Without a word, she got up and handed him the folder before walking inside. In her bedroom, she grabbed her computer and went back outside. Jackson’s head jerked her way as she stepped back out. Ignoring him, she perched on the arm of his chair, turned on her laptop and brought up the files of her last collection. She plunked the machine in his lap so he could look his fill.

Her last work had a Middle Eastern flair to it, the colors and designs inspired by that ancient culture. Sapphire had taken her cue from it and created some lovely and exotic earrings, necklaces, chokers, bracelets, anklets and belly chains. The journals had been crafted with vibrant covers that would have fit quite nicely in some ancient desert palace. The cards and stationery had depicted some of the ancient gods and goddesses of the various cultures. Topaz had commissioned an entire line of specially scented candles and incense to be crafted especially for their store. It had been expensive, but it had been well worth it. The line had been a huge success and it was now a standard that they kept in their store year-round.

Jackson scrolled though the files, examining each and every piece. When he was done, he gave her a questioning look. She nodded, knowing what he wanted without him having to ask. He opened another folder and began to scan.

This was from the original Sisters’ Jewels collection. Each piece focused on the birthstone of the month. “This is all incredible.” She could hear the sincerity in his voice as he opened yet another folder and another. The last five years of her work was on there. She’d loaded it all on before she’d left home on the run. Not knowing how long she’d be gone, she’d wanted to have it all on hand in case she wanted to refer back to something she’d already done.

He opened a new file before she could stop him. They both froze. His hand seemed to tremble as he scrolled though the work. Or maybe it was her who was shaking. Her stomach was in knots and she nibbled nervously on her bottom lip.

“This is new.”

It wasn’t a question, but she answered him anyway. “Yes.” In the past few days the ideas had started flowing again. She put it down to the fact that she felt relaxed for the first time in weeks, if not months. It was only now that she was away, she’d admit that she’d been feeling burnt out and pressured these past few months. The phenomenal success of Sisters’ Jewels had put a strain on all the sisters to create something bigger and better.

The farm had inspired her. As was her habit, she’d sketched her designs on paper first. Since she didn’t have a scanner with her, she’d recreated her drawings on her computer using her art program. Along with the illustration, she’d added notes—colors, design possibilities and more. She was just getting started.

The new designs were floral, all treasures discovered while walking around the yard and just beyond. There was the clump of buttercups that bloomed at the corner of the old barn. The violets she’d discovered in a forgotten corner of the front yard. Daisies that grew in clumps alongside the fence. She’d drawn in enough of the background for each to give her a sense of place and perspective, to remind her of the farm when she was back in New York. There were dozens of varieties of other wildflowers, each color matching the birthstone of a month. The designs weren’t anywhere near finished yet, but the basis for the collection was there.

Jackson shut down the computer and carefully laid it aside. Reaching out, he tugged her down into his lap. She went easily, really wanting to know his opinion. He had a great artistic eye and she knew instinctively that he wouldn’t lie to her. He wouldn’t be cruel, but neither would he sugarcoat his reaction. He would be honest.

She ignored the expanse of warm muscle and forced herself to sit up straight with her hands clasped primly in her lap when all she wanted to do was lean into his chest and nibble on his neck. She squirmed as her panties dampened. “Well?”

Jackson wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer. She could feel the play of muscles in his thighs beneath the fabric of his jeans. He dropped his free hand onto her bare legs and began to trace a path from her knees to the top of her thighs. Her eyes almost crossed as he grazed the strip of skin just beneath the ragged edges of her jean shorts. They’d ridden up slightly when he’d pulled her into his lap and his fingers were incredibly close to her crotch.

She sucked in a breath and tried to shift her legs open without being blatant about it. Jackson just grinned and then let his fingers glide back to her knee. Just when she’d taken a deep breath, he trailed his hand upward again. The man was teasing her.

She frowned at him and he leaned down and kissed her. It was a quick kiss, over before it really got started. Yet it sent a blast of heat to her core.

“Your work is amazing, Emerald.” He shook his head. “What you do and the fact that you have to come up with new ideas so often is incredible.”

