Page 32 of Coming Home

When she came back to earth, he kissed each breast reverently and fastened the clasp on her bra. He kissed his way down her belly, bringing her sweater with him, until once more she was fully covered. He captured her hands in his and pulled her to a sitting position. He touched his lips to hers gently and then took a step back, pulling her from the table, back to her feet. Her knees buckled, and he caught her by the waist, lifting her again and placing her back on the table once more. They were on eye level.

“Thank you,” he said softly, before leaning in and brushing his lips against hers. “I didn’t mean to go as far as I did, but I’m glad I did. I hope you’re not too upset with me.”

“Upset? Not with the man who gave me my first two orgasms,” she teased.

“I meant what I said before, Ainsley,” his features growing serious. “I do want to be your friend—but I want much more from you than friendship. I came back to the Cove not only to change the trajectory of my professional career, but there are things I want in my personal life, as well. I want a wife and children. I want to explore that possibility with you. I know our relationship is in the earliest stages, but I feel a deep connection with you. Are you willing at this point to commit to being exclusive? That we only see each other and see where this might lead?”

Ainsley had never been more certain in her life about something.

“I could see a future with you, Jackson. I don’t want to rush things, but I do want to explore that possibility.”

He gave her that winning smile, the one that stole her breath away. The one that made her think she could have it all.

A loud pounding sounded at the rear door, just feet away from them.

“Jimmy!” she gasped. “Jimmy.”

She nudged Jackson back and hopped from the table, rushing to unlock the rear door of the bakery.

“Hi, Jimmy,” she greeted cheerfully.

“I texted when I got here, Ainsley, but you didn’t reply.” He glanced over her shoulder, and she knew he was looking at Jackson.

Through her blush, she said, “Have you met Jackson Martin, Jimmy?”

Jackson stepped forward, and the two men shook hands.

“This is Jimmy Simpson. He’s a local farmer and provides my milk, eggs, and cream,” she explained.

“Nice to meet you, Jimmy,” Jackson said easily. “I was helping Ainsley unload supplies from her trip into Portland.” His swept a hand, indicating the many boxes stacked around them.

“Uh-huh,” Jimmy said, his tone leading Ainsley to believe that he wasn’t buying the story.

“Can I help you bring in what you brought for Ainsley?” Jackson asked.

“Sure,” Jimmy said, and the two men left the kitchen.

Ainsley touched her fingertips to her lips once they went out the door, believing they must be swollen. She was grateful that she was fully clothed and able to quickly answer Jimmy’s knock. Already, there would be gossip about her and Jackson in the Cove, thanks to his proclamation in her bakery yesterday of being her boyfriend. Jimmy would probably add more than a little fuel to that fire with his observations.

They brought in crates of eggs and the other dairy products. Ainsley opened the walk-in refrigerator and began organizing items as they did.

Jimmy brought in the last bit of butter and then told Ainsley, “That’s it for this week. I e-mailed you the list.” He named the price for today’s delivery.

“I’ll transfer the funds electronically now. Thanks again, Jimmy.”

The farmer said goodbye and turned, telling Jackson, “Let me get with my wife about Friday night. I’ll text you.”

Jackson waved as Jimmy exited the building.

“What was that about?” Ainsley asked.

He grinned shamelessly. “It seems we may be double dating with Jimmy and his missus come Friday night. That is, if you’re free.”

She went and wrapped her arms about his waist. “Nice save, Mr. Martin.”

He shrugged. “I figured he was going to be spreading a little gossip. One look at you and those kiss-swollen lips, and Jimmy knew why you weren’t answering his texts. He seems nice enough, though, and I invited him and his wife to have dinner with us. He suggested Friday and is going to check with her. I told him I would check with my girlfriend.”

“So, I’m really your girlfriend, Jackson?”

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