Jack lets out a low, quiet breath, but he's still all knotted up. I try to work some of them out as best I can, but then he's shifting and I move over to give him the room before his hands are on my hips and he's guiding me back to straddle his waist.

"I'm--" I start, then falter a bit, frowning down at my hands where they're rested against his chest. Goodness, he is gorgeous. It's not something I ever forget, but when I'm literally sitting on him like this, with all of him stretched out beneath me, well... it's just a lot more overwhelming.

Guiltily, I lift my gaze to meet his. "It feels selfish to say so," I admit. "I know it's not the sort of life you ever saw for yourself and I'd still-- I'd honestly give anything, even all of this, for you to-- to have that again." I can't quite bring myself to say that I'd wish for him to go home. It's where he belongs, I know that. It's where all his dreams are. And I know it's completely selfish, I really do, but I don't want him to not be here. I don't want to be without him.