Ink Inspired-epub by Carrie Ann Ryan Page A

didn’t lose his breath.
    She had to be at least in her early thirties now, but she looked at least a decade younger. Her long black hair fell to the middle of her back, straight, yet thick and exotic. He could remember how soft it had felt against his chest late at night.
    She turned to him then, and he set his face so he wouldn’t gasp. Her striking blue eyes had always called to him, and now was no different. Since she was average height, her curves suited her well, her hips just wide enough for his hands…
    No, not the time.
    It would never be the time.
    Her face was elegant, her cheekbones sharp, but not too sharp, her chin pointed like an elfish goddess.
    Hell, she looked even more beautiful now than she had eight years ago.
    Honor would have to go.
    Soon.
    “Honor,” he said, his voice surprisingly steady despite the emotions warring through him.
    “Jackson,” she said, her smile making her whole face brighten.
    Veronica stood between them, her gaze traveling between the two.
    “I had called before, but you didn’t say anything,” Honor said, but Jackson didn’t say anything back.
    He remembered her first call months ago, and the few calls afterward, but he’d never said anything back, thinking it couldn’t have been her— shouldn’t have been her.
    She couldn’t be here…not the one who’d left him.
    No, he didn’t want to think about the past.
    “Um…” She looked down at her hands as she wrung them together then squared her shoulders. “I just wanted to say that I’m staying at the inn.”
    He swallowed hard and nodded. “You’re visiting your aunt then?”
    Honor shook her head. “No, I’m staying here in Holiday, Jackson. That’s what I wanted to say when I called and why I’m here. I know it’s been forever, and you don’t care, but I thought I’d say it anyway.”
    “You’re moving here?” he asked, his voice hoarse.
    No, hell no. She couldn’t move here. Holiday was his home, and there was no way he could share it with her.
    “Yes, I’m staying. I left before because…” She shook her head. “No, that doesn’t matter, not anymore. I’m here to stay though. My aunt needs me, and I have responsibilities that I’ve been ignoring too long.”
    He didn’t know what kind of responsibilities she could possibly have since she’d been gone for eight years, but he ignored it. “Why can’t your brother, Tucker, help?”
    Surprise then hurt crossed her face. She must have been surprised that he’d remembered her brother’s name, and he cursed himself for letting that slip. For a woman he was supposed to have forgotten, he remembered too much about her.
    The hurt was obvious, but he couldn’t show that he cared.
    “Tucker’s busy,” she said shortly. “I’m sorry to take your time, but I wanted to tell you I was in town.”
    “Why should I care?” he asked, trying to put distance between them.
    He ignored the gasp from Veronica and cursed himself for being so rude. He’d forgotten they had an audience. The news of this confrontation would be all over Holiday’s grapevine as soon as Honor walked out the door.
    Honor rolled her eyes and smiled. Hell, he’d never understood this woman. “Whatever, Jackson. Play the stoic man if you want, but I wanted to tell you anyway. Bye.”
    She turned on her heel and walked out of his practice, her hips swaying, leaving him breathless.
    He forced his gaze to Veronica and frowned. “I take it there’s no way I can make you keep this between us?”
    “Huh?” she asked as she looked up from texting on her phone.
    He shook his head. “Never mind. Let me know when my next appointment shows up.”
    Jackson left Veronica to her gossip and closed himself in his office.
    Honor was back.
    What the hell was he going to do now?
     
     
    For the rest of this story, check out Carrie Ann’s website to find your local retailer.
     
    www.CarrieAnnRyan.com
     
     

 
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