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you find the new rock garden I had put in fascinating or you’re stalling to go to Iona.” Chandler walked up to join him.
    “Eavesdropping isn’t nice.”
    “I’m not nice.” Chandler laughed. “Hell, if you wanted privacy you should have used the door to the left of the windows to go outside to call her.”
    “I forgot it was there,” Jackson said.
    “For the amount of times you’ve been here and we’ve used the door to go outside and sit on the porch, how could you forget?” Chandler sounded amused.
    “Bastard. Yes, Iona has me befuddled.” Jackson rubbed his hand along the back of his neck.
    “Buddy, it’s only getting started.” Chandler slapped him on the shoulder. “Now go on and have your talk with her. I’ve heard sex called many things but this is the first time I’ve heard it called talking.”
    “Shut up.” Jackson turned and strode toward the entrance to the living room.
    “Jackson,” Chandler called.
    “What?” Jackson stopped in the doorway and glanced at him.
    “I’ve grown fond of both you and Iona.” Chandler’s expression held a warning. “Don’t make me have to hurt you if you hurt her.”
    “For God’s sake, I knew I’d get that from the Wrights or her family, but not you.”
    “Also protect yourself, because you’re my friend and I wouldn’t like it if you got hurt.” Chandler shrugged.
    “We’re not in a relationship. Just having some fun. No one will get hurt.” Jackson turned to leave.
    “Keep telling yourself that lie.”
    “It’s not a lie.” Jackson went to the front door and yanked it open before going out and closing it behind him.
    He quickly headed down the three stairs and to his truck. In moments, he was inside and on his way. He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. Jackson stopped briefly to turn on the CD he had been playing when he’d last driven. He listened and hummed under his breath along with the smooth jazz. The time seemed to crawl as he headed toward the main part of McKingley then to Griffin Street. As he drove down the street, he passed the hospital then the bookstore he enjoyed visiting that was in walking distance. After another ten minutes, he spotted Sensations, which he hadn’t known was on the same street. Then twenty minutes later, he turned into the parking area for Edge Design Group.
    Jackson parked and exited the truck. He stood in the open doorway, taking in the structure. He knew Iona and her partners did great work, having seen some of their designs like Deyon’s house and business, Chandler’s house and some of the other businesses in town. But the structure that housed their company was inspiring. From outside, he couldn’t tell how many floors there were. The building gleamed in the sun, showing off the windows and the stone-faced façade. The pattern of the stones made him want to keep looking. Although it was an office, there wasn’t that sort of feeling to the building. Instead it was more comfortable and welcoming.
    Jackson closed the truck door and strode across the parking area, noting that there were a few vehicles in the large lot. Soon at the entrance, Jackson opened the door with the stylized logo for Edge Design Group and went inside. In the lobby, he approached the front desk, taking in the reception area, which continued with the welcoming feeling as the outer structure had. He was quickly told to go on up, where to go and given a pass. In seconds, he was in the elevator and he tapped the pass on his leg. He thought of what he would tell Iona. When the doors slid open, he went out and down the hall, passing the empty receptionist desk and a few offices—some occupied and others not. Finally at the end of the hall, he paused before the closed door then knocked.
    “Come in,” Iona called.
    Jackson entered then closed the door behind him. Iona lifted her head. Jackson frowned when he saw the cold mask of business on her face. He strode across the spacious office but stopped at the drafting