babe! I canât hear!â
And he did.
After she blow dried her hair & finally returned to him wearing a cute exercise set. It seemed she was ready for their adventure. âAll that stuff sounds complicated, I appreciate you making time for me in your busy schedule.â
Now Madison was listening to Jack, she swore it, but a question was bugging her, âdo you think we could do⊠what we did last night⊠but⊠w/ nothing?â That sounded rather exciting & dangerous. âYou just canâtâŠ. Put it inâŠâ
Jack let out an exaggerated sigh when she mentioned his boxers. "Well now I'm the victim." He looked down between them before grinning. "I'll file a complaint later." His hands lingered on her hips for another second before giving them one last squeeze as she climbed off him. "You know damn well why they're dirty." Jack murmured with a cheeky smile.
When she caught him staring, he didn't even try to hide it.
"What? was just thinking." He leaned back against the headboard, looking her over with an appreciative smile. "You look different this morning. Relaxed. Happy." His smile softened. "I like seeing you like this."
When she disappeared into the bathroom, Jack chuckled to himself before taking another bite of breakfast. Then her voice echoed through the house.
"A little louder babe! I can't hear!"
He laughed. "I SAID...."
"I'M STARTING TO THINK YOU JUST LIKE MAKING ME YELL."
A beat passed. "I ALSO SAID YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL."
He could hear her laugh through the bathroom door, which made him laugh too. By the time she'd finished getting ready, he'd showered, thrown on a fitted charcoal T-shirt, jeans, and his boots. His hair was still a little damp as he grabbed his keys from the dresser.
The moment she walked back into the bedroom in her workout clothes, he looked up and completely forgot what he was doing.
"...Jesus." A slow smile spread across his face. "You really are trying to distract me today." Then she said that, and Jack felt his cheeks flush slightly which honestly had nothing to do with the warm shower he'd had. But he stepped in closer and grabby hands reached for Madison's waist. "With nothing?" He repeated lowly and tugged her flush against his chest. "Baby.... I can't say no to you."
âThat went actually a lot easier than I thought it was going to go.â
She laughed awkwardly.
âSeriously⊠IâŠ. I thought weâd have a bigger talk about it. About not being able to hold back. About⊠why. Risks. Benefits. Something.â She shrugged lightly, âbut, if youâre all for it. If youâre sure we can⊠control ourselvesâŠâ
She turned away to face her mirror pretending to fix her sports bra & trying deathly hard to not make eye contact. âAnyway!â It was just like her to jump ship when things got a little uncomfortable, âso, a long walk, I think an ice tea & a few protein bars will definitely keep me happy all day.â
Then she stepped out of his hold & began to tie up her hair up in an extra bouncy pony tail.
âShould I grab us some water? Oh!â Her eyes widened insanely big. âOh my god Jack!â You would think the way her eyes bulged she had witnessed a car wreck, but no⊠this wasnât the case.
âWE SHOULD GET MATCHING WATER BOTTLES!â
Madison ran off toward her phone, hands reached out eager to rip through Amazon. âO ink & blue? Black & white? Black & pink? Pink & red?â She was spouting off options before hurrying down the stairs toward her wallet to grab her credit card, completely forgetting she had just asked Jack to do something rather intimate w/ her.
Jack blinked after her for a second, and he shrugged. "I mean... do I think I'll struggle? Yeah... but I have to tell you, it's not something I've done before." He paused, and his expression softened. "Benefits? Hmm, feeling closer to you, and I don't just mean in the physical sense..." He chewed his lip and fully considered it for a moment. "But I won't do anything you don't want me to do...." He leaned against the bedroom doorframe with his coffee in one hand, watching her disappear downstairs like she'd just uncovered the greatest mystery known to mankind. Jack laughed softly as he sipped on his coffee, waiting for her to come back.
"Thirty seconds ago we were talkin' about us taking the next step..." he called after her. "Now you're sprinting downstairs because we need matching water bottles." A grin spread across his face.
Setting his mug down, he followed at a much slower pace, hearing drawers opening and Madison muttering color combinations to herself before he'd even reached the bottom of the stairs. Jack folded his arms against the kitchen doorway, just watching her. God, he'd missed her. Those nights she had been away, this was what he had missed just as much as the other stuff.
"You know..." he said, amusement thick in his voice, "I think this is exactly why I don't worry about us." He pushed himself off the doorway and wandered over until he was standing behind her again.
"'Cause no matter how serious things get, you'll always find a way of making me smile."
His hands settled comfortably on her hips before he rested his chin on her shoulder, looking down at her phone. "Hmm..." He pretended to study the options with complete seriousness. "Black and white's classy."
