Page 49 of A Perfect Fit

“Well, we’re not in high school anymore,” Jackson replies. “Are we, Patricia?”

She opens her mouth to protest but closes it, a salty frown marking her face. More silence settles around us as others stare at Jackson, Oliver, and me.

“I don’t believe what you’re saying either,” Nancy chimes in, turning to me. “You didn’t mention you were dating him earlier, Isabelle.”

“Yeah, it seems odd that you didn’t arrive together,” another person adds.

Jackson sucks in a breath, and I can sense his body tensing. He’s probably regretting playing along. Our former classmates are right—me and him dating simply doesn’t make sense.

“That’s fine,” Jackson says, voice calm and steady. “Actions speak louder than words anyway.”

My mouth opens slightly in alarm.

There’s a brief lull as our eyes meet, and for a moment, it’s like someone’s pressed a Pause Time button. Everything comes to a halt, save for my loudly beating heart, reminding me I’m still very much alive and breathing.

The next thing I know, Jackson’s hand tips up my chin, and his mouth lands on mine, taking advantage of my already-parted lips.

Holy cow times a thousand.

Jackson Carter is kissing me. In front of everyone.

Sparks hum through my veins, and a lightheadedness washes over me when his lips, soft and warm, press against mine. He tastes like mint. Instantly, I forget about the audience around us. My eyes flutter shut, and I wrap my hands around his neck⁠—

Jackson pulls away, ending the kiss almost as abruptly as he initiated it.

I gingerly touch my lips, which are tingling despite the kiss—our kiss—lasting only a mere couple of seconds.

Obviously, that was all an act. So, why am I suddenly craving the taste of his lips against mine again?

Jackson’s hand circles around my waist, and he faces our former classmates with a look that means all business. “Now, I know Bella and I make a fine couple, but it’d be great if we could have some space.”

Well, he’s definitely good at this.

The crowd disperses as everyone wanders off, whispering among themselves.

That really just happened. Jackson kissed—fake kissed—me.

I take a deep breath and face him, my heart still beating like crazy. “Hey, can we talk? Outside maybe? So no one overhears us.”

“Yeah. Of course.” He looks completely calm and unaffected by what just happened, whereas internally, I’m still freaking out.

Jackson and I walk past Jen, who’s grinning, a look on her face, as if to say, I told you.

We exit the gymnasium and arrive near the courtyard. I stare at Jackson, who’s glancing ahead and avoiding my gaze, his facial muscles tight.

I gulp and lift a hand. “Okay, it’s not what it looks like.”

Jackson turns to me, cocking a brow. “You mean, we weren’t playing boyfriend and girlfriend just then?”

“Okay, it is what it looks like,” I admit.

He pinches his nose bridge and draws a breath.

“My intention wasn’t to ambush you,” I clarify when he doesn’t say anything. “It just … happened. Oliver asked if I was seeing someone new, and I said yes. When he asked me if that person was here, in the spur of the moment, I lied. And then you happened to show up, and I … just …”

Jackson opens his mouth as if to say something but shuts it again.

“Are you mad?” My voice comes out unintentionally small.