Chapter 19

Jackson's POV

The sound of her laughter tightened my heart. It hit me, I hadn’t made her cry. I had finally made her laugh. And it was the most sensual sound I’d ever heard.

"I love..." I stopped myself just in time before I said you. I blew out a breath and grumbled instead, "...this!"

I carried her to the spacious bathroom, laid her gently on the floor, and stretched out beside her. We lay on our backs, breathless.

"Oh my goodness! This feels so good!" she laughed, her voice warm and bright.

"You are out of your mind!" I gasped, still trying to catch my breath.

I stared at her, overwhelmed by everything she made me feel. I knew deep down she was still hurting. What we just did might’ve worsened her pain, and yet—here she was, laughing.

No matter how strong she pretended to be, I could see the brokenness behind her eyes. Maybe this new way of hers, whatever it was, was her attempt to cope. Maybe I could help her he