by Wendy Smith
I lean over and kiss her temple. “We have. We’ve had an evening of talking and finding out more about each other.”
“And I haven’t put you off yet?”
I smile. “There’s nothing you could say to put me off. I love being with you.”
Her mouth twitches, and she wriggles closer, placing a gentle kiss on my lips. “You’re so hard to resist,” she whispers.
“Then stop resisting. I want you to be my girlfriend. For real. None of this pretending when it’s really how we feel.”
She blinks rapidly, pulling away a little. “I can’t.”
“Why not? We can make this work.”
Miranda drops her gaze, chewing on her bottom lip. “I told you I suck at relationships.”
“I have in the past too, but I really think that we should give this a try.”
“It’s not that I don’t have feelings for you . . .”
I swallow hard. This isn’t going well. “Then act on them. It’s not hard. I’m right here.” Maybe I sound harsh, but what I see in front of me is a woman who’s beautiful, smart and talented. And everyone seems to take from her but not give back. I want to give her everything.
“I’m not sure I can manage a relationship on top of all my other commitments.”
“What other commitments could be more important?”
She shrugs. “Work. Molly.”
“Molly?”
Miranda licks her lips. “You don’t know what it was like for her. Early on in Mollab, she used to get really anxious. She’d worry about how big the company was growing and how fast, and whether she could keep control of it.”
“That has nothing to do with us.” I’m so confused.
“It has everything to do with me. I started there as a software tester, and then became her PA because there were times she couldn’t take care of herself.”
I stroke her hair. “Baby, she’s a grown-ass woman who has a family of her own. If she needed you to take care of her, that time has long since passed.”
“It’s been my life for so long, Jackson.”
Suddenly, it all clicks into place. I know why she’s doing this—fighting so hard against us being together.
“Do you want to know what I think?”
She smiles. “Do I really have a choice?”
I chuckle. “No. I think you’ve spent your life trying to please everyone. Your sisters treat you like crap, and Molly and Mollab became your home. Am I right?”
Agitation crosses her face. I haven’t even begun and I’m so close with this.
“You’re having trouble letting go. Molly has Brad now, and things are changing, and I think you’ve realized how empty your life has become. But you don’t want anything to change because it’s been the same for so long. Am I close?”
Her nose wrinkles as she seems to fight back tears. “I feel selfish.”
“There’s nothing selfish about loving someone.”
Her gaze meets mine. “Jackson.” Her tone is so soft.
“I’m in so deep with you that I’m drowning. If you really don’t think we’ll work then cut me loose. I swear I’ll leave you alone. But if you’re backing away from us because of work, then that’s a bullshit excuse.”
She runs a finger down my chest. “I want to be with you.”
“I’ll never take advantage of you or put you down. I want you. Just the way you are. I’m not a man who needs babysitting, or for you to run around after me. Hell, give me the chance and I’ll run around after you.”
Her laughter is music to my ears. “I’ll try.”
“That’s all I’m asking. Doing this long-distance is going to be hard enough. But I want you to know I’ll always respect you, and put you on a pedestal like you should have been years ago.” I wrap my arms around her, and she snuggles into my chest. “Is that a yes, Miranda? Are you going to give me a chance?”
She sighs. “I’m not sure I could stay away.”
“That’s my girl.” I kiss her temple and close my eyes. If only her family could see the damage they’ve done to her. She’s spent her life trying to be good enough for them, and then coddling Molly, from what I can tell.
But Molly has the support system that Miranda doesn’t seem to have.
Or rather, the support system that she didn’t.
Now she has me.
Eleven
Miranda
By the time we get back to Mom and Dad’s place in the morning, it’s quiet, with no sign of anyone around.
“We don’t have much time until we need to leave for the airport,” I say.
Jackson clasps my hand in his. “Let’s catch our breath for a second.”
He sits in a recliner in the living room, and I drop onto his lap, curling my arms around his neck.
“Where did you two disappear to?” Katie asks as she walks into the room.
“We spent the night in a very nice hotel suite.” I smile.
“Have fun?”
“We did.”
“Well, you missed so much drama. Alex and Grant had a big blowout, thankfully after the rest of the guests had gone. Mom and Dad had already brought all the kids home, and they’ve taken them to the park early in case he comes back and it erupts again.”
I raise my eyebrows. “Really? What was it about?”
Katie shrugs. “I don’t know. Alex was screaming something about him being a piece of shit. She came back here with us, and he’s gone God knows where.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that. I hope she’s okay.”
“She’s still in her room and won’t talk to anyone. It’s so unlike them. They’re so happy.”
I don’t have it in me to be snarky. Grant and Alex were married at nineteen, and have been married for six years, and I’ve never known them to fight. But then again, I’m not home very often. Although Katie spends a lot more time with Alex, and she seems weirded out too.
Katie heads to the kitchen, and Jackson gives me a nudge. “Go and see her. You know you want to.”
“Mind reader.”
“It’s what I’m good at.”
