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I don’t get to finish. Jackson wraps my hands around his neck, closing the space between us. His gaze goes to my lips, which I am currently nibbling nervously on. “I want to kiss you, Brinn, and not as part of a ruse. Are you ok with that?”
At this moment, when he looks at me, I know it’s real. It’s not a game for either of us anymore. I nod my permission, and his lips come crashing into mine at a dizzying speed. My hands slidesmoothly to his firm chest while his hands run urgently through my hair.
Every emotion we’ve both kept inside releases, and we fall into each other. He guides me softly to the couch where the kissing continues for what feels like forever but also not long enough. We finally come up for air, and he traces my lips gently with his finger, then plants one more soft kiss on them.
“I’m not much of a talker, more a man of action.” His eyes twinkle.
“That’s ok. You answered my question just fine.” I snuggle under his arm, his warmth enveloping me. We stay wrapped together long after the ice cream has melted.
***
Late the next night, my phone vibrates. "Hello."
"Brinn Parker." The voice sounds familiar. Eerily familiar.
"Who's this?"
"Take a guess?"
"I don't have time for this."
"Okay, okay," the voice says. "It's Trevor, Jackson’s cousin."
“I know who you are, Trevor. How do you have my number?”
"That doesn't matter." He sighs. "Look, I know what the two of you are doing. This relationship is fake just so Jackson can get his hands on the company. But I’m not going to let that happen, especially with a little boy on the way. My son will be the heir someday.”
My heart drops into my stomach.
"I admit it. I didn’t come to Malibu early on business. I wanted to catch Jackson in his lie. It seemed a little too convenient he was suddenly engaged when our grandfather announced his retirement. I have to give it to him, though. It was a nice try.”
I can’t believe this. He is going to ruin everything. “We are together, Trevor. You can’t prove otherwise.”
“Oh, but I can. I have connections, my dear. I have been a very loyal customer of that hotel for many years. I got my hands on the reservation sheet. Separate rooms, for a newly engaged couple?”
“Not every engaged couple stays together, Trevor. That’s not enough to convince people it’s fake.”
I don’t even believe myself.
“You bring up a valid point. But are you willing to take that chance?” He tsks annoyingly.
My breath comes quickly, beads of sweat are gathering on my forehead.
"Walk away from him. Don't attend the engagement party this weekend, and I won't blow this up. If not, I will go to every social media outlet who’ll listen and tell them about Jackson’s ploy to take over Shieldfiy. It won’t matter if it’s true or not, his reputation will be ruined.”
Silence hangs in the air. Then, “Your choice,” followed by a click.
Chapter fourteen
Jackson
The warm sun filters through the room as I stand by the window, my throat dry. Today is the engagement party, and anticipation is building within me. I can’t wait to be with Brinn in public and know it’s authentic, our feelings confirmed at her apartment.
She was supposed to send a text when Kennedy picked her up, but my phone remains silent. Nerves are getting the best of me. She’s coming. She has to be coming.
I’m wearing my favorite suit, hoping Brinn approves. The dark fabric molds to my skin with tailored precision. The jacket hugs my shoulders, and the lapels frame my chest with a subtle sophistication. From our last encounter, I remember she enjoyed my chest. I think she’ll like it.
The memory makes me smile. I can’t wait to hold her in my arms again.
