AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I think back to his proposition. It was to be his fake fiancée. That’s what this situation is, fake. I can’t get caught up in this moment. Jackson may want to break the rules temporarily, but that doesn’t mean he wants something real.
I can’t jeopardize my heart for a kiss, especially considering he’s my client. It’s crucial to keep that in mind. Putting my career first is a priority. Emotions need to be on hold.
Realizing my hands unknowingly made their way to Jackson’s bare chest, I quickly remove them. Every inch of my body protests pulling away from his touch, but I need to do it. Now, before I can no longer resist him.
Jackson drops his hands from my face, sitting up straighter. “Brinn.”
Putting more space between us, I whisper, “This is a mistake.” I instantly regret my words when I see his eyes, filled with amixture of hurt and confusion. But I need to stay strong. There’s no scenario where this works out for me. There’s too much risk.
He reaches for my hand. “No, Brinn, you don’t understand. My feelings for you are—”
I stand and wave him off. “We need to get ready for the baby shower. We don’t want to be late.” I take one last look at him before I close the bedroom door behind me. Jackson hasn’t moved from his spot. His shoulders slump, gaze remaining on the floor, reflecting his disappointment.
This is all my fault. I never should’ve put myself in this position. I have to be completely professional from now on.
***
The drive to the baby shower is awkward, neither of us knowing how to act after what happened. Thankfully, the trip was short. Kennedy pulls up to a port and then comes to open my door.
“Miss Parker.” He offers his hand. Then motions toward a yacht on the water. “Your party awaits you.”
“Trevor is having the baby shower on a yacht. Who does that?”
“Trevor does.” Jackson joins my side. “He’ll do anything to get more attention. This isn’t for his wife’s benefit. It’s for him.”
I shake my head. “I still can’t get used to all this luxury.”
It’s hot and humid. Thankfully, Jackson provided me with a lovely floral sundress hanging in my closet. It’s the perfect outfit but doesn’t help with the scorching sun. I don’t have any sunglasses, so I raise my arm to shield the blinding rays.
I hear a snap behind me, and shade falls over my head. I’m grateful for the reprieve. Turning around, I see Jackson holding an umbrella. “It’s ok, I don’t need…” But then I remember we’re on display again. He’s acting like a doting fiancé for anyone who may be watching.
We walk the ramp up to the yacht. There are two robust men dressed in suits stationed on either side of the entrance. It must be sweltering in those outfits. Constant security for these high-profile events is clearly a bonus of owning Shieldify.
Next to them is a woman with bleach blonde hair, pulled tightly into a bun. She looks serious, constantly checking her clipboard. I turn to Jackson, “Is she a part of the family?”
He shakes his head. “No, I’ve never seen her before. She doesn’t work for us.”
The woman saunters over to greet us. “Names.”
Jackson arches his brow. This can’t possibly be the greeting he was expecting. Why is Trevor acting like this is a baby shower for an actual celebrity? It’s so over the top.
Clearly annoyed, Jackson grabs my hand and moves past her. One of the men steps forward to block us so that we can’t cross the entrance onto the ship. “Names,” he barks.
Jackson straightens his back. "This is ridiculous. The baby shower is for my cousin Trevor and his wife. We’re family.”
The woman stares at us stoically. Clearly, Jackson’s family explanation means nothing to her.
How long can a person go without blinking?
Teeth clenched, Jackson spits out, “Jackson Reed. And this is my fiancée, Brinn Parker.”
She scrolls over the list of names, turning to the second page before she announces, “Ah, yes. Mr. Reed, I see your name here, but there’s no mention of a guest. I’m sorry.”
“What?” Jackson’s frustrations boil over. He grabs the list. The previously mentioned large men grab hold of his arms.
Jackson puts his hands up in surrender. “Ok, ok. I just wanted to take a look. We’re going.”
He guides me to the side, letting the people behind us move forward. “You know Trevor did this on purpose. He’s deliberately trying to provoke me, but I won’t give him thesatisfaction. I’ll just call my parents to clear up this absurd situation.”
