Simple Arrangement by McKenna Jeffries Read Free Book Online

of them suit each other.” Jackson laughed. “A man and his bird.”
    “They looked cute at the wedding. With Sigmund in his little vest and tie.” Iona laughed. She’d heard about James and his bird from the Kincaids, and had seen how they had acted at the wedding.
    “Chandler is still grumbling about how James convinced him to make the damn bird something for the wedding.” Jackson snorted. “The two of them bicker like brothers.”
    “Does he bicker with the bird or James?” Iona asked curiously as they exited the elevator and crossed the lobby. She waved at the guard then waited as Jackson opened the door for them to exit.
    He answered when they were outside. “Both. But only James answers back.” Jackson chortled. “It’s amusing watching them.”
    “I bet.” Iona gestured to her black Chevy Traverse. “I’m over there.”
    “And I’m there.” Jackson led her to her vehicle.
    She pressed her clicker to open the car and disarm the alarm. Jackson opened the door and set her bag on the passenger seat before he turned to her. Iona stepped closer, unable to resist the need to be near him.
    “I’ll meet you at your house.” Jackson touched her waist, rubbing his finger along her side. “Where do you live?
    Distracted by his touch it took a moment for Iona to register what he’d said. “Toller Street…” She gave him the directions. “See you there.”
    “It might take me a while. I’m stopping at the grocery store to pick up some things.”
    “Why?”
    “Dinner. I’m making you dinner.” Jackson released her and stepped away.
    “What ingredients do you need? I could have it.” Iona didn’t want him to take too long to come to her place.
    “Next time I’ll check to see if you have what I need.” Jackson smiled. “I’ll get the groceries and be at your place as soon as I can.”
    Iona watched him walk away, wanting to call him back. She shook it off and got in her SUV then started it. Iona pulled out of her space and headed for home. On the drive, she wondered about getting involved with Jackson. In business, she went with her instincts, and with Jackson, she’d used that same technique when she had approached him. She knew in her gut that they would enjoy each other and be able to walk away when the time came. Iona pushed the play button on her radio and the CD she had been listening to earlier came on. She sang along with Mary J. Blige’s song Alone . By the time she had pulled into her driveway, she had belted lyrics along with Mary for four of her songs. Still saying the words under her breath, Iona turned off the car, grabbed her messenger bag and purse before getting out and going to her house. Inside, she disarmed the alarm then went across the foyer to the living room. Since she had to wait for him, she decided to get some work done. First, she went and changed into something more comfortable. After, she set herself up at the center table in the living room, which faced the bay windows where she could see outside.
    Getting to work, Iona kept checking to see if he’d pulled up to her house. Finally, she pushed away thoughts of him then focused on work. The doorbell sounded, making her jump, startled. She glanced out of the bay windows and saw his truck beside her own vehicle. Iona rose and hurried to the door. She pulled it open then reached for some of the bags he held. Jackson turned, giving her a look to tell her not to touch. Iona held up her hands and stepped back to let him in.
    “Where is your kitchen?” Jackson entered before closing the door with his hip.
    Iona locked it behind him then led the way. Jackson put down the bag on the kitchen island closest to the stove. Iona sat on the high-backed stool by the counter. She put her bare feet on the rungs of the stool then her elbow on the counter, sliding her fingers together then propping her chin on them.
    “What are you planning to make?”
    “Rosemary lemon chicken with rice and carrots. Dessert will be a