Page 93 of A Perfect Fit

Ten minutes later, we’re checked out and ready to go. As we’re about to exit the hotel, a boisterous burst of laughter catches my attention. I turn to the source of the voice, seeing a group of men in business attire stepping out of the elevator and chatting among themselves.

Standing at the front of the group is Oliver.

Great. He’s everywhere now.

He looks well rested and refreshed, like he had a great night’s sleep. His fake-ass apology from last night can go into the trash can.

“What’s wrong?”

I turn to see Jackson following my gaze, a muscle in his jaw twitching when he realizes who I’ve been staring at. Without waiting for my response, he strides ahead, making a beeline toward my ex.

“Jackson,” I call out, trailing after him, but he doesn’t stop.

Oliver notices Jackson marching over to him, his eyes widening. He excuses himself from his conversation with his colleagues and meets Jackson halfway.

Jackson doesn’t hold back when he’s standing in front of Oliver. “What the fuck did I say about staying away from my girlfriend last time?”

Oh my God.

Oliver raises a brow. “Whoa, man. What happened to hello or good morning?”

“I don’t beat around the bush, Morrison.” Jackson’s voice is low, carrying a warning tone. “And if there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I’m very protective of the people who are important to me, with my girlfriend being at the top of my list. So, if you’d prefer not to end up with a dislocated jaw, I’d advise you to keep your mouth shut and stay the fuck away from Isabelle.”

Silence pierces through the air while my heartbeat races at Jackson’s protectiveness. This isn’t like the reunion, when we were fake dating in front of our former classmates. Jackson didn’t have to confront and threaten Oliver again just now, but he chose to.

Oliver’s jaw tightens, and he sucks in a breath. I can tell he doesn’t want to escalate the situation or be at the center of any drama in front of his colleagues.

“Everything all right, Olly?” one of Oliver’s colleagues calls out.

“Yep. All good, guys,” Oliver replies before his gaze bounces to Jackson again. He dusts off his jacket. “Noted, Carter. Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Oliver doesn’t bother looking at me and brushes past me and Jackson without another word, rejoining his colleagues.

I hope I never see him again.

Jackson turns to me, the tension on his face disappearing. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah.” I take a deep breath, trying to calm my still-pounding heart. “About what you said to Oliver …”

“I meant every word.” Jackson’s tone is firm but gentle. “There won’t be a day when I simply sit back and allow someone to hurt you.”

My chest grows tight. “Jackson,” I whisper, “everything that’s happening between us is so new, and I’m scared.”

He’s quiet for a moment. “Remember what I said at the reunion before I kissed you?”

“That actions speak louder than words,” I say.

Jackson nods. “Words can hurt, too, and while I don’t know what Oliver said to you last night, I know whatever he said that’s planted a seed of doubt in your mind isn’t true.”

My breath hitches. “Jackson …”

“And I’ll be here, waiting as long as I need to, until you feel ready to take that leap of faith.”

I haven’t even told him what happened last night or what I’m scared about, but it’s as if he can see through me. All of me.

As we head outside the hotel and wait for a cab, a single question lingers in my mind.

Jackson said he’ll be there to catch me, but am I ready to take that leap of faith?