Ready or Not (The Ready Series Book 4)(19)

It was the best decision of my life.

This house had allowed me to take the job downtown at the counseling center for a wage that I probably never would have been able to survive on otherwise. Not having to worry about a mortgage had given me the freedom to save my earnings and tuck it away until I was able to finally fulfill my own dream and go into business alone.

This house was more than a home to me. It was where I felt connected—to myself, my friends, and even my family and the life I’d once had.

After my quiet weekend ended, I fell back into the weekday pattern, rising early to exercise and then meet clients before they went to school. My hours were long and sometimes grueling, but I loved what I did. Children were always easy for me to connect with. Maybe it was my weird clothes or the bright tattoo on my back, but they always found me interesting and different, and I would use it to my advantage when counseling.

Every young boy who passed through my doors that week reminded me of Noah and the way his face had lit up like a Christmas tree when I invited him to play in the fun night of debauchery.

Days had passed since I last saw either of them. I knew Jackson had started his new job. I’d hear his car leaving around the same time as mine, and the other night, I’d caught a glimpse of him in a suit and tie.

I would be lying if I said he’d looked horrible.

The days had flown by, and it was now Thursday evening. After arriving home late from work again, I frantically raced around my room, trying to make myself presentable for my date with Victor.

I looked in the floor-length mirror and frowned at my dress choice.

Too frumpy.

Running back into my closet, I picked out a little black number and held it out in front of me. It was sexy, tight, and hugged my curves in all the right places.

A sly grin slowly spread across my face as I pictured Jackson taking it off.

What the hell?

Okay, that was going back in the closet.

Instead, I slipped on a summery dress that was slightly fitted, and I paired it with coral wedges. Just as I was putting the finishing touches on my makeup, the doorbell rang.

I looked at the clock on my nightstand. “Right on time, and I’m not late!”

After slipping on my jewelry, I hopped down the stairs, trying to focus on the fact that I was going on a date with Victor, not Jackson.

I opened the door, plastering a large happy smile on my face, and I came face-to-face with my handsome date—and Jackson.

Huh?

Both men smiled back at me as I stared blankly at them. I was so confused by the scene in front of me that I nearly reached up and scratched my head like one of those large gorillas in the zoo.

“Um…hi?” I finally said.

Maybe I also had the IQ of a gorilla as well.

“Olivia, so good to see you again,” Victor greeted in his smooth Brazilian accent. He stepped forward and touched his lips to my cheek, slowly and possessively. “I was just meeting your neighbor,” he added, giving Jackson a less than friendly look.

Jackson, seeming unfazed by the death stare, just smiled and turned toward me.

I ushered both men inside, not feeling the least bit uncomfortable.

Nope, not at all.

“Yes, I was tending to my flowers because I wouldn’t want anything to happen to them,” he said with a wink. “I saw this particular flower, and it reminded me of you, so I felt the need to come right over and give it to you. It is the neighborly thing to do after all.” His accent became thicker and sweeter as he spoke.

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“So, where’s the flower?” Victor grumbled, looking around with annoyance clearly written across his face.

“Sorry?” Jackson asked, turning toward Victor.

“Where is the flower you just had to bring over?”

He brought up his empty hands and sighed. “Oh, I must have lost it along the way. What a damn shame. And I interrupted your date, too!”

I had no idea why he was here, but it really was quite adorable, seeing him ruffle Victor’s tail feathers so easily.

“Please don’t let me hold you up any further,” Jackson pressed.

He grabbed my purse off the kitchen counter and handed it to me. I felt his warm hand press into my back as he ushered us to the door. The heat zinged down my spine, sending shivers to my core.

“I’m sure you have places to be,” he insisted.

“Reservation,” Victor mumbled.

“Of course, of course. Hurry along!”

We all exited out the front door.

Jackson raised his hand in the air, waving good-bye. “Y’all have a good time, ya hear!”

What was that man up to?

Jackson

I ran through the front door after watching that douche bag’s car drive away with Liv tucked inside. “Noah! Quick, throw on some shoes! We’re running to the store!”

“What?” he replied from the top of the stairs, shoving his phone in his pocket.

“We’re going to the store! Quick!”

I made hurried motions with my hands as he rolled his powdery-blue eyes.

He finally trotted down the stairs. “Okay, okay! I didn’t realize groceries were such an emergency.”

“Oh, we aren’t getting groceries.” I grinned before grabbing my keys off the counter. “We’re getting our revenge.”