I could sit here and watch him all day, but that would probably be awkward. Time to pay attention.
I leaned over to check his answers and was surprised to find them spot on, despite his earlier joke.
“What was so funny back there?” He asked as his pen stalled.
“Huh?” I pretended not to know what he was talking about as I paged through the book in front of me.
“You know what I mean.” He pushed the subject a little harder.
“Oh, you know the effect you have on the female student body, Jackson. You don’t need me to spell it out for you.”
“Do I now?” He wagged his brows.
“Seriously, you know you’re the popular jock and you actually have half a brain. It’s a rare phenomenon as opposed to the others on the team that only have the looks but are so lacking in other areas.”
“Half a brain?” He looked genuinely insulted. Poor guy. I was sure he got enough of girls stroking his ego, he didn’t need me to help in that department.
“Yes, half a brain. Need I remind you, I’m a freshman helping out a senior with his English paper?”
His smug smile faltered, and his left eyebrow scrunched up. I guess I just took this guy down a notch or two. “I didn’t think so,” I continued. “You’re going to attract fans anywhere you go.”
“Are you a fan, Jane?”
I felt the color rise in my cheeks. His comment hit a little too close to home.
“You’re feeling pretty good about yourself right now, aren’t you? Do you want me to bring you a mirror and give you a moment alone?” I managed to divert the attention from me and set him straight.
“Never mind, I’m good. Let’s get to work.”
“Let me see what you’ve got.” I yanked the paper from his hands and skimmed the content. “You’re going to need to work on your arguments for your present comparison. The rest looks pretty good.”
“Thanks.” The smug look was back as he gave me another one of his smoldering smiles.
My lips formed a smile of their own. I knew I should be more guarded around him after he shot me down last time, but I couldn’t help myself. Jackson had the power to make me lightheaded and completely forget my promise to stay away by giving me that look. The mixed signals he kept sending me left me hoping and despairing faster than my mind had time to process. I knew I should stay clear, but the pull toward him was too strong.
Present Day
Hold Back the River - James Bay
JANE
“Hey there, Emma,” Miss Mabel greeted my daughter.
“Hi, Miss Mabel. Quite a turnout for the End of Summer Festival.” The town square had been transformed for this annual event. There was a stage in the middle for the band, lights strung all around, and everywhere you turned you were hit by the comforting smell of carnival foods.
I’d known Miss Mabel for as long as I could remember. She used to be a famous chef in New York, but returned to Bellebrook to take over the local diner when her dad, Ted, had a stroke and passed away. That was about twenty years ago. She must be in her fifties now, nearing sixty, but everyone still called her Miss Mabel, probably because she never married.
She still looked amazing even though she refused to dye her gray hair, except the ends. They sported a new color every time she was in the mood for a change. At the moment, they were a bright blue, perfect for the last days of summer. She also had her makeup done to perfection.
Her biggest hobby, besides trying out new dishes, was checking out the men in town. She could point out all the new additions within a five-mile radius, doing a full body sweep every single time she spotted someone new.
“Sure is, dear! And such fine-looking visitors we attracted this year.” Mabel’s gaze lingered on the men in attendance.
“Anyway,” she returned to the conversation, “I better go help Amy before it gets busy, but be sure to come over once you get settled. I made Emma’s favorite Oreo cupcakes.”
At the mention of one of her favorite treats, Emma’s face brightened. Before she could start whining, I promised her we would pick up one later. Now it was time to make our way over to the square and find a spot.
The possibility of seeing Jackson tonight had been on my mind all week. Honestly, the thought made me nervous. Bumping into him, first at school and then on my run, forced thoughts of him back into my mind. When he held me, I felt a part of me awaken. A part that had been lost and forgotten for so long. I wasn’t sure what I was feeling, but I couldn’t deny something was changing. I remembered all of the memories we shared, the feelings he evoked in me so long ago.
“Hey, Em?” I turned her toward the square that was slowly but steadily filling up with families and couples. “Help me find Sarah and Allie, will you?” We’d planned to meet up around now.
As I scanned the open field, I caught sight of Sarah and her family set up farther down.
“There!” I pointed out where Allie, Emma’s best friend and Sarah and Tom’s daughter, was playing. Sarah looked up and waved us over.
Emma took off while I followed behind, hauling our basket.
“Hey, Jane. Let me scoot this stuff out of the way.” Sarah rearranged her blankets, putting them closer together so we could fit our large one on the ground.
“Thanks.” I attempted to straighten our blanket, hunched down on my hands and knees. I felt someone behind me start to tug on the end of it. Before I could look to see if Tom was there helping me, I heard that same voice that got me so rattled the last time I heard it so unexpectedly.
“Here, let me help.” Jackson’s warm breath tickled the strands of hair that escaped my ponytail.
“Oh good, you made it, Jacks.” Sarah smiled, and I swore she winked at me again. What was up with her? His sudden appearance and Sarah’s giddy behavior blindsided me, leaving me on my haunches while Jackson continued to straighten my blanket.
“All set.” Jackson’s smile zapped me out of my befuddled state.
