#jack please!

“How do I look, Mom?” You turn around from where you’ve been facing the mirror, looking worriedly to be sure that your dress still makes you feel as beautiful as it did the day you picked it out.

“Oh, sweetheart, you look—,” your mother chokes on her words, stepping closer to hold your face in her hands, “—so beautiful.” She pauses to smile and run a soothing thumb over your cheek, easily sensing your nervousness. “I’m sure that—Jack, right?—is gonna think the same thing.”

You bite back a smile as you look up at her. This is just one of the many things you’re fearing. It’s your senior year of high school, and luckily for you, you’ve gotten to spend it in an entirely new state. Your father’s new job had forced your family to move from your previous residence in the heart of New York City to the vast countryside of Kentucky, and that alone made it harder to fit in. You weren’t keen on making any close friends, anyway, since college was so close. But you couldn’t deny the way your heart fluttered the first time you saw Jack.

Being named after a brand of whiskey was, according to him, his best quality. The first time you’d met him, he’d shown you that smile so bright it practically lit up the entire room. He was always so kind and eager to make you feel comfortable, and he never let you be alone if he could help it. You were casual friends at best, although you wanted to be more. So, it truly took you by surprise the day he’d asked you about the prom.

“I’m sure you’ve already got yourself a date, right?” Jack had asked as he walked with you to the cafeteria.

“Well, uh—no, actually,” you’d confessed, unsure if you should’ve been honest. You actually weren’t even planning on going to prom, since you didn’t have any close friends you wanted to go with.

“No?” Jack had practically gasped when he echoed your answer. “Now, darlin’, that surprises me.” He’d let out a sigh, looking over at you with a hopeful twinkle in his dark eyes. “But I can’t lie—it also makes me real excited.”

You’d furrowed your brow at him. “Why?”

Jack never broke your gaze as he answered you. “‘Cause now I can ask you to go with me.”

You’d frozen for a moment, having to stop walking as you processed his words. After swallowing hard, you’d started smiling just a bit, trying to convince yourself he’d actually said such words. “Really?”

Jack had raised an eyebrow as he nodded. “Of course, sugar! What, you think I’d be jokin’ ‘bout somethin’ like that?”

You’d shrugged. “I just—I didn’t think anyone would want to take me.”

Jack frowned at that. “I don’t think that’s true. But anyone who’d pass up the chance to have you on their arm is a fool.” He’d paused when he saw your smile coming back, starting to show one of his own. “So, that’s a yes?”

You’d smiled widely up at him. “I’d love to, Jack.”

You wish you could’ve taken a mental snapshot of his smile then, the corners of his lips practically reaching his ears as he looked down at you. “That’s great, darlin’! I’m real excited, now. It’ll be the best night of our lives. Promise.”

And you’re sure Jack will follow through with his end of that—though you fear you’ll disappoint him with yours.

“Don’t worry, princess,” your mother breaks you out of your worrisome thoughts. “I bet you’re gonna have him right under your spell.”

“Please, Mom,” you laugh, shaking your head as you start to walk out of your bedroom. Your mother follows, shutting off the lights for you and giving you a hand as you walk down the stairs in your heels. You look up to see your father waiting for you in the foyer, his jaw dropped slightly as he sees you.

“Wow, honey, you look… so grown up,” your father remarks, smiling as he holds you by the shoulders and observes you. “You look amazing.”

“Thanks, Dad,” you say, patting his arm to make him release your shoulders. You’re about to say more when you hear the sound of a car door outside, causing you to freeze. A nervous yet excited flutter makes itself known in your stomach, and you take a deep breath to collect yourself.

“That must be him!” your mother exclaims excitedly, and no later does the doorbell ring. Your mother nudges you forward to open the door, and you numbly close the distance as your hand rests on the door handle. You pull it open, seeing Jack standing there in all his Southern glory fashioned with a black tux that fits his lean body just right. His hands hold onto a corsage and boutonniere set that matches the same colors as your dress, but his dark eyes are set on you—and your cheeks warm up when you see that his mouth’s fallen open just a bit upon observing you.

“Well gosh, darlin’, I didn’t know you’d be exceedin’ my expectations,” Jack states, a smile now growing on his lips. “They were already high enough.”

You let out a soft chuckle. “I could say the same thing about you, Jack.” He beams, and you step aside to let him inside the foyer. You introduce him to your parents, and he shakes their hands warmly while greeting them with their formal Mr. and Mrs. titles. You can tell your parents are charmed right away, and he answers each question they throw at him with grace.

