Worth the Risk: A Southern Fairy Tale by Shannon Davis

Author:Shannon Davis [Davis, Shannon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-06-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

Jackson

Friday, June 2, 2000 ~ The Ugly Truth

I was as giddy as a child on Christmas morning. My heart hadn’t slowed down since our kiss on the beach. All the feelings had returned, but they were more intense now. More serious, more intentional. Damn, I hope she feels the same. With ten years and over a thousand miles between us, she may not think it’s even worth the effort. But I know we could make it work. Seeing her headlights in my rearview mirror, I prayed she’d at least be willing to give us a chance.

I pulled my truck into the shop and got out just as she was pulling up. I walked over to her car as she shut off the engine. We were both smiling as she got out. I wondered if she was as anxious as I was.

“You have a beautiful place, Jackson,” she said, closing the car door. “This is the second time I’ve seen it in the dark. I bet it’s even more beautiful in the daylight.”

“We can arrange that.” I winked.

She blushed.

“There’s nothing like sitting on the back porch when the sun comes up.”

“Mmmm.” She moaned and inhaled deeply. “I imagine it’s incredibly peaceful. Breathing in the fresh morning air. Listening to the birds. Enjoying a cup of coffee.”

“I’d be a fool to try to describe it.” Looking into her eyes, I thought the same thing about her beauty. “You’ll have to experience it for yourself. The first morning’s sunlight is magnificent over the pond.”

She raised her eyebrows. “You have a pond?”

I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my throat. “Yes. It’s in the back. With the hot tub.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her again and took her by the hand. “Come on. I’ll show you.” I led her across the yard and around the house to the back porch.

“Jackson...” She cocked her head and sighed as if to convey she remained resolute about her decision. “I already told you. I am not getting in that hot tub. We agreed we’d just talk. That’s it. No hanky-panky and no hot tub.”

“Which would most certainly lead to hanky-panky, right?” She’s a feisty little thing, and it’s driving me crazy.

As we rounded the house, Rebecca stopped and looked around. “Wow. It’s amazing back here. I had no idea it was this big.”

I cleared my throat and bit my lips to keep from laughing out loud. “Thanks,” I grinned and squeezed her hand.

“Jackson!” She gasped, then punched me on the shoulder. “Get your mind out of the gutter.”

“Sorry. It’s kind of hard when I’m this close to you.”

She giggled and shook her head.

“Uh-huh. Who’s got their mind in the gutter now?” We both laughed.

Dear God. Her laugh, it was a drug to me. Even after all these years. No doubt, this night would be challenging. I’d have to give her full control. Otherwise, I’d surely be too forward. Breathe, Jackson, I told myself. Don’t blow it.

We walked up the steps to the back porch, and I offered her a seat.

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