In the quiet moments when Jack tried to console himself, Susan too found solace elusive.

She lay in bed, eyes closed, yet all she could see was the strain etched on Jack's face. The fiery intensity in his eyes, so unlike his usual demeanor, lingered in her mind. His lips tightly pursed, an alluring youthful vigor emanated from him.

As Susan curled her toes, she could almost feel the warmth he had left behind. Thoughts tumbled in chaotic spirals, each one a curious itch she couldn't quite reach. Her fingers brushed against her skin, feeling a dampness that betrayed her innocence.

Her body, untouched by experience, hesitated to delve deep, afraid of repeating past mishaps. Yet as she lingered in gentle self-exploration, a quiet climax washed over her, leaving her spent and listless. Faces of Jack, both present and in an imagined future, flitted through her mind, her heart silently wishing for fulfillment from any version of him. If given another chance, she would not merely tease with her foot; she would strip him bare, the thought lulling her into a fitful sleep.

Her slumber was restless, a sensation akin to being adrift on a small boat, swaying with the rhythm of unseen waves. It was an unsettling mix of comfort and disturbance.

Slowly, she awoke, groggy and disoriented, only to feel a sudden jolt in her lower half.

“Hmm…”

A soft gasp escaped her lips, revealing her current state: cradled in someone's embrace, a warm presence against her back.

Turning her head, she caught a familiar scent—a slight hint of tobacco mingled with freshness—undoubtedly Jack.

Her intended push became a gentle embrace around his neck, her head tilting back to meet his fervent kiss. He paused momentarily, amusement coloring his eyes before the kiss deepened with renewed heat.

Finally retreating as her neck protested, Jack's low, sultry voice broke the silence. “Awake?”

Still in a daze, she murmured, “Mm?”

“More exercise,” Jack teased, maintaining a steady rhythm. “Fainting on me, come on now, little one.”

Her head spinning again, Susan mused, "Am I dreaming or awake?"

Not allowing her to dwell, Jack intensified his movements, drawing them closer. He lifted her leg, melding their bodies more closely, their flesh honing a swift and intimate dance.

“Even asleep, you're drenched,” Jack observed, his hand fondling her breast, squeezing the pliant flesh through his fingers, prompting a continuous flow just from the sight alone.

She yearned for more than that, so much more.

Susan pressed her hand atop Jack's, half-lidded eyes joining him in the exploration of her own body, her movements meeting his.

“You've been insatiable all night, still hungry?” Jack teased.

“Mm... not enough, need you still...” she whispered hoarsely.

His grip on her breast tightened as he responded to her shameless plea, each fierce thrust underscoring the night with its relentless rhythm.

“Let it out,” he encouraged.

Emboldened, Susan cried out unreservedly, her climax ricocheting through gasps and whispers, inducing tears, curses, and pleas. Jack soothed her with gentle kisses along her back.

“Annoying you...”

With her voice still dripping with passion, Jack pushed harder, smirked against her skin, “Mm, annoying.”

“Do you know why I find you so annoying?” she asked.

“Why?” Jack indulged her, bemused.

“You're insufferably persistent, never listen. You'll have to follow my lead from now on,” she declared, eyes closed, embracing what felt like a dream where all could be spoken.

He chuckled, holding back laughter, agreeing, “Alright, whatever you say.”

Amid her foggy thoughts, an idea emerged, prompting her to ask, “Do you know why I disliked you back during school?”

Jack remained silent, urging her on with a gentle hum.

Weary and achy, she opened her eyes, turned to face him, as if accusing him, “You were always first. I grew tired of chasing, and you never gave me a chance.”

Now it was Jack's turn to pause, confounded before speaking, “For that alone?”

She sniffed indignantly, “For that alone.”

Who wants to forever stand in second place? It's maddening!

With a swift move, Jack flipped her beneath him, entering her with a force that filled the void completely.

Susan let out a satisfied sigh, his breath mingling with hers, tangible and soothing.

“Didn't think to ask if I'm willing to yield first place, and yet you dislike me?”

“Would you?”

Jack held still, then resumed his playful, intense rhythm.

“No.”

Susan clung tighter, her heart cursing how frustratingly endearing he remained.

Through tear-blurred eyes, she vaguely caught sight of a pale hemline, fading in her grasp.