“What time will you be back?” your father asks.

“Whenever you want us to be, sir,” Jack assures him with a nod.

“Are you gonna sneak away to any parties?” your mother teases—though you still want to facepalm at her embarrassing question.

“No, ma’am,” Jack says with a soft chuckle. “I think the prom’s a party enough for the both of us.”

“I trust that my daughter’s in safe hands,” your father reflects, smiling a bit as he gestures to you.

“Absolutely, sir,” Jack confirms. “I’m gonna take real good care of her for you. Promise.”

“I’m not worried about it,” your father insists, patting a friendly hand against Jack’s shoulder. You bite back a smile, relieved to see your rather protective father feeling so peaceful about Jack.

Before you leave, your mother helps you and Jack take care of the corsage and boutonniere, him slipping yours gently onto your wrist as you pin his to his left lapel. After suffering through a picture session your mother begs for, you’re finally alone with Jack, heading towards the truck he’s pulled up in your driveway. He walks around your side to open the door for you, causing your cheeks to heat up yet again as he helps you step up into the truck. Once he gets in his side, you let out a breath, watching as your parents give you one last wave.

“I’m so sorry about them,” you apologize, looking over to see the ghost of a smile stuck on his lips.

“Why?” Jack asks. “They’re real sweet.”

“And very nosy,” you giggle. “I felt like I was watching an episode of Jeopardy!.”

Jack laughs, the sound making your heart flutter as he gives you a quick look of nothing but sheer admiration. “I can promise you, darlin’, that I don’t mind one bit. It just proves to me that you’re a real treasure.”

You smile at that. “What about your parents?”

You see Jack’s face fall a bit at that, and you almost regret asking the question. However, just like with your parents, he answers it with grace. “I meant to tell your parents that Mama wanted to come—but she ain’t feelin’ so good today.”

You frown. “I’m sorry, Jack.”

Jack waves his hand. “It’s alright, sugar. It’s just a lil’ cold.” He then hesitates, as if he’s unsure if he should say the next part. “I ain’t seen Pa in a long time, so… I don’t know.”

Your heart nearly plummets into your stomach as you curse yourself for bringing up something likely so traumatic for him before the night’s even begun. “Jack, I had no idea. I’m—.”

“No apologizin’, beautiful. You didn’t know.” Jack looks over to give you an encouraging smile. “I appreciate your concern, though. But it’s been a while, so don’t worry ‘bout me. Just think about tonight.”

You find the darkness starting to ebb away at his words, and your smile slowly returns. “Alright.”

The school isn’t too far from your house, and soon you’re pulling into the parking lot. Jack hops out of the truck to open the door for you again, setting one hand in yours and the other on your waist to keep you steady as you get down. He then offers his arm for you to take, and you give him yet another smile as you hook yours around his and walk inside with him. He presents the tickets, and soon you’re both in the darkened gymnasium, listening to the soothing rhythms of country music they’re playing through the speakers.

“You want somethin’ to drink, darlin’?” Jack asks, making his voice just a bit louder to be heard over the music as he looks over at you.

You shake your head at him. “No, I think I’m good for now.”

Jack nods, looking towards the dance floor and then back to you. “Can I make a miracle happen and get you on the dance floor already?”

You laugh, nodding as you let him lead the way. For the first few songs, it seems as if Jack’s main goal is to get you to laugh as he embraces his goofiest self, even pulling some ridiculous moves just to hear you rumble with amusement. He admits this to you, but assures you of your good moves as you do a bit of dancing on your own. You’ve never been the type to love dancing—but with Jack, it feels so much more fun and natural than it ever has before.

The only time you feel that twinge of nervousness come back is when the music slows down. You clear your throat as you look towards the table of refreshments, gesturing to it with your head. “I could use that drink, now,” you tell Jack, trying to avoid the sting of rejection at the idea of slow dancing with him.

“Sure thing, beautiful,” Jack assures you, starting to walk with you towards the table. “But I do get to have you back on that dance floor soon, right? It’s my favorite part.”

You look at him in shock as he pours your drinks, numbly accepting the one he hands to you. “It is?”

Jack nods earnestly, taking a sip of his punch before speaking again. “I’ve been waitin’ to dance with you like that.” He gestures to the couples who have each other pulled close, swaying together to the music. Your cheeks heat up as you try to hide it behind your cup. You see Jack’s gaze flash with concern. “Are you alright with that, darlin’?”

