AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You really found stuff here?” Aliza asked. “Our own Maplehaven woods has treasures?”
“Yeah. I can show you guys,” Jackson said. “After we tackle Eugene’s to-do list.” Now that the threat to the dig site had passed, Jackson was calmer. He did make a mental note, however, to think a little more like Isabel in terms of making an effort to balance the reason he was in Vermont with his desire to rekindle their relationship. He wanted to pursue the dagger find, get additional funding for future projects, and see what could develop between Isabel and him. As long as he kept all of his goals in mind—and didn’t get consumed by only one of them—everything would work out.
Of course when he turned around and witnessed Isabel’s golden hair streaming behind her as she ran toward him in her cargo shorts and tank top, his work-related goals took a flying leap.
No. I can balance it all. Because he wasn’t giving up a career he’d spent years building and he wasn’t going to deny himself the happiness Isabel Perri could bring him.
“I am so, so sorry, Jackson!” she yelled, her legs carrying her through a patch of daisies and sending a few butterflies into the air. “I thought Grandpa had called and—”
Jackson cut off her apology by hoisting her off her feet and planting his mouth on hers. She was reluctant at first, still trying to apologize, but she quickly conceded and joined him in the kiss.
His brothers hooted and whistled. Their women cheered and clapped. Even Charlie let out a whoop. Jackson ignored all of that and kissed Isabel as if he hadn’t nearly witnessed his dig site get trampled. They’d avoided disaster, the summer sun was warm and bright, and he had the people he cared about most in this world around him. What more could a guy want?
He got the answer to that question when Isabel’s body brushed against his dick.
Later.
Right now, they had jobs to do for Eugene, and Jackson made a note to block off the dig site a bit better so it would be obvious to everyone not to bring heavy machinery in there.
He released Isabel—though every instinct told him not to—and he took her hand. “Noah was cool. He’s going to another job for now.”
“Grandpa called him as soon as I burst into the main office.” Isabel brushed her hair from her beautiful face. “Thank God it was Noah. Someone else might not have been as understanding.” She fell into step beside him as they followed his family out of the woods and back toward the cottages.
“Small-town vibes to the rescue,” Jackson said. “It’s nice when everybody knows everybody.”
She gestured to his brothers ahead of them. “I’m sure the Henley Hellions would have found a way to stop those trucks with their bare hands.”
She was probably right. Jackson’s brothers, their women, and Charlie hadn’t hesitated to chase down the trucks with him though they’d had no idea why the trucks needed to be stopped. They’d seen Jackson was freaking out and they’d jumped right in. He’d spent a great deal of time doing things on his own out in the world with his archaeological work. A few colleagues had his back now and then, but as with most academics, there had to be explanations and evidence of needing help first.
Not with family. Especially his family. Jackson was having real trouble understanding why he’d stayed away from Maplehaven for so long. What had he been running from? Sure, he’d initially left due to schooling, but once he’d been outside the borders of this town, he’d convinced himself he didn’t need what Maplehaven had.
But he did.
He not only needed it. He wanted it. Badly.
“Let’s divide and conquer,” Donovan said when they got to the center of the property, the cottages fanned out around them.
“Grandpa said all eight remaining cottages are empty right now, but they are all booked for the weekend,” Isabel said.
“I can go see if your grandfather needs help in the office,” Charlie volunteered. “That way I can threaten to tell Isabel if he tries to do too much.”
“I love that plan,” Isabel said, giving her friend a hug. “I’m sorry we’re not getting our girls’ day.”
“No worries. We’ll get to it.” Charlie gave them all a wave and headed for the main office.
Focusing on the tasks, Jackson said, “How about if each couple takes two cottages to prepare? Then we can split up the landscaping and repair jobs after that.”
“Sounds good.” Christian put his hand out. “On three, go team.”
One by one, they formed a circle and each put their hands on top of Christian’s until they had a sizable stack.
“One,” Christian said. “Two... three!”
“Go team!” they all shouted together. Each Henley brother took his mate and headed for one of the cottages.
“When I open my own resort,” Isabel said as she led Jackson to the cottage next to his, “they all get a free weekend.”
“They will love that.”
