That was another problem that kept her from seeking the spotlight. She was awkward in public. It would seem odd to most considering who her parents were and what she did for a living. But when she was in front of the cameras, she got to pretend that she was someone else—someone brave and ready to say their piece. However, Serena Mae Winston was a private person who struggled with the fame that her family lineage and job brought her.
Jackson cleared his throat. “I know we haven’t known each other for long, but do I strike you as someone who would go behind someone’s back to make a headline?”
“No.” The look on his face said that he didn’t believe her. “I mean it. I know we haven’t known each other for long, but I... I trust you.” He had no idea how hard that was for her to say.
His stance eased, as did the frown lines on his face. “Then maybe we should start over.”
“Start over?”
He nodded. Then he approached her and held out his hand. “Hi. I’m Jackson Bennett. The face of Hello America.”
She placed her hand in his and a warm sensation zinged up her arm. Her heart palpitated faster than normal. “Hi. I’m Serena Winston. I’m an actress who is trying to have a normal, quiet holiday.”
“I’m happy to meet you, Serena—”
Just then there was a loud rumbling sound. It woke Gizmo from his nap on the couch. He started to bark as he ran to the door. Jackson and Serena followed.
“What do you think it is this time?” she asked.
“It’s definitely not another avalanche.
This is a much different sound.” Jackson listened for a moment. “I think they are opening up the road.”
“Really? We can get out of here?”
“You’re that anxious to get rid of me?”
“I didn’t say that, but we need to get you to the doctor to see if you did any serious damage to your leg.”
“Do you really think I could walk on it if I had?”
“Is that what you call the motion you make?”
“Hey, I’m trying here.”
“I know. I just worry that you’re trying too hard and that you’re going to do permanent damage to yourself.”
As they were standing there next to the window talking, a red-and-black snowmobile cut across the front of the yard.
“Looks like that guy from the emergency crew is back to check on you,” Serena said.
“I’m fine. You all need to quit worrying about me.”
“If you were fine, you would walk normal.”
Jackson grunted and limped over to the couch while Serena waited for their visitor to make it to the door.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
SHE WAS RIGHT.
But that knowledge didn’t make Serena happy.
The official diagnosis was in. Jackson’s ankle was fractured. Even the doctor was surprised that Jackson was able to get around as well as he had been. As it was, the doctor had set him up with a walking boot.
“We shouldn’t be here,” she said as they stood at the edge of the town square. “You should be at home resting your leg.”
Jackson turned and stared into her eyes. “Have you ever been to a Christmas market?”