Jackson Downing stood ramrod straight, and steeled himself for the blow he knew would come. He deserved to be pummelled by Jacob and they both knew it. His brother had warned him that his attraction to Camille was more than just attraction. But he'd sworn to Jacob he was over her, that he'd accepted their marriage and was moving on, but he had lied. He was certain Jacob had known he'd lied, but his brother had said nothing at the time.

A tense silence permeated the room as they regarded each other warily. He had to admit he was a little surprised Jacob hadn't launched over the desk and beat the shit out of him as soon as the words left his mouth. Jacob had inherited the infamous Irish temper of their maternal grandfather, more so than any of the Downing brothers. So, he took it as a good sign that since Jacob hadn't resorted to violence, he still might be open to talking this out.

"I know," was all Jacob said, his already harsh face giving away nothing as he sat behind his desk, his entire body rigid.

"I figured you knew, which is why I'm leaving."

Jacob sighed. "And I had a feeling you were going to say that." He stood up from his chair and Jackson met the identical dark sapphire gaze of his brother.

"I don't want you to go, but I know this has been hard for you."

Jacob had no idea. Watching the woman he'd spent the past seven months falling in love with walk down the aisle with the brother he was closest to, was more than hard--it was excruciating.

"I know you've been itching to get back down south to oversee the drilling project on Natalie's old land in Hockley but with the wedding it had to be pushed aside..."

"And now you want to go in my place."

Jackson shrugged. "It could take a while to get the pipe in place, months even. You're a newly wed and it just doesn't make sense for you to be gone for months away from Camille when I can go instead." He wanted to add that he needed this trip more than anyone else, but he didn't. They both knew how desperate he was to get away from Macon, Texas.

"It's going to be a tough job and you're going to have your hands full with a foreman who is pissed that we're the new owners. I haven't met him, but he hasn't returned any of my calls and our email exchanges have been less than polite--"

"I don't care. I'll deal with it." He knew Jacob wouldn't deny him this. Besides they were well aware that with his laidback attitude and easygoing demeanour, Jackson had always been better suited than any of his brothers in dealing with business conflicts and handling negotiations.

"Alright." Jacob nodded. "If you want to go then the job is yours."

Jackson released a drawn out breath. Separated by just two years, Jackson knew his brother well, and could tell from the strained expression on Jacob's face that he really didn't want him to go, at least not like this. But, they both knew he had to.

There was no way he could remain in Macon any longer. Being away and dealing with the distraction of getting the pipeline running would hopefully give him the time he needed to get over Camille.