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Chapter Sixteen

IZZIE

I ’m not sure why I agreed so quickly to spend the night at Jackson’s ranch. It was an impulsive decision. I could have insisted we go back to Miami tonight. But truth be told, I didn’t want my time with Jackson to end yet. I can only attribute my moment of insanity to the high of delivering my first foal all by myself.

I try not to stare at everything inside his house. I don’t want him to know I’m in awe of his excellent taste, which I am. If I were to decorate my house, it’d probably look very similar to his. I love the rustic, no-fuss style he has going on here. The walls are white and contrast with the natural wood color accents of the furniture and exposed beams of the ceiling. The large L-shaped couch in the living room looks soft and inviting with its many pillows in earthy tones.

I’m amazed that Jackson’s house feels warm and welcoming—it’s a contradiction to the man he is. To be fair, he’s acting way more agreeable now. But I won’t let my guard down around him. Even though he swore to stop meddling in Jane and Chad’s relationship, I’ll have to see it to believe him.

“Do you want to eat?” Dione asks. “I can whip up something real quick.”

“I’m not really hungry,” Jackson replies then turns to me. “But if you are, I can keep you company.”

I feel myself blush, and I don’t know why I’m reacting like this. It isn’t like he’s asking me on a date or anything, and Dione is here. I’m hungry, but I’d feel awkward eating in front of Jackson while he waits. He must be exhausted.

“I’m not hungry either,” I lie. “I just want to shower and sleep.”

He nods. “Okay. Dione, could you please prepare the wisteria guest room for Izzie?”

“Ahead of you, boss. It’s all set. Come on, Izzie. Let me show you.”

I take a step to follow Dione, but then stop and glance at Jackson. “Where’s your room?”

He arches a brow. “Why do want to know? You’re not planning on smothering me while I sleep, are you?”

I snort. “No, unless you give me a reason to. I want to make sure you’re as far away from me as possible.”

“Don’t worry. I’m on the opposite side of the house.”

“Fine. Good night, then.”

“Sweet dreams, Izzie.”

Heat spreads across my cheeks again. Hell and damn. I know he didn’t mean anything by it, so why am I responding like this? Maybe because it’s been a long time since I slept with anyone, and Jackson, despite his terrible personality, is a very attractive man.

One thing is certain. I need a cold shower.

* * *

I get why Jackson named this guest room wisteria room. It’s mostly white, but the accents are the color of wisteria. It’s beautiful and cozy, and the bed is divine. I should have no problem falling asleep, yet sleep eludes me.

I’m wearing the brand-new silk PJs that Dione had already laid out on the bed before she showed me around. It still had the tags on. I was curious why she had them in the first place. Does Jackson bring female guests here often? I get annoyed with the idea. Obviously, I didn’t ask her.

I look at the clock. It’s past two am. Hell. I’m sure Jackson wants to leave early. At this rate, I won’t get any sleep at all. Maybe I should eat something, or drink warm milk. I don’t usually go scavenge for food at a stranger’s house, but desperate times and all.

I use the flashlight app on my phone, but it’s only super dark in the hallway. The counter light in the kitchen was left on. It isn’t very bright, but it provides enough illumination that I don’t need the flashlight anymore.

I set my phone down on the counter and check the fridge first. Jackpot. There’s milk. I take it out then go in search of a mug.

I try the cupboards closer to the coffee machine first, but instead of finding a mug, I discover a creeper instead. A giant spider leaps from the cupboard, scaring the shit out of me. I yell as I jump back. The spider scuttles away, disappearing from view, which doesn’t bring me comfort. My heart is stuck in my throat, and my pulse is pounding in my ears loudly.

Jackson comes running into the kitchen wearing nothing but low-rise pajama pants. I forget the spider as I stare at his wide chest, washboard abs, and the delicious V pointing at the good stuff. His hair is messy, and it makes him look even hotter. Life isn’t fair.

“Are you all right?” he asks.

“I-I’m okay now. There was a spider in one of the cupboards.”

The worried glint in his eyes changes to amusement. “Ah, yes. They like to explore at night.”

Is he comparing me to an eight-legged freak?

“I’m sorry I woke you,” I say.

“No worries.” He notices the milk on the counter. “Are you hungry?”

“No,” I lie automatically, and I don’t even know why. I’m already embarrassed anyway. But my body decides to betray me, and my stomach rumbles.

Jackson chuckles. Chuckles! I didn’t think he was capable of that.

“Fine. I guess I am a little hungry. I also couldn’t sleep, so I figured I’d try warm milk.”

“Nonsense, I’ll make you something more substantial than milk.” He turns to the fridge.

“You don’t need to cook for me,” I argue.

“I’m hungry now too.” He takes out eggs, cheese, peppers, and spinach from the fridge. “Do you like omelets?”

“Yeah. Can I help?”

