"I'm alright," I assured him, setting down the hairbrush. "Just... processing everything." Jackson nodded, keeping a respectful distance.
"It's a lot. Even without Marc's petition adding pressure."
"About that," I began, needing to address what had happened between us. "In the garden—"
"We don't need to analyse it tonight," he interrupted gently. "What happened was... natural. Beautiful. But I understand if you're feeling overwhelmed by how quickly things are moving."
His consideration touched me deeply.
"I'm not regretting it," I clarified. "Just trying to find my footing in all this. Everything in my life has changed so dramatically in such a short time."
Jackson moved closer, his eyes seeking permission before he sat on the edge of the bed near the vanity.
