* mature *

E l i z a b e t h

Jack guided me down from the kitchen countertop with my request.

I couldn't believe I actually asked that, but I was sure of it. Jack's touch left me wanting more. Everything about him.. I wanted more of.

I wasn't ready to fully give myself to him. And without directly speaking the words, I knew Jack was aware. My hands fiddled around until they found his behind me. Guiding him up the stairs and down to my room I opened the bedroom door and stepped in. Jack let go of my hand so that he could shut it close again.

My heart was heard beating out of my chest. My body nervously looking around my room as I knew Jack only stared at me. It was obvious. His eyes burned onto me and my every movement that followed too.

What do you do now?

My inexperienced self was made obvious in his presence. He couldn't help but chuckle with my clueless actions. This only made me cover my face in embarrassment. The heat rising over me made my cheeks burn bright red. This is so not the way I wanted this to happen.

"You alright?" Jack chuckled, his presence now felt drawing closer.

I didn't speak, only shook my head. Disagreeing.

His small laugh was kept present as I felt his warm hands on my shoulders. His touch urged me to look back up at him. Brown orbs never left my own while he leaned in closer. My heart began to beat faster and faster.

"We don't have to do anything you don't want." He spoke in between the soft kisses he pressed down my cheek and neck.

My eyes fluttered closed over his shoulder, softly nodding.

Looking back at me, Jack pecked a small kiss to my forehead. This kiss later traveled down to meet my lips. His breath was minty and tasted like it too.

His hands met with the warm skin beneath my shirt as we kept kissing. Our covered chests pressed together. His thumbs rubbed small circles over the top of my hips, fingertips gently digging into my back. The touch was oddly satisfying. I've never been touched so gentle by Jack before. Our moments were always so heated and desperate. This time, it was slow. Gentle.

I wrapped my arms back around his neck, wanting to keep him close like I did back in the kitchen. With all my movements, I found myself now walking backwards towards my bed-- Jack guiding me. We remained together; close together. The back of my legs came in contact with my mattress. Jack slowly guided my body to lay above it. His lips leaving a never ending trail of kisses.

I became mesmerized. My thoughts going no where else but right here, to this very moment. I never pictured myself doing this with Jack. Just a couple of weeks ago, he was the mysterious boy who kept following me around. Tonight, he's just a sweet guy with a gentle touch. I felt bad for everything he's been through. It can never be compared to mine. But on some level, I understood his pain-- and just like that, I wanted to make it go away. Just the way I wanted to back in the woods when he told me about Serena.

His hands skimmed the sides of my legs and thighs. A deep moan falling from the back of his mouth as our kiss heightened. My hands found themselves fiddling with the hem of his t-shirt, urging for him to take it off. Jack didn't hesitate on finishing the request. The fabric was swiftly pulled over his torso and out his head to fall effortlessly on the floor. My eyes grew wider in excitability as a shirtless Jack stood at the end of my bed. Heart began to beat faster as more of his smooth, tanned skin was revealed. Tattoos become more prominent on his toned arms.

Jack's plump bottom lip was caught between his teeth as he gazed over me. I shyly smiled, cheeks blushing slightly. I heard him chuckle before he went back down towards me again. He was warm. Comforting.

The dim lighting in my bedroom provided a subtle feeling of tranquility from the fairy lights that hung up around my walls. I nervously gulped as Jack slowly clawed up to me. His face lowered to mine, plump lips pressing kisses to my cheeks then mouth. Our lips met again, this time in a more rapid kiss from before. His hands cupped my cheeks, teeth tugging at my bottom lip. I felt a strong urge of desire towards him. Before I even became aware of it, my hands were digging into the soft skin of his muscled back. It startled me slightly as his hips were gently rolled into mine. The friction created forced me to gasp for air. The action seemed much more intimate. I was becoming hyperaware of what was about to happen, and did nothing to stop it.

Which is why when it did, all of a sudden, I was rather disappointed.

"Mmm." Jack mumbled. His lips pulled away from mine but his body remained hovering over me. The muscles in the arms flexed as he held up his weight from being forced upon me. Heavy breathing was exchanged between both of us while we took the moment of silence to catch our breath.

"I can't." He shut his eyes closed, head looking over to one side of his shoulder.

My eyebrows furrowed as he hastily moved away from my body. He sat up on the edge of my bed and scavenged with his eyes for his shirt on my floor.

I rose up besides him, running a hand through my hair as my my breathing was exhaled rapidly from my mouth. I wasn't understanding? Was it something I did?

I looked down at the ground in front of me. Was is not suppose to happen like that? I felt embarrassed enough as it is to even think it, much more to actually say it out loud. But it seemed like the logical question to ask for that moment. Right? "Did I do something wrong?"

I was barely able to finish my question when Jack's shirtless body immediately turned to me.

"No no no no no.." He shook his head, a small smile helplessly appearing in his plump lips. "You were perfect." He emphasized to make it clear what he had to say.

Still... He didn't answer my question. Only rose up new ones. Like.. If I was so perfect then why did we stop?

Jack was quick to notice my confusion and even quicker to come up with an explanation.

"I just.. I don't want you to feel pressured." He shook his head. "I didn't tell you that story so that you would feel enough pity for me to do something you might not be ready for."

My mind was thrown off my by own train of thoughts. I felt a sudden shock run through my body, and at the same time peace. I wasn't going to let anything happen that I knew I wasn't comfortable with. But just the fact that he thought about me in that way too, it made me more sure of what I wanted. Him.

I kneeled up in the bed besides him. My hands touched the warm skin of his broad shoulders to relieve some tension. They soon wrapped around him in an embrace. My front pressed to his back. I needed him to know that I was okay, and I appreciated his way of thinking. I'm sure there's not many guys nowadays that think so like that themselves. And coming from someone like Jack makes it even more rare.

