Jack Ross

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

When he lost his train of thought she laughed lightly, “stop… it’s so cute that I can fluster you. I’ve never flustered a man before. Atleast… I don’t think I have? It’s so cute that you get a lil edgy when I do little things like this.” Her hand slipped into his boxers giving him a single brush down his length then her hand pulled out & rest on his ribs as if she hadn’t short circuited him.

He tugged at her waist band & she lifted her hips to be playful. “Like them?” She teased, “you picked them out…. I wore them for you.”

He tried to reassure her about Jess but Madison didn’t buy it completely. “Mmm…. I just know girls like her. They want what they want, & no one will stand in their way. And they don’t care who they have to hurt to get it.” A frown formed, “I see the way she’s eye fucking you from across the room.”

"For the record... yeah, I like them." His eyes flicked toward the waistband she'd lifted for him before finding her face again. "Mostly because they're on you." He chewed his lip for a second and his body instictively pressed just slightly into Madison's hips. It happened before he even had a chance to think about it, as if his body decided for him. The action alone stole the air from his lungs all over again.

When she brought up Jess again, his expression softened. "Sunshine..." He cupped her cheek, making sure she was looking at him. "I can't control how somebody else feels or what they choose to do. But I can control me." His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "I don't want her. Jess can look all she wants. It doesn't change a thing for me."

A grin slowly returned as she scratched behind his ear. "Did you just call me your good boy?" He laughed, rolling his eyes with mock surrender. "You know... if Isaac ever heard you say that, I'd never hear the end of it." He leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

It was blunt & honest.

Madison liked to tease & be playful & yeah, she totally ate up how into her Jack was even as she shied away at times. Just knowing she had some kind of power drove her insane in a dangerous way.

Jack had the best responses to her antics so when he asked for honesty, she gave it. Yeah she loved to drive him crazy & watch him struggle, & deep down, she hoped he loved it too. Because what was more sexy than Jack admitting he was gone for her? Maybe him bragging about her to his friends, they sure did something to her.

“You know… it might do you a little good to… be a little more… you know,” her brows wiggled “& a lot less sweet… tell me my panties that you picked out are fucking sexy & you like knowing I wear what you specifically like.” Oh she was getting brave. Maybe even a little cocky. Or maybe she just wanted Jack to let go a little but the look on her face said she was serious.

Madison skipped over the Jess part & focused on the next part if their conversation.

The moan hit her like electricity. Her legs wrapped around his hips & she pressed into him, “when you sound like that… I can’t even begin to imagine how you’ll sound when we…” that hung in the air. It was bait. It was there & now she was talking about it & hinting at it like she saw it in their near future.

That was exciting.

“Yeah? I’m bad?” She teased, “your bad girl? My good boy ~” Madison help him close when he snuggled in. “Babe, I needed this.”

"I can do that." His eyes wandered over her for just a moment before finding hers again. "Those panties?" Jack's voice lowered, "They're sexy as hell."

His voice dropped, confident now instead of shy. "I like that when you opened your drawer this morning, you looked at all of them.....and still reached for mine." His hand settled comfortably on her hip, squeezing once.

Jack shifted then, he moved fast and his leg hooked arounf Madison's and within seconds he had flipped them over, changing positions so that he was now hovering over her. His pressed against hers, which when he was only wearing cotton sweats and boxers didn't hide much of the way his body consistently reacted to her.

A crooked smile spread across his face. "And before you ask...No. I'm not jealous of the panties. But I'm jealous of the fact they get to be that close to you all day."

He leaned in and his hands roamed across Madison's body, fingers slipping slightly beneath the hem of her shirt, just enough to graze his nails against her skin. "You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Claire." Jack murmured and pressed his weight into her body, and tangled himself between her legs.

He pressed into her hard & Madison visibly relaxed into the bed Ike she was ready for him. It was a far too suggestive look on her face that she probably didn’t even know she was wearing.

In a way, she looked already overstimulated & ‘fucked out’, w/o him even having to touch her (or be inside).

“You calling me Miss Claire is dangerous.”

Ah so that was it.

“Maybe I like being a little bossy. And I like when you put some respect on my name.” She reached up cupping his jaw. “Good boy.”

Instead of fighting for dominance, Madison sat back & let Jack guide their kiss. He wasn’t too much, & maybe if he felt her melt into his lead, he would get it through his thick fluffy bed head that she was completely into him. That worry he was too much was not necessary & he was starting to see that. Madison was doing something right. He felt things about them, & that was okay.

“Jack.” She whispered, “I’m so horny for you.”

That was supposed to be a thought but somehow it slipped out.

It was cute.

And, his size made her feel small & secured; wrapped in his body where nothing could hurt here.

His kisses were so gentle even when he used force, it was almost like he didn’t want to hurt her or scare her away. Jack was still holding back & Madison was growing to accept that he needed to be worked up in order to come down & let go. That wasn’t a problem, Madison was patient & just as she was testing the waters of her comfort, he was tread the waters of his restraint. Both slowly opening up to the other.

“You like a bossy lady telling you what to do? That some kind of kink?”

His hips rolled making her eyes flutter closed. “Ugh~” her soft approving sound slipped out.

They took a moment to look at eachother, both flushed, both trembling in anticipation. Brown eyes flickered to her alarm clock, somehow it was just past midnight.

“You know… I said I wanted to spend the night relaxing…”

She bit her lip & lifted her hips, “technically it’s tomorrow & early morning….”.

That was a question back to both his statements?

He liked the sounds she made for him?

And he likes the way she looked under him?

The statements were so naughty to her ears because she knew if she asked for more, Jack wouldn’t hesitate. And that meant she had to have some restraint, if not… he might end up 7 inches deep before she could blink.

She should stop.

Leave the boundaries where they lie…

“Yeah? You like the way I look under you?”

The words cooed into his quiet room like a taunt. “Do I just look so dainty? So pretty? Are you imagining what it would be like if tonight was the night?”

Her eyes scanned intently, “because I am…. It’s gonna start getting a lot harder to tell you no when you look like this.” One rude index pointed up & down his body, “too hot, too eager.”

His hips rolled again & she made another ‘O’ face & threw her head into the pillows. “Fuck babe.” Her hips bucked up, “if you plan on making me cum this morning, then you’ll have to try a lot harder than that.

But truthfully, he didn’t need to try THAT much harder.

“We have to be careful…. If not….”

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

When he lost his train of thought she laughed lightly, “stop… it’s so cute that I can fluster you. I’ve never flustered a man before. Atleast… I don’t think I have? It’s so cute that you get a lil edgy when I do little things like this.” Her hand slipped into his boxers giving him a single brush down his length then her hand pulled out & rest on his ribs as if she hadn’t short circuited him.

He tugged at her waist band & she lifted her hips to be playful. “Like them?” She teased, “you picked them out…. I wore them for you.”

He tried to reassure her about Jess but Madison didn’t buy it completely. “Mmm…. I just know girls like her. They want what they want, & no one will stand in their way. And they don’t care who they have to hurt to get it.” A frown formed, “I see the way she’s eye fucking you from across the room.”

"For the record... yeah, I like them." His eyes flicked toward the waistband she'd lifted for him before finding her face again. "Mostly because they're on you." He chewed his lip for a second and his body instictively pressed just slightly into Madison's hips. It happened before he even had a chance to think about it, as if his body decided for him. The action alone stole the air from his lungs all over again.

When she brought up Jess again, his expression softened. "Sunshine..." He cupped her cheek, making sure she was looking at him. "I can't control how somebody else feels or what they choose to do. But I can control me." His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "I don't want her. Jess can look all she wants. It doesn't change a thing for me."

A grin slowly returned as she scratched behind his ear. "Did you just call me your good boy?" He laughed, rolling his eyes with mock surrender. "You know... if Isaac ever heard you say that, I'd never hear the end of it." He leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

It was blunt & honest.

Madison liked to tease & be playful & yeah, she totally ate up how into her Jack was even as she shied away at times. Just knowing she had some kind of power drove her insane in a dangerous way.

Jack had the best responses to her antics so when he asked for honesty, she gave it. Yeah she loved to drive him crazy & watch him struggle, & deep down, she hoped he loved it too. Because what was more sexy than Jack admitting he was gone for her? Maybe him bragging about her to his friends, they sure did something to her.

“You know… it might do you a little good to… be a little more… you know,” her brows wiggled “& a lot less sweet… tell me my panties that you picked out are fucking sexy & you like knowing I wear what you specifically like.” Oh she was getting brave. Maybe even a little cocky. Or maybe she just wanted Jack to let go a little but the look on her face said she was serious.

Madison skipped over the Jess part & focused on the next part if their conversation.

The moan hit her like electricity. Her legs wrapped around his hips & she pressed into him, “when you sound like that… I can’t even begin to imagine how you’ll sound when we…” that hung in the air. It was bait. It was there & now she was talking about it & hinting at it like she saw it in their near future.

That was exciting.

“Yeah? I’m bad?” She teased, “your bad girl? My good boy ~” Madison help him close when he snuggled in. “Babe, I needed this.”

"I can do that." His eyes wandered over her for just a moment before finding hers again. "Those panties?" Jack's voice lowered, "They're sexy as hell."

His voice dropped, confident now instead of shy. "I like that when you opened your drawer this morning, you looked at all of them.....and still reached for mine." His hand settled comfortably on her hip, squeezing once.

Jack shifted then, he moved fast and his leg hooked arounf Madison's and within seconds he had flipped them over, changing positions so that he was now hovering over her. His pressed against hers, which when he was only wearing cotton sweats and boxers didn't hide much of the way his body consistently reacted to her.

A crooked smile spread across his face. "And before you ask...No. I'm not jealous of the panties. But I'm jealous of the fact they get to be that close to you all day."

