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“It’s beautiful.”
He smiled broadly. “Want to see inside?”
“Yes.” She couldn’t help herself. Jackson’s creativity and talent amazed her.
She got out of the truck with the help of Jackson’s steadying hands. He put his arm around her waist. Since her legs felt wobbly, she appreciated his help. Then they all stepped up to the front porch, complete with a swing built for two. She could imagine how wonderful it would be to sit there listening to the birds and watching the sun go down.
Jackson opened the door and motioned her inside. She stepped in, and he turned on a light. A beautiful living room welcomed her. It didn’t look like the home of a single man. Everything was so neat and orderly. Not a speck of dust could be seen on any surface, including the gorgeous oak floors. On the wall to the left, a large stone fireplace filled the space, perfect for cold winter nights. One comfy leather sofa faced it. Two upholstered chairs flanked the sofa. Instead of a coffee table, Jackson’s living room had end tables positioned between each arm of the sofa and the chairs, creating a u-shape seating area. On the floor in front of the sofa was a white plush rug. It looked so soft and inviting, she could see herself stretched out with a glass of wine, staring up into a roaring fire. Straight ahead was the kitchen, open to the living room. It had a raised bar, maple cabinets, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. To the right were two doors. One was closed, and the other was open. Through the one ajar, she could see a large bed with a blue spread.
She gulped. Was that what Jackson had in mind? Take her to bed again? Maybe he hadn’t been lying to her after all about being attracted to her. Or was this all just more of his attempt to influence her investigation?
“Jessie, would you like a bath?” Jackson asked, his tone so tender and sweet.
She inspected herself and found she was covered in muck from the fall at the mine. “Yes.” Instantly, she regretted what she’d said. Here I go again, ready to shed my clothes at the drop of his cowboy hat. “But I might wait until I get back to my hotel.”
“That’s ridiculous, darlin’. More than getting the mine’s dust off you, I’m sure that you’ll feel much better after a bath.”
“Jackson, you got something to eat?” Phoenix walked into the kitchen and opened one of the cabinet doors. “I think Jessie could use some food on her stomach.”
“I’ve got stuff to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I also think there’s a can of tomato soup in the pantry. That’s about it.” Jackson put his arm around her waist and led her to the closed door. He opened it, walking her into a pristine white bathroom with a pedestal sink, toilet, tall cabinet, and a claw-foot tub with a showerhead and curtain. “Sit on the toilet seat, Jessie.”
Unable to muster an argument, she complied.
He used an old-fashioned stopper on a chain to plug up the drain, then he turned the two faucets. “How hot do you like your bathwater, sweetheart?”
“Pretty hot.”
Jackson nodded and made an adjustment to the mix of hot and cold. She could see the steam floating on the rising water. He stood up. “Let me help you undress.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” She folded her arms over her chest.
“Stop arguing. You’re exhausted. If you fall and bust your head in my bathroom, my insurance premiums will go up.” Jackson started undressing her by unbuttoning her blouse. “I’m not taking you back to town looking like you fell down a mine shaft. Besides, I want to wash your clothes for you while you bathe.”
She nodded her consent.
In a flash, he had her completely devoid of clothing. Naked, she trembled. Though her body was overly fatigued, she still felt a spark of desire in her core.
Jackson stared down at her and smiled. “Jessie, you are so beautiful.”
By his tone, she knew that he had been telling her the truth that morning about having real feelings for her. How could she stay angry with him? Appropriate or not, she liked his attention. What woman wouldn’t from such a sexy cowboy? She spotted the tear in his jeans and the dark stain. “I forgot you were hurt.” He’d been heroic with her in the mine.
“Just a scratch, sweetheart. Doc looked me over, too. Doesn’t even need stitches.”
Relief filled her up. “I’m a little cold. Can I get in the tub now, General Jackson?”
He nodded and lifted her up in his arms.
“I can walk, you know.” But she liked being held, leaning into his muscular chest.
He didn’t answer, and lowered her gently into the hot water. “How’s the temperature, Jessie?”
“Perfect.” She felt her aches began to melt away. “Thank you.”
Jackson smiled. “I don’t take baths, Jessie. I don’t have anything like bath salts or oils or whatever you women use.” He pointed to the metal caddy hanging on the lip of the tub. It held soap, shampoo, and conditioner. “Will those work for you?”
“Of course. They’ll be fine.”
He went to the cabinet and pulled out a white towel and washcloth. He placed them within easy reach for her. “Take all the time you need. I suck in the kitchen, but Phoenix is quite the chef. He can make a gourmet meal out of just about anything.”
