The Originals (Ghosttown Riders #10)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Colleen barely spoke a word after she came downstairs with her bag in hand, ready to go. He offered to take her to breakfast, but she claimed she wasn’t hungry. The ride was about twenty-five minutes to the bus depot. When he pulled into a spot, she immediately got off.

This was not the way he wanted to end things. If he was being completely honest with himself, he didn’t want it to end at all. But sometimes life was about the hard choices. As he’d told Colleen weeks ago, just because she liked something didn’t mean it was good for her. It rang true for Jack now.

He would never be able to give her what she needed or wanted. Colleen would make sacrifices to be with him. She’d give up her own life in exchange for his. And I love her enough to not let her do that. She wouldn’t make that decision on her own, so Jack made it for her.

She hooked her bag over her shoulder and stared down at the gravel in the lot. “You don’t have to wait with me.”

“Coll.” He reached for her hand, but she pulled away from him.

She glanced up, and her eyes were welled with tears, threatening to fall. “It’ll be easier if you don’t.”

Jack dropped his hand to his side. “Alright.”

She rushed forward, gave him a quick kiss, and backed up. “Bye, Jack.”

Colleen walked about five feet. He had no intention of leaving the lot until she was safely on the bus. But he’d respect her wishes. Suddenly, she stopped and spun around and rushed toward him. She threw her arms around his shoulders, hugging him tight. Her body shook against him, and he knew she was crying.

“I could stay,” she muttered. “I want to stay with you.”

Fuck. He wrapped his arm around her waist, hugging her close.

She could stay. He could stake his claim, and it would be done. Jack had no doubt in his mind she’d stand by his side until the end. But this was his life. Not hers. Colleen deserved more than anything he had to give. Keeping her as his own would be selfish. Jack recognized it. He tightened his hold, driving his hand into her hair. It was an internal struggle between what he wanted and what he knew was right.

“Please let me stay with you, Jack,” she whispered.

Jack knew it would be hard letting her go. But he hadn’t imagined it this heartbreaking and gut wrenching. He hugged her again, memorizing her scent and her body against his. He’d need this memory down the road. He slowly released her and grabbed her wrists behind his neck, unraveling her hold. He pressed her arms to her side.

“No,” he said.

He stared back at her, watching the hope drain from her face. Jack knew what she wanted to hear. And he knew he couldn’t say it. That’s how much she meant to him.

She cocked her head, smiled, and hiked up, pressing her lips against his. He immediately cupped her jaw, deepening the kiss. His tongue dipped between her lips, and her warm sweet breath drifted over his mouth. Her breasts pressed against his chest, and he tightened his hold over her throat, dropped his other hand down her arm, and clasped her hand. I’m gonna remember this, darlin’.

For the first time, Colleen ended the kiss and stepped back, letting go of his hand. It slipped away, and he let it. This was the right thing to do.

Colleen laughed, which seemed so out of place with all the raw emotion. “Last chance to keep me, Jack.”

He ground his teeth, forcing himself not to give in and take her home. It’s what he wanted. He reached out, swiping the tears from her cheeks.

“This is my life. Not yours.”

She sniffled, whispering, “It could be ours.”

So fucking sweet.

He cupped her jaw. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Her lips parted, and she shook her head. Jack refused to hear a rebuttal.

“Your life, the one you’re supposed to have, is gonna be beautiful. Better than anything I can give you.”

She shook her head.

“Yeah, it is. You’re gonna get what you deserve. All of it. I promise, darlin’.”

“But I love you.”

He felt it. And deep down in his soul, covered in a thick hardened shell, Jack loved her, too.

“I can’t give you what you deserve.”

“Yes, you can, and I…”

“No.”

She clamped her lips.

“Letting you walk away is gonna be the biggest sacrifice I’m probably ever gonna make.” He leaned closer, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. He lowered his voice to a whisper. “And I’m never gonna regret it.”

She smiled, wiping her cheeks and sniffling.

“You’re gonna leave. And you’re gonna promise me you won’t come back.”

He needed that vow, knowing he’d never being able to let her go a second time. When she remained silent, he whispered. “Promise me.”

“I won’t come back, I promise,” she whispered and turned, walking toward the bus.

****

Deep in her heart, she knew it was for the best. It didn’t make it hurt any less. Jack’s reasoning was honest and kind. And gut wrenching. It may have seemed desperate. She practically begged him to let her stay. But she would’ve regretted it had she not.

She drew in a deep breath, wiping her cheeks and straightening her shoulders. She walked to the pickup area and checked her watch. She still had about fifteen minutes if the departure was on time. Colleen glanced around the small groups standing on the tarmac. They ranged from older couples to families. There were a few loners like herself.

It would be a long ride alone with her thoughts. She just hoped she didn’t spend that time crying over what she’d lost. Colleen dropped her bag to her side and stared down at the opposite end of the road, waiting on the bus.

She was so lost in her own thoughts, she flinched when she felt someone come up behind her. Jack wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against his chest. In true Jack fashion, he knew exactly what she needed. This . If she was leaving for good, the last thing she wanted to see was Jack Reilly.

She folded her hand over his bound at her waist and leaned against his chest. He pressed his lips to the crown of her head. I’m going to miss you . She dug her fingers into his hand, fighting against her tears. This would be the last time she’d ever see him again. But she’d kept a keepsake.

“I stole your sweatshirt, and I’m not giving it back.”

His body shook, and he pressed his lips to her temple, whispering, “It’s yours now.”

She wasn’t sure how long she stood there with Jack holding her. All she knew was that she needed it. Maybe it would make it harder once the bus rolled up. But it would be worth it to have just a little more time with him.

It was ironic. Ten minutes ago, she was praying for the bus, now she was wishing it away. When the bus came into her view, her heart sank. Jack’s hold tightened over her. Maybe he was feeling the same way. It was on the tip of her tongue to beg and plead, one last time. But she didn’t.

Colleen turned in his arms, and he never let her go.

“You’re gonna be great, Jack. Anything and everything you do.” Her tears streamed down her face. “It’s gonna be great.”

Colleen kissed him and pulled away from his hold. She drew in a breath. It’s over.

She grabbed her bag, hooking it over her shoulder. Her tears raced down her cheeks and she didn’t even bother wiping them away. She walked to the bus and grabbed the rail. Don’t look back. But how could she not?

She drew in a deep breath and glanced over her shoulder, expecting to see Jack walking away. Instead, she stared back at him, still planted in the same spot, watching her.

She sniffled, brushing her shoulder against her cheek, and slowly smiled.

“Don’t forget me, Jack.”

I won’t forget you.

Colleen turned and walked up the stairs. She specifically chose a seat on the opposite side of the bus. This was hard enough without having to watch him disappear as the bus drove away.

It was another ten minutes before it pulled out of the lot. She closed her eyes, resting her head back.

Bye, Jack.