Page 83 of Middle Ground

I glance over my shoulder, watching as our employees begin to break down the setup under the tent. Then I turn back to him. “We should probably help,” I say.

He nods. “I’ll get the chairs stacked up.”

While Jackson is busy with that, I decide to help the catering staff clean up their stations. When everything has been packed up and the staff have finished clearing out, we find each other.

“Walk me back?” I ask.

Jackson nods. “Lead the way.”

The walk to my cottage is quiet. Peaceful. It’s a nice night, the sky clear enough to see all the stars.

“Bet you don’t miss all that light pollution,” I say,breaking the silence. Because I was beginning to feel too comfortable, and that made me feeluncomfortable.

He glances up at the sky and then over at me. “No,” he says, “I can’t say that I do. Can’t say that I miss a lot about the city, to tell you the truth.”

Stupid words roll to the tip of my tongue. Questions like,does that mean you want to stay?But I don’t voice them.

We make it to my front door sooner than I would have liked. As surprising as it is, I actually enjoy Jackson’s company. Not that I’d tell him that. His ego truly doesn’t need the boost.

“Did you have a good night?” he asks.

“I did.” My hands wring nervously in front of me. “Thank you for talking me off the ledge earlier.”

He smiles, and those goddamn dimples appear again. “That’s what I’m here for. Goodnight, Ellison. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wait.” I take a step closer, reaching for him. “I decided I’m taking your advice.”

His eyes sparkle in the moonlight. “Yeah? What advice is that?”

“Taking stock of the risks,” I reply as I fist his lapel, “and being open to opportunities that fall in my lap.”

I wait for him to stop me. But when he doesn’t, I waste no time dragging his mouth to mine.

CHAPTER 29

JACKSON

Kissing Meyer makesit easy to forget about everything that has gone wrong lately. The spray paint, those photos, the fire—everything else is just background noise when I lose myself in her.

I groan, wasting no time in wrapping an arm around her waist, tugging her impossibly closer. She comes willingly, which is more than I can say regarding most of our interactions. But in my arms, she’s pliable. She lets go of her reservations and simplyfeels.

I knew that day after the creek wouldn’t be enough for her. It certainly wasn’t enough for me. I’ve just been waiting for her to admit it to herself. Even longer for her to admit it to me.

Meyer holds her pride like a shield, but beneath it all, she wants to be heard. Respected. And I want nothing more than to give that to her.

I also really want to fuck her again.

“This isn’t exactly what I meant,” I say, slightly out of breath. “Can’t say I mind it, though.”

Not when she’s looking at me like that. Like I’m the answer to all her prayers. Fuck, I don’t ever want her to stop looking at me like that.

Meyer shrugs. “You were talking about business opportunities. We’re business partners, and this is an opportunity. I figured the same logic would apply.”

I let out a surprised chuckle. “An opportunity, huh? And what is this opportunity?”

She takes a step back, and my arms fall away. Her eyes are fucking gorgeous, so full of heat. “For you to see me out of this dress.”

I lean in, closing the space Meyer just created. “Are you trying to use me, Ellison? Feeling good and need someone to help you get off?”