Page 54 of Timid (Lark Cove 2)

eplaced in such a short amount of time. He claimed to be ‘better’ than Dad and asked her to get back together with him. You can guess how that conversation ended.”

Jackson chuckled. “I sure can.”

I smiled up into his beautiful blue eyes, glad I’d been able to make him laugh. “I think what’s important is finding a person who makes you better. And someone you can trust with your heart. And, Jackson? I trust you with mine.”

Even after our rocky start, I trusted him.

“Can I tell you a secret?” He leaned down and whispered, “I have a crush on you.”

I smiled. “It’s about time.”

He laughed and dropped his forehead to mine as I laughed too. When we stopped, he blew out a long breath and muttered, “I’d better go.”

“Okay.” As much as I’d like to make out with him on the couch all night, I had a long day tomorrow. I stood first and he followed, standing too fast and hitting his head on the slanted ceiling.

“Ah, fuck.” He rubbed the back of his head, ducking as he maneuvered to the center of the room.

I winced. “Sorry.”

“Told you.” He shrugged. “One more time and I’ll remember not to stand up so fast.”

“I’ll stock up on ice packs.”

He grinned and snagged my hand, dragging me into his chest. “Next time maybe we’ll be horizontal on the couch and I won’t have to worry about it.”

Oh. My. Goodness. My core quivered and I was suddenly quite aware of my nipples. Horizontal couch time was definitely a go. I wasn’t sure exactly what it meant, but I’d figure it out as we went along.

“Thea comes back Monday,” Jackson said. “I’m hesitant to ask, given the other times you’ve shot me down, but since I’ve had a rough night, I’m hoping you’ll take it easy on my ego. Dinner? How about Tuesday or Wednesday?”

I’d have to cancel my weekly dinner with the girls, but I didn’t care. The only one I’d really miss seeing right now was Leighton, and even though it was after two in the morning, I was calling her the second Jackson left.

“I can do both nights.”

He grinned. “Both it is.”

“No, I meant either.”

“Too late. You agreed. We’ll go up to Kalispell on Tuesday and do something nice.”

“I could cook,” I offered.

“You can cook on Wednesday.”

I smiled and nodded. “You got it.”

With a quick brush of his lips on mine, he gave me a soft, sweet kiss, then walked to the door. “Lock up after me.”

“I will.” I nodded and closed the door behind him. When the deadbolt clicked, his boots thudded down the stairs.

I pressed my fingers to my lips as I watched through the window next to the door. He looked back over his shoulder twice this time as he crossed the yard. And somehow, he knew I was watching because he blew me a kiss.

Air kisses. Sweet kisses. Soft kisses. Hard kisses. Wet kisses.

Tonight, I’d learned it all.

And I couldn’t wait to see what he’d teach me next.

The morning of my date with Willa, I stopped by the bar to check on Thea. It was nice to have some time off now that she was back from New York, but it was hard to enjoy when she looked so miserable.