TheNegotiation

NewYorkTimes,USAToday&WallStreetJournalbestsellingauthor

SandiLynn

The Ne g otiation

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,including

photocopying,recording,orotherelectronicormechanicalmethodswithoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher.

Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,placesandincidentsaretheproductsoftheauthor’simaginationorareusedfactitiously.Any

resemblancetoactualevents,locales,orpersons,livingordead,isentirelycoincidental.

Photo&CoverDesignby:SaraEirew@SaraEirewPhotography

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EditingbyB.Z.Hercules

BooksbySandiLynn

Ifyouhaven’talreadydoneso,pleasecheckoutmyotherbooks.Theyarefilledwithheartwarminglovestories,somewithmillionaires,

andsomewithjustregulareverydaypeoplewhofindlovewhentheyleastexpectit.

Millionaire s:

TheForeverSeries(ForeverBlack,ForeverYou,ForeverUs,BeingJulia,Collin,AForeverChristmas,AForeverFamily)

Love,Lust&AMillionaire(WyattBrothers,Book1)

Love,Lust&Liam(WyattBrothers,Book2)

HisProposedDeal

LieNextToMe(AMillionaire’sLove,Book1)

WhenILiewithYou(AMillionaire’sLove,Book2)

ALoveCalledSimon

ThenYouHappened

TheSeductionofAlexParker

SomethingAboutLorelei

OneNightInLondon

TheException

CorporateA$$

ABeautifulSight

Se condChance Love :

RememberingYou

SheWritesLove

LoveInBetween(LoveSeries,Book1)

TheUpsideofLove(LoveSeries,Book2)

Sports:

Lightning

TableofContents

Prologue

Age7

“Youlookpretty,Mommy.Whereareyougoing?”Iasked,asanyseven-year-oldwould,sittingon

theedgeofhermother ’sbedandwatchinghergetreadytogoout.

“I’mgoingoutonadate.”Sheturnedtomeandsmiledasshemadeupherlipswitharedcolor

thatbrightenedherpaleskin.

“Canhebemydaddy?”

Shesetdownthetubeoflipstick,walkedovertotheedgeofthebed,andplacedherhandonmine.

“No,sweetie.RememberwhatItoldyou.Mommydoesn’tneedamaninherlifetocompleteher.

Companionshipisagoodthing;relationshipsarenot.Theyonlycomplicateyourlifeinawaythat

takesawayyourindependence,yourfreedom,andyourself-worth.”

****

Age10

“Francescawillbeheresoon,Emily.”

“Whoareyougoingoutwith?”IaskedasIsatontheedgeofherbed.

“HisnameisXavierandhe’saniceman.”Shesmiled.

“Ifhe’ssonice,maybehecanbemydaddy.”

“Emily,we’vebeenoverthisabilliontimes.Inorderforsomeonetobeyourdaddy,Iwouldhave

toformarelationshipwithhimandthat’ssomethingI’mnotwillingtodo.”Shesmiledasshetapped

meonthenose.

“Butwhy?”Iinnocentlyasked.

“Becauserelationshipsaredoomedbeforetheyevenstart.We’vebeenoverthisbefore.Nogood

comesfromalong-termrelationship.Happilyeverafterisamyth,mydarlingdaughter.Youneedto

rememberthat.”Sheplacedherfingerundermychin.“WeWadewomendonotletothers,especially

men,controlorwreakhavoconouremotionalstate.”

****

Age13

“I’msorry,Gerald,butyouneedtoleavenowandpleasedon’tcallmeagain,”mymotherspoke

asIlistenedoutsideherbedroomdoor.

“ThisishowyourespondtometellingyouthatIloveyou?”Gerald’svoiceraised.

“Youdon’tloveme.Weonlywentoutafewtimes.ItoldyoufromthestartthatIwasn’tlooking

foranythinglong-term.”

“But,Karen,itdoesn’tmatterhowmanytimeswewentout.IfellforyouthemomentIlaideyeson

youandIthoughtyoufeltsomethingformetoo.”

“Well,youthoughtwrong.We’veservedourpurposetoeachotherandnowit’stimeforyouto

go.”

“Youareacold-heartedbitch,Karen.I’msorryIwastedmytimeonsomeonelikeyou.”

Icouldhearhisfootstepsapproachingthedoor,soIranbackintomyroom,climbedintobed,and

pulledthecoversovermyhead.Thehingesonthedoorlightlycreakedasitsoftlyopened.BeforeI

knewit,mymotherwassittingontheedgeofmybedandcarefullypulledthecoversfrommyhead.I

stirred and opened my eyes to see her looking down at me as she brushed away the strands of hair

frommyface.

“What’swrong?”IaskedasIstaredintoherwateryeyes.

“Nothing,sweetpea.Iwasjustmakingsureyouwereasleep.”

“IsGeraldstayingthenight?”

“No.”Shesoftlysmiled.“Hewon’tbecomingaroundanymore,Emily.”

“Why?”

“Becausehewantedapartofmethatdoesn’texist.Wedonotchangewhowearetomakesomeone

elsehappy,darling.Rememberthat.Gobacktosleep.”Shegentlykissedmyhead.

****

Age16

Iwassittingonthecouchwatchingamoviewhenmymotherstrolledinaroundonea.m.

“HowwasyourdatewithCecil?”Iaskedassheploppeddownnexttome.

“Itwasfine,butIdon’tthinkwe’llbeseeingeachotheragain.”

“Why?Heseemslikeareallyniceguy.”

“Heis,darling.”

“Thenwhywouldyoustopseeinghim?”

“Becausehewantedtoclaimmeforhimself.Hewantedustobeexclusiveandhetoldmethathe

wasinlovewithme.”

“Okay.Sowhat’swrongwiththat?Ireallylikehim,Mom.”

“Mysweetgirl.WhathaveItaughtyoufromthetimeyouwerealittlegirlaboutrelationships?”

“Iknow,but—”

“No buts, Emily. Do you want to become someone else’s plus one? Do you want to give them

poweroveryoutoeithermakeyouover-the-tophappyordestroyyouemotionally?Doyouwantto

feel your heart break over someone you thought you knew, but in the end, you didn’t even really

knowthematall?Doyouwanttowakeupsomedaynexttothesamemanyou’vebeenwithforyears

and wonder if there’s someone better out there? Romance dies, darling. Jokes are no longer funny,

conversationsbecomestale,sexwillbecomeroutineandmechanical,andthepersonwhoyouonce

werewillnolongerexist.Andwhentherelationshipends,youwillhavetorediscoverwhoyouwere

inthefirstplace.Because,makenomistake,darling,apersonwillchangeyou.Lovedoesn’tlast.It’s

not possible. Men stray and when the going gets tough, they run to seek comfort in the arms of

anotherwhoisnewandunfamiliartothem.”

“Yousoundlikeamanhater,yetyoudatesomanydifferentmen,”Ispoke.

“That’sbecauseeachnewmanisexcitingandtheyserveapurpose.Whysettleforonefishwhen

youcanhaveanoceanfullanytimeyouwant?”Shesmiled.

“Iguess.”

“You come first, Emily. Never forget that. You will be successful, determined, and have the

fulfillingcareeryoualwayswanted.MengetinthewayofthatandIknowyouwouldneverallowa

mantodeteryoufromyourdreams.”

“Aren’tyoulonely?”IaskedasIlaidmyheadonhershoulder.

“Notatall.IhaveyouandIhaveplentyofmentooccupymytimeandneeds.Remember,women

areaman’sweakness.Wehavethebodiestheycrave,thevaginatheywanttoburytheircocksinside,

andthebreaststheirmouthsdesire.Wemakethemfeelgood,andinreturn,theymakeusfeelgood.

It’spurelyphysical,andaslongasthat’sallitis,lifeisgoodanduncomplicated.”

Chapter1

Iwastherewhenmymothertookherlastbreath;thedaycancerclaimedherlife.Irememberitas

ifitwasyesterdayandnottwoyearsago.

“Hey.Areyouokay?”Katieaskedasshewalkedpastmewithanarmfulofclothes.

Snappingbackintoreality,Inoddedmyhead.

“I’mfine.Iwasjustthinkingaboutmymom.”

“That’sright.Today’stheanniversaryofherdeath.”Shepouted.“I’msorry,Emily.Shewassucha

great woman. Man, did I respect the hell out of her. Strong, independent, and a woman of many

talents.She’dbesoproudofyourightnow.”

“Thanks. I stopped by the cemetery this morning before coming to the shop and put some roses

down.Shewouldbeproudofme.Wouldn’tshe?”Igaveasmallsmile.

Katiesettheclothesdownonthewhitechairthatsatinthemiddleofthestoreandhookedherarm

aroundme.

“Shewouldbeveryproud.Sheknewopeningupthisshopwasalwaysyourdream.”

IwastheproudownerofaboutiqueonEast9

StreetcalledEmily’sEdge.Myshoprangedfrom

vintageclothing,couture,Americanlabels,andupandcomingdesigners.Iwantedastorethathoused

alittlebitofeverything.Kindoflikeaone-stopshop.Anystyleandanyoccasioncouldbefoundat

Emily’s Edge. I opened the store about six months ago after a yearlong process of planning,

designing,andmakingsureitwaseverythingIwanted.

Fashion had always been my passion. I loved clothes, fabrics, accessories, and I had a talent for

styling. After graduating high school, I attended NYU where I obtained my BBA, then I went to

Parsons for two years and received an AAS in Fashion Marketing. After Parsons, I was hired by

Bloomingdales,whereIworkedfortwoyearsasabuyerfortheirwomen’scasualclothing.

My mother owned her own insurance company, which she started when I was three years old.

Beforeshepassedaway,shesoldittoacolleagueofherswhohadworkedforhersincethedayshe

openedthedoors.Sheknewinsurancewasn’tmythingandshedidn’twantmetofeelpressuredwith

havingtotakeoverhercompany.ShemadesureIwassetmoney-wiseandshetoldmetofollowmy

dreams.

Ididn’tletanyonedetermefrommydreamsofbecomingasuccessfulbusinesswoman.Especially

men. I dated, a lot. A few dates here and there, casual sex, and plenty of one-night stands. I wasn’t

lookingforarelationshipbecausetheyweretaboo.ButIdidlikethecompanionshipofmenaslong

astheydidn’tbecomeattached.Anysignorshowingoffeelingsontheirpartandtheywerekickedto

thecurbfasterthanIcouldsay,“It’sover.”MymotherwasrightallthoseyearsthatIwasgrowingup.

FromthetimeIwasateen,I’dwatchmyfriendsgettheirheartsbrokenbeyondrepairbyaguy.I’d

watchthemchange,notonlyinstylebutinpersonalityaswell.Theyputtheirboyfriendsfirstandlet

their friendships drift away as if they had never meant nothing. I’d sit up endless nights with my

roommates crying on my shoulder about how they caught their man with another girl or how they

werejustbrokenupwithbecausetheirpartnertoldthemthattheydidn’tlovethemanymore.Itwas

nothing but a clusterfuck of emotions and a position I was never going to put myself in. Like my

mother, I was never going to let someone have that kind of control over my emotional state and

wellbeing.

“Bytheway,howwasyourdatelastnight?”Katieasked.

“Youhadanotherdatelastnight?”Evelynspokeasshewalkedintotheshop.

“Itwasnice,andyes,”Ilookedather,“Ihadanotherdate.”

“Sameguyasafewnightsagooradifferentone?”Evelynasked.

“SameguyastheothernightandhisnameisCliff.”

“Haveyousleptwithhimyet?”Katieaskedasshehungsomeblousesontherack.

“Nope.ButIthinktonightisthenight.I’mhornyandwe’vebeenonthreedatesalready,soIthink

it’stime.”

“Sowhat’shisstory?”Evelynasked.

“He’sbeendivorcedaboutayearbecausehisex-wifecheatedonhimandhe’sarealestateagent.”

“Doesheknowyou’renotlookingforanythingserious?”Katiesaid.

“Yes.Imadethatveryclearthefirstnightwewentout.Hesaidhewasjustgettingbackintothe

datinggameandhewasn’tlookingeither.So,we’rejustenjoyingeachother ’scompany.”

“IshetheoneyoumetonMatch?”Evelynasked.

“OneoftheonesImetonMatch.”IsmirkedasIrestedmyelbowsonthecounter.

“Goodluck.”Katiesmiled.“Ihopethesexiseverythingyouwantittobe.Unlikethepastfewguys

yousleptwith,”shespokewithatwistedface.

“Ugh.Don’tremindme.”Ishuddered.“It’ssadwhenyouhavetofinishthejobyourselfafterthey

leave.”Irolledmyeyes.

Bothgirlsbustedoutintolaughter.

Katie Collins was my best friend and assistant manager. We met sophomore year in high school

andhadbeengluedtoeachother ’ssideeversince.SheattendedNYUwithmeforthefirstyearand

thendecidedthatcollegewasn’tforher.Sinceshelikedretailsomuch,shedecidedtomakeacareer

of it and work at Nordstrom as a sales associate. She didn’t mind because she was on a mission. A

mission to find a rich man to marry who would take care of her financially. She had been in a

relationship for the past nine months with a man named Alex. He didn’t have much money, but she

was okay with that because he was on his way to becoming a lawyer. She was a beautiful girl who

stood five foot five with long auburn hair, jade eyes, and an overflowing personality that people

loved.

EvelynRosewasanotherfriendofminewhowasanupandcomingdesigner.Thetwoofusmetat

Parsons and had been close ever since. She’d been trying to break into the design business and she

wasthereasonIdecidedtohelpoutstrugglingdesignersandcarrysomeoftheirlinesinmystore.

Menlovedherfivefootfourstature,lean-as-fuckbody,longblackhair,andbabyblueeyes.

Chapter2

Steppingoutoftheshower,Iwrappedmylongblondehighlightedhairinatowel,slippedintomy

robe,andstartedgettingreadyformydatewithCliff.AsIwasapplyingmymakeup,atextmessage

camethroughonmyphonefromhim.

“Ican’twaittoseeyouagaintonight.Ihopeyouhadagoodday.”

Lookingdownatthemessage,Isighed.

“Lookingforwardtoourdate.”

Herepliedwithasmiley-faceemoji,whichdrovemenuts.IftherewasonethingIhatedmorethan

anything in the world, it was those damn emoji’s. Rolling my eyes, I finished putting on my face,

dried my hair and threw some loose curls at the end, slipped into my little black dress, sprayed on

someJoeMaloneperfume,andwentintothekitchentopouraglassofwinebeforehepickedmeup.

The doorbell rang, and when I opened it, he was standing there with a bouquet of yellow roses.

Suddenly,asickfeelingtookoverinthepitofmystomach.

“Wow, you look amazing. Not that you don’t always look amazing, but tonight, you look extra

amazing.”

“Thanks.”Asmallsmilegracedmylips.

“Theseareforyou.”Hehandedmetherosesashesteppedinside.

“Roses.Wow.They’rebeautiful.Youshouldn’thave,butthankyou.”

“Iwaswalkingbythefloristearlierandsawtheminthewindow.Theymademethinkofyou,soI

hadtobuythem.”

“Whywouldyellowrosesmakeyouthinkofme?”IaskedasIplacedtheminavaseofwater.

“Becausethey’rebrightlikethesunandthat’swhatyouremindmeof.”

EitherCliffwasbeingseriousorhewasjusttryingtomakesurehegotlaidtonight.Iwasgoing

with he wanted to get laid. He took me to Daniel for dinner and dropped a ridiculous amount of

moneyonfoodanddrinks.Whenwereachedmyapartmentbuilding,heplacedhishandonmycheek

andbrushedhislipsagainstmine.

“Wasthattooforward?”heasked.

“No,notatall.Wouldyouliketocomeupforadrinkandmaybehavesex?”

Heletoutadeepbreath.“ThankGodyouasked.Iwashopingwe’dhavesextonight.Ireallywant

you.”

As soon as we stepped inside my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and led him to the bedroom.

Instantly,hishandswerealloverme.Upanddownmybody,grabbingontomybreastsandkneading

themthroughthefabricofmydresswhilehismouthdevouredmyneck.Ibroughtmyhandsuptothe

buttonsofhisshirt,unbuttonedthem,andsliditoffhisshoulders.Hisbodywasokay.Ilikedmymen

alittlemorebuilt,buthewasn’tallthatbad.Hereachedaroundandunzippedmydress,lettingitfall

tothefloorashelightlygrabbedholdofmyshouldersandstaredatmybody.

“Wow.Yourbodyputseveryotherwoman’sbodytoshame.”

“Uh.Thanks.”Ireachedforhisbeltandunbuckledit.

Hestruggledwithunclaspingmybraanditwasstartingtogetonmynerves,soItookhishands,

putthemonmyhips,andunhookedit,tossingittothefloor.Hismouthinstantlyroamedtomychest

andhislipsclampedaroundmyhardenednipples.

“Jesus,youhavethebestlookingtits.”

Hereachedhisarmaroundmybackandlaidmedownonthebed,lettinghisfingerstravelupmy

innerthighsuntiltheyreachedtheedgeofmypanties.Thentheystopped.Ilaytherewaitingforhim

todipafingerinsideme,buthedidn’t.Hejustcuppedmewithhishandandrubbedmethroughmy

panties.Hismouthwasallovermybreasts,mycollarbone,myneck,andthenonmylips.Hiskisses

weresloppyandIwouldhavepreferredhedidn’tkissme.

Grabbingthesidesofmypanties,hepulledthemdown,stoodup,andtookoffhispants.Hiscock

wasnothingspectacular.Itwasn’tbig,butitwasn’toverlysmall.Itwasenoughtogetthejobdone.He

hovered over me and stuck his cock between my legs. I wasn’t expecting that so soon. I wanted

foreplayandlotsofit.Butheseemedreadyandraringtofuckme.

“Inmynightstand,Ihavecondoms.”

“Oh.Aren’tyouonbirthcontrol?”

“Thatismybirthcontrol,”Ilied.

Iwasonthepill,butIdidn’tknowhimorhowmanywomenhe’dbeenwithsincehisdivorceandI

wasn’tabouttotakeanychances.Ialwaysmadethemwearacondom.

“I see. Okay.” He climbed off of me, took a condom from the drawer, and slipped it on. “I

normallydon’twearone.”

“Well,youwouldn’twanttogetmepregnant,wouldyou?”Ismirked.

“No.”Heleanedoveranddevouredmyneckwhilehepushedintome.

Afterafewsaddeningthrusts,whichIcouldbarelyfeel,hepulledoutofmeandlookedathisdick.

“I’mnotreallythathardanymore.It’sthecondom;I’mnotusedtoitanditmakesithardtofeel

anything.”

IsilentlysighedasIsatup,grabbedholdofhiscock,andbeganstrokingitfirmly.Hethrewhis

headbackasseveralmoansescapedhim.Whenhewassemi-hardagain,hethrustinsideandmoved

inandoutofmerapidly.Still,Ifeltnothing.Wrappingmylegstightlyaroundhiswaist,Imadehim

deepeninsideme.

“OhmyGod,youfeelamazing,Emily.”Hepushedinandout.“Areyougoingtocome?”

Iwasn’tevenclose,butIwasn’tabouttoruinhisconfidence,soIhadtofakethenoises,tightenmy

legs, and pretend that I came. His cock started to soften again, but he wouldn’t stop, and he finally

came.Hepusheddeepinsidemeandhaltedasaloudgroanescapedhischest.

Climbingoffofme,hedisposedofthecondomwhileIclimbedunderthecoversandheclimbed

innexttome.

“Youwereamazing.”Hesoftlystrokedmyarm.“Sorryabouttheproblems.Iwasreallynervous.”

“Ithappens,”Iliedwithasmile.

Helaythereonhisside,hishandproppedupagainsthisheadashestaredatme.Thelookonhis

faceandinhiseyesfrightenedme.Hewasfallingandfallinghard.Shit.

“Ireallylikeyou,Emily,andIthinktonightjustconfirmeditevenmoreforme.Thenexttimewe

havesex,Ipromiseitwillbebetter.”

“You’reagreatguy,Cliff,butItoldyouIwasn’tlookingforanything.”

“IknowandneitherwasI.Butyoucan’tdenytheincredibleattractionwehavetoeachother.”

ThehellIcandenyit.

“Ithinkyoushouldgonow.It’slateandIhavetogetupreallyearlyandbeattheshop.”

“You don’t want me to spend the night?” His fingers traced my breast. “We can have round two

firstthinginthemorning.”

“I’mreallytiredandIsleepbetteralone.Butthankyouforawonderfuldinner.”

“Sure.Okay.You’rewelcome.”Heclimbedoutofbedandslippedintohisclothes.

Iclimbedout,putonmyrobe,andwalkedhimtothedoor.

“Howaboutdinnertomorrownight?”heaskedasheplacedhishandsfirmlyonmyhips.

“I’msorry,Ican’t.IhaveathingwithKatieIhavetogoto.I’llcallyouwhenI’mfree.”

“Don’tmakeittoolong,Iwanttoseeyouagain.”HewentformylipsandIquicklyturnedand

gavehimmycheek.

“Haveanicenight,Cliff.”

After he left, I shut the door, went to the kitchen, poured a glass of wine, and took it to my

bedroom. Reaching in my drawer, I grabbed my vibrator, climbed under the covers, and satisfied

myself.Whatawasteofanight.

Chapter3

WhenKatiewalkedintotheshop,hereyeswereswollenandshelookedtired.

“Goodmorning.Roughnight?”IaskedasIunpackedthenewboxofclothesthathadarrived.

“Reallyroughnight.”Shewalkedaroundthecounterandplacedherpurseunderneath.“AlexandI

gotintoafightandwewereupallnightarguing.”

“Aboutwhat?”

“TheTV.”

“Okay.Caretoelaborateonthat?”

“He went out with his friends last night and didn’t come to my place until one a.m. He was

supposedtobetherebytensowecouldwatchamoviewebothhadbeendyingtosee.”

“Andwhywashewithhisfriendssolate?”

“Helosttrackoftime.Theywereplayingcardsanddrinkingandheforgotaboutourmoviedate.

Itdidn’thelpthatIsenthimtwentytextmessagesbetweentenandtwelvethirtyandhedidn’trespond

toanyofthem.Hesaidhisphonewasonsilent.Sowhenhefinallydidtextmebackandtoldmehe

wasonhiswayover,Itoldhimtoforgetitandleavemealone.Heshowedupanywayandwegotinto

ahugefight.”

“I’msorry,Katie.”

WhatIreallywantedtosaywas“Itoldyouso.”

“Hesaidthathecan’tspendeverysecondwithmeandheneedshisfriendtime.ItoldhimthatI

understoodthatandIwouldneverkeephimfromseeinghisfriends,butwealsohadadate,andhe

promisedthathewouldbeoveratten.”

“Howdidherespond?”

“HewassorryandIwasbeingunreasonable.Weargueduntilthreea.m.andthenheleft.Ihaven’t

heardfromhimsince.”

Iwalkedoverandclaspedhershoulders.

“I’m sure he’ll call you later, but until then, do not, and I repeat, do not let him destroy your

emotionalstate.Ifhepromisedtobeoverattenandfailedtodoso,that’shisproblem.Hewasinthe

wrong, Katie, not you. You have done nothing wrong but to call him out on his broken promise.

Don’t let him make you think you were in the wrong. Now do you understand why I avoid

relationshipsatallcosts?”

Sherolledhereyesandsighed.Pickingupherphone,shecheckedit,andIimmediatelysnatchedit

fromherhands.

“Nocheckingtoseeifhetextedyou.Youwillsurviveuntilhecomestohissenses.”

“Fine,”shehuffed.“HowdidyourdategowithCliff?Didyousleepwithhim?”

“Dinnerwasgreat.Thesexwasawful.Hecouldn’tstayhard.”

Asoftlaughescapedherlips.“Why?Whatdidyoudotohim?”

“He blamed it on the condom and then he said he was really nervous. We won’t be seeing each

otheragain.”

“Why?Becausehesuckedinbed?”Shesmirked.

“That’s one reason, but the other is because he said that he had feelings for me and last night

confirmedthem.Healsosaidthatthere’snodenyingtheattractionbetweenus.”

“Poorsucker.”Shelaughed.

“I’mgoingtogointothebackandgrabanotherboxofclothesforustoputout.I’llberightback.

TrytoholdittogetherwhileI’mgone.”

“Veryfunny.”

Grabbingaboxofclothesfromtheback,Icarriedituptothefrontandsetitonthefloornextto

thesalescounter.Thesoftringofthebellthathungabovethefrontdoormademelookupandtake

noticeoftheincrediblysexymanthatwalkedintothestore.

“Hi, welcome to Emily’s Edge. Can I help you with something?” Katie’s face lit up as she

practicallyranovertohim.

“I’mjustlookingrightnow.Thankyou,”hespoke.

“OHMYGOD!”shemouthedassheturnedandlookedatme.

Rollingmyeyes,Inoticedherphone,whichwassittingonthecounter,wentoff.

“Yourphonewentoff,”IspokeasIhelditup.

Sprintingovertothecounter,shegrabbeditfrommyhandsandbecamegiddywithexcitementas

shesawshehadatextmessagefromAlex.

“Gointhebackandtakecareofyourrelationship.”Ismiledather.

Takingtheboxcutterfromthecounter,Ibegantosliceopentheboxandmyfingersomehowgot

intheway.

“SHIT!”Iyelled.

The sexy man, who was looking at the dresses, turned and looked at me as I wrapped my other

handaroundmywoundedfinger.

“Areyouokay?”heaskedinalowbuthuskyvoice.

“Yes.I’mfine.Justalittlecut,”IspokeasIgrabbedsometissuesfromunderneaththecounter.

“MayItakealook?”Hewalkedhisdesigner-suitselfovertome.

As he approached closer, I couldn’t help but focus on his incredible sinfully beautiful chocolate

browneyes.Notthelightchocolatekind,butthedark.

“Areyouadoctor?”Igulped.

“No.Justaconcernedcustomerwhoflinchedwhenthesalesassociateshouted‘shit’inthemiddle

ofthestore.”

“Sorryaboutthat.Instantreaction.Anyway,thankyouforyourconcern,butI’mfine.”

“Ifyou’refine,letmesee.”Hesmirked.

IsighedasIremovedthebloodytissuefrommyfingeranditwasstillbleeding.

“It’sstillbleeding,”hespoke.

“Ithasn’tclottedyet.I’maslowclotter.”

“Thatactuallysoundsgross,butI’lltakeyourwordforit.Ifthebleedingdoesn’tstopsoon,you

mayneedstitches.”

“Ithoughtyouweren’tadoctor.”Ismirked.

“I’mnot,butmysisteris,andI’vebeenaroundherlongenoughtoknowsomemedicalstuff.”

“Ah.Okaythen.Areyousureyoudon’tneedanyhelp?”Iasked.

“Actually,”helookedathiswatch,“I’mverylimitedontime.Mysister,thedoctor,wasinherethe

otherdayandshesawadresssheliked.Shesaiditwascream-colored,knee-length,spaghettistraps,

andhadalightpinkflowerthatwasattachedtothewaist.”

“Oh, I know which one you’re talking about.” I walked over to the rack that had all of Evelyn’s

designsandpulleditout.“Thisistheoneshe’stalkingabout.It’saone-of-a-kinddesign.”

Hiseyesrakedoverthedressandthenmetmine,staringatmeforwhatseemedlikeeternitybefore

speaking.

“Nice.Doyouhaveitinasmall?”

TheoneIwasholdingupwasalarge,soIputitbackontherackandlookedthroughtheothertwo

nexttoit.

“Ido.Ihaveoneleft.”Ismiled.

“Great.I’lltakeit.”Hetookthedressfromme.“Doyouthinkthattheothergirlwhoisworking

herecouldringandwrapitup?Iwouldhateforyoutogetyourbloodallovermysister ’sdress.I’m

notsureIcouldexplainthatone.”

“Shit.”Ilookedatmyfingerasbloodwasrunningdownitthroughthetissue.

Runningbacktothecounter,IgrabbedanothertissueandwrappeditaroundmyfingerasIcalled

forKatie.

“Sorryaboutthat,”shespokewithhappinessalloverherface.“Ohno,whatdidyoudo?”

“Boxcutter.I’llbefine.Canyouringthisgentlemanup,please?”

“Oh,ofcourse.”Hersmilebrightenedasshetookthedressfromhim.

“Doyoualwaysbuyyoursisterdresses?”Iaskedsarcastically.

“It’s for her birthday, if you must know. She pretty much told me that I can buy it for her.” He

smiled.

