Page 47 of Redemption

“There’s a little bruising, though I’m sure it will look worse tomorrow. You should ice it and take some pain medicine.”

“I already did.” I stared at the ceiling and tried to remain calm. “Take some medicine, that is.”

“Good. Any pain when you breathe? Or difficulty breathing?”

Apart from the fact that he was standing so close? Was touching me?

All of a sudden, it was too much. He was too close.

“No.” I yanked on my strap. “Like I said, I’m fine. Satisfied?”

He muttered something under his breath that sounded like, “Hardly.”

“Can you please zip me up now?”

“Let me grab some arnica salve from the first aid kit.” He stood and went over to one of the benches, lifting the cushion and grabbing the kit, all without meeting my eyes.

He took his position behind me, and I tried to calm my breathing as he opened the lid. When he touched my side, I jolted.

“Sorry if I was too rough.” His tone was full of remorse.

“You startled me, that’s all.”

He rubbed the salve into my skin, his touch warm and sure and…

“Right.” He cleared his throat and stood. He zipped up my dress before returning the salve to the kit and washing his hands. “Shall we?”

“We shall.” Even though I was still trying to get my head on straight.

The rain had cleared, and the sunset promised to be beautiful. He grabbed the trash bag from the kitchen and carried it out. We locked up and then headed over to the restaurant after a quick stop at the bakery for rum cake. Most of the buildings on the island were colorful, and everyone was friendly.

“Good call on the fuel supply line and bleeding it out,” Jackson said as we walked up to the outdoor restaurant. It was little more than a hut covered in palm leaves. Colored lights surrounded the space, and the food smelled amazing.

“Thanks,” I said, both to his compliment and the fact that he’d pulled out a chair for me. “I plan to spend some time troubleshooting tomorrow, but I’m guessing we need to replace the filter system.”

“Let me know how I can help.” He perused the menu.

Jackson hadn’t questioned or second-guessed me; he’d trusted me. Even during a stressful situation, he’d put his faith in me. It meant more than words could say.

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” We’d worked well together today, and it had been surprisingly nice.

His thigh brushed against mine, but neither of us moved away. “What are you going to order? The conch salad, the fried conch, or the conch fritters?”

“Hmm.” I tapped my finger to my lips. “I think the conch.”

We laughed, and he leaned back, resting his arm on the back of my chair.

“Seriously, though.” I grinned. “How about all of it? Let’s just order one of everything and share.”

“Sounds good.”

Before long, my rum punch was delivered, along with Jackson’s beer. I took a deep sip, barely tasting the alcohol, thanks to the fruity flavor. I kept thinking about how he wanted us to be friends. So I decided to try it out. To ignore our past and pretend as if we were just two friends out for a drink.

“Brooklyn says hi.” I’d checked my email earlier and sent her a quick response to update her. “I have to tell you, she gushed about you after we were ‘introduced’ at the hotel,” I said, using air quotes.

“Yeah?” He chuckled, but the tips of his ears pinkened. “She’s a sweetheart.”

“She is.” I smiled, sipping my rum punch. “You like kids, huh?”

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