Chapter 2
TWO
Jackson
It’s crazy how things can change so quickly. I’m only here at this hotel because I owe my friend a favor.
Calder “Cal” Hayes was my buddy when we were both in the SEALs. He left after a bad op and settled back here in Tidehaven. He started his own security firm and has been growing it ever since.
I’d just retired from the SEALs and was figuring out my next move when Cal called asking for help with security for an event.
I agreed without a second thought. Sure, spending the next week at this posh hotel, guarding a bunch of spoiled, rich assholes doesn’t sound like my idea of a good time, but I owe Cal.
He assured me that it would be an easy, boring job with no real threat against the couple or any of their guests. They just wanted to feel like big shots and have security around. Seems like a dumb waste of money, but that’s their prerogative.
I was dreading the week… until the curvy blonde ran into me. Now, I’m so damn grateful I agreed to take this job.
The woman darts around me and heads for the door. I’m on her heels in a flash. I don’t know what it is about her. I’ve never had this kind of reaction to anyone before, but as soon as she looked up at me with those big blue eyes, something settled inside me.
Now I know what I want to do next with my life—whatever the hell this bombshell wants me to do.
I catch up with her in the parking lot, grabbing her elbow and stopping her in her tracks. She turns to look up at me, and my hand tightens on the straps of my duffle bag.
Fuck, I want her.
“What’s your name?” I croak, wincing at how rusty my voice sounds.
She blinks, seeming to decide if she wants to tell me.
I keep my hold on her elbow in case she decides to run again.
“Fern,” she says finally.
Her voice is sweet and melodic. It’s like every part of her was designed to draw me in. Her curves, her kind blue eyes, her voice. All of her was made for me.
“Where are you going, Fern?” I ask, stepping to the side as a family walks up the sidewalk toward us.
“Um, to get something to eat. I won’t be able to later, what with all the wedding planning.”
I relax when I realize she’s part of the wedding. That means I’ll get to see a lot of her. I’ll have a reason to seek her out and spend more time with her.
I should ask her out to dinner now. It can be our first date.
“Why don’t you let me take you—”
I’m cut off when her phone rings. A flash of dread covers Fern’s face, and my protective instincts go on high alert.
“Sorry, I have to get this,” she says as she takes the call. “Hello?”
Her shoulders sag at whatever is said, and I want to rip the phone out of her hand and toss it into the ocean. I study her as she listens to her call. She looks tired. She has a weariness about her as she talks to the caller.
I hate it. My girl should be smiling and relaxed. She should have her toes in the sand as we watch the sunset and the waves roll in. I should be fetching her little umbrella drinks while she enjoys her vacation.
She ends the call and gives me a tired smile. “Duty calls.”
I grit my teeth. “What about dinner?”
“I’ll grab something later.”
I want to argue with her, but she’s already moving past me back to the front doors.
I turn and fall into step beside her. “What are you doing now?”
Fern seems surprised that I’m asking. “Putting out another fire.”
“Are you the wedding planner?”
She nods. “Yeah, as a favor for my cousin. I’ve regretted it ever since I said yes.”
I don’t like the sound of that. A muscle pops in my jaw as we head inside.
“It’s almost over, though, now,” she sighs as we walk to the elevator.
I hit the button, waving her to step on ahead of me. “Which floor?”
“One. I need to grab my journal before I go up to the suite.”
“I’m on one too,” I say with a small smile. I like that I’ll be so close to her.
I hit the button, and we stand side by side as the elevator rises.
“What brings you to the Rosewood?” she asks as the doors open on the first floor.
“Work. I’m running security for the wedding,” I say, watching her reaction.
She seems pleased to hear that. Does she feel this thing between us too? God, I hope so.
“This is me, but I’ll see you around, um…” She trails off.
I smile. “Jackson.”
“Jackson,” she murmurs.
I want to pin her against the door and kiss my way down her body while she says my name like that over and over again.
“See you,” she says.
I blink as she heads into her room.
I stand there for a beat, then head down the hallway a few rooms until I reach mine. Once inside, I toss my things onto the bed and look around. I know I need to check in with the other guys on this job and get the lay of the land, but I need to do one thing first.
Grabbing my keys, I smile as I head out to get my girl and me some dinner.