“Eh, delivery?” The voice is staticy but I heard enough to open the door and reply, “Please leave it in the hall.”
I wish I could open a bottle of wine right now, but I am literally forbidden by my little sidekick. Instead, I pour a glass of water and attempt to stop my tears from falling.
The knock at the door makes me jump. I haven’t ordered anything, is the delivery for me?
Suspiciously, I cross to the door and tug it open.
A bouquet of flowers are thrust in my face. Mauve calla lilies, dark pink roses, and foliage invade my vision before the bouquet is pulled down to reveal the cheeky grin on Jackson Harper’s face.
I blink a few times and wish I hadn’t left my glasses on the coffee table. My surprise must show on my face as his smile strains slightly.
“For you,” he says like a dream.
I gape at him, my blurry eyes roving across his face. Same dark hair drifting to his shoulders, same tan skin and trimmed beard, same twinkle in his chocolate eyes.
And then I burst into tears.
6
JACKSON
“Well hey now,that’s not what I was expecting to happen when you saw me.” Rosie looks adorable in her oversized sweatshirt and messy bun, but I’m more focused on her red face as tears stream down her cheeks.
I gently step inside and place the flowers on the console table. “I’m coming in, is that okay?”
She nods behind the hands she’s clasped over her eyes.
I gently rest my hands on her elbows. “Hey, hey. What’s going on?”
Right, that didn’t help. It just makes her cry harder.
“Okay, let’s go sit down, hmm?” I try to hide the panic in my voice as we stumble across to a small kitchen and I tug one of the mismatched chairs free from the table, guiding her to sit on it.
“How about some water? Would you like some water? Let’s get you some water.” What am I doing? I’ve obviously triggered this and I’m most likely making it worse.
But there’s no way in hell I can leave this girl sitting at her kitchen table, sobbing. I rummage through hercupboards until I find drinking glasses, filling one up at the faucet. Do English people drink from the faucet?
I place it gently down next to her and pull another chair free. I sit side on, my thighs bracketing hers.
“Come on, pretty girl, you’re scaring me here.” I gently move some of her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ear.
I tug on her wrists until she shows me those big blue eyes. A little bloodshot with some tears sticking to her lashes, but still gorgeous.
“What are you doing here?” she croaks.
I lean back, the chair creaking beneath me. “Okay, well.” I run my hand across my beard. “I’m shooting in London.”
“You’re working here?” she asks, swiping at her cheeks. “For how long?”
“Uh, six months. Give or take.”
Her eyes widen. “Six months. In London?”
I nod, biting back a grin. “Yep. Funny how that worked out.”
Her big eyes stare up at me for a few seconds before she stands up.
I stay seated, settling further into the wooden chair. I watch as she paces the small room. An impressive feat considering she only can take two steps before she needs to turn around again.