HepaidincashandfixatedhiseyesonmewhileKatiefoldedupthedress,wrappeditintissue,and

placeditinthebag.Thewayhestaredatmemademefeelalittleuncomfortable.Notinascaryway,

butinasexualway.Hewasthetypeoflookingmanthatyoujustknewwasmorethanagodinthe

bedroom. The way he carried himself with such composure and confidence spoke volumes. His

tousledlightsandybrownhair,masculinejawline,perfectlychiseledcheekbones,andthefiveo’clock

shadowthatgracedhisfacewerebeyondintoxicating.SnappingbackintorealityasKatiehandedhim

thebag,Itoldhimtohaveaniceday.

“Youbettergohavethatfingerlookedat.Youneedstitches.”Acunningsmirkcrossedhisfaceas

hewalkedhissixfootoneperfectbodyoutofmyshop.

“Umm.CanIdienow?”Katielookedatmewithseriousness.

“Hewasprettycute.”IreplacedtheKleenexonmyfingerwithanewone.

“Prettycute?Areyouserious,Emily?Hewasdropdeadgorgeous!”

“Don’tyouhaveaboyfriend?”IsmiledasIthrewmypurseovermyshoulderandbegantowalk

away.

“Yes,andwhereareyougoing?”

“Togetsomestitches.HolddownthefortwhileI’mgone.”

“Goodluck!”

Chapter4

After getting three stitches put in my finger, I headed back to the shop, and when I walked in,

Evelyncamerunningovertome.

“Fingerfirst.Howareyou?”sheasked.

“Fine.Threestitches.Nottoobad.”

“Good.Now,meandyouaregoingouttonight.”

“Weare?Wherearewegoing?”IaskedasIsetmypursedown.

“Wearegoingspeeddating!”Shegrinned.

“Why?”Itwistedmyface.

“Whynot?I’msingle,you’resingle,it’sonmybucketlist,andI’vealwayswantedtotryit.It’llbe

fun!Twohours,fivetosixminuteswitheachguy,acheckbyyesorno,andwe’reoutofthere.”

“Fine.Butjustsoyouknow,I’mcheckingnoforeachguy.”

“Ugh.Whatever.Dowhatyouwant,butwe’regoingtohaveagreattime.Anyway,Ibroughtmy

sketchbookwithmynewdesigns.Tellmewhatyouthink.Bytheway,Katietoldmethatsomedrop

deadgorgeousmanboughtoneofmydressesthismorningforhissister.”

“Andhewastotallycheckingherout,”Katieshoutedfromthepantsrack.

“Hewasnot,and,”Ishruggedmyshoulders,“hewascute.”

“Dateworthy?”Evelynasked.

“Maybe.ButI’msureI’llneverseehimagain,sonobigdeal.”

IlefttheshopatfivetogohomeandgetreadyformynightoutwithEvelyn.AsIwasapplyingmy

makeup,atextmessagecamethroughfromCliff.

“Hi. I missed you today. Like, I really missed you. I know you said you weren’t ready for a

relationship,butIcouldtotallyseeustogether.Wecantakeitreallyslow.I’mwillingtowaitforas

longasittakes.”

IsighedasIsetdownmymakeupbrush,pickedupmyphone,andbegantotexthimback.After

thinkingaboutit,Idecidednottorespond,asitwouldprobablyleadtoblowingupmyphoneall

night.So,Iwouldrespondtohimtomorrow.Tonightwasagirls’nightout,notaman-dramanight.

****

AswesteppedintotheMartinibar,wesignedinatthelongrectangulartablebythedoorandwere

toldtograbadrinkandrelaxbeforetheeventstarted.

“WhatcanIgetyou,miss?”thebartenderasked.

“I’llhaveaneatmartiniwiththreeolives,please.”

“Andforyou?”HeglancedatEvelynashewipeddownthecounter.

“Drymartiniwithatwist.”Shesmiled.

Leaningagainsttheedgeofthebar,Itooknoteofallthegirlsthatwerethereinhopesoffinding

theirPrinceCharmingtonight.

“Wherearetheguys?Isthisalesbianspeeddating?Becauseifitis,Evelyn,I’mkillingyou.”

Shelaughed.“No.It’snotalesbianspeeddating.Theguysareputinanotherroomsonoonecan

interactwitheachotherbeforeitstarts.”

“Oh.”Thebartenderhandedmemymartini.

AsIsippedit,Icountedthesmallsquareandroundtablesthathadnumbersignsinthemiddleof

them.Thereweretwentytablestotal.Thehostoftheeventgotonthespeakerandannounceditwas

timetostart.Weweretoldtolineupinasinglelineandwhatevernumberwewereinline,wasthe

numberofwhichtablewewouldstartatfirst.Iwasthirdinline,soIhadtomakesureIstartedwith

tablethree.Wewomenweretoldtocloseoureyesuntilthementooktheirseatsatthetable.Iwasa

littleoffendedandfounditabitsexistthatwecouldn’tsitatthetablesfirstandhavethemencometo

us.ThatwaswhatIwoulddoifIhostedoneofthesethings.

Assoonasthebellrang,weallscatteredoutoflineandheadedtoourdesignatedtables.Itooka

seatacrossfromtheguyattablethree.

“Hi,I’mMark.”Hesmiled.

“I’mEmily.Sowhatdoyoudoforwork?”Ibluntlyasked.

“I’manarchitect.Andyou?”

“IownaboutiquecalledEmily’sEdge.”

Hewascuteinhisblackwavyhairway.

“Howdoyoufeelaboutrelationships?”IaskedasIleanedoverthetableandnarrowedmyeyeat

him.

“Um.Ilikerelationships?Ithinkit’simportanttohavesomeonespecialtoshareyourlifewith.”

“Whatdoyouthinkaboutcheaters?”

Heleanedbackinhischairandthelookoffearfellintohiseyes,whichledmetobelievehewasa

cheater.

“Ithinkthey’rewrong,butyouneverknowthecircumstancesastowhytheycheated.There’stwo

sidestoeverystory.”

Thebellranganditwastimetogetupandgotothenexttable.

“Hi,I’mBrad.”Hisperfectlyover-whitenedteethblindedme.

“Emily.Nicetomeetyou.”

BeforeIcouldattackhimwithmyquestion,heaskedhisfirst.

“You’rehot.Whatdoyouthinkaboutsexonthefirstdate?”

“Aslongasthere’samutualattraction,Ithinkit’sokay.”

“Isthereamutualattractionhere?”heaskedwithhisblindingsmile.

Isatthereforafewmomentsandstudiedhim.Hewasaplayerandallhewasthereforwasto

snatchupsomepoorunsuspectinggirltohavesexwith.

“Depends.Howbigisyourdick?”

“Whoa!”Hechuckled.“Iloveagirlwho’sbold.Icanpromiseyouthatitwillleaveyoufully

satisfied.”

“Forhowlong?Aminute,anhour,aday?Whichisit,Brad?”

Thebellrangbeforehecouldanswer.Damnit.Iwashavingsomuchfunwithhim.

“Ilikeyou,Emily!”heshoutedashepointedatme.

Rollingmyeyes,Isatdownatthenexttableandmyeyeswidenedatthemanwhowassitting

acrossfromme.

“Emily.”Cliffbegantochoke.

“Really,Cliff?Soyou’rewillingtowaitforaslongasittakeslastedawholehour?”

“Icanexplain,Emily.”Heputuphishands.

Ireachedoverandgrabbedthesheethehadinfrontofhim.

“Givemethis!Wow.Threeyessesalready?”

“Theyaren’trealyesses.Ididn’twanttohurtanyone’sfeelings.”Hetookthepaperoutofmy

hands.

Thebellranganditwastimetogetup.AsIrosefrommyseat,Iglancedoverathimasthenext

womansatdown.

“Sexlastnightwithyouwasawful.Ihopeyougetyourproblemwithyourdickstraightenedout.

Bytheway,don’tcallmeagainandconsideryourselfblocked.”IsmiledasIheadedtothenexttable.

OutofthetwentyguysIsatwithforaboutsixminutes,surprisingly,thereweretwowhichIfound

couldpossiblybefuntodate.AsIwassippingonanothermartini,Evelynwalkeduptome.

“Howdidyoudo?”Iasked.

“TherearesixguysI’mtotallyinterestedin.Ijusthopesomeofthemareinterestedinme.How

aboutyou?Pleasetellmeyoudidn’tsaynotoallofthem.”

“Ididn’t.IfoundtwogentlemenIfeelwouldbefun.”

“Whichones?”Sheglaredatme.

BeforeIcouldanswerherquestion,Bradcamestrollingovertouswithhishandsburieddeepin

hispantspockets.

“Hellothere,beautiful.”Hegrinnedatme.“Ijustwantedtoletyouknowthatyou’llbegettingan

emailtomorrow.Icheckedabigfatyesforyou,mylady.”

“Hownice.Letmeaskyousomething.Doyouliketowearcondoms?”Ismirked.

“Isuredo.It’stheonlywayIroll.Youcan’tbetoocarefulthesedays,evenifthewomansaysshe’s

onbirthcontrol.Plus,allthosediseasesbeingspreadaround.”Heshuddered.

“Good.I’llbeanxiouslyawaitingtheemail.”

“Whywait?Let’sgooutandhitthetownupnow.”Hehookedhisarmaroundme.

Duckingoutfromunderhim,Iplacedmyhandonhischest.

“Goodthingscometothosewhowait,Brad.”

Evelynwaslaughingsohard,shespilledherdrink.

“Ineedtogetthisonehome.”Ipointedather.“She’shadalittletoomuch.I’lltalktoyousoon.”

Chapter5

OneMonthLater

Thestorewasdoinggreat.Evelyn’sdesignsweresellingoutfasterthanshecouldproducemore

andmydatinglifewastakingatollonme.AsIwashangingupsomenewshirtsthathadjustarrived

andKatiewashelpingacustomer,Evelynwalkedin.

“Hey,Evelyn.”Ismiled.

“Ibroughtyousomething,”shespokeasshehandedmeagarmentbag.

Unzippingit,Ipulledoutastrapless,beadedsweetheartnecklineshortblackdress.

“Wow.Thisisbeautiful.”

“Thankyou.You’regoingtolookfabulousinit.”

Igaveherablankstare.“Huh?Thisisforme?”

“Yes.It’sforyoutoweartotheweddingyou’regoingtoattendwithmeonSaturdaynight.”

“Whatwedding?”

“RememberItoldyouafewmonthsbackthatmyfriendRebeccawasgettingmarried?”

“Yeah.Ithoughtyouweretakingadate.”

“I was up until a couple of days ago. Then the asshole bailed on me. He used the sick mother

excuse.Idon’twanttogoaloneandIknowhowmuchyouloveweddings.”Shesmirked.

“Ah yes. Weddings are the joy of my life. Two people committing the rest of their lives to each

otherinfrontofalltheirfamilyandfriendsonlytoendupdivorcedintenyears.”

Sherolledhereyesatme.“Soyou’llgo?”

“DoIreallyhaveto?”

“Yes.We’llhavesomuchfun.We’lldrinkanddancethenightaway.”

“Freeboozeandmusic.Icanhandlethat.”Ismiled.

“Excellent.Andremember,ifanyoneasksaboutyourdress,youtellthemIdesignedit.”

“OfcourseIwould.Ibettergotryitontomakesureitfits.”

WhileIwaswalkingpastthecountertothefittingrooms,Iheardmyphonebeep.Pickingitup,I

sawIhadatextmessagefromLouis,oneoftheguysIcasuallydatedafewtimes.

“Hey, babe. I got to thinking about you last night and I think we should start seeing each other

more. My friend told me when he saw us out together that we looked really good as a couple and I

thinkit’stimetotakeourrelationshiptothenextlevel.”

Relationship?Whatrelationship?We’donlybeenonafewdates.Shit.Whycan’tguysjustwantto

datewithoutthedamnstringsattached?IwassomentallydrainedfromtheseguysthatIwasgivingup

ondatingforawhile.Ineededadamnbreakformyownsanity.

“MynameisEmily,notbabe.Wedon’thavearelationship,Louis.WewentoutafewtimesandI’m

notlookingforanythingmore.Iwasveryupfrontwithyouonourfirstdate.Sotherewillbenonext

level.”

IsighedasIsetmyphonedownandwentintothefittingroomtotryonthedressEvelynbrought

me.

****

TheweddingreceptiontookplaceattheWaldorfAstoria.Beautifullylitchandeliershungfromthe

ceiling, giving off soft light, making the ambiance a romantic one. Expensive white linens draped

over the tables and chairs and elegant candle-lit floral centerpieces graced each table. Evelyn and I

were supposed to attend the ceremony, but she got held up with a production problem for her new

line.ThatwasfinewithmebecauseIdidn’tbelievein,nordidIlikeweddings.

The moment we stepped inside the Grand Ballroom, we were greeted with tall glasses of

champagne.Takingonefromthetray,Isippeditandlookedaroundattheblack-tieaffair.Atableto

therightofushousedsmallfancycutcardswithournameswritteninexquisitehandwritinginorder

toalertusatwhichtablewewereseated.

“Lookslikewe’reattablenumberfifteen,”Evelynspoke.“Shallwemakeourwayorgetanother

drinkfirst?”

Downingthelastofmychampagne,Ihelduptheemptyglass.

“Drinkfirst.”Ismiled.

We made our way to the bar and stood in a long line of others who had the same idea. While

Evelynwasinfrontofmetalkingwithoneoftheotherguests,alowvoicespokebehindme.

“How’syourfingerdoing?”

Chills ran down my spine as I slowly turned around and stared at the sexy man who was in my

shopamonthago.

“It’smuchbetter.Thankyou.”Ismiled.

“Didyougetstitches?”

“Idid.Threeofthem.”

“IdobelieveItoldyouso.”Hesmirked.

IswallowedhardasIdiscreetlycheckedhimoutfromheadtotoe.Designerblacktux,crispwhite

shirt,andablackbowtiemadehimevenmoresexythanhisbusinesssuitdid.

“So,whatareyoudoinghere?”Iasked.

“Thesamethingyouare.”

“Brideorgroom?”

“Neither.I’mherewithafriend.You?”

“Same.”

“Who’syourdate?”heaskedwithcaution.

“Myfriend,Evelyn.Infact,she’stheonewhodesignedthedressyouboughtforyoursister.”

Evelynwassoengagedinaconversationshewashavingwithsomeoneelse,shedidn’tnoticethatI

wastalkingtohim.

“Evelyn.”Iplacedmyhandonhershoulderandsheturnedaround.“Iwouldlikeyoutomeet—”I

lookedathim.

“JacksonCaine.”Heheldouthishand.

“Nicetomeetyou.”Sheplacedherhandinhis.

“Mr.Caineboughtoneofyourdressesforhissister,”Ispoke.

“Ah,well,thankyou.Ihopeshelikedit.”

“Shelovedit.”

Withasmile,sheturnedaroundandplacedherdrinkorder.

“Idon’tbelieveIcaughtyourname.”Jacksongrinned.

“EmilyWade.”

Henarrowedhiseyeashestaredatme.“AsinEmily’sEdge?”

“Yes.I’mtheowneroftheshop.”Ismiled.

“Impressive.”Hisbrowraised.

Outofnowhere,atall,lankybrunettecameupandplacedherhandonhisback.

“Thereyouare.I’vebeenlookingforyou.”

“Lookslikeyoufoundme,”hespokewithahintofirritation.

ItwasmyturnatthebarandIaskedthebartenderforaglassofPinotGrigio.

“Makethattwoglassesandadoublescotch,”Jacksonspokebehindme.

Assoonasthebartenderhandedmemywine,Iheldupmyglass.

“Itwasnicetomeetyou,Jackson.”IwalkedawayandcaughtupwithEvelyn,whowasengagedin

anotherconversation.

“That’stheguywhowasintheshopthatday?”shewhisperedasshelightlygrabbedholdofmy

arm.

“Yes.”

“Shit,Emily.Katiewasright;heisdropdeadgorgeous.What’shedoinghere?”

“Obviously,he’sherewithhisgirlfriend.”

“Thebrunette?”sheasked.

“Yep.”

“She’snotthatpretty.Hecoulddosomuchbetter.”

Irolledmyeyesandwemadeourwaytotablenumberfifteenandtookourseats.Sofar,wewere

the only two sitting down. As I was sipping on my wine, I looked up and noticed Jackson and his

brunetteheadingoverourway.Mystomachdidalittleflipashetooktheseatnexttomine.

“Helloagain.”Hesmiled.“Lookslikewe’retablemates.”

“I’llberightback.I’mgoingtousetheladies’room,”thebrunettespokeasshegotupfromher

chair.

“Girlfriend?”Ipickedupmyglassandtookasip.

“Oh,goodgodno.Justafriend.”

Ihadtolightlylaughathisreply.HesoundedlikeIoffendedhimbyasking.

“HowaboutyouandEvelyn?”

“WhataboutmeandEvelyn?”Itwistedmyface.

“Arethetwoofyou—”

Ialmostchokedonthewinethatwasslidingdownthebackofmythroat.

“NO!DoyouthinkI’malesbian?”Iwhispered.“Sheworksforme.”

Aslysmilecrossedhissoft-lookingperfectlips.“Youcanneverbetoosurethesedays.”

“So you think that because I came with my friend to a wedding because she didn’t want to come

alone,thatwe’relesbians?”

“LikeIsaid,youcanneverbetoosurethesedays.”Hewinked.

“Well, I can assure you that I’m not. I have so much man drama in my life that sometimes I

contemplateit.”

Othergueststookaseatatourtableandwedidtheroundofintroductions.Kamiwasthebrunette’s

nameandshedidn’tlooktoohappythatJacksonwastalkingtome.Rightbeforedinnerwasserved,

thebrideandgroomstoodupandgaveaspeech.

Chapter6

“SimonandIwouldliketothankallofyouforattendingandcelebratingourwonderfuldaywith

us. We both feel so honored that you took the time out of your busy schedules to share the most

importantdayofourlives.”

“Thenextimportantdaywillbeyourdivorce,”Iwhispered.

“Right?”Jacksonlookedoveratmewithasmallsmile.

“Wearesoexcitedtostartourlivestogetherashusbandandwife.AunionmadebeforeGodoftwo

peoplewhowillloveeachotherforeternity.”

“Untilthemarriagegoessouthandoneofyoucheats,”Ispokeinaverylow,softvoice.

“Anditwillhappen.”Jacksonwinked.

Icouldn’thelpbutstealsmallglancesatJacksonasweateourfive-coursemeal.Hiscomebacksto

my snide remarks intrigued me. It was almost as if he felt the same way about marriage as I did.

Pulling my phone from my purse, I set it down next to my plate. Suddenly, several dings came

throughatoncewithtextmessagesfromBrad,Louis,andDaniel.Jacksonglanceddownatmyphone

andthenraisedhisbrowatme.

“Itseemsyouareverypopularwiththeboys.”

“Itseemsyouarequitenosy.”Ismirked.

“Couldn’thelpbutbewhenyourphonewasblowingupandallthoselittledingswerepiercingmy

ears.”

EvelynleftthetabletogotalktothebrideandKamileftaswelltogotalktothegroom.Ipicked

upmyphoneandheldituptoJackson.

“ThisisthemandramaIwastalkingaboutearlier.”

“Itseemslikeyouhaveyourhandsfull.”Hisbrowarched.

“Idoandit’sexhausting.I’mtakingabreakfromthedatingworldforawhile.”

“Pity.Iwasgoingtoaskyouout.”Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupintoastrikingsmile.

“Youwerenot.”Ilightlysmackedhisarm.

“Okay,maybeIwasn’t.Idon’twanttoaddtoyourmandrama.”

“Thankyou.Iappreciatethat.”Ifinishedoffmywine.

“MayIgetyouanotherglassofwine?”heasked.

“Sure.I’llwalkwithyou.”

Aswewereheadingtothebar,itwastimeforthebridaldance.Thebrideandgroomtooktheir

places in the middle of the oversized dance floor and “All of Me” by John Legend began to play.

Jackson handed me my wine and with his scotch in his, we stared out at the happy couple as they

sharedtheirfirstdanceashusbandandwife.

“Ibetfiveyearsfromnow,theexpressionontheirfaceswilltotallychange,”Ispoke.

“Iagree.It’sallrainbowsandrosesnow,butgiveitacoupleofyears.”

“Ifeellikeweddingsareafraud.”

“Howdoyoumean?”heaskedashelookedatme.

“Well,peopleattend,giveobsceneamountsofmoneyasaweddinggift,andintenyears,thehappy

couplewhopledgedtheirloveforeachotherinfrontofallthosepeopleandmadeapromisetildeath

douspartendupdivorced.Thenwhenyougetthenewsthatthehappylittlecouplecouldn’tmakeit

work,allyoukeepthinkingaboutisthemoneyyougavethem.”

Jacksonchuckled.“Ineverlookedatitlikethat.IthinkIlikeyourthoughtprocess,andIagree.All

yourlittleremarksandcommentsleadmetobelievethatyou’reacouplehater.”

“I’mnotacouplehater.I’mjustafirmbelieverthatnothinglastsforever.Idon’tbelieveinlong-

termrelationshipsortwopeoplebecomingone.Forgod’ssake,youareyourownperson,butallthat

goesoutthewindowthemomentyoudecidetohandoveryourlife,emotionalcontrol,andidentityto

another person. You don’t need to be in a relationship to be happy. If anything, relationships wreak

morehavoconyourlifethananythingelse.”

“Wow.VeryinsightfulandIagreewitheverywordyoujustsaid.Relationshipsarefortheweak.

They’re for those who seek others so they can feel strong. Besides, people are selfish. They only

enterintorelationshipsiftheycangetsomethingoutofit.”

“Truth,Mr.Caine.”IsmiledasIclankedmyglassagainsthis.

IstoodthereandlistenedtoJacksonCaine,whohadthesameexactviewsonrelationshipsasIdid.

Itwasrefreshingtofinallymeetamanwhosethoughtprocesswasthesameasmine.

“So,doyouhavewomandrama?”Iasked.

“Yes,sometimesIdo.It’semotionallydraining,”hereplied.

“Right?It’slikewhatpartof‘Idon’twantarelationship’doyounotunderstand?Wecangooutto

dinner,dance,drink,andhavesex,butthat’stheextentofit.Idon’twanttomeetyourfamily.Idon’t

wanttobeexclusive.Idon’twanttohavetoanswertoyouandtellyouwhatIdoeveryfiveseconds

ofeveryday,andIdon’twanttohavetoexplainmyselfastowhyIdidn’ttextorcallyoubackthirty

secondsafteryoucalledortextedme.”

“Damn,Emily.Youhavehitthenailonthehead.”

“Shouldn’tyoubewithyourdate?”Icockedmyhead.

Thecornersofhismouthcurvedintoaslysmile.“I’dmuchratherbeinyourcompanyrightnow.

Thestimulatingconversationisveryengaging.”

Oncethebridaldancewasover,fastmusicstartedtoplayandEvelynranuptome,grabbedmy

hand,anddraggedmeouttothedancefloor.

“You’vebeentalkingtoJacksonallnight.What’sup?”

“Nothing.Wejustsharethesameviewsonrelationships.”

“Great.”Sherolledhereyes.“Anotherrelationshiphater.”

Igiggledandshookmyhipstothebeatofthemusic,lettingmyselfgetlostandforgettingabout

thetextmessagesIhadyettorespondto.

Chapter7

Jackson

Istaredatherasshedancedonthedancefloor.Herbodywaseveryman’sdream.Fivefootseven,

longslenderlegs,leanfigure,long,bouncyblondehair,andbeautifulblueeyes.Shewasassmartas

awhip.Strong,independent,andhatedrelationshipsasmuchasIdid.Shehadjustbecometheperfect

womantohavefunwithwhenIneededit.Shewascareerdriven,justasIwas.Anti-relationship,just

likeme.I’dnevermetanyonelikeherbefore.Itooknoticeofherthatdayinhershop.Shepiquedmy

interestbecauseshewassobeautiful.Ihadthoughtaboutreturningtothestoreafewtimesafterthat

day but decided that I was already dating too many women at once and adding another to the mix

wouldn’tbeagoodidea.

AsIwaswatchingher,Kamiwalkedoverandhookedherarmaroundme.

“Areyoureadytogo?”sheasked.

“Notyet.”IcontinuedtostareatEmily,asshehadmyfullattention.

“Areyoustaringatthatblondethatwassittingatourtable?”sheasked.

“AndwhatifIwas?”Iglancedoverather.“Wearen’tinarelationship.Webothareunattached.It’s

notacrimetostareatanotherwoman.”

“No,it’snotacrime.It’sjustrudeanddisrespectful.Youknowwhat?I’mtiredofthesegameswith

you.I’mleaving.”Shestompedawayinahuff.

Isighed,andasthesongended,Emilywalkedovertome.

“What’swrongwithKami?”sheasked.

“Shegotmadatmeandleft.”

“Whatdidyoudotoher?”

“Nothing.Thatwasherproblem.”

“Poorgirl.”Shesmirked.“EvelynandIaregoingtogo.Itwasapleasuretoseeyouagain,Mr.

Caine.”Sheheldoutherhand.

“Thepleasurewasallmine,MissWade.”Iplacedmyhandinhersandbroughtituptomylips.“I

hopeyougetyourmandramasortedout.”

“That’smygoal.”

Iwatchedasshewalkedawayandoutoftheballroom.Iwouldlethersortouthermandrama,and

whenthetimewasright,we’dreconnect,andI’dtakehertomybed.

****

OneMonthLater

Emily

“IjustwantedtoletyouknowthatIthinkI’mgoingtotakeabreakfromdatingforawhile.It’s

nothingagainstyou,Iswear.Ijustneedsometimetofocusonme.Haveanicelife,Emily.”

“YES!”IshoutedasIraisedmyhandsintheairanddidalittledanceinthestore.

“What’sthatfor?”Katieaskedassheglancedoveratme.

“Brucedoesn’twanttodatemeanymore.”Igrinned.“ThelastofthemandramaandnowIcanput

themallbehindme.”

“Gee, I wonder why? Maybe it’s because after your date last week, you totally ignored his

hundredsoftextmessagesandphonecalls.”

“He wasn’t taking me seriously when I told him I didn’t want a relationship. I had no choice. I

couldn’tstandhistextmessagesanymorewithhimtellingmeeverymovehemade.Wakingmeupat

fivea.m.toletmeknowhewasgoingrunning.Textingmeatsixthirtytoletmeknowhewasgetting

intheshowerandthenagainatninetoinformmethathearrivedattheoffice.OHMYGOD,Ithought

Iwasgoingtoripmyhairout.AndwhenItoldhimthatIdidn’tneedtohaveaplaybyplayofhisday,

hejustlaughedandsaidIwastoocute.I’moverit.I’mtakingalongbreakfromdating.”

“Ithinkthat’sagoodidea.ButIstillthinkyoushouldseektherapy.Youfindflawswitheveryone

youmeet.Youalwayshave.Justlikeyourmomdid,”Katiespoke.

“It’snotthatIfindflawswiththem;it’sjusttheywantmoreandcan’tseemtorespectmydecision

aboutrelationships.”

“Tobehonest,andI’vetoldyouthisbefore,”Katiehungthelastdressontherackandwalkedover

tome,“yourviewsonrelationshipssuck.”

Ishrugged.

****

The past two weeks were some of the most relaxing weeks I’d had in a very long time. I wasn’t

datingandonlyfocusedonmyshopandtheonlinefashionboutiqueIwantedtostartup.Myphone

wassilentand,afteralongdayatwork,Iretreatedbacktomyapartment,tooklonghotbaths,cooked

dinner for myself, drank wine, and binged watched Netflix. Life was good and I was enjoying my

non-datinglife.

Itwas Friday morning.I stopped atStarbucks for my usualon the wayto work morning coffee,

openedupthestore,andbegangoingoveryesterday’ssales.Noelle,myothersalesclerk,strolledin

tenminuteslate.

“SorryI’mlate,Emily.ThecabIwasinonthewayheregotintoafenderbender.”Shesighedas

shesetherpursedownbehindthecounter.

“Areyouokay?”

“I’mfine.Ijustgotoutandwalkedtherestoftheway.”

“Well,ifyoustarttofeelanypost-accidenteffects,letmeknow.”

“I’llbefine.”

“Wegotashipmentofnewjewelryinlastnightbeforeweclosed.Canyoupricethemandputthem

out?”

“Sure.I’llgetrightonit.”Shesmiled.

As I was sitting behind the counter with my laptop, the door chimed, and I looked up. My heart

skippedabeatwhenIsawJacksonCainestepinsidemyshop.

“Goodmorning,Emily.”Hegrinnedashewalkedtowardsmewithhishandstuckedneatlyinhis

pockets.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Caine.Whatbringsyouinmystoretoday?”Icasuallysmiledback.

