Free The Truth About Fairy Tales by Annie Walker

to crying.
                  “Maggie, I’m so sorry. That must have been horrifying for such a sweet little girl. Thank you for sharing it with me.”
                  I tried to redeem myself by dismissing his sympathy, pretending to be strong, but he wasn’t buying it.
                  “Is that why you put up such a tough front?” he asked gently.
                  “Maybe…I guess.” He leaned down and kissed the tip of my nose. He wasn’t trying to hide the tenderness he felt any longer. It was right there in those eyes. “I should go.” I hated that my voice actually shook as I said those words. “I have to study.”
                  He wasn’t fooled. “Okay, tough guy, but not before you have your breakfast.” This time I didn’t get out of bed. It was safer this way, really. I let him shower and dress and leave me alone with my uncomfortable thoughts.
    Chapter Five
     
    When Jackson parked in front of my little apartment building, my intent was to simply get out, tell him good-bye, and walk away. His intent, was slightly different.
    He killed the engine and I turned to him, surprised.
    “What are you doing?” I asked.
    “You were going to show me your apartment, weren’t you?” I wanted to tell him no. No way, but I couldn’t seem to say a word. “I thought so.” He got out of the car and opened my door.
    As we walked up the stairs together, I tried to remember the state I’d left my little one bedroom apartment in and tried not to think about how upset poor old Sidney was going to be that I’d left him alone all night once again.
    My fingers actually shook so much that I dropped my keys. When I picked them up, Jackson quietly took them from me and unlocked the door.
    I walked inside and took in all the little lived in details I’d left lying around the place. At least I’d had the guilty foresight to put that ridiculous book away.
    I watched as if caught in a spell while Jackson, the man that could buy me and everything I owned at least a thousand times over, walked around my little cramped apartment and smiled.
                  “This is definitely you. So, are you going to give me the grand tour?”
    There really wasn’t much to see. From where he was standing, he could see the living, dining and kitchen areas. All that was left was my tiny little bathroom… and of course the bedroom.
                  I opened the door to the bathroom first and saw his brow edge up a little more while I tried to keep from smiling. I knew what he really wanted to see.
                  I was just about to open that door when I heard old Sidney let out an excited yelp from beyond the door that told me he had held it just about as long as he could.
                  “What was that?” Jackson asked when I opened the door and my little stiff-legged dog shuffled out and yelped again, this time at Jackson.
                  “Is that supposed to be a dog?” He shot me a questioning look while reaching down to tickle Sidney’s ears. Much to my surprise, Sid didn't remove any of his fingers. It was love at first sight.
                  “I have to take him for a walk before, well, he's been cooped up in there all night.” I didn’t show Jackson my bedroom, but instead I reached for Sidney’s leash and started for the door.
                  “And I’m sure you have things you have to do so…” I turned back to him when he made no move to follow.
                  “Uh-uh. I’m not going anywhere, little bit, except maybe for a walk with you and old Sidney here.”
                  “But…” I need time to get myself together I wanted to tell him . I need time to understand what’s gotten in to me. I need time to pray for forgiveness for all the terrible, terrible things I’ve done with you.
                  “But nothing. I’m not