Wow. So much for working it out. Not that I can blame her. If I were in her position, I wouldn’t be keen on giving up the space.
“That so?” Jackson lifts his chin to nod my way. “How come you need a place for the week?”
The man interrupts before I have a chance to answer. “Could we get that firewood? And let the two of you work out her refund?”
Jackson meets his gaze with a tight smile. “I’ll leave the wood on the porch.”
Seemingly content with any solution that doesn’t involve them moving, the couple heads back into the house.
Jackson leans against the bed of his truck and crosses his arms.
“Rosalie, is everything okay?”
No.“Fine.”
“Where’s Edward?”
“He’s at home.”
“So, why are you here?” Jackson studies me. “I feel like my sister would’ve mentioned that.”
Damn it.
“I booked under an alias.”
“Always so mysterious.” The corner of his lips lifts with the hint of a smile. “How come you need a place here when you have a big fancy house of your own just down the road?”
My stomach knots with apprehension. Sometimes I hate the secrets I have to keep. Especially from the people I consider friends.
“I wish I could explain, but I can’t. Please don’t tell Maeve.”
“You know I can keep a secret.” He grins, his suggestive comment reminding me of a night I wish I could regret. I have to look away. I don’t want to think about all the things we did together last year, but it’s impossible not to when he’s standing in front of me looking as strikingly handsome as ever.
“Rosalie.” His voice deepens with concern. “What’s going on?”
“I need to be close in case Edward needs me.” I swallow hard and lift my gaze to meet his. “But I can’t stay at my house. I’m sorry. I can’t explain any more.”
“Can’t? Or won’t?”
“Both.” I press my lips together so the truth won’t come pouring out.
He nods as if accepting that’s all I’m willing to share.
“And that’s why you rented this place for the week.”
“Exactly.” I huff out a sigh and gesture wildly at the cabin. “But now I’m fucked.”
I suppose I could find a hotel in Show Low or Flagstaff. Maybe even Ember Ridge. But all are at least ninety minutes away, and the idea of being that far from my son sends a rush of panic through my mind.
“Come stay with me.”
“What?”
“Stay with me.” He shrugs. “I’ve got room, and it’ll solve both our problems.”
“What problems do you have?” Annoyance drips from my words.
“Can I see your confirmation? For the reservation?”