She felt her cheeks heating and knew she was blushing. Why this man’s opinion meant so much to her she wasn’t sure, but it did. “Thank you. I haven’t done anything new in a while and I was starting to worry.”

His hand dipped between her thighs, tracing the edge of her shorts. Close, but not close enough to where she really wanted him touching her. A low moan escaped her as she parted her legs, not even trying to be discreet about it. She wanted his hands on her. Everywhere.

“No need to worry.” The low, gruff tone of his voice sent goose bumps racing down her arms and legs in spite of the heat. “You just needed a rest and a change of pace is all.”

She licked her lips and his gaze followed her tongue. She did it again.

“Tease,” he accused as his fingers brushed over the crotch of her shorts.

She sucked in a breath. “You’re the tease, not me,” she gasped as his knuckles grazed her sex. Even through the layers of her shorts and panties, she could feel the heat of his hand and the firmness of his strokes.

He chuckled, a low and sexy rumble deep in his chest. Emerald smiled and cupped his face in her hands. His fingers dipped beneath the hem of her shorts, seeking her heat. She lowered her face toward him. His breath was warm on her mouth. She parted her lips, almost able to taste him already. His fingers were close now. Just another half-inch. Emerald gave a breathy groan.

And was dumped back in her chair.

Sprawling against the seat, she struggled to sit up. Jackson’s gaze was on the road and not her. She followed his stare and, sure enough, she could see the cloud of dirt coming toward the house. Struggling to her feet, she yanked down the legs of her shorts and made sure her top was tucked in. Her hair, which she’d bundled into a ponytail, was drooping slightly.

Swearing, she grabbed up her computer and sprinted for the back door. Jackson’s hand shot out, catching her wrist as she passed him. She came to such an abrupt halt she almost tumbled back into his lap. Only his quick reflexes kept her from falling.

“Let go. I have to fix my hair and splash some water on my face or something.”

“You look fine. Better than fine.” She glared at him. That was fine for him to say. He looked as cool as a cucumber, if you ignored the large bulge pressing against the zipper of his jeans.

She glanced down the road and saw, not one, but two trucks headed their way. “That’s your family,” she hissed. The last thing she wanted was to look as if she’d just been tumbled in Jackson’s lap. And, damn it, she’d never even got to finish getting tumbled. She groaned. The man was turning her into a sex fiend and making her crazy. “Let go.”

He turned her loose, but not before his fingers trailed down the inside of her wrist, sending a rivulet of desire snaking through her. She stared at him. She’d never known that her wrist was an erogenous zone before. But everywhere on her body seemed to be where this man was concerned.

“Go,” he encouraged as he gave her a light push toward the door. “I’ll hold them off as long as I can.”

Nodding, she scurried inside.


Jackson watched the screen door close behind Emerald and sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. He loved his family, but they had rotten timing. He stood as both trucks pulled into the yard. His muscles tightened and his hands fisted. Maybe they had news about Emerald’s stalker. It was easy to forget about that problem when she was safe and warm, snuggled in his lap.

He swore and discreetly adjusted himself before walking forward to greet them. Taking a deep breath, he willed his erection to go down. His sister and brother-in-law climbed out of one vehicle while Nathan and Carly got out of the other one. Both women smiled as they strolled toward the porch. He gave them what he hoped was a smile. It seemed to work for the women, but both men gave him quizzical looks. He shook his head.

“What brings you all out here? Any news?” He wanted to send them all back to their trucks so he could go find Emerald and pick up where they left off. But that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon. Rubbing the back of his neck, he tried to get a grip.

Because he was distracted, Erin had the back door open and was stepping into the kitchen before he realized it. So much for his promise to Emerald to divert them. He heard her greeting Erin and Carly, so he figured that everything was okay. He bent down to grab his glass of iced tea and saw the folder of his photos lying on Emerald’s chair. Casually, he picked it up and tucked it beneath his arm.

“You okay?” Nathan eyed him cautiously.

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?” Oh great. Now both men were giving him strange looks. “Let’s go inside with the women.”