Jackson Bellefonte knew it was wrong to lust after another man's wife, especially if she was married to his brother. Yet here he was staring out the window watching her. As Isla strapped the kids into their stroller, the warm breeze caused her long dirty blond hair to dance about her face. She gathered the strands into a ponytail, pulled a green hair tie from her wrist, and twisted it around the wild curls. She was beautiful in the morning light.

Most of the time he pushed the misplaced affection out of his mind, but sometimes he couldn't fight it. The memory of the one kiss they'd shared stabbed his heart like a hot spike. He knew it meant nothing to her. Circumstances had caused a weak moment. After his brother had broken up with her after he realized he would really never walk again, she'd felt rejected. Jackson had wanted to offer comfort, but then his lips were on hers and instead of pushing him away, she'd clutched tighter. Thankfully, he'd come to his senses before making a bigger fool of himself.

She'd been gracious about it, claiming some of the fault. Because she'd forgiven him, their friendship remained intact. Thank God. If she'd been weird about it, Ian would have noticed, and that would have been a disaster.

His brother rolled out to meet his family and did a wheelie with his chair. The little girls giggled with pure joy. Jackson laughed, too.

Mom walked to join him. "What are you laughing about?"

"Ian, Isla and the girls. Looks like they're going for a stroll."

"You should go, too. Your dad just got into the shower, so he won't be ready for at least thirty minutes."

"Nah, it's their family time."

"I'm sure they wouldn't consider it an intrusion. Did you ever think Ian could be this happy again?"

"No. It's crazy, but I'm a little envious." Jackson walked away from the window. No need to torture himself. Regardless of the attraction, he'd never act on it. Not that Isla would. She loved Ian. Always had. Always would. Maybe it wasn't that he wanted her as much as he needed someone to love him the way she did Ian. His mom's voice brought him back to reality.

"No need for that. You have Halley Rae."

Not for long. Perhaps if he broke the news to Mom, it would be good practice for the speech he'd rehearsed for Halley. "I thought I was falling in love with her, but lately, I've seen a side of her I don't like. She's clingy. Gets all paranoid when I'm around other women. She's too damn insecure, and I'm tired of dealing with it."

Mom pulled her face tight. "I'm sorry to hear that."

"Yeah, well it is what it is." If his soon to be ex-girlfriend was as understanding, he'd be home free. Who was he kidding? He just hoped she didn't go psycho Fatal Attraction bunny boiler on him.

"I worry about you."

He expected as much. Mom's concern over his love life was normal.

"I'm afraid the breakup with Julie affected you to where you'll never trust women again."

He plopped onto a bar stool and rested an arm on the countertop. "We've been over this. That was years ago. I've recovered."

She leaned forward and widened her eyes. "Have you?"

"Yeah." He offered his best smile. "And I learned something. Falling out of love takes longer than falling in. At first it hurt like hell. But I haven't thought about her since the last time you mentioned this subject. So don't waste your worry."

"Not possible. It clearly states in the Mom Manual I'm required to worry over all things concerning my children."

He strolled around the counter and pulled her into a hug. "Yeah. You've got the hardest job in the world, and you're great at it. That's my problem. I'm waiting for a woman like you."

She nudged him away. "You are so full of it."

"Hey, it's true. Ian found the perfect wife. So between you and Isla, the bar's set high."

"She found him. He wouldn't have given her a second glance had she hadn't been his nurse. Definitely wasn't his type, but you're right. It turned out she was what he needed." She pulled him into another hug, and squeezed as if she didn't want to let him go.

He patted her shoulder. "I'm fine, Mom. Really."

She released him and walked to the coffee pot, then hoisted it in the air. "You want a cup?"

"No ma'am."

"Oh, thanks for coming to pick up your dad. His car should be repaired by Friday."

"Well, he'd better hurry or we'll be late. I think he has a nine o'clock appointment."

Dad appeared in the doorway. "Here I am. Babe, could I get a coffee to go?"

"Sure." Mom filled an insulated mug, attached the lid and passed it over. "Jackson, sure you don't want any?"

"No thanks." He winked at his mom, and then turned to face his dad. "Come on, old man. Race you to the car."

"Go ahead and run. You're driving anyway!"

On the way to the office, Jackson's phone chimed ten times. He glanced down at the screen.

Every. Single. One. From Halley Rae.

Damn.

His dad shot him a look. "You going to answer those?"

"No need. They all say the same thing. Where are you? What are you doing? Halley Rae is driving me nuts. It's like she needs to know my every move."

"That sounds obsessive."

"Yeah, but I'm about to put a stop to it. I'm breaking up with her."

"Probably a good idea. Oh, has your mother mentioned hiring an intern?"

"No. Why?"

"She wants me to stop working so many hours. What do you think?"

"I like it. I passed on a couple of renovation jobs this month because I'm swamped with drawing up new construction plans."

