Chapter 386

"Shut up." Jack turned sideways, grabbed her wrist, and yanked Kelsey into his arms, holding her tight. "Just shut up, Kelsey..."

Jack was at his breaking point. Every word out of Kelsey's mouth felt like a dagger to his heart.

"It's all on me; I'm a total jerk. I'm sensitive and insecure. I regret everything and miss you like crazy, but I didn't even have the guts to call you." Jack held Kelsey, tears brimming in his eyes.

Kelsey leaned against his chest. "Jack, I came here today to ask you one thing. Do you like me or not?"

Jack nodded like a bobblehead. "I do. No, Kelsey, I love you."

Kelsey started crying too. "Jack, I really like you. I've never liked anyone this much in my life. Not even when I liked Seb before. Jack, can you promise me you won't make me sad again? I don't need anything else; I just need you to be a little braver and love me a little more, okay?"

Jack lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead. "Kelsey, I swear this will never happen again! From now on, I'll hold your hand tight and never let go."

Kelsey finally smiled, a mix of joy and lingering bitterness making her want to laugh and cry at the same time. She could only vent her emotions on Jack, pounding her fists against his shoulder.

Jack didn't resist, letting Kelsey hit him. Even though each punch landed on him, he laughed heartily.

After a moment, Kelsey calmed down.

Jack looked at Kelsey's slightly swollen eyes from crying and said, "Stop crying. Your eyes will hurt tomorrow if you keep this up."

Kelsey nodded. "Take me home. It's so late; don't you have to catch a train tomorrow?"

Jack started the car and drove forward. "Actually, I changed my mind."

Kelsey was stunned. "What do you mean?"

Jack said, "We're going to a hotel."

Kelsey blinked, feeling both excited and worried. "But what about tomorrow?"

"Don't worry. I won't be late." Jack reached over to touch Kelsey's hair, smiling as he drove out of the neighborhood.

As the car passed an intersection, a motorcycle flashed by outside the window.

Kelsey instinctively turned her head; she saw that everything was shrouded in darkness. Once the car drove further, she couldn't see anything clearly.

"What's wrong?" Jack asked.

"Nothing." Kelsey looked away. She thought she must have been seeing things. Michael had left long ago; how could he still be there?

The car passed the intersection and disappeared. About two minutes later, a motorcycle headlight suddenly lit up in the darkness.

Michael got on the bike, twisted the throttle, and turned around, heading in the opposite direction.

The hotel had the heat on, quickly dispelling the chill from Kelsey's body.

Kelsey had taken a shower at home before coming, so she didn't need to wash up again.

Once in the room, Kelsey wrapped herself in the blanket. Only when she felt a bit warm did she uncover herself and walk barefoot on the carpet to get some water.

Halfway through drinking, Jack came out of the bathroom. He had taken a shower and was wearing the hotel's bathrobe, the belt loosely tied, exuding an overwhelming sense of masculinity.

Hearing the footsteps, Kelsey turned around and looked at Jack, her eyes sparkling.

She was still holding the water cup but forgot to drink. She stared at Jack's open collar like a hungry predator.

Jack walked over, took the cup from Kelsey's hand, and placed it on the table. Then he bent down, picked Kelsey up horizontally, and placed her on the soft bed.

Kelsey took the chance to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him into the bed with her.

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation. She'd been gearing up for this moment, so fear was the last thing on her mind.

Jack was struggling to keep it together, but he didn't want to let Kelsey down. Without a second thought, he lowered his head and kissed her.

They kissed like there was no tomorrow, the room filled with the sounds of their passion.

Then, out of nowhere, a phone rang, cutting through the moment.

At first, they ignored it. But the caller was relentless, ringing again after being sent to voicemail.

Jack reluctantly let go of Kelsey and reached for his phone.

He glanced at the screen but didn't answer right away. Instead, he asked Kelsey, "It's Nancy."

Kelsey raised an eyebrow. "Then answer it."

Jack hit the answer button and put it on speaker.

Nancy's voice came through. "Hey, Jack, where are you? Why aren't you back yet?"

Jack frowned. "What's up?"

Nancy said, "Nothing, just worried about you. It's late. When are you coming back? I'll wait up for you."

"No need," Jack said, "You should go to bed early. I'll be back in the morning."

With that, he hung up, set his phone to silent, and turned back to Kelsey.

Kelsey was like a lit match, burning with passion. But Jack only kissed her, not taking off any clothes or making any other moves.

Even when she tried to seduce him, Jack just held her hand and said, "Kelsey, it's not the right time yet."

Kelsey's eyes filled with tears, looking at him with a mix of frustration and sadness.

Jack held her fingers in his palm and said, "Just wait a little longer."

"How long do I have to wait?" Kelsey moved closer, rubbing against him through the thin fabric. She even teased, "Are you not capable?"

Jack blushed. Despite being a big shot at work, he was a rookie in bed.

Seeing this, Kelsey smiled slyly.

She wriggled out of Jack's arms, flipped over, and pinned him beneath her.

Kelsey straddled his waist, taking charge, and leaned on his chest. Her fingers slipped into Jack's collar, her smile seductive. "Jack, let's give it a try?"

Jack was overwhelmed by her teasing. He grabbed her waist and still said in a muffled voice, "No."

Kelsey continued to rub against him. "I want to. I heard it's really fun."

Jack was tormented by her, his face turning even redder. "Kelsey, be good."

Kelsey pouted, "No, I want it! I'm dating you with marriage in mind. I'll give it to you sooner or later. Unless you don't want to marry me, or you don't want me at all!"

Jack smiled helplessly, releasing his grip on her waist. He hugged her and said, "Kelsey, I just don't want to do anything that might hurt you before marriage."

Kelsey blinked. "Mr. Brown, I didn't expect you to be so old-fashioned."

Jack ran his fingers through her hair. "Until I'm absolutely sure, I don't want to take any risks with you."

Kelsey got what he meant.

She asked, "How long do I have to wait? Why don't we get married first thing tomorrow morning?"

Jack chuckled, patting her back. He didn't speak for a while, lost in thought. "Kelsey, would you be willing to go back with me?"