Page 55 of Middle Ground

“Thank you,” she whispers. She tips her head back against the wall and closes her eyes. A single tear slips down her cheek, but she swipes at it roughly. “Why are you so nice to me? I’ve been nothing but horrible to you this whole time.”

“I’m just trying not to be your villain.”

She opens her eyes, setting her attention on me. She’s quiet for a moment, studying. “I think I’ve been so focused on making you out to be the bad guy, I’ve turned intosomeone I never wanted to be.” She shakes her head. “I’m sorry. For all of it.”

I stand from my seat, holding my hand out to her. “Hi, I’m Jackson Vaughan, your new business partner.”

She eyes my hand and then her skeptical gaze meets mine. “What are you doing?”

I shrug. “I’m starting over. Care to join me?”

After a moment, she takes the bait and stands. Grabbing my hand, she shakes it firmly. “Meyer Ellison, your new business partner.”

I smile as I give her hand a quick squeeze. I’m reluctant to let go, but I know that I have to. Ishould.

Then I clear my throat. “It’s been a long day. We can sort everything out and talk to the police in the morning. For now, it’s probably time for bed. Do you want me to walk you home?”

Even if she says no, I’ll do it anyway. She can be mad about it if she likes, but I don’t care. I’m not taking any chances with her.

Meyer shakes her head. “I’m just waiting for Pippa to be done and then I’m going to her place. She’s making me stay with her and Declan tonight.”

I don’t say it, but an immense amount of relief sweeps through me, knowing that. That means I won’t have to find an excuse not to leave her alone in that cottage of hers.

“I’m glad you have her,” I say. I stick my hands in my pockets, unsure what to do with myself. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

She chews on her bottom lip as she nods, and shit, the action makes it all the more enticing. I shouldn’t be thinkingabout that right now. Or at all. She’s made it abundantly clear how she feels about me, apology or not.

“I do,” she replies.

I turn to head out into the hall to give Meyer her space. It feels strange, walking away from her after I watched some of her walls come down.

“Jackson?” she calls out. I stop and face her. “Thank you.”

I tip my chin. “Anytime.”

Instead of heading up to my room, I wait in the office until I hear Meyer and Pippa heading for the door. Then I make sure they both get into Pippa’s car safely before I make the trek up the stairs.

As I’m getting ready for bed, my phone buzzes, and the text that greets me eases some of the worry still sitting on my chest.

Meyer

We made it to Pippa’s place. Goodnight, Vaughan.

Goodnight, Ellison.

CHAPTER 20

MEYER

I haven’t been alonein five days.

Ever since Jackson and Wells found those photos of me, I’ve always had someone around, whether it be Pippa, Declan or Jackson. I’m convinced the three of them have been colluding together, determined not to let me know a moment of peace.

I know they care, but I need to get back to my normal life at some point. I can’t operate in this constant state of fear forever. The police have their evidence, so all I can do is be cautious as I try to live my life.

It’s hard when my business partner is acting unusual, though.

“You’re being exceptionally clingy today,” I say as I shut the passenger door of Jackson’s Audi.