He must’ve hired Val. But I would have heard about it. Surely.
Another woman’s touch, maybe? I don’t recall him having a relationship, ever, in the years I’ve been here. Could one of his hookups have helped him? Maybe, but I have my doubts. From the town gossip, Jackson is a bit of an enigma. He’s more likely to be seen sneaking out of a woman’s house the morning after, not playing house. But then again, what do I know?
He invited me back to his place that one night . . . and while that was completely out of the ordinary for me, I can’t believe it was all that special for him. So, maybe he’s not much of a mystery at all. The only way to get an answer to that would be to straight up ask him, and I won’t be doing that. Besides, I don’t believe everything I hear. It wouldn’t be the first time our town’s gossip mill got things twisted.
I wander over to the fireplace and examine the framed photographs over the mantel. I recognize the landscapes enough to know they’re of Wilder Valley. They’re not professional photos, but they’re good.
I wonder if he took them.
God, why does Jackson have to be so damn interesting?
That must be the reason for my slight infatuation. He doesn’t fit the usual bachelor profile, especially not of a single man in this town. I wonder why he never settled down. It’s not as if he doesn’t possess the qualities to attract a wife. He’s got a good career, the means to support a family, and a home of his own. He’s attractive, and has no issues talking to women. Maybe that’s the problem? Maybe he’s too much of a player to commit.
I don’t know why, but the thought is disappointing.
Maybe all men are cheaters.
Is it too much to ask for honesty and commitment from a partner?
That’s unfair. And untrue. Just look at my friends. Aiden is ridiculously devoted to Sarah. Ryan never looks at anyone the way he does Val. Rainer only ever loved Maeve. Then there’s Wild and Simone, two souls fated to reconnect.
There are plenty of men who follow through on their promises.
Just not for me.
Annoyed with my own thoughts, I pick up my book and head out the back door. To my utter delight, I spot a hammock hanging not too far off the back porch. It’s shaded by tall Ponderosa pines, and the perfect spot to enjoy my book. I test the sturdiness of the ties, and when I’m certain it can hold my weight, I recline back with my book, cocooning myself away from the world and all my problems. My life might be a shitshow, but for the next few hours, I completely disassociate and find a blessed escape between the pages of this book.
4
JACKSON
“What’s next, boss?”Richie, one of our ranch hands, turns to ask my brother.
“Nothin’.” Ryan slides the reins along his horse as he dismounts. He lifts his chin to the sky and squints at the vast blue. “Weather’s gonna hold for a few more days. I say we wait till Monday before moving pastures.”
“Hell, yeah.” I grip the fence as I swing my leg over one side and jump down from my perch, grinning at the prospect of an early quitting time. “That mean we can head out?”
“Yeah.” Ryan nods, narrowing his gaze. “Not that you were here most of the day.”
“Maeve’s got me running the rental.”
I wonder how Rosalie is doing—and what she’s doing at my place.
“Funny how you always seem to be busy when we’re doing hard labor,” Richie teases.
“Can’t help I was born under a lucky star.”
“Lucky?” My brother chuckles, shaking his head. “More like lazy.”
I know he’s joking, but it bothers me a little. Not that I’ll ever leton. Anyone who grew up as the youngest in a big family knows you can’t hint at your weak spots. If you do, relentless teasing and ridicule are sure to follow. I flash my brother and the rest of the crew a smug smile. “I’ll have you know it takes an immense amount of effort to find creative waysnotto be here when y’all are doing the most labor-intensive tasks.”
“Get out of here.” My brother waves me off as if he’s sick of my shit. Hell, he probably is. He turns to Richie. “Let’s get the horses settled for the night, then let the rest of the staff know they’ve got the rest of the day off.”
“Yes, boss.” Richie grins, taking the reins from my brother and leading the horses into the barn.
I wave and start walking to my truck.
“Hey, Jackson,” Ryan calls to my retreating form.