"Kiss me." My lips pressed to his ear.

I didn't know what was going on me. This is something I would normally never say, nor even dreamt of saying. There was just something about Jack though. I was desperate for his touch. The way he handled things for me at the coffee house... Or how he went with me to run errands and insisted on paying for everything we got. Or how he came home with me and made dinner for my entire family. Maybe even, it was the way he just listens to me. I know he's listening to every detail I throw at him. Even more so, he remembers them. That's not the kind of attention you can get from most guys these days. It's a shame.. But a blessing if you find one who gives you these traits.

Jack's head slowly turned as I whispered my words into his ear. He couldn't help but allow a smile to curve upon his lips. Body turned around.

Before I was aware of it, Jack was back on top of me-- the way we were before he stopped. His lips met with mine once more. This time, the kiss felt more at ease. As if he wasn't restraining himself from falling in too deep. It was effortless. Just the way a real kiss should feel.

I felt Jack's hands skim my sides again. Fingertips grazed my skin from the inside of my shirt. A small gasp escaped my lips as he cupped my breast and gently squeezed it. The room was getting hot. I wanted nothing more than to remove every piece of clothing I had on. But the debate on whether or not I should remained fresh in my mind.

I fought the urge.. Getting too close to him. All I wanted was to be intimate with him, the way we did back in the trailer truck. That was one of the best experiences of my life, and it wasn't even all that. A lot more could've happened. Tonight, I just want a little bit more.

My hands traveled up to his hair, combing through his soft curls before fisting them between my fingers. Jack groaned in approval. His voice alone sent waves of heat down my body. It was soothing. Jack didn't remove his hands from the inside of my shirt and I didn't pull away. In the heat of the moment I wasn't thinking, and found this piece of fabric over my top half was just a waste of space. I found myself pulling away from Jack's lip only to grip the hem of the shirt. Just like that, it was drifted from my torso. Down to the ground it went, along with Jack's.

I laid flat on my back against the soft mattress of my bed. Exposed for the first time, I revealed myself to a boy wearing just a bra and pants.

Jack's beautiful face was dimly illuminated by the twinkling fairy lights. His bottom lip was caught between his teeth as he looked down at me. His smile never leaving his face.

"You are so beautiful." He smiled.

My cheeks flushed with heat at the sound of his compliment. But I grew more and more nervous as time passed by and I recalled that I had no shirt on. I couldn't let my thoughts back me out of this one, so I pulled Jack in closer to me. This time, more forcefully. He laughed against my lips, hands meeting my exposed waist again. My hands were cupping his cheeks, both sides, kissing his lips rapidly as if he would disappear any moment now.

"Slower." Jack mumbled, catching his breath against my mouth. "Slower.."

Our foreheads met in order for me to relax my pace-- The pace I was taking too quickly. Our breaths came out in big puffs of air, fanning against each other repeatedly. His plump lips brushed against mine, urging our kiss to the right pace.

"Slowly." I felt him smile.

The pace got slower, more romantic but just as intense. Our lack of clothing adding to the feel of a heated affection. The slower we went, the more I wanted him. He was teasing, I know he was. This is probably his notorious charm on women... Taking things slow. And it was working alright.

His hand cupped my cheek as our lips gently brushed. My eyes were closed, fantasizing about the sensation running through my body as he kissed me. Touched me.

His thumb skimmed across my cheek. Rubbing small circles on my cheek bones, Jack held me close.

I couldn't help but whimper, Jack's hips beginning to swivel against mine. Our pants were the only objects preventing us from going all the way. I'm sure it wasn't the same feeling you get when it's skin to skin, but right now I was enjoying it. Jack released a throaty groan as I followed his movements, swiveling my hips. Our heated movements were having an increasingly apparent effect on Jack. The bulge in his dark jeans becoming stiff against me.

Lips were hastily pressed to mine in a heavy kiss. The sounds emitting from our mouths caught by one another. The distance between our panting bodies was decreased, my breast pressing to his hard chest. I lightly tugged on his hair, guiding his head to the side as I placed kisses down his neck.

Jack's erection was desperately straining against the black material of his pants. He looked almost pained at the restriction. I wanted him to feel comfortable. For us to be comfortable between the sheets.

My hands hesitantly reached out. Brown orbs shot open as my fingers wriggled into the top of his pants.

"Liz?" Jack asked questioningly.

"It's alright." I whispered.

I kept my gaze locked on his face, edging his pants slowly down his thighs. Our heavy breathing filled the heated room. Jack's large hands took over, pushing the pants down to his ankles and dropping them to the floor. I couldn't help but gasp as his almost naked body pressed to me. My pants were the only thing now preventing me from feeling his soft skin from his lower half. Much to my surprise, my lower half didn't go long being fully covered by my pants. Popping the button and tugging the zipper down, my pants began to slide down my legs. Jack noticed my unsteady and nervous movements below his body that soon enough he began to help me off of them himself. His hand skimmed down my thighs and he successfully helped me single handedly. The clothing was dropped to our side. I now laid with Jack, in my bed, with only our undergarments on.

The feeing was definitely more prominent than when he had the heavy, thick layer of his pants on. His boxers were soft, tight around his lower half.

"You are so beautiful." He mumbled, examining me from above. I felt his hair tickle my neck as he leaned down to kiss my collarbone. "Soft."

