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“She deserved it!” Jackson retorted, sounding every bit like a ten-year-old and nothing like the grown man he was.
“Uncle Jackson has cooties!” Selena sang and then ran giggling from the room.
Brian reached out his hand and helped Jackson to rise to his feet.
“I thought you were dead,” Brian grumbled.
Jackson laughed, “No, you didn’t. I’ve been checking in. What’s going on?”
“My sister-in-law opened her big mouth and told Katie that I’ve been working on her yard in the middle of the night.”
“Who's Katie?” Jackson sank onto the cool leather sofa and grabbed the ice water he had abandoned earlier.
Brian sighed, “You have been gone forever, Jackson.”
Gina appeared at the door with a beer for Brian and a tray of cookies, “Can I get anything else for you two?”
Brian stood to take the tray, “You really didn’t have to do all of this. Thank you again for your hospitality. I will be taking his guy off your hands.”
Jackson scowled. “I have to leave.”
Gina laughed, “My daughters will be crushed. They think they have a new brother. Jackson, you are welcome here any time. I hope you know that.”
Jackson got up and hugged Gina, kissing her forehead. Marco was at the door when he pulled back, and Jackson went over to him and gave him a big hug as well.
“I will miss the two of you and your hospitality. I can’t say I have ever felt more welcome.”
Marco smiled. The birthmark on the one side hardly marred his handsome face.
“As Gina said, you are always welcome. We will leave you two to your business. Just let us know if you need anything else.”
Brian began to tell Jackson about his relationship with Katie. The more he talked about the pretty new deputy, the more Jackson understood just how things were with his boss and his neighbor.
“Well, just tell her the truth,” Jackson said reasonably.
“That I was her stalker?” Brian shook his head, “No. She doesn’t know you. So, I figure we can get you out there, and I will catch you doing something. Maybe pruning the trees and then pretend to take you away.”
Jackson started laughing, a deep belly laugh that made Brian frown.
“And what if you marry this girl? Are you going to hide me for the rest of your marriage? Or am I fired? I have been a nanny for Marco and Gina, been kidnapped for Julio and Natalie, and now you want me to be a stalker. I have to say that being a PI has never been so exciting. And honestly, I have never been one that has pushed for the truth. But Brian, listen to yourself…”
Brian sighed and dropped his head into his hands.
“I feel like an idiot.” His words were mumbled against his skin, but Jackson got the context.
“Do you love this girl?”
Brian’s head shot up, a deep scowl on his face. “Why in the hell does that matter?”
Jackson’s smirk was eating away at Brian’s temper.
“Boss, we don’t lie to the ones we love.”
“Maybe I don’t love her,” Brian said in a dark tone that neither of them believed.
Jackson nodded. “Of course you don’t. So, is tonight good for the break-in?”
“I don’t need you to break in. Just do a little gardening, can you do that?”