AllFreeNovel
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I’ve spent my entire career going after what I want, taking it by whatever means necessary. It’s literally my fucking job description.
Merge and acquire.
That’s my goal, every single time.
I’m good at it. More than that, I love it. I thrive under pressure, the rush of adrenaline as I find a company, run the numbers, demonstrate to the shareholders that what they need is me.
The running joke at the office is it’s how I get my rocks off.
Which isn’t one hundred percent accurate, but it’s closer to truth than fiction.
So why can’t I pursue a relationship with Ashton with the same laser-sharp focus and vigor? I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge— why start now?
Because you’re no good for her, that’s why. She needs someone who’s going to show up for her every damn time— and that’s not you. Never has been, never will be.
I blow out a breath, a puffy white cloud floating in front of my face.
Why can’t I show up for her? Or at least give it a try?
A hard pit lodges deep in my gut. I know my shortcomings. Kennedy made me painfully aware of them a few months ago. I still hear her scathing voice echoing in my head:“It’s always about you, Jack. Every little thing. You’re the most calculating person on the planet. I wish I never got involved with you.”
Sadly, she was right. Fucking nailed it, to be honest. Iamselfish. And calculating. And vicious.
I’m not good enough for someone as genuine and pure as Ashton, plain and fucking simple.
I have to end this thing, before either of us gets involved any further, and real feelings start creeping in.
My chest squeezes, a dull throb pulsating behind my right eye.
Problem is, I already have feelings for her and every selfish ounce of me wants to ask her to take this relationship further.
Dammit.
I think I like my ruthless side a lot more. Life’s a hell of a lot easier when everything’s logic and numbers and you don’t give a shit about feelings.
* * *
“Hey!Is it still snowing out there?” Ashton rushes over as soon as I kick the door closed behind me, sealing out the cold.
“Yeah, but it’s letting up a little. But this is the last of the firewood.”
“Oh no. Do you think the electric company will be able to make it up the mountain?” Her eyes widen with worry as I shake the snow off my boots.
“Maybe. But this should hold us over until at least tomorrow.”
“Oh, your cell vibrated while you were outside. I didn’t answer it— wasn’t sure of the protocol.” Her cheeks pinken and all I can think about is getting her naked again, maybe having some fun on the kitchen counter.
No, Jack. That’s not the plan, remember?
“Okay, I’ll check the messages in a second. Let me set this wood down.” I stack the logs next to the stone fireplace, mentally gauging how much time we have left before I need to head back out and try to find more. I’m guessing we have at least another twenty-four hours. Hopefully, we’ll get power before then because it’s been a minute since I’ve had to chop my own firewood.
I move to the counter and grab my phone, tap the voicemail icon. Ashton rests her chin in her hand, staring at me with those steel-blue eyes as I listen to the message.
“Jack, it’s Brock. I know you’re off the next few days, but we have a situation with the Claussen deal. A mix-up with the files and the deal’s about to blow up. Call me.”
Fuck.I’ve been working this deal for the last few months and we’re inches away from the finish line— or so I thought.
“Everything okay?” Ashton’s dark lashes flutter at me, making my cock harden and twitch in my pants.
