CHAPTER TEN
Water droplets fall like diamonds from the edges of the waterfall, catching the sun’s embrace before returning to the earth. I stand with my back turned, respecting the sacred solitude of Jackson's dressing.
"Okay, you can turn around now," his voice calls out, smooth and steady, grounding me like an anchor dropped into the turbulent sea of my thoughts.
I pivot on the balls of my feet, my heart drumming a wild rhythm against my ribs. Jackson stands there, clothed in simplicity—a pair of dark jeans and a snug white T-shirt that does little to conceal the power etched into his muscles. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting dappled patterns across his skin as he offers me a half-smile, his eyes reflecting a history deeper than the forest surrounding us.
"Come on," he say
