Page 22 of Hidden Desires

“Going on five years. I worked at her clinic in the city when she was with Gallagher. She did her internship at his family’s place where I worked as a receptionist.” Summer looked up from her work. “How long have you known her?”

Jackson pursed his lips and returned to painting the wall. “The first time we met was a little over fourteen years ago. Her father was my commanding officer, and he invited me to stay at his ranch for the summer after I joined the Marines.”

“Is that when you guys dated or did that come later?”

Jackson focused his attention on the wall. “We didn’t really date.”

Summer snickered. “Okay. Is that when you guys became lovers or did that come later?”

“Ah, so she told you?”

“Not really. I asked who you were and she said an old friend and ex-lover. That’s about all I know.”

Jackson didn’t really know where Summer was going with this and decided to keep his comments to a minimum. “We were that then. Nobody knew about it though.”

“Ah. Secrets.”

Jackson finished the wall with the help of Marc and without anymore comments or questions from Summer. Autumn returned close to three in the afternoon, stressed more than ever with a phone to her ear. It wasn’t her choice to shut down the office but customers complained anyway about needing services. Couldn’t people understand?

“I don’t know what the hell I’m suppose to do.” Autumn closed her cell and pressed it against her lips. “I obviously can’t work here, yet I’ll lose all my clients if I don’t. I’m going to have to move it to my house. It’s the only option.”

Jackson dusted his hands on his jeans and pulled Autumn into his arms. “Take a deep breath.” He rubbed her back, feeling tension in every muscle. “The two back rooms are cleared for business. Have your clients come in the back door. The computers may not work, but you do have handwritten forms. I saw Summer gathering some a while ago. You’ll use those until we get the computers set up.”

“You make life seem so simple.” Autumn wrapped her arms around him, resting her cheek on his chest. “Thank you.”

He kissed her forehead. “It’s what I’m here for.”

Jackson held her until she pulled away. Both weariness and apprehension settled into her features. Her blonde hair hung loosely around her face. She wore no makeup yet he thought she looked no less beautiful without it. He brushed her cheek with his knuckles and she closed her eyes as two tears fell.

“Uh, I need to call some people back. Can you get some boards to board up the windows? The repair company won't be here until tomorrow.”

“Sweetheart, everything is going to be okay. You take care of the clients and I’ll deal with everything else.” He kissed her gently and smiled. “You go be the Amazing Dr. Callahan and help all those innocent animals.”

Autumn’s hands slid beneath his shirt. “I’m not that amazing.”

“You, sweetheart, have no idea what you’re talking about.”

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