Jackson’s Jewel

Chapter Thirteen

Emerald sighed as she sat back in the large, cushioned patio chair and sipped her iced tea. The glass was damp with condensation, as the heat still had not abated. She and Jackson had gone for a quick dip in the pond and then had dressed and come home. They’d said little between them, but there hadn’t really been any need for words. There was a connection between them that went deeper than that and with each moment she spent with Jackson it seemed to grow stronger.

She rubbed her finger along the rim of the glass, wiping the condensation aside. Her life had taken some very strange turns lately, and not many of them good. But one thing she couldn’t regret was coming to the small town of Meadows and finding Jackson Connors.

The air was heavy and still, blanketing the farm in its heat. Emerald had no idea when this heat wave was going to break, but she hoped it was soon. Jackson hadn’t said anything, but he had to be worried about his crop. There hadn’t been any rain in about ten days and the ground was cracked and dry. What little grass there was around the house was brown with patches of green. The few flowers scattered around the patio were fine because she’d been watering them.

The screen door was pushed open and Jackson ambled out, glass in hand. He was shirtless and shoeless, wearing only a pair of faded jeans. He had a folder stuck under his arm and she could see the wariness in his eyes as he lowered himself into the chair next to her.

She laid her glass on the porch floor beside her chair. On their stroll home from the pond, he’d agreed to show her some of his photos. Emerald had to admit that she was curious to see his work, especially since she knew it wasn’t something he’d shared with anyone else.

She wiped her hands on her tank top, sensing Jackson following her movements with his eyes, staring at her nipples where they pressed against the thin fabric. There was a built-in bra, but it didn’t help. Seemed that whenever she was around him, her body had a mind of its own. She held out her hand.

Almost reluctantly, he handed her the folder. She had to tug slightly to get him to release it, and when he did, he quickly turned away, looking out over the rows of apple trees in the distance.

Emerald turned back the cover of the folder and stared at the first image. It was stark in black and white and showed the orchard in the dead of winter. Or rather, it pictured one particular tree. The branches were gnarled, the bark rough and dark in sharp contrast to the pristine white of the snow. There were no tracks, no dirt, no sign of life in the thick layer of snow.

It was breathtaking.

Taking her time, she flipped over the photo to reveal the one beneath it. This one was in full color. A squirrel was seated on a log, nut clasped tight in his tiny paws. His face was turned inquisitively toward the camera.

The next one was of the same apple tree from the earlier black-and-white shot. This one was full color and showed the tree in bloom. Apple blossoms covered it as the sun shone down upon it. The sky was an impossible shade of blue that could only be caught in that rare split second in nature.

On and on it went. One photo after another revealing sheer artistic talent. It wasn’t just the subject matter, but the way it was presented. It was, she knew, Jackson’s unique vision. It gave her an insight into the man and how he viewed the land he owned and worked. There was a depth of love and respect that was unmistakable.

She knew then that he’d never leave here.

Her heart ached as she came to the last picture. It was sunset from the porch she was sitting on. The vibrant colors of red, yellow, green, aqua and blue were all there as if painted by the hand of God. She’d never seen anything quite like it.

She closed the folder slowly and let it rest in her lap. She could feel the tension from the chair next to her. Turning slowly, she stared at Jackson, shaking her head. His lips firmed and he reached out for the folder. Her hand covered his, stopping him from taking the folder.

“I’ve never seen anything this beautiful in my life.” Her voice was husky with emotion, but she meant what she said. “No, that’s not quite right.” She struggled to find the correct words. “They’re more than merely beautiful. They’re compelling. They evoke emotion. God, Jackson.” She gripped his hand tight, her nails digging into him. “They’re incredible.”

One corner of his mouth quirked up. “All of that,” he teased.

She could tell he was uncomfortable with her praise and trying to make light of it. She wasn’t having that. “Yes.” She stared defiantly at him. “All of that and more. Whatever they’re paying you, it’s not enough.”

Jackson’s gaze softened, his hand slipping out from beneath hers as he cupped her jaw. Leaning forward, he touched his lips to hers. Unlike the tempest of passion at the pond, this was gentle, a kiss complete in and of itself rather than a prelude to sex.

Her bare toes curled into the plank floor beneath her feet. Her whole body seemed to sigh and relax. Being with Jackson felt right in a way that nothing else ever had in her life, except maybe her artwork. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time.

“Thank you,” he said simply and sincerely as he sat back. He stroked the curve of her jaw with his thumb before sitting back in his chair. She noted that he left the folder in her lap.

