Page 7 of Jackson

With one last glance over her shoulder, Maya flashed a triumphant smile at Jackson, whose face was now hidden behind his newspaper. She stepped out into the sunshine, hoping her simple strategy had worked.

She hadn't made it more than a few steps when Jackson's voice cut through the hum of the small town's midday bustle.

"Maya Thompson," he growled, his boots clicking on the concrete as he caught up to her. "What's your game, huh?"

Maya spun around, the picture of innocence with her hands clasped behind her back. "Game? I'm not sure what you're talking about, Jackson."

"Cut the act," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Flirting with Alex in there like you're—"

"Charming, funny, drop-dead gorgeous?" she offered with a tilt of her head, batting her eyelashes dramatically.

"Troublemaker," Jackson corrected, though the corner of his mouth twitched in spite of himself.

Maya, with her arms now crossed, matched Jackson's intensity, their faces mere inches apart. "Ooh, hit a nerve, did I?" Maya's voice climbed a notch, drawing the gaze of passersby who pretended to be absorbed in their phones but were shamelessly eavesdropping.

"Look," Jackson said, his voice dropping as he leaned in, sending involuntary shivers down Maya's spine. "I know you, Maya. I know when you're up to something. But stay away from Alex."

"Or what?" Maya challenged, arching an eyebrow.

"Or—I don't know, just... stay away!"

Their heated exchange had attracted a small audience, and noticing this, Maya allowed the corners of her lips to curl into a victorious smirk. She'd gotten under Jackson's skin, alright. Her plan was unfolding beautifully.

"Good talk, Jackson," she said before turning on her heel and striding away. A glance over her shoulder confirmed Jackson's intense gaze still fixed on her retreating figure, and she couldn't help smile.

The game continues.

Chapter Seven

Maya slumped onto the barstool at Octane, a bar bordering on Bear Ridge County, on the outskirts of Stoney Ridge.

“Why are we meeting here?” Maya asked looking around the bar, taking in the large heavy-set men in leather jackets with their insignia on the back of their jackets.

“I’m meeting with Bear Ridges bar owner about a proposition to open a women’s shelter in their county.”

“And Kane let you come alone?”

“Nope. He’s hiding out over there in a booth, thinking I can’t see him.”

“Yep, that’s sounds like Kane. Overprotective.” Maya said as she laid her head on the bar and groaned. "Sarah, I'm at my wit's end," Maya confessed. "Jackson's just... he's impossible! I know there's something there, but he won’t make a move."

“Alex didn’t work out?” Sarah asked.

“Alex spilled the beans as soon as Jackson threatened to set Olivia up on a date with someone else.” Maya grumbled. “These boys look all alpha but they are just big awkward softies inside.”

"Well then, we tried, but really? Girl, just make a move already," Sarah quipped, her lips curving into a knowing smile as she spun a cocktail napkin between her fingers. "Okay, hear me out," Sarah said, her voice dropping to the secretive whisper reserved for plotting or gossip. "The bachelor auction is tonight."

"Yep. I’ve got my pre-interview done with Alex and Jackson," Maya replied. "I've got my camera ready and notepad primed. But what does that have to do with Jackson's stubborn…"

"Buy him," Sarah interjected, her eyes gleaming.

"Buy Jackson? At the auction?" Maya sputtered, nearly choking on her drink. She imagined the scene: the auctioneer calling out bids, Jackson's eyebrow arching in challenge, the gavel slamming down. It was absurd, it was outrageous, it was... brilliant?

"Exactly!" Sarah's grin spread, infectious. "It's a win-win. You get your interview when he has to spend time with you, and maybe, just maybe, he will make his move. Worst case, is that you get twenty-four hours to mess with him if it doesn’t work out.”

"Sarah, I—I don't know," Maya said, the words tumbling out in a rush. "It's clever, but it feels... wrong. Coercive, almost. I mean, using the auction to manipulate the situation? What would that say about my integrity as a reporter?"

"Maya, come on." Sarah reached across the table to grab her hand. "You're not compromising your ethics; you're just nudging fate along. Besides, Jackson owes you that interview, doesn't he?"

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