Page 37 of Puck and Prejudice

ChapterSixteen

IZZIE

I’m not sure why I agreed so quickly to spend the night at Jackson’s ranch. It was an impulsive decision. I could have insisted we go back to Miami tonight. But truth be told, I didn’t want my time with Jackson to end yet. I can only attribute my moment of insanity to the high of delivering my first foal all by myself.

I try not to stare at everything inside his house. I don’t want him to know I’m in awe of his excellent taste, which I am. If I were to decorate my house, it’d probably look very similar to his. I love the rustic, no-fuss style he has going on here. The walls are white and contrast with the natural wood color accents of the furniture and exposed beams of the ceiling. The large L-shaped couch in the living room looks soft and inviting with its many pillows in earthy tones.

I’m amazed that Jackson’s house feels warm and welcoming—it’s a contradiction to the man he is. To be fair, he’s acting way more agreeable now. But I won’t let my guard down around him. Even though he swore to stop meddling in Jane and Chad’s relationship, I’ll have to see it to believe him.

“Do you want to eat?” Dione asks. “I can whip up something real quick.”

“I’m not really hungry,” Jackson replies then turns to me. “But if you are, I can keep you company.”

I feel myself blush, and I don’t know why I’m reacting like this. It isn’t like he’s asking me on a date or anything, and Dione is here. I’m hungry, but I’d feel awkward eating in front of Jackson while he waits. He must be exhausted.

“I’m not hungry either,” I lie. “I just want to shower and sleep.”

He nods. “Okay. Dione, could you please prepare the wisteria guest room for Izzie?”

“Ahead of you, boss. It’s all set. Come on, Izzie. Let me show you.”

I take a step to follow Dione, but then stop and glance at Jackson. “Where’s your room?”

He arches a brow. “Why do want to know? You’re not planning on smothering me while I sleep, are you?”

I snort. “No, unless you give me a reason to. I want to make sure you’re as far away from me as possible.”

“Don’t worry. I’m on the opposite side of the house.”

“Fine. Good night, then.”

“Sweet dreams, Izzie.”

Heat spreads across my cheeks again. Hell and damn. I know he didn’t mean anything by it, so why am I responding like this? Maybe because it’s been a long time since I slept with anyone, and Jackson, despite his terrible personality, is a very attractive man.

One thing is certain. I need a cold shower.

* * *

Iget why Jackson named this guest room wisteria room. It’s mostly white, but the accents are the color of wisteria. It’s beautiful and cozy, and the bed is divine. I should have no problem falling asleep, yet sleep eludes me.

I’m wearing the brand-new silk PJs that Dione had already laid out on the bed before she showed me around. It still had the tags on. I was curious why she had them in the first place. Does Jackson bring female guests here often? I get annoyed with the idea. Obviously, I didn’t ask her.

I look at the clock. It’s past two am. Hell. I’m sure Jackson wants to leave early. At this rate, I won’t get any sleep at all. Maybe I should eat something, or drink warm milk. I don’t usually go scavenge for food at a stranger’s house, but desperate times and all.

I use the flashlight app on my phone, but it’s only super dark in the hallway. The counter light in the kitchen was left on. It isn’t very bright, but it provides enough illumination that I don’t need the flashlight anymore.

I set my phone down on the counter and check the fridge first. Jackpot. There’s milk. I take it out then go in search of a mug.

I try the cupboards closer to the coffee machine first, but instead of finding a mug, I discover a creeper instead. A giant spider leaps from the cupboard, scaring the shit out of me. I yell as I jump back. The spider scuttles away, disappearing from view, which doesn’t bring me comfort. My heart is stuck in my throat, and my pulse is pounding in my ears loudly.

Jackson comes running into the kitchen wearing nothing but low-rise pajama pants. I forget the spider as I stare at his wide chest, washboard abs, and the delicious V pointing at the good stuff. His hair is messy, and it makes him look even hotter. Life isn’t fair.

“Are you all right?” he asks.

“I-I’m okay now. There was a spider in one of the cupboards.”

The worried glint in his eyes changes to amusement. “Ah, yes. They like to explore at night.”

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