To her left she could see the faint yellow glow of light coming through the living room window. That was home, even if it did harbor its own fair share of secrets. Ahead was where Jackson lived, but it was far enough away that the scrub oak trees shielded it from sight.

“Thanks for the visit,” she said and turned her back, and suddenly she was falling forward. She grabbed for anything to break her fall but got nothing but a fistful of air. She could see the ground coming up to meet her, and then two strong arms were around her, saving her from crashing face-first into the dirt and weeds.

Her heart thumped in her chest so hard that she could feel the loud beats in her ears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on to him like he was her rock in the midst of a tornado.

“Are you all right?” Jackson asked. “Did you twist your ankle? I’m going to have to fuss at Tex for not taking care of these damned gophers.”

“I think I’m fine,” she gasped, but she wasn’t totally sure.

“I’m going to take a step back. Don’t put your weight on your foot until I check it.” He squatted down and, starting at her knee, ran his hand down her leg. “Tell me if something hurts.”

“So far just my pride,” she mumbled.

“That’s easily fixed. A broken ankle is another thing,” he said. “Nothing feels out of whack. Does this hurt?” He pressed on her ankle bone.

She couldn’t tell him that his hands on her bare skin were sending little shocks all through her body. “No, it feels fine. I’m going to put my weight on it now.”

He stood up and held her shoulders while she gingerly pressed her foot down. “See, all better,” she said, and she stepped in another hole and pitched forward a second time.

Jackson caught her just like before and laughed out loud. “Darlin’, we’ve got to stop meeting like this. If you want a hug, just ask for it. I’ll be glad to oblige you.”

“Then I want a hug.” She hung on to him, amazed at herself for being that bold.

“Ask and you shall receive,” Jackson teased as he brought her even closer. “Have you ever hugged a guy on a first date?”

“Sure, and a few times I even kissed a guy on a first date,” she admitted, “but you and I haven’t been on a date.”

“Yet.” He grinned as he took a step back. “Maybe I’d better walk you all the way to the porch, just in case you need someone to catch you if you fall again. They say the third time is the charm, and you might really break something the next time.”