He sprawled in his chair, extending his long legs in front of him. His hands were resting lightly on his flat, tanned stomach and even at rest his biceps were huge. He was the picture of relaxation, yet she could see the slight tightening in his jaw and the tension in his muscles.

He turned his head and a lock of hair fell onto his forehead. He swiped it away with his hand, raking his fingers through his hair. It wasn’t overly long, but it was sexy. At least she thought it was. His blue eyes seemed even brighter against the dark tan of his skin. “When are you going to show me more of your work?” There was almost a challenge in his tone, as if he felt vulnerable and needed her to reveal a part of herself as well.

Without a word, she got up and handed him the folder before walking inside. In her bedroom, she grabbed her computer and went back outside. Jackson’s head jerked her way as she stepped back out. Ignoring him, she perched on the arm of his chair, turned on her laptop and brought up the files of her last collection. She plunked the machine in his lap so he could look his fill.

Her last work had a Middle Eastern flair to it, the colors and designs inspired by that ancient culture. Sapphire had taken her cue from it and created some lovely and exotic earrings, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, anklets and belly chains. The journals had been crafted with vibrant covers that would have fit quite nicely in some ancient desert palace. The cards and stationery had depicted some of the ancient gods and goddesses of the various cultures. Topaz had commissioned an entire line of specially scented candles and incense to be crafted especially for their store. It had been expensive, but it had been well worth it. The line had been a huge success and it was now a standard that they kept in their store year-round.

Jackson scrolled though the files, examining each and every piece. When he was done, he gave her a questioning look. She nodded, knowing what he wanted without him having to ask. He opened another folder and began to scan.

This was from the original Sisters’ Jewels collection. Each piece focused on the birthstone of the month. “This is all incredible.” She could hear the sincerity in his voice as he opened yet another folder and another. The last five years of her work was on there. She’d loaded it all on before she’d left home on the run. Not knowing how long she’d be gone, she’d wanted to have it all on hand in case she wanted to refer back to something she’d already done.

He opened a new file before she could stop him. They both froze. His hand seemed to tremble as he scrolled though the work. Or maybe it was her who was shaking. Her stomach was in knots and she nibbled nervously on her bottom lip.

“This is new.”

It wasn’t a question, but she answered him anyway. “Yes.” In the past few days the ideas had started flowing again. She put it down to the fact that she felt relaxed for the first time in weeks, if not months. It was only now that she was away, she’d admit that she’d been feeling burnt out and pressured these past few months. The phenomenal success of Sisters’ Jewels had put a strain on all the sisters to create something bigger and better.

The farm had inspired her. As was her habit, she’d sketched her designs on paper first. Since she didn’t have a scanner with her, she’d recreated her drawings on her computer using her art program. Along with the illustration, she’d added notes—colors, design possibilities and more. She was just getting started.

The new designs were floral, all treasures discovered while walking around the yard and just beyond. There was the clump of buttercups that bloomed at the corner of the old barn. The violets she’d discovered in a forgotten corner of the front yard. Daisies that grew in clumps alongside the fence. She’d drawn in enough of the background for each to give her a sense of place and perspective, to remind her of the farm when she was back in New York. There were dozens of varieties of other wildflowers, each color matching the birthstone of a month. The designs weren’t anywhere near finished yet, but the basis for the collection was there.

Jackson shut down the computer and carefully laid it aside. Reaching out, he tugged her down into his lap. She went easily, really wanting to know his opinion. He had a great artistic eye and she knew instinctively that he wouldn’t lie to her. He wouldn’t be cruel, but neither would he sugarcoat his reaction. He would be honest.

She ignored the expanse of warm muscle and forced herself to sit up straight with her hands clasped primly in her lap when all she wanted to do was lean into his chest and nibble on his neck. She squirmed as her panties dampened. “Well?”

Jackson wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel the play of muscles in his thighs beneath the fabric of his jeans. He dropped his free hand onto her bare legs and began to trace a path from her knees to the top of her thighs. Her eyes almost crossed as he grazed the strip of skin just beneath the ragged edges of her jean shorts. They’d ridden up slightly when he’d pulled her into his lap and his fingers were incredibly close to her crotch.

She sucked in a breath and tried to shift her legs open without being blatant about it. Jackson just grinned and then let his fingers glide back to her knee. Just when she’d taken a deep breath, he trailed his hand upward again. The man was teasing her.

She frowned at him and he leaned down and kissed her. It was a quick kiss, over before it really got started. Yet it sent a blast of heat to her core.

“Your work is amazing, Emerald.” He shook his head. “What you do and the fact that you have to come up with new ideas so often is incredible.”