He leaned in and his hands roamed across Madison's body, fingers slipping slightly beneath the hem of her shirt, just enough to graze his nails against her skin. "You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Claire." Jack murmured and pressed his weight into her body, and tangled himself between her legs.

He pressed into her hard & Madison visibly relaxed into the bed Ike she was ready for him. It was a far too suggestive look on her face that she probably didn’t even know she was wearing.

In a way, she looked already overstimulated & ‘fucked out’, w/o him even having to touch her (or be inside).

“You calling me Miss Claire is dangerous.”

Ah so that was it.

“Maybe I like being a little bossy. And I like when you put some respect on my name.” She reached up cupping his jaw. “Good boy.”

Instead of fighting for dominance, Madison sat back & let Jack guide their kiss. He wasn’t too much, & maybe if he felt her melt into his lead, he would get it through his thick fluffy bed head that she was completely into him. That worry he was too much was not necessary & he was starting to see that. Madison was doing something right. He felt things about them, & that was okay.

“Jack.” She whispered, “I’m so horny for you.”

That was supposed to be a thought but somehow it slipped out.

It was cute.

And, his size made her feel small & secured; wrapped in his body where nothing could hurt here.

His kisses were so gentle even when he used force, it was almost like he didn’t want to hurt her or scare her away. Jack was still holding back & Madison was growing to accept that he needed to be worked up in order to come down & let go. That wasn’t a problem, Madison was patient & just as she was testing the waters of her comfort, he was tread the waters of his restraint. Both slowly opening up to the other.

“You like a bossy lady telling you what to do? That some kind of kink?”

His hips rolled making her eyes flutter closed. “Ugh~” her soft approving sound slipped out.

They took a moment to look at eachother, both flushed, both trembling in anticipation. Brown eyes flickered to her alarm clock, somehow it was just past midnight.

“You know… I said I wanted to spend the night relaxing…”

She bit her lip & lifted her hips, “technically it’s tomorrow & early morning….”.

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

When he lost his train of thought she laughed lightly, “stop… it’s so cute that I can fluster you. I’ve never flustered a man before. Atleast… I don’t think I have? It’s so cute that you get a lil edgy when I do little things like this.” Her hand slipped into his boxers giving him a single brush down his length then her hand pulled out & rest on his ribs as if she hadn’t short circuited him.

He tugged at her waist band & she lifted her hips to be playful. “Like them?” She teased, “you picked them out…. I wore them for you.”

He tried to reassure her about Jess but Madison didn’t buy it completely. “Mmm…. I just know girls like her. They want what they want, & no one will stand in their way. And they don’t care who they have to hurt to get it.” A frown formed, “I see the way she’s eye fucking you from across the room.”

"For the record... yeah, I like them." His eyes flicked toward the waistband she'd lifted for him before finding her face again. "Mostly because they're on you." He chewed his lip for a second and his body instictively pressed just slightly into Madison's hips. It happened before he even had a chance to think about it, as if his body decided for him. The action alone stole the air from his lungs all over again.

When she brought up Jess again, his expression softened. "Sunshine..." He cupped her cheek, making sure she was looking at him. "I can't control how somebody else feels or what they choose to do. But I can control me." His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "I don't want her. Jess can look all she wants. It doesn't change a thing for me."

A grin slowly returned as she scratched behind his ear. "Did you just call me your good boy?" He laughed, rolling his eyes with mock surrender. "You know... if Isaac ever heard you say that, I'd never hear the end of it." He leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

It was blunt & honest.

Madison liked to tease & be playful & yeah, she totally ate up how into her Jack was even as she shied away at times. Just knowing she had some kind of power drove her insane in a dangerous way.

Jack had the best responses to her antics so when he asked for honesty, she gave it. Yeah she loved to drive him crazy & watch him struggle, & deep down, she hoped he loved it too. Because what was more sexy than Jack admitting he was gone for her? Maybe him bragging about her to his friends, they sure did something to her.

“You know… it might do you a little good to… be a little more… you know,” her brows wiggled “& a lot less sweet… tell me my panties that you picked out are fucking sexy & you like knowing I wear what you specifically like.” Oh she was getting brave. Maybe even a little cocky. Or maybe she just wanted Jack to let go a little but the look on her face said she was serious.

Madison skipped over the Jess part & focused on the next part if their conversation.

The moan hit her like electricity. Her legs wrapped around his hips & she pressed into him, “when you sound like that… I can’t even begin to imagine how you’ll sound when we…” that hung in the air. It was bait. It was there & now she was talking about it & hinting at it like she saw it in their near future.

That was exciting.

“Yeah? I’m bad?” She teased, “your bad girl? My good boy ~” Madison help him close when he snuggled in. “Babe, I needed this.”

"I can do that." His eyes wandered over her for just a moment before finding hers again. "Those panties?" Jack's voice lowered, "They're sexy as hell."

His voice dropped, confident now instead of shy. "I like that when you opened your drawer this morning, you looked at all of them.....and still reached for mine." His hand settled comfortably on her hip, squeezing once.

Jack shifted then, he moved fast and his leg hooked arounf Madison's and within seconds he had flipped them over, changing positions so that he was now hovering over her. His pressed against hers, which when he was only wearing cotton sweats and boxers didn't hide much of the way his body consistently reacted to her.

A crooked smile spread across his face. "And before you ask...No. I'm not jealous of the panties. But I'm jealous of the fact they get to be that close to you all day."

He leaned in and his hands roamed across Madison's body, fingers slipping slightly beneath the hem of her shirt, just enough to graze his nails against her skin. "You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Claire." Jack murmured and pressed his weight into her body, and tangled himself between her legs.

He pressed into her hard & Madison visibly relaxed into the bed Ike she was ready for him. It was a far too suggestive look on her face that she probably didn’t even know she was wearing.

In a way, she looked already overstimulated & ‘fucked out’, w/o him even having to touch her (or be inside).

“You calling me Miss Claire is dangerous.”

Ah so that was it.

“Maybe I like being a little bossy. And I like when you put some respect on my name.” She reached up cupping his jaw. “Good boy.”

Instead of fighting for dominance, Madison sat back & let Jack guide their kiss. He wasn’t too much, & maybe if he felt her melt into his lead, he would get it through his thick fluffy bed head that she was completely into him. That worry he was too much was not necessary & he was starting to see that. Madison was doing something right. He felt things about them, & that was okay.

“Jack.” She whispered, “I’m so horny for you.”

That was supposed to be a thought but somehow it slipped out.

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

When he lost his train of thought she laughed lightly, “stop… it’s so cute that I can fluster you. I’ve never flustered a man before. Atleast… I don’t think I have? It’s so cute that you get a lil edgy when I do little things like this.” Her hand slipped into his boxers giving him a single brush down his length then her hand pulled out & rest on his ribs as if she hadn’t short circuited him.

He tugged at her waist band & she lifted her hips to be playful. “Like them?” She teased, “you picked them out…. I wore them for you.”

He tried to reassure her about Jess but Madison didn’t buy it completely. “Mmm…. I just know girls like her. They want what they want, & no one will stand in their way. And they don’t care who they have to hurt to get it.” A frown formed, “I see the way she’s eye fucking you from across the room.”

"For the record... yeah, I like them." His eyes flicked toward the waistband she'd lifted for him before finding her face again. "Mostly because they're on you." He chewed his lip for a second and his body instictively pressed just slightly into Madison's hips. It happened before he even had a chance to think about it, as if his body decided for him. The action alone stole the air from his lungs all over again.

When she brought up Jess again, his expression softened. "Sunshine..." He cupped her cheek, making sure she was looking at him. "I can't control how somebody else feels or what they choose to do. But I can control me." His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "I don't want her. Jess can look all she wants. It doesn't change a thing for me."

A grin slowly returned as she scratched behind his ear. "Did you just call me your good boy?" He laughed, rolling his eyes with mock surrender. "You know... if Isaac ever heard you say that, I'd never hear the end of it." He leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

It was blunt & honest.

Madison liked to tease & be playful & yeah, she totally ate up how into her Jack was even as she shied away at times. Just knowing she had some kind of power drove her insane in a dangerous way.

Jack had the best responses to her antics so when he asked for honesty, she gave it. Yeah she loved to drive him crazy & watch him struggle, & deep down, she hoped he loved it too. Because what was more sexy than Jack admitting he was gone for her? Maybe him bragging about her to his friends, they sure did something to her.

“You know… it might do you a little good to… be a little more… you know,” her brows wiggled “& a lot less sweet… tell me my panties that you picked out are fucking sexy & you like knowing I wear what you specifically like.” Oh she was getting brave. Maybe even a little cocky. Or maybe she just wanted Jack to let go a little but the look on her face said she was serious.

Madison skipped over the Jess part & focused on the next part if their conversation.

The moan hit her like electricity. Her legs wrapped around his hips & she pressed into him, “when you sound like that… I can’t even begin to imagine how you’ll sound when we…” that hung in the air. It was bait. It was there & now she was talking about it & hinting at it like she saw it in their near future.

That was exciting.

“Yeah? I’m bad?” She teased, “your bad girl? My good boy ~” Madison help him close when he snuggled in. “Babe, I needed this.”

"I can do that." His eyes wandered over her for just a moment before finding hers again. "Those panties?" Jack's voice lowered, "They're sexy as hell."

His voice dropped, confident now instead of shy. "I like that when you opened your drawer this morning, you looked at all of them.....and still reached for mine." His hand settled comfortably on her hip, squeezing once.

Jack shifted then, he moved fast and his leg hooked arounf Madison's and within seconds he had flipped them over, changing positions so that he was now hovering over her. His pressed against hers, which when he was only wearing cotton sweats and boxers didn't hide much of the way his body consistently reacted to her.

A crooked smile spread across his face. "And before you ask...No. I'm not jealous of the panties. But I'm jealous of the fact they get to be that close to you all day."

