“Hello, Audra Lane.”
“Hello, Jackson Elijah Sansbury.” She smiled at his surprised expression. “The people at Books and Bakery told me you were the great-great-grandson of the town’s founder.”
“Did they?” Jack’s jaw tightened. What else had they told her?
“Don’t try to deny it.” Her smile blossomed into a grin that seemed to bathe him in warmth right down to his bones. “Five independent sources confirmed Ramona McCloud’s information. I think it’s pretty cool.”
“Do you?” He needed to leave. Every kind word, hint of humor, and soft smile chipped away at his protective walls. He was starting to feel human again. He wasn’t ready for that.
“What are you doing out so late?”
“Insomnia.” The reminder of his inability to sleep brought back his irritation like a comfortable old coat.
She gave him a knowing nod as she rose to her feet. “Then you and I have that in common.”
She was a little over average height, but she seemed shorter than she’d appeared in the photos he’d found on the Internet. And her robe covered the killer legs her garbage bag minidress had exposed. Shame.
He finally processed her comment. “You have insomnia?”
“Yes.” She tightened the belt to her robe. “Is your insomnia the reason you’ve wandered to my cabin?”
He felt another unfamiliar trace of humor. “Walking relaxes me.”
Her gaze swept their surroundings—the tall, old trees and the gravel path that bisected the well-manicured lawn. “I can understand why. I’m surprised more people haven’t discovered this place. It’s a hidden treasure.”
Warmth of pride and pleasure battled the coldness within him. “I don’t advertise.”
“Why not?”
“Don’t want guests.”
Audra’s winged eyebrows flew up beneath her bangs. “Why own the cabins if you don’t intend to rent them?”
Jack folded his arms over his chest. “It’s a hobby.”
“Some hobby.” Audra chuckled. “I guess I should consider myself lucky to have connections. How do you know Benita Hawkins?”
“It’s a small town.”
She wrapped her arms around her slender figure. “Yes, it is. I’m not used to this much quiet or the lack of streetlights.”
“Then why are you here?”
Audra chuckled. “I keep asking myself the same thing.” She turned to reenter her cabin. “Good night, Jackson Elijah Sansbury. I hope we both sleep well.”
“Good night.” Jack stayed long enough to watch her close the door behind herself. Then he turned to head back to his cabin.
He hadn’t felt this alive in a long time, a very long time. His senses were heightened. The stars that blanketed the sky shone brighter. The scent of the evergreens bordering the path was stronger. The leaves rustling in the midnight breeze sounded like music. But since he felt more energized than he had felt in months—possibly years—would he be able to sleep at all tonight?
CHAPTER 4
Muffled hammering shattered the still morning. Audra followed it down the graveled trail bisecting a nearby clearing. As she’d suspected, Jack was wielding a hammer on the porch steps of a neighboring cabin identical to hers. Her footsteps crunching on the path must have alerted him. He stood as she approached.
His left bicep bunched as he wiped sweat from his forehead. His onyx gaze fixed on her. His eyes were so compelling—secretive, dark, and vulnerable—for such a gruff, tough man.
Audra’s gaze drifted from his impressive arm and chest muscles to his hair. It was past time for him to redo his braids, if that was the style he wanted. They were so unruly—Audra couldn’t determine his intent. Was he trying to invent a new look? His beard could use some tidying as well. Were small woodland animals nesting in there?
“Good morning.” Audra savored this new opportunity to get the stingy cabin owner to string together a more generous sentence, something longer than five words.