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I scoot forward, eager to hear more.
"Initially, I wasn’t interested. I have more pressing issues to deal with.” He points to his leg.
“But Trevor is not the right man for the job. I won’t go into details but trust me when I say he will ruin our family name. So, I told my parents I was engaged because it’s a condition of taking over the company.”
"If you need to be married, how will one night change anything?”
Jackson sips the last drop from his cup. "It’s a retirement party for my grandfather. I’ll take him aside at some point to convince him marriage isn’t necessary.”
Sporting a mischievous grin and a playful look in his eyes, he adds, “I can be very persuasive.” He's biting his bottom lip again. I'm starting to realize this habit has nothing to do with pain. I wish he'd stop it because it's unbelievably distracting.
Is he actually flirting with me?
I catch myself staring too long at his lips and stand quickly to walk toward the window. I need to give my skin time to stop prickling with the heat he's causing.
Illuminated pathways wind through the grounds, creating a beautiful maze of lights. The trees rustle as the breeze whips through their branches.
My mind is a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Seeing Jackson’s pain so closely tugs at my heart. But I need to concentrate on my own journey right now. It’s a balancing act between empathy and self-preservation.
I've let my guard down today being so close to him outside the office and that's something I can't afford. This unexpected spark happening between us today is more than confusing, but whatever it is and wherever it came from, it ends now.
“Brinn,” Jackson’s voice breaks through my inner turmoil.
“Please, come sit back down.”
His eyes follow my every step back to the chair.
Do not engage.
"I know you don’t want to do this, but I’ll make it worth it for you.”
He hesitates, then presses on. “I promise you the highest recommendation as my therapist. My family name carries a lot of weight in this town. It will look great for your transcript.”
My jaw drops. “Are you trying to bribe me?”
A sly smile forms on his lips. “If that's what you'd like to call it. You know it’s worth it with my family’s reputation. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me. Just moments ago, I glimpsed his softer side. Now he’s suddenly back to being smug, flaunting his family’s prestige.
Unfortunately, he’s absolutely right. His recommendation would be very powerful. I know it would impress my parents.
His tempting offer is difficult to resist. I just got done telling myself this isn't a good idea and now… Clouded judgement, again.
“I’m not saying yes, but I won’t officially say no just yet. The best I can give you right now is a maybe.”
“Fine. I’ll take it.”
***
I hesitate at the front door. Why am I so anxious? It's just a family gathering, a celebration. Yet, crossing the threshold carries an unspoken weight, an invisible barrier that stalls my movements.
The doorknob is right there, within reach, but I’m unable to turn it. I didn't come all this way to retreat, though. I steel my courage and push forward.
The unmistakable aroma of roasted turkey wafts through the air. It’s my parents’ favorite meal. Ironically, it’s my least favorite. Hanging my coat, I glance over at the photographs lining the hallway.
In each one, my parents and Greyson wear radiant smiles on their faces. It's a stark contrast to my own expression, which I know is fake.
It’s a familiar routine for me. I’ve always known the importance of wearing a smile around my parents. Pretending to be happy has become my superpower. Greyson was clearly their favorite. Nothing I did compared to him, their disappointment in me obvious. I wore a constant grin as a shield, preventing additional letdowns.
