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As I gather the sheets to pull them back up over his leg, Jackson grabs my hand. He looks up at me with soft eyes while rubbing his thumb gently against my skin, returning the favor of sending an uncontrolled shiver through my body. I lock eyes with him for a moment, which is dangerous because I could easily get lost in them. My heart begins racing as if it's just started a hundred-yard dash.
“You don’t have to do that,” he says as he slowly starts to fade, dropping his hand back to the bed.
I adjust the wrap one last time, blow out another slow breath to regain composure and take a seat. I remind myself this visit is strictly business, nothing more. “It’s no problem, Jackson, it's my job.”
***
A gentle clink pierces the quiet. My hand goes instinctively to the ache in my neck. I force my heavy eyelids open, welcomed by the soft glow enveloping the room. In the distance, a crackling fireplace dances, casting flickering shadows on the walls.
My eyes adjust to the ambient light. I see Jackson in bed. He's awake, a tray perched on his lap as he stirs a cup of tea. The aroma wafts through the air, carrying a comforting scent.
“Have a nice nap?” Jackson’s voice breaks the silence.
I can’t believe I fell asleep on the job.
I shift upright in my chair, smoothing my hair back.
“I’m sorry. That was so unprofessional of me. I was up very late last night studying, but that’s no excuse.” I try to quickly resume a professional appearance.
Jackson lightly chuckles. “It’s fine. Your snoring is kind of cute.”
Is that a smile on his face?
"How's your leg?"
"Better, thanks to you."
This gentler side of Jackson is a nice change.
"So, why didn't you come for your sessions?"
“Would you believe me if I said I forgot how to get there?”
He’s trying to gloss over his treatment of me, but in this moment, I'm choosing empathy.
“Sure. We’ll go with that.”
“Has your brother told you about my predicament?" He clearly wants to change the direction of the conversation.
"Yes."
He raises his brow, wanting more.
"I’m sorry, but my answer is no."
He turns to look out the window. The sun is setting, and darkness is again invading the room.
"I was really hoping for a yes."
"I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"Expect disappointment, Brinn, and you'll never be disappointed."
He stole that line somewhere. I just can't put my finger on it. His gaze drops to his cup as he twirls the contents with his teaspoon. His eyes are so full of sadness. I hate seeing him this way, but what he’s asking of me is absurd.
"What's so special about this event that you need a fake fiancée?"
He sighs and leans back on the headrest of his bed. "My grandfather is ready to hand over the family security firm to hisgrandchildren. There are only two heirs, my cousin Trevor and me."
