“Duty calls.” Jackson winks, then struts away.
I watch, because I can’t not. His ass looks just as good in those jeans as I remember. God, what is wrong with me? I’m acting like a horny teenager.
My phone vibrates with an alert and I pick it up to find a message from Clint.
Clint: Hi Rosalie, just wanted to thank you again for your company yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing you again.
Shit.What the hell is wrong with me? I’ve gone from not dating at all to seeing two guys at the same time!
“You’re a very smart kid.” Jackson’s voice draws my attention over to their conversation at the shoreline.
Edward beams proudly. “That’s what Mama says.”
“Which is why it’s so important we don’t let your education lack when it comes to cowboy things.”
“What kind of cowboy things?”
“Like fishin’, or playin’ in the mud, or ridin’ a horse. You know, guy stuff.”
My son’s brows knit. “Girls can do all of those things.”
“Yeah, you’re right. My sister would probably kick my ass, er . . . butt if she heard me imply otherwise.”
“And I’ll be right there with her,” I interject.
Jackson hands the righted fishing pole back to Edward. “Okay, well, Edward needs someone to teach him how to be a local.”
“And you want to do that?” I challenge.
“Absolutely.” He nods smugly.
Surely, he doesn’t really want to spend all his free time with me and my son. I give him an out.
“Well, I have work. And so do you.”
“After work, then.” He lifts his brows as if to say he knows exactly what I’m doing and he’s still all in. “Edward, do you want to learn how to ride a horse?”
Edward glances from Jackson to me. “Um, they’re kinda big, aren’t they?”
“Yes, they are,” I say.
“Sure.” Jackson clasps my son on the shoulder. “But I know the nicest ones on the ranch. You and your mama should come by tomorrow afternoon and we can feed them apples.”
This excites Edward. “Can we, Mama?”
“Maybe.” I see what Jackson’s doing. Spoiling my kid to get to my heart.
It’s working.
This entire morning has gone better than I expected. Though I can’t even say that because I never expected to have anyone in my life who showed my son this kind of affection. Who considered me and him a package deal.
This all feels too easy. Too natural. Too perfect.
Which has alarm bells ringing, warning me to proceed with caution. To expect the worst. To expect Jackson to disappoint me and my son.
But that’s not fair. Because Jackson hasn’t actually given me a reason to doubt him. His actions match his words. He might be exactly who he claims to be.
What if my fear is getting in the way of something wonderful?