My fingertips traced his strong shoulders, nails suddenly digging in as his hips rolled against mine. His weight was rested on to his forearms on either side of my head. His body providing some sort of a shield. My hand traveled up, gripping the back of his neck. Our lips pressed together in a messy kiss as Jack revelled in the new freedom given to him. My underwear began to feel suffocating on my body. Jack's movements began to become a little more desperate. Fingertips trailed down his toned back, sweat glittering the clammy skin as he worked against me. I smiled upon hearing him lightly chuckle in response to my small hand gently squeezing his bottom. The intense pleasure coursing through my veins was a feeling I had only ever experienced with Jack. Regardless with the situation we were in, his presence always provided me with a sense of safety. There was no doubt in my mind that he would fiercely protect me.

"Liz." Jack's voice strained.

I knew he was close, his face nuzzling into the crock of my neck. I was inexperienced, but it didn't take a college degree to know when I guy was going to reach his climax. I was shocked. Teeth nipping at my tingling skin as Jack desperately tried to delay his release. Was I seriously making Jack react like this?

"Go..." I whispered.

I watched in incomplete awe as he rolled his head back. Jack's torso pulled away slightly from my body in order to display his strong chest and prominent collarbones. My lips parted. I couldn't quite wrap my head around the beauty above me. I had grown accustomed to Jack's unmistakable darkness to which he held above all. But this became increasingly difficult to believe. My eyes scanned over him in wonder. He looked like an angel.

I almost felt like I shouldn't touch him, scared that he would disappear. Hot breath puffed over my skin as his face returned to mine. Eyes were tightly squeezed closed as he held onto the remaining burst of writhing pleasure pulsing through his body.

"Shit." He breathily cursed.

I smiled, his profanity making him appear more human. The wet heat Jack had released could be felt through my undergarments as he grounded his crotch into mine. His movements became irregular, slowing down as exhaustion engulfed his body. I watched as a pink tongue slid from his mouth, glossing over his swollen lips. I felt is long lashes brush against my cheek as he lowered his head to press a lingering kiss to my cheek. A small chuckle escaped my lips.

Jack's brown orbs sparkled as he smiled down at me.

I wriggled as Jack attempted to place his hand above my underwear, dangerously close to the space between my thighs. His hand began to tug on the hem, but I stopped him before he could do anything else.

A confused expression crossed his face.

"I'm sorry.." I lightly shook my head.

I wasn't ready for it. I wasn't ready for any of this. I thought I was, but I think this is as far as it can go for now. I hated to admit it, but I couldn't go through with it...

My hand wrapped around his wrist, tugging it away from my lower half.

I felt bad for what I've done that I couldn't even look at him straight in the eyes. I got him to a state that most guys would feel the need to go further on. I got him excited... Ready... And now it's all over.

"Hey." His deep voice whispered, hand grabbing my wrist as I began to move away from beneath him. His hand released my wrist to catch my chin in order to get me to look back at him. I did, and once our eyes made contact, I couldn't help but fall for him all over again.

A soft smile reassured me once more of everything I began doubting.

"Don't apologize." He smiled.

I gave my head a small nod. Pulling me back into bed and under his body, Jack chuckled. "Doesn't mean we have to stop this.." He leaned in again, lips pecking a small kiss against mine. My eyes were closed but I couldn't help but giggle.

They fluttered open again to see Jack, non bothered, above me. His eyes were concentrated on all my features. It caused a smile to appear in his lips when he saw me catching him stare.

God he was so beautiful.

"Okay." I smiled, clasping my hands over his cheeks again.

We continued our actions, slowly like before. It was an action I didn't want to stop.

We kissed and we kissed.

The room got heated again, but kissing was the only action we portrayed. Well, kissing and touching. I couldn't get enough of his touch. His body was so warm against mine.

Time was passing by and our kissing only got more passionate. Our tongues fighting for dominance. I gripped his hair, pulling him closer. The chuckles of his deep laugh ran down my front. Muscles flexed as he held his body up above mine. I managed to wrap my legs around his. My hands now messing with the band of his underwear around his hips.

We weren't stopping for nothing...

* * *

Jack's laugh echoed around the room as I made him remove his clothes for me to wash.

We were both standing in my room, backs turned to each other as we began to take off our clothing.

"Don't turn around." I spoke, blushing as I went over to change my underwear.

I looked over my shoulder, just as a precautions and found Jack slightly smirking over his shoulder.

"JACK!" I exclaimed.

He only laughed, shaking his head before turning back around. His back now turning fully to mine.

"Okay, Okay..." His hands went up.

I turned around before he pulled the underwear down his legs. Rolling my eyes, I looked back down to my hips and grabbed the new underwear. The fabric was brought all the way down to my legs before I stepped out of them.

"I'm hungry." He spoke from behind me. All the way at the other end of the room.

"It's a good thing we got dinner started." I laughed, beginning to grab my pants.

"That reminds me..." He paused. "We never put the fish in the oven."

My head rolled back in long sigh. I can't believe we were so caught up in the moment that we didn't even think of putting dinner to cook. Great, this puts us so behind!

"Okay, let's finish changing and put it in the oven before my mom gets here."

I already had a set of clean clothes to change into beside me. You know, ones that weren't filled with Jack's specimen. I was quick to pull the new jeans up my lower half. I couldn't just change into pajamas like I originally would've loved to have. If my mom walked in right now and saw me in pajamas with Jack before 7, she would have her predictions. And I don't need my mom to picture what just happened in my bedroom with Jack. I wasn't going to risk it, therefore, I wore jeans.

My hands grabbed the new t-shirt I would be wearing and pulled it closer to me. I stopped before I could put it on though..

KNOCK! KNOCK!

The loud bangs on the front door of my house were heard from my room. I immediately turned around with my shirt held close to my abdomen. Jack, now clothed with his pants on, was closer to my door. He held his underwear in his hands as he looked over his shoulder before looking back at me. My gaze locked on my bedroom door.