“Iwasintheareaanddecidedtodropbyandseehowyouweredoing.Actually,toseeifyougot

yourmandramastraightenedout.”

“Idid.Dramafreeandlovingeveryminuteofit.”

“Goodtohear.Howwouldyouliketohavedinnerwithmetonight?Nomandramafromme,Ican

guaranteeyou.”

Isatthereforamoment,staringathisintoxicatingsexinessinhisdarkgraytailoreddesignersuit.

Iwouldn’tlieandsayIdidn’tthinkabouthimandourconversationsattheweddingthatnight.There

was a connection between us. I felt it and I believed it was because our thought processes about

relationshipswerethesame.WehadsomethingincommonandItookcomfortknowingthat.Anice

dinnerwithhimandgreatconversationwouldn’thurt.Ifoundhiminterestingandactuallywantedto

get to know him better. Not only was he handsome as all fuck, but I was also attracted to his

personality.

“Iwouldliketohavedinnerwithyoutonight.Thankyoufortheinvitation.”Ismiled.

“Excellent.Ifyou’llgivemeyouraddress,I’llpickyouuparoundseven.”

“YoupicktherestaurantandI’llmeetyouthere.Isthatokay?”

“That’sfine.MayIhaveyourphonenumbertokeepintouchincasesomethinghappens?”

“You’renotgoingtotextmeyourdailyactivities,areyou?”Iaskedwithatwistedface.

“What?”Hechuckled.

“Likethatyou’releavingtheoffice.Youarrivedhome.You’regettingintheshower.You’reeating

asnack.”

“Goodgod,no.Domenactuallydothat?”Hearchedhisbrow.

“Unfortunately.”Ilookeddown.

“IcanpromiseyouthatIwouldneverdothat.IfI’mgoingtotextyou,it’llbebecauseIwanttosay

hiorIhaveinformationforyou,suchasthenameoftherestaurantfordinnertonight.”

Hepulledouthisphoneandaddedmetohiscontacts.

“I’lltextyoulater.Haveagoodday,Emily.”

“Thanks,Jackson.Youtoo.”

Hegavemeawinkandbegantoheadtowardsthedoor.Beforeopeningit,heturnedandlookedat

me.

“Bytheway,Iloveyourstore.”

“Thanks.”Ismiled.

Justashewalkedout,Evelynwalkedin.

“WasthatJacksonCaine?”

“Yes,itwas.”

“Didhebuyanotheroneofmydesigns?”

“No.Hecametoaskmetodinner.”

“Andyousaid?”

“Isaidyes.”Igaveasmallsmile.

“Whathappenedtotakingtimeofffromdatingandmandrama?”

“He’sdifferent.Remember,he’sjustasanti-relationshipasIam.”

“Youtwoshouldgetalongreallywell,then.”Shelaughed.

Chapter8

Jackson

AfterleavingEmily’sshop,Iheadedtotheoffice.

“Goodmorning,Mr.Caine.Mr.Windsorisinyourofficewaitingforyou.”

“Thankyou,Audrey,andgoodmorningtoyoutoo.”

Walking into my office, I found my best friend and vice president, Samuel, sitting in the chair

acrossfrommydesk.

“Wherehaveyoubeen?”

“I had to make a stop on the way in. Remember that girl I told you about? Emily? The one who

ownstheshopwhereIboughtJules’dressforherbirthday?”

“Yeah.Wasn’tshetheoneyouranintoatthatwedding?”

“Yes.Iaskedhertohavedinnerwithmetonight.”

“Goodforyou,bro.Nowthetwoofyoucanbashrelationshipsallnight.Speakingofwhich,I’m

breakingupwithStephtonight.Wishmeluckthatshedoesn’tgoallpsychotic.”

“Iwishyoualltheluckintheworld,man.Thatgirlisabitunstable.”

“I know.” He shook his head. “Anyway, we need to go over the market analysis for the condo

project.”

Aftermymeetingwasfinished,IaskedAudreytocomeintomyoffice.

“Yes,Mr.Caine?”

“Please call Jean Georges and make a reservation for two at seven o’clock tonight. My usual

table.”

“Yes,sir.”

Pickingupmyphonefrommydesk,IsentEmilyatextmessage.

“JeanGeorgesatseveno’clock.TrumpHotel.I’llbewaitingforyououtside.”

“Nicechoice.Iwillseeyouthen.”

Ismiledandsetdownmyphone.Sheintriguedme,andshewasonewomanwhomIwantedtoget

to know better. Things felt natural with her that night at the wedding. I enjoyed her company and I

wantedmoreofit.Iwantedallofher.ButI’dhavetoplaythatverycarefullyorI’druntheriskof

never seeing her again. The other women, I didn’t care about. And even though I only spoke with

Emilyforafewhoursthatnight,IinstantlyknewthatIneededtoseeheragain.

****

“Iseriouslycan’tbelieveyou’regoingoutwithhimafteryou’reonadatinghiatus,”Katiespoke

asshelayacrossmybed.

“ThisblackdressorshouldIgored?”Iheldupbothdressesinfrontofme.

“Gored.”

“Ihaveagoodfeelingabouthim.Iknowhewon’tbeaproblem.”

“Forbothyoursakes,Ihopenot.”Shesighed.

Afterslippingintomydress,Iranthebrushthroughmylongblondehaironelasttime,dabbedon

ascarletredlipcolor,slippedintomyheels,andKatieandIwalkedouttogether.

“Havefuntonight.Areyoucomingintothestoretomorrow?”sheasked.

“Yes.Ishouldbetherearoundeleven-ish.”

“Okay.Ican’twaittohearallaboutyourdate.Don’tdoanythingIwouldn’tdo.”Shesmirked.

ThecabdriverpulleduptothecurboftheTrumpHotelandIsawJacksonstandingoutsidewaiting

forme.Uponopeningthedoor,hewalkedoverandheldouthishand.

“Youlookverylovely.”Hesmiledashetookholdofmyhandandhelpedmefromthecab.

“Thankyou.Youlookquitehandsomeyourself.”

When we approached the hostess desk, a brunette greeted us and immediately walked us over to

ourtable.

“Haveyouevereatenhere?”Jacksonasked.

“I’vebeenhereacoupleoftimes.”

“Withyourothermen,Ipresume.”Hesmirked.

“Yes.AndoneofthemforgothiswalletathomeandIendeduppayingthebill.”

“Icanassureyouthatyouwon’tbepayingthebilltonight.”Hewinked.

Aswewerelookingoverourmenus,thetallskinnywaitresscameovertotakeourdrinkorder.

“We’llhaveabottleofchampagne,”Jacksonspoke.

“Verygood.AssoonasIbringthat,I’lltakeyourdinnerorder.”

“Whatareyougoingtohave?”heaskedashelookedupfromhismenu.

“Ithinkthebeeftenderloin.”

Hisbrowarchedashesmiled.“Ah,agirlwholikesmeat.”

Icouldn’thelpbutlaugh.“Thewomenyoudatedon’teatmeat?”

“Theymostlyeatlettuce.”

“Well,Ilikemymeat.”

“That’ssomethingIliketohear.”ThecornersofhismouthturnedintoaslygrinandIcouldfeel

myfaceredden.

Thewaitressbroughtoverourchampagne,pouredsomeineachglass,andthenproceededtotake

ourorder.

“So,” I picked up my glass and took a sip, “tell me about Jackson Caine. I want all the dirt.” I

smiled.

“Well,I’mthirtyyearsold.YouknowIhaveasister.DidImentionthatshe’smytwin?”

“Really?Waitaminute.Ifyoursisterisyourtwin,thenitwasyourbirthdayaswell.”

“Youarecorrect.”Hesmiled.

Iraisedmyglasstohim.“Happybelatedbirthday.”

“Thankyou,Emily.”Hebroughthisglasstomine.

“MayIaskwhatyoudoforwork?”

“I’m the CEO of Caine Property Development & Management, which I took over for my father

afterhisretirement.”

“Impressive.Yourfathercan’tbethatold.”

“He’sfifty-five.Hisphilosophywasthatheputinhistime,builthiscompany,andnowit’supto

metorunitwhileheandhiscurrentwifetraveltheworld.”

“Yourparentsaredivorced?”

“Yes. Multiple times over.” He smiled. “My father is on his fifth wife and my mother is on her

fourthhusband.Iswearthey’reincompetitionwitheachothertoseewhocanmarrythemosttimes

beforetheydie.”

“Wow.That’scrazy.”

Hehelduphisglasstome.“HencethereasonIdon’tbelieveinrelationships.”

“Touché.”IsmiledasIclankedmyglassagainsthis.

“I grew up watching the bad relationships my parents had with each other and their significant

others.Neitheroneofthemhaveeverbeenhappy.”

“I’msorry.Whataboutyoursister?Isshealsoanti-relationship?”

“NotasbadasIam.She’shadhershareofmen,butnowsheletdownherguardandfellinlove

withadoctorshemetatthehospital.They’vebeendatingalittleoverayear.”

“Thatmusthavebeenscaryforher.”

“Itwas,buthetreatsherlikeaqueenandshe’shappy.Ijusthopeitlasts.”

“You don’t have to be in a relationship to be happy in life,” I spoke as I sipped my champagne.

“Relationshipshaveawayoftakingahappypersonandturningthemmiserable.”

“Ifullyagree.So,whataboutyourparents?”

“Ineverknewmyfatherandmymotherpassedawayacoupleofyearsagofromcancer.”

“I’msorryforyourloss.Didsheevermarry?”

“OhGodno.”Ilaughed.“HencethereasonIamthewayIam.Shedidn’tbelieveinrelationships

and dated a slew of men over the years. She always told me that companionship is good, but

relationships are bad. The minute a guy wanted to become serious, she dumped him. She was very

careerdriven.HerbusinessandIwereherlife.”

“Whatdidshedo?”

“Sheownedherowninsurancecompany.Beforeshepassedaway,shesolditandputthemoneyin

anaccountforme.That’showIwasabletoopenmyownshop.”

“TellmeifI’mbeingtoopersonal,butwhataboutyourfather?Yousaidyouneverknewhim.Did

sheevertalkabouthim?”

“Theonlythingsheevertoldmewasthatshewasn’tsurewhomyfatherwasanditdidn’tmatter

becauseitwasjustthetwoofusandthat’showitwouldalwaysbe.”

“Doyoueverwonder?”heasked.

“Iusedto,butIhaven’tinalongtime.What’sthepoint?”

Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupwardsashepickeduphisglass.

“Here’stoenjoyinglifethewaywewant.”

“Andstayingsingleandhappy.”Iheldupmyglasstohis.

Afterfinishingdinner,Jacksonpaidthebillandwesteppedoutsidetherestaurant.Westoodthere,

facingeachotherinthemidstofthatawkwardmomentphase.Heslowlybroughthishanduptomy

face.

“YouareanincrediblybeautifulwomanandIenjoyedhavingdinnerwithyou.”Hesmiled.

“Thankyou.Ihadagreattime.”

“WoulditbeokayifIkissedyougoodnight?”

“Ithinkthatwouldbeokay.”IsoftlysmiledasIstaredintohiseyes.

He moved his hand from my cheek and cupped my chin as his head dipped and his lips brushed

againstmine.HiskisswaseverythingIknewitwouldbe.Soft,sensual,delightful,andsexy.Hepulled

awayandstaredatmewithahungerinhiseyes.Hewantedmorethanjustabriefkissandthewaymy

bodywasreactingtohim,sodidI.

Nowordswerespokenashislipsmetmineonceagain.Myarmswrappedaroundhisneckashis

tongueslippedinsideandtangledwithmine.Awetnessdownbelowemergedaswellasafierceache

thatcouldn’tbetamed.

“Gogetaroom,youtwo,”apasserbyshouted.

Bothofuslaughedmid-kissasheplacedhishandsonmyhips.

“There’saroomrightinside,”hespoke.

“Yes,thereis.”Ismirked.

“Areyouinterestedinseeingwhattheroomhastooffer?”

“Veryinterested.”

ThesmileonhisfacegrewwideashegrabbedmyhandandwewalkedintotheTrumpHotel.

“Goodevening,mayIhelpyou?”thegentlemanbehindthecounterasked.

“Weneedaroom,”Jacksonreplied.

“Anypreference?”

“No.Nottonightanyway.Justgiveuswhatyouhaveavailable.”

“Howmanynightswillyoubestaying?”

“Justone.”

“Wehaveourparksuiteavailable.AllI’llneedisyourcreditcard,please.”

Jacksonreachedintohiswalletandhandedhimhiscard.

“You’reallset,Mr.Caine.Youareinroom1711.”

“Thankyou.”

Themomenttheelevatordoorsshut,Jacksonturnedandsmashedhismouthagainstmineallthe

waytotheseventeenthfloor.MybodywasalreadyonfirewithdesireforhimandIdidn’twanthis

lipstoleavemine.Afteropeningthedoortoourroom,heimmediatelylockedit,swoopedmeupin

hisarms,andcarriedmetothebedroom.

Chapter9

Jackson

Herlipswereassoftassilkandtastedlikechampagne.Settingherdownonthefloor,Iwastedno

timetakingdownthestrapsofhersexyreddressandlettingitfalltothefloor.Herredstraplessbra

pushedhertitsupandcreatedthemostsensuouscleavageI’deverseen,arousingmeevenmore,until

Ilookeddownatthelaceredstringpantiesshewaswearingthatsentmeovertheedge.Mytongue

slidalongherneckasIpushedherhairtotheside,whilemyhandsroamedupanddownher,feeling

theperfectionofherbody.HerskinbeneathmyfingerswasassoftasarosepetalandIcouldn’twait

toburymycockdeepinsidethisbeautythatIhadthepleasureofgettingtoknowtonight.Bringing

my fingers around to the clasp of her bra, I unhooked it with ease. Her breasts were natural,

beautifullyformed,andtheperfectsize.Hersoftpinknippleshardenedintopeaksbeneathmytouch

andherhandscombedthroughmyhair.

Wrappingonearmaroundher,Ilayherdownonthebed,removingmymouthfromhersasmy

tongueslidacrosseachofherbreasts.Alightmoanescapedherlipsasherhandwrappedaroundmy

neck,forcingmetotakeherentirebreastinmymouth.WhatIwouldn’tgivetojustplungemycock

deepinsideheratthatmoment.Butthisneededtolast.Ineededtomakesureshewasfullypleasured

andherarousalwasfullyheightenedbeforeIfuckedher.Shedeservedit.Myhandsliddownthefront

ofherpanties,feelingthesmoothnessofherfreshlyshavenskin,andsoftlycaressedherclitbefore

dipping my finger inside. She gasped with excitement and threw her head back as she took in the

pleasureIgaveher.Shearousedmeineverysense,thewayonlyawomanlikehercould.Removing

my finger, I took down her panties, pulled her to the edge of the bed, got down on my knees, and

buriedmyfacebetweenherlegs.Amoanofdesireescapedher.Herhandsgrippedthebedsheetsas

shearchedherbackwhilemytonguemadeherorgasmsomethingfierce.

Standingup,Itookoutacondomfrommywallet,tookdownmypants,andsmiledasIhovered

overherbeautifulbody.Herhandscuppedeachsideofmyfaceasmylipsmethersforapassionate

kiss. Lowering myself, I thrust inside her with ease, letting her take me in until I was buried deep

inside her. With slow, soft strokes, I moved in and out of her, taking pleasure in the way her pussy

envelopedmycock.Thewarmthshepossessedinsidewasgratifyingasmyskinbegantoformbeads

of sweat. Moans rumbled in my chest as I pushed up and picked up my pace while I stared into her

eyes.Wordsweren’tspoken,butherexpressionandbodymovementalreadytoldmewhatIneededto

know.Thebuildupwascomingandallitwouldtakewasherorgasmtosendmeovertheedge.Her

screams of ecstasy filled the room and her legs tightened around me while her body shook

underneath me. One last thrust and I halted as I closed my eyes and strained to push out every last

drop.Droppingmybodyonhers,Iburiedmyfaceinherneck.Herbreathingwasrapid,aswasmine,

makingithardtocatchourbreath.

Liftingmyselfoffofher,Ikissedherlipsandthendisposedofthecondominthebathroom.When

Iwalkedbackintotheroom,Ifoundhersittingupandslippingbackintoherdress.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Iasked.

“Gettingdressed.”Shesmirked.

“Takeitoffandputthison.”Ireachedintheclosetandgrabbedarobefromthehanger.

“Aren’tweleaving?”sheaskedasshetookitfromme.

“No. Why would we leave? I paid for the night. We might as well enjoy what the room has to

offer.”Igrinned.“Doyouusuallyleaverightaftersex?”

“Mostofthetime.Youdon’t?”

“MostofthetimeIdo,butit’salreadylateandwe’rehere,sowemightaswellstay.”Iputonthe

otherrobe.

“Oh,okay.ButIwillwarnyouthatIsnore.”Shesmiled.

IchuckledasIfollowedherintothelivingarea.“I’vebeenknowntosnoreaswell,somaybewe

canhaveacontestofwhosnorestheloudest.”

Shelaughedandwalkedovertothecounterwheretherewasadisplayofchocolatesandsnacks.

“Wouldyoulikemetoopenabottleofwine?”IaskedasIopenedtherefrigerator.

“Winesoundsgood,especiallywiththischocolatebar.”

“Areyougoingtosharethatchocolatebarwithme?”Ismirked.

“Youlikechocolate?”Shenarrowedhereye.

“Iloveit.Ikeepabagofitinmydeskdrawerattheoffice.”

Hergrinwidened.“Ikeepabagofitunderneaththecounterattheshop.”

Iopenedthewinewhileshegrabbedtwoglassesandwewentbackintothebedroomandclimbed

intobed.ShebroketheHershey’sbarinhalfandhandedittome.

“Ah!Whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedasIbroughttheglassuptomylips.

“Drinkingsomewine.”Iarchedmybrow.

“Mr.Caine,whenyouhavechocolateandwine,youdon’ttastethewinefirst.”

“Youdon’t?”Icockedmyhead.

“No. You break off a piece of chocolate, put it in your mouth, and savor the creamy taste. Then

you,”shebroughttheglassuptoherlipsandtookadrink,“washitdownwiththewine.See,it’sa

delicacyanditmustbetreatedwiththeupmostrespect.”Shesmiled.

AsIstaredatherwithmyheadtiltedtotheside,tryingtoabsorbwhatshehadjustsaid,Icouldn’t

helpbutsmileathowfuckingadorableshewas,andtheword‘adorable’wasnotinmyvocabulary.

“Myapologiestothechocolate.”

“Thankyou.”Shegaveanod.

“So,what’sthelongestperiodoftimeyoudatedaguy?”

“Hmm.Letmesee.”Shelookedupattheceiling.“Amonth.Itwouldhavebeenlongerbecausehe

wasagreatguy,buthehadtogoandfallinlovewithmeandthenstartedtotalkaboutmarriageand

howIwastheonehecouldseespendingtherestofhislifewith.”

“Pity. Why can’t people understand the unnaturalness of relationships? I mean, spending your

wholelifewithonepersonisabsurd.I’msureyou’rewellawareofanythingyoudoinlifeforalong

periodoftimegetsboring.”

“Right?!”Hereyeslitup.“Especiallythesex.”Sheshuddered.

“Nottomentiontheboringconversationsthatyou’reforcedtohavewitheachother,”Ispoke.

“Andbeingforcedtoputonahappyfacetooutsiderswhenreallyyoujustwanttoriphisheadoff

becauseeverythinghedoesirritatestheshitoutofyou.”

“Definitelythatone.”Ipointedather.“Andthefightsandtheconstantarguing.”

“Sodraining.Whyanyonewouldwanttoputthemselvesinthatpositionisbeyondme.Asfaras

I’mconcerned,peoplearewaytooselfishtogetinvolvedinrelationships.”

“Iam.”Ismiled.

“Metoo.Sohowaboutyou?Longestrelationshipever?”Shepoppedanotherpieceofchocolatein

hermouth.

“Never.I’veneverstuckaroundlongenoughforarelationshiptoform.”

“Soyoujustdateawomanonceandmoveontothenext?”

“No.SometimesIdatethemthreetimesandthentheystartgettingattached.Textingmeallthetime,

whiningaboutseeingmeagain,sayinghowmuchtheymissedme.SoIblocktheirnumberanddon’t

seethemagain.Ican’tstandneedywomen.Theydrivemeinsane.”

“Ican’tstandneedymeneither.SometimesIjustwanttoscream,‘Growapairofballsandmanthe

fuckup!’”

IchuckledasIfinishedoffmyhalfofthechocolateandthewine.

“AsmuchasIloveourtantalizingconversations,Mr.Caine,I’mwipedout.”

“Metoo.Weshouldgetsomesleep.”Ikissedherforehead.Goodnight,Emily.”

“Goodnight,Jackson.”Sherolledoverawayfromme.

“Youdon’thavetosleepsofaraway,”Ispoke.

“Ineedmyspace.”

IsmiledasIturnedoffthelightandlaidmyheadonthepillow.

Chapter10

Emily

AsIlaythere,thefeelingoffirestillrippedthroughmybody.JacksonCainewastheBESTsexI’d

everhadinmyentirelife.EvenbetterthanJennerBrooksandIthoughthewasprettygood.Wasit

bad that I felt an ache down below that was screaming to be fulfilled again? Everything physically

about him was beyond expectations. His tongue and hands worked magic on my body as they

exploredeveryinchofme,andhismanhood—mygod—hismanhoodwastheperfectsize.Itwasbig

butnotoverlyhuge.Icouldfeeleveryinchofhiminside.Histhicknessandlengthspokeforitself.

Goingbeyondlooks,hispersonalitywasonethatIconnectedwithrightaway.Ifeltcomfortable

withhim.AlmostasifI’dknownhimmyentirelife.Asifhewasabestfriendwhowaswaitinginthe

wings. I could definitely see a blooming friendship with him. A guy with whom I could go out and

havefunwithwithoutanystringsattached,havegoodsex,andcallitanight.Coulditbeapossibility

thatIcouldhavemycakeandeatittoo?

Openingmyeyes,Istaredathisarm,whichwasdrapedaroundme.Hisfacewasburiedinmyhair

frombehindandthewarmthofthisbreathcascadeddownmyneck.

“Jackson?”Iwhispered.

Hemoanedashesnuggledinclosertome.

“Areyouawake?”

“Iamnow.What’swrong?”hemumbled.

“Nothing.Iwasjustwonderingwhyyou’reallupinmyspace.”

Heremovedhisarmandturnedonhisback.

“Sorry.Idon’tknowwhathappened.”

Shiftingmybody,Iturnedonmysideandsmiledathim.

“It’sfine.Itwaskindofnice.”

Heopenedoneeyeandlookedatme.

“Itwas.Wasn’tit?”

“Ineedcoffee.”Iplacedmyhandonhismuscularchest.

“Metoo.Let’sorderroomservicebeforeheadingout.”

Ireachedovertothenightstandandhandedhimtheroomservicemenu.

“Whatareyouinthemoodfor?”heaskedashesatupagainsttheheadboard.

“Poachedeggs,wholewheattoast,bacon,freshfruit,coffee,andorangejuice,”Ireplied.

“Sounds like my kind of breakfast.” He smiled as he picked up the phone on his nightstand and

placedourorder.

Climbingoutofthebed,Iwentintothebathroomandwashedmyface.

“Youdidn’ttellmeIhadmascarastainsundermyeyes,”Ishoutedtohim.

“Youlookfinetome.”

Smiling, I patted my face dry with a towel and walked into the living area, where Jackson was

lookingoutthewindowatCentralPark.

“Ineedtofuckyouagain,Emily,”hespoke,lookingstraightahead.

ShiversrandownmyspinewhenIheardhimsaythat.Itwasasifhereadmymind.Theachedown

belowhadbeenfiercesincelastnight.

“Now?Breakfastwillbehereshortly.”

Heturnedandlookedmewithaslysmile.Slowlywalkingovertome,heuntiedmyrobeandslid

itoffmyshoulders.

“Breakfastcanwait.”

Hislips brushed againstmine as hishands cupped my breastsand a moanrumbled in his throat.

Untyinghisrobe,Isliditoffhimandplacedmyhandonhiscock,whichwasalreadyhardandready

togo.

“Damn, your hand feels so good,” he whispered as his fingers traveled up my thigh and dipped

insideme.

“Sodoesyours,”Imoanedaswebothstoodpressedagainsteachotherinthemiddleoftheliving

room.

“Iwantyoufrombehind.Bendoverthetable,”hespokeinacommandingtone.“Wait,Ineedto

makesureyouarefullyreadytotakemeinsideofyou.”Hegotdownonhiskneesandlethismouth

workmyachingandthrobbingarea.

IwasalreadyonthevergeofhavinganorgasmandIbeggedhimnottostop.

“Oh,Iwon’tuntilyougivemewhatIdesperatelywant,”hemoaned.

The feeling of pleasure that ripped through my body was exhilarating as I let out a high-pitched

soundandthewaveofanorgasmtookover.Hestoodupandsmashedhismouthintomine,giving

meatasteofmyself.Heturnedmearoundandbentmeoverthetable,pulledacondomfromhisrobe

pocket,rollediton,andwastednotimethrustinginsideofmeatarapidanimal-likepace.Suddenly,

therewasaknockatthedoorandaman’svoicespoke,“Roomservice.”

“Fuck,” Jackson groaned. “Just leave it outside the door,” he shouted as he continued moving in

andoutofme.

“Ineedasignature,sir,”theman’svoicespoke.

“Iwillsignlater!I’mbusyatthemoment.”

HepickedupthepaceonceagainandIcouldn’thelpbutlaugh.

“Itoldyou.”Iturnedmyheadandlookedathim.

“Toobad.I’mfinishingwhatIstarted.”Hegrabbedmyhairandpulledmyheadback,givingmea

smallkiss.

A few more strokes were all it took for him to send me over the edge to oblivion and then he

halted,makingsurehewasburieddeepinsidemewhilehemoanedwithpleasure.Afterhewenttothe

bathroomtodisposeofthecondom,Islippedonmyrobeandopenedthedoor,bringingthecartwith

thetwotraysonitinside.Oncewewerefinishedeating,weslippedintoourclothesfromlastnight

andcheckedout.

“Thankyouforawonderfulnightandmorning.”Hesmiledasheplacedhisthumbonmychin.

“You’rewelcome.Thankyouaswell.Ihadalotoffun.”

“Whatareyourplansfortoday?”heasked.

“Ihavetogototheshop.ItoldKatieI’dbetherebyeleven,andseeingwhattimeitis,Ireallyhave

togo.”

“Me too. I have some work to do at the office. I’ll see you around.” He kissed my forehead and

hailedmeacab.

Chapter11

Emily

As I walked into the shop, Emily and Noelle looked up at me as they heard the bell on the door

ring.Iwilladmit,IwasahotmessandIdidn’thavetimetogohomeandchange.Neitheroneofthem

saidaword,butIcouldfeeltheglaresfromacrosstheshopasIgrabbedadressandapairofshoes

andwentintothefittingroomtochange.WhenIwasfinishedandsteppedout,thetwoofthemwere

standingtherewiththeirarmsfolded.

“What?”Iasked.

“Lastnight’sclothes,”Katiespoke.

“Andnomakeup,”Noellechimedin.“Nottomentionyourcrazyhair.”

“And? Jackson and I ended up staying at the Trump. We had breakfast and then I came straight

here.”

“Yousleptwithhim?”Katiefollowedmetothecounter.

“Idid,anddoyouknowwhatthebestpartwasbesidestheamazingsexwehad?”

“What?”Shenarrowedhereye.

“Therewasno‘I’llcallyousoon’or‘I’llbeintouch.’”Igrinned.

“He didn’t act like he was going to call you after being with you all night and this morning?”

Noelleasked.

“Nope.Isn’tlifegrand?”

“Sodoesthatmeanyouwon’tbeseeinghimagain?”Katieasked.

Ishrugged.“Idon’tknow.We’llhavetosee.”

“Doyouwanttoseehimagain?”Noellebitdownonherbottomlip.

“Yeah. I wouldn’t mind. He’s a great guy and we have so much in common. Spending time with

himwasfun.”

Thestorewasstartingtogetcrowded,soNoellewalkedaroundandinteractedwiththecustomers,

askingiftheyneededanyhelp.

“TodayisAlex’sbirthday,”Katiespoke.

“That’sright.Icompletelyforgot.TellhimIsaidhappybirthday.”

“Youcantellhimyourselfbecausewewantyoutogoouttodinnerwithustonight.”

“Youtwodon’twanttocelebratealone?”