He leaned in and his hands roamed across Madison's body, fingers slipping slightly beneath the hem of her shirt, just enough to graze his nails against her skin. "You're playing a dangerous game, Miss Claire." Jack murmured and pressed his weight into her body, and tangled himself between her legs.

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

When he lost his train of thought she laughed lightly, “stop… it’s so cute that I can fluster you. I’ve never flustered a man before. Atleast… I don’t think I have? It’s so cute that you get a lil edgy when I do little things like this.” Her hand slipped into his boxers giving him a single brush down his length then her hand pulled out & rest on his ribs as if she hadn’t short circuited him.

He tugged at her waist band & she lifted her hips to be playful. “Like them?” She teased, “you picked them out…. I wore them for you.”

He tried to reassure her about Jess but Madison didn’t buy it completely. “Mmm…. I just know girls like her. They want what they want, & no one will stand in their way. And they don’t care who they have to hurt to get it.” A frown formed, “I see the way she’s eye fucking you from across the room.”

"For the record... yeah, I like them." His eyes flicked toward the waistband she'd lifted for him before finding her face again. "Mostly because they're on you." He chewed his lip for a second and his body instictively pressed just slightly into Madison's hips. It happened before he even had a chance to think about it, as if his body decided for him. The action alone stole the air from his lungs all over again.

When she brought up Jess again, his expression softened. "Sunshine..." He cupped her cheek, making sure she was looking at him. "I can't control how somebody else feels or what they choose to do. But I can control me." His thumb brushed gently across her cheek. "I don't want her. Jess can look all she wants. It doesn't change a thing for me."

A grin slowly returned as she scratched behind his ear. "Did you just call me your good boy?" He laughed, rolling his eyes with mock surrender. "You know... if Isaac ever heard you say that, I'd never hear the end of it." He leaned forward until their foreheads touched.

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

For now.

She had yet to experience jacks full potential.

His compliment (which she took as that) gave her tingles, “yeah? I get under your skin?” Manicured nail tips slipped under the band of his waist feeling the happy trail hair. “Get under your skin like I get under your boxers?”

Then he pointed out more intimate parts that he took a liking to. Her laugh, the way she gazed into his soul, his entire being, she was drawn to him & maybe she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought she was being. Was it written all over her face? The way she was starting to ache & throb for him?

“Well… I gotta admit… she was really off putting when we met the first time. And that time she answered your phone. I could tell immediately she was into you. And that she was treating you like you were her property. I tried to play it off as an over protective friend… but when Vivian caught on too, I knew something was off.” She frowned, “I don’t know how I would feel if… anything happened between you two. I don’t know if I have any more fight left in me to go through another wrecked home.”

Not that they shared a home or anything. But it was a figure of speech right?

Hearing him accept the minimal affection she could give him was nice. Someone was welcoming her efforts & felt like it was enough for them which made her feel all warm & accepted.

"So your favorite part's my abs?" He grinned. "I'll remember that." His eyes flicked down as her fingertips disappeared beneath the waistband of his sweats, and he exhaled through his nose, his body lightly shuddering.

"...See? This is exactly what I mean. You touch me and I'm already forgetting how to form a sentence." He shook his head, smiling as he looked back at her.

"And yeah... You get under my skin. In here." He tapped lightly over the left side of his chest. "Not just under my boxers." Jack smirked, his hips rolled upwards slightly as if his body decided it needed more of her touch. His hands settled at Madison's waist and slipped to her waistband. His fingers just slightly played with the elastic.

His smile softened when the conversation drifted back to Jess. "I know." He rubbed slow circles against her back. "I could tell something bothered you that day, and honestly... I don't blame you." He sighed quietly. "I should've shut it down harder from the beginning. I was trying not to make a scene, trying not to embarrass Danny..."

Jack held her gaze. "I don't want you wondering where you stand with me. You don't have to compete with Jess. You never did." He leaned forward, brushing a slow kiss against her forehead. "And that will never change."

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

The hitch in his voice was exactly what she wanted to hear. “You’re so sensitive.” She whispered those words right in his ear being sure to give the shell a lick & feeling him twitch in her hold.

“Has it really been THAT long?” She asked, “or are you just like this w/ me?”

It wasn’t a trap, more of a genuine question. His hips rolled into her & she let out a little breath, “just some fun…. I guess we will have to see where the night takes us hmm?” Even though in her head she had a clear idea of what she wanted tomorrow night to look like: some casual dinner, maybe a night out in town, then back for an intense makeout sense. Her mouth was watering at the idea.

When he answered her questions about his friends, she listened intently. Eyes focused on him, brows softening, hands resumed the gentle rub again. “Hey… it’s okay. Whatever they are going through that’s not your fault or problem. Danny might just be feeling a little insecure. I mean… look at you & look at him. You are clearly the handsome one of your friend group…. Maybe he’s just a little sensitive about the idea his girlfriend wants to get railed by my man.”

The moment she said it, she quickly back tracker.

“Not that you’re mine!”

Was that harsh? She didn’t want labels. Not yet. But she felt like Jack did belong to her in some way.

“I just mean… she sees us…. Exploring eachother. I’m sure that just bothers her.”

Madison tried to take it back to the point she was originally trying to make. “Don’t worry about it… it’s just something he has to work through. Just…. Be supportive. Even if that’s from a distance.”

The lick against his ear earned exactly the reaction she'd been fishing for. His shoulders tensed, and he let out a breathy chuckle. "...You're trouble." He turned his head just enough to steal a quick kiss from her lips. "And yeah..." His smile softened. "....it's just you." Jack pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, "I've dated before. But I've never met someone who gets under my skin the way you do."

He looked at her for a long moment. "You don't even have to be trying. You smile at me... You laugh... You look at me the way you do..." He shook his head with a quiet laugh. "...and I'm just...gone."

Her comments about Danny made him sigh. "I think he's insecure. And honestly? I'd probably feel the same way if the roles were reversed."

He shrugged. "But I've never given Jess a reason to think she had a chance. I've always kept my distance. She's Danny's girl. That's where it starts and ends for me. I don't look at my friends girls, nevermind anything else..." Jack's forehead crinkled into a frown, "Don't ever let her make you think otherwise okay?"

Then she stumbled over calling him her man. Jack caught it immediately. The grin that spread across his face was impossible to hide.

"You know..." He rubbed his thumb across the back of her hand. "...I kind of liked hearing that." His eyes met hers. "I'm not asking you to put a label on us. But i want you to know I'm here for it."

When she wrapped him up in another hug, he held her without hesitation, one hand rubbing slowly up and down her back.

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“You could never hurt me Jack.”

Lips pressed to his temple. “I trust you.”

Holding Jack felt like a sacred privilege. He was tall, & handsome, maybe a little intimating w/ his tattoos, his mechanic work gave him this gruff persona, so the fact he could curl in her arms & she could watch his shoulders relax under her touch, it made her feel like she was doing something right. For once she had something someone wanted. For once, someone was picking her & her comfort over that of another woman, it made her feel… loved.

“I’m starting to have a preference.” She smirked & tilted her head. “I’m kinda into You & only you.”

Playfully she pressed her lips to the shell of his ear & nipped. “Mmmm~ you are soooo delicious.” The action repeated & this time she inhaled deeply, “you know… tonight we agreed to enjoy eachothers company. But I hope tomorrow night, I’m going to expect something more. Something a little more….” Brows jumped playfully, “fun.”

Her knees squeezed his hips. “Is that okay?”

A grin tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Well don't complain when you get a picture of a weird-looking car part at nine in the morning. " He laughed softly. "You asked for it."

When she admitted she had a preference, his smile widened. "Oh yeah? Just me?" He pretended to think about it. "I suppose I can live with that."

The playful nip to his ear earned a quiet groan and a chuckle. "You are making this 'wholesome evening' increasingly difficult, Sunshine." His breath hitched slightly, and his body instictively curved closer to Madison's.

His hands settled comfortably on her hips, holding her there as she spoke about tomorrow. He looked up at her. "I think tomorrow sounds perfect." There wasn't a hint of hesitation. He leaned in, stealing a quick kiss. "What kinda fun are we talking?" Jack arched a brow. He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. He shifted just slightly so that his hips rolled subtly between her legs. Just enough that she would feel him. Then he leaned in closer and stole another kiss, deeper this time. Longer too. His hands roaming along her thighs. When he pulled back, it was only to return his head to Madison's neck.

At the mention of Danny and Jess, his expression grew thoughtful. "I didn't get loads." He shrugged.

"II really only hung out with Isaac.... Danny's been kinda... shutting me out? I don't know." Jack frowned. "Isaac thinks it's bad idea for me to reach out just now, but I didn't do anything wrong..."

Then he exhaled, "And Jess..." He shook his head. "I have no idea, I haven't seen her since the night around at my place with everyone..."

His thumb brushed over the side of Madison's waist. "I'm not interested in Jess." His eyes met hers. A small smile spread across his face. "So that's about all there is to it."

Her hand touched along his forearm, “I like this one.” The tribal tattoo was cool, & he had distracting arms that just made her want to bite him all over.

Then her gaze followed along up his arms to his shoulders & neck, finally stopping at his eyes.

“You know… I’m not quite sure. I’m guess I’m just as indecisive & clueless as I was back then.” She laughed lightly, “I don’t know if I would get one now.”

When he tugged her closer she cracked a little laugh, “babe any closer & you’re gonna smoosh me into your skin.” Her head tilted up & her arms linked around his neck to give him a tug & roll them onto her back forcing him to hover above her.

“I’m not going anywhere.” She said it reassuringly.

He hovered & carefully she wrapped her legs around his waist giving him a tug into her body. Once he settled against she slid her hands deep into his hair & massaged at the back of his neck.

