He turns onto another road, this one slightly less busy. He drives slowly, pulling into the first open parking spot we pass. “Stay here,” he says before getting out of the truck and walking around the front. He opens my door for me. “You ready?” He holds out his hand.
“Yeah.”
I place my hand in his and don’t let go, savoring the feeling of our closeness. Of being cared for and protected. He leads us one block back from where we came in, but takes a left at the four-way stop. On the street are several bars and restaurants. The patios are full of people, and carry that delightful hum of conversation and laughter out onto the street.
I notice the sign before we arrive. My heart squeezes.
“The Library,” he states, nodding to the building. “Not the kind you work at, though.”
Inside is a vibrant and stylish restaurant. Jackson checks us in,and because he made a reservation, we only have to wait a few minutes. Just long enough for me to read about the restaurant concept displayed on a bronze plate near the grand front door. They’ve repurposed and refurbished the original building, which was a library at one time. One wall is lined with stacks of bound books. When we sit down, even the drink menu is themed. I can’t help but smile.
“Is this okay?” Jackson catches my gaze over the menu. “Sarah mentioned this place once. I think they were up here visiting her oldest on parent weekend, and I immediately thought of you.”
“I love this.” But when his words sink in, I realize that must have been last year. Was Jackson thinking of me last year? The thought takes a chisel to the wall around my heart, chipping away at what’s left. “Jackson, this is so thoughtful.” I reach for his hand from across the table, needing to touch him.
“I’m glad you like it. I was starting to worry maybe it was too tacky or something.”
“Why would you think that?” I squeeze his hand.
“Well, there’s a drink called the Dewey Decimal on the menu.” He winces.
“I was thinking of going with The Spine-Tingler.” I laugh. “Jackson, I’m really glad you asked me out tonight.”
“Good.” He leans forward, ditching his menu to take both my hands in his. “I am going to prove to you every day that you are the best thing to happen to me.”
“Every day?”
“Damn straight. Gotta keep up with the competition.” He nods his head toward the wall of books. “Gotta be better than those guys.”
My lips press together but they can’t contain my smile.
“Better than my book boyfriends?”
“So, you finally admit it?” He leans in and presses the barest of kisses on my lips. “That I’m better?”
Of course he is.
Because the men in my books are in love withtheirpartners. I’venever experienced what that feels like, not in real life. And now that I have, I’m never letting him go. If he’s mine, I’m his. Together, we can face anything. Our happily ever after might not be conventional, but for a woman who never imagined being able to trust and open up to the possibility of a future with anyone, this is everything.
34
JACKSON
It’s only beentwo weeks since my official first date with Rosalie, and yet I can’t imagine a life without her. Tonight we’re having our closest family and friends over for dinner, which feels like a major milestone. Everyone already knows we’re dating, but today they’ll see us as a couple. Which is why I go all out with the food.
Edward helps me prepare several dishes, but ditches me as soon as his friends arrive. I love how he and Rosalie are already so integrated into my family. It makes all of this more enjoyable. Definitely less pressure.
Her house is full of laughter and ten different conversations. I smile and wave, putting the finishing touches on the last dishes.
Rosalie touches my back as she steps to my side in front of the stove.
“Almost ready?”
“Yep.” I turn off the remaining burners and the oven. All that’s left is to pull the dishes out. “Mind handing me the pot holders?”
She walks to the drawer where they’re kept, retrieving them before coming back to my side. “Here you go.”
“Thanks, darlin’.” I steal a kiss as I take them from her, grinning as a blush reddens her skin.