“It’s okay. I work better alone when cooking.” He sets the ingredients on the counter next to the stove, and then grabs a mug from the cupboard and places it next to the milk. “If you still want it.”

“Sure.”

“I have stuff to make hot chocolate if you prefer.”

“I haven’t had that in a long time.”

He tilts his head, and his bangs sweep across his forehead in an adorable way. “Is that a yes?”

I nod perhaps a little too vehemently, and Jackson laughs. “All right. I’ll have one too.”

He grabs all the ingredients for the hot chocolate and sets them next to the stuff for the omelet.

“You don’t want me to make the hot chocolate?” I step closer.

“It tastes better if I do it the traditional way. The microwave ruins it for me.”

I cross my arms. “I can use a stove, you know.”

He looks at me and smirks. “Noted. Next time, I’ll let you cook.”

I arch a brow, ignoring how my pulse accelerates. “Next time?”

Jackson seems to blush, but he looks away quickly, and I can’t confirm that it really happened.

“Well… when Chad and your sister make up, we’re bound to see each other more often. There could an opportunity for you to return the favor.”

Disappoint rushes through me. “Right. Makes sense.”

“Why don’t you take a seat at the table?”

He’s being polite, and I figure he doesn’t want me hovering while he cooks. The kitchen is an open concept with an island in the middle and a breakfast nook that sits four in one of the corners. I suppose when the party is larger, they eat in the dining room. I’m sure Jackson has invited his teammates over.

I watch Jackson work, staring unabashedly because he’s facing the other way. He’s still shirtless and, hell, I’m not going to deny myself the show. His back is corded with muscles, and I wonder what it would be like to run my fingers down the hard ridges of his body. My stomach feels funny, as if I have gremlins living there.

“Are you nervous about the next game?” I ask to distract myself from dangerous thoughts.

“No.”

“Really? I’m nervous for you.”

He looks over his shoulder. “You’re nervous for me? I didn’t think you cared about hockey.”

I glance at the bouquet of flowers on the table. “Well… I suppose I got the bug now that the Lions are finally playing well.”

“So… you’re a fair-weather fan, then?”

“I wouldn’t say that. I’m just… a new fan.”

“Is that so? I assumed after everything that happened between Chad and Jane, and my hand in it, you’d hate the Lions.”

I look at him again. “Not everyone on the team is a jerkface, though. That wouldn’t be fair.”

His back becomes tense. “Are you referring to Wickham?”

I hadn’t thought about Gavin all this time, but since Jackson brought him up, maybe I can find out why there’s bad blood between them.

“What did Gavin ever do to you? Or should I ask, what did you do to him?”

“I can’t talk about it.” Jackson grabs a couple of plates and divides the omelet between them.

“Can’t, or won’t?”

He walks over carrying the plates. “Can’t. I had to sign an NDA.”

My spine goes rigid. I can’t imagine Jackson being forced to do anything he didn’t want to. “Who made you sign an NDA? Gavin?”

Jackson’s face is serious and hard. “No. And I can’t say who made me sign it. The agreement covered that too. All you need to know is that Wickham is not to be trusted.”

“Is that why you followed me the other night at Triana? So I wouldn’t spend time alone with him?”

Jackson stares at me for a couple beats, then says, “Eat your food before it gets cold.”

“God, you’re bossy.”

He goes back to the stove to fill our mugs with hot chocolate. When he returns to the table, his face isn’t as marble-like as before. “It’s why they made me captain.”

I shake my head, then take a bite of the food before me. It’s so good, I forget that he’s in the room and moan out loud.

“I guess I don’t need to ask if you like it.” He slides into the seat next to mine, and suddenly, I’m too aware of his presence.

“Don’t let that get to your head. I’m just really hungry.”

“If you say so.” He takes a bite and, like an idiot, I stare at his mouth. He notices, and after he swallows the food, asks, “What?”

I look away. “Nothing.”

We eat in silence, then I ask, “What’s your plan to get Jane and Chad back together?”

“We’re flying to Vancouver later today, so there’s really no time for them to meet beforehand.”

“Then I guess we’ll have to arrange it for when you return.” I lift the mug of hot chocolate and blow on it before taking a sip.

“Or she could come to Vancouver… actually, you should come with her.”

The hot chocolate goes down the wrong pipe, making me choke. I start to cough like crazy.

“Are you okay, there?”

“I’m fine,” I croak.

“Think about it,” Jackson continues. “If you decide to go, my assistant will arrange the flights and book the hotel for you.”

“I’ve never been to Vancouver, but I can’t come. I have to work. I’m sure I can convince Jane, though.”

“Oh. Of course. Just let me know.”

It could be in my head, but Jackson sounded disappointed. I’m probably imagining things. There’s no way he’d be bummed out that I can’t come. Absolutely zero chance.