The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Twenty-Six

He should’ve gone straight to bed. He was beyond tired, and would probably pass out the minute his head touched the pillow. It made no sense why he’d suggest they build a fire in the pit in the yard. He couldn’t even believe when the words came out of his mouth.

After he’d finished his dinner, the only thing on his mind should’ve been getting some sleep. But their small interaction earlier had him a bit riled up. He was playing with fire. He needed to temper his desire, and touching her was the worst idea. He’d done it anyway.

The night had taken a complete turn when he’d gotten home. It had been years since he’d had someone wait up for him. Or asked about his day. Jack was caught off guard, and his first instinct was to shut her down because it was club business. It took him a minute to realize she wasn’t asking for information. It was out of genuine concern based off his mood. She’d picked up on it right away.

This was why people settled down, got married, and started families. This right here. The good stuff. Unfortunately for Jack, that ship had sailed. This peek into a normal life was long past him. But not her. She still had time to make a different life for herself. Any man would be lucky to have a woman like her by his side.

He glanced up from the fire. Colleen sat in the chair across from him, nestled in his sweatshirt with only the fire separating them. She was completely focused on the flames with her hair pulled back in a ponytail and not a stitch of makeup. She was pretty. Possibly the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“Called your brother, right?”

Colleen jerked her head and smiled. “Yes.”

She’d been with the club for years, but he’d had no idea she had siblings. In fact, Jack knew nothing about her life outside of the club. From the expression on her face, her brother must mean something to her. Jack was about to ask about her family, but Colleen beat him to it.

“He lives in Colorado with his wife and son. And they’re pregnant again.” Her eyes lit up.

“You close?”

“We’re only a year apart, so we’ve always been pretty tight. People used to think we were twins when we were little.” Colleen chuckled. “Michael practically raised me.”

“What about your folks?”

She drew in a breath and stared down at the fire. It wasn’t hard to read this was a sensitive subject.

“My parents, um” —she paused and shook her head— “let’s just say they didn’t always remember they had kids and shifted the responsibility to my brother to look after me. And he did.” Her smile faltered. “But yeah, we’re as close as we can be five states away. But we talk every couple weeks, and I’ve visited a few times. I love it there. Have you ever been to Colorado? It’s beautiful.”

“Yeah, it is.” Jack took a drag from his cigarette, watching her settle into her chair. She seemed content and happy, which sparked a thought in his mind. “You been with us a long time.”

She raised her brows.

“Just wondering why you haven’t left. Most girls would’ve moved on. Hell, most have outgrown it.”

Colleen shrugged. “I like being around the club.”

It was the answer he’d expected, but it lacked passion when she said it. Maybe her response would’ve been more convincing a few years ago. But now it seemed almost robotic.

“Just ’cause you like something doesn’t make it good for you.”

Colleen chuckled, nervously peeling the label on her bottle. “Where would I go?”

“Big fucking world, darlin’.” Jack cocked his head. “Just told me how much you like Colorado, right? Be around your family. The babies.”

Her face transformed once again. She tried to conceal her smile, but it was there. Colleen had bigger dreams and aspirations than being a club whore in Ghosttown. She may not have believed it herself, but Jack saw something more in her. She’s not supposed to be here.

“Trying to get rid of me, Jack?”

Colleen was teasing with her question, but Jack wasn’t with his response.

“Maybe.”

Her smile faltered, and she glanced up. There was a part of him that wanted to take it back, seeing the hurt in her eyes. But the more sensible part knew she needed to hear it.

“This life ain’t for everybody.”

You deserve better.

****

Colleen had barely slept last night. She’d tossed and turned more times than she could count. At some point, it was too hot, and she’d relentlessly kicked off her covers. Other times she was freezing and bundled covers around herself into a cocoon. It had nothing to do with the temperature or the mattress. She was frustrated, not only with herself, but with Jack.

She knew there weren’t any strings attached with her staying at his house. Any connection she might’ve sensed on his end was obviously delusional. He wasn’t interested in anything more than helping her out with a place to stay for a night or two. And now he was suggesting she leave Ghosttown. That stung more than it should’ve. How could it not? She’d been half in love with the man since the first time she’d stepped into the Ghosttown Riders clubhouse.

Colleen stuffed her clothes in her bag, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and made the bed. She hooked her bag over her shoulder and walked down the stairs. Jack was in the kitchen standing next to the counter, sipping his coffee and staring down at the newspaper. It was such a normal scene, yet somehow he made it look especially sexy in his black fitted T-shirt showing off his biceps and his worn jeans that fit snug against his ass. If she had to guess, this man’s body was perfection. But I’ll never find out.

After perusing his body, she glanced up to find Jack staring back at her with a small smile playing on his lips. Heat rushed to her face, and she ducked her head. This wasn’t the first time she’d been caught looking at him, but considering her current position, it was embarrassing.

She forced a smile, and hiked her bag up on her shoulder. Jack’s eyes immediately darted to her bag, and his gaze hardened.

“Thanks for letting me stay, Jack. I really appreciate it. Your hospitality and everything.”

Jack turned toward her, leaned his hip against the counter, and fisted his coffee cup. “Where am I dropping you off? Dunn’s place?”

Colleen bit her lip and shook her head. “I think I’m going to just stay at The Lodge for a night or two. I’m realizing how much I don’t miss him. That’s probably a sign I should follow.”

Jack slowly nodded but remained silent.

“Thanks for letting me stay here.”

He lifted his mug to his mouth, peering over the rim. “You said that already.”

“Right.” Her laugh was nervous and shaky as she drove her hand through her hair.

“This is about what I said last night?”

It was, but that was the last thing she wanted to talk about with him. It was embarrassing enough the first time. Colleen didn’t want to relive it.

“You know why I said it?”

She gave a small shrug. “I think maybe I’ve worn out my welcome.”

“No.” Jack’s face softened. “Said it ’cause I think you can do a lot better with your life than hanging here with us. You ain’t gonna shine the way you should, always in the background of the club.”

What? Her mouth fell open, and a rush of emotion shot to her heart. It was probably the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

“Thanks for saying that.”

Jack pushed off the counter and stalked toward her. He grabbed the handle of her bag and took it off, dropping to the floor in the corner and rounding the table. What was he doing? Jack didn’t say a word. He walked over to the fridge and opened the door, looking inside.

“You want eggs for breakfast?”

What?

“You don’t have to…”

He glanced over his shoulder, those brown eyes looking back at her. “We’re gonna eat, need to make a few calls, then you and me will take a ride. Grab some food, then we come back here.” His gaze narrowed. “Where you’re gonna stay until you can figure out what you wanna do.”

“What if I don’t figure out what I want to do in a couple of days?”

“Then you stay a couple more.” Jack arched his brow. “Now. You want eggs or not?”

Without even realizing it, Jack made her fall in love with him a little more.