I know the same thoughts ran across our minds towards the sound we both clearly heard.

Who could it be? Why are they knocking so hard?

"Are you expecting someone?" He asked looking back at me.

I shrugged my shoulders, unable to answer his question.

"Both Mandy and my Mom have keys?" I furrowed my eyebrows. "I-I don't know who it could be?"

I wasn't expecting anyone. My other guess would be James, but he has a copy of my house key too? He wouldn't knock like that? Would he?

"Get dressed and stay here." Jack instructed. My eyes watched him gather his shirt from the ground. I couldn't take in all the beauty he had wearing only his pants, for the creepy knock didn't allow me to do so.

The door was swiftly pulled open and he walked out. He disappeared before I could tell him not to. I couldn't let him go down there himself. What if it was Colt who finally found out where I lived? I prayed and wished it wasn't that, but there was a slight chance it could be. Therefore, I was scared.

The shirt was effortlessly drawn over my body. Grabbing my dirty clothes off the floor, I moved over to my bedroom door. The clothes were dropped into the dirty bin as I walked out behind Jack.

I raced down the hall in effort to catch up with him. My legs carried me down and around the stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, I began to hear vague voices begin to speak. I couldn't make it out to who it belonged to, though it sounded oddly familiar. When I peered my head around the corner of the steps, I noticed Jack standing with another tall figure. They were talking.

I walked out of the stairs and into the long hallway where they stood. The tall body peered over Jack's shoulder. His eyes met mine and immediately walked from in front of Jack.

"Elizabeth!" James exclaimed, worry in his tone. "Elizabeth! There you are! I was worried sick!"

I stood confused as he walked up to me, arms wide open to hold me in an embrace. Jack turned around and from over James' shoulder I noticed him shrug his shoulders.

"James? Is everything okay?" I asked. He pulled away but held his hands tightly around my shoulders.

"I saw the lights were turned on and a strange car was parked outside. I called you a dozen times and you didn't pick up." He explained. "So I decided to check up on you but began to worry when you didn't answer the door either."

I felt so bad. I forgot I wasn't the only one affected that night at the MET. James was there too, and probably more scare for me than I was. I could only imagine that the same thoughts that crossed my mind passed through his too.

"I'm sorry, James." Sincerity in my voice. Hand over heart I looked into his eyes. "I left my phone in the kitchen. I-I didn't mean to scare you.."

A long sigh fell from James' mouth. His eyes closed and shoulders fell heavy. You could notice the weight being lifted off his shoulders.

"I just... I thought you were in trouble.." His hand came up to his forehead, rubbing his temples. I took his hand in mine and gave him a gentle squeeze. The other hand resting over his shoulder.

"I'm okay." A small smile was spread across my lips, reassuring him that I wasn't in Colt's possession like how he imagined I was.

James' eyes trailed up and down my front. Not showing a very convinced expression, he turned over to look back at Jack. A shirtless Jack. Oh no.

"I see.." He observed Jack from afar before turning back to me.

"Didn't know you were busy with other company?" His head flicked back towards Jack.

"Uh.. Jack was just helping me make dinner." I explained, urging him to look back at me. Luckily, my statement worked.

"You? Cook?" He scoffed. "That's highly unlikely."

"Okay, so Jack is the one cooking.." I shrugged.

"Seems to me cooking was the only thing you were doing..." James looked down at my front. His stare lead me to notice that I had my shirt on backwards. Great, just what I needed.

"Sorry, I think I came at the wrong time." James spoke, sounding a bit more unhappier than when he mentioned my shirt. He began to turn around but I stopped him once more.

"I think I should step outside.." Jack pointed back out behind him.

"No!" I looked back Jack. He stopped in his tracks. "No one has to go anywhere."

James didn't listen.

"Jamie wait..." My hands grabbed onto his once more. My grip pulled him back to look at me.

I sighed. He could be pretty hard headed at times. The truth is, this could actually work..

"Would you like to join us? For dinner?" I asked, hope in my tone. "We're having Salmon?" My smile played it off as if I had a chance.

His reaction though said otherwise.

"Zach is home." He shook his head.

"Bring him too. It'll be great!" I clapped my hands.

James looked back at Jack one more time.

"Is he staying?"

"Yes."

My response was one he wasn't hoping to hear, but in a way was expecting it too. He wasn't too pleased.

"I should go then."

A now fully clothed Jack made way for James as he continued to walk out towards the front door.

"James..."

Before he could step out, the door knob giggled a little. It was swung open after the lock was heard unlocked. Peering inside, unaware of the bodies in our hallway was my mother.

"Oh!" She gasped, surprised but happy with the view of all of us. "What's going on here?" She smiled congenially at the guys.

Before I could say anything, a nosey Mandy stepped in from behind her. She was eager to see what kind of trouble I was in.

"Oh Shit." She laughed.

My mother grinned down at Mandy towards her use of profanity. Not only was she too young, but that type of language was one in which my mother frowned deeply upon.

Oh Shit was right.

"Mom." I smiled. Both guys greeted her after me.

I was actually really happy, and relieved that Jack had his clothes on.

Noticing how stuck I was in the situation, Jack offered to help my mother with the bags she was holding on to. Mom was overwhelmed in joy. The one guy she knows I love more than anyone else and the new guy she accepts greatly of, were standing in our hallway. Me in between. What she thought was probably a lovey view, had a completely different story behind it.

My mom thanked Jack as she walked inside the room. Mandy besides her.

"So Liz.. What's going on here?" Her eyebrow arched. "Your two guys came to pay you a visit?"

"Mandy.." I almost growled.

"Mm.." Mom interrupted. Her head held high as she took in the aroma in the atmosphere. "What's that delicious smell?"

