Page 85 of Nashville Cowboy
“But you can’t be a major success without touring! Without putting in the blood, sweat, and tears. I’ve already explained this to you. Don’t you want to be astarlike me? You’re so close. Jackson, you’re the full package. Looks, talent, charisma. It’s just a matter of time now.”
“Maybe I don’t want that anymore.”
“But you—” She set the menu down and waved her hands dismissively. “Okay, okay. I think you’ll change your mind, but this partnership of ours could work either way. I could get a place in Texas and we’d work it out.”
“Workwhatout?”
Winona leaned in and whispered. “I want to have your baby.”
Everything inside him stilled and he seemed to be walking through thick molasses. He couldn’t have heard right.
“What?”
“I thought we might do this the old-fashioned way, but now that there’s Eve, I don’t have a problem collecting your sperm.”
She didn’t have a problem collecting his sperm! Good to know. He straightened, hands on his thighs, pushing his spine against the back of his seat.
“Are you out of your mind?”
“Far from it. I’m no longer going to wait around for a man to be sure enough of himself to mind occasionally being called ‘Mr. James.’ I want a baby, and if you do this for me, we’ll be square.”
He scoffed. “We are square. I don’t owe you anything besides my thanks.”
“I gave you that divorce pretty fast. You have to admit.”
“Because youcheatedon me.”
“News flash, Jackson. I did not cheat on you, just let you think I did because I could already see you wanted out. All you wanted was a reason. I also didn’t make you sign a pre-nup, and you could have taken me to the cleaners.”
“But I didn’t.” He sighed and took her hand in his, trying for the reasonable approach. “Honey, we were never in love. We were drinkin’ buddies who occasionally fell into bed together. What you’re asking is nuts. And I say that in the nicest way.”
“I’m sure you’re thinking of Eve, but if I could just talk to her, woman to woman.”
He let go of her hand. “I would much rather Eve never hear about this insanity.”
Jackson considered leaving, but he felt a pinch of sorrow for his friend. He understood what it was like to feel lonely. “Why don’t you go to one of those um, banks?”
“I would ratherhandpick the father of my own child. Someone in the music business with both talent and looks. I know you, and you’re one of the best men I’ve ever known. Even when we divorced, you were kind to me. Out of all of my exes, you’re the only one I still call a friend. Plus, you’re so handsome you’re sure to make me a good-looking kid.”
“You should care about a healthy kid.”
“That, too.”
“You could ask someone else. Another ex.”
“I’m starting with you because you’re my first choice.”
“What can I say? I’m honored, but I’m going to have to give this a hard pass. Sorry.”
“Won’t you at least think about it? I’ll give you whatever you want. I’ll pay you.”
“Here’s something I never thought I’d say, but my sperm isn’t for sale.”
Winona had worked herself up into a whine. “Not even for one hundred thousand dollars? Think of the new start you would get with that. It’s a big chunk toward building a recording studio of your own, if you insist on moving here, or use it for whatever you’d like.”
Jackson slowly shook his head, arms crossed. “Your money was never important to me and it still isn’t.”
“That’s one of the things I love most about you, even if it’s working against me now. Can you see how perfect you would be for me? Your homestyle, down to earth values would complement my more extravagant ones.”