“Yeah!” You rush to reassure him, nearly choking on your drink as you barely manage to swallow it down in time. “Of course. I—I just wasn’t sure if, you know, you’d want to.”

Jack sets his drink down onto the edge of the table and pulls you aside, holding both of your hands in his as he looks down at you. “When I told you I was gonna make this the best night of our lives, I meant it, sweetheart. Don’t you doubt your worth for a second, alright?”

You give him a nod, feeling your heart practically fly through your chest as he gives your hands a squeeze and lets them go. Thankfully, Jack hadn’t filled your cup too much, and soon you’re both finished with the drinks. You toss the empty cups away and let him lead you back to the dance floor, your body tingling with anticipation as he finally stops and starts to pull you close. One of his hands entwines with yours as the other rests on the small of your back.

“Is this okay?” Jack checks with you, and unable to get anything out of your throat, you nod at him to respond. Jack smiles a bit and nods back, starting to sway along to the music with you. You’re completely lost in the wonder of his dark gaze, watching as it lights up like the stars of the Kentucky night sky. You’re unable to believe that he can hold so much in his eyes, and you feel as if you’re seeing into his very soul as he never peels his gaze away from yours. The rest of the world feels drowned out as you take in the unspoken affection you both share, and your mind begins to wonder what life would be like if you had this view all the time.

At one point, you begin yearning to have him even closer to you. Your gaze looks away from Jack for the first time to see what the people around you are doing. You see a few in the same position as you, while others have their arms completely around their partners. Deciding to change it up, you suck in a breath of faith as you release his hand. It takes Jack by surprise at first, especially as your arms wrap around his neck and your cheek falls onto his shoulder. But his smile is nearly audible as his hands delicately wrap around your waist, accepting you into his warm grasp as you continue to move together. You never want the moment to end—and you’re certain it’s one of the best things you’ve ever experienced.

Eventually, though, just like all dreams, the moment fades away. The night starts to end, and before you know it, Jack’s leading you back out to the truck. He runs the usual routine of helping you into the truck and then getting in himself, but he hesitates before turning to you.

“Look, I know I told your mama no partyin’, and I’m gonna stay loyal to that,” Jack starts to ramble, his dark gaze looking at you seriously. “But I managed to get a drink for each of us from my Mama, if you wanted to go somewhere and just talk for a lil’ while.”

You smile at him, feeling your heart soften as an urge arises to pinch yourself—because there’s no way you’re not dreaming a guy this perfect. “That sounds amazing, Jack.”

He smiles widely, nodding as he brings the truck to life and starts to drive away from the school. He takes you both down a side road you’ve never seen before, and after a few minutes spent on the dirt road, he pulls off onto an open field of grass, driving through it until he’s out of reach of the road. Jack stops the truck in its place, looking over to see your eyebrow raised at him. “This is an abandoned farm,” he explains. “It’s got a real good view of the stars.”

You nod, watching as he leaves the truck to help you down once again. He then reaches into the backseat to grab the drinks he’d been talking about before as well as a few blankets, tossing them both into the bed of the truck. He helps you up and follows you soon after, spreading out the blankets to make them comfortable and inviting you to sit on them. You sit with your back against the rear window, accepting the bottle of beer Jack’s cracked open for you. You’re both silent for a few moments as you sip your drinks, looking at the view of the night sky provided by such a clearing of trees.

“You’re right,” you finally agree, seeing Jack look over at you when you speak. “This is a really good view.”

Jack says nothing for a moment, and you finally look over at him once it worries you enough. You see his gaze studying you as if you’re a piece of art, and you feel your cheeks warm up before he even says his next few words. “It ain’t as good as the view I’ve got right now.”

You shake your head, taking a swig of your drink to try to hide your shyness. “That’s sweet, Jack, but I beg to differ.”

Jack frowns a bit, and you feel your heart start beating faster as he wraps an arm around your shoulders and pulls you closer to his side. “Hey now, darlin’, I’m serious. You gotta listen to me.” His brow is furrowed, and you can tell he’s being completely honest as he continues. “You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve just ‘bout ever seen—inside and out. I’m a bad liar, so you’d know if I wasn’t bein’ honest.” You bite back a smile at that, seeing Jack’s gaze flash with relief at the sight. “I don’t wanna hear any more of this self-deprecatin’. Alright, sweetheart?”

