Free A Look Back: Rennillia Series - Prequel by M. Sembera

didn’t understand then as I watched his expression, I got it.
    Back at Emerson’s house, I put my pajamas on before stepping back into his room. I sat on his bed waiting for Em to take his turn changing in the bathroom. I couldn’t help being disappointed. I only had one rule I held myself accountable to and it appeared as though, Jackson’s one rule was the opposite of mine. As Emerson stepped out of the bathroom, I gave him a half-hearted smile. He climbed in bed and gave me a concerned look.
    Sliding under the covers, I shared, “I won’t be going out with Jackson.”
    Giving me a sweet smile, Emerson said, “It will be his loss, not yours.”
    Smiling back, I snuggled close before falling asleep.

Chapter 11
    Barely opening my eyes, I rolled over and noticed Emerson wasn’t in the room. I glanced at the clock and realized I slept late. Even though I decided it would be a bad idea to go out with Jackson, I still wanted to look cute when he arrived. I hopped out of bed and skipped to the bathroom. After brushing my teeth and washing my face, I stepped back into Em’s room to find my bag. Finding it sitting on the chair by his dresser, I unzipped it, grabbed a hair thing and my brush.
    I shouted, “I’m dressed,” when there was a knock on his bedroom door.
    Expecting Emerson, I was horrified when Jackson walked in instead.
    Smiling wide, Jackson greeted, “Hey,” before asking, “You wanna come watch us practice?”
    Standing there, with what I’m sure was a mortified expression I blurted, “Okay,” and rushed back to the bathroom.
    Standing in front of the mirror, I sighed wishing I could have at least brushed my hair before seeing him again.
    After I was dressed and presentable, I headed down the stairs. Walking through the kitchen, I declined breakfast from the Roberts' housekeeper Fidora and stepped outside. I could hear Jackson and Emerson talking as I made my way around the garage.
    Deciding to eavesdrop a little, I heard, Emerson say, “She didn’t say anything to me.”
    Then Jackson laughed, “I can’t believe she didn’t say yes.”
    Wondering if they were talking about me, I continued listening.
    Emerson laughed back, informing, “She’s different. You can’t charm her into anything.”
    “She likes me,” Jackson insisted.
    Laughing again, Emerson said, “Whatever you say.”
    “If I were you, I wouldn’t have gotten outta bed this morning,” Jackson assured before saying, “She’s just so damn cute.”
    Wanting to embarrass Jackson for that little bed comment, I walked around the corner asking, “Who’s just so damn cute?”
    Without skipping a beat, Jackson smiled wide and winked, replying, “You.”
    My eyes were wide and I could feel my face turning red as I walked to the side of the court and sat down.
    I watched them practice for about an hour before they took a break. The three of us walked inside to have lunch. Fidora was giving me a strange smile, tilting her head towards Jackson as she handed me my plate.
    As I sat down at the table, Jackson asked, “What do you like to do?” clarifying, “When you’re not hanging out with Roberts that is,” with a laugh.
    Trying to think quickly, I realized I really didn’t do anything else aside from visiting Hert and making my father mad.
    Shrugging my shoulders, I replied, “Just regular stuff.”
    Flashing his smile at me, Jackson said, “Okay,” as he shook his head.
    That was the third time I was tongue tied around him. Quietly taking a bite of my sandwich, I decided to make it my personal mission for the day to get the best of him.
    Raising and eyebrow, I asked, “So, what do you like to do?” clarifying, “Aside from what your known for that is.”
    Emerson almost choked on his water before saying, “I am going to go take a shower,” and got up from the table shaking his head at me.
    Jackson smiled wide before questioning, “And what is it that I’m known for?”
    Mentally shouting ‘damn it,’ I gave a