AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Lexi, please don’t go,” Ellie begged.
Lexi refused to meet his eyes as she patted Mom’s hand and picked up the cup and what looked like her purse. “I’m going to let your mother have some rest.” She moved past Ellie and out the door.
Ellie shot him a look then hurried after her. Leaving him with his mom, who looked at him. “What is it, Mom? Are you okay?”
“I’m okay.”
“Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“I like her.”
So did he. And he had a feeling he’d just screwed everything up big time. “I’ll be back in a moment, okay?”
“Go get her, Tiger.”
He blinked at her. How long had it been since he’d heard her use that expression? Except Mom had never used it about a girl.
“Go on.”
He hurried from the room, following the voices outside to where Lexi was opening her car door. “Lexi, wait.”
“No. You should go.” Ellie shot him a death laser glare. “I don’t want you anywhere near my awful brother right now.”
“I didn’t mean it,” he said, moving closer to hold onto the car door. “Please, forgive me.”
She glanced away, and he noted the curve of her cheek and jaw, the creamy color of her skin. Five freckles dotted the milkiness of her collarbone before it disappeared under her t-shirt.
“Lexi.” He touched her hand, saw her startle as if his touch electrified as it did him. Still her gaze remained averted. “Please. Let me explain.”
Finally she turned to face him, and he was confronted by a shimmer in those green eyes. His heart twisted, as regret upon regret boiled within. He’d made her cry? “I’m sorry. So sorry.” He glanced at his sister, motioned to shoo her away. But she only arched a brow and crossed her arms, remaining exactly where she was.
Fine, then. “Lexi, I’m really sorry for what I said in there. I didn’t mean it. I guess I’m just stressed about all of this, and Bob—”
His sister snorted.
“Having Bob here, knowing he’s seen you, and that he’s likely to tell others you were here—”
“Like his wife,” Ellie said. Lexi’s eyes widened.
“I’m trying to do my best, but I keep falling short, and—” His voice cracked, and he heaved in a breath and rubbed a hand over his face. “I can’t get anything right today.”
He released the car door and turned away, scuffing his boot on the dusty driveway as he sucked in air to try to regain composure. He was an idiot, chasing away the one good thing that had happened today.
The breeze’s coolness whispered against his skin as he put his hands on his hips and surveyed the ranch, seeing it as Bob had. Bob had not been shy about offering his opinion. “It needs a lot of work, son. I’m sorry, but I don’t think you can expect top dollar, not if we’re going to be realistic. If you want to sell, you need to be aware that while the market has been hot and prices have been generous, it’s not a guarantee. And judging from the land and the condition of the house and barn and outbuildings, I’d be lying if I said I believed I could get a buyer for anywhere near what you’d be asking.”
So selling was a bust. At least for the price Jackson had believed the property was worth. The price Bob had mentioned had been so low Jackson had nearly laughed at him. Nearly. Except that part of him which had kinda wanted to cry.
“Jackson.”
He pivoted at the soft voice. Hope rose as Lexi studied him seriously. “I am very sorry. You must know that.”
“I do.” He held out a hand. “Can we start over?”
Her gaze fell to his hand, then travelled back up again, and she finally lifted her fingers to meet his.
His fingers wrapped around hers, even as electricity zapped between them. “Friends?”
She licked her bottom lip, and he was taken with another stupid urge to know her better, to kiss her even. As if she’d see him like that. The best he could hope for was—
