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He steps back, allowing me to enter.
But Esme’s not alone.
Jameson is perched on the edge of her desk as she leans back in her chair. His leg rests against hers, acting as if it’s his right to be here, to touch her so casually. I suppose it is. It doesn’t make the sight of them together any easier, regardless of the hours I was forced to witness them together over the past week. I’d hoped to avoid this once we were back here.
I was wrong.
“Lawson.” Jameson beams, jovial voice filling the space.
It’s obvious Esme tried to modernize her office as much as possible for a building that’s been around centuries. There are still heavy wood accents throughout, but the patterned carpeting and dark wallpaper that was once in this room is gone. In its place are clean, light gray walls and wood flooring, the furniture having more of a mid-century modern feel, natural light flooding in through the large windows.
It’s a stark contrast to many of the offices in Lamberside Palace, all drab, formal, and dark.
Another reminder that Esme doesn’t fit in with this world. She’s light and sunshine, where this life is all gray clouds and depressing weather.
“What brings you by?” Jameson asks as if this were his office.
Esme stands, smoothing a hand down her blouse. “Didn’t I tell you? I agreed to help Lieutenant Lawson plan a party for his brother and Rory, since they’re having a baby.”
“But your schedule is packed as it is.” He narrows his gaze on her. “Even more so now that the royal household has added many of my prior commitments to your hectic agenda. Do you think you’ll have time to plan a baby shower on top of that?”
“I—” Esme begins.
“I’ll speak to my personal assistant,” Jameson interrupts, talking right over her, which only irritates me more than I already am after walking in on them together, even though I know nothing untoward was going on.
I just hate that he can stop by whenever he wants.
Can touch her whenever he wants.
Can be with her whenever he wants.
“She’s a miracle worker, Lawson. Whatever you need, she’ll arrange for you. And don’t worry about the cost. I’ll take care of it.” He encircles Esme’s waist, pulling her closer. “It’s the least I can do for the man who keeps you safe.”
“I don’t need your money,” I growl, doing my best to temper the jealousy coming to a boil in my veins.
It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to ruin his perfect face with a punch to the nose. It’s not like he’s in the wrong here, though. If anyone is, it’s me.
“That’s not what this is about.”
“He’s right.” Esme steps out of his touch, picking up my growing resentment. “It’s about doing something nice for someone important.”
She glances my way, her lips curving in that sly way she reserves just for me. Then she faces Jameson once more, demeanor shifting from the Esme I’m lucky enough to know to the one the rest of the world does.
“Like you said. Sacrificing a little time to plan something nice for Captain Lawson and his girlfriend is the least I can do for the man who keeps me safe. He puts his life on the line for me daily. I can spare a few hours here and there to make sure he knows how appreciated he is.”
“I didn’t mean to come across as heartless, darling. Or as if I know what’s best for you.” Jameson approaches and wraps his arms around her once more, pressing a kiss to her temple.
But unlike when I kiss her, she doesn’t melt into his touch. If anything, she appears stiff. As if his touch makes her cringe.
Good.
“I just don’t want you to overdo it. There are only so many hours in the day. I worry you’re spreading yourself too thin.”
“This is extremely important to me. If I have to cancel some of my other engagements, so be it. Adam and Rory deserve to know they’re appreciated and loved.”
He studies her for several long moments, as if hoping she’ll change her mind.
Little does he know Esme’s not one to change her mind easily. Not once she chooses a course of action.
