A Hunger to Share ( Book Two )

chapter 13

Nora

"Jack I'm bored." Nora placed her feet on the dashbord of his vintage BMW, and reached for the black blindfold, ready to rip it off.

"Stop nagging, and trying to ruin my surprise." She heard his soft chuckle.

"I don't nag." Nora threw a punch at him, hoping she would hit something vital but sadly she only hit his shoulder which drew another soft laugh from him. 

"Yeah you do. Now shut up. We're almost there."

"I just wanted to get out of the house. I'm not in the mood for any surprises." Nora crossed her arms in front of her chest.

It wasn't that Nora didn't like being at home. She was happy Ada and Dad were back. Things were good again, thanks to Ada, but they were also awkward.

No matter how nice Ada was these days, and how happy, and excited they were about her surprising pregnancy, Nora still couldn't trust her sister like before. A part of her would always worry that she would leave them again, and never come back, or worse, get killed by Angelina.

And no matter how caring, and regretful Dad seemed, how kind and tame he was around Mom, Nora was still worried he would go back to his cruel past self.

Jack and Ada were another thing to worry about. Nora knew Jack wouldn't hurt Ada,  if not for her sake, then for the sake of his brother's unborn child, but still, everytime they were in the same room, Nora held her breath, waiting for Jack to lash out.

Nora hoped that day wouldn't come, she didn't want to choose between her friend, and her sister.

"It'll be good. I promise." Jack squeezed her arm.

"I'm sure it will." Nora's answer was cold.

"Have I done something wrong?"

"No I'm sorry. You're trying to cheer me up. I need to stop acting like an ungrateful bitch." Nora sighed, dropping her arms to her sides, and leaning her head back against the headrest.

"You're not an ungrateful bitch." Jack laced their fingers together. "You're just cranky which is understandable."

That simple gesture should not have made Nora's skin tingle. Jack, and her were friends. Nora couldn't want him. Nothing would ever happen between them.

Besides Ben had died recently. Nora's heart still ached whenever she thought about him. She wasn't done grieving him.

Sometimes Nora would run her fingers through Jack's brown hair playfuly, savouring the feeling of it against her skin.

Nora would try not to stare too long at those green eyes, but they always managed to catch her off gaurd, and each time, Looking away would become harder. Nora didn't know when it had happened, but she was falling for him.

Nora needed to tell him, and stop torturing herself. If only she had the courage. If only she could be sure that her confession wouldn't ruin their friendship.

Nora wished she could talk to Ada about Jack and seek some advice, but they weren't close anymore. She wasn't sure if they ever would be again.

She chuckled. "Isn't that the same thing?"

"Nope."

Nora couldn't see him, but she could hear the smile in his voice. "At least put some music on."

"Yes ma'am."

                   *

"We're here." Jack turned off the car.

"Finally." Nora reached for the door, but Jack was already there, helping her out of the car. "You know I don't like these old fashioned gentlemanly stuff. Women can open their own doors."

"You have a blindfold on, I don't want you to trip..."

"I never trip." She tripped. "Fucking hell." She heard Jack laughing beside her. She elbowed him in the ribs. "Shut up."

"Sorry." He tried, and failed to contain his laughter.

Nora couldn't help but do the same. His laughter was contagious.

They walked in silence, Nora's arm linked with Jack's. She sniffed the air, and sharpened her ears. There were a lot of smells, and noises mixed together, it was hard to find out where they were.

After some time Jack's fingers untied the blindfold. Nora blinked, feeling attacked by the sudden sunlight.

Nora looked around, and saw the horses. She gasped, hand going to her mouth. "Oh my God. Jack, this is the best surprise Ever." She exclaimed, her eager gaze taking in the beautiful animals.

"I told you it would be good." Jack smiled softly.

Nora stared at the breathtaking horses. They were in all colors, and sizes. She couldn't believe he had done this for her. "How did you know I loved horses? I never told you."

"You're not the only one who's observant." Jack answered smugly.

"I could kiss you right now." Nora blurted out.

"I wouldn't mind." Jack's smirk was very inviting.

Could he really mean that?Could he really feel the same way? His smirk didn't waver, nor did he look away. His green eyes were locked with Nora's. They were having a wordless conversation.

Nora grabbed the lapels of Jack's parka and kissed him hungrily. He reacted instantly, kissing her back. Nora's fingers burried themselves in his hair. His comforting earthy scent was all round her, clinging to her skin, to her heart.

She smiled against his lips. Nora could feel the heat of his body through his clothe. Snow flakes sat on their heated skin and melted. They kissed until their lips were bruised, until they had their fill of each other.

"Thank you." Jack whispered against her lips after they broke apart.

"Thank you." Nora whispered back, caressing his cheek.

"You should thank James. If it weren't for him, I don't think I had the balls to do this."

"I definitely will. I'm glad you listened to him."

"Yeah, me too."

"But still, thank you."

"Don't thank me yet. We haven't ridden anything." He pulled on her hand. "Which horse do you want to ride?"

"What if I want to ride you?" Nora smirked.

Jack laughed. "You can do that when we get home. For now pick a horse."

"The black one." Nora pointed to a big horse that no one had picked. "What about you?"

"Oh we're riding together." Jack grinned.

"That's even better."

"She's probably a wild one." Jack was looking at the lonely horse.

"I know." Nora laced their fingers together.