Sabrina’s a knockout; she’d probably make a great Jane if I weren’t the type of person who held a grudge. But I doubt Sabrina can even pretend to be the most essential thing about Jane’s character.
Nice.
“Thanks.” Jack flashes her a smile and his dimples pop.
From what I’ve observed, Jack doesn’t seem to have “nice” high on his must-have list for his dalliances with women.
A strange, guttural noise vibrates in the back my throat. Am I jealous?
No, if the angry inferno currently blazing in my stomach is any indication, I’mincrediblyjealous, and I hate it, thanks. I have to get this crush under control before the hockey season is over and Jack starts dating around again, or I’m doomed to be a grump.
Jack’s eyes shoot over Sabrina’s shoulder and meet mine. “Where do you want me?” he asks.
“Unfortunately, you’re stuck withmybeaver. Sabrina, I think Bridget could use some help with the carnival stuff,” I grumble, grabbing Jack’s hand and leading him out of the house.
Right on cue, Jack’s gut-busting laugh follows me down the slope and into the crew tent. “I guess there are worse beavers to be stuck with.”
It shouldn’t, but his joke warms my chest, just a little.
ChapterEighteen
Jack Parker
Play:Howlin’ for You by the Black Keys
French doors leading to the Wentworth Garden swing open, bringing a rush of fresh autumn air into the solarium. The tranquil sound of water trickling greets us as we step out into the rows of flowers, twisted trees, and water fountains.
“And this is the garden,” Aulie says on an inhale.
“So I’ve gathered.”
She tips her chin up and soaks in the rays of sun blinking through the red and orange trees that center each garden bed. The serene look on her face allows my anxiety to calm just a fraction.
Iwantedher to take an actual break after lunch because she couldn’t mask the intensity of her pain while we were bending and carrying things into the crew tent. Given that I caught on, it must be significantly worse than usual. Despite knowing about Aulie’s busy schedule this week, I asked if we could pause for a break, but when she denied that request, I thought up a different angle.
I need to get a sense of the fairgrounds before Saturday. So, my new plan is to explore the area at a leisurely pace while strategically finding places for her to rest.
Unfortunately, none of the damn chairs inside the house are for actual sitting, so all I’ve done so far is make her walk uphill, upstairs, downstairs, and all over the rest of the damn estate.
Scanning my surroundings, I take in the explosion of colors from the garden beds where tall flowers in hues of yellow, red, and orange sway in the breeze. They’re beautiful if you like flowers and shit, but not what I’m looking for.
Hopefully, this garden has benches, and I can pretend my knee is hurting or something and ask her to sit with me for a moment.
Bees buzz around us as I search and make no progress in finding a suitable place to pause.
Rounding the winding path, a fountain with a flat brick ledge appears. The water in the basin seems to come alive as the sun’s light reflects off its surface, illuminating everything around it.
That’ll do. I hasten my steps.
“The fall layout is my favorite,” Aulie says, slowly walking beside me. “Marigolds and daisies are two of my favorite flowers, and they do a good job showcasing them, don’t you think?”
I’m not thinking about showcasing marigolds. Aulie’s left hand is pressed into her abdomen, and pain rims the edge of her eyes, causing them to tighten a fraction in a wince.
I ball my hands into fists at my sides. Aulie’s told me she’s been having problems. But this is the first time I’ve seen the problem firsthand. It’s taking all my strength and self-control not to throw her over my shoulder, march her to my car, take her home, and make her stay in bed for the rest of the day.
“Shit.” A quiet, rare swear passes over Aulie’s lips. She bends a fraction with a sharp intake, and that’s enough to send me over the edge. I can handle being in pain, but her? No fucking way.
“Sit.” I point to the fountain, a scowl slashing hard across my face.
