Page 30 of As Long As You Kiss Me

“What are you doing?”

“I’m headed out the door to come see you. I don’t think you should be alone right now.”

“Thank you, Jackson. That would make me feel much safer.”

“You can still take your nap if you want. I’ll just hang out on your couch so you don’t have to be alone in the house.”

“I can’t sleep at all. I’m too freaked out.” She wrapped her free arm around her midsection like that was going to keep her safer somehow.

“I don’t blame you. We have to get rid of him. This is getting out of control.”

“How am I supposed to sleep at night?”

“Do you want me to sleep on your couch?” Jackson offered.

“I can’t have you just move in here. That’s not reasonable.” She sat on the edge of her bed.

“How did he get in anyway?” Jackson asked.

“I forgot to lock the door when I was going to church.”

“Well, I guess you won’t forget next time. I’m surprised he knew where you lived.”

“Me too. I wonder how he found that out.”

“Do you think he followed you home after work one day?”

Why did he have to say that? It only freaked her out more. She gripped the phone so hard it dug into her fingers. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he did. When Mason wants something, he’ll do almost anything to get it. He’s not used to being told no.”

“I’d like to put him in his place,” Jackson growled.

“We need to move forward with our plan to scare him off. I can’t think of anything that will work better.”

They continued talking, making plans to get a spider to plant in his house. Before she knew it, Jackson was at her front door. She opened it, and he wrapped her in his arms. His embrace was warm and strong, and he smelled amazing, like a forest just after a rainstorm. She ached to reach up and kiss him once more but going down that road wouldn’t end well. Because she couldn’t get in another relationship. She was too broken from the last one. She didn’t want to take things to that level and then lose Jackson when things inevitably went badly.

“I’m sorry you’re going through this,” Jackson murmured into her hair.

She looked up at him. His eyes were tender and concerned. “Thank you for coming. I feel safer already.”

“Of course.”

She gazed up into his eyes, and an overwhelming urge to kiss him came over her. But she didn’t. She couldn’t.

Instead, they walked over to the couch, where they settled down together. Sully flipped on the tv and scrolled through some movie options.

“Are we watching something?” Jackson asked from beside her.

“I need to get my mind off of what just happened.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to take a nap? I can just hang out here.”

“No, it’s okay.” She selected a period drama and settled into the couch. Jackson was warm beside her, his breathing light and calming. She felt safe and secure with him there, and she was grateful for his presence.

Drowsiness overcame her, and her head got heavy as the film went on. Would it be so bad if she just leaned against Jackson? She went back and forth as she considered it. Finally, fatigue won, and she rested her head on his shoulder.

Warmth washed over her, and she snuggled into him. Would he push her away?

He didn’t. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, and she stayed there safe in his embrace. Hopefully, she wouldn’t snore or anything. It was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep.

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