Her shoulders sag at whatever is said, and I want to rip the phone out of her hand and toss it into the ocean. I study her as she listens to her call. She looks tired. She has a weariness about her as she talks to the caller.
I hate it. My girl should be smiling and relaxed. She should have her toes in the sand as we watch the sunset and the waves roll in. I should be fetching her little umbrella drinks while she enjoys her vacation.
She ends the call and gives me a tired smile. “Duty calls.”
I grit my teeth. “What about dinner?”
“I’ll grab something later.”
I want to argue with her, but she’s already moving past me back to the front doors.
I turn and fall into step beside her. “What are you doing now?”
Fern seems surprised that I’m asking. “Putting out another fire.”
“Are you the wedding planner?”
She nods. “Yeah, as a favor for my cousin. I’ve regretted it ever since I said yes.”
I don’t like the sound of that. A muscle pops in my jaw as we head inside.
“It’s almost over, though, now,” she sighs as we walk to the elevator.
I hit the button, waving her to step on ahead of me. “Which floor?”
“One. I need to grab my journal before I go up to the suite.”
“I’m on one too,” I say with a small smile. I like that I’ll be so close to her.
I hit the button, and we stand side by side as the elevator rises.
“What brings you to the Rosewood?” she asks as the doors open on the first floor.
“Work. I’m running security for the wedding,” I say, watching her reaction.
She seems pleased to hear that. Does she feel this thing between us too?God, I hope so.
“This is me, but I’ll see you around, um…” She trails off.
I smile. “Jackson.”
“Jackson,” she murmurs.
I want to pin her against the door and kiss my way down her body while she says my name like that over and over again.
“See you,” she says.
I blink as she heads into her room.
I stand there for a beat, then head down the hallway a few rooms until I reach mine. Once inside, I toss my things onto the bed and look around. I know I need to check in with the other guys on this job and get the lay of the land, but I need to do one thing first.
Grabbing my keys, I smile as I head out to get my girl and me some dinner.
THREE
Fern
“I’m going to bed.I need my beauty sleep,” Valerie says as she flips her hair over her shoulder.
