Page 75 of The Coppersmith Farmhouse (Jamison Valley 1)
I thought about dismissing him for a minute, just saying I was tired and it was no big deal. But I didn’t want to lie to Jess.
Besides, he’d sniff out a lie and badger me until I gave in.
“Maisy told me that people around town have been talking about me. About us,” I said.
“Figures. Small town. But it’s nothing to get worked up about. You already know people in this town talk. And it won’t be the last time. Gotta try and let it roll off.”
“I know that,” I whispered. “It isn’t that. I mean, it is, but it isn’t.”
“Then what?”
“She said that woman from tonight. Andrea? That she was saying nasty stuff about me. That you were only with me for the farmhouse. Otherwise, you’d be with her.”
His hand stopped moving on my back. In one swift move, he grabbed me by the hips and twisted me onto my back. His chest pinned me down as his eyes blazed into mine.
“We covered this already and I’m not doing it again. You’ve got nothing to be worried about with this house,” he said.
“I know.” I sighed. “But that doesn’t mean I like to hear it as gossip.”
“I’ll give you that. What else did Maisy say?”
“She told me about you and Andrea. That you were together. And I know . . .” I raised my hands up in surrender. “I know it is just petty jealousy. That you were with her before me. But still, I don’t like it. I don’t like having the image of you and her together in my head. And I can’t seem to get it out. She’s so pretty.”
He stared down at me for a few seconds and then threw his head back, laughing. His chest shook so hard that the bed started to rock.
“Jess!” I slapped my hands to his chest. “It’s not funny. I’m being serious. This is really bothering me.”
“Freckles, you just made my night.”
“What? Me being upset just made your night? That’s twisted, Jess. And not very nice.”
“Baby, I fucking love that you’re jealous.”
“Huh?”
“I’ve been doing my best to keep my mouth shut when we walk around town and other men are checking you out. And I’ve been patient, not asking about Roe’s father. Because the thought of you with someone else? Having a baby with someone else? I don’t like it.”
I didn’t like the idea of him with another woman. Not at all, especially Andrea. But the fact that he was jealous too lessened the sting. Though I’m sure the men around town were not staring at me for the reasons he thought. I’m sure they were just curious.
“It wasn’t much fun learning about her from someone else,” I said. “I’m not saying I need a roster of the women you’ve had in bed, but in the future, if we’re out and about and you know someone you used to sleep with is going to be there, a head’s up would be nice.”
“Can do,” he said. “But, baby, Andrea is about the only one you need to worry about. Don’t really like talking about it but we probably need to.”
“Talking about what?” I asked.
“The past. I’d prefer we just move forward, but this town’s too small for you not to hear rumors. I’d rather it came from me so you know the truth.”
“Okay, you’re starting to freak me out again.”
“Don’t get freaked,” he said. “Just listen. I haven’t dated anyone serious my entire life. Always casual, no commitments. Not once in thirty-four years. Not until you. Andrea and I were just casual. On and off hookups for about a year. Besides her and a girl I hooked up with in high school, I’ve never been with the same woman more than once. Always one-night stands with women passing through town so there was no risk I’d ever see them again.”
I didn’t like hearing it, but at least now I knew.
“Okay.” I sighed. “Hop off me. I need to get cleaned up and dressed for bed. I’m wiped out.”
Jess didn’t budge.
“What?” I asked.