"Dinner." I smiled. "Jack cooked up something for us." I leaned closer to him, smiling as he looked down at me. Jack turned back to my mom. A smile lit up her face with the news.

"Jack.." She got excited. "You cooked..? For us..?"

"It was nothing.." He shook his head, smiling back as he spoke with my mom. "Liz was the one with the idea."

Mom's cheeks noticeably turned pink while she smiled back at us. Hands cupping over her lips. This was her legendary: full of joy face. One in which I haven't seen in a long, long time.

From the corner of my eye I saw James roll his eyes. This wasn't like him at all. We needed to talk and clarify some things. He's my best friend...

"Elizabeth? Cooking?" Mandy scoffed.

Is that such an impossible image to picture?

"Salmon, actually." Jack winked back at her, a player smile fully displayed on his lips.

"Wait... You made Salmon?" Mom's eyes grew wide. Didn't know if they were still of joy or just plain guilt. Guilt because we know how expensive Salmon can be in our circumstances. "Liz, you know we can't afford that stuff!" Mom's eyes widened with concern.

Before I could say anything, Jack stepped up.

"Actually, it was all James." He nodded.

I stood still, too shocked to move. Even James took upon the reaction in relation to mine.

What was Jack doing?

"Yeah, he knows how much you love it.. And Liz wanted to make you a nice dinner.." Jack looked away from James and back to my mom. The small smile never leaving his face as she took time to glance at both males. "So he pitched in."

She looked back at both of them. My mom was really sensitive when it came to little details like this. Somehow this has also rubbed off on me and together we get excited over the littlest of things. I recalled how much she adored it when my father would surprise her with coffee in the morning, or flowers for dinner. Tulips are her favorites. She would tear up just by the small actions he did for her and growing up with that envisioned, I fell in love with the little details too.

"Oh Boys.." She was so happy that she broke off a small chuckle. "It isn't even my birthday!" She joked.

Jack laughed along with her. Before doing anything else he looked back at James with almost threatening eyes in order for him to say something. Surprisingly, he did.

"You deserve a nice dinner, Tori." His smile remained for show, but I knew exactly that it wouldn't be there if it wasn't for my mom. "Now if you'll excuse me..." James' hand reached for the door knob once more. Everyone was left asking questions as to why he was leaving.

Mom wasn't going to let him get away, though.

"James, Honey?" She grabbed his hand. "You won't be joining us for dinner?"

James's eyes made contact with mine for a brief second before he looked back down at my mom. I knew exactly why he was leaving... Jack. Only James was too mature, too much of a gentleman to say so out loud.

"I'm sorry.. But I have Zach home and--"

"Oh don't be silly!" She shook her head. "You could bring him over! How could you pay for our dinner and not expect to be part of it?" Her voice was filled with hope. She really did want him to be here, James and Zach were both very important to us. They were family. But for the first time ever, Family couldn't be with Family...

"I don't mean to intrude." He shook his head.

"James Strider.." Mom stood akimbo. "You know you are always welcomed here."  "Now." She closed and locked the door in front of her. "Help me set the table."

James smiled down at my mom, finally agreeing with her remark. It wasn't like he could object to her.  I think my mom made that pretty clear to him.

Following behind her, James passed Jack and I back into the kitchen.

It couldn't end like this.. This between James and I. Glancing back at Jack, I excused myself and followed behind them to the kitchen.

"Mom," I spoke from behind the doorframe. "Can I borrow James for a minute?"

They both looked back at me before mom nodded and smiled. As James walked up to me, Jack came in from behind me and up to my mother. "Let me help you with that." He spoke, stretching up to the kitchen countertop in order to grab the plates she was reaching for. Mom smiled, taking him with a gentle pat to the back.

James passed me and kept walking. Leaving the lovely picture of Jack helping my mother behind, I turned and walked behind James. He was heading out towards the door where my sister still stood

"Mads, can you go tell Zach to come over." I asked as we approached her.

She rolled her eyes. "Do it yourself. If you want me to leave you could just say so..."

I was so aggravated, now was really not the time. Before I could say anything, James stepped in.

"Please." He spoke sincere.

Mandy never held anything against James. He was her favorite, if I might say after my dad. She also respected him, so having him ask her that meant she couldn't reject it.

Exiting out the door, Mandy obeyed James. Alone at last. Leaving us both standing by the front of the house, I didn't hesitate in wasting another second. I shut the door and looked up at James. He already knew what was coming...

"James, nothing happened." I explained. Voice low enough for him, and only him to hear.

"You don't have to explain things to me, Liz." He shook his head. "It's your life, remember?"

"That's not the point." I shook my head. "I know you still hold these uncertain feelings towards Jack."

"Of course I do, because he's still a dude." He replied as if it what he was telling me was vivid. Okay, in some sense, it was-- but it's not like that with Jack. That's what I needed him to understand.
"Liz, you can't tell me he wasn't think about doing anything with you before I came in? The man was half naked when he opened the door and-- and your shirt was on backwards!" He explained, pointing down at my shirt with the tag out in front of me.

"James, nothing happened." At least not what he's thinking did.

"I'm not mad, Liz." He shook his head. "I was worried about you-- But despite what I thought, he is who you want to be with. I will tell you what I told him at the beach and that's that I'm willing to give him a chance.. For you. And I know.." He shook his head, "I know I have no right or say in who you choose to be with, but Liz, no matter how many bad guys he takes on to protect you... How many times he'll make you feel safe... I will never stop trying to do the same.. To do what I've been doing almost my whole life."

Jamie..

The words that came out of James' mouth caused more of an emotion out of me than expected. Immediately, the tears began to form on the corner of my eyes. Before they could begin to fall in my cry, I wrapped my arms around James' torso.