“Thanks.” I was saved from making an even bigger idiot of myself when Emma and Allie plopped down on the blanket, begging for a snack.
“Please,” they both whined.
“Can we go choose something before it starts?” Emma pleaded.
I checked my watch. We still had fifteen minutes.
“Sure thing. Sarah, what can I get Allie?” I called out.
“Hang on, I’ll come with you.” Sarah got up and took a couple of bills from her purse.
“Why don’t you two run on ahead and have a look at what you want?” Sarah practically shoved them in the direction of the booths before turning to face me. What was up with her tonight?
“So,” she started. “Are you excited for the concert?”
“Yes.” I hesitated; something in her tone set me on edge.
“I wondered…” Sarah seemed hesitant. “If you’d given any thought to what we talked about the other night?”
I wasn’t in the mood to go where she was trying to take me, so I deflected. “I totally think you should have given Mason your number.”
Sarah laughed but wasn’t deterred. “Funny, but we both know that wasn’t what I was talking about.”
“Sarah, I came here to enjoy the festival.” I didn’t know what she expected me to say.
“Great! And if one of your oldest and dearest friends happens to be here, too, you can use that opportunity to make him feel at home, right?”
“Excuse me for thinking the End of Summer Festival was about the end of summer. Clearly, I missed the memo. Thanks so much for setting me straight.” There seemed to be no other way than heavy sarcasm to get her off my back.
“Hey, I’m serious here. Jackson’s been gone for over a decade. Returning wasn’t easy for him. He left behind a life, a thriving career, friends, a home. You aren’t the only one hurting here, Jane. It wasn’t so long ago you two were the best of friends.”
Her words drew my attention to him. He was talking with Tom, and they were laughing. Looking closer, I di
d notice the slight lines etched into his face. That spark in his eyes that used to draw me in from miles away had lost some of its brightness. I guess I hadn’t looked closely before.
“Right now Jackson could use a friend.” Sarah’s sharp tone softened some, but it was still so unlike the usual teasing, fun Sarah I was used to. Her words hit a sensitive spot.
“What happened? Why did he come back?” I was so swallowed up in my own hurt and loneliness, I never stopped to think about why he returned or if he needed a friend.
“That’s Jackson’s story to tell. When he’s ready to share it.” Sarah heaved a sigh.
Whatever it was, it must be bad enough to move and start over.
“Give him some time. And be there for him. You were always good at that.”
She was right. Jackson and I had always been able to count on each other no matter what. It was time I started remembering that and showing him that hadn’t changed.
JACKSON
If there was one thing you could always count on in Bellebrook, it was people having a celebration or get-together for almost any occasion.
As a teenager, I usually liked them. Though, it depended on what I had planned and who would join in the mischief. Nothing beat the irritated look on Mr. Brown’s face, the town grouch, when we pulled a stunt on him. I still remembered the look on his face when we bombarded him with water balloons from behind a fence, getting him soaking wet. He chased us for three blocks before giving up. Epic.
I guess I was too old for that kind of stuff now.
Tonight, I didn’t really feel like going out. When I tried to cancel on Sarah earlier she put Allie on the phone and the kid got me to promise to come. Sneaky cat.
“How’s the project at the high school going? Sarah says you’ve made a lot of progress with the wiring and plumbing for the new wing,” Tom asked as Sarah took off with Jane and the girls.
“We’re pretty much on schedule, which is amazing, considering I’m working with all new contractors.” I felt proud of this project. It was my first in Bellebrook, and if all went well, it would help launch my business.
“Did you hear back from that potential client?”
I had been working hard to land a new client and add some more work to my starting company.
“I did.” I smiled, remembering that specific call. It came in at the right time, and it was the best possible news for this week, possibly this month.
“Don’t keep me hanging, man.”
“She liked the proposal for the remodel of her summer cottage and invited me back next week to go over the plans again to make some small adjustments. She asked me to bring the paperwork so we can get things moving.” This was a huge break for me. It would help me branch out from Bellebrook and put me on the map. Nothing like what I was doing in Boston, but it was a start.
“That’s great, man. I’m so happy for you.” Tom slapped me on the back.
His and Sarah’s support meant the world to me. I was a mess back when Ainsley ripped me to pieces. I was crushed.
But they were there, to pick me up and repair the damage. Moving here was hard in more than one way, but having their love and support made any obstacle feel possible.
“Thanks, Tom. You know I couldn’t have done it without you guys.”
Tom waved me off. “You’re one of the most talented people I know.”
“I mean it, Tom. You were here for me when I needed you most. I don’t know how I would have survived without you guys.” I didn’t want to get all soft and mushy, but I needed to give proper thanks where it was deserved.
“You would have survived, but I’m glad you decided to come back home. We’ve missed you, and it’s great having you back. I wish it could have been under better circumstances. But you’re here now, and that’s what matters.”
As much as Sarah was a pain in the butt most of the time, especially regarding her attempts to set me up with Jane, she and Tom were great friends. They listened when I needed them to, helped me move in, and were there to distract me when I needed that.