“We can do that later. Actually, a couple of Alex’s friends are tagging along and—” She looked

downashertonebecameserious.

“Andwhat?What’swrong?”

“ElizabethandKeithwillbethere.”

“Elizabeth?AsintheoneyouthinkAlexhasfeelingsfor?Itoldyoujusttocomeoutandaskhim.”

“I did and he got all mad at me and asked how I could even think something like that. He said

they’re just friends and that she’s his best friend’s girl. Then he told me he loved me and we had

awesomesaucesex.”

“Iknowyoudidnotjustsay‘awesomesauce.’”Iraisedmybrowather.

“Please say you’ll come. I need you there to read his body language and see if you notice him

staringather.Myrelationshipdependsonit.”

Apparently, this all started a couple of months ago after Katie overheard part of a phone

conversation between Alex and Elizabeth. It was nothing incriminating and when she asked why he

wastalkingtoher,hesaidthatshehadcalledhimforsomeadviceaboutlawschool.Apparently,she

wasthinkingaboutgettingalawdegree.Katiewasn’tcomfortablewithAlextalkingtoElizabethover

thephonebecauseitseemedlikeeveryconversationtheyhad,Elizabeth’snamecameup.Heseemed

totalkaboutheralot.

“I’llgo.Whereareyougoing?”

“GramercyTavern.Seveno’clock.It’shisfavoriteplace.”

“Fine.I’llmeetyouthere.Sinceyouguyshavetheshopundercontrol,I’mgoingtogohomeand

takeabathandrelaxforawhile.”

“Thanksagainforcomingwithustonight.”Shehuggedme.

“Noproblem.Whatarebestfriendsfor?”Ismiled.

Afterleavingtheshop,Iwenthome,strippedoutofmyclothes,andclimbedintoanicehotbubble

bath.OnceIwasfullyrelaxed,thoughtsofJacksonandournighttogethercametomymind.Ismiled

asIthoughtabouttheincrediblethingshedidtome.Notonlylastnight,butthismorningonthetable.

I’dnevermetamanwhoknewhiswayaroundawoman’sbodylikehedid.Justthethoughtofitmade

metremble.

****

IwasfashionablylatebytenminuteswhenIarrivedattherestaurant.

“Sorry I’m late. Traffic was overkill.” I smiled as Alex stood up and I gave him a hug. “Happy

birthday.”

“Thanks,Emily.It’sgoodtoseeyou.”

WalkingovertoKatie,IgaveherahugandthenplacedmyhandonKeith’sshoulderbeforetaking

myseat.

“Nicetoseeyouagain,Keith.”

“Samehere.Emily,thisismygirlfriend,Elizabeth.”

“Nicetomeetyou,Elizabeth.”Iextendedmyhand.

“Nicetomeetyoutoo.”Shegaveafriendlysmile.

AssoonasIsatdown,thelankywaitress,wholookedlikeTaylorSwift,walkedoverandtookmy

drinkorder.

“I’llhaveaneatmartini,twooliveswithatwistoflemon.”

Shesmiledasshewroteitdownandwalkedaway.Nowitwastimeformetoputmydetectiveeyes

onandwatchtheinteractionbetweenAlexandElizabeth.Aswewereeatingdinnerandcarryingona

conversation,Katiereachedunderthetableandgrabbedmythigh.

“What?”Myeyeswidenedather.

“Isn’tthatJacksonwhojustwalkedthroughthedoor?”

Ilookedstraightahead;itsurewashimandhewasn’talone.Afeelinghitthepitofmystomach,a

nervousness which I wasn’t sure of. Wouldn’t it figure that the hostess set down their menus at the

tablerightnexttous.Beforetakinghisseat,Jacksonglancedoverandsmiledwhenhesawmesitting

there.

“Emily.”Hewalkedovertoourtablewithaslygrin.

“Jackson.”Igraciouslysmiled.

“Havinganightout?”heasked.

“Yes.Youtoo?”Ilookedoverattheblack-hairedwomanwhowaslookingatherphone.

“Yes.”Hegaveanod.

“Jackson, you already know Katie. This is her boyfriend, Alex, our friend, Elizabeth, and this is

mydate,Keith.”IsmiledasIplacedmyhandonhisshoulder.Everyone,thisisJacksonCaine.”

He smiled as pleasantries were exchanged and then he lightly bit down on his bottom lip as he

glaredatmeforamoment.

“Andyourdate’sname?”IaskedasIcockedmyhead.

“Samantha.”

Lookingoverather,Igaveherasmallwave.Sheshiftedinherseatasasmilecrossedherface.

“Enjoyyourdinner,”JacksonspokeashetookhisseatacrossfromSamantha.

“Youtoo.”

TurningtoKeith,InoticedElizabethwasglaringatme.

“Sorry.Ihadnochoice.Longstory.”

“Whydidyoudothat?”Katiewhispered.

“Idon’treallyknow.Itjustslippedout.”

OnceIfinishedeating,Iexcusedmyselfandheadedtotheladies’room.Afterwashingmyhands,I

openedthedoortofindJacksonstandingupagainstthewallwithhishandsinhispockets.

“Waitingtousetheladies’room?”Iasked.

“No.Comewithme.”Hegrabbedmyhand,ledmedownthehallandouttheexitdoorthatledto

analley.

“Whatareyoudoing?”

Hepushedmeupagainstthebrickwall,butnotbeforetakingholdofmywristsandpinningmy

armsabovemyhead.Hismouthsmashedintominewithsuchforceitliterallytookmybreathaway.

Usinghisfreehand,hediscreetlyslippeditupmydress,pushedmypantiestotheside,anddippedin

twofingers.Mybodyreactedintheproperwayasthewetnesspouredfromme.Moansrumbledinthe

backofmythroatashislipspressedagainstmineandhisfingersmanipulatedmeuntilIorgasmed.

Pullingawayfromme,heplacedhishandsonmyhipsandsmiled.

“Ithoughtmaybeyouwouldenjoythat.”

“Idid,”IspokebreathlesslyasIstaredintohismesmerizingeyes.

“Gobacktoyourdateandenjoytherestofyourevening.”Hewinkedashewalkedbackinsidethe

restaurant.

Iwaitedafewminutessoitdidn’tlooksuspicious.Takingmyseat,Icouldn’tevenbringmyselfto

lookoverJackson’sway.

“Whattookyousolong?”Katieasked.“Didyoufallinorsomething?”

“No.I’mjusthavingsomestomachissues.IthinkI’mgoingtoheadhome.”

“Okay.We’rereadytogoanyway.”

WhenAlexaskedthewaitressforthecheck,shetoldusthatithadalreadybeentakencareofbyan

anonymous person who was just paying it forward. I knew damn well Jackson paid for our meal.

Beforewalkingout,Iglancedoverathim,whowasengagedinaconversationwithSamantha.

“Itwasnicetoseeyouagain,”Isoftlyspokeastheadrenalinewasstillcoursingthroughmybody.

“Thepleasurewasallmine.”Hesmiled.

Takinginadeepbreath,Iwalkedoutside,saidgoodbyetomyfriends,andhailedacabhome.The

minute I walked through the door, I changed into my pajamas, poured myself a glass of wine, and

tookitovertothecouch.Sittingdown,Ibroughtmykneesuptomychestandletoutalongsigh.I

couldn’tstopthinkingaboutJacksonandwhathappenedearlier.Ittookalotofnervetodowhathe

did to me while his date was waiting for him at the table. It was a total dick move on his part and

maybehereallywasn’tthemanIthoughthewas.

AsIclimbedintobed,myphonerangandKatie’spictureappeared.

“Shouldn’tyoubecelebratingAlex’sbirthdayinbedinsteadofcallingme?”

“He’sinthebathroom,”shewhispered.“So,whatdoyouthink?Isheintoherornot?”

“No,sweetie.He’snot.Inoticednothingoutoftheordinary.Ifanything,hecouldn’ttakehiseyes

offyoutheentirenight.”

“Really?”sheaskedwithexcitement.

“Yes.Nowstoptryingtosabotageyourrelationship.I’mtheonlyonewhocandothat.”

“Thanks,Emily.I’llcallyoutomorrow.Loveyou.”

“Loveyoutoo.”

Chapter12

Jackson

“Thankyoufordinner,Jackson,”Samanthaspokeassheclimbedoutofthelimo.“Julesisgoing

tobesosurprised.It’sgoingtobeagreatparty.”

“You’rewelcome,andthankyouforhelpingmeplanit.”

“Noproblem.Talktoyousoon.”Shesmiledassheshutthedoor.

Juleswascertainlygoingtobesurprisedsinceourbirthdayhadalreadycomeandgone.

Onmywayhome,Icouldn’tstopthinkingaboutEmilyandhowbeautifulshelookedatdinner.My

mindracedwiththoughtsofher.Maybebecausewehadjustspentthenightandpartofthatmorning

together.Shewasanun-complicatedandverystrongwoman.NotonlydidIfindthatattractiveabout

her, it was also a major turn on. Her views on relationships were like mine and I had never known

anyone like that before. That was probably why I found sex with her to be the best I ever had.

Everything about her was incredible, and I knew there was no way she’d want anything more from

me,justlikeIdidn’twantanythingmorefromher.

Thenextmorning,theelevatorcameupandJulessteppedout.

“Goodmorning.”Shesmiledasshewalkedoverandkissedmycheek.

“Goodmorning.Coffee?”Iasked.

“I’dlovesome.Ijustgotoffatwenty-four-hourshift.”

Takingamugdownfromthecabinet,Ipouredsomestrongcoffeeintoitandhandedittoheras

shetookaseatattheisland.

“WastheERbusy?”

Shelaughed.“Whenisn’titbusy?Itwasoneaccidentafteranother,andIlostapatient.”

“Aw,Jules,I’msorry.”Itookaseatandhookedmyarmaroundher.

“It’spartofthejob.”

“Sowhatbringsyouby?”Iasked.

“Nothing.Ijustfeltlikesomebrotherbondingtime.ItalkedtoMomyesterdayinbetweenpatients.

Apparently,sheandStuarthaven’tbeengettingalonglately.”

“Andyou’resurprised?”Ismirked.“Imean,comeon,she’snotaneasywomantolivewith,andit

hasbeenfiveyearssincetheirmarriage.It’saboutthattime.”

“Ihavesomethingtotellyou.”Shelaidherheadonmyshoulder.

“What’swrong?”

“Carteraskedmetomarryhimlastnight.”

“Wow.Atthehospital?Inbetweenshifts?”Ilaughed.

Alightgiggleescapedherassheliftedherheadandlookedatme.

“Upontherooftopwhilewewerehavingdinner.”

“Howromantic.”Ismirked.

“Itwasandhetotallycaughtmeoffguard.”

“Whatdidyoutellhim?”

“IsaidIhadtothinkaboutit.”

“Thatmusthavebeenablowtohisego.”

“Heunderstood.Heknowshowwegrewupandhesaidthathedoesn’tneedananswernow.”

“He’sagoodman,Jules.”

“Iknowheis,butmarriagechangespeopleandIdon’twanthimorustochange.”

“True.Ifyoureallydon’twanttogetmarried,thendon’t.Ifhecan’tunderstandthat,thenmaybehe

isn’ttheguyforyou.”

“Ilovehim,Jackson,butmarriagescaresthehelloutofme.”

“I know it does and it should.” I kissed the side of her head. “Can’t the two of you just continue

living together without the piece of paper? He knows everything about you and he knows how you

feelaboutmarriage.Listen,dowhateveryourhearttellsyou.Don’tlistentowhat’sgoingoninside

yourhead.Ifyoulovehimthatmuch,whichIknowyoudo,thenmarrytheguy.”

“Comingfromamanwhorefusestogetintoarelationship.”Shesmirked.

“True.”Igrinned.“Marriageandrelationshipsaren’tforme,butforyou,itseemstowork.Sojust

followyourheart.”

“Thanks,Jackson.”Shekissedmycheek.“I’mgoingtogohomeandgetsomesleep.Carterhas

anothercoupleofhoursuntilhisshiftends.”

I wasn’t surprised that Carter asked Jules to marry him. He was so in love with her and it was

somethingyoucouldseeeverytimetheyweretogether.Idecidedtostayinanddosomeworkfrom

home. As I was sitting in my office, looking up some properties, I received a text message from

CarteraskingifIwashome.

“Hey,man.Areyoubyanychancehome?”

“Yeah.I’mjustdoingsomework.What’sup?”

“Ineedtotalktoyou.WouldyoumindifIstoppedby?”

“Notatall.Comeonover.Justtaketheelevatorup.”

Aboutthirtyminuteslater,Iheardtheelevatording,soIgotupfrommychairandheadedtothe

kitchen.

“Ibroughtusapizza.”Cartersmiledashesetitonthecounter.

“Great.I’llgrabacoupleofbeers.”

Afterhandinghimabeer,Itookdownacoupleofplatesandbroughtthepizzatothetablewhere

webothsatdownandgrabbedaslice.

“Whatdidyouwanttotalkabout?”Iasked,eventhoughIwascertainitwasabouthisproposalto

Jules.

“IaskedJulestomarrymelastnight.”

“Oh?”IpretendedthatIdidn’tknow.“Whatdidshesay?”

“Shesaidshe’dhavetogetbacktome.”

“Areyoureallysurprisedbythat?”

“Not really. It just seemed like the perfect moment. Maybe I should have waited. I’m just so

worriedthatshe’sgoingtosayno.”Hetookasipofhisbeer.

“Don’tgiveuponherjustyet.Iknowshelovesyouandifshecanpushasidealltheshitwegrew

upseeing,thenI’msureshe’llsayyes.”

“Ireallydonotlikeyourparentsatthemoment.”Hegrinned.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can understand that. They certainly have their issues, which were

passeddowntomeandJules.”

“Youknow,Jackson,noteveryrelationshipislikethat.Myparentshavebeenhappilymarriedfor

thirtyyears.Peoplecangetmarriedandstaytogether.”

“I’msuresomecan.”

“Youdon’tbelievethatifJulesandIgotmarried,we’dbetogetherforever?”

“Idon’tknow,Carter.YouandJuleshaveanamazingrelationship.Doyoureallyneedapieceof

papertosolidifythat?”

“Yes. Actually, I do. I want to make her my wife. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life

introducingherasmygirlfriend.”

“IreallywishIcouldunderstandwhereyou’recomingfrom,butIcan’t.Myparentsdidn’tpaint

thisamazingpictureofhowwonderfulandfulfillingmarriageis.Theyonlyshowedusthatifthings

getbadortough,yougetout.”

“I understand that, but see, my parents did paint the perfect picture of how it can be when two

peoplearedeeplyinlove,andthat’swhatIwantwithJules.”

“Andyouthinkhavingagrandpartywithatonofpeopleanddeclaringyourloveinfrontofthem

isgoingtomakeanydifference?”

“Ido.”Hefinishedoffasecondsliceofpizza.

I felt bad for the guy because he wholeheartedly believed that he and Jules would be together

forever. Who the hell knew; maybe they would be. I just didn’t want him to pressure my sister into

somethingshewasunsureof.

“WhatdoIdo,Jackson?”

“Doyoulovemysister?”Iaskedwithseriousness.

“Morethananythinginthewholeworld.I’ddieforher.”

“Thenyou’llwaitforheranswer.Andifshetellsyouno,youwon’tletitchangeanythingabout

yourrelationship.”

“Icouldn’tanyway.Ifshesaysno,thenI’llrespectherdecision.”

“You’reagoodman,Carter,andjusttoletyouknow,Igotyourback.”

“Thanks,man.Iappreciateit.”

Afterfinishingoffalargepizzaandtwobeerslater,helefttogohometohisgirlfriendandIwent

backtodoingsomeworkinmyoffice.ThoughtsofEmilycreptthroughmymindandIfoundmyself

wantingtotakeheroutagain.ButI’dwaitafewdaysuntilpoppingintohershoptoaskher.

Chapter13

Emily

OneWeekLater

EvelynandIwereintheback,lookingovertherackofclothesshehaddesigned,whenKatiecame

inwithawidegrinacrossherface.

“Excuseme,MissWade.Thereisagentlemanheretoseeyou.”

“Who?”

“IdobelievehisnameisMr.JacksonCaine.”Shespokeinafakesouthernaccent.

A flip in my belly caught me off guard as I stood there for a moment. Following her out of the

backroom,IsmiledwhenIsawhimstandinginfrontofthecounter,darkbluedesignersuitandall.

“Hellothere,Mr.Caine.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“Hello,Emily.It’sgoodtoseeyouagain.”Thesmileonhisfacewidened.

“Goodtoseeyoutoo.”

Heplacedhisarmonthecounterandslightlyleanedoveritsohisfacewasinchesfrommine.

“Iwasthinkingthatmaybewecouldhavedinnertonight.”

“Isthatso?”Ismiled.

“Yes.Veryso.Whatdoyousay?”

“I’dlikethat.Whattime?”

“Whattimeworksforyou?”heasked.

“Sixthirty?”

“Sixthirtyitis.”

“Wherewouldyouliketomeet?”Iasked.

“425West50

Street,PenthouseA.”

“We’rehavingdinnerinapenthouse?”

“Notjustanypenthouse.Mypenthouse.”Hesmirked.“Justtaketheelevatorallthewayuptothe

top.I’llmakesureit’sunlocked.”

“Alright.I’llseeyouatsixthirty.”

“I’llbewaiting.”Hetappedhisfistonthecounterandbegantowalkaway.

“Youcouldhavejustcalledandaskedme.Youdidn’thavetocomehere.”

Hestoppedandturnedaround.

“Andbecomemandrama?Nothanks.”Hewinkedashewalkedoutthedoor.

Evelyn emerged from the back and stood next to Katie as they both watched Jackson leave the

shop.

“He’ssodreamy.”Katiestaredstraightahead.

“Hesureis,”Evelynreplied.

“Anotherdate.That’sgreat.”Katiesmiledassheglancedoveratme.“I’mthinkinghemightbethe

one.”

Rolling my eyes, I grabbed a piece of chocolate from under the counter and popped it in my

mouth.

“Thereisno‘theone,’dearfriend.He’saniceguyandfuntohangwith.That’sit.”

“You’resohavingsexwithhimtonight,”Evelynspoke.

Bitingdownonmybottomlipatthethought,Icouldn’tdenyit.

“Isuream.”Igrinnedandwealllaughedlikeabunchofteenagers.

AsIwasleavingtheshoparoundfourthirty,myphonedingedwithatextmessagefromJackson.

“Bytheway,dinnermightrunalittlelate,soyoumaywanttopackasmallovernightbagincase

it’stoolatetogohome.”

IsmiledasItypedmyreply.

“Iwasalreadygoingto.”

****

Asthecabdriverpulledupto425West50

Street,Ireachedinmywallet,handedhimsomecash,

andclimbedoutwithmypurseandsmallbag.WhenIapproachedthedoor,ahotyoungguywhoI

presumedwasthedoormanheldthedooropenforme.

“Thankyou.”

“MayIaskwhoyou’reheretosee?”

“JacksonCaine.He’sexpectingme.Hetoldmejusttotaketheelevatoruptothetop.”Ismiled.

“Ahyes,Mr.Cainedidsayhewasexpectingyou,Emily.YouareEmily,correct?”

“Yes.”Igrinned.“I’mEmily.Wouldn’tthathavebeenawkwardifIwasn’t?”Iwinked.

“Veryawkward.”Hesmiled.“Enjoyyourevening.”

Whentheelevatordoorsopened,Isteppedintoasmallhallway,whichforcedmetoturnrightinto

thekitchen.

“Hello,”Ispoketotheoldermanstandingattheisland.

“Goodevening,miss.”

“IsJacksonhere?”

“Hetoldmetotellyouthatifhewasn’tdownwhenyouarrived,hewouldbeshortly.”

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

Lookingaround,Ifoundthathiskitchenwasamazing.Whitecabinetsfilledthewallswithalight

graygranitebacksplashandmatchingcountertops.ThefloorwasalsoalightgrayItalianmarblethat

fitthedécortoperfection,aswellasthehigh-endstainlesssteelappliances.

“Welcometomyhome.”Jacksonsmiledashesteppedintothekitchenandtookmybagfromme.

“YourkitchenisamazingandI’mveryjealousofyourdoubleoven.”

Heletoutalightchuckle.“Why?”

“BecauseIthinkthey’recoolandIalwayswantedone.”

“Ifyoubehave,maybeI’llletyouuseit.”Hewinked.“FollowmeandI’llgiveyouatourofthe

place.MaybeIhavesomethingelseyoucanbejealousof.”Hegrinned.

Helookedsexyasallfuckinhistan-coloredkhakipantsanddarkbluebutton-downshirtwiththe

sleevesrolledup.Mylowerhalfcouldbarelycontaintheexcitement.

“Here’sthelivinganddiningarea.Andmyoffice,bathroom,andaguestbedroomaredownthat

hallwayovertoyourleft.”

“Verynice,”IspokeasIlookedoverthespacewithbeigewalls,floor-to-ceilingwindows,dark

solidoakwoodfloors,andneutral-coloredfurnituremadeupofbeigesandred.

Following him up the stairs, we stepped into another living area with a wet bar, more floor-to-

ceilingwindows,andFrenchdoubledoorsthatledouttoahugeterrace.

“Wow.Whataview,”IspokeasIstaredoutintothebreathtakingviewofManhattan.

“Iloveitoutthereonwarmnights.It’sveryrelaxingandagreatwaytounwindafteralongdayof

work.”

“Ibet.IthinkI’mjealousofyourterrace.”Ilaughed.

“Andthisistheroomofallrooms.”Hesmirkedaswesteppedintohisover-sizedbedroom.

“I like it.” I bit down on my bottom lip as he set my bag down on his king-sized bed that was

covered in a satin and ribbed-frame-patterned dark gray comforter with matching shams and

decorativepillows.

“Thankyou.Nowthatyou’vehadthegrandtour,howaboutsomedinner?”

“Soundsgreat.I’mstarving.Bytheway,whoisthatmaninyourkitchen?”IaskedasIfollowed

himdownstairs.

“That’sTerranceandhe’smypersonalchef.”

“Youhaveyourownchef?”

“Yes,andahousekeeperthatcomesandcleanstwiceaweek.”

“DoyouthinkthatIcouldborrowthemsometime?”

Helaughed.“We’llsee.”

WetookourseatsinthediningroomandTerrancebroughtoutdelicious-lookingsaladsmadeup

ofmixedgreens,cucumbers,walnuts,driedcherries,andtomatoesdrizzledwitharosechampagne

dressing.Afterpouringuseachaglassofwine,heretreatedbackintothekitchen.

“Didyouhaveagoodweeksincethelasttimewesaweachother?”Iasked.

“Idid.Itwasabusyonewithback-to-backmeetingseveryday,butoverall,itwasgood.Howabout

yours?”

“It was okay. I’m developing an online fashion boutique. I pretty much have everything squared

awayexceptawarehouse.I’vebeenlookingallweekandIfinallyfoundone,butI’mafraidtherentis

toohigh.”

“Howmuchisitpersquarefoot?”heasked.

“Twentydollarsforthefirstyear.”

“What’sthesquarefootage?”

“Twentythousandsquarefeet.”

“That does seem awful high. He really should only be charging about fifteen dollars a square

foot.”

“I’llfindtherightplace.Itmaytakeawhile,butI’llfindit.Idon’tgiveuponsomethingIwant.”

“Ilikeyourconfidence.”Hegrinned.

“HowwasyourdinnerthatnightatGramercyTavern?”IaskedasTerrancesetmyplatedownin

frontofme.

“Itwasgood.”

“Yourdatewasverypretty.”

“Shewasn’tmydate.She’smysister ’sbestfriendandIaskedherforhelpinplanningasurprise

birthdaypartyforher.”

“Oh.Waitaminute.Youandyoursisteralreadyhadyourbirthdays.”

“Iknow.She’sworkedsohardoverthepastcoupleofyearsgettingherPh.D.andshehadtowork

adoubleshiftonourbirthday.So,asfarasI’mconcerned,shedeservesaparty.”

Awarmfeelinggrewinsidemeatthesweetnessofthisman.

“That’sreallysweetofyou,Jackson.”

“Bytheway,Iknowyouweren’tonadatewiththatguy.”

“YesIwas.”Itookasipofwine.

“Noyouweren’t.IsawyouwhenIwalkedintotherestaurantandIsawhimandtheothergirlgive

eachotherakiss.Whydidyoulie?”

Shit.

“Tobehonest,Idon’tknowwhyIsaidit.MaybebecauseIfeltoddbeingtherewithoutadate.Then

IsawyouhadadateandIjustwantedyoutothinkIwascoolandhadadate.”

“Justfortherecord,Ialreadythinkyou’recool.”Hesmirked.

Afterdinner,wetookthebottleofwineandourglassesandwentoutontheterraceandtookseats

intheloungechairsthatfacedManhattan.Itwasgettingdarkandthecitywasbrightlylitup.

“I can see why you love it out here. It’s beautiful and relaxing.” I lay back in the chair with my

glassofwine.

Chapter14

Jackson

“Didyourmotherevertellyouthereasonshewasagainstrelationships?”IaskedasIglancedover

ather.

“No.Iaskedheronceandshejustsaiditwashowshefelt.Shewouldn’tgiveanyexplanation.”

“That’sodd,becauseusuallypeoplefeelthatwayfromanexperience.LikemeandJules.Wegrew

upinanenvironmentthatshowedusthattwopeoplecanneverbetogetherverylong.Someonemust

havehurtherdeeplyatsomepointinherlifetomakeherfeelthatway.Maybeyourfather?”

“Idon’tknow.Accordingtoher,shedidn’tevenknowwhomyfatherwas.ButsometimesIgotthe

feelingshewaslying,”shespokewithasadnessinhervoice.

“Comehere.”Iheldoutmyhandtoher.

Shetookholdofmyhand,gotupfromherseat,satonmylap,andwrappedherarmsaroundmy

neck.

“DoyourparentsliveinNewYork?”sheasked.

“My mother lives here and my father lives in Chicago. He isn’t there much, though. He and

Katerinatraveltenmonthsoutoftheyear.”

“Wow.Wheredotheygo?”

“Allovertheworld.Younameitandhe’sbeenthere.”

“Somaybewifenumberfiveisakeeper?”Shegrinned.

“Whoknows?They’vebeenmarriedfiveyears,thesameasmymother.ButJulestoldmethatshe

andhusbandnumberfourarehavingsomeissues.”

“Youhavehadalotofstepmommiesanddaddies.”Shelaughed.

“Ihave,haven’tI?”Ismirked.

FeelingherhotassonmylapwascausingmycocktoriseandIcouldn’twaitanylongertogether

intomybed.

“Doyoufeelthat?”Iaskedwithasmile.

“OfcourseIdo,andIthinkit’stimetoputittogooduse.”

Wrapping my hand around the nape of her neck, I devoured her mouth while my other hand

grabbedherbreast.

“Cananyoneseeusuphere?”sheasked.

“Unfortunately,yes.Sowebetterheadintothebedroomifwe’regoingtocontinuethis.”

After she climbed off my lap, I took hold of her hand and led her to my bedroom. My hands

slippedunderthestrapsofherdressasIpulleditdownoffherbody,tookastepback,andstaredat

theperfectionbeforeme.

“Just stand there and let me look at you,” I spoke as I slid my shirt off and then took down my

pants.

Her top teeth slid across her bottom lip as I took down my underwear and her eyes diverted

straighttomyhardcock.

“Iwantthatbeautifulmouthwrappedaroundme,”IspokeasIslowlymovedtowardsher.

Shereachedbackandunhookedherbra,tossedittothefloor,andgotdownonherkneesinfront

of me, wrapping her sensuous lips around my cock. My fingers tangled through her hair as she

slowlytookhertime,lickingandsuckinglikenooneelseeverhadbefore.

“Fuck,Emily,”Ipantedasthebuildupcame.“Don’tstop.MyGod,don’tstop.”

MoansescapedmewitheachstrokeofhertongueandIwasreadytoexplode.

“I’m going to come.” I tried to pull myself out of her mouth, but her lips were like a vacuum

aroundme.“JesusChrist,Emily.”IstrainedasIexploded.

Pullingaway,shestoodupandhereyesburnedintomineassheswallowed.I’dneverfeltarush

go through my body the way it did at that moment. I grabbed her and threw her down on the bed,

ripped her panties in half, and tossed them to the side. When I plunged in my finger, she gasped as

well as I did, feeling the incredible wetness that shrouded her. Our lips tangled for a few moments

untilIbrokeourkissandletthemroamtoherbreasts,lickingandsuckingherhardenednipples.Sexy

lightmoansescapedherlipsasIplacedmythumbonherclitandrubbeditintinycircles,drivingher

wildasherbodysquirmedinexcitement.Themomentsheorgasmed,mymouthtraveleddownher

torsoandoverhersensitivearea,absorbingthesweetnessofherpleasure.

