I shudder, then realize it’s not really a shudder—more like a glowy, warm feeling, and the tingles return. I’m smiling like I’ve been given laughing gas.
Stop it, Kaci.
It’s a stupid plastic heart for a silly stuffed animal, and this guy is just a player who wants some attention.
He’d take attention from anyone. I just happen to be the girl standing in front of him.
That’s it.
Part of me wants to believe I can impart a wish on this plastic heart, and somehow it will set plans in motion. That’s all silly. I take the heart and push it into the butterfly, pulling my gaze from Jackson’s.
Maybe this works on all the fangirls he hangs out with, but I live in the real world. I’m not going to swoon over this.
When our stuffed animals get the final stitch, Bella lifts her new bear to her chest. squeezing it so tightly, I wonder if we should have doubled the stuffing. Her eyelids flutter shut as she presses her lips to the top of the bear’s head, kissing it over and over. It’s surreal to see her show any affection to an animal that isn’t Little B. I never thought this day would come. Consideringthe circumstance, I’m overcome with gratitude. At least she’s not heartbroken anymore.
So, maybe Jackson’s idea worked?
Not as well as he wanted. It clearly didn’t fully sway me into thinking he is Mr. Wonderful, but Bella is in love with her new bear. For that I’m relieved. And grateful as my mama heart is full.
“Alright, Bella, baby.” I reach my hand out, waiting for her to take it. “I’m glad you got a new bear, but it’s been a long day, and it’s finally time to go home.”
I turn and head toward the door when Rigsby’s voice rings out from behind us. “Do you think we can ride the carousel in the park before we go home?”
“Carousel?” Jackson repeats, his voice laces with confusion. “Since when is there a carousel down there?”
“I don’t know but look.” Rigsby’s finger juts forward, pointing to a decent-sized carousel. I don’t remember seeing it before, but a few food vendors set up around it, making it look like a winter carnival.
Bella’s eyes widen when she catches a view of the colored lights. “Can we go, Mom?”
Checking my phone for the time, I confirm it’s almost dinner time, but this day has been such a mess already. Why try to salvage it now? I shrug, giving up. “Sure. Why not. One ride.”
“I got this one.” Jackson’s already handing cash to Rigsby, and with his other hand, he reaches around me, grabs the door before I get to it, and holds it open until we’ve all walked through. When I pass in front of him, I get a whiff of his scent. It’s strong and masculine and doesn’t smell like dirty dishes.
I hate that I’m so hung up on that one thing Chase said to me. I’m not normally bitter like this. It’s just insane how someone can say a million things to you, but the one incredible mean thing is the one that sticks.
I stare forward as I walk, refusing to look at Jackson.
I’m not crushing on him.
No way.
I don’t crush.
I don’t even crack.
All of this is going to be over in the morning, because we’ll never be forced to hang out together again.
The kids race toward the carousel as if they’ve been best friends their whole lives. Even though they’re moving at top speed, my brain slows their steps, and I capture them in slow motion.
I never wanted to have another baby—not after struggling so hard to raise Bella, but seeing her have a ready playmate makes my heart twinge.
As if reading my brain, Jackson says, “They get along so well.”
“Partners in crime.”
He throws back his head and laughs as if I said the funniest thing and not the most obvious. Then he looks at me, and his lips curl. “I might be looking for a partner in crime, myself.”
“Stop.” The thought comes to me first, and I can’t believe I actually say it. By the time I realize what I’ve done, it’s too late to take it back. Now I have to defend it. I glance up at him, blinking a few times as I struggle to explain my outburst. “I uh, I get it. You’re handsome. You are probably used to women flirting with you, but I just . . . can’t.”
