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Green Breeze can’t force people to sell. But Jackson, you need to get your ass to New York. You won’t make a fool out of me, right? They are expecting you here.
Yes, I’ll be there. Just need to see a few things through and tie up some loose ends. There’s got to be a better way to handle the family orchard than to sell it.
That’s up to my parents. It’s not your call.
Talk later, Dad.
20
It’s been a week. Thank God Mia was with me last weekend. Between Jackson telling me he is leaving town at the end of summer and a potential wind farm erupting in my backyard, I am a total wreck. Mia did a great job talking me off the ledge and reminding me why I came to the cabin in the first place—romance wasn’t it.
Just because the hottest farmer I’ve ever seen walked into my life and all I can picture is jumping his bones, the reality of the situation still hits hard. Jackson is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. The connection between us was like spider silk, strong, almost invisible. With Jackson, the stars were aligning, and I couldn’t get him out of my mind.
I lie in bed at night and crave his gentle kisses on every inch of my body. My thoughts fly back to when I was lying on the rock under the warm sun, the breeze across my bare chest, Jackson between my thighs. The moments we had were the hottest, most sensual I’ve ever experienced. Heat spreads through my body every time his name is spoken.
Am I selfish for feeling this way? For replaying every touch and wanting things to be different?
I want him, I can’t have him, and it’s as simple as that.
Not hearing from him since that night has been torture. I’ve thought about driving to his place on more than one occasion, to lie next to him and tell him everything will be OK. I’m sure everyone has told him countless times the accident wasn’t his fault, but grieving is a personal journey. Jackson isn’t ready to allow love back in. Mia’s advice, which I can’t say I follow often, is to concentrate on the cabin, manifest this potential job at the elementary school, and save this damn place from turning into a wildlife death trap.
The first town hall meeting was packed, and it was difficult to find a seat. Awkwardly enough, I found an empty spot directly behind Jackson’s sister and grandparents. Thankfully, they were focused on the presentation and didn’t notice me. However, I was aware the CEO spent half the time undressing Shannon with his eyes. The nerve of that guy to stand there in his fancy black suit and tie and spout reasons people should sell their land. Unbelievable.
I’ll be the first to admit—Nick Ford is drop-dead gorgeous. Tall, dark, and handsome, he has an edge to him that screams “I can control things.” And while he may have been addressing the entire room, his focus was glued to Shannon.
I don’t blame him. She’s striking. I’m confident if their orchard is on the “most wanted” property list, she wants to kick in his teeth instead of allow him into her pants. The guy doesn’t stand a chance.
I left the meeting as concerned as I was when I’d arrived. I must find a way out of this mess.
Just as I’m heading out the door for the Midsummer Teacher Meet-Up, a text message comes through.
JACKSON
Hi, Solia. I promised myself I wouldn’t text or call you. I don’t want to hurt you any more than I have, but I saw you at the town hall meeting. I’m distraught you received a letter. A lot of the property owners are making a plan, and I want you to be part of it. Some of the information I have will be helpful. Are you willing to meet? I can fill you in. I’ll go wherever you want, just to talk, I promise.
Holy shit, my breath catches in my throat and my fingers tingle. The phone almost slips out of my hand. I’m trying to formulate a response but continue to draw a blank. There can’t be a future between us, but Jackson is offering to help me save the cabin.
I’ve been putting off calling my parents, hoping to gather more information first to propose a solution to them since I’m trying to prove I can handle the cabin myself. Until now, I’ve had nothing but sleepless nights, scouring the internet for a way out. If Jackson has information that could rectify the problem, I’m all ears.
My heart softens now that I am certain I will be next to Jackson again—and I’m afraid I can’t trust myself around him. The fact he wants to help me deepens my affection. I doubt he will change his mind about leaving because he made it clear that he needs to head out of town to heal.
Screw it. If he wants to help, I’ll take it and try my damnedest to keep my hands and lips off him.
SOLIA
I am surprised to hear from you, but I could certainly use the help. Are you free tomorrow after work? I have a school meet-up today.
I’m making a delivery to the store around five and then I’m done for the day. Did you land a job?
Not yet, but my fingers are crossed. I’m talking to the principal today. There may be an opening. I’ll meet you around five. I’m going paddleboarding and will head over right after.
Sounds good. Good luck!
I don’t have time to reflect on what this means or what I’m getting myself into. I need to get to the school.
Butterflies flutter in my stomach. I get so nervous meeting people in large crowds, especially potential colleagues, wondering if they will like me, if we’ll get along. The older I get, the harder it is to make real connections and new friends.
I agonize over my outfit, not too casual and not too dressy. I decide on a jean skirt with buttons that fasten in front, mid-thigh length, conservative but not too uptight. I figure a plain yellow vintage tee and my white laced sneakers are cute, yet comfortable. I’ve been playing phone tag with the principal, and she asked if she could give me some insight into the opening at the meet-up.
