Page 40 of A Perfect Fit

His phone starts ringing.

I don’t hate you.

A muscle jumps in Jackson’s jaw, as if he’s annoyed by the interruption, but he checks his phone and lets out a resigned sigh. “Sorry. I have to take this.”

I give him a reassuring nod. “No problem.”

He stands and walks off, and for some reason, tension builds in my neck when I notice the girls from two tables away checking him out again, then giggling among themselves.

Ugh. Mind your own business, people.

I’m also surprised Jackson hasn’t dated since being back in New York, and I’m starting to think maybe I’ve only been making assumptions about him—assumptions that haven’t been entirely accurate.

Jackson returns to our table a few minutes later, an apologetic look threading his face. “I have to make another call for work. Some emergency, apparently.”

“That’s okay,” I say. “I should head off anyway. I have to be up early for work tomorrow morning.”

“Yeah.” He hesitates for a moment. “Hey, think about my offer.”

“I will,” I say, meaning it.

He nods and wishes me a good night. I stand, trying to ignore the web of strange feelings entangling me because suddenly, the idea of Jackson being my fake boyfriend doesn’t sound so bad anymore. It’s odd. Sure, we had a nice chat just then, but that shouldn’t mean I’m now feeling ready to show up to the reunion holding hands with him, so why does the imagery of that appear almost … appealing?

Is it perhaps the alcohol that’s distorting my perception of things?

Dodging a group of drunk college students, I head for the elevator, finding Jen and Aaron standing nearby. Aaron’s showing Jen something on his phone, and when his hand accidentally brushes against hers, her cheeks go pink. They glance up at the sound of my footsteps.

“Oh, hey!” Aaron grins. “How did your date—ouch!” He frowns when Jen nudges him in the ribs. “I mean, how did your chat with Jackson go?”

“It was fine.” I study them both suspiciously. “Did he know I was coming tonight?”

“Nope,” Aaron proudly says. “As unofficial partners in crime, I thought, and Jen agreed, that it could be a nice surprise for both of you.”

Jen gives me a sheepish smile.

I never thought I’d ever describe seeing Jackson as a nice surprise, but it did turn out to be one.

Still, that’s not something I’m ready to admit to Aaron and Jen. Facing Jen, I say instead, “I’m going to head home now if you want to head back, too?”

Jen fiddles with her fingers. “You go first, Belle. I think I might stay a little longer.”

I nod in understanding, appreciating that she probably wants to chat more with Aaron, before turning to him. “Make sure Jen gets home safe.”

Aaron gives me a salute and grins. “Absolutely.”

Chapter Twelve

JACKSON

“Jeffrey speaking.” Jeffrey Webster’s curt voice cuts through my phone when he picks up my call.

“Good evening, Mr. Webster,” I say. “This is Jackson Carter calling. Your assistant requested an urgent call back.”

Loud cheering from other patrons at Angela’s Rooftop Bar, who are celebrating a birthday, echoes nearby, and I press my phone closer to my ear.

“Yes, thanks for calling me back. I wanted to discuss the marketing campaign proposal you sent through this morning. I’ve only had a chance to look at it now. I’m afraid it won’t work for us.”

His words hang heavy in the air.