Consolation (Consolation Duet #1)(22)

He gives a short laugh and guides me into his office. “Sit,” he says with authority, but still gentle.

It always amazes me how Jackson can be so hard because he has the biggest heart of anyone I know. He’d literally cut off his arm so someone else didn’t have to be in pain. Aaron always admired him and said it was an honor to serve with him. I think he’d be proud that I’ve come to work for Jackson, even if he died because of the job he was doing for him.

Jackson sits across from me, “I’m not one to talk about Maddie and all that happened. I’ve been better since Catherine, but it’s still something I work through. I know you say you’re fine, and that’s okay, but you don’t have to be fine with me. Or Liam,” he gives me a pointed look.

“I don’t know what everyone expects, you know?” I ask. “I mean, do people expect me to be doing cartwheels down the halls? In love already? Married? Or would they prefer me drunk so I don’t have to feel?”

He huffs, “No, they don’t expect that. They don’t know what to expect either. I refused to date after her death. I never wanted to have a f*cking woman near me.”

I smile, because I know where he’s going.

“Yeah, yeah. Don’t even say it.” Jackson’s grin grows again.

“You’re cute in love,” I lean back and smirk.

He crosses his arms and mimics my stance, “I’m always cute, but that’s not the point.”


I roll my eyes at his arrogance. They all need therapy. “Between you and Mark, I don’t know how anyone can get any work done.”

“Why?” he asks, confused where I’m going.

“Well, I mean you’re both sooo good-looking. I’m sure everyone just stares all day,” I reply sarcastically.

Jackson’s laugh echoes in the room. “You’ll get used to it,” he winks.

“Cat deserves a medal for putting up with you. One day she’ll see the truth.”

“I’ll marry her before that happens. I just need to convince her that I’m worth being around forever.” Jackson is always honest. It’s the one thing we can count on.

“How are you guys doing?” I think Catherine is good for him. She keeps him on his toes and he complements her.

“Good, she’s doing her thing and I’m happy to be back in California. I’m close enough to San Diego, which worked out well. Anyway, enough about me . . . we were talking about you.”

“Let’s not.”

Jackson puts his hands up in surrender. “I’m just saying you have to do whatever you need to in order to survive, but after a while, surviving isn’t enough. Catherine showed me that. I could’ve been in a much better place if I hadn’t lived in limbo for two years.”

There’s not much I can say. I know he means well, and I know he genuinely understands how I’m feeling. Even I don’t understand what the hell I’m feeling or why, but still. “Thanks, Jackson.”

“Enough heavy shit. How’s my beautiful goddaughter?”

The smile at the thought of Aarabelle is automatic. I love that little girl more than my own life. “Thankfully, after the medicine knocked out the infection, she’s been good. You should come see her.”

He laughs, “I was coming whether you offered or not. I had Mark get your office put together last week. I meant what I said about being flexible . . . if you need to work from home because she’s sick or whatever the case, you can do that. We want you to be happy here and if you need something, feel free to drive Mark absolutely insane until you get it.”

“I’ll be sure to do that just for fun.”

Jackson stands and extends his arm forward. He escorts me to my office.

We enter and I stop short. It’s bigger than his office. I would think this is a conference room. “Wow, Jackson, what the hell?” I question him. “This office is huge. Mark, who’s basically running things from here, is in a cubicle. This is nuts.” I’m blown away and it’s completely unexpected. I’m a receptionist. I won’t go on missions or do anything but file some paperwork and get their ridiculous filing system in order. Honestly, it’s highway robbery for what he’s offered as a salary.

“You may have to bring her here once in a while. We all agreed you’d need something bigger,” Jackson states without batting an eye. “I left some things on your desk if you want to get started. Shoot me an email when you’re ready to leave.”

“Ummm, sure.” I stand gaping at this room. It’s crazy and completely overboard. I should’ve expected it though since Jackson Cole does nothing half-assed.

Time to get to work.





“Hello?” I hear Liam’s raspy voice call out.

“In the kitchen!”

Aarabelle sits in her highchair as I feed her dinner. She’s growing so fast. Already she’s eating cereal and a little baby food. Soon she’ll be crawling and I have no one to celebrate with. Her father will never see these milestones and it breaks me apart.

“You should really lock the door,” Liam huffs as he throws his coat over the chair.

“But then I’d have to get up to let you in,” I state matter-of-factly and go back to feeding the baby, trying to put aside my worries. The fact is . . . this is reality. I have to deal with it.