I couldn’t wait anymore. I needed to be inside her. Reaching over to my nightstand, I pulled the

draweropenandtookoutacondom.AsIwasrollingiton,sheclimbedunderthesheetandhelditup

as I hovered over her and thrust inside her with force. Her back arched and a whimper of ecstasy

escapedher.Ithrusthardandfast,inandoutforafewmomentsuntilIclimbedoffofherandrolled

heronherstomach.HerarmsextendedaboveherheadasIlayontopofher,interlacingourfingers

while I took her from behind. The pleasure that poured from her was astounding as her body

trembled underneath mine. Placing my hands on the bed on each side of her, I lifted myself up and

thrustdeep,withlonghardstrokes,andinamatterofminutes,webothcameatthesametime.

Lowering my head, I softly kissed her back as I regained my breath and rolled off of her. After

removingthecondom,Isetitdownonthenightstandandwrappedmyarmaroundher,pullingher

closetomeasherheadlayonmychest.

“HaveIwornyouout?”Iasked.

“Yes,Mr.Caine.Youhavecompletelywornmeout.”Shesmiledassheliftedherheadandlooked

upatme.“Butinagoodway.Mybodythanksyou.”

“Andmycockthanksyouaswell.”Ismirked.“Doyouwanttogohome?”

“No.”

“Good.Iwasn’tabouttoletyouleaveanyway.Sweetdreams,Emily.”Ikissedthetopofherhead.

“Goodnight,Jackson.”

The next morning, I opened my eyes when the alarm went off and Emily was still in the same

positionasshewaslastnight.AsIreachedoverandshutthealarmoff,shestirred.

“Whattimeisit?”sheaskedinasleepyvoice.

“Sixa.m.Ineedtoshowerbeforeheadingtotheoffice.Gobacktosleepforawhile.”

Shestretchedherbodyandletoutalongyawn.

“Ifyouinsist.Butwakemeupinanhour.”

“Willdo.”IsmiledasIkissedhershoulder.

Chapter15

Emily

WhenIstrolledintotheshoparoundninethirty,Katiewasalreadythere,eventhoughshedidn’t

havetobeuntilten.

“You’reearly,”Ispoke.

“Andyou’reglowing.”Shesmirked.“Itakeitlastnightwentwell.”

Settingmypursebehindthecounter,Igaveherasmile.

“Itwentverywell.Ireallylikehangingoutwithhim.”

“Youmeanhavingsexwithhim,”shespoke.

“Thattoo,butIlikebeingaroundhim.He’sagreatguy.Doyouknowwhathe’sdoing?”

“What?”

“He’sthrowinghissisterasurprisebirthdaypartybecauseshehadtoworkadoubleshiftontheir

birthdayandhesaidshedeservedone.”

“Damn.Heisaniceguy.Waitaminute.”Sheglaredatme.“You’refallingforhim.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.“Iamnot.Idolikehim,though,andIenjoyhiscompany.We’refriendsand

that’sit.”

“Friendswithbenefits.”Shesmirked.

“Sowhat?Alotofpeoplehavefriendswithbenefits.”

“Andwhatifhehasmorefriendswithbenefits?”

“Idon’tthinkhedoes,butifhedid,whatcouldIdoaboutthat?Wearen’tinare—”Istuttered.

“Arelationship?Comeon,Emily,youcansaytheword.”

Iwasn’ttalkingaboutthisanymorewithher,soIchangedthesubject.

“HowareyouandAlexdoing?”

“We’regood.”

“Hashegottentheresultsbackfromthebarexamyet?”

“Notyet.ButI’msurehepassed.SohowdidyouandJacksonleavethingsthismorning?”

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“Didyoukissgoodbye?Didhesayhe’dcallyou?Didyousetupanotherdate?”

“Hedidkissmegoodbye.Hedidn’tsayhe’dcallandwehavenotsetupanotherdate.”Iwalked

intothebackroomandshefollowed.

“Soyoujusthavetositandwaitaroundtoseeifheshowsupagainorwhat?”

“Iguessso.Anyway,IgotanemailthismorningfromsomeguyfromMatch.Hewantstomeet.

He’sagynecologist,divorcedfortwoyears,thirty-twoyearsold,andnokids.”

“Areyougoingtomeethim?”

“Probablynot.I’mnotreadytodealwithallthemandramaagain.”

Hereyesnarrowedatmeforamoment.

“Areyousureit’snotbecauseofJackson?”

“Trustme.It’snotbecauseofJackson.Speakingofgynecology,Ihaveanappointmenttodayatone

o’clock.”

“For?”sheasked.

“Refillonmypillsandexam.”

“Betteryouthanme.Ihategoingthere.”

IlaughedasIwalkedtothefrontofthestore,unlockedthedoor,andopenedforbusiness.

****

WhenIwalkedintoDr.Grey’soffice,Noreen,thereceptionist,informedmethatDr.Greywasat

thehospitaldeliveringababy,sohisassociate,Dr.Williams,wouldbeperformingmyexam.Iwasn’t

sureifIwascomfortablewiththatsinceIhadnevermethim.

“Ididn’tknowDr.Greyhadanassociate,”Ispoke.

“HejustbroughtDr.Williamsonthreemonthsago.”

“Isee.Okaythen.”IsmiledasItookaseatinthewaitingarea.

Ireallyhadnochoice.IwasdowntomylastpillandIneededtherefillASAP.Iwasn’taboutto

compromisemybirthcontrolbecauseDr.Greywasoffdeliveringababy.

“Emily.”Thenurseopenedthedoorwithasmile.

Gettingupfrommychair,Ifollowedherintoroomthree,setdownmypurse,andclimbedonthe

table.

“So,you’rehereforyourexamandarefillonbirthcontrolpills.Correct?”

“Yes.”

“DidthefrontdesktellyouthatDr.Williamswillbeperformingyourexamtoday?”

“Yes.”

“Great. You’ll like him. He’s very nice and very good looking.” She smiled. “You can go ahead

andputonthisgownandhe’llbeinshortly.He’sjustfinishingupwithanotherpatient.”

“Thankyou.”Itookthegownfromher.

After stripping out of my clothes, I climbed back on the table and looked around the room as I

nervouslywaitedforDr.Williamstocomein.Itdidn’tmatterhowmanytimesI’dbeenhere;Iwas

stillalwaysnervous.Andnowtofindouthewasgoodlookingmadeitworse.

Therewasalightknockonthedoorandaman’svoiceaskedifitwasokaytocomein.

“Yes,”Ireplied.

WhenthedooropenedandDr.Williamswalkedin,Igasped.Shit.Shit.Shit. He was young, hot,

andhewasgoingtobecheckingoutmyprivateparts.

“Hi,I’mDr.Williams.”Hegrinnedandthentookastepbackandnarrowedhiseyeatme.Asick

feelingformedinthepitofmystomach.“Youlookveryfamiliar.Havewemetbefore?”

“No.Idon’tthinkso.”

Trust me, if I would have met him before, I would have remembered unless it was one drunken

night.Hestoodaboutsixfeettall,tannedskin,shortblackperfectlystyledhair,andbrightblueeyes.

“IswearI’veseenyoubefore.”Helookeddownatmychartandthenbackupatme.“Well,thisis

awkward.”

“What’sawkward?”IaskedwithanervousnesssodeepIfeltlikeIcouldvomitatanymoment.

“IdobelieveIsentyouanemailaskingyoutogoout.”

“Ohhellno.You’retheMatchguy?”

“Yes.”Henervouslylaughed.

“You’re right. This is awkward. You do realize that we can’t go out now, right? Because you’re

goingtobealldownthere,inmypersonalspace,checkingmeout,andit’sjustweird.”

“Iagree.It’snicetomeetyou,Emily,evenifitisunderthesecircumstances.”

“Nicetomeetyoutoo,Dr.Williams.”Ibitdownonmybottomlip.

“AreyouhavinganyproblemsthatIshouldknowabout?”

“No.”

“Andyou’resexuallyactive?”heaskedinaprofessionalmanner.

“Umm.Yes.”

Hegavemeasmallsmile.“I’llgocallinthenurseandwe’llgetstarted.”

Iwasn’tsureifIcouldgothroughwiththis.Hewastoohandsome.AtleastDr.Greywasanold

man.Tothink,Icouldhavegoneonadatewithhim.Dr.Williamsandthenursewalkedintotheroom

andIlaydownonthetablewithmyfeetinthestirrups.

“Areyouokay?”heaskedasheapproachedme.

“I’mfine.Let’sjustgetthisoverwith.”

Hetalkedtomethroughouttheexamasifwewereonadate.Askingmequestionsaboutmyjob

andmyhobbies.Oncetheexamwasover,hehelpedmeupandwroteoutascriptformybirthcontrol

pills.Suddenly,Ihadathought.

“Dr.Williams?Howwouldyouliketogoonadoubledate?”

Helookedupfromhisscriptpadandarchedhisbrow.

“Whatdoyoumean?”

“I know someone who I think you would really like. She’s fun, driven, successful, and she’s

gorgeous.”

“Nowyouhavemeintrigued.Issheafriendofyours?”

“Yes,andhernameisEvelyn.She’safashiondesigner.”

“Andyouwouldn’tfeelawkward,consideringIjustgaveyouanexam?”

“Nah.I’dbefinewithitaslongasyouwould?”

Heshrugged.“Sure.I’dliketomeetEvelyn.”

“Great.”IsmiledasIgotupfromthetable,reachedinmypurse,andpulledoutmyphone.“Give

meyournumber.”

AfterherattleditoffandItypeditinmyphone,IsetitupforFridaynightatseveno’clock.

“I’lltextyoutherestaurantwhenIfigureitout.”

“Sounds good. I’ll put it in my calendar.” He grinned as he handed me my script. “Have a good

day,MissWade,andIlookforwardtoFridaynight.”

“Youtoo,Dr.Williams.”

Beforewalkingoutthedoor,heturnedandlookedatme.“It’sDylan.”

Chapter16

Emily

AfterIleftthedoctor ’soffice,IdecidedtocallJacksontomakesurehewasavailableFridaynight.

“Hellothere,MissWade.”

“Hello,Jackson.AreyouavailableFridaynight?”

“Letmecheckmycalendar.Asofnow,I’mfree.Didyouwanttodosomething?”

“Yes.Iwouldliketohavedinnerwithyou.”

“Justdinner?”

Irolledmyeyesandsmiledatthesametime.

“Actually,itwouldbeadoubledate.I’msettingEvelynupwithsomeone.”

“Soundsfun.Countmein.”

“Great.Fridaynightatseveno’clock.”

“Whichrestaurant?”heasked.

“Ihaven’tdecidedyet.Doyouhaveanysuggestions?”

“HowaboutPerSe?”

“Soundsgood.”

“ShallIpickyouup?”

“Evelynwillbewithme.”

“ThenI’llpickbothofyouup.Givemeyouraddress.”

“425East82

Street,Apartment5B.”

“Ilookforwardtoourdate,MissWade.”

“Metoo,Mr.Caine.Enjoytherestofyourday.”

“Youtoo.”

Afterendingthecall,IpulledupDylan’snumberandsenthimatextmessage.

“Fridaynight,seveno’clock,PerSe.Oh,bytheway,it’sEmily.”

“Myfavoriterestaurant.Lookingforwardtoit.”

WhenIwasstandingonthecornertryingtocatchacabbacktotheshop,ablacklimousinepulled

upandthepassengersidewindowslowlyrolleddown.

“Helloagain.”Jacksonsmiled.“Needaride?”

“Ido.Ican’tseemtogetacabtostop.”

“Thenclimbonin.”Heopenedthedoorforme.“Whereareyouheaded?”

Slidingintothebackseatnexttohim,Ispoke,“Backtotheshop.”

“Whatareyoudoingoverthisway?”heasked.

“Ihadadoctor ’sappointment.”

“Areyouokay?”hevoicedwithconcern.

“Ohyeah,”Iwavedmyhandinfrontofmyface.“Justmyyearlygynocheckupandarefillformy

birthcontrol.”

Hisbrowinstantlyraisedashissexychocolateeyesstaredintomine.

“You’reonbirthcontrol?”

“Yeah.Ihavebeenforyears.”

“Whydidn’tyoumentionthatbefore?”

“WhywouldI?It’snotlikeIwouldletyoufuckmewithoutacondom.”

“Ever?”Hisbrowraisedagain.

“NotunlessIhadproofyouwerecleananddiseasefree.”Icockedmyhead.

“Isee.”Hesmirked.

“Anyway,IhavetocallPerSeandmakeareservation.”Ipulledoutmyphone.

“Ialreadydid.”

“Really?”Ismiled.

“Yes.”Heplacedhishandonmyknee,andinstantly,theunbearableachewasback.

“Thankyou.”

“You’rewelcome.Howmuchtimedoyouhaverightnow?”

“Forwhat?”

Grabbingmyhand,heplaceditonhisrisingcock.

“Forthis.”Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupwards.

“Ihaveafewminutes,”IrepliedasIbitdownonmybottomlip.

“SodoI.”Hepushedabuttonandtheprivacywindowwentup.

His hand reached under my flowy dress as I scooted towards him and our lips locked tightly

together.Hisfingerspushedmypantiestothesideanddippedinsideme,causingmetogaspmid-kiss.

His lips traveled to my neck as his fingers moved in and out of me, causing a flood of wetness to

emerge.Takingmyhand,Istrokedhishardcockthroughthefabricofhissuitpants.

“I do believe you’re ready for me.” He smirked as he pulled out his fingers and unbuttoned his

pants,slidingthemoffhiships.“Getthosepantiesoffandgetuphere,”hecommanded.

Reaching under my dress, I slid down my panties, kicked off my shoes, and looked at his

manhood,whichI’dthoughtaboutonetoomanytimes.

“Condom?”Iraisedmybrow.

“Ohyeah.Sorry.Canyougrabmywalletoutofmypants?”

Reachingdown,Ipulledhiswalletoutandhandedittohim.Takingthecondom,hetoreitopen,

rollediton,andgrabbedmyhips,pullingmeintohislap.Slowly,Iloweredmyselfontohimuntilhe

wasburieddeepinsideme.

“Fuck,Emily,”hemoanedashethrewhisheadback.

WhileImovedmyhipsbackandforth,hegrabbedmyhairandpulledmymouthtohis.Ourkiss

wasasdeepashewasburiedinsideme.IcouldfeelthebuilduphappeningasIgrindedhim.Hecould

feelittooashishandsgrippedmyhipsandhemovedwithme.

“Tellmeyou’regoingtocome.Ican’tholdbackanymore,”hegroaned.

“Iam.Justdon’tstop,”Ipanted.

AcouplemoremovementswasallittookasIburiedmyfaceintohisneckandmuffledamoanas

anorgasmeruptedforbothofus.ThelimostoppedandIliftedmyheadandlookedatJackson.

“We’reatyourshop,”hespokeashebrushedastrandofhairoutofmyface.

“Perfecttiming.”Ismiled.

Climbing off of him, I grabbed my panties from the floor and put them on as he removed the

condom.

“Wouldyoulikemetodisposeofthatforyou?”Iasked.

“Whatareyougoingtodo?Walkinyourshopwithit?”

Ireachedintomypurseandpulledoutacoupleoftissuesandheldtheminthepalmofmyhand.

“JustplaceitinhereandIwilldiscreetlydisposeofitinmytrashcan.”

Hisgrinwidenedashedroppedthecondomintothetissues.

“Thankyou.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.

“Thatwasfun,butIhavetogo,”IspokeasIputmyhandonthedoorhandle.

“Indeeditwas.I’llseeyouonFridaynight.”Hesmiled.

“Lookingforwardtoit.”Iclimbedoutofthelimoandwalkedintotheshop.

“Howdiditgo?”Katieasked.

“Well.” I set my purse down and grabbed a piece of chocolate from under the counter. “You are

nevergoingtobelievewhatIhavetotellyou.”

Katiesetdownthepileofsweatersshehadinherhandandwalkedovertome.

“You’renotpregnant,areyou?”Hereyeswidened.

“Oh for fuck sakes, no. Dr. Grey was at the hospital delivering a baby, so I had to see the new

associatehehiredafewmonthsback.”

“And?”

“HisnameisDr.DylanWilliamsandhe’sreallyhot.”

“Luckyyou.”Shegrinned.“Youdidn’thaveanorgasmwhilehewasexaminingyou,didyou?”

“No!RemembertheemailItoldyouaboutthismorning?TheonefromMatchandtheguywasa

gynecologist?”

“Holyshitonacracker,Emily.Wasithim?”Herjawdropped.

“Yep.Itsurewashim.”Inoddedmyhead.

Suddenly,shebustedoutintolaughter.“Youhaven’tevengoneoutonadateandhe’salreadyseen

younaked!”

“Iknow.Talkaboutawkward.Butanyway,we’regoingoutFridaynight.”

“What?”Shelaughed.

“I’msettinghimupwithEvelynandwe’regoingonadoubledate.”

“Ifit’sadoubledate,whoareyougoingwith?”

“Jackson.WhoelsewouldIgowith?”

“Hmm.”Shetwistedherface.

Ipoppedanotherpieceofchocolateinmymouth.“What?”

“Nothing.WhatdidEvelynsaywhenyoutoldher?”

“Ihaven’tyet.Shesaidshe’dbeinaroundfouro’clocktoday,soI’mgoingtotellherthen.”

“Yousetupablinddateforherandshedoesn’tevenknowityet?”

“Yep.”Igrinned.“Shewon’tmind.Ireallythinkthey’llhititoff.”

“And you don’t think she’ll be a little weirded out that he was all up in your privates?” She

laughed.

IbitdownonmybottomlipasIthoughtaboutitforamoment.

“Ididn’tthinkofthat.Ohwell.Ifshelikeshim,she’llhavetogetoverit.”

Ispentthenexthourputtingtogethertheinformationformyonlineboutique,andIneededtofind

awarehousefastandhiresomehelptorunit.AsIwasringingupacustomer,Evelynwalkedin.

“Thankyouforshoppingwithusandhaveawonderfulday.”IsmiledbrightlyatMrs.Franks,who

justspentoverthreehundreddollars.

Evelynwalkedovertomeandsighedassheplacedherarmonthecounterandrestedherheadon

herhand.

“What’swrong?”Iasked.

“Rememberthatguy,Brent,Itoldyouabout?TheonewhoImetthroughamutualfriend?”

“Yeah.”

“Hecancelledourdatefortonight.”

“Why?”

“Somethingcameupatwork.Hesaidhe’dcalltoreschedule.”

“Thiswasyourfirstdate,right?”Iasked.

“Yes.”

Steppingoutfrombehindthecounter,Ihookedmyarmaroundher.

“Guesswhat?”Ismiled.

“What?”

“We’regoingonadoubledateFridaynight.”

“Who’swe?”Shenarrowedhereye.

“Me,you,Jackson,andDylan.”

“Who’sDylan?”

“He’sagynecologistandhe’shot.”

IcouldhearKatiesnickeringasshewalkedpastus.

“Andhowdoyouknowhim?”

“He’sanassociateatmyOB/GYN’soffice.He’ssingleandlookingforsomeonetogooutwith.”

“Howdoyouknowthis?”sheaskedinasuspicioustone.

“Well, I was at the office for my exam and refill for birth control and we got to talking. I think

you’dreallylikehim,Evelyn.”

“Why would you talk to an associate there just out of the clear blue? And what doctor just

randomlytellsyouthathe’slookingforsomeonetodate?”

“Youmightaswellcomeclean,Em,”Katiespokeasshesteppedbehindthecounter.

“Comecleanaboutwhat?”Evelynplacedherhandsonherhips.

“Okay,fine.”Iputmyhandsupintheair.“Igotanemailfromhim.He’sonMatchandwantedto

meetme.WhenIwenttoseeDr.Greytoday,hewasatthehospitaldeliveringababy,soDr.Williams,

Dylan,performedmyexam,andwestartedtalking.”

“What?!Theguywhowantedtogoonadatewithyougaveyouapelvicexam?”

“Yes. And since he was my doctor today, I told him there was no way we could go out and he

agreed.SoIinstantlythoughtofyouandsetupourdateforFridaynight.”

“Doyouknowhowcrazythatsounds?Soletmegetthisstraight,youwanttosetmeupwithaman

who’sbeenallupinyourHoo-haw?”

“You’remakingitsounddirty.”Ipointedather.“He’sadoctor.It’shisjob.Oh,comeon,Evelyn,”

Iwhined.“It’llbefun.Please.RememberIwenttothatweddingwithyouandthatspeeddatingthing.”

“Howhotishe?”sheasked.

“Tall,dark,andhandsome.”Igrinned.

“Fine.It’snotlikeIhaveanyplansforFridayanyway.”

“Great!Reservationsareatseven,socomebymyplacearoundfourthirtyandwecangetready

together.Jacksonispickingusup.”

Chapter17

Jackson

Lookinginthemirror,Istraightenedmytieandheadeddownstairswheremysister,Jules,wasin

thekitchenheatingupsomeleftoverspaghettiandmeatballsthatTerrenceprepared.

“Lookatyou.”Shesmiled.“Hotdatetonight?”

“Yes.ThewomanI’mhavingdinnerwithisveryhot.”Ismirked.

“Sowhoisshe,Jackson?”

“HernameisEmilyandshehappenstobetheownerofEmily’sEdge,thatshopyoulike.”

“Really?Iwasjustintheretheotherday.Whatdoesshelooklike?”

“She’sbeautifulandblonde.”

“Ithinkshewastheonethatrangmeup.Blueeyes,tall?”

“Yes.Thatwouldbeher.”

“She’sgorgeous.Isthisyourfirstdate?”Shesmiled.

“No.ImetherwhenIwentinthereandboughtthatdressforyou.Weendedupseeingeachotherat

aweddingaboutamonthlater,gottotalking,andwewentoutafewtimes.”

Sheleanedoverthecounterandpointedherforkatme.

“Soundsserious.Istheresomethingyouneedtotellme?”

“No, and it’s not serious. Come on, Jules, you know me. But, I will tell you this, she’s a very

specialwoman.Youwanttoknowwhy?”

“Why?”Herbrowsfurrowed.

“Becauseshedoesn’tbelieveinrelationships,marriage,etc.She’sadrama-freewomantodate.”I

smiled.

“Interesting.”Shebitintoameatball.

“Ihavetogo.Edwardiswaitingdownstairsforme.”Ikissedherforehead.“Makesuretolockup

whenyouleave.”

“Iwill.Havefunonyourdate.”

“Oh,Idefinitelywill.”IwinkedasIsteppedontotheelevator.

Knockingonthedoorofherapartment,IwassurprisedwhenEvelynansweredit.

“Hello,Evelyn.Youlooklovely.”

“Thankyou,Jackson.Comeonin.Emilywillbeoutinaminute.”

Steppinginside,Itookalookaroundherapartment.Itwasniceandverycozy.Itwasthetypeof

apartmentthattheminuteyousteppedinside,youfeltathome.

“So,doyouknowthemanthatEmilyhassetyouupwith?”Iasked.

“No.I’venevermethim,butEmsayshe’stall,dark,andhandsome.He’sagynecologist.”

Itiltedmyheadandnarrowedmyeye.“IsheEmily’sdoctor?”

“No.He’sanassociateatherdoctor ’soffice.Herdoctorwasdeliveringababy,soDylanstepped

inandsawher.SuperweirdthathehademailedherfromMatchwantingtogoonadate.Shehadno

clueitwashimuntilshewasonthetable.I’mnottoosurehowIfeelabouthim,knowingthathe’s

beenallupinherspace,ifyouknowwhatImean.”

Iswallowedhardatthethoughtandafeelingofuneasinessovertookme.

“Iheardthat,”Emilyspokeasshewalkedintothelivingarea.“Hi,Jackson.”Shesmiledbrightly.

“He’sadoctor.It’shisjob.We’vealreadybeenoverthis.”Shesatdownonthecouchandputonher

heels.

“Sothisguyhasseenyounaked?”Iasked.

“Notyoutoo.”Sherolledhereyes.

“I’msurprisedyoudidn’tmentionitwhenIpickedyouup.”

“Ididn’tknowIhadto.”Hereyenarrowed.

“ConsideringyoujusthadMr.Tall,Dark,andHandsomeallupinyourspaceandthenwehadsex

rightafterinthebackofmylimo.Nowonderyouweresohorny.”

“Wait a minute,” Evelyn interrupted. “You had sex in the back of his limo right after your gyno

appointment?”

“You two,” she pointed her finger at us, “are being idiots. Now let’s go before Dylan thinks we

stoodhimup.”

“Wouldn’twantMr.Tall,Dark,andHandsometothinkthatnow,wouldwe?”Imumbled.

“Iheardthat,Mr.Caine.”Emilygrabbedherpurseandwalkedoutthedoor.

I was usually a pretty laid-back guy, but this piece of information that she neglected to tell me

reallymadememad.KnowingthathesawthewomanthatIhadsexwithinthatway,pluswantedto

dateher,mademealreadyhatehim.Wherethefuckwasthiscomingfrom?

WearrivedatPerSepreciselyatseveno’clockandthehostessledustothetablewheretheguy

wasalreadyseated.

“Dylan.”Emilysmiled.“ThisisJacksonCaine,andthisbeautifulwomanisEvelyn.”

“Nicetomeetyou,Jackson.”Heheldouthishand.

Iwashesitanttoshakeit,butbeingthenicepersonIwas,Ididanyway.Wetookourseatsatthe

roundtableandIorderedabottleofchampagneforthefourofus.DylanandEvelynwereengagedin

aconversation,soIleanedoverandwhisperedinEmily’sear.

“Istillcan’tbelieveyoudidn’ttellme.That’skindoffuckedup,ifyouaskme.”

“OhmyGod.Willyoudropitalready?”shespokethroughgrittedteeth.

“No.Hewantedtodateyou.”

“Sowhat.Lotsofguyswanttodateme,justlikealotofwomenwanttodateyou.”

“Butyouaren’tsittingacrossfromsomeonewhohasseenmenaked.”

“Giveittime,Jackson.I’msuremytimewillcome.I’mprettypositiveyou’vesleptwithhalf,if

notmore,ofthewomeninthiscity.”

“Areyoutwookay?”Evelynasked.

“We’refine.”Emilysmiled.

After finishing off the bottle of champagne, dinner, and dessert, I paid the bill and we stepped

outside. Evelyn and Dylan seemed quite attracted to each other and decided to go off and spend the

restoftheeveningalone.

“IthinkIjustmadeamatch.”Emilysmiledassheslidintothebackofmylimo.

“Theyseemedtohititoff.AmIdrivingyouhomenowordidyouwanttogosomewhereelse?”I

asked.

“Wecangobacktomyplace.”Shegrinned.“Ihavechocolatesandwine.”

“Soundssexy.”Thecornersofmymouthcurvedupwards.

Ihaddonenothingbutthinkaboutfuckingherallnight.Infact,itwasallIseemedtothinkabout,

evenwhenshewasn’taround.Sheradiatedsexinessandmycockcouldn’tseemtogetenoughofher.

TherewassomethingIneededtotalktoherabout,butI’dwaituntilaftersex.Ididn’twanttoruinthe

moment.

****

Emily

WebarelymadeitthroughthedoorandmydresswasoffandJacksonhadmepinnedagainstthe

wall,devouringmybodyinananimal-likemanner.Ididn’tmindbecauseitwasallIthoughtaboutall

night. He put on a condom and thrust inside me, my arms above my head with his hands gripping

themtight.AsIwrappedmylegsaroundhiswaist,hisfreehandencircledmybodyandheldmeupas

hepoundedintome,causingmetoorgasmwithonlyafewpumps.Aloudmoanrumbledinhischest

ashesloweddownandthenhaltedwhilehecame.

Letting go of my wrists, he kissed my lips, pulled out of me, and went into the bathroom. After

slipping back into my panties, I walked to my bedroom and grabbed my silk robe from behind the

door.

“Niceplaceyouhavehere,”hespokeashecameoutfromthebathroom.

“Thanks.”Iheadedtowardsthekitchenandhefollowed.

“There’ssomethingIneedtotalktoyouabout,”hespokewithseriousness.

“Okay.”

Ireachedupintothecabinet,grabbedtwowineglasses,andpouredsomewineineach.

“Don’tdrinkthatyet,”IspokeasIhandedhimtheglasses.“Istillhavetogetthechocolatesout.”

HechuckledashetookourwineovertothecouchwhileIgrabbedaboxofGodivatrufflesand

tookaseatnexttohim.

