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Phoenix patted her thigh.  Remember Doc said to check her
pupils.
 Right. Jackson cupped her chin.  Open your eyes wide for me,
sweetheart.
 Answer my question first. She felt groggy and very disoriented.
 Good enough. They look normal, bro. He released her chin.
 You passed out. Doc checked you over and said the only thing we
had to worry about was a concussion. He didn t think you had one,
but you can t be alone for awhile. So, we re taking you to my place.
 No. No way. Take me to the hotel.
 We will. But Doc thought it best to get some food in you, and my
house is closest to the mine.
 We re here, Phoenix announced.  Ch�teau Jackson, if you
please.
The truck stopped. She looked out the windshield to what looked
to be a mini-Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. A sloping roof, clean
58 Chloe Lang
lines, broad porch, and long windows created something that looked
as if it belonged in nature.
 I never would ve expected something like this out here. This is
amazing.
Jackson smiled.  Thank you. I m very proud of it. I think it s the
best of the lot.
 What do you mean?
Phoenix smirked.  He thinks this dump is better than our brothers
places or mine. Once you see my house, you ll know he s crazy. I m a
much better builder than he is.
She turned to Jackson.  You built this? Awe for his skill filled
her up.
 With my own two hands. I ve lived here for seven years. At
sixteen, we each got to pick out a piece of land to build on. Our
parents kicked us out of the big house when each of us turned
eighteen. They said it built character. Well, after two years and a lot
of hard work, this was the result. My house.
 It s beautiful.
He smiled broadly.  Want to see inside?
 Yes. She couldn t help herself. Jackson s creativity and talent
amazed her.
She got out of the truck with the help of Jackson s steadying
hands. He put his arm around her waist. Since her legs felt wobbly,
she appreciated his help. Then they all stepped up to the front porch,
complete with a swing built for two. She could imagine how
wonderful it would be to sit there listening to the birds and watching
the sun go down.
Jackson opened the door and motioned her inside. She stepped in,
and he turned on a light. A beautiful living room welcomed her. It
didn t look like the home of a single man. Everything was so neat and
orderly. Not a speck of dust could be seen on any surface, including
the gorgeous oak floors. On the wall to the left, a large stone fireplace
filled the space, perfect for cold winter nights. One comfy leather sofa
Going Wilde 59
faced it. Two upholstered chairs flanked the sofa. Instead of a coffee
table, Jackson s living room had end tables positioned between each
arm of the sofa and the chairs, creating a u-shape seating area. On the
floor in front of the sofa was a white plush rug. It looked so soft and
inviting, she could see herself stretched out with a glass of wine,
staring up into a roaring fire. Straight ahead was the kitchen, open to
the living room. It had a raised bar, maple cabinets, granite
countertops, and stainless steel appliances. To the right were two
doors. One was closed, and the other was open. Through the one ajar,
she could see a large bed with a blue spread.
She gulped. Was that what Jackson had in mind? Take her to bed
again? Maybe he hadn t been lying to her after all about being
attracted to her. Or was this all just more of his attempt to influence
her investigation?
 Jessie, would you like a bath? Jackson asked, his tone so tender
and sweet.
She inspected herself and found she was covered in muck from
the fall at the mine.  Yes. Instantly, she regretted what she d said.
Here I go again, ready to shed my clothes at the drop of his cowboy
hat.  But I might wait until I get back to my hotel.
 That s ridiculous, darlin . More than getting the mine s dust off
you, I m sure that you ll feel much better after a bath.
 Jackson, you got something to eat? Phoenix walked into the
kitchen and opened one of the cabinet doors.  I think Jessie could use
some food on her stomach.
 I ve got stuff to make a grilled cheese sandwich. I also think
there s a can of tomato soup in the pantry. That s about it. Jackson
put his arm around her waist and led her to the closed door. He [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]