by Lena Hart
“Don’t assume to know how I feel or what I want, Jackson. It’s your conscience that’s muddled. Not mine.”
“You’re right. And now that I got you out of my system, I can finally think straight. Now get out.”
She stared at him searchingly, not recognizing the man in front of her. Whatever she felt for him, she knew it was special and she knew he felt it too. She just didn’t understand why he was trying so hard to fight it. Why he was trying to convince himself he wasn’t worthy of love.
“What are you so afraid of, Jackson?” she finally whispered. “Why don’t you think you deserve to be happy?”
Something akin to regret flared in his eyes, but it was quickly masked by anger and annoyance. “The only thing I’m afraid of is being saddled with another burden.” His gaze dropped down to her belly. “I hope you thought about that before you came in here last night.”
Something sharp twisted in her chest, and for a moment she couldn’t move, couldn’t speak. She tore her gaze away from his and blinked away the tears that threatened to cloud her vision.
Except, her vision was already clouded.
He wasn’t the man she thought he was. He was cruel and heartless and every bit the lowlife he made himself out to be.
“Okay, Jackson. You win. You are a bastard.” Unable to stand the scrutiny of her nude body, Truth scrambled into her nightgown and hop out of his bed. “And I’m on the pill so you have nothing to worry about.”
With that, she fled his room.
Fifteen
Jackson cursed and tossed the broken wood piece with the others.
Two hours and he had nothing to show for it besides a pile of crack and split wood. It seemed like the perfect metaphor for his life.
Everything he touched, he destroyed.
And his most recent damage was Truth.
He had effortlessly destroyed any warm feelings she may have held for him. It was exactly what he had set out to do after an incredible night in her arms. She didn’t need someone like him in her life. Everyone around him always got hurt or ended up dead.
He couldn’t allow her to get close enough and end up the same way. But the crushed look on her face that morning replayed itself in his head, until he couldn’t stand it.
Rage at himself at the unfairness of it all, made him want to break something. And when the thin wood in his hands snapped, Jackson released a vicious curse and slammed it on the ground.
The new project would have to wait.
He tugged off his gloves and safety goggles and threw then on the counter. He was done for today. He wasn’t getting anything done and was wasting more material.
Jackson locked up his shed and started back to the house. After this morning, things would never be the same between them and he dreaded going inside, not when it was filled with memories of happier times.
Before Jackson could reach the steps, a white van pulled up. He stopped and waited for the unwanted visited to pull up. Daisy, who had been at his heels, also stopped. As the van drew near, Jackson made out the company name printed on the side. Animal Control.
Jackson tensed, glancing at the man who climbed out of the van. He glanced at him then Daisy before he approached. He held a letter in one hand and a leash in the other. Jackson took a step forward. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll climb back in that truck and get the hell off my property.”
The man stopped in his tracks then held out the letter. “This is a warrant to seize your dog, Sir.”
“On what grounds?”
“There’s been a complaint filed that your dog has displayed vicious behavior and potentially dangerous to the public.”
“That’s bullshit. I want you off my property. Now.”
“I’m sorry, Sir. But I can’t leave here without.”
Jackson snatched the warrant from the man and ripped it in half. “Problem solved. Now go!”
The man stared at the torn warrant, his lips pressed into grim line. He went back into his truck, but instead of driving off as Jackson expected, he got on his phone.
Daisy began whimpering behind him and Jackson rubbed her back.
“Don’t worry, girl. No one’s taking you from me.”
But within minutes, two sheriff vehicles pulled up to his home. Mike climbed out of his and stared toward him.
“Jackson, what seems to be the problem?”
“There is none. As long as that son of a bitch stays away from my dog.”
Mike sighed, and glanced back at the animal controller, who stood a few feet away, the leash still clutched in his hand.
“Come on, man. Just let him do his job. You can straighten this all out when it gets to court.”
“There’s nothing to straighten out. My dog didn’t do anything. She wouldn’t hurt a fucking fly.”
Mike glanced at Daisy, his brow arched. There was doubt in the other man’s face and it only added to his frustration. He wouldn’t let his dog be treated like a vicious animal just because of what she looked like or her size.
“Unfortunately, you can’t stop him,” Mike said. “Now, let’s not make this any worse.”
Suddenly, the man came forward and Jackson tried to block his way. Mike grabbed his arm and he stopped, anger and helpless frustration building inside him.
He had already loss the woman he loved, he couldn’t lose his best friend too.
“This is bullshit,” Jackson snapped gruffly.
Suddenly, Daisy released a loud yelp. Jackson started in horror as she tipped to her side.
Jackson saw red and without thinking, he lunged at the man. His fist connected with the man’s jaw before he felt several arms around him.
“God damn it, Jackson!”
Everything became a blue as he was slammed to the ground and held there. He watched as Daisy was being muzzled and chained as a pair of cold, hard cuffs tightened around his wrists.
“What the hell were you thinking, Jackson? Assaulting a city official. That’s a goddamn felony.”