“Whatdidyouneedtotalktomeabout?”IaskedasIturnedmybodyandfacedhim.

“We’rebothbusinesspeople,right?”

“LasttimeIchecked.”Ismiled.

“Andwe’rebothusedtodealinginnegotiations.IdoitonadailybasisandI’msureyoudoitwith

clothingvendorsandsuch.Correct?”

“Yes.Youarecorrect.Inegotiateallthetime.”

“Good,becauseIwanttonegotiateadealwithyou.”

Alightlaughescapedmylips.“Whatkindofdeal?”

Heinhaledasharpbreath.“YouandIareagoodfit.Wouldn’tyousay?”Hisfingerrandownmy

hair.

“Yeah.Weareagoodfit.”

“Wegetalongwell,neitheroneofuswantstogetinvolvedinanytypeofrelationshipthing,and

wehavefuntogether.Thetwoofusareuncomplicated.”

“True.”Inodded.

“So,Iwasthinkingwecouldnegotiateandsignacontractwherewewouldcontinuespendingtime

togetherwithoutanycomplications.”

“What?”Ilaughed.“I’mnotsureIunderstand.”

“Thinkofitasacompanioncontract.Meandyouwouldseeeachother,gooutondates,havesex,

andspendtimetogetherwithoutanyoftheotherbullshitthatgoesalongwithdating.”

“Whatbullshitareyoureferringto?”Icockedmyhead.

“Youknow.Fallinginlove,tryingtochangeyourself,wantingtoknowwhattheotherpersonis

doingatalltimes.Theshitthathappenswhentwopeoplegettoocomfortablewitheachotherandthen

everythingstartstogotohell.Listen,Emily.IlikeyouandIwanttospendtimewithyouandonly

you,andI’mhopingyou’donlywanttospendtimewithme.Nostrings,nodrama,nothing.Justthe

twoofusenjoyingeachother ’scompanyandhavingagoodtime.”

“Isn’tthatwhatwe’redoing?”Iasked.

“Yes,butyou’vehadyourfairshareofmandramaandI’vehadmyfairshareofwomandrama,so

bysigningacontract,thetwoofuscouldavoidallthat.I’dsetsomegroundrulesandyou’ddothe

same.We’dnegotiateuntilwebothwerecomfortablewiththearrangement.”

Whathesaidtotallyblewmeaway,butIwasgame.WhatdidIhavetolose?Nothing,asfarasI

wasconcerned.

“Ilikeyoutoo,Jackson,andIlikespendingtimewithyou.So,let’sdoit.Youdrawupacontract

andI’lldothesame,we’lllookbothofthemoverandwe’llnegotiate.Howlongwouldthiscontract

befor?”

“Iwasthinkingsixmonths.”

“Okay.Let’sgiveitashot.Youonlyliveonce,right?”Ismiled.

“Right.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.

Chapter18

Emily

Jacksonspentthenightandwehadsexthreetimesandonceinthemorningbeforehelefttogo

home and shower because he had plans with his best friend, Samuel. I wasn’t going to go into the

shop, but I’d left my laptop there and I needed it because I was going to spend the weekend

researchingdifferentthingsformyonlineboutique,mainlywarehouses.

WhenIsteppedthroughthedoortotheshop,KatiewasbehindthecounterandNoellewashelping

acustomer.

“Howdiditgolastnight?”Katieasked.

“Great.DylanandEvelynreallyseemedtohititoff.”

“Haveyouheardfromher?”

“Notyet.Iwasgoingtogiveheracalllater.”

“So,didMr.Cainespendthenight?”Shegrinned.

“Yes.”

EventhoughshewasmybestfriendandItoldhereverything,Icouldn’tbringmyselftotellwhat

JacksonandIhaddiscussedlastnight,atleastnotuntilwemadeitofficial.Aftergrabbingmylaptop

fromtheback,Igrabbedapieceofchocolatefromunderthecounter.

“I’mheadedhome.Ifyouneedme,call.”

“Iwill.”Katiesmiled.

As I was walking towards the door, a woman about five foot five with brown hair and blonde

highlightswalkedinandstoppedinfrontofme.

“Excuseme,areyouEmily,theownerofthislovelyshop?”

“Yes,Iam.”Ismiled.

“I’mJules,Jackson’ssister.”Sheextendedherhand.

“Hi.It’snicetomeetyou.”Iplacedmyhandinhers.

“Iwasathishouseyesterdaywhilehewasgettingreadyforyourdateandhetoldmeaboutyou.I

was just walking by on my way to another store and I decided to pop in and see if you might be

working.”

“I’mactuallynotworkingtoday.Ijuststoppedbytograbmylaptop.”

“Thatwasperfecttiming,then.”Shesmiled.“Idon’twanttokeepyou.ItwasnicetomeetyouandI

wantedtoletyouknowthatIloveyourstoreandIplanonshoppingherealot.”

“Thankyou,Jules.ItwasnicetofinallymeetJackson’stwin.Hetalksaboutyouallthetime.”

“Weshoulddolunchsometime,”shespoke.

“I’dlikethat.”

“Maybe we should double date. I’ll check my schedule to see when my boyfriend and I have the

samedayoff.”

“Soundsfun.ItmustbehardtospendtimetogetherwithyoutwobeingERdoctors.”

“Itis.Butisthatsuchabadthing?”Shewinked.

“Probablynot.”Ismiled.

“I’llgetsomethingsetupandhaveJacksoncallyou,”shespoke.

“Lookingforwardtoit.”

AssoonasIgothome,Iputonapairofsweatpantsandatanktopandlookedatthetornupbed

frommyandJackson’ssexfest.AsIstoodthereandstaredatit,Isortoffoundmyselfmissinghim.

But I would go as far to say that I missed the sex, not really him. Right? Right. After changing the

sheetsandthrowingthedirtyonesinthewasher,Imademyselfasandwichandtookmylaptoptothe

couch.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what Jackson and I talked about last night, so I opened up a word

document and began typing out a list of companionship rules. This was crazy, yet fun at the same

time.JustthefactthatJacksonwantedtokeepitsimpleanddramafreewasaturnon.Icouldhavemy

cakeandeatittooandthatrighttherewasthebestpartoflife.Aftertakinghourstofinishmyrules

list, I started the search for a warehouse. Once I had that secured, I could start placing orders for

clothingandhiresomehelp.

****

WhenIsteppedintotheshopMondaymorning,myphoneranganditwasJacksoncalling.

“Hello.”

“Heythere,beautiful.Howwasyourweekend?”

“Itwasgreat.Howwasyours?”

“Fantastic.Didyougetachancetowritedownsomerulesatall?”

“IdidandI’mallfinished.Howaboutyou?”

“Ididaswell.What’syourschedulelikefortoday?”

“I’mworkinguntilaboutsix.”

“I have a dinner meeting at seven o’clock and I’m not sure how long it’s going to run. Are you

freeforlunch?”

Asmallsmilecrossedmyface.

“Iam.Whattime?”

“Howaboutnoonatmyoffice?I’llhavemysecretarycaterinsomethingforus.Iwouldtakeyou

toarestaurant,butIthinkweneedtodiscussournegotiationbehindcloseddoors.”

“IagreeandI’llseeyouatnoon.”

“Great.I’lltalktoyoulater.”

Afterendingthecall,IturnedaroundandsawKatiestandingtherewithfurrowedbrows.

“What?”Iasked.

“WasthatJackson?”

“Yes.”

“Whatdidyoufinish?”

“Whyareyoueavesdropping?”Itookasipofmycoffee.

“Ican’thelpit.What’sgoingon?Whatareyoutwoupto?”Sheplacedherpursebehindthe

counter.

“Fine.I’lltellyou,butyoucannottellanyoneaboutthis.Doyouunderstand?”Ipointedmyfinger

ather.

“Mylipsaresealed.”Shesmiled.

“JacksonandIaregoingtobemakinganegotiatedcompanionshipdeal.”

“Awhat?”Herbrowarched.

“WelikespendingtimewitheachotherandthesexisbeyondanythingIhaveeverexperiencedin

mylife.Sowe’rebothcomingupwithalistofrulestofollowwhilewedateeachother.”

Shebustedoutintolaughter.“What?”

Isighed.“Neitheroneofuswantsarelationship.Wejustwantcompanionship.Andinordertodo

that,wehavetohavesomesetrulestokeepthedramaout.”

“OhmyGod.”Shelaughed.“Youtwoarecertifiablycrazy.Whothefuckdoesthat?”

“Twopeoplewhodon’twantbullshitanddramaintheirlife.”

“Ican’trightnow.”Shelaughedasshewalkedaway.

Rollingmyeyes,Iflippedthesigntoopenandunlockedthedoor.

“Bytheway,haveyoutalkedtoEvelyn?”Katieasked.

“IspokewithheryesterdayandsheandDylanendedupspendingthewholeweekendtogether.She

saysshe’sinlove.”

“Weirdhowtheonegirlintheworldwhoistotallyanti-relationshipsetsoneofherbestfriendsup

withsomeoneandinsta-lovehappens.Youbetterhopeitworksoutoryou’llberesponsiblefor

Evelyn’sdespair.”

“Evelynisabiggirlandshe’llbejustfineifthingsdon’tworkout.”Irolledmyeyes.

AsIwasgettingreadytoleaveformylunchdatewithJackson,Edwardwalkedintotheshop.

“Hello,MissWade.Mr.Cainesentmetogetyouforyourmeeting.”

“Hi,Edward.Please,callmeEmily.”Igrabbedmypurse,headedoutthedoor,andclimbedintothe

limo.

Chapter19

Jackson

“Audrey,islunchalmosthere?MissWadeisonherway.”

“Yes,Mr.Caine.Itshouldbehereshortly.”

“Thankyou.IwantallcallsheldandIdon’twanttobedisturbedunderanycircumstances.”

“I’llmakesureyou’renot.”

Igaveherasmallsmileandsteppedintomyoffice.Beforesittingdownbehindmydesk,Iheard

Samuel’svoice.

“Istillcan’tbelieveyouandthisgirlarenegotiatingrelationshiprules.”

“HernameisEmilyandit’snotarelationship.”

“Companionship,relationship,whatever.It’sallthesame,Jackson.Shit,wherecanIfindanEmily?

Thesewomennowadaysdrivemenuts.IwentoutlastnightwiththisgirlnamedTamara.Wehada

greatdinnerandthenheadedbacktoherplaceandhadsex.Thismorning,Iwokeuptoatextmessage

sayingthatshealreadymissedme.I’donlyknownherforwhat?Aday.”

“Annoying,isn’tit?”Emilysmiledasshesteppedintomyoffice.

Icouldn’thelpbutgrinwhenIsawherleanbeautifulbodystandingthere.

“Very annoying,” Samuel spoke as he walked over to her and extended his hand. “You must be

Emily.I’mSamuel,Jackson’sbestfriend.”

“It’snicetofinallymeetyou,Samuel.”Sheplacedherhandinhis.

“Youdon’tbyanychancehaveasister,doyou?”heaskedwithacockygrin.

“No.Sorry.I’manonlychild.”

“Damnit.Well,I’llletyoutwogetonwithyourmeeting.”

WalkingovertoEmily,Igaveherakiss.

“Welcometomyoffice.”

“Thankyou.It’sverynice.”

“Lunchshouldbehereinaminute,solet’ssitdownatthetableandwecangooverourlists.”

Justaswetookourseats,Audreywalkedinwithalunchthatconsistedoftwodifferentkindsof

salads,threetypesofsandwiches,freshfruit,andacheeseplate.

“Thankyou,Audrey.”

“You’rewelcome,Mr.Caine.Enjoy.”

EmilygrabbedatunafishsandwichwhileItooktheturkeyandcheese.

“Didyoubringyourlist?”Iasked.

“Idid.”Shesmiledasshereachedinsideherpurseandpulleditout.

“Okay.I’llreadmylistfirstandthenwe’llnegotiatefromthere,”Ispoke.

“Byallmeans,goahead.”Shesmiled.

“Rulenumber1:Weseeeachotheratleastfourtimesaweek.Nomatterhowbusyweare,wewill

maketime.

“Rulenumber2:Sexisnon-negotiableandwhenwe’retogether,wewillhaveit.

“Rulenumber3:Noseeingotherpeople.

“Rulenumber4:Noromance.Don’texpectflowers,fancygifts,nothing.Justme.”Ismirked.

“Nochocolates?”Shefrowned.

Ipickedupmypenfromthetableandmadeacorrectiontorulenumber4.

“Noromance.Don’texpectflowers,fancygifts,nothing.Justmeandtheoccasionalchocolates.”

“Perfect.”Shegrinned.

“Rule number 5: No blowing up each other ’s phone with calls and text messages. An occasional

textorcallisfineifwarranted.

“Rulenumber6:Nomorecondoms.IwillprovideyouwithacleanreportfrommydoctorandI

expectyoutodothesame.

“Rulenumber7:Wewillalternatethethingswedotogether.Oneday,you’llpickwhatwedo,and

thenexttime,Ipickwhatwedo.

“Rulenumber8:Wemusthaveopencommunicationandhonesty.Lyingwillnotbetolerated.

“Thelastruleisthemostimportantone.Rulenumber9:Nofallinginlove.”

A smile crossed her beautiful face as she spoke, “Love is highly overrated. You don’t need to

worryaboutthat,Mr.Caine.”

“Excellent.Yourturn.”Igrinned.

“Well,Ihaveprettymuchthesamerules.Insteadoffourtimesaweek,Ihavedownthree.But,if

youwantfour,Iwon’tobject.”

“Whythree?”Iaskedoutofcuriosity.

“Friday,Saturday,Sunday.Theweekgetsbusyforbothuswithworkandstuff.”

“True,butIthinkwecansqueezeinonemoreday.”Iwinked.

“Fouritis.”Shewroteonherpaper.“Asforsex,youareright.Itisnon-negotiable.ButwhatifI’m

onmyperiod?”Herbrowarched.

“Hmm.Howmanydaysdoesitlast?”

“Usuallythree.”

“Then when it’s that time of the month, we can either say fuck it and do it or we can switch up

days.”

“Deal.” She smiled. “Agree to not seeing other people. We covered the chocolates already.

Absolutely correct about not blowing up each other ’s phones. As for condoms, I’m fine with that

sincewewillonlybehavingsexwitheachother.IwillgetthatreporttoyouASAP.Iliketakingturns

onwhatwe’regoingtodo.But,”shepointedatme,“ifIwanttotakeapaintingclasstogether,you

can’tsayno.”

Ishrugged.“Iliketopaint.”

“Absolutelynolying,justtruthandopencommunication.Andfinally,youwillnotbeallowedto

fallinlovewithme,Mr.Caine.”

“IpromiseyouIwon’t.”

“Okaythen.Ithinkwe’vecoveredjustabouteverything.Yousaidsixmonths?”

“Yes. We can try it for six months.” I took a bite of my sandwich. “If anyone breaks any of the

abovementionedrules,wecuttiesimmediatelyandneverseeeachotheragain.”

“Deal.Butwhathappensaftersixmonthscomestoanend?”sheasked.

“Ifthingsaregoodwithusandwewanttocontinueonasis,thenwewill,”Ireplied.

“Ohwait.Idohavearuletoadd.”

“Andwhatruleisthat,MissWade?”

“No calling each other boyfriend and girlfriend. When we introduce each other, we will be

introducedasfriends.”

“Damn it. I can’t believe I didn’t include that one. I agree.” I wrote it down as rule number 10.

“Okay,I’llhaveAudreygetthisovertomyattorneyandassoonasit’sreadytobesigned,I’llletyou

know.”Ismiled.

“Thanksforlunch.”Aslysmilecrossedherfaceasshegotupfromherchair.

“You’renotleavingyet,areyou?Westillhavetohavedessert.”

Sheglanceddownatthetable.“Idon’tseedessert.”

“It’srighthere.”Igrabbedmycrotch.

Shebitdownonherbottomlipandthenlookedatherwatch.

“Ihaveaboutfifteenmoreminutestospare.”

“That’sallwe’llneed.”

Chapter20

Emily

Iwalkedintotheshopwithasmileonmyface.I’djusthadhotsexintheofficeofoneMr.Jackson

Caine, negotiated a companionship deal, and left feeling like I was on top of the world. Katie was

helpingacustomerpickoutsomeclothes,Noellewasbusyringing,andEvelynwalkedinbehindme

withacoupleofdressesinherhand.

“Hey.Areyoujustcomingin?”sheasked.

“Ijustgotbackfromlunch.”

“Oh.Wheredidyougo?”

“Jackson’soffice.”

“Youhadalunchdatewithhimathisoffice?”Herfacetwisted.

“Wehadameetingtodiscussafewthings.”

“Iseethemeetingwentwell,judgingbyhowyourblouseisbuttonedwrong.”Shesmiled.

Lookingdown,Idiscoveredthatmybuttonswereoffbyone.

“Shit.”IheadedtothebackroomandEvelynfollowed.

“WhattypeofmeetingcouldyoupossiblyhavewithJackson?Isheinvestinginyourbusinessor

something?”

IsighedasIre-buttonedmyblouseandlookedatherwithatwistedface.Ihadtotellheraboutour

arrangementbecauseshewasgoingtofindoutsoonerorlater.

“Wehadameetingtonegotiatesomecompanionshiprules.”

Shesetdownthedressesonthelargetableasalookofconfusionsweptoverher.

“What?”

“JacksonandIlikespendingtimetogetherandwesetdownsomerulesforwhatisnottohappen

whilewedate.”

“Whatkindofrules?Arethetwoofyouinarelationship?”

“No. We’re companions who enjoy each other ’s company. We agreed not to see other people.

Therewillbenofallinginlovewitheachother.Noromance.Wewillbeseeingeachotherfourtimes

aweek,haveopencommunication,andwhathedoesonhistimehe’snotwithmeishisbusiness,not

mine,andsoforth.We’veagreedtodothisforsixmonths,andinthosesixmonths,ifeitheroneofus

breaksoneoftherules,wecuttiesimmediatelyandneverseeorspeaktoeachotheragain.”

Shestoodtherewithhermouthopen.“Whodoesthat?”

“That’swhatIsaid,ifIknowwhatyoutwoaretalkingabout,”Katiespokeasshestrolledintothe

back.

“Wedo.Endofdiscussion.”Iputupmyhandandheadedtowardsthefrontofthestore.

“Wait a minute,” Evelyn shouted as she caught up with me. “So then the two of you are in an

official relationship. That’s what it is, Emily. YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP FOR THE FIRST

TIMEINYOURLIFE!”

“No.Wearenotinarelationship.Iamnothisgirlfriendandheisnotmyboyfriend.Thatwasrule

numberten.Wearefriendswhoenjoyeachother ’scompanyandwanttohavefun.”

“Okay,thenthecorrecttermis‘friendswithbenefits.’”

“Ifyouwanttocallitthat,thenfine.Wehaveafriends-with-benefitscompanionship.”

“Sowhatfourdaysoftheweekareyouseeinghim?”Katieasked.

“Onenightaweek,Friday,Saturday,andSunday.”

“Sodoesthatmeanwecanneverhangoutontheweekends?Imean,it’sprettymuchtheonlytime

wehavesinceweworkallweek.”

Shit. That was something I didn’t think about. If I was spending my weekends with Jackson, I

wouldn’tbeabletoseemyfriendsandthatwasaproblemforme.

“Goodpoint,Katie.IneedtocallJacksonandamendourcontract.”

Walkingovertothecounter,IgrabbedmyphonefrommypurseandcalledJackson.

“Hello,gorgeous,”heanswered.

“Hey.Ineedtomakeanamendmenttoouragreement.”

“Okay.Whatdoyouneedtoamend?”

“Threeofourfourdaysaweekcan’talwaysbeFriday,Saturday,andSunday.Ineedtospendtime

withmyfriendsandsodoyou.”

“Hmm.Ididn’tthinkaboutthat.Thenwe’lljuststicktowhateverfourdayswecan.”

“Thanks,Jackson.”

“You’rewelcome,Emily.I’llcallmyattorneynow.”

Afterendingthecall,IdialedmyOB/GYN’soffice.

“EastGynecology,thisisMary.”

“Hi,Mary,it’sEmilyWade.CanyouhaveDr.Williamsgivemeacall?”

“He’sinwithapatientrightnow,butassoonashe’sfinished,I’llgivehimthemessage.”

“Thanks.”

Settingmyphonedownonthecounter,Igrabbedapieceofchocolate.Shit.Iforgottotellhimthat

Imethissister.Ipickedmyphonebackupandsenthimatextmessage.

“Itotallyforgottotellyou.Imetyoursister.ShecameintotheshoponSaturday.Sheseemsvery

nice.”

“Ohgood.I’mgladthetwoofyoumetbeforeherpartythisupcomingSaturday.”

“Herparty?”

“ThebirthdaypartyIplannedforher.It’sthisSaturdayandIwashopingyou’dcome.”

“Iwouldloveto.Thanksfortheinvite.”

“You’rewelcome.Ihavetogetbacktowork.We’lltalksoon.”

“Bye,Jackson.”

****

Over the next couple of days, I had been busy with the shop and had given great thought to not

goingthroughwithmyonlineboutique.Thestorenexttominehadcloseditsdoorsandwasupfor

lease, and since my shop was growing in merchandise and not space, I wanted to explore the

possibility of expanding. As I was sitting in the back at my desk, going over some orders, Jackson

walkedinwithalargemanilaenvelopeinhishands.

“Hithere.”Ismiled.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“IwasintheneighborhoodandIthoughtI’ddropby.Ourcontractisreadytobesigned.”

“Great.”Igotupfrommyseat.“Let’shavealook.”

Takingthepapersoutoftheenvelope,hehandedthemtomewithasmileonhisface.

“Ialreadysigned,sothatmeansI’min.”Hewinked.

The corners of my mouth curved upwards at his sexy wink. When I looked over the papers,

everythingseemedinorder,soIgrabbedapenandsignedmynameunderneathhis.

“Done!NowI’min.”

Hereachedintohiscoatpocketandpulledoutawhitepieceofpaper.

“Hereismycleanreport.Iwenttothedoctor ’syesterday.”

Reachingintomypurse,Ipulledoutmine.

“Andhereismine.”Igrinned.

“Thenit’ssettled.Letthefunbegin.”Heplacedhishandsonmyhipsandsoftlybrushedhislips

againstmine.“Iwanttoseeyoutonight.”

“I’dlikethat.Howaboutmyplacearoundseven?”Iasked.

“Soundsgood.ShouldIpackabag?”Henippedmybottomlip.

“Ofcourse.”Ismiled.“Iwanttodiscusssomethingwithyouandgetyouropinion.”

“Personal?”

“Business.”

“Okay.Lookingforwardtoit.”Hislipskissedmine.“Ihavetogo.Ihaveameetingtogetto.”

IwalkedhimtothefrontofthestorewhereNoelleandKatiecouldn’tkeeptheireyesoffofhim.

Assoonasheexitedtheshop,Iturnedtothemandtheireyesquicklydivertedtosomethingelse.

“Youtwoneedtostop,”Ispoke.

“Stopwhat?”Katieasked.

“EyerapingJacksoneverytimeyouseehim.”

“Wecan’thelpit,”Noellespoke.“Heisthebesteyecandywe’veeverseen.”

“I’mnottoosureeitheroneofyourboyfriendswouldlikeyousayingorthinkingthat.”

“Thenmaybetheyneedtolooklikehimandwewouldn’thavetosayorthinkit.”Katiesmirked.

Rollingmyeyes,Isighedandwentintothebacktofinishupsomeworkbeforeheadinghomeand

preparingforJackson’svisittonight.

Chapter21

Jackson

“Hey,man.IneedyoutolookatandsignthiscontractfortheDelseyproperty,”Samuelspokeas

hefollowedmeintomyoffice.

Takingthecontractfromhim,Isatdownatmydesk,glancedoverit,andgaveitmysignature.

“Allset.”Ihandedhimbackthecontract.

“Thanks.HowdiditgoearlierwithEmily?”

“Good. Papers are signed, the drama in my life is now gone, and I don’t have to worry about it

fromotherwomenanymore.Icanhavemycakeandeatittoo.”Igrinned.

“Andyouthinkthatyourcompanionshipisjustgoingtoalwaysbebrightandshinyandperfect?”

“Yep.That’swhywesignedacontract.Ifeitheroneofusbreaksanyofthetenrules,wecutties

andneverseeeachotheragain.Lifeisgreat,Sam.”

Leaningbackinhischair,hesighed.“So,ifyouendupcuttingtiesbecauseofabrokenrule,do

youthinkit’sgoingtobethateasyjusttowalkawayfromher?”

“I sure do. That’s the beauty of it. No strings, no commitment, no talk of marriage, no kids, no

worriesand,mostimportantly,allthesexIwant,anytimeIwant.”

“Whatifshe’snotinthemood?”

“Areyoukidding?She’sjustashornyasIam.”Ichuckled.

“Well,” he got up from his seat, “good luck, my friend. I’m going to be curious to see how this

goes.”

“It’llgojustfine.I’mnotworriedandIknowshe’snoteither.Wehaverules.”

“Andrulesaremadetobebroken.”Hepointedatme.

“Nottheserules.”Ismirkedasheleftmyoffice.

****

Her skin trembled underneath my fingers as they slid down her torso, grazing her clit and then

dipping inside her. Our lips tangled together for a brief moment until she tilted her head back and

moaned with excitement as her body gave way to an orgasm. The sensual sounds that escaped her

turnedmeonasIhoveredoverherandthrustmycondom-freecockinsideher,inchbyinchasher

pussy enveloped around me, causing a sensation that was overwhelming. To be inside her, skin to

skin,wentwaybeyondmyexpectations.

“God,youfeelsogood,”ImoanedasIslowlythrustinandoutofher.

“Sodoyou,”shewhisperedasherhandswereplantedfirmlyonmychest.

Bringingherleguptomyshoulder,Iincreasedmyspeedaswestaredintoeachother ’seyes.After

afewmorethrusts,Ipulledoutandbroughtmymouthdowntoherbreasts,givingthemtheattention

theydesired.Ilayonmysideasdidshe,wrappingonelegaroundmywaistasIpushedinsideher

again,feelingthewarmththatsentmetoanotherworldasshecame.IwantedtoholdbackaslongasI

could because the feeling was too great, but the buildup was there as I pushed deep inside and held

myself,lettingoutalongcontinuousmoanwhileIexplodedinsideher.Welaythereforamoment,

ourlipssoftlybrushingagainstoneanother ’sandmyhandmanipulatinghersupplebreast.

Ipulledout,rolledonmyback,andwrappedmyarmsaroundher,pullingherclosetome.

“Youwereamazing,”shespokeasherlipspressedagainstmybarechest.

“So were you, darling. So were you.” I kissed the top of her head. “We haven’t had a chance to

discusswhateveritwasyouwantedtotalktomeabout.”

Sheliftedherhead,satup,andthenclimbedoutofbedandslippedonhersatinrobe.

“Whereareyougoing?”Iasked.

“Togetthewineandchocolates.”Shesmiled.

I sat up and placed my hands behind my head as I rested my back against the headboard of her

queen-sizedbed.Walkingbackintotheroom,shehandedmemyglassandsettheboxofchocolates

inbetweenus.

“Iwanttoexpandmyshop.”

“Ithoughtyouwere,withyouronlineboutique.”

“I’ve decided to put that on the back burner for now. The resale shop that was next to me just

closeditsdoorsandIwasthinkingofrentingthatspaceandexpanding.Theshopisdoingsowelland

I’mrunningoutofroom.Plus,Iwanttoaddanespressobar.”Shesmirked.

“Anespressobar?”Ismiled.“Thatwouldbeprettycool.I’ddefinitelyshopinyourstoreifIcould

carryaroundanespresso.”

Shenarrowedhereyeatme.“Sarcasmisnotbecomingofyou.”

ThecornersofmymouthcurvedupwardsasItookadrinkofmywine.

“I’mgoingtohavetocallLeonandseeifhe’llleasemetheothershopandthenknockdownthe

wallinbetween.”

“LeonHolmes?”Iasked.

“Yes.Doyouknowhim?”

“He’sagoodfriendofmyfather ’s.IguessIdidn’trealizeheownedthosetwobuildings.Letme

knowwhathesays.”

“Iwill.”Shegrinned.

“Letmeaskyou.Howlonghaveyoubeeninbusiness?”

“Iopenedtheshopsixmonthsago.”

“Don’tyouthinkit’salittletoosoontothinkaboutexpanding?Maybeyoushouldwaitayearand

seewhatthebottomlineiswiththenumbers.”

