Page 27 of (La)Crosse My Heart

“You don’t have to do that,” I say, touched by their willingness to help when I haven’t even asked for it.

“I know you’re strong, Jessa, but I don’t know if you can lift that beast,” he says, pointing to the large dresser. “That thing has been a pain for way too long.”

I smile, laughing. It’s a small thing, but I love that he’s got some experience with the things in my life. It takes away some of the sting in the homesickness that threatens to take over.

I walk up to the door and open it, waiting as Burton and Jackson bring the small couch in.

One by one, the guys bring in everything. It’s when all is inside within thirty minutes that I’m more than grateful.

“Thank you to all of you. Can I send you all some money?” It’s the least I can do.

Burton raises a hand and shakes it. “We’re good. We’re always willing to help a damsel in distress.”

“Why thank you, Burton. How about I make you all dinner this weekend? Let me get unpacked and I’ll get a menu planned.”

Clark frowns. “You know how to cook? Something other than mac and cheese?”

With a slug to his shoulder, I say. “I’ve been on my own for quite a while now, Clark. I had to learn a few things to make sure I didn’t starve.”

“Do you teach lessons on that too?” Jackson asks, and I find his expression sincere.

“I’d be willing to help if needed,” I say, laughing a bit.

“Good, because we are not eating well in this house,” Jackson says, looking like it’s the world’s worst travesty.

Stack nudges him and shakes his head.

“We eat plenty of good food,” Finny says.

“Anyway,” Clark says, raising a hand before the conversation can devolve further. “Let us know if you need help with anything else.”

The rest of the group waves and turns back to walk to their house. Clark stays behind.

“Is that all the stuff you brought from Virginia?”

“Yeah, why?” I ask.

“Well, if you need help to get more stuff, I have a friend who works in a furniture store. I can refer you to her.”

Something about that sends alarm bells ringing throughout my brain.

“I should be good but thank you.”

He nods and says, “Okay, sounds good. Do you need help unpacking your boxes?”

I laugh and say, “Are you wanting to spend more time with me, Denton?”

He chuckles and says, “That’s not a bad thing, right? And I’d love your help in getting this problem solved. We can kind of swap help.”

“Why the sudden urge to improve?”

“There’s a lot riding on it, and I just want to do a good job.”

“Then take the night and relax. We’ll get going on all of that tomorrow.”

He smiles at me, making my stomach go a little soft. “So, you don’t have any homework for me?”

“I’ll send you a few links you can study. Good night, Clark.”

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