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“You have to be freaking kidding me, right? This is a joke.” I shook my head, pushing myself to my feet. “Not a funny joke, Jackson. Not funny at all.”
His head hung low. “It’s not a joke, Lena. That’s what they wanted me to offer you tonight.”
“No,” I snapped, heading right for the freaking door. “I’m not going to play some stupid PR game with you.”
He seriously just told me all that stuff, just so I’d agree to a fake relationship with him. He’s playing with my feelings—and he probably knows it.
“It’s not like that.” Jackson gently grabbed my wrist. “It wouldn’t just benefit me, but you too. It’d pay for your school—buy your house. Whatever you want. I’ll pay you. I’ll pay for you to get a doctorate, go on vacation, whatever.”
I couldn’t decide if I was offended or just freaking pissed off. “I don’t want your charity, Jackson. I told you all that shit because I thought…I thought…I don’t even know what I thought.” I ripped my hand away, hating the hurt flashing in Jackson’s eyes. But also, what about me? This was just…all wrong.
“Please, Lena. Just consider it. I…I didn’t…it wasn’t my idea—neither was paying you for it—but you really could take advantage of the opportunity.”
I hated that he was right.
“Please,” he repeated at my silence and the way I ripped his front door open. “You don’t even have a ride.”
“I’ll fucking walk!” I shouted at him, the realization only serving to piss me off more. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and immediately scheduled an Uber, which was thankfully only two minutes away.
All the while, Jackson stood quietly behind me.
“I can’t believe you bought me drinks, fucked me, and then used my money situation as leverage to get me to do what you want.” I spun around, tears in my eyes. “We’re not fucking friends, Jackson.”
“Lena—” His voice cracked. “I didn’t…I didn’t mean to—”
“Just save it,” I cut him off. “I’ll consider your stupid offer, okay? Just let me go home.” I turned away from him, just in time for him to catch the tears that fell from my eyes.
How freaking embarrassing.
And ugh, I had never been happier to see an Uber arrive.
20
JACKSON
Iput the car in park outside of the record label office and let my head fall against the steering wheel. Genna was expecting an answer, and I hadn’t heard a word from Lena…not even when I’d texted her to check in on her after our fight.
She thinks I’m a shallow piece of shit.
And rightfully so.
I couldn’t even argue with her about that. The whole situation was set up like I had tried to manipulate her into accepting the offer—and that wasn’t it at all. I had just been trying to figure out the right time to ask her.
And my timing fucking sucked.
No surprise there.
As rough as I knew this meeting was going to be, I forced myself to get out of the car and make the walk to the building. It wasn’t the first time I hadn’t come through for the PR team, and I highly doubted they’d be surprised in the slightest. I pushed open the door and made my way to the conference room, keeping my head down.
I was already five minutes late anyway.
As soon as I pushed the door open, I froze. What the hell?
“Good morning, Jackson.” Genna beamed, standing behind Lena as she sat there, signing NDAs. “I’m glad you finally arrived, even if you’re late.”
“Uh…”
“Lena gave me a call last night and let me know that she was accepting the offer,” Genna continued at my stupor. “I think the terms you set up with her were very thoughtful. Most of the time, we have to take care of things.”
