“You thought I was a bad mom?”
“No. That’s not . . . It’s just, I see how much you’re sacrificing, and it’s pretty damn admirable.” He doesn’t know the half of it. If he did, would he feel the same? He clears his throat and glances around the room. “I should probably turn in soon. Early wake-up call.”
Of course. The living room is where he’s sleeping. He’s politely asking me to leave. Embarrassment washes over me as I turn to grab my book and head for the stairs.
“You don’t have to rush off.” He says, a hint of humor in his tone. “I still have to get ready for bed.”
I picture him wearing fewer clothes.
Lord help me. I need to get upstairs before I say or do something I’ll regret.
“Rosalie?”
“Yeah?” My heart hammers in my chest as my gaze holds his.
“The book.” He drops his stare to the one I’m holding. “Let me know when you’re done so I can start reading.”
He wants to read my book. My body warms and my heart skips a beat. He mentioned it today, but I didn’t think he was serious. Maybe he’s a man whose words match his actions? I can’t help but smile. I’m done reading this one, so I set it down on the closest end table.
“It’s all yours.”
“Thanks.”
His gaze follows me as I turn away again, and his expression almost appears disappointed. I wonder if he’s as reluctant as I am for this day to end? Does he want me to stay? No, I’m projecting. If he wanted me to stay downstairs, he’d ask. Jackson isn’t afraid of speaking what’s on his mind. That’s me.
“Good night, Jackson.” I pause at the foot of the stairs and turn back to find him still watching me from across the room. “Thank you for today. I needed this.”
“You’re welcome.”
Lowering my gaze, I turn and slip upstairs before I’m tempted to do something foolish like invite him to join me. I meant what I said, though. Today was everything I needed. I didn’t miss Edward, not in the painful way I would have if Jackson hadn’t provided a constant distraction. Since I stepped foot in his house, he’s made the time away from my son more bearable. I didn’t think anyone was capable of that.
10
JACKSON
I’munfocused at work today. The herd is extra stubborn as we move pastures, but that’s not the reason why. I can’t blame the shots of tequila, either. Or staying up to read when I should have been sleeping. My distraction is more complicated. For the first time in history, there’s a woman in my bed and she’s gotten under my skin. The kicker is, we aren’t even sleeping together.
Rosalie.
All day she’s on my mind.
Which is stupid, really. It’s not as if we did anything. There were a few moments I swore she might kiss me, but she didn’t. But that doesn’t matter. I can’t stop smiling, thinking about the way she screamed when one of the crawdads came out from beneath his rock to try and nibble her toe. Or how she looked like an actual goddess when she was lying in the field reading her book, that soft, secret smile playing on her lips—one I’d have missed if I hadn’t been paying close attention. The ones she doesn’t give out easily.
I want to see her happy.
I want to be the one to put that carefree smile on her lips.
I don’t know how I’m going to top yesterday, but I’m sure as hell gonna try.
My phone buzzes with an incoming text alert from the front pocket of my shirt.Maybe it’s Rosalie?The prospect is quickly dispelled by reality. She doesn’t have my number.Shit. I should’ve left it for her in case she needs anything. I hope she’s okay.
I don’t have a chance to check my phone until we reach a watering station. I glance up and check the skyline, a habit all ranchers inherit from their fathers. Hopefully, those dark clouds stay east until we’ve got the herd secured. From the looks of it, we’re gonna be stuck riding back in a storm.
I frown. I’m sure Ryan checked the weather before today’s ride. He’s good about that stuff. But we got a late start this morning and the herd is moving slower than usual. I’m not the only one dragging. Maybe they’ll pick up the pace after some hydration. It’s a warm one, and the humidity doesn’t help.
Pulling off my right glove, I unlock my screen and open my messages.
Angela: Hey cowboy, you free later? Drinks at my place?
