Page 28 of Don't Fall for a Grump

13

Bree

Once I slide into the truck, Jackson flashes a grin at me before starting down the long drive that will take us off Ben’s property.

It’s kind of exciting, going on an errand together. While I knew I would be seeing Jackson again today, I couldn’t have imagined we’d be spending time in such close proximity. Nor can I help feeling more than a little bit pleased that Jackson, without any objection, appeared eager to take on Ben’s task with me in tow.

But as we pull out onto the main road, my excitement wanes as I quickly remember where this errand is taking us. We’re picking up an order from Mr. Shilliday’s, and a sudden dread shrouds me.

“Oh, no,” I say out loud.

Jackson flicks his head in my direction. “What?” he asks.

“We’re going to Mr. Shilliday’s,” I say as way of an answer.

“And?” Jackson presses.

“He’s going to ask me about the faucet.”

Jackson looks confused. Of course, he does. He has no idea about my exchange with Mr. Shilliday in the store the other day, before he arrived. I suppose I have some explaining to do.

“When I was in there last, you know, the day you were…”

“Being a jerk,” Jackson replies, throwing me a wide grin.

I smile and shrug. I can’t disagree. He had been a total jerk. “Well, I was buying the washers for the faucet. That’s when Mr. Shilliday asked what I wanted them for, and I told him. I also told him I was going to fix it myself. His doubtful expression at that declaration did not exactly fill me with any confidence. I just know he’s going to ask how it went, and I’m going to have to tell him that his lack of confidence in me was well-founded.”

“No, you don’t,” Jackson says bluntly.

His straight answer surprises me.

Jackson is shaking his head. “You don’t have to tell him anything. It’s none of his business.”

“But he’ll ask. I just know it.”

“Then tell him the job is done. That’s all he needs to know.”

“Oh, come on, Jackson. You know as well as I that he’ll push for more.”

Jackson chuckles then. “Then tell him you fixed it with no trouble at all.”

“But that’s a lie.”

“Only a little one.”

I’ve always been something of a straight arrow, and the idea of lying doesn’t really sit well with me.

Jackson looks at me again and raises his eyebrows at my concerned expression. “Don’t tell me you’ve never told a little white lie now and then?”

“Yes, but—”

“There you go.” He throws out a hand, gesturing that his point is made. “Besides, what happens in Carter’s cottage, stays in Carter’s cottage.”

I giggle at his comment.

“Your attempt at creating an indoor pool will be our little secret.” He winks, and grins. “Besides, would you prefer the other option?”

I don’t know what the other option is, so I shrug.

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