10
Jackson paced around his living room. He considered driving to Antonio’s to see if he spotted them, but knew he’d never hear the end of it ifanyonerealized what he was doing. But what would he do? Spy? Try to see if she was having a good time?
He couldn’t take this. His family had nagged at him for years, telling him to get together with Mia. But he thought they were only friends. She hadn’t dated much. Neither had he. The dating pool in a small town isn’t the greatest, but it’s better than what they did. They leaned on each other. They both got companionship in each other. The only thing they lacked was the physical portion. And while he had thought of Mia in that way before, he never let it get beyond friendship.
But tonight,damn.
She looked beautiful when leaving on her date, and suddenly he didn’t want her out with anyone else. He needed her home with him.
He sat down on his couch and stared at the television, which was playing reruns of an old sitcom. Every car that drove by had him looking out the window, but it was never them. His leg bounced and after another car drove by, he growled and stood,snatching his car keys off the table. Just when he flung his front door open, Jeff’s car pulled into the driveway.
Jackson immediately stepped back inside and shut his door, hoping he hadn’t been spotted. But even if he had, it wasn’t a big deal. She didn’t have any brothers to look out for her. He was just keeping her best interests in mind.
He cringed.Brother.The last thing he wanted was to compare himself to being Mia’s brother.
He looked through the small window beside the door and watched as Jeff held the car door open for Mia. When her eyes flashed to his house, Jackson pressed his back against the wall, hoping like hell she didn’t see him. After a minute, he took a chance to peek out the window again, only to find Mia and Jeff standing at Jackson’s door.
Mia’s eyes met his through the window with a confused look on her face. He pulled the door open and looked at both of them.
“Fun date?”
Mia raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Hey, I was wondering if I could get my spare key from you. I’ve locked myself out.”
Jackson couldn’t help himself. He chuckled. He already had his keys in his hand, so he stepped outside, closing his door behind him and walked toward her door.
“You could just give me the key. I’ll bring yours back,” Mia said.
“Nah. I got it.”
He unlocked her door, but instead of heading back to his place, he smiled and stepped to the side. Mia looked at him with an incredulous look on her face, tipping her head slightly toward his place, signaling for him to leave.
“I’m waiting,” Jackson said.
Mia raised an eyebrow. “For?”
“You know the drill, Mia. You locked yourself out.”
Her face flamed as she shifted on her feet. “You’re joking.”
“Nope.”
Mia clenched her teeth together and gritted out, “All hail superhero Jackson. His services have saved me once again from distress. Your subject is most grateful.”
Jeff snorted from beside them, and Mia narrowed her eyes at Jackson, motioning for him to leave.
Jackson pretended he didn’t see it and smiled brightly at Jeff. “Well, it’s a work night. I hope the date went well.”
Jeff gave Jackson a confused look before turning his attention to Mia. “I had a great time tonight. Maybe we can do it again soon?”
Jackson’s eyes swung to Mia, whose eyes flickered between him and Jeff.
“Yeah, that sounds fun.”
Jeff leaned in as if he were going to kiss her, but Jackson cleared his throat. Jeff looked at Jackson and chuckled, shaking his head.
“Have a good night, Mia. I’ll call you later.”
He smiled at Mia and tipped his head in acknowledgment to Jackson before walking back to his car.