She felt her cheeks heating and knew she was blushing. Why this man’s opinion meant so much to her she wasn’t sure, but it did. “Thank you. I haven’t done anything new in a while and I was starting to worry.”

His hand dipped between her thighs, tracing the edge of her shorts. Close, but not close enough to where she really wanted him touching her. A low moan escaped her as she parted her legs, not even trying to be discreet about it. She wanted his hands on her. Everywhere.

“No need to worry.” The low, gruff tone of his voice sent goose bumps racing down her arms and legs in spite of the heat. “You just needed a rest and a change of pace is all.”

She licked her lips and his gaze followed her tongue. She did it again.

“Tease,” he accused as his fingers brushed over the crotch of her shorts.

She sucked in a breath. “You’re the tease, not me,” she gasped as his knuckles grazed her sex. Even through the layers of her shorts and panties, she could feel the heat of his hand and the firmness of his strokes.

He chuckled, a low and sexy rumble deep in his chest. Emerald smiled and cupped his face in her hands. His fingers dipped beneath the hem of her shorts, seeking her heat. She lowered her face toward him. His breath was warm on her mouth. She parted her lips, almost able to taste him already. His fingers were close now. Just another half-inch. Emerald gave a breathy groan.

And was dumped back in her chair.

Sprawling against the seat, she struggled to sit up. Jackson’s gaze was on the road and not her. She followed his stare and, sure enough, she could see the cloud of dirt coming toward the house. Struggling to her feet, she yanked down the legs of her shorts and made sure her top was tucked in. Her hair, which she’d bundled into a ponytail, was drooping slightly.

Swearing, she grabbed up her computer and sprinted for the back door. Jackson’s hand shot out, catching her wrist as she passed him. She came to such an abrupt halt she almost tumbled back into his lap. Only his quick reflexes kept her from falling.

“Let go. I have to fix my hair and splash some water on my face or something.”

“You look fine. Better than fine.” She glared at him. That was fine for him to say. He looked as cool as a cucumber, if you ignored the large bulge pressing against the zipper of his jeans.

She glanced down the road and saw, not one, but two trucks headed their way. “That’s your family,” she hissed. The last thing she wanted was to look as if she’d just been tumbled in Jackson’s lap. And, damn it, she’d never even got to finish getting tumbled. She groaned. The man was turning her into a sex fiend and making her crazy. “Let go.”

He turned her loose, but not before his fingers trailed down the inside of her wrist, sending a rivulet of desire snaking through her. She stared at him. She’d never known that her wrist was an erogenous zone before. But everywhere on her body seemed to be where this man was concerned.

“Go,” he encouraged as he gave her a light push toward the door. “I’ll hold them off as long as I can.”

Nodding, she scurried inside.

Jackson watched the screen door close behind Emerald and sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He loved his family, but they had rotten timing. He stood as both trucks pulled into the yard. His muscles tightened and his hands fisted. Maybe they had news about Emerald’s stalker. It was easy to forget about that problem when she was safe and warm, snuggled in his lap.

He swore and discreetly adjusted himself before walking forward to greet them. Taking a deep breath, he willed his erection to go down. His sister and brother-in-law climbed out of one vehicle while Nathan and Carly got out of the other one. Both women smiled as they strolled toward the porch. He gave them what he hoped was a smile. It seemed to work for the women, but both men gave him quizzical looks. He shook his head.

“What brings you all out here? Any news?” He wanted to send them all back to their trucks so he could go find Emerald and pick up where they left off. But that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to get a grip.

Because he was distracted, Erin had the back door open and was stepping into the kitchen before he realized it. So much for his promise to Emerald to divert them. He heard her greeting Erin and Carly, so he figured that everything was okay. He bent down to grab his glass of iced tea and saw the folder of his photos lying on Emerald’s chair. Casually, he picked it up and tucked it beneath his arm.

“You okay?” Nathan eyed him cautiously.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” Oh great. Now both men were giving him strange looks. “Let’s go inside with the women.”

He herded them inside and was grateful to see his sister and sister-in-law comfortably ensconced at the table with tall glasses of iced tea before them. Emerald was at the counter, looking calm and gorgeous as ever. She smiled at the men as they entered and continued to bustle around. Within a minute, everyone had something to drink and a huge plate of fresh-baked oatmeal cookies had been passed around.

“These are delicious,” Erin all but moaned as she took a bite. “I can cook, but I’m not much for baking.”

“They’re easy. It’s my mother’s recipe. I can write it out for you if you want.” Emerald sounded so normal and unaffected by what had happened between them that Jackson wanted to growl. His body was still primed and ready.

“Not that I’m not glad to see you,” his tone belied his words, “but is there some reason you’re all here?”

