Page 2 of Jackson

“No, because he’s a dick,” she huffed as she took her notebook out of her messenger bag. Her shudders slumped. “I’ll phone one of the owners now,” she said, knowing that was what her boss was going to ask next.

Maya had worked at the Stoney Ridge Herald for the past six years, working her way up until she finally got her dream job of featured articles. Work had become Maya’s life for many years, and although she was lonely at times, she had made her peace that marriage and children was not something in her future. In fact, her last serious relationship was with Jackson, before he enlisted and disappeared for the next decade, taking her heart with him.

Maya had successfully avoided Jackson and his combat brothers for the past five years, only bumping into him briefly and awkwardly. But then the security company, Threat Assess, Jackson part owned with his brothers, donated a large amount of money to the new women’s shelter. The donation was mainly because Kane married one of the owners, Sarah. Then it became the news for the week. And that was when Maya had to report on it.

This year the fundraiser for the shelter included an auction. The auction had caused a large amount of interest in the female community of Stoney Ridge, as it was a man auction. And not just any man auction, but one where five of the ex-combat brothers, all big, alpha men, were being actioned for a full twenty-four hours. It was expected to raise another large amount for the shelter, and Maya’s job was to acquire a quote from one of the brothers about how they felt about being the prize. Her boss had chosen Jackson as the one she had to interview.

“Bugger it,” Maya muttered as she picked up the phone and called Sarah.

The phone only rang once before Sarah answered. “So, was it really only thirty seconds?” Sarah asked, laughing.

“Well, it was in the back of his dad’s car, and with him being so tall and I’m not exactly a small girl, it felt like forever as the seat belt was cutting into my back,” Maya joked, smiling as she heard her friend laugh even louder.

“Not exactly fond memories then.” Sarah said as Maya could hear her shifting to get comfortable.

Maya sighed. “It was, but it’s in the past now. We’ve both moved on.”

“It sure didn’t look like it to me,” Sarah said. “I thought you two were going to make out in the driveway.”

“Nope. Definitely not,” Maya said, shaking her head into the phone. “Anyway, I need a favor.”

“You want me to talk to Jackson for you?”

“Hell no. But I do need a quote for the fundraiser coming up. I wanted one from one of the brothers being auctioned, but I can’t ask Kane as he isn’t participating, and Jackson is being a dick, so I’m hoping you can get one for me?”

“I sure can, but I think I have something better for you.” Sarah said. “Would the paper be interested in doing a full story on the behind the scene of the auction and follow one of the men on their date afterward? Sort of like how you interviewed Kane and me after the last fundraiser and our engagement.”

“That’s an interesting concept. It’s also better exposure for the shelter and more personable.” Maya took a few seconds to think. “Yes, I think that would work in really well. Do you think you can get one of the brothers to do it?”

“Leave that to me,” Sarah said. “I’ll talk to them and have someone ready for you in the next few days.”

Maya smiled, picturing how the story might unfold. Maybe some background on the brother, their company and the work they do for the shelter and how the money helps so many women to start again. “Okay. I’ll see you there in a few days. Thanks Sarah. I appreciate it.”

Chapter Three

“You tricked me,” Jackson called out to Sarah as she stood grinning in her doorway. “You’re playing dirty, Sarah. That’s not on.”

Kane stood behind his wife, pointing a finger at Jackson. “It’s not so great when the shoes on the other foot, is it.” He said and Sarah grinned up at him as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

Jackson stood, his feet hip width apart and planted his hands on his hips. “But this is different. She tricked me.”

“Well then brother, you should know by now that Sarah is cunning.”

“I thought she just wanted something moved. Not take over my life.” Jackson grumbled. “Didn’t know when she asked me for a favor that it was all access to my life. Its too much Kane. Too fucking much.”

“Deal with it Jackson. It is for a good case. More publicity for the fundraiser, means more money for the shelter.” Sarah said, as she stepped forward and walked towards Jackson, who was slowly calming down. “It’s a few days Jackson. And Maya will be the one who is going to do all the interviews. This might be a good thing for both of you.”

Jackson grunted, knowing Sarah was right. He wanted time with Maya to prove to her he had changed since high school, yet every time he was around her, he acted like total tool. It was like he transported right back ten years ago when he and Maya were a couple. Right before he blew it and enlisted in the military without having the conversation with Maya first. He knew she would be angry at him, but he needed to get out of the town and prove himself, and the military was the only way he knew how.

“And….it might give you the shot you need with Maya.” Sarah shrugged as Jackson stopped still and glared at her.

“A shot? What the hell do you mean by that?”

Kane snorted. “You don’t exactly have any game brother. Maya is a woman that’s needs to be wooed.”

There was a split second of silence before Jackson started to laugh, Sarah joining in. “What the fuck is wooed?” Jackson asked, moving over to Sarah as they both stood there waiting for Kane to answer.

“You know. Flowers and chocolates and shit,” Kane grumped.

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