A beat.
"But if we're bein' honest..." His lips brushed lightly against the side of her head. "I kinda like the idea of black and pink." He smirked.
âYou make it sound so simple & easy.â She called back.
âGuess all that⊠nervousness was just that.â
And it didnât seem like too big of a deal to Jack, which was a tad odd.
But Madison didnt focus on that.
When he managed to stop her mini tornado from ripping through downstairs, she looked back at him, âblack & pink huh?â
âOkay, they will be here just in time for our next adventure!â She shoved the phone into his face & wiggled it, âtoday, youâll have to deal w/ plain olâ plastic water bottles.â
Madison then slipped through his fingers once more to run to the bathroom just to run back w/ her toothbrush in mouth.
âOh my god⊠can we get ice cream again? Should we invite Kim & Steve?â Her head tilted, âno thatâs too obvious. He will never come.â Several more ideas were spouted off before she turned those down before Jack could say anything.
Eventually she was standing at the front door w/ their waters ready to go.
There was something peaceful about sitting passenger princess in jacks mustang. Somehow those awkward car rides disappeared completely & morphed into something more causal which involved holding hands & humming along to music.
Jack drove them to a new park which Madison seemed to beam at. She loved new things, or moreso she loved new things when she had someone to experience them w/.
Jack let out a quiet laugh as he pulled the Mustang into a parking space, shaking his head while he killed the engine. Jack climbed out and walked around to her side, opening the passenger door more out of habit than necessity. Once she stepped out, he caught her hand again instead of letting her wander off immediately.
"There is one thing I wanna say though." His smile softened. "You keep saying I make it sound easy." A small shrug lifted one shoulder. "It isn't." The admission came quieter than most things he said. "I'm nervous too."
He looked away toward the lake for a second before meeting her eyes again. "I just... don't really know how I'm supposed to say that...." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I've never wanted to make sure I don't screw something up this badly." A chuckle escaped him. "I know exactly what I want." His eyes stayed locked on hers. "I want you."
Another pause.
"But I also want the mornings after. Breakfast in bed. You stealing my coffee. You dragging me into buying matching water bottles." He laughed under his breath. "Hell, I even like watching you disappear halfway through a conversation because you remembered something completely random." His hand lifted, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"So yeah... I'm nervous. Not because I don't know what I want."
He smiled, gentler now.
"I'm nervous because I finally found something worth taking my time with."
Madison felt her heart flutter.
Jack had a way of talking that made her feel like the world shined for her. And the way he held her, it was like nothing she had ever felt.
âWorth taking your timeâŠâ
It was so heavy.
It was so clear.
But Madison couldnât fully allow herself to accept jacks full blown affection. So she did what she always did, play it off⊠make light of the conversation.
âIs that your way of telling me youâre only into quickies? Or that you are a two pump chump?â
When the grip tightened around her hand she giggled. That seemed to have struck a nerve & Madison was growing famous for doing that. But in all seriousness, she had to easy up a bitâŠ
âDonât be nervous⊠itâs not you Iâm worried about messing this up. Trust me, I am just as worried about messing this up too⊠especially whenâŠâ she squeezed his hand, âwhen Iâm starting to feel the way I think I amâŠâ.
Madison quickly shoved the water into his hands & gave him a tug. âCmon big boy, thought we were gonna get some steps in.â She had no problem leading the way on some adventures & when no one they knew was around, she had no problem being affectionate & even⊠loving.
This adventure seemed different. Madison broke out her camera several times to take photos together, photos of him, it was like she wanted to document everything of this moment. They found a little bridge next to the lake & they stood there leaning over the rail. Madison was busying herself by looking at the cute turtles & coming up w/ fun names.
When her phone rang she absentmindedly answered it w/ a smile on her face.
âMiss Claire.â
âHey sis.â
Madison glanced at Jack like she had just made a mistake. âMia.â
Jack laughed, shaking his head as she accused him of being a two-pump chump. "Oh, you're really funny." His hand tightened around hers just enough to make his point before he bumped his shoulder against hers. "Keep talking." A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"You're gonna find out eventually." The words came out with more confidence than he actually felt. Because truthfully? He didn't know. He'd never wanted something to go right this badly before. Before Madison, he had been in the sort of gap alot of young people fall into when they're single. Isaac had called his slut era.... Jack had been with people, but it had been just physical, so he hadn't felt any pressure; if it was bad, he wasn't going to see them again anyway. But with Madison... he was still so scared he'd mess it up somehow...
Her next confession stole every smart-ass remark right out of his mouth.
"When I'm starting to feel the way I think I am..."