I peck him on the lips. “We need to get packed.”
He sighs. “I know. I’ll go and grab a quick shower while you talk to your sister.”
I push myself to my feet and grab his hand. He stands, and I lead him up the hallway, pausing in front of Alex’s door while he continues on to the bedroom.
“Alex?” I push open the door.
She’s sitting in bed, and looks up at me with red-rimmed eyes.
“Come to gloat?”
I shake my head. “What would I be gloating about?”
“Your perfect relationship.”
“No. I’m checking on my little sister. I heard you guys had a fight. Want to talk about it?” I close the door behind me, sitting on the end of the bed.
She crosses her arms. “You’re still in your gown.”
“I came straight in here as soon as I found out. Alex, I don’t need details, but I want to make sure you’re okay.”
She shrugs. “I’m sure I will be.”
“If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
She nods, and I don’t miss the tears rolling down her cheeks. I move closer and pull her into my arms. Her shoulders shake as she cries.
“Oh, honey, what’s wrong?” I ask.
“Everything’s such a mess.”
“What’s happening?”
She sniffs. “I don’t want to talk about it. Can you stay here for a minute?”
“Of course I can.”
I stay on her bed, cradling her in my arms as she lets it out again. Her warm teardrops drip all over my shoulder and roll down onto the fabric of my dress. But I don’t care. She’s in pain and she needs me. It’s what sisters are for.
What happened before doesn’t matter.
“Tell me what’s going on. Is there anything I can do?”
She shakes her head. “No. I’ll be okay. Thank you for coming in here. I’m so
rry for being such a bitch.”
“It’s okay. I know you can’t help it.”
There’s silence for a moment, and she pulls back. Tears still stream down her face, but her expression’s distorted like she doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“What’s with these comebacks? I don’t know what you’ve done with my big sister, but whatever it is, I think I like it.”
I smile. “I’m not sure what’s come over me, but I kinda like it too.”
“That man of yours is good for you.”
I nod. “I agree. Are you sure you don’t need anything? A drink? Chocolate? A hitman?”
She laughs. “Not yet. For all three.” Her sigh’s mournful. I wish I knew what was going on with her. I wish I could fix it. “But thank you, Miranda.”
“I meant what I said. Call me if you need anything.” I brush her tears away with my thumbs. “I’ve got to go and get changed and head off to the airport. But I promise I’ll be back for a visit really soon.”
“You’d better.”
“I will.”
When I reach the bedroom, Jackson’s already packing.
He’s changed out of his suit, and is back in his jeans and a T-shirt that looks a little tight. I sigh at the sight of him.
“Alex okay?” he asks.
“No. But I told her to call me if I can do anything.”
He walks toward me, grasping my arms. “You’re such a wonderful person, Miranda. Kind, forgiving—”
“I offered to hire a hitman if she wanted.”
Jackson chuckles and pulls me into his arms. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
“I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her like this. I think I’m going to have to come home more often to visit.”
He presses a kiss to my temple. “Maybe that’s a good idea. I know you said you wanted more time with Leia.”
“I do. But I also want time with you, so I’ll plan for both.”
Running his fingers through my hair, he cocks his head and gives me such an affectionate look, it gives me goose bumps.
“I’m impatient to spend all of my time with you, but this is important. I guess I can share you,” he says.
“I’ll still make sure we get as much time together as we can. I want this to work.”
“That’s my girl.” This time, he dips his head and kisses me deeply. I melt in his arms, loving the kiss, but hating that we’re getting closer to saying goodbye.
“As much as I hate you letting go, I need to pack,” I whisper.
“One day, we won’t have to say goodbye. I’m sure of it.” He smiles and drops his arms. “Want me to help you out of that dress?”
“If you do, I think we’ll never get out of here.” I laugh.
“I think you’re right. Such a shame.”
With a quick peck to my lips, he goes back to his bag, and I pick up mine from beside the bed. My dress will have to be dry-cleaned and hung when I get home, so I pull it off over my head, fold it, and place it in the bag.
When I look up, Jackson’s got an eyebrow cocked.
“What?”
“Nothing. Just enjoying the view.” His lips curl into an uneven smile.
I laugh, and pull a pair of jeans and a T-shirt out of my bag. After tugging the jeans on, I slip my shirt over my head and pick up a hair elastic from the bedside cabinet.
I throw the rest of my things in my bag and zip it up. Jackson’s already done, and for a moment, we just look at each other.
“Thank you for last night.” The words seem wholly inadequate for what I think has to have been the best evening of my life.
“I hope we get a chance to do it again. At the very least, I’m renovating to get one of those bathtubs.”
I laugh. “I’m not sure you have the room.”
“I’ll renovate into the alley behind the bar if it means you’ll join me” Walking around the bed, he takes my hand in his. “We are so doing that again.”
“You bet we are.” I sigh. “We should head to the airport.”
He nods. “I know. I wish you’d come home with me instead. Molly won’t mind.”
I laugh. “I wish that were true, but I have a ton of work to do and I need to be in San Jose to do it.”
