Page 44 of Line Change

“That’s great to hear.” I shift in my seat. “I should mention that my father is Jonathan Jefferson.”

He’s silent for a few seconds, then he laughs. “Tell me more.”

“First of all, he and I have no relationship. I’m sure he’s going to be furious when he finds out about this, but quite frankly, I don’t give a shit.”

“I like you,” he says.

I like you too. Something about his tone and how he speaks is reassuring. Which is odd given how I usually feel about billionaires, especially those in the hotel industry. But here we are.

“Thanks. There are a few formalities I have to go through first before I inherit these hotels. So there’s a chance it could all fall through.” I lean back in my chair, resting a hand on my stomach, something I find myself doing a lot lately.

“Understood. I’ll be frank with you. We are interested in acquiring them. We’ve been wanting to expand our presence in Florida for a while, and this is a great stepping stone.”

How is this just working out?

“That’s great to hear.”

“How about this, once you take ownership, let’s talk again. Come up with an amount you want for them, and we can talk. Off the record, we’re willing to pay handsomely, so don’t lowball yourself.”

I blink a few times. Well, damn. “Sounds good.”

“Let’s keep this between us, if you don’t mind.”

“Of course.”

“You have my number, and if there’s anything I can do, recommend a good lawyer, answer any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Send me a text, an email, call me. Whatever you’re comfortable with.”

“Thank you, Anders.”

“You have a good day, Sutton.”

“You too. Bye.”

Surprisingly, that went easier than I was expecting it to. I grin. I can’t help it. Now all I have to do is get married to Sebastian. The guy I think I’m falling for. I tuck my phone back into my top drawer and go back to the press release I was reviewing earlier. A few minutes later, there’s a knock on my door.

I look up. “Yes?”

Sebastian pokes his head in. “You busy?”

“Nope.” I gesture for him to come in.

He steps into my office with a Publix bag in his hand, which he sets on my desk. “For you.”

I reach into it and take out a bowl of mixed fresh fruit. “How did you know?”

He sits in the chair on the other side of my desk. “A little birdie told me you were craving fruit, so I ran over to Publix and got you some. There’s also a bag of your favorite chips in there, in case you were in the mood for those instead, and a chocolate bar.”

My heart skips a beat, and I swoon. I have the best friends and the best, well, whatever he is—fake almost husband, roommate. Why does our timing have to suck? He’s leaving at the end of the season. I sniffle, tears streaming down my face.

“What happened, love?” Sebastian jumps to his feet and hurries around my desk. “Did I do something wrong?”

“Sorry. Hormones,” I choke out. “You’re so nice to me. And for Becca or Hadley to tell you that, and you went out of your way …” I shake my head, overcome with emotions.

He gently pulls me to my feet and into his arms, and I melt against him as he runs a soothing hand down my back.

“It’s because we all care about you. I’d have driven wherever to get you whatever you wanted. It was no big deal. Publix is literally ten minutes away.”

“I’m sure you have other more important things to do than run errands for me.” I hiccup a sob.