“I’ve always liked romantic things. I think if I were to ever get a tattoo, it would have to be romantic. Or something that is Considered romantic.” She shrugged, “maybe I’ll know when I see it…. Maybe I’ll be inspired by something. Or someone.”

Her hands began to apply a little bit of pressed to the back of his head forcing him to tuck himself into her neck. “I got you…. Just relax for me.”

"...You're dangerous, you know that?" A quiet laugh escaped him, muffled against her skin. "But....In a good way."

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, not trapping her, just holding her close enough that neither of them had to wonder if the other was still there.

"I can feel your heart." He smiled to himself. "It's racing." Jack tilted his head just enough to brush a gentle kiss beneath her jaw before settling back against her shoulder.

"I don't need you to figure everything out tonight babe." His thumb rubbed slow circles against her side. "You don't have to decide about tattoos, or tomorrow, or ten years from now." He chuckled softly. "i mean, you don't even have to decide what pizza topping is best..." He paused just long enough to add with mock seriousness, "Even if you're objectively wrong about olives."

Another grin tugged at his lips. "I just like this." His voice had gone quieter now. "Just you and me, He finally lifted his head enough to look down at her, hazel eyes meeting hers with the same softness they'd carried all evening.

"You asked earlier what I did while you were away." His smile became a little more sheepish. "Hung out with Isaac, worked a couple of jobs... but every time something funny happened, or I saw something you'd have rolled your eyes at, I caught myself reaching for my phone."

He shrugged lightly. "Guess I got used to telling you everything." His fingers brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "So if you ever get a tattoo..." he murmured, "don't get one because somebody tells you it'd look good. Get one because it means something to you."

He smiled warmly. "And if you never get one... you'll still be the hottest woman I've ever had wrapped around me like this."

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

She almost sounded fond of him, but not in a romantic way, almost like she was seeing him as an actual friend. “It would be cute if they got together. I can totally see her dragging him around places.”

“Oh now you’re getting brave. Careful but promises like that will have me rough drafting a seating chart & ordering florals.” Madison gave him a little wink & took another bite only to chew it while suppressing a little smile. “Don’t let me… even if I try to pull away. If I freak myself out…. Just… I don’t know. Pick me up, spank me, tell me to knock it off.” Her soft hand covered his, “just don’t let me go… cause history has shown I’ll run & I won’t stop until it’s too late.”

The next comment made her raise her brow. “Not money huh? Gonna charge me in kisses?” Her head tilted, “or are you trying to get a little something extra from me?”

This was the amusement she wanted after a long week of work.

“Anything in particular you want?”

An Olive was popped into her mouth & she lifted one to him.

Jack looked at Madison, and his hand reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just not this one." He said softly. Jack wanted to say "...cause she's mine..." But he didn't, he wasn't sure if they were quite ready to say that outloud yet. .

Then she spoke about herself. "Don't let me... even if I try to pull away." The smile faded. Jack set his pizza down. His hand turned beneath hers until their fingers naturally laced together.

"I won't."

There wasn't even a second of hesitation. "If you're scared...I'll remind you." If you're overwhelmed... I'll slow us down." Jack squeezed her palm gently in his. "And if you're trying to convince yourself to run because your head starts telling you stories..." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'll be right there reminding you what's real." He smiled gently. "I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine."

She teased him again, asking if he was charging her in kisses. His eyebrows lifted. "Oh? So now you're negotiating payment?" He pretended to think for a second, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm... I suppose I could accept kisses. But...." Jack trailed off, and his eyes darkened slightly. He scooted closer "And..." He leaned in just enough to lower his voice, "My mind could further..." Jack paused to try and gauge whether or not it was okay to say so, he chewed his lip and his gaze dropped to Madison's mouth.

And what was that?

Affection.

Safety.

Happiness.

Excitement.

The feeling of just having someone to share things w/ was new & who knew having someone to call & talk to would make a world difference?

What Jack assured he would bring her back, keep her put & not let her go, she nodded. She had made her fair share of mistakes & it was all so heavy because it affected only her, now she had Jack to worry about. She had to be perfect.

She heard him the first time, but she did t exactly hear him until he emphasized the ‘with’. Her eyes widened, not in shock, it was more anticipation.

“You… want to be w/ me.” She repeated, I think… I want that too. I’ve been thinking more about it the last few months than I have probably my whole life. And it’s no coincidence that you are the cause of that.” No need to hide or pretend.

“I never really understood how people could just look at someone & want to give them a part of them so easily.” But that was before, this is now, “then I met you. And every naughty thought or idea suddenly sounds exciting because I’m imagining you.”

Imagining?

Oh so she spent time thinking about Jack.

“I have this… little fantasy, that maybe I’ll buy a cute silk robe for you. Let you undress me. Buy a new shampoo. Let you smell my hair. And you’ll make the prettiest sounds when you’re behind me…. Maybe even tell me how perfect it feels for both of us.”

Oh everything just got hot.

Intensely hot.

"You know..." he murmured, setting his pizza down. "You always manage to surprise me." His thumb traced lazy circles across the back of her hand.

"You keep saying I'm the one making you brave, but I think we're doing that for each other."

When she admitted she'd been imagining him, he let out a quiet laugh through his nose, shaking his head.

"Trust me, Sunshine... you're not the only one who's imagined what our first night together might look like." His eyes stayed on hers. "I'm gonna assume it's okay for me to speak freely..." Jack started to say and he scooted closer again. His eyes traced over Madison and his hands reached out to grab at whatever he could reach, which in this position were her thighs. "....I'am happy to wait until you're ready, I just want you to know that I think about it... alot. ..." Jack half blushed, "....If I start telling you all about it, I might not stop..."

A grin tugged at his lips again. "Although..." he added, raising an eyebrow, "I'm not sure how I feel about you immediately ringing Kim afterwards." He laughed.

Suddenly everything got intense & Madison swallowed.

There was a brief moment she wondered if tonight was going to be the night. It was the way they were looking at eachother, the way he touched her thighs. The distance between them closed enough that there was still a lingering feeling that something was brewing.

“If you wait for me, I’ll make it worth your while.” She inched in a bit more & cupped his jaw, “I want it…. To be special.” Slowly she leaned in, “I never thought I’d want to have sex again.”

Ugh she said the S word.

The forbidden one.

“But I can’t help but want you to fuck me.” It was blunt & honest. “I think… you wouldn’t hurt me. And if you don’t hurt me… then I don’t see why I wouldn’t give you everything you want.”

Madison let out a little laugh, “well… some things can stay between us. But… I’ve never had anyone to have these fun naughty talks w/… Kim is like my first really… girl friend.”

She walked her fingers up his chest, “cmon, let me have some girl talk… let me brag about my…. Jack.”

Then she leaned in & kissed his lips. But it was so soft & gentle that if they kept going, it would surely lead to something else.

So she pulled back & smiled.

He let out a quiet breath, smiling. "I'm not waiting because I don't want you." A small chuckle escaped him. "Believe me, Sunshine... wanting you has never been the problem." Jack's smirk half returned, "To be honest, I would have made a move months ago, the only reason I didn't was because I didn't want it to be only that, I wanted to know you, I just felt... drawn to you. From the moment we first met I just was..." His fingers intertwined with hers. "...so into you from day one..."

He smiled when she mentioned wanting to brag about her Jack. "Your Jack, huh?" The words pulled a grin from him that he couldn't hide. "I think I could get used to hearing that." He stole one slow kiss before pulling back just enough to look at her.

"And if you tell Kim anything..." His eyebrow lifted. "...at least make sure you tell her I've spent a whole week missing you, drove myself mad wondering if you were eating enough, and counted down the days until you came home." His hand squeezed hers. "Because that's the part I hope you brag about most."

“Life actually feels like it’s worth living now. It’s not just a dreaded routine w/ no reward.” An appreciative hand rubbed up his forearm to his bicep & back down. “You’re the reward…. Seeing your face, kissing your lips, sleeping beside you. I can’t believe how so little could mean so much to me.”

Now the confession.

“I’m scared…. I’m scared if we… keep going. Go further…. You won’t want me anymore.” Her eyes saddened a little & that showed in her brows, “I don’t think I can handle the heartbreak that from feeling like you matter, to being nothing. And… I don’t want to risk that yet….”

She didn’t want to lose Jack.

Sex would complicate things right?

“I’m not saying it will never happen…. I’m just… I don’t know what I need to feel before those walls come down.” His bicep felt so strong under her touch, she loved it, “thank you for waiting… & wanting me. Thank you for being man enough to say it… it makes me feel like I’m worth the risk.”

To lighten the mood she smiled, “I’ll definitely be bragging about how sweet you are, don’t you worry. Your dick game will come after all the fluffy affection.”

"Sunshine... you were never damaged goods." His voice was quiet, steady. "You've been hurt. There's a difference." He shook his head gently. "And you don't have to earn your place with me. You don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being too much. I like you exactly as you are."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "The stubborn parts. The sarcastic parts. The sweet parts. Even the parts that overthink everything." His thumb brushed over her cheek. "You don't ever have to rush because you're afraid I'll disappear." He leaned forward, pressing a slow kiss to her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere because we haven't slept together. And I'm not going anywhere after we do, either." His hazel eyes searched hers. "I never thought I'd feel like this again, I never thought someone would look at me the way you do... like you see me." Jack paused, something flickered inside his eyes. Something vulnerable. His fingers flexed against Madison's thighs.

He let out a quiet laugh when she joked about what she'd tell Kim. "So my reputation's safe... for now." Another grin spread across his face. "I'll settle for being known as the guy who's ridiculously gone on you."

“Careful… you’re making some bold promises. Soon I’ll be picking out our eternal plots.” Madison gave him a little smile & kissed the palm of his hand that had cupped her like she was precious.

“Your reputation is safe.”

Those manicured brows wiggled, “for now.”

