“What about me?”
He won’t look away, and I’m having a hard time holding eye contact. The intensity of his stare is filled with something akin to admiration and astonishment, and that’s something I’m not familiar with.
“You always manage to surprise me.”
Discomfort spreads through my body and I drop his gaze. “I can’t tell if that’s a compliment or an insult.”
“Oh, it’s a compliment.”
“Okay.”
My body feels a little too hot. I reach for my water glass and gulp it down. It does very little to cool the heat coursing through my veins.This.This right here is why I was worried about staying in his home. I don’t trust myself when it’s just the two of us.
I focus on eating, and thankfully, he does the same. Our companionable silence cools my anxiety, and the food fills my belly. I’m secretly grateful he insisted on putting more food on my plate.
“So,” Jackson clears his throat once his plate is clear. “I have tomorrow off.”
“Oh.” I can barely relax around him for a simple meal. How am I going to survive an entire day in his presence?
“Don’t look so damn disappointed.” He chuckles, shaking his head. “You might cause actual damage to my ego.”
“Is that really possible?”
“I think we should go do something.”
“Go?” My eyes widen. He’s got to be kidding. “I can’t.”
“Come on. You can’t stay in this cabinallweek.”
“Oh, I can and I will.”
“If you’re worried about being spotted in the wild, I promise where we’re going there won’t be a soul for miles.”
That is what I’m concerned about. But also, this feels like a pity invite. He needs to understand that I am perfectly satisfied to spend the day reading by myself. I don’t expect him to play host on his day off. “You don’t have to entertain me. I’m fine on my own.”
“Of course you are,” he agrees. “But hear me out. I might not be a parent, but I have enough nieces and nephews to understand how much work it is. How you live for your kid every day and do whatever they need. Right? When was the last time you took a week for yourself?”
“Never.”
“Exactly.” He shrugs. “Let me spoil you a little. You deserve it. Besides, I’m concerned that after living here seven years, you haven’t seen more than the inside of the library.”
“Not true.” A little true. And sure, I probably could use a little self-care, but I’m not good at doing things for myself. Any free time or resources go to my son. I feel guilty putting my wants above his, so I generally don’t.
“Humor me.”
“Don’t you have plans? What do you usually do on your day off? You don’t have to change your routine just because I’m here.”
“Believe me, I have nothing better to do. Come on, Rosalie. Don’t be scared.”
“I’m not scared.” I cross my arms in defense. He thinks I’m scared? I refuse to let him believe that.
“So, say yes. I promise, spending the day with me won’t be completely horrible. And who knows? If you let yourself, you might even have a little fun.”
6
JACKSON
We makeplans to meet downstairs at nine the next morning. I tell Rosalie to wear comfortable clothes and to bring a book. She brings two. I have a cooler packed in my truck, along with a big blanket, and she doesn’t ask many questions on the drive. I take the back roads through our property, making my way as close to our destination as possible by vehicle.