Emerald leaned forward suddenly and he could see the worry in her beautiful brown eyes. “Have you found out anything?”

Abel shook his head. “Nothing. It seems as if your stalker is laying low now that you’re away. He must have lost your trail after the last call he made to you and is waiting for you to make a mistake of some kind. It looks as if your investigator is in the clear.”

“Either that or he’s just playing it smart,” Nathan added.

Emerald chewed on her bottom lip. Jackson wanted to soothe her abused mouth with his tongue. And he would. Just as soon as he got rid of his family.

“How are my sisters?” It had been agreed that Emerald wouldn’t contact her family anymore just to be on the safe side. Abel had been in contact with the private investigator, who was in turn in touch with her sisters. It might have been excessive, but they preferred to err on the side of caution.

“They’re good. Although Topaz seems to be a bit put out by her bodyguard.” Abel chuckled. “Dane said that she’s really giving this guy a run for his money.”

Emerald smiled. “Topaz wouldn’t like feeling restricted. We had a lot of that when we were growing up even though Mom and Dad were good about giving us as much freedom as they could. As long as she’s safe, she can put up with it.”

Nathan stirred in his chair. “From all I’ve been able to find out, everyone around you seems to be clean. No police records, unless you count your friend Derek Locke. He’s had a few arrests for being drunk and disorderly.”

Emerald nodded. “Derek’s always been a bit volatile. His father casts a large shadow and has great expectations for his only son. In truth, I’ve always felt a bit sorry for him. But Derek is a great guy and has built quite a successful business.”

Nathan continued. “Your ex-boyfriend has been sniffing around your sisters trying to find out your whereabouts.”

Jackson could tell that surprised her. Her mouth dropped open and for a second she was speechless. She frowned and leaned closer to Nathan. “Beau? Why in the heck would he bother?”

Nathan sat back in his chair and settled his hands on his stomach. “You tell me.”

Emerald looked bewildered. “We broke up months ago.”

“Who broke up with whom?” Nathan queried. His wife elbowed him in the ribs and he sat up quickly. “What the heck was that for?”

“You could try being a bit more tactful, Nathan.” Carly tossed Emerald an apologetic smile, still shaking her head at her husband.

“It doesn’t matter.” Emerald got up and began to pace the room. Jackson wanted to pull her into his lap and cuddle her. “I broke up with him when I caught him in bed with another woman.”

Both women winced and then glared at the men. Nathan held up his hands to his wife. “Hey, it’s not my fault.” He turned back to Emerald. “Maybe he doesn’t want it to be over.”

She shook her head. “I made sure he knew it was over. Yes, he came around at first, apologizing and trying to get me to forgive him and take him back. But that didn’t last more than a few weeks. Besides, I’ve only seen him a few times in the past couple of months. I’m sure it’s not Beau. I don’t know what to do, but I can’t hide out here forever.”

Jackson’s hands fisted at his sides. She could damn well stay here until things were safe. “You can’t go anywhere until the stalker is caught.” His family all stared at him, but he ignored them. “Emerald,” he all but growled her name. “It could be your ex-boyfriend, the delivery guy, your investigator or a complete stranger. Heck, it could even be Derek Locke, even though you say he’s nothing more than a childhood friend. People change. It’s too dangerous for you to go home yet.”

She waved her hand absently as she continued to pace. “I can’t stay here indefinitely. Besides, my job here only lasts for a few more weeks.”

Jackson pushed away from the table, coming to his feet. “The hell with the job.” Reaching out, he snagged her arm and waited until she faced him. “Your safety is all that matters.”

She glanced nervously at his family and then back at him. Why he felt the need to claim her in such a public fashion, he wasn’t sure, but it was there inside him, goading him onward.

“It’s not your decision, Jackson.”

And that was the problem. Emerald had no real ties to him or this community. She could pick up and leave at any moment. The thought made his heart stutter and his stomach cramp. He pushed the fear aside and drew on his anger instead. “No, it’s not. But it’s not smart to do anything to get this guy going again, maybe even send him after your sisters.”

He could have kicked himself the moment the words left his mouth. The fear in her eyes almost undid him. She wrapped her arms tightly around herself and he could see the fine trembling in her limbs. Unable to stand it any longer, he tugged her into his arms. “I’m sorry, babe.” He rocked her in his embrace. “I don’t think he’ll bother your sisters, especially since they have bodyguards. He seems focused on you.” He leaned back and stared down into her precious face. “Give it a while longer. Maybe your investigator can come up with something.”

She sighed and nodded. “A few more weeks won’t hurt, I guess. But I’d like to talk to my sisters. It shouldn’t hurt if I call from here. I did it once already.”