He was taken by surprise with my actions, but didn't deny one second of them. Instead, he held me closer.  It pained me to fight with him, have an argument at least. Neither one of us like the idea of not being on each other's side so the fact that we changed that quickly was relieving.

"I'm so lucky to have you." I softly spoke over his shoulder.

I felt him nod against our hug. "Could say the same thing about you." He held me closer for another moment or two before releasing a breath of air. Sighing, he pulled away slightly to keep his hands on my arms. A soft smile peered across his charming looks.

"I'll try not to hate your new friend." He smirked. "But next time, please be dressed. It was truly a disturbing image." He looked away in some sort of disgust.

I couldn't help but giggle. "Done."

Smiling, we went in for another quick hug. James placed a kiss to the roof of my head and was about to draw back when we were joined by a third party.

"Oh.. Sorry." Jack took a few steps back towards the doorframe as he noticed James and I in the middle of our hug. "Didn't mean to interrupt--"

"Oh, no." I shook my head, smiling congenially at both men. I drew back from James' hug to look back at Jack. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah.. Tori just wanted James' help at the table." He pointed back out behind him. "Asked me to come get you." He looked at James.

James nodded with his smile. It was most definitely his I'm trying face. It made me smile. Seeing that boy always give things a try for me truly shows how much he cares and what an amazing friend he is. He excused himself before walking out leaving Jack and I alone.. Once more.

"Everything okay?" Jack asked me, furrowing his eyebrows.

"Yeah." I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Just reassuring James of something."

Jack looked to his side for a moment before speaking again. You could sense he was a bit nervous in what he was about to ask.

"Liz.. Are you sure there's nothing going on between you guys?" He asked.

His question baffled me. Is that what he really thought? What actually bothered him? Because now that I come to think about it, the relationship I have with James has bothered him in the past. Or at least, made him jealous.

"You think James likes me?" I couldn't help but chuckle a little bit in the end.

Jack shrugged nervously. "It just seems like it.. At times."

I shook my head with a small smile in my face. He couldn't really be thinking that.

"He was worried about me." I took hold of his hands with mine and looked up to meet his piercing brown orbs. "James is like my brother, Jack. He feels the same way about me, I can promise you that. We're family." You could notice how hesitant he was in the beginning, but slowly enough he gave in. A smile appeared in his lips as he looked up at me again.

"You're right. I'm sorry I asked." He shook his head.

"Hey.." Still grabbing onto his hand, I pulled him closer to me. I thought to myself for a second and recollected my thoughts before taking action. A smile curved onto my lips as I found myself moving him over to the wall; away from the doorframe and away from everyone else's sight in the other room. His back was firmly pressed to the wall, me standing in front of him. Jack was surprised yet pleased, of course, with my reaction. The smile on his face never left not even once.

My other hand met with the side of his face. Eyes aimlessly wandering around his features; taking in all the beauty he displayed to me. "You are the one I like." I blushed.

"You like me?" He furrowed his eyebrows. A cheeky grin growing on his features.

I didn't hesitate to answer. "Yes, but now I hate you for making me say that out loud." Letting out a playful scoff, I began to move away from him when his hand took a hold of mine again instead.

"Come here." He smirked, pulling me closer only for him to crash his lips into me.

I was undertaken by his strength and switched sides on the wall with him. It was now me who was pressed against it, and I didn't mind it at all.

Our lips never broke. We remained in the slowly heated kiss, touching each other until we realized what and where we were doing this. I quickly came to my senses and reached my arms out to draw some distance. The palms of my hands were resting over the rapid beating of his heart. I felt it calm down as we stood their waiting, quietly gasping for the air our bodies so desperately needed. I began thinking in this time, that if I hadn't come to my senses, this action would've escalated again-- and we would've ended up back in my room.

I craved him, that's a definite. But my whole family was downstairs in the kitchen. It wouldn't work.

"Everything okay?" He asked reassuringly.

I nodded my head before looking up to him again. "We can't do this here.. Not when my family is in the other room." I quietly whispered.

Jack smiled, eager with my reaction.

"Stop laughing!" I playfully punched his shoulder. Not like it made much of a difference. The boy had a bodybuilder's body compare to mine. I was lucky if I even moved him an inch.

"I'm sorry." He quietly chuckled, "It's just you're way too cute."

I rolled my eyes before having them land back on his. His laughter calmed, but he was still smiling. Both of his arms were still locking my in place against the wall. His body hovered over me closely and something told me he wasn't backing down on this one.

"Listen." He got hauntingly serious. I grew worried enough as it is as I noticed his vision draw to his side before looking at me again. "I have to go away for some time."

"What?" My arms crossed. "Why?"

"Business trip with the guys." He explained. "We do this kind of stuff every now and then. It's just something we gotta do."

I closed my eyes as I tried to recollect my thoughts. Jack is leaving with everything that's been going on? I made up a hundred questions in my mind but only one seemed to be the most important one.

"H-How long will you be gone?" I asked, reopening my eyes. I wanted to ask about the type of business but Jack was never really that open with me when it comes to his work and honestly, I was afraid to know.

"A week, maybe two?" He didn't sound so sure of himself. Nice, that was very helpful. "I don't know exactly. It's always a big mess when it comes down to this stuff."

Stuff? Okay, now he was really scaring me.

"Jack?" I asked. "Does this business trip involve anything illegal, perhaps?"

I looked at Jack study what he was about to tell me. If it was going to be the truth, or a made up lie. Honestly, I didn't know which one was worse.

"I want to take you out." He smiled. "Before I leave."

"Jack.."

"Don't say no." He got closer. Nose brushing against my cheek. "I want to spend one last night with you before I'm gone."

