Page 15 of Coming Home

“I was a prosecutor in the DA’s office for three years and also served as the opposing counsel for five. Criminal law consumes every waking moment. I easily put in a hundred hours a week. Sometimes more. Sleep was non-existent. And the commute was killer.” He smiled at his sister. “With Willow leaving Europe and settling in the Cove, it caused me to reexamine my life. Was I happy professionally? Personally? And the answer was—neither. Yes, I had a high rate of winning cases, but every day felt like a beat-down. I had no personal life. I’m ready to find someone to share my life with. Hopefully, kids will follow soon. I want to coach Pop Warner ball and become involved in the community.”

“Run for mayor,” Rylie urged. “Eddie Wright is the current one and totally worthless. He wants the tourist dollars to pour in but doesn’t want to invest any city funds in local businesses. Yes, I’m speaking as a business owner, but I think Eddie has done zip for the Cove.”

“I’ll take that under advisement,” Jackson said seriously, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

“When will Clancy retire?”

Ainsley listened as Jackson told of Clancy retiring to Houston, along with his soon-to-be wife.

“They’ll be in Texas looking for a home near Myra’s daughters this next week. I’ll use that time to go to his office—my future office—and look over the files. Become familiar with his set-up and current cases. Clancy will be back by a week from Monday. We’ll formalize everything then, signing the paperwork. He’ll also answer any questions I have. Then, I suppose, I’ll be off and running.”

Carter rose. “And that’s a great segue into our evening. Let’s clear the table. Dylan, you and Gage get Pictionary set up. Ainsley, grab your desserts and plates and bring them to the den.”

Everyone leaped into action. She found the dessert plates. Rylie brought those and napkins along as Ainsley carried her cupcakes. The group settled onto the sofa, love seat, and chairs. It surprised her when Jackson took a seat next to her.

“Do you mind fraternizing with the enemy?” he teased.

“As long as you don’t try to cheat. Or distract me,” she told him.

He crossed his heart. “I was a Boy Scout. Eagle Scout, actually. I promise—no cheating.”

That was all well and good, but the man smelled heavenly. The subtle spice of his cologne surrounded her. All Ainsley wanted to do was crawl into his lap and devour him.

“Ains?” Willow asked, her brow furrowed.

“What?” she asked, seeing everyone looked at her. She felt the heat come to her cheeks.

“I was asking what flavor of cupcakes you baked for me,” Dylan said. Looking at Jackson, he explained, “The winner of the previous Game Night gets to name the dessert for the next session. I love a good cupcake. Ainsley can do wonders with them. In fact, you need to go to her bakery and study the shelves. You’ll have a hard time picking just a few things.”

Before Jackson could explain he had already visited Buttercup Bakery, she said, “I made two different cupcakes for you, Dylan. Tonight, we have a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter icing.”

A murmur of approval sounded as she removed the lid from the first container.

“We also have a gingerbread cupcake with caramelized mango buttercream icing.” Again, she removed the lid and heard the ahhs.

“Ainsley, I need to get you vlogging along with me,” Carter said.

“No,” she said quickly. “I could never be on camera. I would freeze up. You can be the star chef in our group. I’m happy to work behind the scenes in my kitchen.”

“This is a talented group,” Gage said. “Willow is gaining more fame with her paintings. Carter has his videos and cookbook coming up. Ainsley is a master baker. And Tenley is writing a fantasy trilogy. It’s been sold to a big New York publishing house. Rylie is even head of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, while Dylan is the youngest sheriff ever elected in the Cove.”

“Gage doesn’t like to toot his own horn,” Willow added. “But he runs his own successful business, training others in both group and individual sessions.”

Jackson raked a hand through his hair. The gesture made Ainsley’s mouth grow dry. She could picture herself sitting on his lap, running her fingers through the silk of his hair.

“I see I’ll have a lot to live up to. I suppose we should get started. Guys, we need to smoke the women tonight.”

Good-natured grumbling sounded from the females. Carter flexed his muscles. Dylan suggested the girls spot the guys two rolls of the die to level the playing field since his wife was a professional artist and the females would have an advantage. Dylan was roundly booed by the women, though they did allow the guys to start play.

After rolling the die, Gage moved the men’s playing piece. Then he stood and moved to the drawing board, rubbing his hands together. “Let’s get this rolling.” He drew the first card. Then a pained expression crossed his face.

“I would get this,” he complained. “We are so screwed.”

“Let the games begin,” cried Rylie, a triumphant smile on her face as she began the timer.

CHAPTER 6

Jackson didn’t know the last time he had had so much fun. Actually, he couldn’t recall the last time he had any fun.

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