Jackson didn’t answer right away; instead, a strange look appeared on his face. “I can’t really explain now; it's too complicated,” he finally said, then sighed. I guess it’s time you and I had a long talk. There are things about me that you don’t know.”
“Jackson, you’re scaring me,” she said, suddenly off balance. “Can’t you just tell me now?”
He pulled her a little closer. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to upset you,” he said. “There’s nothing to be afraid of, I’m just a little different than most people. I don’t think it will change anything between us, at least I hope it won’t, but I just need you to trust me for a little bit longer. Can you do that?”
She wanted to say no, she wanted to demand that he tell her right then, but looking into his eyes, she saw vulnerability for the first time, but she also saw affection. “Okay, I’ll wait,” she said. “But we need to have that talk soon.”
“I promise,” he said, a smile of relief on his face. “Now, how about we forget about all that ugliness and hit the dance floor? Let’s not let the Kappas ruin the night.”
The next morning, Abby came downstairs still floating on a cloud of happiness from the night before. It had been one of the best nights of her life, and she’d decided not to let theKappas or worrying about what Jackson would tell her ruin the feeling. The kitchen was bustling with activity. Hattie stood at the stove as usual, but she was firing off orders as she cooked. She stood in the doorway watching for a second, amused by the way the eight grown men were scurrying about to do her bidding, and a wave of affection for all them welled up inside her.
Reminding herself how lucky she was, she stepped into the fray, “Good morning, everyone,” she called. “Is there something I can do to help?”
“Oh, Abby, there you are, I was about to send someone after you,” Hattie said cheerfully. “I hope you had a good time last night.”
“It was wonderful, thank you,” she said. “I’ll have your dress cleaned and get it back to you.”
“Grab some coffee, then I’ll put you to work,” Hattie said. “There is lots to do today. First, we have the parade, and we’ll need sweets for that. Then we have the game. We always have a picnic first. I made fried chicken this year; it’s staying warm in the oven.”
“Hattie, what time did you get up this morning?” she asked, looking around the kitchen. “You should have asked me for help. I know how to cook, not like you, but I could have helped.”
“Oh, it’s nothing dear, I love doing it,” Hattie said, waving her away. “I’ll rest tonight when it’s all over.”
“You will not, you’ll rest right now,” she said, snatching the spatula out of Hattie’s hand. “You get a cup of coffee and go sit down. You can supervise the boys from the table, and I’ll finish breakfast.”
“Oh, don’t be silly,” Hattie said, trying to get the utensil out of her hand. “It’s just breakfast.”
“Good point, it’s just breakfast. Therefore, I can handle it,” she said. “I can be really stubborn, Hattie. Go take a rest.”
“She’s not lying, she’ll stand here arguing with you all day,” Jackson said, coming up behind her and putting his hands on her shoulders. “You’d better listen to her. Besides, I’m done with the coolers; I’ll help Abby.”
Hattie snorted, “Don’t think you two can start bossing me around,” she said, then, chin in the air, made herself a cup of coffee and sat down at the table. “Cheeky, that’s what you two are.”
Jackson laughed and pulled her into his arms. “That was nice. Hattie works too hard. You’re the first person she’s ever listened to,” he said. “You’re going to be a great doctor; your patients will listen to you.”
“I hope so, it’s all I’ve ever wanted,” she said, then looked over at the stove. “We’d better get to work if breakfast is going to be ready in time.”
“I just want a little kiss first,” he said, holding onto her. “Just one.”
“Jackson, everyone is here,” she protested. “And it’s never just one with you.”
He covered her mouth with his before she could protest further. His kiss instantly overwhelmed her senses, and for a few seconds, she forgot anything but the wonderful feelings rushing through her. No one had ever kissed her the way Jackson did. Even the simplest brush of his lips across hers made her feel things she’d never felt before. The intensity scared her, made her feel out of control, and she wasn’t sure how long it was going to be before she trusted him enough to give in to the need building inside her.
As innocent as she was, she understood that there would be no going back once it happened. She had no idea where the knowledge came from; she only knew that it was there. She wasn’t ready to give herself to him so completely, and needed time to adjust to the idea that her life had changed so drastically almost overnight. When he finally let her go, shewas breathless, and it took her a second to come back down to Earth, but when her vision cleared, Jackson smiled down at her.
“Sometimes it only takes one kiss,” he said. “Now, let’s finish breakfast, I’m starving.”
CHAPTER 16
***JACKSON***
“That’s called pass interference,” Jackson said, leaning closer to Abby so she could hear him over the crowd. “Did you see how the defender pulled his arms down so he couldn’t catch the ball?”
She nodded, “So that’s a penalty, right?” she asked, watching the field. “Oh, look, we’re on the ten-yard line; that means we could score a touchdown.”
“I think you’re beginning to get it,” he said, nudging her with his shoulder. “Of course, I’m not an expert. There’s a lot more to the game than I can teach you.”
“You’re doing great,” Abby said, smiling up at him and making his heart skip a beat. “I’m having a really good time, Jackson. Thank you for bringing me.”
