“Tough phone call?”

  “Not really. Confusing more than anything else.”

  “Want to talk about it?”

  She smiled at him over the rim of the glass. “I can’t think of anything I’d enjoy less.”

  “I’m your friend, Alexa.” It occurred to him that she might not have too much experience in the friendship department. Maybe she needed a primer. “You can talk to me.”

  “Technically, we’re more than friends.” There was a soft purr to her voice. “And we’ve talked enough.”

  Her playful teasing was a distraction; he knew it damn well. Jackson wanted to keep on asking questions until he hit the bedrock of truth. Why had a shadow of worry passed over her face when she’d picked up her phone? Why was it necessary to lock herself in her bedroom to take a simple work call? And why was she trying so hard to stonewall him now?

  Alexa was looking at him with a pleasantly blank expression, just waiting for him to fold. She took another sip from her glass and swiped at a bead of whiskey on her full lower lip with her pink tongue. Without too much thought, he reached out and cupped her jaw, bringing her in for a kiss. She let the glass skid onto the counter and threaded her arms around his neck. Jackson pulled away and studied her pretty face. Her expression was open; the cool mask had fallen away. He grazed her jawline with his fingertips, silently imploring her to open up to him. Her brown eyes glazed with tears. It was enough to send him reeling.

  Something was very wrong. Alexa was struggling under a tremendous weight. Initially, he’d thought it had something to do with her family’s legal troubles. Now he wasn’t so sure. But as she’d said, they were much more than friends. He did not need to badger her. The truth would come. It was rising to the surface now. He trusted that she would confide in him at the right time.

  Jackson kissed her again, this time with ferocious urgency. He was in his boxers and, earlier, she had slipped on her dress to better slip away from him. Jackson tugged it over her head again and sent it flying. She hopped onto a nearby barstool and drew him close. He trailed kisses down her throat, all the while whispering against her warm skin, “No more hiding from me.”

  She took his face between her hands. “I’m not. I promise. Things are just...messy now.”

  “Messy? In what way?”

  “Work stuff,” she said. “Nothing to worry about.”

  “Then why do you look so—”

  She silenced him with a kiss. “Make me forget.”

  He could do that for her, take her to the brink of pleasure and erase the last half hour from her mind. He could do it handily, but it would only be a temporary fix. Jackson would not leave it at that. He would find a way to ease her burden and rid her of her troubles for good.

  It took only a minute to grab a condom off the coffee table. He was soon back in her arms, but it seemed like too long a separation. She wrapped her legs around his waist and repeated her request in his ear. “Make me forget.”

  Jackson buried himself inside her. The contours of her body were familiar to him now, but the sensation that spread through him was new. They moved at a frenetic pace, pushing each other to new heights—as they’d always done. He tangled his fingers in her hair. Her name slipped from his lips. “Alexa...”

  They climaxed together and clung to each other as passion swept through them. Jackson closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. Their sharp intakes of breath softened, then synchronized. She swept her hands down his back. Their bodies were slick with sweat. They’d been rolling on the floor and other places. They needed a warm shower and a warm bed. Jackson scooped her up. She laughed freely as he carried her up the stairs.

  * * *

  On Sunday afternoon, Loretta greeted Jackson and Alexa at the door. Actually, she nearly knocked Jackson out of her way to get to Alexa. “Don’t just stand there! Come in! Come in!”

  Alexa presented her with a bottle of wine, a gift picked up at the last minute. She’d refused to show up empty-handed. Loretta smiled approvingly and made eyes with Jackson, reminding him of her earlier advice. Play your cards right.

  Dinner was served on picnic tables set up on the grass. There were ribs. Also, there were champagne cocktails, lobster salad, fresh corn and mini lemon-custard pies topped with the number 35 in gold.

  “That’s a long time to commit to anything.” Alexa frowned down at her mini lemon custard.

  “I wouldn’t mind it.”

  She arched a brow. “Should I refresh your memory, sir? In previous statements, you asserted with no ambiguity that you were in no hurry to get married. The record is clear.”

  Jackson folded his arms and nodded, considering. “I don’t deny it. However, I would like to amend the record to reflect my desire to marry eventually and reach a significant milestone, if not thirty-five than twenty-five will do.”

  “Ah,” she said solemnly. “The amendment is recorded and certified.”

  “Seriously, though,” he continued. “I would like something like this. It’s nice. Celebrating a lifetime with your love in a home you created, together with good food and good friends. I can’t think of anything better.”

  Alexa just looked at him, wide-eyed. Her curls caught the light of the afternoon sun, and her brown skin had a golden glow to it. She was so beautiful. He wanted to kiss her, but not here. Too many nosy people around.

  “You must think I’m some country boy,” he murmured.

  She reached under the picnic table to squeeze his hand. “You’re no country boy, Jackson. You’re a successful entrepreneur and one of the smartest people I know.”

  “I’m a country boy at heart.”

  “I love your heart, so I guess it’s okay.”

  Those words washed over him. Without thinking, he reached into the pocket of his jeans for a green velvet pouch. While in town that morning, a necklace on display in the window of a vintage shop had caught his eye. He wasn’t one to buy jewelry on a whim, but he had instantly thought of her and wanted her to have it.

