Page 30 of Jagger
We both chuckled, and he remarked, “Then I’ll just have to make sure you’re with me every second of every day.”
I smiled, and he reached out to offer me his hand. Linking our hands together, I felt something inside of me click back into place. Whatever was wrong seemed right, so I wasn’t going to question it.
A few minutes later, the waitress motioned for us to come to the counter, and the man came out from the back with a box loaded with to-go containers. Everything smelled wonderful.
“We made your order and added some desserts, a few extra drinks, and cream and sugar for the coffee. There’s silverware, plates, and cups in your room, and if you’ll stop by the office, our daughter has some extra blankets, pillows, and if you need it, some warm clothes.” Jagger slid two hundred-dollar bills across the counter, but the lady shook her head. “This is too much.”
He wrapped his arm around me. “You’re providing shelter, food, and clothes to me and my wife during a storm. It’s the least we can do to repay the hospitality.”
“I don’t want to take advantage of your kindness.”
“You’re not, and I insist. Who knows? We may be here a few days,” Jagger remarked.
“Well, breakfast is on me then,” her husband replied as he took the two bills and slid them into the register as Jagger picked up the box of food.
I took the thermos and a bag with a few smaller boxes, and we wished the nice couple a good evening before walking out. Jagger walked us to our room and placed the box on the table.
“I’m going to grab the stuff from the office so they can close for the night. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m going to text Cheyenne and my father so they don’t worry,” I told him, and he gave me a gentle kiss before walking out.
I turned the heat up slightly, needing to take the chill off the room as I sat on the bed and sent my messages.
Me:The weather beat us to Rapid, so we’re in a motel for the night. I’ll drop a GPS pin so you know where we are, but we’re safe, warm, and have food for the evening.
Dad:Thank you for telling me. I’ve got the deputies patrolling your area in case whoever it was comes back.
Me:Thanks, Dad. I’ll let you know when we get into Rapid City tomorrow.
Quickly, I fired off another message to Cheyenne.
Me:Here’s where we are for the night. Snow started to be too much to keep driving.
I dropped a GPS pin for her as well, wanting them to be aware of our location.
Cheyenne:Be safe, have fun, and find a way to forgive him.
Me:Already done.
Cheyenne:Yay!
She was a hopeless romantic and silly at heart, so the response was exactly what I expected from my cousin. A knock sounded into the room, and I checked out the window to see Jagger’s arms overloaded with warm stuff for us. I opened the door, and he tossed everything onto the bed.
“She made sure we had enough to survive the next Ice Age, but I didn’t want to tell her no,” he explained as I laughed at the enormous pile of blankets, pillows, towels, and jackets.
We divided up some of the food and ate silently at the small table while the TV played something mindless. I couldn’t help but feel the nerves building in my stomach. I’d already forgiven Jagger, and I was secretly hoping tonight would lead to loving, but I wasn’t sure he was on the same page, and I would feel stupid if I made a move and got shot down.
But when I looked across the table and deep into his eyes, I saw lust and hunger staring back at me, threatening to eat me alive.
And I hoped he would.
Chapter 15
Jagger
We ate dinner, then I put the rest of the food into the mini fridge before returning to the small table near the window. Jackie was sitting back, looking at something on her phone when I cleared my throat. She looked up and placed the phone on the table as she gave me her attention.
“I . . . I’m so sorry for the way I acted and the things I said to you,” I began, and she pinched her lips as I continued. “You didn’t deserve my anger, and I can’t say I’m sorry enough.” I looked down at the table and then back at her. “I never saw myself as good enough for anyone, let alone someone as amazing as you. When I thought Nana was hurt, I immediately blamed myself but lashed out at you. There isn’t any justification for my actions, but I hope I can prove to you how sorry I am and how I’ll never do anything like that again.”