All day Jackson tried to concentrate on work, but Halley kept creeping into his thoughts. At first, he'd thought she might be the one, but the longer they were together, the more obsessive she became.

His phone dinged.

Her.

Again.

Thirty-two texts so far.

Maybe if he loved her that wouldn't bother him so much. Another sign he was doing the right thing.

He shook the notion away and put papers into his briefcase. Lately, he'd taken more responsibility overseeing on-site projects. No matter how much effort went into drawing plans, clients always found changes they wanted made, so he spent a good part of most days traveling from place to place, making sure permits were in order, and contractors stayed on schedule. He had one more stop to make before he headed home.

When he pulled into his drive, Halley waited on the porch. She'd hinted at getting her own key, and that's when he realized it was time to cut her loose. That and the constant interrogations. First comes a key, then a section of closet space. And finally, reciprocation of the three words that rule the universe. He wasn't ready for any of that.

Not with her.

"Hey, babe." She looked at her watch. "You have a late client? I thought you'd be here forty-five minutes ago. If I'd had a way in, I could have dinner waiting. Why didn't you answer any of my texts?"

"We've been over this a hundred times. You've got to stop sending so many. My answers are always the same. I'm at work. Working."

"Okay. I'll try to do better." She picked up a grocery bag. "Pasta and bread sticks sound good?"

"Sure."

She planted a kiss on his cheek. "So, who kept you late?"

She'd pulled her long bleached hair into a messy twist on top of her head, strands dangling on each side. Wind whipped them like the tail on a kite. Damn. He should break up with her right here on the porch. Not even let her in the house, but not knowing what reaction to expect, not a good idea. She might cause a scene. The last thing he needed was for the neighbors calling the cops because of a domestic dispute. "I had to check on a construction site. Took longer than I thought. Had to wait on the foreman."

He pushed open the door, and she stepped inside, chattering on her way into the kitchen. "You want a green salad, too? I think you have all the ingredients. Pasta and bread might not be enough. Did you eat a big lunch?" She opened the fridge and moved things around. "Yeah, there's plenty here. Which site?"

"Mobile Infirmary. They want a new wing. Why don't we skip cooking? I need to talk to you about something."

"Don't be silly. I can have this done in thirty minutes. Go jump in the shower. That will give us more time together after we eat. I have something I want to discuss with you, too."

"Okay." He sucked in a deep breath. This was it. She must have plans to ask for a key and space, and he planned to end it. He'd been expecting it for weeks. After six months of dating, the next step seemed logical, but he was tired of having to account for every minute of the day.

After dinner, she cleared the table, but he stopped her. "Leave everything and I'll do the dishes later."

"I don't mind."

He clasped her hands. "I insist."

"At least let me put the leftover in a plastic container. You can take it for lunch tomorrow."

"Fine. Thanks."

"Is something wrong? You were quiet during dinner."

"I have something on my mind, but it can wait until you're done. Did you turn in your bid for the day spa?"

"Yes, and after talking to the owner, I understand the look she wants. She won't decide until the end of the week, but I expect to get the job which means you and I will work together again. I love doing that. We make a perfect pair. Don't you think? You design the building, and I decorate the finished product."

Jackson let the question stand without comment. She was a good designer, but he wanted to break all ties. He didn't think she could handle a professional-only relationship.

She wiped her hands on a towel."Okay. Ready to talk. You first."

Damn. There it was. That look. Hope. As if she half-expected him to bring up the same subject on her agenda. This would not be pretty.

She followed him to the sofa and sat, giving him plenty of space. Still close enough to slap him when he delivered the news, and if it happened, fine. He deserved it. He'd already let it go on too long. Should have ended it weeks ago. He turned to face her.

"I know you want more from this relationship."

Oh God.

She straightened and smiled, and he hated himself for being the bad guy. "But, I don't see that happening."

She sucked in a breath, but didn't release it.

"I'm sorry, Halley. It's wrong to keep seeing you when I'll never be more serious."

She opened her mouth to say something, but someone knocked.

Jackson jumped from his seat. "I'll get rid of them."

He swung the door wide and gasped. "Julie! What are you doing here?" He glanced at Halley.

She grabbed her purse, rushed to stand beside him, and looked up to meet his gaze. "Now I understand. Your former fiancée shows up, and you dump me. Is she the reason you were late? You were with her?"

"That's not what happened. I didn't even know she was in town."

"Oh, please. I'm not an idiot." Halley pushed past him, nudging Julie out of the way as she left.

Jackson called after her. "Halley! That isn't true!" It was no use. She cranked the engine of her silver Altima and sped away.

He shouldn't care what she thought, but he did. Sure, he wanted her out of his life, but not because of some misunderstanding.

He faced Julie. "What the hell are you doing here?"

She plastered a smug grin. "Oops. Is this a bad time?"

         ----------------

Yikes. Breaking up with a girl and having your ex show up. Sucks to be Jackson right now, right?

Vote & comment if you liked. I would def appreciate any feedback.

x zuz