“I am, but I couldn’t keep ignoring the stack of mail. And Mr. Adams just grunted at me when I asked him if I could help him sort it and take care of it. So here I am.” She unfolds another letter, a frown pinching her brows together as she scans the text.
“Isn’t there someone else who needs to be handling his affairs? I mean, this isn’t really your responsibility.” I grab a clean rag and spray and begin wiping down the glass case.
“Yeah, he’s got a grandson, but I don’t think they talk. I just feel bad for the guy.”
“What guy?” Jackson’s voice washes over me, setting all the hairs on my body on end like he’s the energy that gives me life. You’d think I hadn’t seen him in days the way I stand and drink him in.
Still wearing his JCFR shirt and gym shorts, ready to put Kate through the paces of an exercise program he tailored to help her pass the physical portion of her fire-academy training, he looks edible. I’m so happy I am not going to be subjected to his particular form of torture, though I absolutely appreciate the dedication he shows to his workouts.
“My landlord’s grandson,” Kate replies. “He’s gotta be an asshole to leave the old man alone and in such bad shape. You’d think family would take care of each other.”
“Oof. That’s kind of harsh when you don’t know the whole story,” I offer.
She hums in response and begins stowing away the mail. “I guess. I’m still going to reach out. It’s not my place to be all up in this man’s personal business like this. I’m just the hired help.”
Jackson rounds the cabinet and wraps his arms around me from behind. I lean back into his warm chest and savor the feel of him. Ever since he’s been back, he’s been more touchy-feely than ever, and I’m not complaining.
“You gonna be home when I get done?”
I wiggle my hips against his growing erection. “Yeah. Save some energy for me.”
He nips my earlobe, then trails a kiss down my neckbecause he knows it drives me wild. I shudder against him and press harder into his body. “Better watch out, or you’ll be missing the gym,” I warn as I reach behind me and grip his length.
“Kate,” he barks. “Go ahead without me. I’ll catch up.”
I spin in his arms and let out a silly schoolgirl giggle. “Stop. Go do your thing. Besides, LaTisha is here, and I don’t want to scar the poor girl.”
He takes my mouth, owning my lips, turning me to mush until the world tunnels and it’s only the two of us. Eventually, he cups my cheeks and slows his kiss to soft sips. “I love you, Mags. I’ll see you tonight.”
“Ugh, get a room,” Kate gripes as she hefts her bag, reminding us both that we are in fact not alone.
Jackson kisses my forehead, and with a slap on my ass, he follows Kate out the door. I watch the two of them pile into his Jeep, catch sight of Jules moving her chalkboard and repositioning her potted plants in front of her storefront, and revel in the peace that’s become my life.
Turning back to my shop, I find LaTisha hanging her apron on her hook. “Okay, boss. I’m headed out. See you in the morning.”
And then it’s just me, alone in my little shop, with my favorite playlist piped through the speakers and a few hours to play in the kitchen.
Maybe I was striving too hard for something I already had, but something that’s all the more sweet now that I’ve given it room to breathe. This inevitable love I have with my shop, with Jackson, with my future. Life might sometimes get sticky, but it’s surely sweet.
