Page 80 of Ashes of the Past
“Jack, please!” She grabs my arm, but I pull away, shaking my head.
“No. Whatever you came here for, you’re not getting it.”
I’m starting up the porch steps when headlights sweep over the yard, washing everything in bright white. I know that truck—I’d recognize it anywhere. This time, it’s not some unwanted ghost from my past. It’s Brynn.
And the last thing I want is for her to see this and get the wrong idea.
I glance at Savannah, my expression is hard as stone. “You need to leave. Now.”
She blinks, looking between me and the approaching car. “Jack, I—”
“Go.” My voice is sharp, cutting through the night like a blade.
Her lips part like she wants to argue, but the look on my face must tell her I’m not playing games. With one last glance, she turns, climbing back into her car. The engine hums to life, and I watch as she pulls out, disappearing down the road.
As Brynn’s truck rolls to a stop, I take a steadying breath, shoving my hands into my pockets. The past is done. I’ve got bigger things to deal with now.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Brynn
Igrip the steering wheel tighter as I pass a sleek car barreling down the driveway, kicking up a cloud of dust in its wake. It’s dark, so I can’t see the license plates very well.
Did the insurance adjuster come back out? That’s definitely not a local vehicle.
There’s a woman driving, but I can’t see her face. I give the obligatory wave, but as I pass, she shoots me a dirty look.
Okay then. You’re unfriendly.
I laugh and roll my eyes. From what I’ve heard, the insurance adjuster is quite the pill. I imagine Dad and Jack didn’t handle that well, and she’s in a bad mood because of it.
When I pull up to the house, Jack is standing on the porch, arms crossed, jaw tight, his entire posture radiating frustration.
Did I do something wrong?
I blow out a long breath and pause for a minute.
Rational thoughts, Brynn. You haven’t been here; a car just left, so whatever has caused Jack to look like he’s mad as hell isn’t me.
“Hey,” I call out, stepping out of my truck. “Was that the insurance adjuster just now leaving?”
Jack shakes his head, his expression dark. “No.”
I frown. “Okay, then, who was it? Only someone with the insurance company would be driving a car like that, or someone from out of town.”
His eyes flick to mine, something unreadable lurking in their depths. “It was my ex-wife.”
My breath catches. “Your ex-wife?” The words taste strange on my tongue. “I thought she lived in Texas. Is everything okay? Why is she here?”
Jack lets out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “She came to tell me that she made a mistake and wants me back.”
The gasp escapes before I can stop it, and my cheeks heat with embarrassment. I blink rapidly as jealousy and hurt rise in my chest, twisting together in a way that makes it hard to breathe. I never thought to ask how he felt about his ex-wife. Maybe he wants to work it out with her.
“Oh, I…uh, well, I guess if that’s what you want.” My voice is small and uncertain.
Jack moves toward me as best he can, his steps slower due to his injuries, but his determination is clear. “It’s not what I want. She cheated on me, Brynn. I can’t trust her.” His hand lifts, fingers grazing my cheek as his gaze holds mine. “I only want you.”
His lips crash against mine, and I melt into him, all hesitation wiped away by the sheer heat of his kiss. His hands slide around my waist, pulling me against him as his mouth claims me with desperate, fervent need. My fingers tangle in his hair, and he groans against my lips, deepening the kiss. Theworld blurs around us, and for this moment, nothing else exists but Jack and the fire between us.
