CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
This was happening ... This was happening!
The chant rang through Jessie’s head as they strode to the car. Clearly, Malcolm’s recovery had been trucking along without her, as he had no issue keeping pace down the driveway.
Jessie’s pulse hitched as she slid behind the wheel.
Waiting until Malcolm was inside, cane tucked next to the door, she pushed the button and waited for the car to roar to life.
Driving Malcolm wasn’t new, and hell, she’d driven him to this particular destination more times than she could count.
But this was the first moment alone since reconciling—for good—and she wanted to savor it.
She drove a block until the first Stop sign and threw the car in park.
Not bothering to see if anyone was looking, she lunged across the center console, gripped his shoulders, and tugged him in for a real kiss—without an audience.
Since their last lip-lock, he’d lost the bandages on his face, one step closer to being his old self.
They took their time exploring each other, tiny moans echoing through the car.
Malcolm kicked his cane as he unbuckled and tugged on Jessie’s arm. “I’m not ...” he breathed in between kisses, “complaining.” He nipped at her bottom lip and gasped as she slid a hand down his chest. “But is this”—gasp—“the plan?”
“The plan?”
Jessie attempted to shake her head without breaking contact, but she only managed to bump their noses. She giggled as Malcolm rubbed his face. “Careful, JJ, that’s basically the only part of me that wasn’t injured.”
Jessie pecked the tip of his nose. “Sorry, but I couldn’t help myself.
” Lips traveling south, she nipped at his bottom lip, and Malcolm growled, trying to haul her closer in the tight quarters.
Their efforts managed to bump the car horn, essentially popping the passion bubble.
Chest heaving, Malcolm reluctantly pulled back from their embrace.
His lips were swollen, dark eyes wild. He was perfect—and he was hers.
Malcolm sat up straight, putting his shirt back to rights.
“Sweet Georgia Brown, JJ.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“I can’t stop, but maybe in the middle of your momma’s neighborhood isn’t the best place for this.
” He hitched a thumb toward the window, where a pair of dog walkers had stopped their late evening stroll to gawk.
“Good evening, ladies,” Jessie greeted, throwing in a polite finger waggle.
After waiting for them to cross the street, Jessie sped through the intersection.
“Well, good thing we already told our families. That’s Mrs. Murphy and Mrs. Brock.
I love those women, but they’re the biggest gossips in Pinegrove.
Tongues will be wagging in approximately ten seconds. ”
Jessie waited for the cloying feeling of her life being everyone’s business to return, but she was delighted to feel nothing at all. Not even a pang of worry prickled her skin; it was refreshing and kind of nice.
“Wait? Malcolm asked, craning his neck to look out the rearview mirror. “Mrs. Brock, as in George’s momma? All of Engine 33 will know before we make it to your mystery destination.”
No sooner had they crested the hill out of the neighborhood than Malcolm’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He fished it out and guffawed. “Wow, I underestimated George’s passion for gossip.”
Jessie bit back a laugh. “What did he say?”
Malcolm swiped on his screen, voice tinged with mirth. “He said, 'Just heard from my mom, she said you and Jessie need to get a room.’”
Jessie joined Malcolm in cackling, clutching the steering wheel while she caught her breath.
They settled into a companionable silence as they drove through the winding roads headed toward their not-so-mysterious destination. Jessie quickly glanced over to Malcolm, whose eyes grew misty as he recognized a familiar turn.
“Where are we going, JJ?” Gone was the laughter and lightness of a few moments ago. In its place was a quiet hope she hadn’t heard in far, far too long.
“I thought we’d go stargazing,” Jessie said plainly, as if she hadn’t uttered the words she’d been dying to say.
When she was out of the country, sleeping in cramped tents or soggy sleeping bags, this was the place she’d picture when she wanted good dreams. Clear skies, warm air, and fireflies keeping them—and the stars—company.
Nights like this, alone with Malcolm, were her favorite.
Striving to keep the moment light, she added, “And this time, we won’t be trespassing.
” She giggled. “I’m kind of a big deal at Hog Hollow. ”
Malcolm took her free hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. “You’re always a big deal to me.”
A few minutes later, Jessie parked on the outskirts, leading Malcolm into the rear of the old barn. Before they went inside, she spread her arms wide, encompassing everything they could see. “This is my office,” she bragged. “I help with the gardens and grounds, but I’ve also made some friends.”
Malcolm offered an indulgent smile. “You’re a popular gal.”