  “What’s that?” she said.

  He struggled a minute with the ties before emptying the pouch into his cupped hand. She took his hand in hers for a closer look at the gold charm on a thin necklace. It was a miniature chess piece.

  “A queen?”

  “The most powerful piece in the game.”

  Alexa’s face softened, but only for a second. “It’s about time you recognized my greatness.” She plucked the necklace from his palm and held it up.

  “Like it?”

  He was desperate for her to like it, to like him. He wanted to please her, challenge her, fight her battles and keep her safe. He had never felt this way about anyone. It made him swoon. It made him giddy. But it freaked him out. This was the sort of thing that only worked out if two people felt the same way. It was no good on its own.

  Alexa did not answer his question. Instead, she gathered her hair to one side and asked him to fasten the necklace around her neck. Afterward, he let his fingertips graze her nape. She leaned forward and kissed him, right there, in front of everyone.

  A live band set on a podium started to play a blues favorite. Couples poured onto the dance floor and swayed under a canopy of string lights. Above them, a quarter moon peeked through the last tuft of clouds still visible in the evening sky.

  Alexa turned to him. “Do you sometimes wonder about the woman who fell through the podium at the TCC pool party?”

  The question came out of nowhere. Jackson tossed his head back and laughed. “Sorry to say, I don’t.”

  “She has a solid personal injury claim.”

  “If you ever want to start chasing ambulances, let me know. I’ll hook you up with an ad firm, and we’ll tape a few commercials. Maybe erect a few billboards on the highway.”

  “It’s just...everything about that day was so surreal.”

  “Finding you there was the biggest shock of all. Everything else pales.”

  “I felt so awkward and out of place until you showed up,” she said. “If I could book your services for all future TCC engagements, that would be great.”

  He took her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss on her curled fingers. “I’m only just a phone call away.”

  “I may take you up on that.”

  If you only would, Jackson thought.

  “What about the woman who professed her undying love for your brother?” he asked, doing his part to keep the conversation light.

  “I tried to get him to talk about it, but he stonewalled me. I’m not giving up, though.”

  “Report back when you do.”

  “If you don’t ask me to dance soon, our host is going to poke you with his grill tongs.”

  Jackson stood and bowed low, a hand on his heart. “Ma’am, will you do me the honors?”

  “No, thanks! I’m good.”

  “Alexa!”

  “Just kidding!” She slipped her hand in his. “Take me for a spin, country boy.”

  They swirled around the dance floor. They danced as the other guests watched them and laughed at the most brazen, the ones who couldn’t help but point and stare. She whispered into his ear, “This is odd. We’re not the guests of honor, so why do they care? Are you some kind of celebrity in these parts?”

  “No, beautiful,” he said. “You’re the star.”

  Fifteen

  They walked home under a cloudy night sky, hand in hand, gravel crunching under their feet. Alexa was dreaming of the night ahead. Before leaving for the neighbors’ anniversary barbecue, they’d made sure they had a quart of ice cream stashed in the freezer for “later.” If it rained, they’d put on a record and stretch out on the couch. If the weather held, Jackson would light a fire. She might even try her hand at s’mores.

  They rounded a bend and walked up the driveway. The porch light was on, and it cast a glow on the painted-brick facade. The cat stretched out on the porch step was a stray. He gave them the once-over and slinked off. While Jackson unlocked the front door, Alexa noticed that the plants in the flower bed looked limp. She’d snap a photo in the morning and send it to her mother. Barbara would know what to do.

  Alexa followed Jackson into the house, wondering who she’d become in these few short days. Apparently, she was the sort of person who sought out her mother for gardening tips. She would have never guessed it.

  Jackson locked the door behind them. “We should pack.”

  Those three words fell at her feet and nearly tripped her. He caught her by the elbow. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.”

  Alexa had forgotten they were heading back to Royal in the morning. The dream was over.

  Jackson switched on a few lights. The room glowed. They’d had their first real conversation at the kitchen island and their first dance on the living room floor. They’d made love for the first time on the soft leather couch. She did not want to leave this place—not this soon.

  Jackson circled back to find her leaning against the locked door. “What’s the matter?” he asked. “Do you need me to carry you upstairs again?”

  Alexa felt as if she might burst. “I don’t want to go.”

  “Go where? Up to our room?”

  “I don’t want to go home,” she said. “Let’s stay here a few more days.”

  Jackson did not say a word. Alexa panicked. How could she fix this? Play it off as a joke? She let out a shaky laugh, but it died down within seconds.

  Jackson’s expression was serious. “You want to stay...here?”

  She nodded, her throat tight. She must have started playing with the golden chess piece pendent at the base of her neck, because he nudged her fingers away and planted a kiss there. A torrent of butterflies filled her chest.

  “You want to stay here with me,” he said.

  Alexa nodded again. “Just, you know, tossing it out there.”