“Not ready for sleep… just wanna catch up & laugh. I want to have fun.”

Madison’s idea of fun wasn’t extravagant; a funny show, some good food, hours of talking, it’s all she really wanted.

She wanted a connection w/ someone that was more than just work & being naughty. To stir up some conversation she opened up w/ something not many people knew, “you know, I always wanted to get a tattoo & one time I went in to get one. And the tattoo guy actually talked me out of it.” She laughed, “said I was too pretty, pretty girls should stick to taking care of their skin, not marking it in permanent ink.”

Her head was resting again jacks shoulder but she was looking towards the tv. “I think he just saw how indecisive I was & didnt want me to get something I wasn’t happy w/.”

“So I left…. & now I’m glad I didn’t get something i saw in a binder of examples. I would’ve regretted it.” Her hand had started absentmindedly tracing jacks tattoos w/ her index finger. “But I like them on other people. I like seeing someone commit to themselves. I imagine people have to stand by their decisions to permanently mark their bodies. You know? It’s not like painting a house. Or buying decorations. Sure people judge your taste the same way, but… something about a tattoo shows confidence in yourself.” His skin rose in goosebumps & she smiled to herself.

“I like your tattoos.”

"You know..." he murmured, brushing a thumb over the back of her hand, "that tattoo artist probably did you a favour." His eyes stayed on her for a moment before drifting to the television, one arm comfortably around her shoulders.

"I've seen plenty of people rush into tattoos because they thought they had to mean something or because everyone else was getting one. Then five years later they're paying someone like hell to laser it off." He smiled. "You? You're the type that'll sit on an idea for months before deciding if it actually belongs."

Jack glanced down at the artwork on his own arms, flexing them slightly as if seeing them through her eyes for the first time. "Mine've all got stories. Some are good, some are... reminders." He shrugged. "I don't regret any of them though. They're chapters, I guess." He caught her compliment about his muscles and couldn't help the smug little smile that crept onto his face. "So that's why you keep feeling me up." His shoulder nudged hers playfully.

He chuckled before answering her question properly. "Yeah... I've got a couple more planned. Nothing massive." His expression softened for a second. "You should get one if you have one in mind that means alot to you. Not like this one..." Jack nodded to the tribal style band that wrapped around his forearm. "Just thought it looked cool, I mean you about the tree under it, that one does matter." Jack's arm wrapped around Madison, slowly tugging her closer to him.

He looked back down at her, catching the way she seemed completely content curled against him. His fingers lazily combed through her hair before he tilted his head. "What about now? If you were going to get one, not because some dude in a studio told you to or because it looked pretty in a catalogue, but because it actually meant something..." He smiled.

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

She almost sounded fond of him, but not in a romantic way, almost like she was seeing him as an actual friend. “It would be cute if they got together. I can totally see her dragging him around places.”

“Oh now you’re getting brave. Careful but promises like that will have me rough drafting a seating chart & ordering florals.” Madison gave him a little wink & took another bite only to chew it while suppressing a little smile. “Don’t let me… even if I try to pull away. If I freak myself out…. Just… I don’t know. Pick me up, spank me, tell me to knock it off.” Her soft hand covered his, “just don’t let me go… cause history has shown I’ll run & I won’t stop until it’s too late.”

The next comment made her raise her brow. “Not money huh? Gonna charge me in kisses?” Her head tilted, “or are you trying to get a little something extra from me?”

This was the amusement she wanted after a long week of work.

“Anything in particular you want?”

An Olive was popped into her mouth & she lifted one to him.

Jack looked at Madison, and his hand reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just not this one." He said softly. Jack wanted to say "...cause she's mine..." But he didn't, he wasn't sure if they were quite ready to say that outloud yet. .

Then she spoke about herself. "Don't let me... even if I try to pull away." The smile faded. Jack set his pizza down. His hand turned beneath hers until their fingers naturally laced together.

"I won't."

There wasn't even a second of hesitation. "If you're scared...I'll remind you." If you're overwhelmed... I'll slow us down." Jack squeezed her palm gently in his. "And if you're trying to convince yourself to run because your head starts telling you stories..." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'll be right there reminding you what's real." He smiled gently. "I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine."

She teased him again, asking if he was charging her in kisses. His eyebrows lifted. "Oh? So now you're negotiating payment?" He pretended to think for a second, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm... I suppose I could accept kisses. But...." Jack trailed off, and his eyes darkened slightly. He scooted closer "And..." He leaned in just enough to lower his voice, "My mind could further..." Jack paused to try and gauge whether or not it was okay to say so, he chewed his lip and his gaze dropped to Madison's mouth.

And what was that?

Affection.

Safety.

Happiness.

Excitement.

The feeling of just having someone to share things w/ was new & who knew having someone to call & talk to would make a world difference?

What Jack assured he would bring her back, keep her put & not let her go, she nodded. She had made her fair share of mistakes & it was all so heavy because it affected only her, now she had Jack to worry about. She had to be perfect.

She heard him the first time, but she did t exactly hear him until he emphasized the ‘with’. Her eyes widened, not in shock, it was more anticipation.

“You… want to be w/ me.” She repeated, I think… I want that too. I’ve been thinking more about it the last few months than I have probably my whole life. And it’s no coincidence that you are the cause of that.” No need to hide or pretend.

“I never really understood how people could just look at someone & want to give them a part of them so easily.” But that was before, this is now, “then I met you. And every naughty thought or idea suddenly sounds exciting because I’m imagining you.”

Imagining?

Oh so she spent time thinking about Jack.

“I have this… little fantasy, that maybe I’ll buy a cute silk robe for you. Let you undress me. Buy a new shampoo. Let you smell my hair. And you’ll make the prettiest sounds when you’re behind me…. Maybe even tell me how perfect it feels for both of us.”

Oh everything just got hot.

Intensely hot.

"You know..." he murmured, setting his pizza down. "You always manage to surprise me." His thumb traced lazy circles across the back of her hand.

"You keep saying I'm the one making you brave, but I think we're doing that for each other."

When she admitted she'd been imagining him, he let out a quiet laugh through his nose, shaking his head.

"Trust me, Sunshine... you're not the only one who's imagined what our first night together might look like." His eyes stayed on hers. "I'm gonna assume it's okay for me to speak freely..." Jack started to say and he scooted closer again. His eyes traced over Madison and his hands reached out to grab at whatever he could reach, which in this position were her thighs. "....I'am happy to wait until you're ready, I just want you to know that I think about it... alot. ..." Jack half blushed, "....If I start telling you all about it, I might not stop..."

A grin tugged at his lips again. "Although..." he added, raising an eyebrow, "I'm not sure how I feel about you immediately ringing Kim afterwards." He laughed.

Suddenly everything got intense & Madison swallowed.

There was a brief moment she wondered if tonight was going to be the night. It was the way they were looking at eachother, the way he touched her thighs. The distance between them closed enough that there was still a lingering feeling that something was brewing.

“If you wait for me, I’ll make it worth your while.” She inched in a bit more & cupped his jaw, “I want it…. To be special.” Slowly she leaned in, “I never thought I’d want to have sex again.”

Ugh she said the S word.

The forbidden one.

“But I can’t help but want you to fuck me.” It was blunt & honest. “I think… you wouldn’t hurt me. And if you don’t hurt me… then I don’t see why I wouldn’t give you everything you want.”

Madison let out a little laugh, “well… some things can stay between us. But… I’ve never had anyone to have these fun naughty talks w/… Kim is like my first really… girl friend.”

She walked her fingers up his chest, “cmon, let me have some girl talk… let me brag about my…. Jack.”

Then she leaned in & kissed his lips. But it was so soft & gentle that if they kept going, it would surely lead to something else.

So she pulled back & smiled.

He let out a quiet breath, smiling. "I'm not waiting because I don't want you." A small chuckle escaped him. "Believe me, Sunshine... wanting you has never been the problem." Jack's smirk half returned, "To be honest, I would have made a move months ago, the only reason I didn't was because I didn't want it to be only that, I wanted to know you, I just felt... drawn to you. From the moment we first met I just was..." His fingers intertwined with hers. "...so into you from day one..."

He smiled when she mentioned wanting to brag about her Jack. "Your Jack, huh?" The words pulled a grin from him that he couldn't hide. "I think I could get used to hearing that." He stole one slow kiss before pulling back just enough to look at her.

"And if you tell Kim anything..." His eyebrow lifted. "...at least make sure you tell her I've spent a whole week missing you, drove myself mad wondering if you were eating enough, and counted down the days until you came home." His hand squeezed hers. "Because that's the part I hope you brag about most."

“Life actually feels like it’s worth living now. It’s not just a dreaded routine w/ no reward.” An appreciative hand rubbed up his forearm to his bicep & back down. “You’re the reward…. Seeing your face, kissing your lips, sleeping beside you. I can’t believe how so little could mean so much to me.”

Now the confession.

“I’m scared…. I’m scared if we… keep going. Go further…. You won’t want me anymore.” Her eyes saddened a little & that showed in her brows, “I don’t think I can handle the heartbreak that from feeling like you matter, to being nothing. And… I don’t want to risk that yet….”

She didn’t want to lose Jack.

Sex would complicate things right?

“I’m not saying it will never happen…. I’m just… I don’t know what I need to feel before those walls come down.” His bicep felt so strong under her touch, she loved it, “thank you for waiting… & wanting me. Thank you for being man enough to say it… it makes me feel like I’m worth the risk.”

To lighten the mood she smiled, “I’ll definitely be bragging about how sweet you are, don’t you worry. Your dick game will come after all the fluffy affection.”

"Sunshine... you were never damaged goods." His voice was quiet, steady. "You've been hurt. There's a difference." He shook his head gently. "And you don't have to earn your place with me. You don't have to worry about saying the wrong thing or being too much. I like you exactly as you are."

A smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "The stubborn parts. The sarcastic parts. The sweet parts. Even the parts that overthink everything." His thumb brushed over her cheek. "You don't ever have to rush because you're afraid I'll disappear." He leaned forward, pressing a slow kiss to her forehead. "I'm not going anywhere because we haven't slept together. And I'm not going anywhere after we do, either." His hazel eyes searched hers. "I never thought I'd feel like this again, I never thought someone would look at me the way you do... like you see me." Jack paused, something flickered inside his eyes. Something vulnerable. His fingers flexed against Madison's thighs.

He let out a quiet laugh when she joked about what she'd tell Kim. "So my reputation's safe... for now." Another grin spread across his face. "I'll settle for being known as the guy who's ridiculously gone on you."

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

She almost sounded fond of him, but not in a romantic way, almost like she was seeing him as an actual friend. “It would be cute if they got together. I can totally see her dragging him around places.”

“Oh now you’re getting brave. Careful but promises like that will have me rough drafting a seating chart & ordering florals.” Madison gave him a little wink & took another bite only to chew it while suppressing a little smile. “Don’t let me… even if I try to pull away. If I freak myself out…. Just… I don’t know. Pick me up, spank me, tell me to knock it off.” Her soft hand covered his, “just don’t let me go… cause history has shown I’ll run & I won’t stop until it’s too late.”

The next comment made her raise her brow. “Not money huh? Gonna charge me in kisses?” Her head tilted, “or are you trying to get a little something extra from me?”

This was the amusement she wanted after a long week of work.

“Anything in particular you want?”

An Olive was popped into her mouth & she lifted one to him.

Jack looked at Madison, and his hand reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just not this one." He said softly. Jack wanted to say "...cause she's mine..." But he didn't, he wasn't sure if they were quite ready to say that outloud yet. .

Then she spoke about herself. "Don't let me... even if I try to pull away." The smile faded. Jack set his pizza down. His hand turned beneath hers until their fingers naturally laced together.

"I won't."

There wasn't even a second of hesitation. "If you're scared...I'll remind you." If you're overwhelmed... I'll slow us down." Jack squeezed her palm gently in his. "And if you're trying to convince yourself to run because your head starts telling you stories..." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'll be right there reminding you what's real." He smiled gently. "I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine."

She teased him again, asking if he was charging her in kisses. His eyebrows lifted. "Oh? So now you're negotiating payment?" He pretended to think for a second, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm... I suppose I could accept kisses. But...." Jack trailed off, and his eyes darkened slightly. He scooted closer "And..." He leaned in just enough to lower his voice, "My mind could further..." Jack paused to try and gauge whether or not it was okay to say so, he chewed his lip and his gaze dropped to Madison's mouth.

And what was that?

Affection.

Safety.

Happiness.

Excitement.

The feeling of just having someone to share things w/ was new & who knew having someone to call & talk to would make a world difference?

What Jack assured he would bring her back, keep her put & not let her go, she nodded. She had made her fair share of mistakes & it was all so heavy because it affected only her, now she had Jack to worry about. She had to be perfect.

She heard him the first time, but she did t exactly hear him until he emphasized the ‘with’. Her eyes widened, not in shock, it was more anticipation.

“You… want to be w/ me.” She repeated, I think… I want that too. I’ve been thinking more about it the last few months than I have probably my whole life. And it’s no coincidence that you are the cause of that.” No need to hide or pretend.

“I never really understood how people could just look at someone & want to give them a part of them so easily.” But that was before, this is now, “then I met you. And every naughty thought or idea suddenly sounds exciting because I’m imagining you.”

Imagining?

Oh so she spent time thinking about Jack.

“I have this… little fantasy, that maybe I’ll buy a cute silk robe for you. Let you undress me. Buy a new shampoo. Let you smell my hair. And you’ll make the prettiest sounds when you’re behind me…. Maybe even tell me how perfect it feels for both of us.”

Oh everything just got hot.

Intensely hot.

"You know..." he murmured, setting his pizza down. "You always manage to surprise me." His thumb traced lazy circles across the back of her hand.

"You keep saying I'm the one making you brave, but I think we're doing that for each other."

When she admitted she'd been imagining him, he let out a quiet laugh through his nose, shaking his head.

"Trust me, Sunshine... you're not the only one who's imagined what our first night together might look like." His eyes stayed on hers. "I'm gonna assume it's okay for me to speak freely..." Jack started to say and he scooted closer again. His eyes traced over Madison and his hands reached out to grab at whatever he could reach, which in this position were her thighs. "....I'am happy to wait until you're ready, I just want you to know that I think about it... alot. ..." Jack half blushed, "....If I start telling you all about it, I might not stop..."

A grin tugged at his lips again. "Although..." he added, raising an eyebrow, "I'm not sure how I feel about you immediately ringing Kim afterwards." He laughed.

Suddenly everything got intense & Madison swallowed.

There was a brief moment she wondered if tonight was going to be the night. It was the way they were looking at eachother, the way he touched her thighs. The distance between them closed enough that there was still a lingering feeling that something was brewing.

“If you wait for me, I’ll make it worth your while.” She inched in a bit more & cupped his jaw, “I want it…. To be special.” Slowly she leaned in, “I never thought I’d want to have sex again.”

Ugh she said the S word.

The forbidden one.

“But I can’t help but want you to fuck me.” It was blunt & honest. “I think… you wouldn’t hurt me. And if you don’t hurt me… then I don’t see why I wouldn’t give you everything you want.”

Madison let out a little laugh, “well… some things can stay between us. But… I’ve never had anyone to have these fun naughty talks w/… Kim is like my first really… girl friend.”

She walked her fingers up his chest, “cmon, let me have some girl talk… let me brag about my…. Jack.”

Then she leaned in & kissed his lips. But it was so soft & gentle that if they kept going, it would surely lead to something else.

So she pulled back & smiled.

He let out a quiet breath, smiling. "I'm not waiting because I don't want you." A small chuckle escaped him. "Believe me, Sunshine... wanting you has never been the problem." Jack's smirk half returned, "To be honest, I would have made a move months ago, the only reason I didn't was because I didn't want it to be only that, I wanted to know you, I just felt... drawn to you. From the moment we first met I just was..." His fingers intertwined with hers. "...so into you from day one..."

He smiled when she mentioned wanting to brag about her Jack. "Your Jack, huh?" The words pulled a grin from him that he couldn't hide. "I think I could get used to hearing that." He stole one slow kiss before pulling back just enough to look at her.

"And if you tell Kim anything..." His eyebrow lifted. "...at least make sure you tell her I've spent a whole week missing you, drove myself mad wondering if you were eating enough, and counted down the days until you came home." His hand squeezed hers. "Because that's the part I hope you brag about most."

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

She almost sounded fond of him, but not in a romantic way, almost like she was seeing him as an actual friend. “It would be cute if they got together. I can totally see her dragging him around places.”

“Oh now you’re getting brave. Careful but promises like that will have me rough drafting a seating chart & ordering florals.” Madison gave him a little wink & took another bite only to chew it while suppressing a little smile. “Don’t let me… even if I try to pull away. If I freak myself out…. Just… I don’t know. Pick me up, spank me, tell me to knock it off.” Her soft hand covered his, “just don’t let me go… cause history has shown I’ll run & I won’t stop until it’s too late.”

The next comment made her raise her brow. “Not money huh? Gonna charge me in kisses?” Her head tilted, “or are you trying to get a little something extra from me?”

This was the amusement she wanted after a long week of work.

“Anything in particular you want?”

An Olive was popped into her mouth & she lifted one to him.

Jack looked at Madison, and his hand reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just not this one." He said softly. Jack wanted to say "...cause she's mine..." But he didn't, he wasn't sure if they were quite ready to say that outloud yet. .

Then she spoke about herself. "Don't let me... even if I try to pull away." The smile faded. Jack set his pizza down. His hand turned beneath hers until their fingers naturally laced together.

"I won't."

There wasn't even a second of hesitation. "If you're scared...I'll remind you." If you're overwhelmed... I'll slow us down." Jack squeezed her palm gently in his. "And if you're trying to convince yourself to run because your head starts telling you stories..." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'll be right there reminding you what's real." He smiled gently. "I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine."

She teased him again, asking if he was charging her in kisses. His eyebrows lifted. "Oh? So now you're negotiating payment?" He pretended to think for a second, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm... I suppose I could accept kisses. But...." Jack trailed off, and his eyes darkened slightly. He scooted closer "And..." He leaned in just enough to lower his voice, "My mind could further..." Jack paused to try and gauge whether or not it was okay to say so, he chewed his lip and his gaze dropped to Madison's mouth.

And what was that?

Affection.

Safety.

Happiness.

Excitement.

The feeling of just having someone to share things w/ was new & who knew having someone to call & talk to would make a world difference?

What Jack assured he would bring her back, keep her put & not let her go, she nodded. She had made her fair share of mistakes & it was all so heavy because it affected only her, now she had Jack to worry about. She had to be perfect.

She heard him the first time, but she did t exactly hear him until he emphasized the ‘with’. Her eyes widened, not in shock, it was more anticipation.

“You… want to be w/ me.” She repeated, I think… I want that too. I’ve been thinking more about it the last few months than I have probably my whole life. And it’s no coincidence that you are the cause of that.” No need to hide or pretend.

“I never really understood how people could just look at someone & want to give them a part of them so easily.” But that was before, this is now, “then I met you. And every naughty thought or idea suddenly sounds exciting because I’m imagining you.”

Imagining?

Oh so she spent time thinking about Jack.

“I have this… little fantasy, that maybe I’ll buy a cute silk robe for you. Let you undress me. Buy a new shampoo. Let you smell my hair. And you’ll make the prettiest sounds when you’re behind me…. Maybe even tell me how perfect it feels for both of us.”