“No.LikeIsaid,theshopisdoingwaybetterthanIexpectedandIknowwithmorespaceandmore

merchandise,itcandoevenbetter.”

“Andifitbackfires?”Iraisedmybrowather.

“Itwon’t.IknowIcandothis.It’sinmygenes,complimentsofmymother.”

Iraisedmywineglass.“Thenhere’stoasuccessfulexpansion.”

Shetippedherglassagainstmineand,withasmile,shespoke,“Thankyou,Mr.Caine.”

Thatsmilewasenoughformetothrowbacktherestofmywine,untieherrobe,andpushheron

herbackwhileIclimbedontopofherandwefuckedforthesecondtime.

****

“Leon,it’sJacksonCaine.Doyouhavetimetomeettoday?Maybewecandolunch.”

“Sure,Jackson.Howaboutoneo’clock?Butwe’llhavetomeetoverbymyoffice.Ihaveatwo

thirtyappointment.”

“NametheplaceandI’llbethere.”

“Let’smeetatResette’s.Icouldgoforoneoftheirpizzas.”

“Resette’sitis.I’llseeyouatone.”

Settingdownmyphone,Isighed.TherewasnowayLeonwasgoingtoletEmilyexpandhershop.

Ifhedid,hewouldchargeheruptheassinrentanddoublewhatshe’dnormallypay.IknewhimandI

knewhowheoperated.Hewasnothingshortofashrewdbusinessman.

Chapter22

Emily

IwasintheshopfoldingsomesweatersthathadjustcomeinwhenIheardthebellabovethedoor

chime.Ilookedovertoseeamanandwomanstepinside.

“Goodafternoon.WelcometoEmily’sEdge.”

“Thankyou,”thewomanspokewithasmileasshewentovertothewallwherethedresseswere.

OnceIwasfinishedwiththedisplayofsweaters,Iglancedoveratthecoupleandcouldn’thelpbut

noticethemanstaringatme.ThemomentIlookedathim,heturnedaway.Notthinkingtoomuchof

it,Iwalkedoverandaskediftheyneededanyhelp.

“Thisisalovelyshop,”thewomanspoke.

“Thankyou.Isthisyourfirsttimehere?”Iasked.

“Yes.MyhusbandandIarevisiting.We’rethinkingaboutmovinghere.We’refromSeattle.”

“Nice.Well,welcometothecityandifyouneedanythingjustletmeknow.”

“Wewill.Thankyou.”Shepolitelysmiled.

ThewholetimeIwasstandinginfrontofthem,thewoman’shusbandkeptstaringatme,andeven

when I would look at him, he didn’t look away. It bothered me and I felt very uncomfortable. As I

stoodbehindthecounter,tryingnottonoticehisexcessivestares,Katiewalkedinfromlunch.

“I’mback.”Shegrinned.

“Howwaslunch?”

“Excellent!Guesswhat?”shescreechedwithexcitement.

“What?”

“Alexpassedthebar.Heisnowafull-fledgedlicensedattorney!”

“Ah,that’swonderful,Katie.”Ihuggedher.

“We’regoingouttonighttocelebrateandwewantyouandJacksontocome.”

“I’dlovetoo.AsforJackson,Idon’tknow.I’llhavetocallandaskhim.”

Pickingupmyphone,Idialedhisnumber.

“Hello,beautiful.”

“Hithere.KatieandAlexaregoingouttonighttocelebratebecauseAlexpassedhisbarexam.Do

youwanttogo?”

“Unfortunately, I can’t. I have a meeting tonight at seven with a client who’s interested in some

property.”

“Oh,okay.IjustthoughtI’dask.”

“IfIwasavailable,Iwouldgo.Butyouhavefuntonight.”

“Thanks,Jackson.Goodluckwithyourmeeting.”

“Thankyou.I’lltalktoyousoon.”

Afterendingthecall,IsetdownmyphoneandafeelingIcouldn’tquitedescribewashedoverme.

“Areyouokay?”Katieasked.

“Yeah.I’mfine.Jacksonhasameetingtonight,sohecan’tmakeit.”

“Toobad.Butwe’llhavesomuchfun.”

“Yeah.”Igaveherasmallsmile.

Disappointment hit me like a ton of bricks. Out of nowhere and BAM! I shook it off the best I

could,tryingtounderstandwhyIfeltlikethis.

“Excuseme,”thewomanfromSeattlespoke.“MayItrytheseon?”

“Ofcourse.”

Grabbingthekeys,Iunlockedoneofthefittingrooms.

“Ifyouneedadifferentsize,letmeknow.”IsmiledasIwalkedaway.

Icouldfeelthestareofherhusband’seyesuponmeasIheadedbacktothecounter.

“Excuseme,miss?”Heapproached.

“Yes?”Inervouslyresponded.

“Iknowthismaysoundstrange,butdoyouknowawomannamedKarenWade?”

Myheartfelltothepitofmystomach.

“Shewasmymother,”Ireplied.

“Was?”

“Shepassedawaytwoyearsago.”

“I’msorry.”Helookeddown.“Youarethespittingimageofher.”

“Youknewher?”

“Yes.Averylongtimeago.IapologizeifIkeptstaringatyou.Youhavehersmile.”

“Thanks.What’syourname?”

“GregoryDavis.”

Iheldoutmyhand.“I’mEmilyWade.It’snicetomeetyou.”

“Areyoutheownerofthisstore?”

“Yes,Iam.”

“It’sapleasuretomeetyou,Emily.OnelastquestionandIhopeit’snottoopersonal.MayIask

howoldyouare?”

Whywouldhebeaskingmethat?Ithoughttomyself.Thatwasanoddquestiontoasksomeoneout

oftheclearblue.

“I’mtwenty-seven,”Ispokewithanoddtoneinmyvoice.

“Ifiguredasmuch.You’reverysuccessfulforyourage.Goodforyou.I’dbestbegettingbackto

mywife.”

“Thankyou.Itwasnicespeakingwithyou,Gregory.”

“Likewise.”Hegaveaslightnodandheadedbacktothefittingroom.

****

Jackson

“Good to see you, Jackson. It’s been far too long,” Leon spoke as he stood from his chair and

shookmyhand.

“Goodtoseeyoutoo.Ithasbeenawhile,hasn’tit?”

“How’syourfather?”

“He’swell.Offtravelingtheworld.”

“Livingthedreamlife.”Hesmiled.“So,whatpromptedthismeeting?”

“You’rerentingashoptoafriendofmine,EmilyWade.”

“Ahyes,lovelygirl.Turnedthespaceintoacutelittleclothingboutique.Whatabouther?”

“Theshopnexttohersclosedandshewasthinkingaboututilizingthatspaceandexpanding.”

“Thatothershopisthesamesizeashers.”

“Shewantstoknockdownthewallinbetweentheshopsandmakeitonelargershop.She’sgoing

totalktoyouaboutit.”

“I’mafraidIcan’tletherdothat.Idon’tlikeexpansions.WhatifthebusinessfailsandthenI’m

leftwithoneoversizedspace?Plus,she’sonlysixmonthsintotheotherlease.It’stoomuchofarisk

andoneI’mnotwillingtotake.”

“Hershopisdoingfantasticalready,soIthinkanexpansionwouldhelpherdoevenbetter.”

“I’dhavetochargehertripletherentplusI’dwantayearupfront.Comeon,Jackson,youknow

thebusiness.”

“Sothere’snowayyou’dworkwithher?”IaskedasItookasipofmydrink.

“No.I’msorry.ThosearetwoseparatebuildingsandIwanttokeepitthatway.Actually,Ialready

havesomeoneinterestedinthespace.Hewantstoputinanutritionshop.”

Isatthere,contemplatingmynextmove.ThiswassomethingshereallywantedandifIcouldmake

ithappenforher,Iwould.

“Howmuchforthetwobuildings?”

“What?”Leonlaughed.“Youcan’tbeserious.”

“Iam,”Ispoke,deadpan.

“They’renotforsale.”

“Everything’sforsale.”Ismirked.

“Issheyourgirlfriendorsomething?”

“No.She’sjustaverygoodfriendwithadream.”

He sighed as he stared at me for a brief moment. His eyes narrowed. “One million for each

property.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Come on, Leon. That’s double what the going rate is. Don’t forget,

we’reinthesamebusiness.Youdidn’tevenbuythosebuildingsforhalfthatmuch.”

“Inflation,myfriend.”Hesmiled.

“Soyou’dagreetoselltomeifIpaidyoutwomilliondollars?”

“Yes.Iwouldhavethecontractsdrawnuptomorrowifyouwanted.”

Iextendedmyhandtohim.“You’vegotyourselfadeal.”

“Areyousureyouknowwhatyou’redoing?”heasked.

“IknowwhatI’mdoing.”Ifinishedoffmydrink.

Chapter23

Emily

Islippedintomyblackshortskirt,pulledonmyburgundycami,andreachedintomyclosettopull

out a short black stylish jacket. Stopping in the bathroom, to double check my makeup, I heard my

phonedingwithatextmessage.

Walkingbackintothebedroom,IsmiledwhenIsawitwasfromJackson.

“Whatareyouwearing?”

“Blackskirt,burgundycami,andablackjacket.”

“Sendmeapicture.”

“Areyouserious?”

“Very,”herepliedwiththewinkemoji.

As much as I hated those damn emoji’s, that one was cute. Standing in the front of the mirror, I

tookaselfieandsentittohim.

“Hotdamn.Youlooksexy.”

“Thankyou.”

“Imayhavetousethatpicturetopleasuremyself.Youwouldn’tmind,wouldyou?”

Icouldn’thelpbutlaugh.

“No.Notatall.Pleasureaway.”

“Havefuntonight.”

“Thanks,Jackson.”

“Youneversaidwhereyouweregoing.”

“We’regoingtoClubS.”

“Haveagoodtime.”

“Enjoyyourmeeting.”

Thefeelingofdisappointmenthadn’tleftmealldayanditbotheredmeastowhyIfeltit.Itriedto

reasonwithmyselfandfindtheanswersIwaslookingfor,butinstead,Ijustendedupmoreconfused.

Ialsocouldn’tstopthinkingaboutGregoryandhowheknewmymother.Noshockthere,though.My

motherhadknownacountlessnumberofmeninherlifetime.InorderforhimtosayIhadhersmile,

he must have been very close to her. In fact, she must have known him before I was born, since he

didn’t know she had a kid. Sighing, I told myself I needed to put these thoughts of Jackson and

Gregoryoutofmyheadandhaveagoodtimetonight.

****

Club S was hopping. The music was blaring and the floor underneath my feet felt like an

earthquake was in motion. We finally found an open table by the bar and sat down quickly before

anyoneelsecouldsnatchitup.ForaThursdaynight,theplacewaspacked.

“WhatcanIgetyoutodrink?”Alexasked.

“Neatmartiniwiththreeolives,”Ishoutedovertheblaringmusic.

As I looked around, I watched the girls with their half-naked bodies, twerking and shaking their

hipstothetechnomusicthatplayed.Guyswerebumpingandgrindingalloverthemwiththehopes

thatmaybethey’dgetluckywithoneofthemtonight.IsmiledattheflashbackIhadwhenIwashere

about six months ago and had sex in the bathroom with some random guy who did the same exact

samethingtome.Hewastallandhandsome.Iwashornyandhadafewtoomanydrinkswithouta

careintheworld.IhadrunintohimaweeklateratStarbucksandwhenIsaidhi,helookedatmelike

Iwastryingtopickhimup.HehadnocluewhoIwasorthattheacteventookplace,andthatwasfine

withme.

AlexandKeithreturnedtothetableandAlexhandedmemymartini.AsIbroughtituptomylips,

Ithrewitbackasifitwasaglassofwater.Iwasn’tsurewhyIdidthat.Normally,Iwouldsipona

martini with the utmost respect. But not tonight and I didn’t know why. The five of us sat around,

drinkingandcelebratingAlex’spassingofhisbarexam.Afterafewmoredrinks,Katiegrabbedmy

and Elizabeth’s hands and dragged us to the dance floor. Tonight, if some guy started grinding up

againstmyass,hewasgoingtobesorry.Normally,Iwouldn’tmind,andIalwaysthoughtitwaskind

offun.Butnow,IwasinacontractwithJacksonandInolongerdesiredit.

KatieandElizabethleftinthemiddleofthesongtousetherestroom,butIstayedbacktofinish

dancing. I was in my groove and I didn’t want to leave. As my body moved to the rhythm of the

music,Ifeltsomeonefrombehindlightlypressupagainstme.Rollingmyeyes,Imovedawaywith

the hopes the person would get the hint and move along. But instead, I felt it again. This time, the

touch wasn’t so light. Then, I felt hands tightly grip my hips. Now I was pissed. How dare anyone

touchmewithoutpermission?

“Whatthefuck!”IshoutedasIwhippedaroundandintothearmsofoneMr.JacksonCaine.

“Goodanswer.”Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupintoasexysmile.

Ibitdownonmybottomlipandwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneck.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Youlookedfartoosexytostayaway.”

“Whataboutyourmeeting?”

“IendeditearlysoIcouldgetherebeforeyouleft.Areyoudonecelebratingyet?Ireallyneedto

getyououtofhereandtomylimosoIcanfuckyou.”

AheateddesirecoursedthroughmybodyandIcouldn’trefusehisoffer.Iwantedhimasmuchas

hewantedmeatthatverymoment.Leadinghimtothetable,hecongratulatedAlexandthenthetwoof

uswalkedoutoftheclubandclimbedintothebackofhislimowheretheprivacyglasswasalready

up.

Ourlipslockedtightlytogetherashishandstookoffmyjacket.Myfingersfumbledwithhisbelt

andthensuccessfullyunbuttonedhispants.Hewasalreadyashardasarock.Istuckmyhanddown

hispantsandthefeelofhiminmyhandfurtherexcitedme.Pullingdownmycami,heunhookedmy

braandtossedittotheside.Hismouthravishedmybreastsashelaidmedownandhishandpushed

my skirt up, removed my panties, and his fingers dipped inside me. Moans escaped my lips as his

fingerspenetratedmewithforce,causingmetoorgasmonthespot.Ourlipsfoundeachother ’sonce

againashepulleddownhispantsandthrustinsideme.Hard,deep,andbreathtakingwaswhathewas.

Severalgruntsrumbledfromhischestashemovedinandoutofme.Fuck,hewassodamngoodand

Ididn’twantittoend.Thepleasurehegavewasoverwhelmingandaddicting.Myheatedbodywason

theriseagainasanotherorgasmtookover.Onelastpushandhehalted,strainingwitheverythinghe

hadandexplodinginsideme.

His head dropped and his lips brushed against mine. His breathing was out of control. Our eyes

met as our chests heaved and our hearts pounded out of our chests. His smile captivated me as he

pulledoutandsatdownwithhisbackagainsttheseat.Sittingup,Ipulleddownmyskirtandreached

formypanties.HishandgrabbedthembeforeIcould.

“Letme,”hespokeasheheldtheminhishand.

Slowly slipping on my panties, his hand swept over my slick spot before pulling them over my

hips.IthoughtthatwasthesexiestthingI’deverexperienced.

“Thankyou.”Ismiled.

“No.Thankyou.”Hegrinned.

Whenthelimopulleduptomyapartmentbuilding,hetookholdofmyhandandwalkedmetothe

door. Brushing his lips against mine, he spoke, “Don’t forget Saturday is my sister ’s party at my

house.I’mhavingeveryoneshowatfiveo’clock.”

“I’llbethere.”

“Plantospendthenight.We’lldosomethingonSunday.”

“DoyougettochooseordoI?”Islylysmiled.

“Didyouhavesomethinginmind?”

“Notreally.Doyou?”

“Notreally.”Hechuckled.“We’lljustseewhatthedaybrings,”hespokeasheleanedinandkissed

myforehead.

Chapter24

Jackson

IfinishedsigningoffonsomepaperworkwhenmyphonerangandLeonwascalling.

“Hello,Leon.Ihopeyouhavegoodnewsforme?”

“Ido,Jackson.Canyoucometomyofficearoundtwoo’clock?Andbytheway,Iwouldprefer

twomillioncash.”

“Comeon,Leon.It’sgoingtotakesometimetogetthatmuchincash.”Isighed.

“It’sonly nine o’clock,Jackson. You canget it within thenext five hours.Just work your magic

withthebanklikeyourfatheralwaysdid.”

Ileanedbackinmychair.Iwasnowaggravated.

“Fine.I’llseeyouattwoo’clock.”

IendedthecallandimmediatelydialedWalterSimmons,thebankmanagerwithwhommyfather

andIhadagoodrelationshipoverthepastseveralyears.

“WalterSimmons,”heanswered.

“Walter,it’sJacksonCaine.”

“Heythere,Jackson.WhatcanIdoforyou?”

“IneedtomakeawithdrawaloftwomilliondollarsandIneeditincashbytwoo’clock.”

“Youknowweneedatleasttwenty-four-hournoticeforthat.”

“I know, but it’s something that just came up. It’s a deal I’m working on and cash is the only

option.”

“BehereatonefifteenandI’llmakesureit’sready.”

“Thanks,Walter.”

“Noproblem,Jackson.”

Wasallofthisworthit?Ifitwasanyoneelse,absolutelynot.Iwasonlydoingthissoshecould

expand. She had a plan and I trusted her. The worst thing she could do was let me down. After

grabbingsomelunch,Iwenttothebank,collectedmymoney,andheadedovertoLeon’soffice.

“Have a seat, Jackson.” He waved his hand to the chair across from his desk. “Emily called me

todayandinquiredaboutthespacenextdoortohershop.Itoldherthatthetwobuildingsweresold

andshe’dhavetotalktothenewowner.”

“DidyoutellherIwastheonewhoboughtthem?”Iasked.

“No.Isavedthatpartforyou.Ijustsaidthatthey’dbeincontactsoon.”Hesmirked.“Ineedyour

signaturehereandonthenextthreepages.”

“Isthereareasonforthisprivatetransaction?”Iarchedmybrowathim.

“Nah.Sometimesprivatebusinessisbest.”

Isignedthecontractsandhandedhimoverthebriefcasewiththetwomilliondollars.

“Yourfatherwouldsayyouwerebeingfoolish,”Leonspoke.

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatmyfatherwouldsay.It’smycompany.”

“Well,thanksforyourbusiness.”Leonheldouthishand.“Andgoodluckwiththebuildings.”

“Thanks,Leon.”

****

The caterers were occupying my kitchen, prepping for the party that was to take place in two

hours. The bartender was scheduled to arrive at any moment and the bakery had just delivered the

cake.IwantedthisnighttobeperfectforJules.TheplanwasthatIhadinvitedJulesandCarterover

tohaveahome-cookedmealatmyplaceinsteadofgoingout.Shewouldn’tthinktwiceaboutitsince

it was something we sometimes did. I hadn’t talked to Emily since Thursday night and I wanted to

makesureshewasstillcoming,soIsentheratextmessage.

“Don’tforget,myplace,fivesharp.”

“Ihaven’tforgottenandImayjustbetherealittlebeforefive.”

Asmilecrossedmylips.

“Youcancomeanytimeyouwant.Infact,I’llsendEdwardovertopickyouupnow.Youcanbring

yourthingsandgetreadyhere.”

“Areyousure?”

“Positive.”

“Alright.ThensendEdwardonhisway.”

Ihadfoundmyselfthinkingaboutheryesterday,andeventhoughItriednotto,Icouldn’tstopmy

mindfromwanderingbacktoher.EvenwhenIwasatthebarwithSamuellastnight,Ikeptthinking

abouther,whichwassomethingIdidn’tdo.Anditwasn’tevensexIwasthinkingabout.Itwasjust

her.

The bartender arrived and started to get things set up when I heard the elevator doors open and

Emily’svoicecallingmyname.

“Mr.Caine,EmilyWadehasarrivedandneedsyourassistance.”

IchuckledasIwalkedintothekitchenandfoundherstandingthereholdingagarmentbaginone

handandasmallsuitcaseintheother.

“Good afternoon, Miss Wade.” I stood and stared at her in her gray sweatpants, matching zip-up

hoodie,herhairinahighponytailandnotatraceofmakeuponherface.Fuck,shelookedadorable.

“Wouldyoumindtakingthissuitcaseupstairsforme?”sheasked.

“Itwouldbemypleasure.”Igrabbeditfromherhand.

Whenwereachedmybedroom,Isettheheavysuitcasedownonthebed.

“Areyoumovinginorsomething?”Ismirked.

“No.”Shelaughed.“SinceI’mgettingreadyhere,Ihadtobringmymakeupandmyclothesfor

tomorrow.”

“Youcouldn’tjustbringoneofthosesmallcosmeticbagsforyourmakeup?”

“Ineedoptions,Jackson.”Shesmiledassheunzippedthesuitcaseandtookoutalargeblacktrunk

fullofmakeup.

Ifollowedbehindasshetookitintothebathroomandopeneditup.

“Istillhavetoshower,”Ispoke.

“Goahead.I’mjustgoingtobeputtingonmymakeup.”

“Youshoweredalready?”Iasked.

“Yes,”sherepliedasshedabbedfoundationalloverherface.

“Damn.Iwashopingyou’dtakeonewithme,”IspokeasIstartedtheshowerandstrippedoutof

myclothes.

She didn’t say a word, but I caught her glancing at my naked body through the mirror. She

pretendedshewasn’tlooking,butIknewshewas.Mycockwasstartingtogethardjustknowingshe

wasdoingit.Steppingintotheshower,IthoughtaboutwhentherighttimewastotellherthatIwas

hernewlandlordandthatIapprovedofherexpandingtheshop.

WhenIsteppedoutoftheshower,sheglancedatmeasIwrappedthetowelaroundmywaist.

“Wereyoujuststaringatmynakedbody?”Ismirked.

“No.”

“Yesyouwere.”Islowlywalkedupbehindandkissedherneck.

Sheletoutasoftmoan.“Okay,maybeIwas.Ifyouweren’tsosexy,Iwouldn’thavetolook.”

“YouthinkI’msexy?”Mylipscontinuedtograzeherneck.

“Yes.”Shemoaned.

“Isthissexy?”Ipushedmyselfagainsther,lettingherfeelthehardnessofmycockonherback.

“Verysexy.”

Ipulleddownhersweatpantsalongwithherpantiesandgrippedherroundbeautifulassastightas

Icould.Alowmoanescapedher.Myfingersslidacrossherslickspot,feelingtheexcitementthatwas

alreadythere.Whilemyonehandfocusedonherlowerhalf,myotherreachedaroundandunzipped

herhoodie,revealingonlyapinksatinbraunderneath.

“Fuck.Ididn’tknowyouweren’twearingashirtunderthere.”

“Surprise.”Shesmiled.

Icouldn’twaitanylonger.Mycockwasthrobbingandneededtobeburiedinsideher.Turningher

around, I lifted her up on the counter, slid her hoodie off her shoulders, and quickly unclasped her

bra, tossing it on the bathroom floor. Her hands reached out and took off my towel and then softly

strokedmetothepointIthoughtIwasgoingtoalreadycome.Bringinghertotheedge,Igrabbedher

legsandforcedthemaroundmywaistwhileIthrustinsideher,movinginandoutatarapidpace.She

leaned back, her hands planted firmly on the counter as the sounds that escaped both our lips

intensified.MyfingersgrippedherassasIliftedherfromthecounterandtookherovertothewall.

Ourlipslockedtightlytogetheruntilshegaspedandherlegstightenedaroundmewhileshecame.

Thebuildupformewasthereandmycockwasreadytoexplode.OnemorethrustandIburiedmyself

deepinsideandstrainedwhileIbleweverythingIhadinsideher.

“Wow.”Shesmiledbrightly.

“Wowisright.”Ikissedherlips.

Isetherdown,andshestoodwithherbacktothewallanddidn’tmove.

“Areyouokay?”Ilaughed.

“I’mfine.Ijustneedaminuteformywobblylegstocatchupwiththerestofmybody.”

Chapter25

Emily

Jules was in disbelief when she walked inside Jackson’s house and we all yelled “surprise.” The

lookonherfacewaspureshockuntilthetearsformedinhereyeswhensherealizedwhatherbrother

had done. She hugged him tight and the feeling of brother and sisterly love poured out of them.

Wipinghereyes,shegreetedherguestsandJacksonlookedatmeandsmiled,knowinghehadmade

herhappy.

“Emily,it’ssogoodtoseeyouagain,”Julesspokeasshegrabbedmyhands.“Canyoubelievehe

didthis?”

ThesmilegrewwideacrossmyfaceasIreplied,“Yes,Icanbelieveit.He’sagoodman.”

“HecertainlyisandIwouldn’ttradehimfortheworld.”

As Jackson and I were talking over a glass of wine, he rolled his eyes as his mother and her

husbandwalkedover.

“Thanksforcoming,Mom.”Hekissedhercheek.“Stuart,goodtoseeyouasalways.Iwouldlike

youbothtomeetafriendofmine.ThisisEmily.”

“Verynicetomeetyou,Emily.Howlonghaveyouandmysonbeendating?”sheinstantlyasked.

“Oh,wearen’tdating.We’rejustfriends.”

“Oh.”Sheraisedhereyebrow.

JacksonandStuartwalkedawayforamomenttograbanotherdrinkandIwasleftstandingthere

inanawkwardmomentwithhismother,Gwen.

“Iwashopingyou’dbedating,”shespoke.

“Why?”Icockedmyhead.

“I’mgoingtoaskyouaquestionandIwantnothingbutthetruthfromyou.”

“Okay.”Isippedmywine.

“IbelieveJacksonisgayandIneedyoutoconfirmitforme.Ishe?”

Iwantedtobustoutlaughing,butIcouldn’t.Ifsheonlyknewhowgayhewasn’t.

“Jacksonisnotgay,Gwen.Whydoyouthinkthat?”

“Becauseheneverbringsanygirlsaround.Notforholidays,visits,nothing.He’salwaysaloneand

Isuspectthathedoesn’tknowhowtotellhisfatherandmethathe’sgay.”

“Wouldyouhaveaproblemwithitifhewas?”IaskedasInarrowedmyeye.

Shewassilentforafewmomentsasshelookedawayfromme.

“Well,Iwouldn’tlikeit.”

“Jackson told me that you’re on your fourth marriage and his father is on his fifth. Did it ever

occur to you that maybe Jackson doesn’t bring any women around because he doesn’t believe in

relationships?Imean,lookattheexampleyousetforhim.”

“WhyInever!”Shescowled.“Thatwasuncalledforandveryrude,younglady.”

“I’msorry,butit’sthetruth.”

JacksonandStuartwalkedbackoverand,instantly,Gwentookhisarmandledhimaway.

“Whatjusthappened?”Jacksonasked.

Isighed.“Yourmomofficiallyhatesme.”Ipursedmylips.

“Why?”Hechuckled.

“Shethinksyou’regay.”

“WHAT?!”Hisvoiceraised.

“Shh.”Ihookedmyarminhis.“Itoldheryouweren’tandmaybethereasonyoudon’tbelievein

relationshipsisbecauseoftheexamplesheandyourfatherhadset.Sorry.”Ibitdownonmybottom

lip.

Laughterescapedhim.

“Please,don’tapologize.Whatyousaidwasperfect.Andasforherhatingyou,sheprobablydoes

afterwhatyousaid.Butthat’sherproblem.”Hewinked.“IfshewantstothinkI’mgay,thenfine.She

canbelievewhatshewants.Idon’treallycare.”

WhileJacksonandIweretalking,Juleswalkedupandpulledustotheside.

“I wanted to tell you first before I made an announcement. I said yes to Carter. We’re engaged.”

ShesmiledassheheldoutherhandandIadmiredthebeautifuldiamondthatsatonit.

Jacksonwrappedhisarmaroundherandpulledherclosetohim.

“That’sgreat,Jules.I’mhappyforyou.”

“Congratulations.”Igaveherabighug.

“Thanks.I’mgoingtomakeanannouncementinafewminutes,sinceeveryoneishere.”

“HaveyoutoldMomyet?”Jacksonasked.

“No.Notyet.Iwantedyoutobethefirsttoknow.You’rehappyforme,right?”sheasked.

“Areyouhappy,Jules?”

“Veryhappy.”

“Thenyoumadetherightdecision.”Hekissedherforehead.

****

Notone,nottwo,butthreeorgasmslater,IwaswrappedupinJackson’sarms.Itwastheperfect

endingtoaperfectparty.

“Areyoureadyforyourexpansionoftheshop?”Jacksonasked.

“Ugh.Iforgottotellyou.IcalledLeonandhetoldmethathesoldthebuildings.SonowIhaveto

waituntilthenewownersgetincontactwithme.Canhejustsellthemlikethatwithouttellingme?”

