Page 59 of Savage

Jackson studied me for a moment before adding, “Just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I will. You don’t have to worry.”

“I’ll always worry, but you do what you think is best. And I’ll support you all the way.”

I let out a relieved breath, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I had been so worried about telling Jackson, afraid that he would judge me or try to talk me out of it. But he was being surprisingly supportive.

"So, when are you guys moving in?" he asked.

“Oh, we’re a long way from that.” I looked over to the large stack of files I still had to go through and let out a grumble. “I’ve gotta put in my notice here and figure out things with my apartment. But before I start any of that, Dalton and I are going to go spend the weekend with him at his place in Port Angeles.”

“Oooh, that should be interesting.” Concern marked his face as he asked, “Wonder if that means he’ll be taking you by to see his folks because that should be an interesting conversation.”

He was right. It would be a very interesting conversation, and I wasn’t looking forward to it. I knew what kind of man Cotton was. He hated secrets. Even with all the extenuating circumstances, he wouldn’t be happy when he discovered that I’d kept his grandson from him. I just hoped that Malcomb would be able to help me smooth things over.

I sighed as I told him, “It will be a tough one for sure, but it has to be done. They should have a chance to get to know their grandson.”

“Yeah, they do. But if they cause you any trouble, they’ll have to answer to me.”

“Is that right?” I giggled.

“Yeah, no body messes with my girl.”

I felt a warm feeling spread through my chest. Jackson was such a good friend, always there for me when I needed him. "Thank you, Jackson. I don't know what I'd do without you."

“Right back at ya kid.” He smiled at me and squeezed my hand. "I’m not going to lose you. So, go move in with your little boy toy, but you better be prepared to see me as often as possible.”

“Absolutely.” I stood and reached over, hugging him tightly as I said, “Now, get out of here. I’ve got a ton of work to do.”

“Okay. Okay. I’ll go.” He turned, and as he headed down the hall, he shouted, “See ya in a couple of hours. Lunch is on me today!”

“I want Italian!”

“You got it.”

With that, he continued down the hall and left me to tackle the work I’d been putting off all morning. Unfortunately, my head was all over the place, and I was struggling to keep my focus. I couldn’t seem to stop thinking about my night with Malcomb. A smile slipped across my face as I thought about him lifting me up onto the counter and the things he did after.

It was memorable, to say the least. I was fighting back the tingles when I heard my cell phone chime with a message. I grabbed it out of my purse, and my smile grew even wider when I saw that it was a message from Malcomb.

Malcomb:

I need a shower.

But I don’t want to wash away your scent.

I’ve missed it.

Me:

Boy, you really know how to flatter a girl.

Malcomb:

Just telling it like it is.

Me:

Well, I’ve missed it, too.

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