CHAPTER 62

- Next day -

The next day, Jack woke up feeling a mix of emotions. He had been thinking about Ashley's words from the previous day, and he couldn't shake off the feeling that she was right. They weren't heroes, and they couldn't save everyone. He thought about his mom, and how he had to prioritize her safety above all else. And then, of course, there was Ashley - he couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her either.

With a heavy heart, Jack decided to clear his head by going for a jog. He dressed in his jogging clothes and headed outside, taking a route that wound through several blocks. As he ran, he tried to focus on his breathing and the rhythm of his footsteps, but his mind kept wandering back to the conversation with Ashley.

Just as he was starting to get into a groove, a car suddenly swerved onto the sidewalk, narrowly missing him. "Watch the road, you fucker!" the driver screamed as he sped away, leaving Jack shaken.

Jack's heart racing, he realized he needed to pay attention to his surroundings. He didn't want to die, not yet, not when he had so much to live for. He finished his jog and headed back to the apartment, his mind still reeling from the close call.

As he entered the apartment, he found Ashley waiting for him, looking serious. "Hey, babe," he said, trying to sound casual as he approached her. She responded with a brief "Hey," and then added, "I need to talk to you."

Jack could tell something was wrong. "Looks serious," he said, trying to lighten the mood. "Wait, let me wash up first, then we can talk." He headed to the bathroom, feeling a sense of trepidation.

As he washed his face and hands, Jack couldn't help but wonder what Ashley wanted to talk about. Had she discovered something new about the Blackwoods? Or was it something more personal? He dried off and headed back into the living room, where Ashley was waiting for him.

"Okay, I'm listening," Jack said, trying to sound calm. Ashley took a deep breath before speaking, her words sending a chill down Jack's spine...

"I'm leaving," Ashley said, her words hanging in the air like a challenge. Jack's eyes widened, then narrowed, as he tried to process what he was hearing. "I'm not going to jump to conclusions since I think there's more, so spill," he said, his voice firm but curious.

Ashley took a deep breath before speaking again, her words measured and deliberate. "We need help, Jack. I'm good with computers, but I'm not an expert. And to make sure our movements stay unmonitored, we need experts. So, I need to go and talk to some people, see if we can get some help."

Jack looked at her, his eyes searching for answers. "I mean, how? You talk like... maybe cut it into small paragraphs or sentences," he said, his voice laced with a hint of frustration.

Ashley stepped closer to him, her hand reaching out to rest on his chest. "You're anxious," she said, her voice soft and gentle. Jack's eyes met hers, and he could see the sincerity there.

"Sigh... look, I know this is important and all, but do you have to leave? It's getting good here," Jack said, his voice laced with a hint of pleading. He smiled, trying to lighten the mood, and put his hand over hers on his chest.

Ashley chuckled and removed her hand, still holding his. "And it's still going to be good when I come back, I'm only going for two weeks," she said, her voice reassuring.

Jack's face contorted in mock horror. "What? That's like a month, right?" He let her hand go, his eyes wide with exaggeration.

Ashley laughed and softly hit his chest. "Stop exaggerating, it's not that long."

Jack grinned and walked towards their room. "Okay, okay, I'll stop. So, have you packed yet? Let me help you out."

Ashley followed him, a playful glint in her eye. "Oh, wow, already kicking me out so fast."

Jack joked, his voice laced with humor. "Yeah, I have to. Gotta bring my side girl here, you know." He felt a sudden chill as Ashley's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing.

"I'm joking, of course," Jack said quickly, trying to defuse the tension. "Who needs a side piece when you have an Ashley?"

The room was silent for a moment, and Jack wondered if he had gone too far. He tried to joke again, his voice laced with humor. "Come on, that was good. I could probably pass as a rapper or something."

But the silence continued, and Jack knew he had to tread carefully. He didn't want to make light of the situation, not when Ashley was leaving for two weeks. He took a deep breath and tried again, his voice softer this time.

"Hey, I know I joked around, but I'm serious. I'll miss you, Ashley. Be careful, and come back to me soon."

Ashley burst out laughing, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Tch! As if any girl can compare to me," she said, her voice full of confidence and playfulness. She walked forward, passing by Jack, her hips swaying with a subtle swing.

Jack couldn't resist the opportunity to tease her further. He reached out and smacked her behind, the sound echoing through the room. Ashley let out a delighted giggle, her eyes widening in surprise.

Realizing what she had just done, Ashley quickly moved faster towards the bedroom, trying to escape Jack's playful advances. "Hey, no fair!" she called out, her voice laughing and playful.

Jack chased after her, his eyes fixed on her retreating figure. "Oh, come on, Ashley! You can't just walk away from me like that!" he said, his voice full of mock indignation.

Ashley reached the bedroom door and quickly slipped inside, trying to shut it behind her. But Jack was too quick, and he managed to squeeze in just before she could close it.

"You're not getting away from me that easily!" Jack said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He pinned Ashley against the door, his arms wrapped around her waist.

Ashley laughed and tried to squirm out of his grasp, but Jack held her firm. "Let me go, Jack!" she said, her voice playful and teasing.

"Oh, no way," Jack said, his voice low and husky. "You started this, Ashley. Now you have to finish it."

Ashley looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And how do you propose I do that?" she asked, her voice full of challenge.

Jack grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Well, for starters, you can give me a proper goodbye kiss."

Ashley rolled her eyes, but Jack could see the hint of a smile on her lips. "Fine," she said, her voice sighing. "But just one kiss, Jack. Don't get any ideas."

Jack leaned in, his lips brushing against Ashley's. The kiss was soft and gentle, but it sent shivers down Jack's spine. He pulled back, his eyes locked on Ashley's.

"See you in two weeks, Ashley," he said, his voice low and husky.

Ashley nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "See you, Jack. Try to behave yourself while I'm away."