Page 40

Chapter Forty

IZZIE

I know my expression is betraying me when I head back into the house and see Jane and Chad there. Both stare at me knowingly. I wonder if they saw Jackson leave. It’s very possible.

Usually, I’d greet them, but I’m too distraught to be social. I keep walking until I’m in my room. No surprise, Jane follows me and closes the door behind her.

“What happened between you and Jackson?” She sits next to me in my bed.

“I ended whatever we had.”

“Why? I thought things were going well.”

I sigh, slumping my shoulders forward. “I didn’t have the chance to tell you yet. I went to Jackson’s house last Sunday after work, and I found Caroline there, wearing nothing but his shirt.”

Jane’s jaw drops. “No way! He hooked up with her?”

“That’s what I thought, but it turns out it was only Caroline being a conniving bitch.”

“Oh… that makes more sense. But if her presence at his house was explained, why did you break up?”

I look at Jane and read nothing but compassion in her blue eyes. “I was a mess, Jane, and it scared me how much it hurt to believe Jackson had betrayed me like that. I didn’t recognize myself.”

She pats my hand. “Oh, Izzie. That’s what being in love feels like.”

I tense on the spot. “I’m not in love with Jackson.”

The denial sounds ridiculous to my own ears. It’s clear as day I’m in love with him.

Jane gives me a droll look. “Sure, you aren’t.”

I look away, shaking my head. “It doesn’t matter. I can’t risk getting clobbered by this relationship again. I have too much going on already with Cicero’s death, Dad, and helping you with your wedding.”

“Are you seriously walking away from something that could be wonderful because you’re busy helping others? Dad has Mom. And I don’t need that much of your help with the wedding. Stop making excuses because you’re afraid.”

I wince. “I’m not making excuses. And I have my residency. I need to focus on that.”

She arches a brow.

I throw my hands in the air. “Fine. Maybe I am. Jackson and I happened too fast, and all these feelings are overwhelming. I guess… I just need time.”

She throws an arm around my shoulders. “If you two are meant to be, he’ll wait for you.”

Leaning into her, I release a shaky breath. I’m not sure I believe that.

* * *

JACKSON

I see Chad and Jane as I’m leaving the Bennets’ ranch, but I’m already in my car, so Chad can’t ask me what I was doing there. Five minutes later, he calls me. I let it go to voicemail. I don’t want to talk to anyone right now.

I’m drowning in a pool of conflicting emotions. I finally confessed to Izzie the feelings that had been swirling in my chest for weeks, only to have them tossed back in my face as if they were nothing. Disappointment came first, then anger—not at her but at myself. I should never have started anything with her. I knew better, and yet I dove in headfirst.

I need peace and quiet. If I could, I’d head straight to my own ranch, but I have a charity event tomorrow morning that I can’t miss. I’ve already skipped several events thanks to being sick.

Begrudgingly, I drive home. It’s going to be hell to be in my neighborhood during the Fourth celebrations. Even with hurricane-glass windows, I’ll be able to hear the fireworks. Hopefully, the noise-cancelling headphones will do their job.

The hour-long drive doesn’t do much to change my mood, but when I see a familiar car parked in my driveway, my irritation escalates to the nth degree. I can’t even park in my garage, because Caroline’s car is blocking the driveway.

I park next to the curb so I don’t block her. She isn’t coming inside this time.

I’m glowering as I stride to the front door, but that doesn’t stop her from stepping in my way. “Hey, you’re finally home.”

“What do you want?” I snap.

Her smile wilts. “I came to check on you. You weren’t answering my texts or returning my calls.”

“For a reason. I don’t know what I have to do to make it clear that you’ll never be more than Chad’s sister to me. I don’t want to be your boyfriend, or even your friend.”

Her blue eyes fill with tears, and her lips tremble. “It’s because of Izzie Bennet, isn’t it?”

“She has nothing to do with this. I don’t like you. Truth be told, I only tolerate you because you’re Chad’s sister.”

She gasps. “You’re such a jerk.”

“I know. Goodbye, Carol.” I walk around her and don’t look back.

Maybe I should wait until she leaves—I wouldn’t be surprised if she put a dent in my car out of spite. But right now, I don’t give a fuck.