Thinking of Sarah pushing me toward Jane made my stomach jolt. I sought out Jane in the crowd. They were talking rather animatedly. Looking at her took me back in time. My heart beat faster, my throat went dry. After all these years, my attraction to her hadn’t lessened. Her hair was still long, the same brown shade with highlights like I remembered. Tonight she’d pulled it up in a ponytail, and a few wisps had escaped, dancing in her eyes. Motherhood had softened her up some, but she still had a killer body.
If I was honest, I think she was one of the reasons I stayed away so long. It was so hard to see her and not be with her. Not that I was ever that lucky to be with her. It reminded me of the fool I was to never take a chance and tell her what she meant to me. Looking at her now, she might still be that person. I wasn’t sure, but I wanted to find out. If life taught me one thing, it was to not let an opportunity pass by.
“Dude.” Tom play punched me in the arm. “You totally spaced out there. You all right?” His gaze followed the general direction of my stare, and he chuckled. “Okay, so are you still in denial, or are you ready to admit you aren’t over her?” Tom didn’t mince words.
Denial at this point would be ridiculous. Even though I knew what I wanted, I wasn’t ready to admit it to anyone else.
“Uncle Jackson, we got cupcakes.” Allie and Emma plopped on the blankets and stuffed the last of their treats in their mouths.
“I can’t believe you bought Mabel’s cupcakes and you didn’t get me one.” I turned to Sarah.
Jane’s eyes widened as I grinned at them. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her cheeks turning pink. That brought back memories.
“It’s Miss Mabel. You know she doesn’t like the kids getting fresh with her.” Sarah scolded as she did a good impression of the woman. After all these years, the old lady still insisted we call her “Miss.” She didn’t seem like a Miss when we were kids, and I couldn’t imagine calling her that now.
“There’s still time to go and get some.” Tom checked his watch, urging me to my feet.
“Why don’t you try that one you were staring at?” Sarah addressed Jane. I expected her to come up with an excuse, but she surprised me.
“Sure. Watch Em for me?”
“Of course.” Tom and Sarah shooed us off, and we headed to Mabel’s booth.
I was suddenly that eighteen-year-old tongue-tied kid again. This girl—no, this woman—always had that effect on me. “Tell me about this cupcake. Must be impressive if you’re willing to miss the kickoff for the band.” I waggled my brows.
It had the desired effect. She burst out in a loud laugh, and my stomach tightened. I could listen to her laugh all day. She caught me staring like the fool I was and bit her lip in response. My throat went dry staring at her mouth, her lip trapped in between her teeth.
I swallowed and blurted out, “I bet it had some chocolate.” Her face softened as she smiled. And that smile, it made my heart beat faster.
“As a matter of fact, there was this amazing looking chocolate cupcake with peanut butter chocolate frosting and chocolate ganache drizzled over it.” Her lips fought a grin. “It looked even better than it sounds.”
I grinned as I watched her explain. It had been a while since something as simple as a cupcake could brighten my day. Maybe it wasn’t the cupcake, but the possibility of enjoying one with Jane.
“What’s so funny?” Her cute nose scrunched as she slowed and focused that green gaze on me.
“Just been a while since I ate a cupcake,” I said. She turned serious, reading the underlying meaning. Then she beamed, and my body tightened once more.
“You’ve come to the right place. We have the best cupcakes in the New York area, and tonight is a beautiful night to try one.”
I sure did come to the right place. Being here with her felt so right. We stopped in front of Miss Mabel’s cupcake booth.
“One peanut butter chocolate one, and one chocolate chi
p caramel cupcake, please, Miss Mabel.” Jane emphasized the Miss and smirked at me.
“Hey, I hadn’t even made my mind up,” I protested. Her determined smile and nudge in my side stopped me. This fun side to Jane was how I remembered her.
“I promised you a perfect night with a perfect cupcake, so I’m delivering on that.” She gave me a coy look and bumped my shoulder. The contact ignited a spark, lighting my insides on fire.
“Doesn’t get much more perfect than those cupcakes,” Miss Mabel piped up. “Or sharing one with Jane.” She gave me a suggestive look, throwing me off balance. Her words were in contrast to the calculating way she was looking me up and down.
Jane quickly threw some bills on the counter and hooked her arm in mine, hauling me away from the booth.
“Thanks, Miss Mabel.” She called out over her shoulder, her cheeks turning a normal shade again.
Jane led us in the direction of Sarah and opened up the bag of treats. “Which one do you want to try?”
“First off, you know I don’t like it when you buy.”
“Jackson, we’re not kids anymore.”
“Don’t I know it.” I gave her a once-over and was reminded of how true that statement was. Jane gave me a funny look but shook it off.
“What else you want to whine about?”
“Seriously, ‘whine?’ I’m a man. We don’t whine.”
Jane burst out in laughter.
“What? What’s so funny?” Why was she laughing at me?
“You’re so cute when you’re flustered.”
“Cute?”
“Yeah, cute.” Another laugh escaped. “What? Is cute not manly enough for you, either?”
“As a matter of fact, it isn’t!” My face scrunched up.
Jane held on to her middle, fighting a fit of giggles. This easy banter took me back to when we were kids, when life was a lot less complicated.
The Songs of You and Me Page 6