Jack slowed his pace for a second. His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. " Honestly? I don't think either of us is gonna mess this up." He looked at her, smiling softly. "But if we do..." He shrugged. "...we'll figure it out. Together."
That word slipped out so naturally he barely realised he'd said it. The rest of the walk felt... easy. Comfortable. He found himself laughing more than he'd laughed in weeks as Madison wandered from turtle names to bird watching to stopping every five minutes because she'd found another photo she absolutely had to take. He didn't complain once.
If anything, he found himself posing whenever she lifted the camera, making stupid faces just to hear her laugh before she'd inevitably roll her eyes and make him stand properly. Lifting his shirt on occasion just to get that soft little flustered laugh from her.
"You know," he said as she snapped another candid picture of him leaning against the bridge rail, "I'm starting to think this whole walk was just an excuse to fill your camera roll with pictures of me." His smirk widened.
He slipped an arm loosely around her waist as they leaned over the bridge together, watching the turtles paddle lazily through the water. For a little while... Everything else disappeared. Then her phone rang. Jack wasn't paying much attention until he heard the voice.
"Miss Claire."
He smiled to himself. Probably work. Then...
"Hey sis."
The smile vanished almost immediately. He looked over just in time to catch the expression on Madison's face. Then she mouthed the name.
Mia.
Jack didn't say a word. Instead, his hand quietly found the small of Madison's back, grounding her without interrupting the call. Whatever this conversation was about... She wasn't facing it alone.
âWhat are you doing?â
âWhat do YOU want?â Madison said back w/ a bit of attitude.
âYou havenât answered any of my calls since the last time we spoke.â
âYou mean the last time you tried to give me great dating advice? You mean that shitty pep talk?â She rolled her eyes & shook her head, âIâm busy right now.â
âAre you w/ your boyfriend?â
Madison huffed, âheâs not my boyfriend.â
âCan I talk to him?â
âNo.â Madison scoffed as if to the âthe nerve of this girlâ. âI have to goââ
âWait!â Mia said quickly, âGary is in the hospital .â She said softly, âmotorcycle accident, heâs got some broken ribs, broken tibia, & a punctured lung.â
Madison froze, âoh my god.â
âWe werenât going to tell you. But⊠Gary wanted me to call you.â She paused, âhe always had a soft spot for you, even after you ran away.â
Madison frowned, âyou guys werenât going to tell me????â
âHeâs at the hospital. The one w/ that funky name⊠& Iâm sure he could use some visitors.â She could practically hear the eye roll behind the phone, âletâs make it clear⊠youâre only invited because Gary wants to see you. And bring your little boyfriendâŠ.â. Then she hung up.
Madison pulled her phone from her ear, âthat bitch, she knows I hate when she hangs up on me!â
Madison didnât think Jack heard the call.
Or the specific request to bring Jack to the hospital. She slipped her phone back into her pocket & shook her head w/o saying anything at first. âFuckâŠ.â Then she covered her face, âfuck!â
Everything in her was telling her to go see Gary.
But she didnât want the worlds of good & evil to collide.
Not yet.
Jack had heard enough. Not every word. But enough. He heard the word hospital. Then motorcycle. The way her voice cracked. And then...
"Gary."
He watched the color drain from her face before she muttered those two quiet curses under her breath. Without thinking, he stepped in closer, one hand settling gently against the small of her back.
"Hey." His voice stayed low. "Look at me." He waited until she finally did. Jack gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "Sunshine...You should go." There wasn't any hesitation. "He's your family. God knows me and Nicky don't talk much, but if he was laid up somewhere, I'd want to see him..."
His thumb brushed slowly across her knuckles. "I know you. I saw your face when she told you. You were already halfway there in your head." A faint smile softened his features. "And for what it's worth... I don't think Mia invited me. I think she was trying to get under your skin." He gave a small shrug.
"Seems like she's pretty good at it." His eyes searched hers. "If you want me there... I'll come. I'll sit quietly in the waiting room if that's easier." Jack paused to try and figure out which way Madison was leaning. His eyes flickered over her face slowly, and he reached out a hand to cup her cheek gently. "I'll drive. Whatever you need." His hazel eyes locked onto her brown ones, and for a moment he didn't speak; he just looked into those damn eyes. He already knew this, but there now wasn't a single doubt in Jack's head.... he really would do anything for Madison.
A small smile returned.
"...Besides." He gave her hand another squeeze. "I've got a feeling your brother and I are gonna meet eventually. If today ends up being that day... I'm okay with it." He tilted Madison's chin just enough to look at him. "But if you don't want me there, that's okay too... if you don't even want to go... I'll still be right here."