My eyes looked up at him, unamused. I'm not very fond of the way he decided to change subjects so quickly, but it was just what I was expecting. I decided not to push the subject on any further for I've already noticed what kind of business it is. But I wasn't going to gush about his sudden idea of wanting a night out either.

"Does this night involve another street race or a shooting somehow at a very expensive museum?" I mocked, arching an eyebrow back at him.

"No museum. No shooting." He chuckled.

"What about racing?" I crossed my arms. Jack said nothing, for the look on his face was enough for me to get an answer from.

"Jack, I thought you didn't race anymore." I spoke sternly.

"I don't." He defended. "Cars, at least."

I furrowed my eyebrows, not comprehending with what it was he wanted me to get from all of this. I was about to open my mouth and ask what it was when suddenly the front door to my house opened.

"Brought the child!" Mandy shouted, opening the door to let in behind her a silent Zach.

"I'm only three years younger than you." He replied sarcastically back at my sister.

"Yeah.. But mature-wise, you're still a child." The door slammed closed behind Mandy and soon enough I heard her walk away.

I looked over to Jack and gave him a look that read This is not over before I went over to look at Zach at the entrance of my house.

"Zach!" I smiled. "Hi!"

"Who's the dude in black?" He asked, eyes pointing to the figure over my shoulder, the figure I knew was already Jack.

I couldn't help but look back at Jack who was only looking down at him, confused with the greeting of a 12 year old boy.

I was about to speak when I was beat to it by Jack himself. "You're James' brother.. Right?" He asked pointing down at Zach.

"The name is Zach." He reach his hand out for him to shake. Jack was surprised by the little manly gestures the 12 year old was presenting to him. He didn't take him for granted though, and gladly shook his hand.

"Jack. Pleasure to meet you." He smiled.

"Alright." My mom walked in behind us. "Dinner is ready!"

* * *

"Mmm." Mom savored her first couple bite of the meal. "Jack.. This is amazing!" She gushed. "Thank you."

Jack was cutting into his salmon when he smiled back at her. "The pleasure was all mine, Mrs. Viera."

Mom smiled with the charm he displayed. On the other end of the table was James. He too seemed to be enjoying the meal.

"Yeah, Man, this is amazing." He nodded, finishing the bite he took before speaking. "Where did you learn how to cook?"

Jack shrugged his shoulders. "Just something I picked up."

"Liz can't cook." Mandy smiled at Jack. "Did you know that?"

I kicked her under the table, thankful for that moment that she was sitting right in front of me. My eyes widened in anger as her widened in pain. She is always throwing this stuff at me and I'm getting sick of it.

"I did." Jack laughed, noticing our little actions.

Mandy didn't mind me. "So that must be a disappointment, right?"

"Just because she's a woman doesn't mean she has to cook." Jack shook his head. "I think nowadays we're all aware that both men and women are equally capable of sharing roles."

"Even racing in cars?" Zach stepped in.

"Not now, Zach." James sighed.

Jack became intrigued with the newly found conversation. Immediately, he looked at Zach.

"You like race cars?" Jack asked Zach. Luckily enough for both of them, Zach was sitting right in front of Jack.

"I like cars in general." Zach's eyes seem to lit up with the subject.

"Dude, are you sure you want to go down that path?" James asked Jack. Obviously, this wasn't a new subject in the household. James' little brother, Zach is obsessed with all things and everything cars. He can go hours just talking about them, days if permitted. James isn't much of a car guy himself and us girls don't really have much input with that subject. So just imagine the look on Zach's face when someone like Jack, ex race car driver-- excuse me-- ex street racer-- comes into a conversation with any race car's biggest fan, little Zach Strider?

Nodding his head, Jack looked back at Zach. The meal was no longer his main concern.

"What kinda cars do you like?" Jack asked him.

"All of them!" He smiled. "But my favorite would definitely have to be the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport."

"Really?" Jack sat back in his seat. "That's a really fast car, little dude."

"I know, it can reach a speed of 260 mph and can go from 0 to 60 in 2.4 seconds." Zach nodded. Everyone around the table enjoyed his childlike wonders. Like I said, it's rare we get to see Zach engage in an actual conversation about cars-- His favorite subject.

Jack was surprised with the information Zach knew. For his age, it truly was surprising and it's been something he's had with him since before he even started school.

"Looks like someone did their homework." Jack smiled. "I'm surprised you even know a car like that exists. They're super rare."

"Oh yeah, only 450 in the world." He nodded, outstanding himself by the numbers.

"Well, the Bugatti Sport is truly an amazing car." Jack nodded, "But even better than that is the Koenigsegg Agera R."

Zach's eyes widened. It was adorable seeing him react like this. Sadly we haven't had the chance to experience his passion for cars, until tonight.

"That car is a beast. It speed reaches 273 mph, beating both the Bugatti sport and the Hennessy Venom GT." Even Jack's eyes widened with the talk.

"Transmission?" Zach asked.

"7-speed dual clutch."

"Engine?"

"5.0 L V8 turbo and 1,156 PS." Jack smiled.

"Wicked." Zach laughed.

It was hard to believe that he too was a racer. A street racer that most likely drove all these crazy cars. I wouldn't be surprised if he still kept some of these in his garage. Noting that he is a millionaire of some sort, most of his money if not all, came from those races.

James was becoming aware of the subject too, for he knew all about the illegal racing from my run-in with the cops last time Jack took me there. But even more intrigued with Jack's knowledge was my mom. This can't be good.

"I didn't know you had an interest in cars?" My mom smiled up at Jack, poking a piece of salmon in her fork before taking a bite out of it.

