“Yeah?” Jackson asks. “What’s your favorite book?”
Edward launches into a dissertation on his current series obsession, describing epic battles and several plot twists.
“Wow. That sounds really cool.” Jackson nods. “I might have to give those a listen.”
“Listen?” Edward laughs. “You don’t listen to books. You read them with your eyes, silly.”
“Silly,” I interrupt. “You can do both. How many times have I read you a book?”
Edward looks at Jackson. “Is Mama reading books to you, too?”
“I wish,” Jackson mutters under his breath.
“Audiobooks,” I say. “Remember, sometimes we listen to a book in the car.”
“Oh, yeah. That’s cool.” Edward glances at the water. “I’m full. Can I go back to fishing now?”
I open my mouth to tell him to wait, but Jackson answers first. “Sure thing, but pay attention to how close to the edge you are. Remember I said the rocks can be slippery.”
“I remember!” Edward is already making his way down to the water’s edge.
“Is that safe?” I ask, my eyes on my son.
“If he falls in, we’re right here,” Jackson assures, his gaze steady on Edward’s movements. “Now, tell me what books you’ve read.”
“Actually, I’ve been spending all my reading time writing.”
“You have?” The look of admiration in Jackson’s gaze is clear. “When do I get to read it?”
“You want to read my book?”
“Hell yeah, I do.” He leans over to whisper, “Please tell me there’s a few spicy parts?”
“There are.” I don’t tell him that the last two are inspired by him. His ego doesn’t need inflating. Besides, he might figure it out when he reads them. “I can send you some chapters this week.”
“God, Rosalie. You are incredible.” He meets my stare, and I swear my heart skips a beat. He’s the first to look away, shouting to Edward. “Your mom’s incredible, you know that?”
My son turns to face us, a giant smile on his lips. “She’s the best mom in the whole world.”
“She really is,” Jackson says, and when I meet his gaze there’s a tenderness there I can’t ignore.
I’m finding it harder to remember why I thought I shouldn’t give him a chance. He is nothing like my ex. He’s not even the person most people in this town assume him to be.
“Did you get enough to eat?” Jackson asks.
“Oh, yeah.” I motion to the open containers of food. “We should?—”
“I’ve got it.” Jackson pops up and starts repacking the cooler.
“I can help,” I say, though it’s not really a two-person job.
“I like taking care of you. Remember?” He flashes me one of his devious grins.
Oh, I remember.
Heat radiates from my body, making me feel flushed, and it’s not from the sun.
“Jackson! My line is stuck,” Edward calls.
