Page 32 of Mac
“Seriously, though … Why a treehouse?”
They’d moved pillows and blankets out to the small balcony through the doors. He couldn’t have asked for a more perfect night. He couldn’t have asked for anything more. She’d trust him enough to get on the back of his bike and she’d trusted him enough to stay with him after two rounds of sex.
He wasn’t old, but he wasn’t young, either. But damn if he hadn’t come like a twenty-something.
And he could come more. Planned on it, in fact.
He had provisions for the night if she wanted to stay. He would take her back to the club in the morning to pick up her car. He wanted his one night, though. He wanted everything, every hour filled with them connecting in a way they never had.
She was everything he’d imagined. She was more than he could have hoped for.
“Mac?”
“Sorry. Daydreaming.” He shrugged. “About the treehouse? I don’t know. I’ve just always loved them. I love being able to see from up here all the way out there.”
Therewas a break in the trees and mountains in the distance. They were surrounded by mountains, but the view was different than most. It was spectacular, soft and hazy. “I told you my family owns the land. When I was a kid, I had a small treehouse right here. I say treehouse, but it was more like a lean to. I spent many nights in the summer and fall out here. I’d pack some food for a couple days and camp.”
“What would you do?”
“Read. I read a lot.”
She grinned and it lit up the night. “Detective stories?”
“Yep. Comics. Mystery novels. Crime thrillers.”
“Weren’t some of those too old for a kid?”
“They were, but I didn’t care. My mom was cool with it too as long as I didn’t use the language that was inside them and act like I was too good to follow her rules.”
“And did you?”
“Yes. And let me tell you, I do not like the taste of soap. Even now, I won’t use bar soap for anything.”
Jackie laughed. Or was it a giggle? He couldn’t tell and it didn’t really matter. For the first time ever, she was relaxed around him. “So, there is something you’re afraid of.”
“Not afraid, just …” He shuddered and she laughed more. God, he loved the look on her face. Carefree and happy. He loved the sound of her laughter, too. He hadn’t been privy to too much of it. She usually saved that side of herself for friends and she’d never invited him into that circle.
Maybe he’d have a seat at the table now.
“You want to tell me the truth about you and Trae?”
“If I do, will you believe it?”
“Yes. He has a thing for you, doesn’t he?”
“He does.”
“Do you have one for him?”
“Nope. Never have. He’s the brother of one of my very best friends and that’s all he’s ever been. I mean, yes, he’s my friend, a very good friend, but that’s all.”
“And how will he feel about us?” He could see the question in her eyes and when she started to open her mouth, he shook his head. “Yes, there’s an us. Don’t even start thinking there isn’t.”
She gave a short nod. “He’ll deal with it and get over it. Trae is a flirt and he’s always had girls hanging on him. He’s going to be just fine.”
“You sound sure of that. Don’t get me wrong, I hope you’re right, but I saw the way he looked at you and the way he held you. Didn’t look like something he’d be getting over too quick if he’s been harboring feelings for a long time.”
“You said you’d believe me.”