“That important, huh?” He knows what my job means to me. “When will I see you again? You know I’ll just be counting the days until I see you next.”
I link my fingers in his. “Maybe you can come and visit me next. I’d love to introduce you to my home.”
He nods. “Anywhere we’re together works for me.”
I’m quiet on the way to the airport.
I’m in the back seat of Dad’s car, while Jackson is in the front, talking with Dad. I love seeing them get on so well, but it’s not making what’s to come any easier.
Instead of joining in, I look out the window, not really taking in anything.
When we pull into the airport parking lot, Dad finds a place to stop, and Jackson goes to the back of the car to grab our bags out of the trunk.
Dad hugs me, and I close my eyes. It’s been good to be home, despite Alex and Katie’s behavior. It’s not until I’m back here that I realize just how much I miss it. I miss being part of a family.
I hadn’t thought about it until now, but I think I’m feeling unsettled by this split in my Mollab family. For so long, we all worked together every day, and a lot of nights. Now, with Molly and Tom in Nettle Downs, our little family feels fractured.
I only hope that we solve the mystery of the leak soon, and we can at least start healing that wound.
“It’s been wonderful to have you home, love. Don’t be a stranger.” Dad kisses my forehead and lets me go.
“I’ll be back soon. I promised Leia.”
He nods. “I’ll look forward to it. So will your mom.” He reaches for my face, running his thumb down my cheek. “We’re so proud of you. Thank you for bringing Jackson to see us too. He fits in well.”
“He really does. I think I’ll keep him around for a while.” I smile at Jackson as he approaches with our bags.
“I hope you do. Have a good flight.”
“Thanks, Dad. See you next time.”
Jackson nods toward Dad. “Thank you for everything, Brian.”
“You’re welcome any time, Jackson.”
With a heavy heart, I turn to Jackson. “I guess we’d better get inside.”
“Talk to you soon.” Dad gets into his car.
I follow Jackson toward the terminal. We go through check in side by side, and without a word. This is the worst part of the weekend.
Saying goodbye.
I set myself up for this when I asked him to come with me. The attraction between us is magnetic. But I have no regrets.
My only concern is maintaining such an overpowering relationship long-distance.
I’ve also got thoughts of work playing on my mind.
It’s a lot to take in.
“Do you want go to and get a coffee while we wait?” he asks.
I nod. “That would be good.”
He takes my hand in his, and we walk to the nearest airport cafe. “Grab a seat and I’ll order for us. Want anything to eat?”
I shake my head. “Not unless I want to lose it on the flight.”
Jackson smiles. “Of course. I’ll just get the coffee.”
Turning, I find a small table in the corner. Somewhere a little more intimate where I can share my final moments with him for I don’t know how long. The thought tugs at my heart. It’s not fair. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
But what did I really expect?
He’s handsome, funny, and attentive, and I’m having the best sex of my life. As if I was ever not going to fall for Jackson Booth.
“Here you go.” He places the cup on the table and sits opposite me. “I don’t know about you, but I hate this waiting feeling.”
“Me too.” I lick my lips. “It’s hard enough saying goodbye as it is.”
Jackson reache
s across the metal, placing his hand on mine. “I know. But we’ll see each other again soon. I’ll make sure of it.”
“It doesn’t make it any easier.”
He shuffles his chair around until he’s sitting next to me. Then he grasps my chin and pulls my gaze to him. For a moment, he searches my eyes, like he’s trying to find something. “You take my breath away, Miranda Clarke. Did from the second I first saw you. And I’ll feel like I’m holding my breath until we see each other again. So you better damn believe it’ll be soon.”
I smile, and his tense expression disappears.
“That’s better,” he says. “I like seeing you smile.”
“You make me smile a lot.”
“I hope so.”
We finish our coffees in silence.
When they call Jackson’s flight, we both rise and walk as far as we can together.
“I guess this is it for the moment.” I take a long and painful breath. Jackson has been so sweet all weekend, and I’ve loved being with him.
“I guess so.” He frowns, dropping his gaze.
This isn’t what I want. What I want is to take him home with me. For him to be waiting with those big, strong arms at night. To lie in bed and laugh and be loved.
Love.
The idea seems so distant, or at least it did until I met Jackson. That spark, that instant connection I haven’t had with anyone else makes him feel right.
“I wish it wasn’t,” I say.
He looks back up. His eyes are full of the emotion I feel. “Don’t think of it as an ending,” he says. “It works better as a beginning.”
Tears prick my eyes. I’ve found this perfect man after all this time and he lives so far away. “How are we going to make this work?”
He wraps his arms around me, and I breathe him in. “I don’t know yet, but we will. I want you. You want me. Together, we just about set the bed on fire.”
I laugh. “That’s true.”
“We’ll squeeze time in where we can, and make the most of it when we’re together. We can do this.”
I take one last breath into his chest and step back.
“I’ll call you when I land so you know I got home safe. Do the same for me?” he asks.
