Page 27 of My Fiancé's Brother
“What?”
“I had to twist his arm to stay here, but you know what my work schedule is like. We need time to work on some stuff.”
“Having me keep my eye on him isn’t going to fix your past with him.”
“I know, but I need you to buy me some time. I don’t want him to take off.”
I studied the chipped clear polish on my nails. “I don’t think I'm the one that Jackson wants to hang out with.”
“Getting him to fix your car was a brilliant idea.”
“I didn’t ask him to do that.”
“I know, but maybe ask him for help on things. Make him feel useful.”
That felt manipulative. “Matt, no. Jackson seems like a great guy, but I'm not going to impose on him.”
“At least spend some time with him.”
“We have nothing in common. Forcing him to hang out with me might drive him out of here quicker than if I just left him alone.”
“Please. It means a lot to me. Keep him busy.”
“Matt, you need to come home for dinner more. More than once a week. I get the sense that if Jackson feels like you're blowing him off, nothing will get him to stay.”
“You’re right. I'll try. Honest.”
We eyeballed each other. The cosmos laughed at my expense. I wanted to avoid Jackson, not spend more time with him. I needed to be more careful. Schoolgirl fantasies aside, flirting with anything Jackson was just a terrible idea.
“Where is he now?”
“I think he’s downstairs working on your car.”
I nodded.
“Hey, did you see that he moved that tire?”
“I noticed.”
He leaned forward, his eyes wide. “Tell me the truth. Did he use his truck to move that thing?”
The lie rolled off my tongue. “I have no idea.”
“I guarantee he used his truck.”
CHAPTER 9
I walked into the kitchen.Jackson stood and stared at the espresso machine. I could do this. I could be the playful fun sister-in-law that made him feel welcome.
“You have to press a few buttons to make it work. They haven’t installed an eye retina scan on espresso machines yet.”
He turned, giving me an amused look. “Whatever happened to just a regular coffee maker?”
“I meant to buy one. The espresso machine takes forever when we have a dinner party. Do you want a latte?”
“Just a regular coffee.”
“I can make it for you.”