Jackson glanced over at Abel, who shrugged. Nathan shook his head. “It’s risky.” Jackson knew his brother was right, but he weighed the risk against Emerald’s need.

“You can call them later tonight.”

She nodded again and then pulled herself together. Taking a deep breath, she faced the audience seated at the table. “Sorry about that.”

“Don’t worry about it,” his sister said.

“Totally understandable,” echoed Carly.

They all turned to him and he knew he had to distract them from asking questions about his and Emerald’s relationship. Since they both knew that she was eventually leaving, there was no point in getting into things with any of them. Their relationship was private between him and Emerald.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to talk to all of you about and now is as good a time as any.” He pulled out Emerald’s chair and seated her before yanking out his own, turning it around and straddling it.

“What is it?” He could see the curiosity in Erin’s face.

He took a deep breath and took the plunge. “I want to buy your and Nathan’s share of the farm.”

Erin protested even as Nathan began to object. “There’s no need for you to buy out our share of the farm. The damn place is yours and we all know it. It’s your blood and sweat that’s gone into it. If it hadn’t been for you, we’d have lost it years ago.”

“I agree with Nathan,” his sister added, a mutinous glare on her face.

“But the two of you worked hard all these years and helped to pay it off.”

“It was our home, Jackson.” Nathan surged to his feet and planted his hands on the wood tabletop. “I might be younger than you, but I remember how things were. My God, you practically raised Erin and me. If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t have had a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs or food on the table. If it had been left up to the old man, we’d have all starved.” Anger was evident in every line of Nathan’s body. “He hightailed it out of here so quick as soon as you offered to buy the place, he left a tornado in his wake. I don’t know many other eighteen-year-olds who would have taken on the work of the farm and the burden of two younger siblings.”

“It wasn’t a burden, Nathan,” Jackson said quietly. “You’re my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for either of you.” He held up his hand before Nathan could protest again. “Look, you both have new families now and you,” he turned to Erin, “you have a child on the way. You could use the extra money to make a fresh start.”

“But where would that leave you?” Erin asked worriedly. “You’d have to take out a mortgage on the place to pay us, and besides which, I don’t want your money.”

“I can take care of my wife,” Abel added softly but firmly.

“I know you can. I wouldn’t have let you marry her if I hadn’t thought that.” Erin bristled, but Abel just grinned. “Look,” he continued. “I have the money set aside for this. It’s no hardship.” Jackson glanced over at Emerald, needing to reassure himself that she was okay. Her eyes were luminous and she looked on the verge of tears. He wanted this done and his family gone so he could comfort her.

“Where the hell did you get that kind of money?” Jackson thought about ignoring his brother’s question, but knew Nathan wouldn’t give it a rest until he knew.

Pushing away from his chair, he stalked to the counter where he’d laid the folder. Grabbing it up, he returned to the table and dumped it in the middle. Photos scattered. “I have a hobby.”

Erin reached out and picked one up. Nathan was more vocal. “So you took a few cute pictures as a hobby. So what?”

“A hobby.” Jackson could hear the anger vibrating in Emerald’s voice as she slowly stood and glared at Nathan, her hands fisted at her sides. Several curls had escaped from her ponytail and brushed against her chest, which was heaving with the force of her breathing. “The man is a bloody artist and his ‘cute pictures’ as you so quaintly put it are hanging in a gallery in New York, fetching a fine price.” Jackson stood straighter, his shoulders going back as he watched Emerald in action. He’d never had someone stand up for him like this before. It made him feel strange inside, but it was kinda nice too.

“It’s okay, Emerald.” She was completely agitated and he wanted to soothe her. She was adorable when she was all riled up, and incredibly sexy. The fact that it was on his behalf made him want to grin from ear to ear.

“It’s not okay. They need to understand just how important this is to you.”

Abel and Carly were quietly examining the photos, but Nathan and Erin were watching the byplay between him and Emerald. “Look,” he began. “I’m giving you the money and you can do with it what you want. End of conversation.”

Of course, it wasn’t the end, nowhere near it. As Nathan and Erin argued with him, Emerald and Carly began to make supper. By the time they sat down to a quick meal of fried chicken, salad and coleslaw, it was getting dark.

His brother and sister finally agreed to take a small portion of what he’d proposed. It wasn’t what he’d wanted, but it was a compromise he could live with. He’d have the papers drawn up and then the farm would officially belong to him. A burden he hadn’t realized he’d carried seemed to slip from his shoulders. He’d needed to own this place. To have something that was his.

Now he wanted them gone so he could celebrate with Emerald.