Oh everything just got hot.

Intensely hot.

"You know..." he murmured, setting his pizza down. "You always manage to surprise me." His thumb traced lazy circles across the back of her hand.

"You keep saying I'm the one making you brave, but I think we're doing that for each other."

When she admitted she'd been imagining him, he let out a quiet laugh through his nose, shaking his head.

"Trust me, Sunshine... you're not the only one who's imagined what our first night together might look like." His eyes stayed on hers. "I'm gonna assume it's okay for me to speak freely..." Jack started to say and he scooted closer again. His eyes traced over Madison and his hands reached out to grab at whatever he could reach, which in this position were her thighs. "....I'am happy to wait until you're ready, I just want you to know that I think about it... alot. ..." Jack half blushed, "....If I start telling you all about it, I might not stop..."

A grin tugged at his lips again. "Although..." he added, raising an eyebrow, "I'm not sure how I feel about you immediately ringing Kim afterwards." He laughed.

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

She almost sounded fond of him, but not in a romantic way, almost like she was seeing him as an actual friend. “It would be cute if they got together. I can totally see her dragging him around places.”

“Oh now you’re getting brave. Careful but promises like that will have me rough drafting a seating chart & ordering florals.” Madison gave him a little wink & took another bite only to chew it while suppressing a little smile. “Don’t let me… even if I try to pull away. If I freak myself out…. Just… I don’t know. Pick me up, spank me, tell me to knock it off.” Her soft hand covered his, “just don’t let me go… cause history has shown I’ll run & I won’t stop until it’s too late.”

The next comment made her raise her brow. “Not money huh? Gonna charge me in kisses?” Her head tilted, “or are you trying to get a little something extra from me?”

This was the amusement she wanted after a long week of work.

“Anything in particular you want?”

An Olive was popped into her mouth & she lifted one to him.

Jack looked at Madison, and his hand reached out to brush a strand of her hair behind her ear. "Just not this one." He said softly. Jack wanted to say "...cause she's mine..." But he didn't, he wasn't sure if they were quite ready to say that outloud yet. .

Then she spoke about herself. "Don't let me... even if I try to pull away." The smile faded. Jack set his pizza down. His hand turned beneath hers until their fingers naturally laced together.

"I won't."

There wasn't even a second of hesitation. "If you're scared...I'll remind you." If you're overwhelmed... I'll slow us down." Jack squeezed her palm gently in his. "And if you're trying to convince yourself to run because your head starts telling you stories..." His thumb brushed over her knuckles. "I'll be right there reminding you what's real." He smiled gently. "I'm not going anywhere, Sunshine."

She teased him again, asking if he was charging her in kisses. His eyebrows lifted. "Oh? So now you're negotiating payment?" He pretended to think for a second, tapping his chin dramatically. "Hmm... I suppose I could accept kisses. But...." Jack trailed off, and his eyes darkened slightly. He scooted closer "And..." He leaned in just enough to lower his voice, "My mind could further..." Jack paused to try and gauge whether or not it was okay to say so, he chewed his lip and his gaze dropped to Madison's mouth.

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

They were doing it again. The line between casual whatever this was, to what it could be was blurring. They were saying heavy things, & neither were running. It almost felt like they were both leaning into eachother in an intimate way. Not physically, almost emotionally, there was something intense between them & it wasn’t lust.

“Well, if we blew a tire & you fixed it, that might just be the hottest thing you could do for me that isn’t very…. You know, naughty.” It was a little secret Madison didn’t want to admit, but she wanted to be taken care of. What lady didn’t? She wanted all those household project that’s stressed her out at work, to be taken care of at home. Truth be told, she didn’t want to ‘work’ when she was off the clock, so a handy man like Jack struck her fancy in a way she didn’t know was possible.

Then he mentioned security, no more shitty side jobs & she said the first thing that she could think of, “you wouldn’t have to worry about money w/ me.” It was almost said too fast. Like she was begging him to hear what she could do for him & see her as a useful asset, not a burden. “I mean… if you needed any money… I could… help. You don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to do a shit side of the road job. You can sleep knowing if there was an emergency… I’m here.”

The pizza’s arrival stopped that conversation & she took the opportunity to hurry out of the room so she didn’t have to elaborate.

“Lonely.” She repeated. It sounded so sad when he said it… she felt lonely all the time before he had come along.

Madison had to recap every detail down to what the girls wore for their sleep overs, to the wine brand they had, to the drive up listening to Kim’s music, the work at the site, to Steve admitting he checked Kim out, her attempt to pry some words out of his mouth, the way they worked to help Madison finish her project, dinner, everything…

“They had a lot in common. And this morning Kim told me she snuck over to his room to see him. He answered the door shirtless & left her speechless. He didn’t say anything though, he never does. But no, seems like neither of them thought to exchange numbers. I saw them… I saw him looking at her. He tried to be casual, but she’d bend over & there was a little head tilt, or she leaned over & his eyes went down her top. It was subtle, shy even… but i definitely saw him crack a few smile & laughs.”

By the time she'd finished recounting every little detail about Steve and Kim, he'd barely touched his second slice of pizza, far more interested in watching her than eating.

He smiled as she described Steve trying, and failing, to be subtle. "I knew he'd crack eventually." He chuckled. "I've never seen a bloke work so hard to avoid looking interested." He took another bite before pointing his crust at her. "And Kim sneaking to his room? Didn't have that on my bingo card." His grin widened. "I reckon they'll figure it out."

When she turned toward him and poked his dimple, he laughed. He caught her wandering finger and kissed the tip of it. "Isaac and I mostly finished his bathroom. Had a burger afterwards." Jack leaned in to press kiss to Madison's cheek, "Worked on cars to keep myself busy, hense the sweaty selfie I sent you." He smirked and brushed his nose against hers.

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.

She kissed his hand again, “you don’t have to be alone. And if you ever feel alone… you can just come over & I’ll be here w/ open arms, a tongue & some food.” She smirked letting that sink in.

“No one has been there for me either. Not like you. Not physically, or emotionally. And… I really don’t want to think about us not being in eachothers lives, let alone arms.” She cover d his hands in here’s told him them on her body, “maybe a little getaway would be good for us. I think we still have a lot to learn about eachother & i don’t think i can say no to alone time w/ you in a fancy hotel.”

“For your record, everything is your fault.” Madison reached down giving his face a Squeeze. Those dimples & eyes won’t always save you from my teasing~”.

Madison & Jack fell into a rhythm, he grabbed drinks, she handled the pizza & napkins, they regrouped in the bedroom & there was relief in her body when they set themselves up. She had put on shorts to answer the door but those were quickly discarded leaving her in silk panties, & a fitted shirt & no bra.

Somehow their hangouts became rather intimate & almost…. Couple-y.

Neither of them said that outloud though.

Madison wasn’t ready to have that talk.

Part of her worried if she acknowledged it, it would go away.

"I know." His thumb stroked across the back of her hand. "And... I think I'm finally starting to believe it." For a second he had that old fear that he'd said too much again, but it was soon silenced just from the way she was looking at him. Those brown eyes always melted him.

He let out a small laugh as she mentioned open arms, food... and her tongue. "Hmmm, good. Cause at this point... I'm not sure I know what I said before."

Still smiling, he leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "thank you." The words were quieter this time. "They mean more than you know."

When she spoke about not wanting to imagine them apart, his eyes stayed on hers. "I don't want that either." There wasn't any hesitation. "I like my life better with you in it." He squeezed her hands gently where she'd placed them against her.

"And that getaway? I think that's exactly what we need. No phones ringing." No breakdowns on the highway..." Jack trailed off in thought for a moment, "I guess I just wanna be able to have enough security with my money that I can stop taking the random blown tire jobs." Jack did earn alot considering he lived alone... for now. But it wasn't enough to make him feel safe enough to take time away.

By the time they'd settled back onto the bed with the pizza boxes between them, it all felt... comfortable. Natural. Like they'd done this a hundred times before. Jack accepted the first bite she offered, taking it with a grin before chewing dramatically.

"Mmm." He nodded in approval. "See? No olives on mine." He bumped her shoulder playfully before turning to look at her properly.

She kissed his cheek so casually it almost caught him off guard.

"Missed you babe."

Jack's smile grew. "I know. And I've missed you too... so much, just having you here, just this stuff... my nights were so... lonely..." He reached up, brushing his fingertips lightly along her jaw. "I've been counting the days."

His eyes wandered over her face, not lingering anywhere else, just taking her in. The way she'd smiled. The tiredness still hiding behind her eyes. The relief of finally being home. He leaned over and stole one more gentle kiss.

"Now..."

He picked up another slice.

“Let me get my bag…. Then we can go inside.” Madison reached into the foot area to get her overnight bag & wave bye to Kim.

“Don’t worry, I kept her nice & warm for you Jack!” Kim teased, “she’s a great snuggler!”

The white BMW drove off & Madison took jacks hand, “so… your place or mine?” The bag In her hand lifted, “but I need to empty my bag first.”

Madison’s home was quiet & when she opened the door things brightened up including her smile. The moment Jack kicked the door shut she whipped around linking her arms around his neck & pulling him in for an intense kiss. A kiss that said: I miss you, I need you, & I want you all in one connection.

Then she pulled back fully prepared to keep the tease & taunting up.

“Well well one, someone missed me.” A slightly bulge nudged her stomach & she rubbed over his collage bones, down his shoulders & down to his hands. “You would not believe the week I had… I got paid!” She grinned proudly, “55K…. Stopped at the bank on the way home, made a deposit, & moved some money around.” She shrugged like it was nothing, but clearly she was on cloud nine.

Suddenly that tears she had shed were worth it all.

“I really owe Kim & Steve a big thank you. They both did an impressive about of work in 4 days.” Madison pulled away then hurried upstairs knowing Jack would follow. “How are the kids?”

