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This must be some sort of joke.
“Thank you,” I say impatiently as I wave off the cameras and walk toward them.
“Carissa,” I call.
She turns almost immediately. As her eyes rest on me, her face falls into a sort of gloominess.
“Jayden,” James calls out, and we exchange a handshake. “I feared we might not get time to chat seeing as you have so many fans.”
I chuckle nervously. “I intend to speak to everyone today, even if it's for a minute. Today is especially about my clients.”
“I’d love to see how you manage to accomplish that.” James smiles as we break off the handshake. “I was just telling Carissa here about the impeccable job you guys did for my company. It's truly exceptional, what you do here.”
My eyes keep darting to Carissa as she nervously sips on her glass of champagne. “We do our best to the satisfaction of our clients.”
I force a smile.
“I have learned she’s your assistant. You are such a lucky man,” James continues. “She is a brilliant young lady.”
As he speaks, his eyes settle on her in admiration.
On impulse, I put an arm around Carissa’s waist, and although her body stiffens on my hold, she doesn't move away. “Indeed, she is. I strive for only the best, and that’s what I get. Carissa, can you please join Lydia? She’s dying for your help.”
She hesitates but eventually leaves, so now I am alone with James. Hopefully, I have marked my territory and he won’t pursue her further.
“I’m glad you’re satisfied with our services, Mr. Mcwary. We hope to work with you again.”
I walk away feeling fulfilled and making sure to stay within six steps ofCarissa, keeping a close eye on her in case she plans to sneak back to James.
Her smile fades for the rest of the day but I couldn’t care less about that now. As long as I don't see her flirting under my watch.
She walks around the room interacting with the other guests, but she doesn’t seem to be enjoying herself anymore. As shemakes her way to the ladies, I follow her closely, making sure not to seem too obvious.
I almost bump into her as she stops by the door.
“What is this?” she asks.
“What is what?” I ask back, feigning ignorance.
“What do you think you’re doing invading my privacy and putting your hands on me?” she asks again, a bit frantic as she folds her arms underneath her blossoms.
“Nothing. Just making sure you’re doing your job instead of honeymooning at a work event.”
She scoffs and looks around angrily.
“First of all, that is none of your business. You seem to forget that I’m no longer your project or a betting scheme for you and your silly friends.” She struggles to keep her voice down. “Secondly, are you trying to set me up for gossip at the office? Why on earth are you putting your hands on me at a work event?”
“Well, does that mean I can put my hands on you if it’s not a work event?” I ask, making an attempt at romance.
Once upon a time, Carissa would laugh that off, but right now, she seems to be even more upset than I thought she was.
“You’re pathetic, Jayden,” she says. “What do you think this is? A joke? You really think you can talk your way out of being a horrible person and a liar.”
“But I never lied to you, Carissa. I did what I did, but every word I said to you, I meant it.”
I take a step closer to her, but she takes a step back. “It was just a stupid game. It meant nothing, and I am sorry.”
“Nothing means anything to you.” She shakes her head. “You need to grow up and stop hurting people. It’s not fun. It doesn't make you cool, okay? It just shows that you’re a terrible person.”