Jackson lifted his head from his hands. He met Guy’s hard gaze through the cell bars, trying not to let the enormity of his situation consume him.
“I thought he hurt Daisy and I fucking lost it. Is she okay?”
“She’s at the city pond. I won’t know much else until the papers are processed.”
Jackson clinched his jaw and stared down at his hands. He couldn’t do shit about it while he was in here and he had no one to blame but himself. If anything happened to her, it would be his fault.
“And the animal cop… How’s he?”
“He’s definitely pressing charges, if that’s what you’re really asking,” Guy snapped.
Jackson dropped his head in his hands and shut his eyes. He hadn’t meant to hurt anyone, but he was sure Guy wouldn’t behave that. All he was ever good at was hurting people.
“I won’t be getting out of here, will I?”
“I’m afraid not. Not until Monday, anyway, when you can post bail.”
Fuck.
“I’ll have one of the deputies come for your phone call, but is there anyone else you want me to call?”
Jackson shook his head. Other than Truth, he had no one else.
Guy sighed. “Look, I know this is tough and I’ll do my best to make things comfortable for you, but this is serious. I can’t give you a slap on the wrist this time.”
Jackson nodded stiffly. “I know, and I appreciate it. I’m not expecting any favors, but if I can make that call sooner than later, I would appreciate it.”
Guy nodded. He turned to leave than paused. “I can see about bringing your sister-in-law here if you’d like. It helps to have family close.”
Jackson swallowed wanting nothing more than to have her close, but he shook his head. “No thanks. I don’t want her to see me in here.”
Guy nodded and left him alone. He leaned against the cold, hard wall and stared out at the bare walls in front of him. He couldn’t remember the countless times he found himself
sitting here staring vaguely at that same wall. At that time, he hadn’t cared about anything or anyone. Hell, he hadn’t even cared about himself. But now that he was on a path to reclaiming his life, he felt suffocated sitting here.
He shut his eyes and thought about the one woman whose gentle smile had served as an anchor during his darkest moments. Even now just the thought of her eased the sudden tightness in his chest.
And yet he tried to drive her away. She had done the unthinkable, had come to him expressed her desire for him, and still he had shoved her away.
What the hell was the matter with him?
A woman like that came once in a man’s life time and instead of telling her how he really felt, he had made her feel cheap.
What are you afraid of?
Her question still haunted him. He wasn’t afraid of loving her, because he already did.
He was afraid that the moment he found love and happiness, it would be taken away from him because he didn’t deserve it.
He didn’t deserve to be happy, least of all with her.
Truth was frantic when she got home.
She had picked up a double shift so that she didn’t have to face Jackson after last night. Now she was home after sixteen hours and was too exhausted to think straight.
Truth sat at the kitchen table and replayed Guy Lawson’s message again.
“I’m sorry, Savvy but I can’t stay.”
“Yes, of course. I just wanted to drop these off.” She lifted a basket of fresh fruit. “Where’s Jackson and Daisy?”
To her dismay, tears began to cloud her vision and roll down her cheeks.
Savvy’s brows pulled together with worry. “Truth, what’s wrong?”
“They took them away.”
With that basic explanation, she burst into tears. Nothing good ever seemed to last for her. Jackson and Daisy were gone and perhaps for a very long time. Without them, she came to the stark realization that she was all alone here. It was too much.
Savvy placed down the basket and pulled her into a hug. Truth leaned into the other woman’s embrace, accepting her comfort and support. She barely knew her, but it didn’t matter to Truth. Right now, Savvy was offering her friendship and Truth was grateful for it.
“It’ll be okay, hon,” Savvy said, rubbing her back. “Now tell me what happened.”
Truth told her as much as she knew, starting with the sheriff’s voice message and the tow truck driver’s lies about Daisy that had resulted in Jackson’s arrest.
“I need to find out where they took Daisy and see if I can get her out. Then there’s Jackson, but since it’s Saturday, I’ll have to wait until Monday to see if bail will be set for him.” Truth rubbed her palm over her forehead and tried to blink back the fresh tears that sprang into her eyes. “Maybe I should look for a lawyer first, right? Are there any good ones here in town? What do you think?”
Savvy took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “I think the lawyer is a good idea, but one thing at a time. Like you said, it’s the weekend so there probably isn’t much we can do now. And you look like you could really use some sleep.”
Truth shut her eyes briefly, her weariness suddenly getting the best of her. “None of this is fair. They both should be here. At home.”
“They will be,” Savvy said, patting her hand reassuringly. “I can call my cousin Quinn. She’s a lawyer and might be able to offer some legal advice on this.”
“Any help from her would be so appreciated.”
“I don’t know how familiar she is with Virginia law, but we’ll see. You start calling some of the local animal shelters that has Daisy. It’ll be quicker than driving around everywhere.”
“Thank you, Savvy.”
“Don’t thank me yet,” Savvy said, pulling out her cellphone. “She hasn’t been the most reliable person these days.”
Truth stood in the small waiting area, her nerves strong tight as she waited for Jackson to walk through the security door.
