Page 107

Behind us, Emma continues playing as half the town goes about their Friday night. And for the first time, being seen doesn’t feel frightening. It feels a little like coming home.

The drive home is quiet, no music playing, only the moonlight splaying through the ponderosas on the short trip. After Jackson turns off the car, he closes his eyes for one second, head tilting back on his seat.

“You alright?” I ask.

“Perfect. I am trying to make sure I remember this night fully. It’s not many times in a man’s life they know when they went on their last first date.”

My heart thuds against my chest “Jackson …”

He sits up and turns to me. “Sugar, there’s no pressure here. No timeline, nothing to rush. But I want you to know I am all in. Whatever pace you need.”

Not letting me answer, he gets out and heads to my side of the car, opening it and offering me his hand. With our fingers laced, we head toward Unit B. Not wanting the night to end but not ready to invite him in yet, I am pissed at myself for installing pin code locks, not giving me keys to play with to stall this out.

Jackson twirls me slightly, turning me toward him. “Thank you, for the best date I have ever had,” he says as he gently brushes his knuckles down my cheek, sending an involuntary shiver through me.

I tilt my head up, leaning my body closer to his. “You’re welcome. It might surprise you, but it was the best date I’ve ever had too.”

Jackson moves his hands to cup my face, thumb grazing my cheekbone, staring into my eyes. “Can I⁠—”

“God, yes,” I enthusiastically agree.

His hand steadies me as he places a firm kiss on my lips, drowning out any coherent thoughts. His hand moves to the back of my head, pulling me in tighter. My arms go up his muscled back, needing more of him. His tongue tangles with mine as I let out an involuntary moan. Spurred on, he reaches down and grabs my knee, hiking it around his hip. His body presses closer, molding to mine.

Jackson breaks the kiss, moving his hand to my neck, placing our foreheads together.

“You better get inside, Sugar.” I nod, but neither of us make a move.

Jackson leans back in, pressing his soft lips to mine in the most tender move. “Thank you.”

“You already said that.”

“I know, but it deserves repeating.” He gently guides my leg down from his hip. Placing his hands on my waist to steady me.

Smoothing down my dress, I attempt to gather a semblance of composure but fail.

“You good?” Jackson smirks.

Cocky and unfairly beautiful man.

“Goodnight Jackson. I have an audiobook to go listen to.” And I turn on my heels and leave him opened mouthed on my front porch.

32

PHOENIX

“Ican do this. It’s one text message.”

I type three different versions and delete them all. My hands are actually clammy as I stare at the screen.

“Suck it up, Lane. You’ve faced down courtrooms. You can ask one man to a soccer fundraiser.”

I have the overwhelming urge to find Darren Cox from middle school and personally apologize for saying no to the winter dance.

Hi, if you’re not busy, I’m heading to this fundraiser thing for Reece’s soccer team. Silent auction, some kind of performance, I don’t really know. I usually just write a check for these things. Anyway, let me know if you want to come. No pressure.

I groan, reading it back. It’s rambling and awkward.

Thud. Thud. Thud.