Jessie fluttered her eyelashes, smile still fixed in place. “Thank you.” She took a few paces until she reached the barn door. “I want you to meet someone very important to me,” she teased.
Incredulous, Malcolm asked, “Should I be jealous of a pig?”
“No, of course not ... much.” She opened the door.
The space was dark, save for a few lightbulbs hanging from the ceiling.
Jessie strode ahead, stopping at the rear where the biggest pig lounged on a pile of hay.
“Gentlemen, can I have your attention?” she asked, darting her eyes between Malcolm and Oinks. ”
“Are you serious?” Malcolm chuckled. He leaned against one of the pens, cane forgotten in the car.
Jessie shook her head. “You love me, so you have to deal with my insanity.” She stuck her tongue out and gave a quick whistle.
The pig looked up, blinking at Malcolm. Jessie squealed, bouncing on her feet as she clapped.
“I knew he’d love you.” She took Malcolm’s hand and reached into the pen. “You can pet him, he’s very sweet.”
“He’d be sweeter as a rack of ribs,” Malcolm muttered, only slightly jealous of the swine.
Jessie gasped, clamping her hands over her ears. “I will not listen to such nonsense. Oinks is amazing, and I’m almost a vegetarian now.”
Malcolm did as he was told and gently patted the pig’s head. To his credit, Oinks tolerated the praise before flopping back down in his hay bed. “There, we’ve met. Can we please get out of here before my allergies act up?” Jessie understood he was only half kidding.
“Fine.” She sighed, holding the door for him. “I guess we’ll go lie under the stars and make out or something.” She tossed a flirty look over her shoulder. “We do have a lot of lost time to make up for.”
Malcolm grabbed her hand, linking their fingers together.
Jessie pushed her shoulder against him, turning into an impromptu walking stick as they ambled through the groves of pecan trees.
Leaves rustled around them, the only sound heard over their raising hearts.
Jessie’s palm grew slick in Malcolm’s grip, but she never let go.
He swept his thumb over her knuckles, meeting resistance. He nearly toppled onto the ground when he saw her promise ring. “JJ?” he asked, holding her hand up. “When did you start wearing this again?” His voice was wistful, full of hope.
“Right around the time I came to my damn senses,” she admitted. For a moment, they didn’t speak, merely stared at the other like they couldn’t believe their reality. Jessie tugged on their hands and ordered, “Let’s go take a load off.”
When they made it to the meadow clearing, Jessie found a spot that was flat and eased down onto the ground.
Malcolm joined her, and once he was seated, she laid her head in his lap.
The sun was finally asleep, turning the sky a stunning purple reminiscent of blackberry jam.
Above them, a million stars sparkled, winking their approval at their reunion.
Or at least that’s what Jessie told herself.
Jessie pointed up at a cluster of stars. “What’s that one?” she asked, lowering her hand and resting it on his thigh.
Malcolm shook beneath her. “We’re getting right down to the important stuff, huh?”
Hand flexing on Malcolm’s warm skin, Jessie hummed. “Yeah, why not? You’ve already met Oinks, might as well get to the good stuff.”
He wiggled a little, jostling Jessie’s head. “I can think of other good stuff we could be doing.”
Thankful for the darkness, Jessie’s cheeks turned a violent shade of red. Oh boy, she wanted to do everything with Malcolm, but not out here. Their first time since reuniting deserved a little more pomp than this ... although she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t tempted.
“As soon as we kick your parents out, we’ll get to the great stuff,” she promised.
Placated, if even for the moment, Malcolm trailed his hand up and down Jessie’s neck. His touch was slow, methodical, a lovely change from how frantic things had been when they were under a deadline. She shivered against him. “What’s one over there?” she asked.
“I think that’s the Spangled Star,” Malcolm said, voice dripping with certainty.
Jessie wrinkled her nose. “The Spangled Star?”
“Yeah. You know, like the national anthem. How unpatriotic of you not to know that.”
“Okay, Copernicus. What’s that bunch over there by the North Star?”
Malcolm snorted. “Easy peasy. That’s the Pop Starlet Party.” Forgetting they were supposed to be quiet, Jessie laughed so hard it echoed across the meadow. “Shhh, JJ. You’re going to get us kicked out and yourself fired.”
Jessie tilted her head back so their eyes met. “It’s your fault. Now tell me who the Pop Starlet Party is.”
“That one is Sabrina, and there’s Chappell. That pair over there is Britney and Taylor.”
She nestled closer and teased, “You’re ridiculous.”