Jamison Valley, #1
The Coppersmith Farmhouse
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 5
Overview
Gigi reluctantly agrees to dinner with Jess, sparking public gossip and unexpectedly easy chemistry. A tense street encounter with Wes Drummond exposes a threat tied to Jess. An argument in Jess’s truck turns into a passionate kiss, after which Jess pushes for exclusivity and insists on mowing Gigi’s lawn, pressing their relationship forward.
Summary
Gigi dresses confidently but plans to decline Jess’s dinner invitation. When Jess arrives, he asks gently for a chance to make up for the week, and Gigi agrees. At the Prescott Café, they order the special and notice townspeople watching, including Coffee Club regulars, signaling that their outing will become gossip.
Conversation turns warm and personal: Jess shares his roots and election as sheriff; Gigi briefly mentions losing her mother to cancer, which Jess meets with quiet support. The meal feels natural and easy, softening Gigi’s earlier misgivings.
On a stroll down Main Street, two men bump Gigi outside the Claim Jumper. Jess recognizes one as Wes Drummond. Wes crowds Gigi and taunts Jess, prompting Jess to step in and warn him off. After Wes leaves, Jess tells Gigi to avoid him, calling Wes trouble and implying Wes might use Gigi to get at Jess.
In the truck, Jess refers to them as dating; Gigi objects, citing his earlier insults. The dispute escalates until Jess kisses her. Their intense make-out leaves Gigi shaken but willing to “see where this goes,” acknowledging powerful chemistry despite concerns about Jess’s bossiness.
Back at the farmhouse, Jess insists he will mow the lawn the next day and pushes for dinner afterward, suggesting Gigi decide how to introduce him to Rowen. Overwhelmed yet swayed, Gigi agrees, even as she remains conflicted about Jess’s controlling streak.
Who Appears
- Georgia "Gigi" EllarsProtagonist; resists then accepts dinner with Jess, feels strong chemistry, endures Wes’s harassment, and reluctantly agrees to Jess’s plans.
- Sheriff Jess ClearyApologetic and assertive; publicly seen with Gigi, confronts Wes, initiates a passionate kiss, declares exclusivity, and insists on mowing.
- Wes DrummondAntagonistic local; drunk, menacing flirtation toward Gigi to provoke Jess, prompting warnings and future confrontation.
- MaisyFriend and babysitter; arrives with a babysitting kit, supports Gigi and watches Rowen during the dinner.
- Rowen (Roe)Gigi’s daughter; meets Maisy and stays home while Gigi goes to dinner.
- Seth BalanCoffee Club member; his attention at the café signals town gossip about Gigi and Jess.
- TinaWaitress at the Prescott Café; takes their order, highlighting Jess’s Friday routine.