His brow furrowed. “What triggered you?” When I didn’t answer, he guessed. “The truck?”

I nodded. “I have to get back to the bed and breakfast. My meds are there.”

He stood, then offered me his hand. I took it, and he pulled me easily to my feet.

“Let me drive you.”

“No, I’m fine.” My fingers busied themselves brushing the sand from my legs. “I can drive.” God, I had to get out of here before I embarrassed myself any further.

“Morgan, really, let me drive you. Please.” He reached for my arm, then thought better of it, pulling his hand back.

“I can do it myself,” I whispered as I pushed the lock button on the truck.

“I just want to help,” he said softly as I walked past him to where the Mini was parked.

“You did.” I slid into the driver’s seat and arched my neck as another wave of tension washed over me like an aftershock. I ran my hands over my steering wheel and sighed as my emotions lowered to a simmer. That was better.

“Who was he to you?” Jackson asked, looking down at me from the open door.

Every label I could put on what I had with Will felt too small, too pale in comparison to what we’d been, and what we could have evolved into, and yet too big for our lack of definition.

“Everything, and yet nothing.” I gave him the truth in the simplest terms I could, giving him the best perspective of me he could have and hiding nothing.

Hi. I’m Morgan. I’m a hot mess.

Jackson didn’t cringe, didn’t roll his eyes or slam the door. No, that would have made this easier—running away from him. Instead, he nodded. “Okay. I can understand that. Drive safe, okay? Maybe you can text me when you get there?” He stepped free of the door.

“I don’t have your number.” Before he could offer it to me, I swung the door shut. The engine roared to life as I turned the key, and then I backed out of the long drive once he was clear. He understood. Of course, he understood.

And that was exactly why I couldn’t let him drive me to the B&B.

Because back on that beach, I’d felt something. We’d connected.

I didn’t have anything to offer, and even if I did, I’d be damned if I was ever going to open up to a man who was in love with another woman. I would never make that mistake again.

Ever.

I was done being someone’s consolation prize.

“Damn you, Will. I think you ruined me.”

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Jackson

“Night, Daddy!” Fin called out for the sixth time since I’d kissed her good night about two minutes ago.

“Night, Fin.” I blew her a kiss but gave her the I’m-not-kidding look.