I take the change in subject without saying anything. “Sure. The current renters will be out midweek, then Ethan wants to get in there and do any repairs that are needed and give it a fresh coat of paint. So as long as you don’t mind viewing it while he’s there working, we can go by any afternoon next week.”
“Sounds like a plan, thanks.” He lets out a sigh of relief. “This’ll hopefully get Morton to back off a bit, too.”
“What do you mean?”
He let’s out a small groan, and I’d be lying if my head didn’t wonder what that groan would sound like under more…intimate circumstances.
“He’s made it clear that partnership is contingent upon me being settled in Dogwood Cove. I don’t think he likes the fact that I’m single, and he definitely doesn’t like that I’m living in a motel.”
“What, he wants you married with two point five children before he offers you the job?” I laugh at how ridiculous it sounds, but instantly sober when I see Jackson nodding his head with a slight grimace. “Wait. Seriously?”
“Yeah, it seems that way. He hasn’t outright said it, but he’s definitely said he’s waiting to see if I’m committed to the town.”
“What is with people thinking everyone needs to be in a relationship to be happy? Why can’t we just be happy by ourselves?” I don’t realize how frustrated I sound until I catch Jackson’s look of surprise.
“Everything okay?”
I let out a long sigh. “Yeah, just an over involved brother and best friend who think it’s wrong I’m not happy and in love like they are. Apparently I work too much and have no life. They don’t understand that I have goals and dreams, and a relationship would only get in the way of that right now.”
“Damn.”
I nod, and we turn to walk back to our cars. When we reach them, I realize I don’t exactly want to say goodbye. It’s been fun spending this time with him instead of by myself.
“Thanks for, you know, listening today.” Jackson rubs his hand over his chin. “It felt good to talk about everything.”
A smile creeps across my face, because he’s right. It did feel good. “Same for me. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow?” I’m weirdly nervous for his reply. Like I need to know that our confessions today didn’t screw up the friendship we’ve started.
“That depends. What are you baking?” His tone is teasing, and I instantly relax.
“Carrot muffins.” Talking about food is always a good way to ease any tension for me.
“How is a carrot muffin any better than a bran muffin?” He actually sounds offended, and it makes me laugh.
“Easy. Carrot cake is delicious. Have you ever heard of bran cake?” I shudder.
“But you’re not making cake, you’re making muffins,”
“Which are mini cakes, only slightly healthier,” I state matter-of-factly. Now we’re both chuckling, and any nerves I had are gone. “Try a carrot muffin tomorrow, and if you can honestly tell me they aren’t amazing, I’ll give you free bran muffins for a month.”
“You need to stop making deals with me, didn’t our game of pool teach you anything?” he teases, his eyes dancing with mischief.
“Sure. It taught me never to bet against you in pool. But unless you have a secret past as a baker, I’m pretty sure I can win this one.”
He holds his hands up in mock surrender. “You’re probably right. Okay, see you tomorrow morning for a carrot muffin.”
“It’s going to change your world,” I say in a somber voice.
Jackson chuckles as he climbs into his car. “Can’t wait.”
Interestingly enough, neither can I.
Chapter 6
Jackson
I’m not going to admit that I keep checking for Mila in the waiting room every time I escort a patient out to the front after their appointment, because that would mean admitting that I like her.
And I do like her.
