Page 46 of The Sandover Beach Billionaire

Chapter Fourteen

Jackson crackedhis neck and stretched while waiting for Mercer to answer her phone. He had stepped out onto Jenna’s back deck so she wouldn’t overhear the call. She picked up after a few rings, sounding breathless. “Hey, Mercer. Are we all set for Saturday’s first farmer’s market?”

“I think so. I’ve tried to plan for everything, but it’s hard to know exactly what you’ll need until you’ve had an event once.” She snorted. “Then, of course, you see all the things that should have been done but weren’t.”

“It’s going to be great. I’m sorry I haven’t been around this week to help. Not that you need it.”

Jackson had spent the last five days with Jenna, helping pack up her mom’s house. And talking and kissing. If it hadn’t been for the impending deadline, he wouldn’t have minded a little less work and a lot more kissing. He knew she needed his help and the task did keep Jackson from pushing her boundaries too hard. He hoped, anyway. Every day it seemed like Jenna opened up a little bit more, her walls crumbling bit by bit. That had to be a good thing, though Beau had warned him to let things unfold naturally, not to force things too fast.

After all this time, Jackson didn’t want to scare her off by going too fast, even if in his mind, he was already there. He knew what he wanted—had dreamed of for a long time—and keeping pace was a constant battle. Jenna’s marriage had ended only months before. Though it was clear she had no lingering feelings toward her ex, Jackson worried that jumping into another marriage so soon would send her running, far and fast. But his mind had already moved firmly into the marriage camp. So much of his life felt like wasted time. He wanted to spend the rest of it loving this woman and building a life with her.

And after hearing about her ex, Jenna deserved love and a happy life. Jackson had a hard time keeping his anger in check when she told him about Mark’s many affairs. She had looked so vulnerable, lip trembling and looking down at her lap. He knew that he couldn’t take away her hurt, but he wanted to show her just how much she meant to him and how much worth and value she had. He struggled with a constant tension between letting all his feelings hang out and pulling back so he didn’t rush her. She didn’t trust easily. Jackson needed to earn and keep her trust. That wouldn’t happen for her in a week.

So he didn’t press her for a conversation on what was happening between them. He simply showed up at her house every day with a smile, ready to help, hoping that her desire would unfold to match his. It kept him in a state of constant tension, trying to hold himself back. He kept his internal struggle and his rage toward her ex under wraps, taking it out on the punching bag at home every night.

“What happened to your hands?” she had gasped when he showed up with bloody knuckles the morning after she told him about Mark.

Jackson had been so mad that he had gone straight from his Jeep to the heavy bag, not taking the time to wrap his hands. “Oh, just some boxing practice.” He couldn’t even regret it when Jenna fussed over him, insisting on icing his hands and then giving him a hand massage. Which had nothing to do with sore knuckles and everything to do with the fact that she clearly craved being close to him the same way he relished her touch.

Mercer’s voice broke into his thoughts. “You will be here Saturday, right? This week has been fine, but I think it’s important that you’re there.”

“Of course. Jenna’s house will officially be on the market, which means we’ll be done here. She’ll meet me there. But I’ll be there early and all day to help. She knows I’ll be doing work and promised to help as well, or entertain herself if she needs to.”

There was a brief pause. “I’m really happy for you, Jackson.”

He smiled. “I’m happy for me too.” Glancing toward the house, he made sure that Jenna was out of earshot. “I know you’ll be busy with the new Bohn’s Local stuff, but any new houses to look at? The one yesterday was just okay. Fine, but not great.”

Jackson had given Mercer another task: to find a place for Jenna to live. She had been too stressed this week to even think about options. Was this pushing too far? It probably crossed a few lines. Maybe more than a few. But Jackson was working on a way to help without seeming like he was helping, hence the secrecy.

“I agree. An okay option, but not perfect. I’ve got a few other houses. I’ll send you an email with the listings.”

He grinned. “You are so fantastic. Thank you.”

Jackson caught Jenna watching him through the window, her expression unreadable. Hopefully she hadn’t heard him. He dropped his voice and turned his back to Jenna.

“Thanks, Mercer. See you Saturday. Call me before if you need anything.”

“Everything okay?” Jenna joined him just as he hung up the phone. He slipped it into his back pocket and pulled her in close.

“Just finalizing plans with Mercer for the Farmer’s Market Saturday. I hope you’ll still come with me.”

“Mercer, huh? I forgot about the Farmer’s Market, but I’d be glad to be anywhere but here. Are you sure you don’t need to be at the store right now, getting things set up?”

“I have complete faith in Mercer. She’s amazing.”

Jenna smiled, but Jackson could read something in her eyes. She seemed hesitant or upset. Packing up her mother’s life and all the memories was heavy work. He had done his best to lighten her mood, to keep her fed and laughing, but it was still emotionally taxing.

“Everything okay?” He brushed her hair back from her face, letting his hand linger on her neck. She shivered and then smiled again. A better, lighter smile this time.

“More than okay. Because I’ve got you. I do have you, right?”

“That shouldn’t even be a question, Monroe. You’ve got me.”

For as long as you’ll have me. He bent down to kiss her when there was a frantic ringing of the doorbell. Jenna pulled back, giving him a rueful smile.

“Later,” she said in a low voice. Jackson felt a thrill at the promise as he followed her inside. That was when they started hearing the sirens over the banging on the door.

Jenna flung open the door. An older woman stood on the porch. She looked vaguely familiar, but Jackson didn’t immediately know her. The sirens were wailing right outside now, red lights flashing.

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