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Trevor shakes it, leaning in closer but not close enough that I can’t hear what he says. “Yes, very exciting. I’ll now have an heir to pass Shieldify to someday since I’m clearly going to be the one taking over. We both know your relationship won’t last, disqualifying you from the position. Nobody wants to marry a gimp.”
Jackson’s nostrils flare and his jaw clenches. He jabs a finger into Trever’s chest. “You listen to me,” he says sharply. “I will never allow you to take over the company and ruin our family name.”
“Jackson, people are staring,” I whisper while tugging on his shirt, trying to break him from his anger.
He surveys the crowd and steps back from Trevor, smoothing out the front of his shirt. “Like I said, congratulations.”
Jackson reaches for my hand.
I mouth, “I’m sorry,” to his parents as we both turn to leave.
Chapter twelve
Jackson
I can’t believe Trevor. We haven’t been close in a long time, but he’s taking things to a whole new level. And I almost lost it, if not for Brinn.
Back at the hotel, we both sink into the couch, exhausted from the stress of the night. “Well, we did it again,” she says, smiling sweetly.
“Yes, we did. How about a movie?” I just want to zone out and not think for a while.
“Sure."
"Maybe some room service?”
“That would be amazing, thank you.”
After placing our order, I scroll through the movies. We agree on an action flick and sit in silence until the food arrives. “I got it,” I say, standing up to meet the delivery man at the door.
We sit on the floor at the coffee table, diving into the meal. The pulsating beat of the action-packed soundtrack eliminates anyawkward tension between us. Our eyes are glued to the screen as tensions build for the hero as he faces insurmountable odds.
Time slips away as I find myself fully invested in the plot, pulling for the male main character to save the day. As I lean back on the couch during a commercial, I see Brinn’s not as impressed.
She’s asleep and snoring softly. Her neck is at an awkward angle, so I move closer to prop it on my shoulder. When the credits roll, I move carefully to grab the remote. There’s a gentle click when the TV turns off. Brinn’s eyes flutter open. She’s slept through machine gun fire for thirty minutes, but this sound wakes her up.
“Hey. You fell asleep.”
Her eyes widen when she sees our positioning. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to use you as a pillow.”
“You didn’t. I saw you sleeping and didn’t want you to wake up with a sore neck.”
She stands slowly, stretching. “Oh. Well, thank you.”
“No, thank you for not drooling on me.”
She smiles. That smile makes me melt.
I stand up and we’re face to face, so close I’m afraid she’ll hear the quickening of my heartbeat.
“I think I’m going to go to bed.” Brinn motions toward her bedroom.
“Yeah, me too.” Our eyes lock. It feels like minutes, but I know it’s only been a few seconds when she breaks her gaze.
By her doorway, she pivots. “I wanted to apologize for that kiss earlier, not sure exactly what came over me. I know that’s not part of our agreement.”
“No apology necessary. Sometimes unplanned moments are the best part of life.”
She bites her lip, and it takes everything inside of me not to go to her.
