Page 20 of A Perfect Fit

Anna beams. “Yes, please!”

I turn to Jackson, who slowly steps toward me. Instead of placing everything on the table though, he reaches his hands out to me, waiting for me to grab the items from him.

Of course, he refuses to do what I say just to spite me.

I take the items, my fingers involuntarily brushing against his palms. The last thing I expect is this strange, tingly feeling, which permeates through me, lighting up every cell in my body.

Or for it to linger. Or for Jackson’s gaze to lock with mine, his brown eyes intensifying, as if he felt it, too.

Quickly breaking eye contact, I bring the items to the table, packing them up and processing the transaction before Jackson pays. What happened is probably just the humidity and heat getting to me. Nothing more.

“I’m back!”

It’s Jen, who’s returned with two paper bags. Her eyes widen when she sees Jackson. “Jackson? Jackson Carter?”

Jackson offers her a warm smile. “Hey, Jen. Nice to see you again.”

Of course, he’s capable of acting friendly to anyone other than me.

Without acknowledging me, Jackson turns to Anna. “Let’s go, Anna.”

Anna waves at me. “Bye, Isabelle!”

“Bye, Anna!” I wave back. “It was lovely meeting you, and I hope you enjoy the goodies.”

Jen nudges me on the shoulder once Jackson and Anna are out of sight. “So, what did I miss?”

I sigh. “Just Jackson being Jackson.”

Chapter Seven

JACKSON

As I glance at the #NULL! error I’m seeing for the third time on my Excel spreadsheet, I don’t think Excel likes me very much.

In addition to this Excel issue, there are seventy-two unread emails in my inbox and twenty other items on my to-do list for today.

It’s been two weeks since I started as CEO of Carter Marketing Solutions, and most days, I feel like I’m just floating through endless documents and meetings. Don’t get me wrong; everyone has been welcoming, and the creative and problem-solving aspects of marketing are enjoyable, but it still feels like something’s missing.

I dismiss the thoughts. The CEO title comes with great responsibility, and I don’t want to let my team down. Plus, it’s still early days, and I’m sure I’ll find my groove and come to love my job with more time.

I try a few other keyboard shortcuts to fix my spreadsheet, but none of them work. My screen glances back mockingly at me. Letting out a sigh, I decide to abandon Excel and move on to the next task on my list.

Lunchtime arrives, and I’m eating a sandwich at my desk when there’s a knock on my office door.

“Come in,” I call out, knowing who I’m expecting.

The door opens, and Anna skips inside with a card in her hand. My sister, Lucy, trails after her. I was told by Lucy over the phone that my niece, who turned nine recently, has a little surprise for me.

“Hi, Uncle Jace!”

The happiness and joy radiating off Anna’s face is so pure, and I think I definitely want kids one day. A girl, in particular.

“Hey, Anna. Hey, Luce.” I stand, giving my sister and niece a hug, then glance at Anna’s card with a grin. “Is that a card for me?”

“No,” Anna replies.

Damn.