I sat in the back of the cab, not knowing what to think. All these years and my mother's shield over her heart were for a reason. A reason she never once talked about. All her lectures about happily ever after made sense to me now. She lived a loveless life all because she couldn’t stand by and wait for the only man she ever let herself love.

When I stuck my key in the lock and opened the door, I jumped when I saw Jackson sitting on my couch watching TV.

“Oh, my God. You scared me.”

A smile crossed his face as he got up and walked over to me.

“I’m sorry.” He kissed my lips.

“What are you doing here?” I wrapped my arms around his neck. “I thought you weren’t coming back until tomorrow.”

“I decided to come home a day early. I wanted to surprise you. Are you surprised?” He smirked.

“Very surprised.” I laid my head on his shoulder—a shoulder I desperately needed.

“How did your dinner with Gregory go?”

“God, Jackson.” I broke our embrace. “The things he told me about him and my mother.”

“I want to hear all about it. But first, I brought you something back from Chicago.”

“You did?” I smiled.

He walked over to a black bag that was sitting on the counter and pulled out a black and gold box.

“What is this?”

“Open it up and find out.”

I carefully removed the lid and stared down at the chocolates that were staring back at me.

“Jackson.” My eyes widened as I looked at him.

“Taste one.” He winked with a smile.

Taking a chocolate from the box, I took a bite; it felt like heaven in my mouth.

“Holy shit. Oh my God.” I placed my hand over my mouth as I devoured the small square.

“Good, isn’t it?”

“Where did you find these?”

“From a family-owned chocolate shop in Chicago. I’ve been buying chocolate there for years.” He placed his hands on my hips and kissed my forehead. “I’ll grab the wine, you bring the chocolates, and we’ll continue our talk in bed.”

“How about the bathtub?”

“You want to take a bath?” He raised a brow.

“Yes. Wine, chocolate, and bubbly water. Is there anything better?”

“Well, I can think of something better, but I’ll take your word for it.” A sexy smirk crossed his face. “I’ll take the chocolates and start the water, and you grab the wine. I’ll meet you in the bathroom.” His lips brushed against mine.

I was so happy he returned tonight because I needed him after my dinner with Gregory. I was confused and torn up by his story that I felt somewhat lost, and I knew that just seeing Jackson would help me find my way.

Chapter Thirty-One

Jackson