“He’s not my boyfriend.” Leah shook her head so firmly she almost overbalanced, and he caught hold of her arm to make sure she didn’t. “Jackson’s my landlord. He’swayout of my league.” She swept a lock of hair out of her face and reached toward the suspended lights hanging down from the ceiling. “He’s up here and I’m like—” Leah waved a wobbly finger at the floor. He saw the hurt in the slope of her lips before she wiped it away with a resolute but bleary smile.
“Only in height, short stuff. You outstrip me in every other way.” He needed to get her out of here before she smashed his heart to pieces. “Let’s head home. We don’t need to stay any longer.”
“Where are Sam and Kash? I came in their car.” Leah’s head swiveled to scan the milling guests.
“We’ll find them on our way out. I’m driving you home.” He helped her down from the stool, stood as she insisted on hugging Lucas goodbye, and steered her gently across the room.
Natalia intercepted them halfway; reading his intent as they approached. “Oliver and I can finish up here. Any last instructions?”
“The event coordinator assures me the clean-up is all in hand, so there should be very little to do. Call me if you need me but we’re heading out now. Can you tell Sam and Kash I’m taking Leah home?”
“See you soon, Tally!” Leah said, smothering her in an exuberant hug.
“Wow, someone’s made full use of the bar,” Natalia sniggered, returning her embrace.
Ten minutes later they were in his car. He’d always intended to drive home, although he’d assumed he’d be heading for his condo, even though most of his belongings were now in packing boxes. Bone-tired and on edge, Jackson’s fingers were clumsy as he made sure Leah’s seatbelt was fastened and shifted the Aston into drive.
For once, the I-90 flowed freely. Light and shadow played starkly over Leah’s face as they headed out of the city. He thought she might fall asleep quickly but she held on for some time, her cheek against the seat rest, head turned, dark eyes blinking hazily in his direction.
“I love this car,” she said eventually. “It’s so pretty and so smooth. Just like you.”
Jackson gave a gruff chuckle. “You’re going to have such a headache in the morning.”
Leah’s sigh was the lightest exhale of air. Her breath smelled of cinnamon and whiskey. “At least it’ll take my mind off my heartache.”
If he hadn’t been driving, he would have closed his eyes as his chest cracked wide open. “Leah—”
She didn’t let him finish. “Florence’s brother says Landon Peake isn’t allowed to lend money with menaces.”
“Florence’s brother?”
“Chief Martinez.”
“Ah. That makes sense.” Jackson gave a slow nod, glancing sideways at Leah. “I think you missed it, but Peake was there tonight. He bought a ticket in someone else’s name. Two officers arrested him.”
Her lips parted. “In front of everyone?”
“Yeah.”
“I wish I’d seen that.” She laughed. “He’s a snaky, no-good sneaky-snake. I’m glad he had a worse evening than me. I should never have come. It was a stupid idea.”
“Leah—”
She interrupted him again. “You’re donating the auction money to Cricklade House.”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because everyone deserves to feel safe, Leah. No one should have to sleep in a shed.” He concentrated hard on the road. “I can’t change the past and I wish I could do more. But it’s a start.”
She hmmed softly and fell silent. He felt her eyes on his face. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything.” He held his breath. Whatever she asked, he’d tell her the truth. Whether she’d remember or not. Whether this was the right time and place or not. He was done with holding back.
“What’s your favorite memory of us?” There was something so wistful in her voice that his fingers tightened on the wheel.
“I wouldn’t even know where to start, Raven.” A movie-reel of moments played on fast forward through his mind. “But having you stroke my hair after my migraine was a highlight. I was ready to die until I felt your fingers on my face.”
