Page 25 of As Long As You Kiss Me

Jackson crept down the ladder as Sully scrambled down the tree.

“Ouch. This stupid tree trunk just scraped up my arms.” She hopped down to the ground.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah.” She rubbed at the tender inside of her arms. He wanted to leave a trail of kisses over her sore spots to soothe her pain. Because kisses always made it better.

He maneuvered the ladder to rest on his shoulder again, and they headed back to the truck. Once it was stowed safely in the bed and they were back in his truck, he put it into drive and left.

“Do you think he saw us?” Sully asked, pulling the hat off again.

“I don’t think so, or he would have come out to find us.”

“Then maybe it’s working. Do you think we freaked him out?” Sully ran her hands through her hair in a really distracting way. Her dark hair was luscious and full. He couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like.

“It’s hard to say, but he did turn off his show, so that’s got to mean something.”

“I’d be totally freaked out if I lived in that creepy old place and heard those weird sounds.”

“Me too,” Jackson admitted.

A moment of silence passed between them. It was nice to sit with her like this. It felt familiar and comfortable.

“What are you up to tomorrow?” Sully asked.

“Not much. I was planning to use my Saturday to work on some repairs around my house.”

“Do you want to go to the festival that’s going on tomorrow afternoon? Think you’ll be ready to take a break by then?”

“I’d love to go. I’ll probably be ready to be done for the day anyway, especially if I get a head start.”

“Great. Let’s meet at my place at three. Will that work?”

“Sure. I’ll just need your address.”

“I’ll text it to you right now.” Her phone lit up her side of the cab as she punched at the screen.

His phone buzzed against his leg from where he’d stowed it in his pocket.

“I think going out together is a good idea. We need to start sending the message to the town that we’re together. If we’re seen out in public holding hands, then it’ll get back to Mason that we’re an item.” Jackson turned down the street where Sully’s apartment complex was located.

“I’m sure it will. You know the rumor mill is alive and well in this town, and something juicy like his ex dating someone would be sure to reach his ears before long.” Sully’s phone went dark as she put it down.

“And it’ll be much stronger coming from an outside source than it will from you,” Jackson pointed out.

“Yes. I’ve already told him we’re a thing. If he has any doubts, they’ll be squashed by others confirming what they think is the truth.”

“Exactly.” Jackson turned into the entrance to her complex. “How do you like living in these apartments?”

“It’s good for now. I wouldn’t want to live here forever, but it’s perfect for what I currently need. Having a roommate saves me a lot of money, and Aubrey’s good company.”

“My situation is pretty different from yours. I’m up to my ears in repairs on my house. It’s a lot of work.”

“If you ever want some help, I’m willing to pitch in a hand,” Sully offered.

His heart warmed at her generosity. “Thank you, that’s very nice of you. I might just take you up on that.” Not that he necessarily needed her help, but the longer he was around her the more he enjoyed her company. He dropped her off at her building.

She opened her car door, filling the cab with light. She turned back to look at him after she’d stepped from the truck. “Thanks for your help tonight.”

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