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“But who’s counting, right?” This time his throaty laugh made me bristle.
I fisted my hand, pulling it to my mouth. “Do you know what Elizabeth tossed in my face that night?” It had been the first business trip overseas I’d gone on after becoming vice president, something I’d been so proud of.
“Oh, I think I do but why not go ahead and tell me again?”
“That it was my fault. That I had no idea how to love a woman.”
“Did you ever stop and think she was right?”
Jackson also didn’t mince words, which was one reason we’d always gotten along so well. “Maybe she was right. I cared about her and had since sophomore year of college, but she deserved better than I could give her.” Including children.
“You were and still are too much like Pops.”
“And you were too much like our mother.”
Jackson sighed. “Which I’m thankful for.”
“Answer the question. How did you know?”
“Because every time we weren’t together, all I could do was think about her. The moment she walked into a room, I felt giddy, so lightheaded I was certain I’d pass out. Even my hands were sweaty. Because the thought of doing anything with her meant the world to me and I do mean anything. And because all I wanted was to take care of her, showering her with gifts.”
“Then you found out she was a gold digger and nothing more.”
“You could ruin a fucking satisfying orgasm, brother. Do you know that?” He snorted, even cursing under his breath as he did every time I infuriated him. “Yeah, she wanted me for the money. Now, I’m going to give you a piece of advice whether you want it or not. If you like this girl, make certain she knows it. I realize that’s going to be tough for you since you can’t fight your way out of your comfort zone of being the not so happy bachelor, but you aren’t getting any younger.”
All the things he’d described were exactly the way I was feeling. I just wasn’t certain what to do with it. Maybe he was right in that I’d lied to myself all these years, blaming Elizabeth when all she’d ever wanted was a boyfriend who wanted to spend time with her more than working twenty-hour days. Somehow, fifteen years had passed in the blink of an eye. Now she was married with three children and from what I could tell, she was happy.
What the hell was I? Rich and lonely.
“I appreciate your candor,” I told him.
“Uh-huh. That sounds like you’re thanking your doctor for taking the time to diagnose the flu. You’re really in love with this girl.”
God, this was harder than almost anything I’d been through.
“Yeah, I think so,” I said, more to myself than to my brother. For the first time since I could remember, I felt light, as if I could take on the world. But I honestly had no desire to leave Colorado.
“Well, then I’ll be excited to meet her. My flight is in a few hours.”
“Good. We have some shit to take care of.”
“I’ll call you when I’m at the airport.”
“I appreciate your advice.”
Jackson exhaled. “I just hope you take it, bro. You deserve to be happy. We both do. And in truth, Miami no longer holds an appeal.”
“No, it doesn’t. Not at all. Did you hear anything else from dear old Dad?”
“No, but I’ve kept my distance.”
I’d almost picked up the phone, demanding he tell me what the fuck was going on but had thought better of it. I would handle it with Hank. My way. “Keep it that way.”
As I hung up the phone, an easy smile crossed my face. There was still business to take care of, but spending time with Jessie and Britta was equally important.
The house was quiet, but it was still, the late night of passion I’d had with Jessie creating a warm feeling of utter exhaustion. But the shower had been even better, the connection moving past physical attraction. Jesus. Who the hell was the man I’d suddenly become? Maybe it was the clean air and lack of humidity. Grinning, I tossed my phone onto the table, eager to start the day. When the hell had I ever said that? Oh, yeah, when crushing an enemy.
The smell of coffee was like a breath of fresh air. The mugs were easy to find, the creamer one of two things in the refrigerator. I almost laughed at the barrenness, thinking about all the accusations Jessie had been spot on about. When the hell had I enjoyed spaghetti last? I couldn’t remember. But damn it if I couldn’t go for more. I left the pot on, grabbing my phone and taking it with me as I headed down the hallway.