His hands found her waist instinctively, pulling her closer as he returned the kiss with just as much feeling, smiling against her lips before they finally broke apart.

"I definitely missed you," he admitted with a laugh, his forehead resting against hers for a second. "Thought that was pretty obvious." His eyes drifted to hers as she beamed about the job.

"Fifty-five grand?" A proud grin spread across his face. "Madison..." He shook his head, genuinely impressed. "That's incredible."

Without thinking, he cupped her cheek. "I told you you'd pull it off. And I'm proud of you." There wasn't an ounce of doubt in his voice. "You've worked yourself into the ground for that project."

As she hurried upstairs, Jack followed with an amused shake of his head, slipping his boots off by the door before climbing after her.

"The kids are good," he called up with a smile. "I think Jax missed you because he insisted on sleeping on your side of the bed at my place." He chuckled.

Reaching her bedroom doorway, he leaned casually against the frame, folding his arms as he watched her unpack. "You know..." His smile softened. "I was expecting you'd come home exhausted." He took a couple of steps into the room. "But seeing you smile like this..." Jack's smile softened and he closed the bedroom door. "...worth it..."

Her hand reached back into his hair feeling the soft strands that hadn’t been touched all week.

“I love when you’re behind me.” She said softly.

W/o another word she turned in his arms & looked up at him w/ those big brown eyes. “Jack, I know you wanna be all cute & romantic… but I really just wanna order a pizza, sit on the bed, & just be w/ you.” Her hands clutched to his shirt, “is that okay? Or did you have enough solo pizza while I was gone?”

Even though Madison said she wanted a simple night. Her hands were selfishly palming his pecs, rubbing up & down his ribs, feeling along his waist, finger tips touching the forbidden ‘V’ his pants were struggling to contain. She had a way of saying one thing, but her body language spoke something else.

When he didn’t respond fast enough, she took his hands at her waist & lower them to the perk of her ass. “Cmon…. A whole week, & I don’t even get a little cop feel?” Her brow raised, “you can do better than that.”

When she turned in his arms, those familiar brown eyes caught his and he felt that same stupid grin creeping onto his face. "A pizza in bed with you?" He laughed softly. "Babe, that sounds like the best night I've had all week."

His gaze followed her hands as they wandered across his chest before she guided his own down to her ass. "You really don't know when to quit, do you?"

His hands settled a little more confidently against her, thumbs rubbing slow circles through the fabric before giving her exactly what she'd asked for, a playful squeeze that earned a smirk from him.." But then she pulled away and Jack pouted, he couldn't quite help himself so he tugged Madison back into his arms alittle more firm than before. "Hey, wasn't done..." he murmured and pressed a kiss to the corner of her mouth. This time, his hands were atad more eager and they gripped at her ass. "Hmm, that's better..." Jack mumured lowly. He did let go ater that but not before stealing one more kiss.

When she stepped back and started listing pizza toppings, Jack folded his arms with mock seriousness. "Right...Pepperoni. Extra cheese. And absolutely no olives."

He pointed a finger at her.

"I survived a week without you. I'm not surviving olives as well." His smile softened again as he closed the distance between them, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm just glad you're home." He stole one quick kiss before nodding toward the bedroom.

“No olives?” He bros raised, “babe you can’t be serious. Olives are like the best!” She smirked & slipped toward the bed, “we are getting olives…”

Madison slid into the bed like water. Her actions were slow, deliberate, easy, & the look on her face said ‘come get me’. “Drinks … I’ll order.” She had to remind him when there glint in his eyes said he might pin her to the bed & show her how much he missed her. And as a result of his wanting eyes, she did what she did best, push him away playfully & prolong the game of desire.

Madison ordered two pizzas, one off Jack & one for her.

Jack returned w/ drinks & Madison pulled the bedsheets up & open so he could join her. The moment the sheets covered them, she was wrapped around him.

Arms linked around his neck, legs around his hips, lips kissing along his jaw, while her nose tucked right into his dimple.

“You know, I had such a big payout this time. It will basically pay for my bills the next like almost year. But I think I worked hard. So I wanna spend a little.” She said it like she was asking for permission, or gauging jacks reaction to hear what she wanted was okay.

The second he climbed under the duvet she was on him, wrapping herself around him like she'd been trying to make up for every missed cuddle in one go.

His arms settled comfortably around her waist, one hand rubbing slow circles across the small of her back while she hid against his jaw. "There she is..." He murmured quietly. "I've missed you.."

Jack listened while she spoke about the payout, nodding proudly. "You earned every penny of it. know how hard you worked this week."

When she mentioned wanting to treat herself, he smiled immediately. "Then treat yourself. You definitely should. What were you thinking? A couple of nights away somewhere? A spa day maybe?" He meant with Kim not necessarily himself, but he'd happily go.

Then she looked up at him and asked if she could help with his bills. Something in Jack's chest tightened because he wasn't actually sure anyone had ever asked him that before. He wasn't sure anyone had ever even thought to ask him. He wouldn't have noticed because he didn't mind being the one who took care of everything... at least he didn't mind when he hadn't known any better.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I don't think anyone's asked me that before..." He murmured honestly, and his hands instinctively tugged Madison even flusher against him.

Which made some sense considering Madison lived in her home almost a year & it still had very little furnishing & decor despite that being her forte. But on that note… if she didn’t spend much money, it also became more obvious why Madison liked to buy Jack things when they went out to shops.

“Something for us would be nice. Or Kim. Or Steve. They really deserve a thank you for all the work they put in.”

For a second her face dropped when he said she didn’t ‘have’ to do that, that was clear, but she ‘wanted’ to do something for him. Thankfully that point didn’t need to be made before he did bring up something he wanted. Her eyes widened, “that’s a great idea!” Madison lifted her herself up by planting her hands on his chest & arching, & semi straddling him. “You can get all those fancy certificates & maybe I could get you a job at the company.”

Only Jack liked to be free. Have an open schedule….

“If you want… if not, it would open so many doors for you locally.” His hands settled on her hands & she pressed her crotch into his. “This is so exciting for us! You can even get updated business cards, branding, licensing!” Her eyes were widened & excited for them.

Surprisingly she had completely missed the slip of the tongue when she said ‘us’.

Is that how she saw them?

Sorta an us?

She cleared her throat then lowered her weight back into his chest letting herself feel his rise & fall.

“Anything else you can think of?”

When she practically bounced upright talking about certificates and branding, Jack laughed. He rested his hands on her hips as she enthusiastically listed everything they could do.

"Business cards..."

"Licences..."

"Branding..."

He grinned.

"I think you've planned the next six months of my life in about thirty seconds." But her excitement was infectious. He loved seeing her like this. Then she said it. "This is so exciting for us." Jack noticed. He didn't point it out. Instead, the corners of his mouth lifted into a softer smile than before.

Us.

He liked the sound of that. A lot. His thumbs rubbed gentle circles over her waist.

"I do think the certifications are worth looking into. They'd let me take on bigger jobs. And if your company ever needed someone reliable..." He shrugged. "...I'd be lying if I said that opportunity didn't interest me. I mean I know how to alot of mannual labor, I just can't technically do it unless it's privately... but I can't make a living helping out friends when they need it...."

He looked her in the eyes.

He wasn’t used to someone caring for him.

Truly caring.

But she liked to think the care she had was a different kind.

It was the kind that brings a woman home to cook a hot meal for him, or prioritize his feelings about future events, or even spend thousands of dollars just to ensure his future was stable long term.

“I didn’t take it like a rejection.” She said softly taking the hand under her chin & kissing his knuckles. “I just want you to know it’s okay for you to ask for something you want. You don’t have to hold back… my wallet is pretty big,” she knew he grew up w/ not much, & an over worked mom, maybe it was time he felt a little reward for the man he had grown to be, “I want to be happy—” Madison cut herself off giving her hand a squeeze, “& don’t say your happy now… that’s not what I mean. I mean, happy knowing some things you may want, you can actually have.”

“You call me naughty. But you’re just as naughty too. You do that w/ your hips & you know it gets me going.”

She rolled her hips, to match his & smiled. “I missed this.” He was already holding onto her hips like his life depended on it, so she decided to practice a little something Kim had educated her on.

That hip rocking, that was old news. How about a hip roll. A soft circle against him, then a small figure 8. He must’ve liked it because his grip tightened which she took as a good sign. Little did she know the conversations jack & Isaac had been having about her, surely then she would have put in more effort to drive him insane.

Right now she was being selfish. Rolling her hips, bouncing, grinding, doing whatever felt good for her & gave her tingles.

Then a notification on her phone popped up & suddenly the game that had just started, stopped.

His forehead rested against hers for a second. "So... if I ever ask you for something.....it'll be because it's something I actually need." He exhaled softly, and his eyes flickered closed, "I guess I don't really know what I want, I've never thought about things like that, but I'd love to go away with you properly. Not like for work, not with steve and kim or isaac and vivian, just us somewhere..."

As she teased him about his hips, he let out a laugh. "Oh, so now it's my fault?" He raised an eyebrow. "Sunshine, I'm pretty sure you've been the dangerous one since the day we met."

His hands stayed comfortably on her waist as she shifted against him, his grip tightening just enough that she noticed. "There you go again..." He murmured with an amused shake of his head. The bulge in his pants poked at her, and it caused his breath to catch in the back of his throat.

"You keep doing that.....and I'm going to forget we were supposed to be having a nice quiet evening."

Then, just as quickly as the moment had built... Her phone buzzed. Jack looked toward it before back at her, letting out a dramatic sigh. "...Saved by the pizza."

He laughed, stealing one quick kiss from her lips before helping her off his lap.

"I suppose we'd better answer the door before the delivery guy starts wondering why nobody's moving."

He stood, offering her a hand with a grin.