Page 18 of Working for Her Heart

My phone rings. I pull it from my pocket even though I’m positive I already know it’s Lane. I frown at his name flashing on the screen.

“That him?” Uncle Jackson tips his head at the phone.

I nod. He holds out his hand, and I hesitantly pass the device over.

He answers the call. “Hello?” He pauses. “This is Jackson Martin, Jessa’s uncle. She’s right here, and as good as she can be given the circumstances, from what I hear.”

Another pause, this one much longer. His eyebrow arches, and he looks in my direction. “You think so, huh?”

Curiosity is killing me, but I refuse to ask. I actually kinda want to see where this goes. I’m surprised Lane didn’t hang up the second Uncle Jackson answered. My pulse races as the silence continues while Lane talks.

“That may be son, but you’re gonna have to work a hell of a lot harder to prove it. Our girl deserves a man who respects her enough to stand beside her. To honor her wishes. I made sure she was capable of taking care of herself. I have absolute faith she can protect herself. I love that you want to do that for her, because she abso-fucking-lutely deserves someone who does. But you gotta learn to wrangle that urge and let her take care of business.”

A ghost of a smile appears as he listens to Lane’s response. His green eyes sparkle as they move to me once again. “Well then, you have my approval if you can convince her. If you manage to do so, I can’t wait to meet the man good enough for my girl.”

His smile gets wider. “Good luck, and here she is.”

Uncle Jackson rises from his recliner and holds out the phone. “Hear him out before you hang up, baby girl. I’ll be in the house when you’re done.”

I watch him saunter out of the shop as I bring the device to my ear. “Hello?”

“Thank fuck. I wasn’t sure you’d listen. I’m sorry Jess. So fucking sorry. I let my own need override what you needed. I don’t want to be that guy. I know it won’t be easy for you to believe it won’t happen again, but you have my promise it will not. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust. Hell, I’ll quit Masterson’s and work some place else if that’s what it takes. Whatever you need, you say the word and I’ll make it happen. I really don’t want to do this over the phone, but I’m afraid if I don’t, I might not get the chance if you don’t forgive me. The truth is I love you and I don’t want a life without you in it.”

I sniffle as I bite down on my bottom lip so hard I taste blood. Tears are streaming down my cheeks as I futilely attempt to brush them away with the back of my hand.

“Jess? Are you okay? Please say something.”

“I love you too.”

There’s a thud over the line. “Ow shit, that hurt.”

“Are you okay? What happened?” I ask.

“Well, uh, I may have gotten a little overwhelmed hearing that and missed the chair when I was collapsing. Say it again.”

A smile spreads across my face. “I love you too.”

“Fuck yeah. So much Jess. Uh, I know you’re visiting your uncle right now, but when do you think I could possibly see you? I’m dying to hold you.”

“I’m on my way.”

“Hurry. I mean, be safe, but seriously, drive that car like it was meant to be run.”

I laugh. “I will. Be there soon.”

Chapter Fourteen

Jessa

I’m nervous to be back at work, especially since Bill has called an all-staff meeting, but having Lane beside me, knowing he’ll be there no matter what happens, helps. I just hope he can keep his temper, but he’s promised to be on his best behavior.

From the number of times he apologized profusely, I’m choosing to believe him. It is comforting to know, should I ever need protecting or saving, he would absolutely step in at my request. Besides Uncle Jackson, I’ve never had that before. I’ve only had myself to rely on.

We enter ‌the office at Masterson’s to find Bill, Marnie, and the other mechanics Henry, Larry, and Mark there. Rico is notably absent.

Bill’s arms are crossed over his chest as he surveys us all. “It appears we need to set some expectations I never dreamed we would have to. But it has become apparent that basic respect is not something everyone possesses. From this day forward, every person who works here will be treated with respect, no matter their gender. Harassment will not be tolerated. I will not hesitate to let anyone else go who cannot abide by this basic rule of decency.”

My pulse races at his declaration. Rico’s not here because Bill fired him. I glance at the other mechanics out of the corner of my eye. There are frowns and looks of confusion, but no one looks angry at his decree, and they’re nodding as if they are in agreement.