Chapter Twenty-One

I groggily woke the next morning to something wrapped around me. I slowly opened my eyes and lifted my head to the sound of soft talking near the door. My sight cleared and found that I was lying on top of Jack. My eyes widened, frightened. He smiled, sleepily, up at me. "Mornin'," he murmured. I blushed and sat up. I looked down at my hands, embarrasses about last night.

"Jackson Grace!" We quickly turned and saw Josh and Brooke in the doorway. Josh looked furious. "Did you take advantage of her last night?"

"Get out," Jack spat at him.

"Not until you answer me!" Jack got up and pushed them into the hall, slamming the door. He locked them out and returned to my side.

"Rach," he murmured, gently wiping away my tears.

"They thought…" I closed my eyes and he pulled me into his embrace.

"Shh," he hushed, stroking my hair. "Don't worry about what they thought. You know nothing happened, so forget about them." I nodded and pulled out of his arms.

"I'm gonna go wash up," I sighed. "Thank you, for comforting me last night."

"I'll always be here for you, Rach," he reminded. I went into the bathroom, for a long hot shower.