Jack nodded and smiled. I was positive he wasn't going to blurt out he used to be an illegal street racer to my mother... So what was he going to invent now?

"I love cars." He nodded. "I was a lot like this little guy right here." He pointed back at Zach sitting in front of him. "Reminded me a lot more of myself than I expected."

Zach smiled with Jack's words and that, well, that made me smile. Zach is usually a closed door with new people. Thanks to his family's problems and some bullying he's gone through for talking so much about cars, he closed down on new people. But with Jack.. With Jack he didn't even think about shutting down. He became Jack's friend immediately.

"Have you ever seen a Koenigsegg Agera R?" Zach asked Jack. The meal was long gone from his interest by now.

"Seen one?" Jack arched a brow. "I've driven one."

"NO WAY!" Zach sat in shock. His blue eyes sparkled with the news. A small giggle escaped my mouth as well as everyone else around the kitchen table.

"Yeah. It's pretty wicked." He joked back with him.

"How?" Zach asked.

"I have a friend." Jack explained. Taking a pause from the conversation he turned to me and winked. That wink meant that his friend was him.

"Wish I had a friend like that." Zach sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. He rested back in his chair, a pout clearly noticeable on his face.

"You do." Jack suddenly spoke.

Everyone turned to look at him. What was he going to say now?

"My friend doesn't mind. Maybe one day I can take you. See it for yourself."

"Wow!" Zach's eyes lit with joy all over again. "Seriously?"

"Yeah." He nodded, stopping himself before continuing any more. Jack turned his vision back to James. "I mean, if that's okay with your brother?"

James glanced from both Jack and his brother who sat in each of his sides. To be truthful, I had no idea what he would say. James still has his ups and downs towards Jack.

"I trust you." James looked back at Jack. His seriously look slowly faded into a small smile. Though there was some controversy towards whether or not he only did that because my mother was there, I was still thankful he did. He also said he trusts him which, surprise surprise, was a pretty huge deal.

Nodding his head, thanking James for that, Jack smiled back over to Zach.

"I have to go on a trip soon, but once I'm back I'll be sure to take you there." He nodded.

"Trip?" My mother asked. "Exciting, where are you going?"

"Barcelona." Jack nodded.

"What are you going to do all the way in Barcelona?" James wondered.

Barcelona? The Barcelona? That's on the other side of the world! I figured once Jack told me he would be going away for a while, I thought it would be to Washington, or California, or Canada even. But Barcelona? What the heck is he going to be doing there?

"I have a friend there who needs me." Jack explained.

I asked myself over and over again, was he making this up? He could be. I mean, mystery made Jack who he is. Id be lying if I didn't say this worried me.

"Seems like he's a really important friend if you're going to be flying across the world for them." Mom smiled.

"I don't have many friends, Mrs. Viera, but the ones I do have I let them know that I'd do anything for them. As will they do with me." Jack explain, carefully cutting his salmon on his plate.

Mom was really happy with his response. She always told me when picking friends it's always best to keep the minimum possible. People hurt people and we've all had our equal share of experiences with that. But I don't think Mom understands the difference in that with Jack.

"I like him." Zach smiled, pointing his fork over to Jack and nodding his head.

Giggling, I looked over to Jack who was gracefully accepting the compliment. At that moment I couldn't help myself. My taunting hands made their way over to his lap beneath the kitchen table. Without looking, I grabbed his hand and gently squeezed it. My actions didn't go unnoticed by Jack. He looked down at me and smiled again all together.

"Me too."

* * *

The kitchen was almost done being cleaned due to the many hands we had here tonight. James was out collecting the trash before taking it out. Mom insisted on packing the leftovers for the boys to take and Mandy was sweeping the floor with Zach right behind her holding the duster. And finally, Jack and I held the best job of the night-- Dish duty.

"So.. Are you really going to visit a friend?" I asked, careful no one else heard our conversation. "In Barcelona?"

Jack grabbed another plate to dry with his rag. Sighing he glanced back at me. "Yes. It's part of the business deal."

"Yeah but what business?" I asked, dropping the plate and sponge I held in my hands to look at him. I was worried sick that he's going all across the world to do his business.

Jack finished drying the plate and stacked it over the previous plates. "Just.. Something I gotta do."

I caught hold of my bottom lip with my teeth. Anxiety ran down my body. With Jack gone, that means I'll become an easy target for Colt. And I know.. That sounds selfish of me to even think like that. Maybe he won't come, but I know what I saw today at the grocery store. Someone was watching us. I felt the presence and that worried me too.

"W-What about Colt?" I mumbled, looking down to wash the dishes again.

"Hey.." I felt his hand touch the lower end of my back. His touch caused me to look back at him, worry clear in my look. Jack watched my nervous eyes look into his; bottom lip begin to tremble. His touch eased my anxiety. Rubbing small circles to my back, I began to calm down again.

"I wouldn't leave the country knowing you weren't safe." Jack's eyes peered over my shoulder. I traced his gaze to see he was looking back at James who was about to open the front door of the house with the black trash bag in his grip. "You'll be safe with him. You always will."

"What about you?" I asked turning to him.

A chuckle escaped his lips. Before I became aware, Jack's hand was making close contact with my cheek. His thumb carefully grazing over my bottom lip.

"Don't worry about me." He smiled, pecking a small kiss to the roof of my head.

If only it were that simple.

"Oh, and I still want to take you out before I leave." He moved away from me to go back and dry the dishes.

Right. I almost forgot we got interrupted from that conversation when Mandy and Zach walked in.

"You never said where?" I looked down at the sink.

There was a long period of silence that followed which made me worried. I found myself looking back up at him when I noticed he was yet to speak.

"Jack?" I wondered.

"How would you feel about riding a motorcycle?"