You give him a nod, seeing him smile with satisfaction as you dare to rest your head against his shoulder. For many more minutes, you both sit there and share some more about yourselves. You tell Jack about your life in New York and what it was like to come to Kentucky, and he tells you about his experiences growing up and the mystery surrounding his father. He’s just wrapped up his story when you involuntarily shiver, being grazed by the cool breeze of the spring evening. Jack unwraps his arm from around you, setting down his nearly empty bottle as he turns to you.

“Are you cold, sugar?” Jack asks with concern.

“A little,” you confess, not wanting to lie to him.

Jack immediately shrugs off his jacket, leaving him in just his vest and button-up as he lays his jacket over your shoulders. You take the lapels in your hands to secure it around you, breathing in the smell of his cologne that now envelopes you. “Better?” You nod, seeing Jack smile again as he wraps his arm back around you.

The rest of the time, you talk a bit about your anticipated futures post-graduation. You find out that Jack’s looking to do some kind of work in intelligence, and you tell him about your aspirations for college. He never fails to show his excitement for you and encouragement to do whatever makes you happy, no matter what. It makes you feel more valued than you have in a long time—and you find yourself yearning for more of this feeling, for more of him.

But the night starts to end before you have the faith to tell him that. You keep his jacket around your shoulders as he cleans up the blankets and bottles, helping you off the bed of the truck and back inside it before he takes off for your house. Feeling bold enough to make at least one affectionate move, you reach for the free hand he’s had resting on the stick shift and entwine your fingers with his. Jack looks over at you in slight awe for a moment, quickly turning it into a smile as he gives your hand a squeeze. You haven’t felt this happy in so long, and you’re reluctant to let it go.

When you pull up in your driveway, you feel your heart starting to ache at the thought of leaving Jack—but also flutter at the idea of what Jack could do before leaving you. You’ve seen it in his eyes the entire night: you know he’s wanted to kiss you, but he hasn’t, and you wonder what’s making him hesitate. You can guess that he’s probably been scared of overwhelming you or overstepping his boundaries, but you wonder if he’ll throw that out the window once he leaves you. Your cheeks warm up when he helps you out of the truck for the last time and walks you up to your doorstep, stopping on the front stoop to face you with a large smile.

“So?” Jack begins, his dark gaze glittering down at you. “Was my mission accomplished? Was this the best night of your life?”

You give him a reassuring smile, squeezing both of his hands as you hold them in yours. “Easily, Jack.”

His eyes sparkle even more, and you bite back your smile at the sight of it. “That makes me so happy, sweetheart. I’m feelin’ the same way.”

You look at him seriously then, never tearing your gaze from his. “Thank you, Jack. For everything.”

Jack nods with a creased brow, as if he can’t believe you’re thanking him. “I should be sayin’ thanks to you, beautiful, for sayin’ yes to me in the first place. I was honored to be the one with you tonight.”

Your smile starts to take over again, and after the silence persists for a few moments, Jack takes his cue to head back to his truck. He drops your hands and starts to walk away, but—unable to resist the urge that’s pumping throughout your entire body, now—you call out to him. “Wait, Jack!”

Jack turns around quickly, as if he’s been waiting for you to stop him. “Yeah, darlin’?” he asks, walking back over to you.

All you can do is look in his eyes for a few moments before your hands reach for the sides of his face, pulling his lips to yours. You feel the sparks ignite throughout your entire body at the contact, your heart practically melting into a puddle inside your chest as his hands fall gently on your waist. He pulls you closer, kissing you back at your own pace like no one else has before. It’s soft, gentle, and passionate—just like Jack is himself. Your thumbs brush over his cheeks as you pull away, seeing Jack’s eyes shine brighter than they ever have as you both smile stupidly at each other. You can’t think of anything else to say, so you just tell him what you know you should. “Goodnight, Jack,” you say in a hushed voice, letting your hands start to fall from his face.

“Goodnight, baby,” Jack remarks, his newest term of endearment causing your heart to flutter even more as he starts to walk away once again.

Yet, as you watch him go, your eyes absentmindedly hold onto the jacket of his you’re still wearing around your shoulders, and your eyes widen as you call out to him once again. “Jack!” He turns his head, raising an eyebrow with an amused smile as you gesture to the jacket. “Your jacket!”

Jack gives you a mischievous look in return. “Keep it,” he tells you with a smile. “It gives me an excuse to come see you tomorrow.”