  His shoulders relaxed. Only then did she appreciate how much tension he’d been carrying. He’d wanted her to enjoy the weekend and would have been disappointed if she hadn’t. “I figured you couldn’t get out of here fast enough. I thought for sure you were counting the hours.”

  “Just the opposite. It’s been a nice change of pace.”

  “Uh-huh.”

  He stepped back. The growing space between them made her uneasy. She reached for him by a belt loop. “Where are you going?”

  “I need a minute to process this,” he said. “Just days ago, I had to twist your arm to get you to come out here with me, and now you can’t get enough.”

  “Forget it. I’m going to pack.”

  “Not so fast.” He pressed his hands to the door, bracketing her shoulders, locking her in place. “Let me savor this moment.”

  In her effort to get away, Alexa banged her head on the door.

  “Oh, babe.” Jackson cradled the back of her head in the palm of his hand. “Does it hurt?”

  It didn’t hurt. Instead of crying, she started to laugh. She laughed so hard, tears rolled down her cheeks. Jackson wrapped her in his arms. He likely thought she was coming undone, which wasn’t far from the truth.

  Alexa couldn’t wipe away the tears fast enough. “I’m okay,” she said between sharp intakes of breath. “I don’t know what’s the matter with me.”

  “Nothing is the matter with you,” he said. “If anything, I’m in awe. You’re under so much stress and handling it beautifully. Don’t worry. We can stay for as long as you like.”

  “Just a couple more days,” she said. “Let’s not get crazy.”

  “Done.”

  Now that it was settled, Alexa wondered why simply asking for what she wanted—in this case, more time with him—had rattled her to the core. She had a reputation for being demanding, yet she rarely ever made demands of anyone. This was a lifelong habit. In class, she only ever raised her hand to supply answers, never to ask questions or for help. God help her if she’d ever had to make her needs known. And yet, she’d done it with him. She’d asked for more time. Jackson was eager to accommodate her.

  Alexa ran her hands along his broad shoulders. “Don’t let this go to your head, but I think I like you. I mean, really like you.”

  He cocked his head. “You think? On a scale of one to ten, how confident are you?”

  “Seven. Maybe eight.”

  “I like those numbers.”

  “How about you?”

  “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”

  “God!” she exclaimed with a laugh. “You’re taking me back to Mrs. Sanchez’s chemistry class.”

  “Actually, it was Mr. Washington’s physics.”

  “Right,” she said. “I’ve got butterflies in my stomach. I can’t think.”

  He took her hand and placed it over his heart. “Do you feel that?”

  His heartbeat was steady and sure. “I do.”

  “Good,” he said. “Because it’s yours. All you have to do is take it.”

  * * *

  The next morning, while the day was still fresh, Jackson went into town to pick up extra supplies for their extended stay, namely bread, cheese, wine and ground beef for burgers. Alexa snapped a photo of the sad flower beds and went to the back shed to rummage for gardening tools. A moment later, her mother called. She answered the call on speaker and went on rummaging. So far, she’d found a half bag of potting soil and a pair of shears. “Good morning!”

  “Alexa, this is your mother.”

  “I know, Mom.”

  “Are you all right, darling?”

  “Sure. How are you?”

  “Are you in a safe space?”

  Her mother’s voice was spiked with alarm. Alexa straightened up too quickly and wacked her head on an open shelf. A few rusty paint cans rolled off the shelf and fell to the floor with a clamor, undermining her response. “Yes, I’m in a safe space. What kind of question is that?”

  Her mother wouldn’t drop her line of questions. “Where has Jackson Strom taken you?”

  “To his lake cabin. You know this, Mother.”

  “That photo you sent—was that a cry for help?”

  “The photo of the plants?”

  “The dead plants.”

  Okay. This was officially nuts. “Mother! Get yourself together.”

  “What would you have me think? We don’t hear from you for ages, and you send a photo of dead flowers.”

  “I’m fine, Mom,” Alexa said. “The plants are half-dead and I need advice. Should I water them? Prune them? Repot them?”

  “Who are you and what have you done with my daughter?”

  “Ugh! I’m hanging up.”

  “You know better than to hang up on me, young lady!” her mother warned. “You can understand if I’m a little disturbed. You’ve never once showed the slightest interest in gardening.”

  “I’ve spent loads of time in your garden this trip, but you wouldn’t know. You’re never around. You’re either at yoga, tai chi or pottery class.”

  “I’m enjoying my summer!” Barbara Lattimore cried, indignant.

  “As am I!”

  “That’s the issue. I’ve never known you to enjoy anything.”

  Alexa massaged her temples. “I regret reaching out to you for help.”

  “Don’t say that! You can always count on my help. I’m never too busy for my oldest daughter. I can power walk and chew gum at the same time.”

  “All right.” Alexa lowered herself onto a wooden footstool. “Tell me how to save the plants. Jackson is the only one in his family who comes out here on a regular basis, but he hasn’t touched them. They look a little sad.”

  “Those are not plants worth saving, my dear. Those are weeds.”

  “That’s not true.” Even dried up and wilting, the plants had interesting shapes.

  “They’re weeds. Pull them up by the roots and get rid of them. Find some hearty perennials and start again.”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18