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“That’s not going to stop me from eating.”
“You’re not helping me here.”
“It’s going to be fine. I thought you’d like it with the backup. I’ll be there, you know.”
She rolled her eyes. “This doesn’t help.”
“It’s going to be fine. Now, take a seat, and then take a breath. Relax, and focus your mind.”
Rebecca took a seat, but she didn’t relax, nor did she take a breath.
Putting his sandwich down, he got out of his chair, and rounded the desk to sit on the chair next to her. Reaching out, he cupped her cheek, and ran his thumb across her bottom lip.
She was so beautiful. Her hair was pulled back into a bun with a few strands falling around her face. He stroked her cheek, and couldn’t get over how lucky he had been. “You need to calm down.”
He saw his words didn’t have any effect on her, and she even released a little growl. “It would be easier if I didn’t have to worry about you, or about Bella finding out.”
“Don’t worry about me. I will not do anything to embarrass you.”
“That is so not what I meant, and you know it.”
He laughed. “I know it’s not. I won’t hurt the guy they’re trying to set you up with. I do have more manners than that. Second, don’t worry about Bella. She’s so caught up in marriage, it’s why I thought it was a good idea. Your mother wants a wedding, my daughter is getting married. It’s a great way of steering the conversation away from you and fuck-head getting married, to Bella.”
She sighed. “This is why you’re the businessman. You know how to handle everything, including me.”
“I’m not handling anything. I’m just helping you deal with your problems.” He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Now, can I eat my sandwich that you slaved away at.”
“It wasn’t much. I was marinating the chicken overnight. That book you got me is nearly half full. Some of the stuff I’ve written down I’ve put a big ugly cross in front of,” she said.
“I thought it was impossible for cooks to get anything wrong.”
“Nope. We can get things wrong all the time.”
He sat at his desk, and took another large bite of the chicken sandwich. It was heaven. The chicken was juicy, and crispy, and so full of spicy flavor.
Glancing across the desk, he saw that she was still nervous. Finishing his sandwich, he got up, and took her hand. “Come here.” He walked her toward the windows.
“Are you going to throw me out?”
“Not a chance. Look out over the city, and even look down.”
She jerked back a little. “I’m scared of heights.”
“I’m not going to let you fall, ever.” He held her hand, and he stood behind her. She leaned back, and slowly, he felt her relax.
“It’s so busy.”
“When I need to think, or clear my head, I come and stand here in this exact spot. I look over the city, and I watch the people go by. I’m responsible for a lot of people. They rely on me to do my job so that they can continue to do theirs.”
She nodded. “That’s a lot of power.”
“It’s not about power at all. I’m being responsible. There is so much out there that is on offer for you, Rebecca. You’re too busy worrying about what is right in front of you, instead of looking further outside of your box. You could do anything, be anything. The whole world is at your fingertips. Your parents can say no, and the world can try to hold you back. Will you let it?”
“This doesn’t feel like it’s about the dinner anymore,” she said.
“It’s about a lot more than that. You’re your own person, Rebecca. Don’t let anyone control you, not even me.” He spun her around and cupped her face, staring into her eyes. “You have so much to offer this world. It is an honor and a privilege to know you. Don’t worry about the dinner. You’re so much better than that.” He loved this woman more than he ever thought possible.
Jackson didn’t know when his feelings changed, or when he wanted so much more. It could have been their visit to the zoo. No, it wasn’t the zoo. It was long before that. She was like a shining light in all of his darkness. She made him better. She made him want things that he had closed his mind and heart off from ever happening. If it wasn’t for Rebecca, he knew he wouldn’t have been so open to Alaric.
She made him want so much more.
Tears were in her eyes, and the smile that was on her lips, twisted something within him. “Thank you.”
He pressed a kiss to her lips. “Don’t be thankful. You deserve it.”
