Page 13 of As Long As You Kiss Me

“You know, if you ever feel like you want to talk about your time in the military, I’m here for you. I’m told I’m a pretty good listener.”

“Thanks, but I’m fine,” Jackson said. “You don’t need to be worried about me.”

“Okay. But the offer still stands. Anytime you need.”

“Speaking of people being worried about each other, how have you been?” As he spoke, the burden he’d been carrying seemed to dissipate off his shoulders. Like the idea of being worried about her was easier for him to swallow.

“I’m fine.”

“Your ex hasn’t been around to bother you again?”

“Nope. So far, so good.”

“At least that’s something. But I have a feeling he’ll be slithering back sometime soon. He’s not the type of guy to just let something go. I mean, I don’t really know the dude, but I’ve seen his type before.”

“You’d be right about that. When Mason gets an idea in his head, it’s pretty much impossible to stop him from doing what he wants.”

“If he ever bothers you again, you give me a call, and I’ll pay him a not-so-friendly visit.”

“I will. I promise.”

“You’ll need my number,” Jackson said. “I want you to feel free to reach out to me anytime you feel scared.” He pulled out his phone. “What’s your number? I’ll text you, and then you’ll have my info.”

She rattled off her number, and he punched it into his phone.

“I really do need to get back to work.” The two girls were handling the customers, but the door opened again, and more people poured into the shop.

“Okay.”

“Thanks for stopping by.” She smiled at him.

“Don’t be a stranger.”

He nodded and smiled back at Sully, causing her insides to do a series of little backflips.

How could she ever be a stranger to this man? He was back in her life, and now that he was, she didn’t want to lose him again, even if he’d come back different. That was something she could help him through. If he’d only allow her to.

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