7
Jackson rolled out of bed and walked into the bathroom, scrubbing a hand down his face. He had spent most of the night tossing and turning, and it showed. His hair stuck up in several directions and there were dark circles under his eyes.
Going back to sleep would be no help if the night was any indication, so his best bet was to forge on. He forced himself into the shower and stood under the hot water, letting it wake him up.
His mind wandered to the previous night. The look on Mia’s face when she pulled out the special edition of Lillian Taylor’s book was priceless. It warmed him to know he could make his best friend so happy with a simple gesture.
When he got out of the shower, he ran a towel over his chest and hair before tying it around his waist. His phone buzzed from his nightstand, so he walked over to it and picked it up. Text messages waited on his phone.
Noah: Are you working today? I have some free time if you want some help with the grounds.
Ethan: I can help for a bit too before my group hike this afternoon.
Miles: Sorry. Can’t help today. Weekends are too busy in the kitchen.
Jackson: I’ll be in soon, but I need coffee first. Going to hit up Brewbirds. The help would be appreciated.
Noah: Is Mia going with you?
Jackson frowned. What a random question.
Jackson: I didn’t ask her. Why?
Noah: Just curious. Figured she’d be hanging out with you this morning. You all are connected at the hip.
Jackson rolled his eyes. They were hardly connected at the hip. But going to coffee with Mia sounded fun, so he opened up a text thread with her.
Jackson: Want to hit up Brewbirds with me before I head to work?
Mia: Yes! I need some serious caffeine. I can be ready in ten.
Jackson: Perfect.
Ten minutes later, Jackson stepped out of his house and walked over to Mia’s, knocking twice before letting himself in.
“Hello, hello!”
She rounded the corner, wearing leggings and a tank top, with a lightweight zip-up sweatshirt pulled over it. The purple leggings hugged her body, showing off just how fit she was. His eyes roamed over her before he realized what he was doing and shot them back up to her face. Fortunately, she had been fiddling with her purse, so she didn’t catch him ogling her.
What the hell is wrong with you? She’s your best friend!
“Hey,” she said. “I’m ready when you are.”
“Let’s go.”
They got into his truck and drove the short distance to the coffeehouse. He parked, and they walked inside. It was always busy on Saturday mornings. The tourists flooded over from the resort to get their caffeine fix before going on their morning adventures up the mountain or around town.
They both placed their orders and snagged a table for two people as soon as one vacated.
“Why are you so exhausted?” Jackson asked. Dark circles hung under Mia’s eyes, much like his own.
“I was up reading all night. You had to know that getting me that book would wreak havoc on my weekend.”
Jackson snorted. “Of course. How could I forget?”
“Thank you again for thinking of me. It means a lot.”
He reached a hand across the table and settled it on hers. “Of course.”
