Jackson’s brow shot up in surprise. “Did you just giggle?”
I blinked blankly at him, a bit taken aback by his reaction. “Uhm, yeah. Why?”
He shrugged, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Just never heard you make a sound like that before.”
“Didn’t have much to giggle about back at Cyclos.”
The elephant in the room was unavoidable.
Jackson’s expression turned instantly serious. “Which is what I came to talk to you about,” he began, but I interrupted him.
“I know James is here.”
Jackson shook his head, a look of concern on his face. “James left already.”
My heart sank so fast it knocked the breath right out of me. “He…he left?”
“He didn’t want to, but I made him go back to Cyclos.”
I frowned, confusion and disappointment clouding my thoughts. “Why?”
Jackson sighed deeply, then took my hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. “Because it should be your choice. Not his.”
He paused. “I know I’ve kept my distance these past few months, but it was only because I didn’t want you to be confronted with everything about James if you needed time to yourself. Sean kept me updated, and I was always close by, but you didn’t reach out, and I didn’t want to push. I took it as you needing space from us. From James.”
I swallowed hard, feeling a pang of guilt. Jackson’s insight was spot-on.
“Look, Emma, James has been a wreck since you left. I can’t even begin to explain what he went through when you decided to come here with Caden. He accepted it as the price he had to pay for keeping his secrets. You’re the one hehurt. So, if you want to forgive him, hate him, talk to him, love him, or whatever you decide, it’s up to you. Not him. Not anymore.”
“But I don’t even know how he feels about me anymore,” I whispered, the vulnerability in my voice laying bare the depth of my fear.
Jackson’s grip tightened on my hand, his features edged with empathy. “Yes, you do. You know he loves you with his whole heart.”
“But he doesn’t trust me,” I replied dryly, a trace of defeat in my tone.
Jackson breathed in deeply, his eyes studying my face. “He doesn’t trust anyone. But if you’re willing to give him another chance, there might be a way for you two to work things out.”
“How?”
Jackson managed a small, hopeful smile. “Hell if I know. Couples therapy?”
I snorted, a mix of amusement and exasperation.
Jackson leaned in and kissed my cheek gently. “I’m heading back tonight as well. You know where we are, if you want to see or talk to us. And know, you’ll always have a place with us, whatever you decide.”
I nodded, struggling to hold back the tears that threatened to spill.
Jackson turned around and left my room without another word, leaving me with a hell lot to think about.
Was I worried Caden was going to chew me out for leaving his bed? Absolutely.
Was I convinced I was about to have my second near-death experience in less than forty-eight hours? Without a doubt.
But did I ignore all that and go outside looking for him anyway? You bet I did.
I found him sitting next to Sean on their favorite hillside. Sean had once told me they’d spent their childhood running up and down that hill, and it warmed my heart to see the two of them still enjoying their special place together, even after everything they’d been through.
Clearing my throat to announce my presence, I murmured, “Ahem.”