She hadn’t seen or talk to him in three days and her concern for him had kept her awake during that time. There was little she could do about the smudges under eyes or the stress lines forming around her mouth so she didn’t bother. Her only thought that morning was to post his bail and get him out of there.
When a loud buzzer sounded, Truth jolted and turned to the door. It came open and Jackson walked out. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of him.
He looked like a man who hadn’t showered or slept for days. There was a tear on his sleeve and dirt smudged on his shirt and jeans, but he otherwise looked unharmed and she couldn’t be more relieved.
Jackson stopped just a few feet away from her and gaze moving over hers. Despite everything that had happened between them, or the angry words they had said to each other, she had missed him and wanted nothing more than to throw her arms around him.
But she wasn’t stupid enough to think that he would welcome her touch again.
“Did you find out where they took Daisy?”
“Yes, and I picked her up yesterday morning.”
He nodded. “Then let’s go home.”
The drive back to the house was silent and tense. There was so much to talk about that just thinking about it all gave her a headache.
“Do you want to stop and get something to eat?” she glanced at his profile, but he sat quiet staring straight ahead.
“No.”
Truth pursed her lips and said nothing else. When they pulled up to the house Daisy was making enough noise to reach the other side of town.
The minutes Jackson opened the door, Daisy burst out and started climbing all over him. He dropped to his knees and gave her a hug and letting her lick all over him.
“I missed you, too, girl.”
Truth stood off to the side watching them.
She hadn’t expected the same kind of enthusiastic reunion, but she wished he had shown her a fraction of that kind of affection. She had never been jealous of another person, much less a dog, but in that moment she was and she hated how it made her feel.
For everything she had done for him, for the past sleepless nights she spent worrying about him, he could have bothered to miss her a little.
Sixteen
“Isn’t my cousin great or what?”
Jackson sifted through the documents Savvy’s cousin had overnight to him. He almost couldn’t believe his good luck if he wasn’t staring at it himself.
“So if I take this plea deal, this all goes away?”
“Not necessarily,” Quinn Michaels said over the phone. “You’ll have to pay a fine and it’ll be on your permanent record, but with a reduced charge of a misdemeanor and forty-five days probation, you couldn’t get a better deal.”
“Okay, I’ll take it,” Jackson said, the weight of this problem suddenly lifting from his shoulders. “And what about Daisy?”
“The hearing is scheduled for next month, but I’m working on getting that case dismissed. Thanks to the pictures Truth took, it won’t be hard to prove that the complainant exaggerated in his report. So long as you follow the court mandates, you should be fine.”
Jackson released a deep breath and stared over at Savvy, who beamed excitedly at him.
“Thanks, Quinn. I owe you big time.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Quinn said. “It’s the least I could do, seeing as my cousin almost killed you.”
Savvy’s face fell as she glared down at the phone. “You didn’t have to bring that up, Quinn. Now when will you be back in town?”
Quinn paused then said, “I’m still working out the date, but I’ll be in touch. Later.”
She ended the call with a promise to get the paperwork filed as soon as he got them back to her. Jackson walked Savvy out, also offering her his immense gratitude.”
“It looks like twice you saved my ass,” he said. “Keep this up and I may have to call you my guardian angel.”
“Ha!” Savvy scoffed. “As much as I like the sound of that, I can’t
take all the credit. Your sister-in-law really cares about you. You should have seen her last weekend. She was determined to get you and Daisy back home.”
Jackson nodded stiffly, though he had to wonder why. Since he’d been back, Truth had said very little to him and seemed to be working longer hours at the hospital. He could understand if she was still pissed with him for kicking her out of his bed, but he’d hoped that after his release they could work things out. Instead, she made her presence scarce.
Savvy climbed into her car, then rolled down her window. “Oh, and can you tell Truth that I haven’t forgotten about her. It’s just hard to find a place to rent around here. When were you guys thinking of moving?”
Jackson stiffened, and he frowned down at her. “We’re not.”
“Oh.” Savvy paused then shrugged. “Maybe she was asking for a friend.”
She pulled out of the drive way and Jackson returned to the house, his mind racing.
Truth wanted to move out?
Things may have gotten strained between them, but he didn’t think they had gotten that bad. The thought of her leaving filled him with panic and something else he couldn’t name. All he knew was that he didn’t want her to leave.
He waited for her to come home later that evening. He could have waited until morning to broach the subject, but he couldn’t wait that long. He needed to know whether Savvy had been mistaken.
He entered the kitchen to find her still in her blue scrubs, picking through the fruit basket Savvy had brought earlier. If he had been paying closer attention before he would have noticed that her scrubs were fitting more loosely on her and the space beneath her eyes were sunken and dark with fatigue.
“Hey.”
“Hi,” she grabbed a pear from the group and rinsed it not spanning him a glance.
“I spoke with my lawyer today. Looks like we’ll be able to cut a deal.”
She turned to him then, the fruit clutched in front of her with both hands. “Good. I’m glad.”
“Yeah? Then why are you trying to leave?”