“Yes.It’shisproperty.Hecandowhateverhewantswiththem.Thatjustmeansthatyou’llhaveto

payyourrenttothenewowners.Nothingshouldchange,sinceyou’realreadyinalease.”

“Whatiftheywon’tallowmetoexpand?”Iaskedwithconcern.

Hislipspressedagainstthetopofmyhead.“I’msuretheywill.Iwouldn’tworryaboutitjustyet.”

“I’mkindofanxioustogetmovingonit.WhatiftheyrenttheotherspaceoutbeforeIcantalkto

themaboutit?”

Hischestheavedandalongsighescapedhim.Liftingmyheadfromhischest,Isatupandlooked

athim.

“AmIirritatingyou?”Iarchedmybrow.

“No.It’sjustthere’ssomethingIneedtotellyou.”

“What?”Iaskedwithnervousness.

“First thing Monday morning, I want you to get hold of a contractor and start planning your

expansion.”

“Haveyounotbeenlisteningtome?Ijustcan’tdothatandI’mnotgettingmyhopesupandthen

havingthenewownershootitdownandtellmeno.”

HisfingerreachedoutandtracedmycollarboneasIheldthesheetagainstme.

“IamthenewownerandIgiveyoutheokaytoexpandEmily’sEdge.”

“What?”Iaskedwithalaugh.“Youboughtthebuildings?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Forinvestmentreasonsandsoyoucouldexpand.LeonsaidabsolutelynotandIthoughthewas

making a mistake, so I purchased the buildings from him and now you’re free to do whatever you

want.”

“You’reserious?”

“Deadserious,Emily.”

“Whendidyoudothis?”

“Yesterday.”

“Andyouweregoingtotellmewhen?”Inarrowedmyeyeathim.

“Tomorrowoverbreakfast.”Hesmirked.“Butyouwouldn’tstoptalkingaboutit.”

A feeling came over me in an instant. A mixture of—shit, I didn’t know. On one hand, I was

overwhelmedbythegenerosityofhimbuyingthebuildingssoIcouldexpand,butontheother,Iwas

alittlefrightenedbywhathehaddone.

“Idon’tknowwhattosay,Jackson.Ican’tbelieveyoudidthat.”

“Don’treadtoomuchintoit,Emily.Ididitforinvestmentreasonsandbecauseyou’remyfriend,

andfriendshelpeachotherout,right?”

“Yeah.Iguess.Butthathadtocostyoualotofmoney.”

“Whatdoesn’tcostalotofmoneythesedays?IfIdidn’tthinkitwasworthit,Iwouldn’thavedone

it.So,actually,mypurchasewasinthebestinterestforbothofus.”

Leaningover,Ibrushedmylipsagainsthis.“Thankyouforlettingmeexpand.”

“You’rewelcome.”Hepulledmeontopofhim.“Onemoreroundbeforewegotosleep?”

“Definitely.”Igrinned.

Chapter26

Emily

OneMonthLater

Lifewasgood.Toogoodtobetrue,actually.ThingswithJacksonandmewerephenomenaland

our negotiation was working perfectly. He was busy with work, securing new deals and new

propertieseveryday,andIwasbusywiththeexpansionofEmily’sEdge.Julespoppedintotheshop

every so often and the four of us went out at least once a week. Jackson told her about our

arrangementandshethoughtitwasalittlestrange,butshewasn’tsurprised.

Istoodinthemiddleoftheshopandwatchedasthecarpentersworkedontheespressobar.

“Thisisgoingtobegreat,”Evelynspokeasshestoodnexttome.

“What’sgoingtobegreatisthatwallovertherewithyournamedisplayedonitandyourdesigns

hangingunderneath.”Ismiled.

“Thattoo.”Shelaughed.“Bytheway,DylanandIsaidthosethreelovelywordstoeachotherlast

night.”

“Oh?” My brow raised as I stood there with my arms folded. “Isn’t it kind of soon to be saying

thosepoisonouswords?”

“Stopit.Andno,it’snottoosoon.Idolovehim.Hearinghimsaythosewordswasmagical.”

“Youdoknowthatmagicisn’treal,right?”

Hereyesnarrowedatmeassheplacedherhandsonherhips.

“IthinkwhatyouandJacksonhaveisincredible.Iknowyoudon’twanttohearthis,butyoutwo

arenodifferentfromanyothercoupleintheworld.Anddon’tdenyit.Youtwoareacouple.I’veseen

thelookonyourfacewhenhecancelsadatebecausesomethingcameupatworkandhehastoswitch

thedayyoutwoseeeachother.I’veseenyoustarttotexthimandthendecideyoubetternot,andI’ve

seenthewaythetwoofyouaretogether.Youbotharecrazyandheadoverheelsforeachother.You

candenyitallyouwant,sister,butIknowthere’smoretothisso-calledcompanionshiprelationship

thanyou’rewillingtoadmit.”

IturnedmynoseupasIwalkedaway.

“You’rewrong.We’regreatfriendswithalittleextraspiceontheside.WhatJacksonandIhaveis

perfect.Infact,ifmorepeopledidwhatwedid,they’dbealothappier.”

AsIwasrearrangingthedisplaytableinthefrontofthestore,amanIrecognizedfromamonth

agowalkedin.

“Hello,Emily.Idon’tknowifyourememberme.”

“Gregory,right?”Ismiled.

“Yes.MywifeandIjustmovedtothecityandIthoughtI’ddropbyandsayhello.”

“Soyoudidmakethemove.WelcometoNewYork.”

“Thank you. If you wouldn’t mind, I would like to have lunch or perhaps dinner with you one

night.”

“Excuseme?”Iaskedinconfusion.

“Iwouldliketotalktoyouaboutyourmother.”

“Whatabouther?”Alookofconcernsweptovermyface.

Hedrewinasharpbreath.“Wewereverycloseatonetimeand—”Hepaused.

“Andwhat?”

“Ithinkyoumaybemydaughter.”

IgulpedandwhippedmyheadaroundwhenIheardsomethinghitthefloorandKatiestoodthere

staringatmeasthejewelryrackshewasholdingfellfromherhands.

“Iknowthismaybeashocktoyou,”Gregorysoftlyspoke.

“A shock is an understatement. Who do you think you are, coming into my shop and saying

something like that? My mother didn’t know who my father was. She was a single woman who

hooked up with a lot of guys. As horrible as that may make her sound, she was the best goddamn

motherintheworld,”Ishouted.“Nowpleaseleavemyshop.”Ipointedtothedoor.

“Yourmotherwastheloveofmylife.I’msorrytohavebotheredyou.”Hereachedintohispocket,

pulledoutabusinesscard,andsetitonthetable.“I’msureyourmothernevermentionedmeandI

don’tblameher.I’velivedwithmydecisionforthelasttwenty-sevenyears.Haveagoodday,Emily.”

Hewalkedoutthedoor.

Istoodthere,literallyshakingatthenewshehadsprungonme.Myheartwaspoundingoutofmy

chestandtheonlypersonIcouldthinkofatthatmomentwasJackson.

“Emily,areyouokay?”Katieaskedasshewalkeduptome.

“I’mfine.”

“Doyouthinkwhathesaidwastrue?”

“Idon’tknow,”IspokeasIwalkedbehindthecounterandgrabbedmypurse.“I’mgoingoutfora

while.Noellewillbehereinaboutthirtyminutes.”

WhileIwasinthebackofthecab,IsentJacksonatextmessage.

“Areyouattheoffice?”

“Hi,andyes,I’mhere.Why?”

“I’monmyway.Ineedtotalktoyou.”

“Areyouokay?”

“Idon’tknow.”

Assoonasthecabdriverpulleduptothefifty-six-storyglassbuilding,Ithrewsomecashathim

andtooktheelevatoruptowhereJackson’sofficewasonthethirtiethfloor.

“Hi,Emily.”Hissecretarysmiled.“Mr.Cainesaidtogorightinwhenyougothere.”

“Thankyou.”

Opening the door to his office, I took one look at him sitting behind his desk and, instantly, my

eyesfilledwithtears.

“Hey.”Hegotupfromhischairandwalkedovertome.

Thetearsstartedtofalluncontrollably,andnomatterwhatIdid,Icouldn’tstopthem.

“Whathappened?”Heclaspedmyshouldersandthenpulledmeintoanembrace.

“Thismancameintotheshop.”

Breakingourembrace,helookedatmewithaseriousnessinhiseyesIhadneverseenbefore.

“Whatman?Didhehurtyou?”heaskedinasternvoice.

IlookeddownandshookmyheadandIwasonceagaininthesafetyofhisarms.

“Calmdown,Emily,andtellmewhathappened.”

Iswallowedhardandtookinadeepbreath.

“Thismanandhiswifecameintotheshopaboutamonthago.TheywerevisitingfromSeattle.He

keptstaringatmethewholetimetheywerethereandwhenhiswifewasinthefittingroom,hewalked

overandaskedmeifIknewKarenWade.Itoldhimthatshewasmymotherandhesaidthatheknew

herandIhadhersmile.HecamebackintotheshopjustalittlebitagoandtoldmethatImightbehis

daughter.”

“What?Butyourmotheralwaystoldyouthatshedidn’tknowwhoyourfatherwas.”

“That’swhatItoldhimbeforeIthrewhimoutofmyshop.”

Jacksonledmeovertotheplushblackleathercouchinhisofficeandsatmedown.

“Hesaidthathedidn’tblamemymotherfornevermentioninghimandthathehadtolivewiththe

decisionhemadeforthepasttwenty-sevenyears.Healsosaidthatshewastheloveofhislife.”

“Doyoubelievehim?”heasked.

“Idon’tknow.Ikeptplayingtheconversationoverandoverinmyheadonthewayhere.”

“Obviously, he has a reason to believe he could be your father. A man wouldn’t just go up to

someoneandsayshitlikethat.Whydidyouthrowhimout?”

“Because I was in shock! It isn’t every day some stranger comes to you and claims to be your

parent.WhatdoIdo?”Ilaidmyheadonhischestasheputhisarmaroundme.

“Doyouwantmyhonestopinion?Ordoyouwantmetotellyouwhatyouwanttohear?”

“Doesitmatter?”

“No.”Hegentlysmiledashekissedmyhead.“Ithinkyouoweittohimandyourselftohearhim

out.LikeIsaid,there’sareasonhebelievesit.Iknowyou’reinshockandwhentheshockwearsoff,

you’llbeabletoprocessallofthisbetter.”

What he said made sense. There had to be a reason or something as to why he would believe I

couldbehisdaughter.MymothernevermentionedamannamedGregoryandnowIwasbeginning

toquestionwhy.

“Thanks,Jackson.”AsmallsmilecrossedmylipsasIliftedmyheadfromhischest.

Histhumbsgentlywipedawaythetearsfromundermyeyes.

“You’rewelcome.You’rehotwhenyoucry.Didyouknowthat?”Hesmiled.

“Ididn’t,butthankyou.”Ilightlylaughed.“Ishouldgetbacktotheshop.”

“Whattimeareyougoingtobehometonight?”heaskedasIgotupfromthecouch.

“Probablyaroundsixthirty.”

“Good.I’mcomingoverassoonasIleavehere.”

“It’snotourschedulednight.”

Heshrugged.“Thenwe’llmakeitone.I’llbringChineseandwecanjustsitback,relax,andtalk.”

“Nosex?”Iarchedmybrowathim.

“Now,now,MissWade.Isnosexeveranoptionwhenwe’retogether?”

“Justmakingsure.”IsmiledasIkissedhislipsandthenwalkedoutthedoor.

IhadneverrunintothearmsofamanwhenIwasupset.ButhewasthefirstpersonIneededandI

washappythatIrantohim.HemademefeelsafeandIknewjustbytalkingtohimthathe’dmakeme

feelbetter.

Chapter27

Jackson

Seeing Emily so upset really affected me in a way I didn’t think it would or could. When she

steppedintomyofficeandIsawthetearsrunningdownherface,Ifrozeinfearthatsomethingbad

hadhappenedtoher.ThiswasthefirsttimesinceI’dknownherthatIsawherthatway.Shecrumbled

before me and my first instinct was to put her back together. I wanted to be with her tonight, even

though I had other plans. The encounter she had with Gregory wasn’t something she would forget

aboutanytimesoonandIdidn’twanthertobealone.

After wrapping up at the office, I picked up some Chinese food and went over to Emily’s

apartment.WhenIarrived,sheansweredthedoorandwavedmein,asshewasonthephone.Iwalked

tothekitchenandsetdowntheplasticbagwiththefoodinitonthecounterandreachedupintothe

cabinetandtookdowntwoplates.

“Sorry,”shespokeasshesetherphoneonthecounter.

“That’sokay.Itsoundedimportant.”

Takingthefoodfromthebag,shebroughtitovertothetable.

“IwasspeakingtoCrystal,mymom’sbestfriendsincehighschool.Ifanyonewouldknowabout

Gregory,shewould.”

“Whatdidshesay?”IaskedasItookaseat.

“She’s planning on coming here next week and we’ll talk then. I got the impression she was

shockedbymyphonecallandIcouldtellsheknewsomething.”

“Maybe you should meet with Gregory before her so you can find out if their stories are the

same.”

“Doyouthink?”

“Ido.Ifyouwantanswersnow,Ithinkthatwouldbethebestthingtodo.”

“I don’t know, Jackson. I’m kind of scared to find out if my mother was lying to me all these

years.”

“I know you are, sweetheart, but you can’t just ignore it. You’ll spend the rest of your life

wondering.Itwillfollowyouunlessyoufindoutthetruth.”

“Didyoujustcallme‘sweetheart’?”Shesmirked.

“Idid,andyouknowwhy?”

“Why?”

“Becauseyouhaveasweetheart.”

Shelaughedasshetookabiteofherchicken.Thetruthwasthatitjustslippedoutinvoluntarily.I

sighedasIfinishedmydinner.

****

IarrivedhomefromtheofficethenextdayandfoundJulessittingattheislandeatingaplateof

foodthatTerrancemade.

“Hey,”IspokeasIkissedhercheek.

“Hi.”Shesmiled.

“Onbreak?”Iasked.

“Yeah.Forthenextcoupleofhours.I’mpullingadoubleshift.Momcalledmetoday.Shesaidshe

triedtocallyou,butyoudidn’tanswer.”

“I’vebeeninmeetingsallday.Iwasgoingtocallherlater.What’sup?”

“Shewantstohavedinnerwiththetwoofustomorrownight.”

“I’msupposedtoseeEmilytomorrownight.”

“It’stheonlynightIhaveoffthisweek.Ithinkshemayhavesomenewsforus.”

“Divorcenews?”Mybrowarched.

“I’mthinkingso.”

Rollingmyeyes,Ipouredmyselfaglassofwine.

“Nothingnewthere.Shecanjusttellmeoverthephone.”

“Comeon,Jackson.You’regoingtodinner.Infact,youcanpickmeupandwe’llarrivetogether.

Twinsupportasalways.”Shepointedherforkatme.

“ThenI’llhavetocancelmyplanswithEmilyandIreallydon’twanttodothat.”Ithrewbackthe

restofmywine.

“Whatisreallygoingonbetweenthetwoofyou?”Julesasked.

“Youknowwhat’sgoingonbetweenus.”

“Actually, the only thing I know is that you have some silly contract that dictates your

relationship.”

“It’s not silly and it’s working out for both of us. Plus, it’s not a relationship. What Emily and I

haveiscompanionship.”

“Forfucksakes,Jackson.Youtwoareinarelationship.Doyouneedmetolookupthedefinition

foryouinthedictionary?”

“Bemyguest.”

“Fine.”

Picking up her phone, her fingers typed ferociously as the word “aha” spewed with excitement

fromhermouth.

“‘Aconnection,association,orinvolvement.Anemotionalorotherconnectionbetweenpeople.A

sexualinvolvement;affair.’See,youandEmilyareinarelationship,soInevereverwanttohearyou

saythatyouaren’t.”

“Therearetwotypesofrelationships,mydearsister.Oneslikewhatyoujustreadandonesthat

are what you and Carter have. There’s romantic relationships, casual relationships, abusive

relationships,etc.IfyouaresohellbentonsayingthatEmilyandIareinarelationship,thenfine,we

areinacasualrelationship.”

“Noyou’renot,”shespokewithseriousness.

“Yesweare.”

“Noyou’renot.”

“Yesweare!”Iboldlyexclaimed.“Thereisnothingmorethanfriendshipandsexbetweenus.”

“Thenwhydidyoubuythebuildingssoshecanexpand?”

“Forinvestmentreasonsandbecauseshe’smyfriendandwantedtoexpandandLeonwouldn’tlet

her.Iwouldhavedonethesameforyou.”

“That’sbecauseyouloveme.”Shesmirked.“Admitit,Jackson,you’reinlovewithher.”

Wavingmyhandinfrontofmyface,Iturnedandopenedtherefrigerator.

“Idon’tevenknowwhatthefuckit’sliketobeinlove.So,no,I’mnotinlovewithher.”

“Andifshejustwalkedoutofyourlifetomorrow,you’dbefinewithit?”

“Actually,Iwould,andI’dwishherwell.”

“Yeah, okay. That’s why you don’t want to cancel your date with her tomorrow because you’re

lookingforwardtoseeingher.”

“Idon’twanttocancelmydatebecausemytimewithherwouldbebetterspentthansittingacross

fromawomanandhearingshe’sgettingdivorcedforthefourthtime.It’sdraining,Jules.”

Shegotupfromthestoolshewassittinginandplacedherplateinthedishwasher.

“I know it’s draining, but we have to be there for our mother. Pick me up from the hospital

tomorrowatsixthirty,”shespokeasshepushedthebuttontotheelevator.

“Whatever.”Isighed.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I dialed Emily’s number as I walked up the stairs to my

bedroom.

“Hello,”sheanswered.

“Hey.Ihavesomebadnews.Ihavetocancelfortomorrownight.”

“Why?”

“Listen,canyoucomeovertonight?I’llexplaineverything.”

“Sure.I’mjustleavingtheshop.Icanbeoverinaboutthirtyminutes.”

“Haveyoueaten?”Iasked.

“Notyet.”

“Good.Terrancemadesomechickenthingwithasparagusandredpotatoes.”

“Soundsgood.I’llseeyousoon.”

“Bye,Emily.”

Throwingmyphoneonthebed,Itookoffmysuitcoatandpantsandchangedintosomethingmore

comfortable. A pair of black Nike fleece pants and a gray t-shirt. Having dinner with my mother

tomorrow to hear about her pending divorce shouldn’t have bothered me, but it did, and I really

wanted to see Emily. Normally, when something bothered me, I liked to sit in the comfort of my

home,alone.Butnottonight.Iwanted,oractually,Ineededherherewithme,andIwasn’tsurewhich

botheredmemore.

Chapter28

Emily

TheelevatordooropenedandthemomentIsteppedintothekitchenofJackson’spenthouse,Iwas

greetedbythewarmaromaofanamazingsmell.Onethatmadethehungerpainsinmybellygowild.

“Hey,”IspokeasIsetdownmypurse.

“Hi.”Jacksonsmiledashesetdowntwoplatesatthekitchentable.“Haveaseat.Dinnerisserved.”

Takingmyseatacrossfromhis,Iplacedthenapkininmylap.

“Sowhat’sgoingon?”

“WhenIcamehometoday,mysisterwashere.I’vebeensummonedtohavedinnerwithherand

mymothertomorrownight.Apparently,mymotherwantstohavealittlechatwithus.”

“About?”

“JulesandIbothagreethatmorethanlikely,she’sgoingtotellusshe’sgettingdivorced.”

“Gee,I’msorry,Jackson.”

“Don’tbe.Itwasinevitable.”Hepushedhishalffullplateaway.

I could tell he was upset, and for the first time since I’d known him, I’d never seen the sadness

sweep across his face as I did at that moment. Pushing my plate away from me, I got up from my

chairandclimbedintohislap.

“It’salwaysinevitable.Webothknowthat,”IspokeasIranmyfingerdownhischeek.

“Iknow.”Alightsmilecrossedhislips.“Whatwasityourmotherusedtosay?”

Iletoutalaugh.“Umm.Shesaidalotofthings.”

“Abouthappilyeverafter?”

“Oh.Shealwayssaidthathappilyeverafterisamythanditdoesn’texist.”

“IthinkIwouldhavelikedyourmother.”

“Iknowyouwouldhave.”IsmiledasIranmyhandthroughhishair.

“Thanksforcomingovertonight,”hespokewithseriousnessashishandstrokedmycheekandhis

eyeslockedonmine.

“You’rewelcome.Thanksforcallingandinvitingme.”

“Mypleasure.”Hislipssoftlypushedintomine.

Welayinbed,hisarmwrappedtightlyaroundmywaistaswelayonoursides.Hisheadnuzzled

soclosetomethatIcouldfeelthewarmthofhisbreathsweepacrossmyback,forhewasalready

soundasleep.JacksonCainewasamannottoolongagotowhomIwasincrediblyattractedto,and

now,hehadbecomeanaddiction.Iwasbeyondhappywhenhecalledandaskedmetocomeover,and

yet I was scared shitless for feeling that way. He occupied a large space in my mind and I found

myself thinking about him more than I should have. More than I ever had thought about anyone

before.IwasfailingatthefighttokeephimatasafedistanceandIdidn’tknowwhattodo.

****

AfewdayshadpassedandJacksonhadtogotoChicagotoseehisfather.Ithadbeenthreedays

sinceI’dseenhimandsomehow,thatputmeinamood.Hewasrightabouthismother.Thedinnerhe

wassummonedtowastotellhimandJulesthatshewasgettingdivorced.

As I was digging through my purse, trying to find my lip-gloss, I pulled out the business card

Gregoryhadleftonthetablewhenhewashere.Staringatit,Itookinadeepbreathattheindecision

ofwhethertocallhimornot.Ihonestlydidn’thavetimeforthis.Theexpansionoftheshopwasnear

completionandIwasbusytryingtomakesureeverythingwasinitsproperplace.

“Areyougoingtocallhim?”Katieaskedasshestoodovermyshoulder.

“I don’t know. I really don’t have time to deal with him right now.” I threw the card back in my

purse.

“Youhavetime,Emily.Youjustdon’twanttodealwithwhathemighttellyou.”

“That’snottrue.”

“Ithinkitis.You’rescared,andyou’reafraidthathe’syourfatherandyoudon’twanttofacethe

factthatyourmotherliedtoyoualltheseyears.”

“Shedidn’tlie.Maybeshedidn’tknowhewasthefather.”

“Ormaybeshedidandforonereasonoranother,sheneverwantedyoutoknowabouthim.”

Throwingmypurseunderthecounter,Ispoke,“LikeIsaid,Idon’thavetimetodealwithhim.”

“What’swrongwithyou?”sheasked.

“Yeah.Whatiswrongwithyou?”Evelynpipedupasshewalkedintotheshop.“You’vebeenbitchy

theselastcoupleofdaysandthistotallyisn’tlikeyou.”

“I’mjuststressedwiththeshopandstuff.”

“I’veseenyouatyourworstwithstressandyou’reneverlikethis,soI’msuspectingithastodo

withJacksonbeingoutoftown,”Katiespoke.

“Don’tberidiculous,”IhuffedasIwalkedawayandstraightenedthescarvesIhadondisplay.

“I’mwithKatieonthisone,Em.Ithinkyou’reupsetthatyou’renotseeinghimforafewdaysand

youdon’tknowhowtodealwithit,because,myfriend,youareinlovewithhim.”

Thesoundoflaughterescapedme.“IdonotloveJackson.Maybeasafriend,yes.JustlikeIlove

bothofyou,butIamnotinlovewithhim.Now,ifyou’llexcuseme,I’mgoingtolunch.”

WalkingdownEast9

Street,Istoppedatadeliandtookaseatoutsideontheirpatio.

“WhatmayIgetyou?”thewaitressasked.

“I’llhaveaRockwoodsandwich,please,onwholewheat.”

“Chipsorfries?”

“Chips.”

“Verygood.It’llbeupshortly.”Shesmiledasshewalkedaway.

Pulling my phone from my purse, I dialed Gregory’s number and took in a deep breath as he

answered.

“Hello.”

“Gregory,it’sEmilyWade,”Inervouslyspoke.

“Emily.It’sgoodtohearfromyou.”

“IgavesomethoughttowhatyousaidandIthinkweneedtotalk.”

“Okay.Howaboutdinnertonight?”

“Thatwillbefine.Let’smeetatseveno’clockatScarpettaonWest14

Street.”

“I’llbethere.Thankyou,Emily.”

“I’llseeyouthen,”Ispoke,deadpan.

Just as I ended the call and set my phone down, a text message came through from Jackson.

Instantly,mymoodchanged.

“Canyoutalk?”

“Yes.Justhavinglunchatadeli.”

Withinasecond,myphonerang.

“Hithere,”Ianswered.

“Hello,beautiful.How’syourlunch?”

“Prettygood.”

“Areyoueatingalone?”

“Yeah.Ihadtogetoutoftheshopandbebymyselfforawhile.”

“What’swrong?”heaskedinaconcernedtone.

“Nothing.Justtheexpansionandtryingtogeteverythingsetup.”

“Ah.Well,don’tstressyourselfoutoverit.”

“IcalledGregoryandwe’remeetingfordinnertonight.”

“Good.Ican’twaittohearallaboutit.I’mflyingbacktomorrowafternoon,sohowaboutwemeet

uptomorrownight?”

“Soundsgood.How’syourfather?”

Iheardhimsigh.“He’sokay.I’lltellyouaboutitwhenIseeyou.”

“Areyouokay?”Iasked.

“Yeah.I’mfine.Imissmyfacebetweenthosebeautifullegsofyours.”

Awidegrincrossedmyface.

“I miss feeling you buried deep inside me.” I must have spoken a little too loudly as an older

womanatthetablenexttomeshotalookmyway.

“Ugh,Emily.I’mgettinghard.WebetterendthiscallbeforeIembarrassmyself.”

Lettingoutalightlaugh,Ispoke,“Okay.I’lltalktoyousoon.”

“Bye,Emily.”

“Bye,Jackson.”

Ifinishedoffmysandwichwithasmileandheadedbacktotheshop.WhenIwalkedin,Katieand

Noellewerestandingbehindthecounterandinstantlystoppedtalking.

“Youdidn’thavetostoptalkingaboutmeonmyaccount.”Ismirked.

“Weweren’t,”Katiespoke.

“Youneverwereaverygoodliar.”Ipushedheroutofthewayandgrabbedapieceofchocolate.

“Fine.WeweretalkingaboutyouandJackson.”

“Idon’tcare,butyoudon’thavetodoitbehindmyback.FeelfreetotalkwhileI’mstandinghere.”

Shestoodtherewithnarrowedeyes,staringatme.

“Yourmoodchanged.Youseembetter.What’sup?”

“Nothing.Ijusthadanicelunchandde-stressed.”

“DidyoutalktoJackson?”

“Yes.Hecalledme.”

“AHA!” She pointed at me. “That’s why you’re in a better mood, because your man called and

madeyourday.”

Rollingmyeyes,Isteppedawayfromthecounterandwalkedovertotheothersideoftheshopto

lookovertheespressobar,whichwasninety-fivepercentcomplete.

“Hehadnothingtodowithitandhe’snotmyman.Ijustneededsomefood.”

Shethrewherhandsupintheairandwalkedaway.Ididn’twanttotellheraboutmydinnerplans

withGregorytonightbecauseIdidn’twanttobebombardedwithamillionquestions.Iwouldtellher

andEvelynallaboutittomorrowonceIgotsomeanswers.

Chapter29

Jackson

Placingmyphoneinmypocket,Iwalkeddownthestreetandintomyfavoritechocolateshopthat

wasfamilyownedandhadthebestchocolateIhadeverhad.

“Hellothere,Jackson.”JacobSmallsmiled.

“Hi,Jacob.”

“WelcomebacktoChicago.”

“Thanks.”

Istoodlookingthroughthecaseofthehomemadeandhandcraftedchocolateshisfamilyhadbeen

makingforoverfiftyyears.

“WhatcanIboxupforyou?”

“Justgivemeatwo-poundassortment.”

“Twopounds,eh?”Hesmiled.

“Yeah.IhaveafriendbackinNewYorkwhoIknowwilllovethese.”Igrinned.

“Judgingbythatgrin,I’dsayshe’sprettyspecial.”Hewinked.

“She’sagoodfriend.”

“Thereyougo.”HereachedoverthecounterandhandedmetheboxofchocolateswhileIhanded

himmycreditcard.

“Thanks,Jacob.Itwasgoodtoseeyouagain.”

“Samehere,Jackson.Ihopeyourgoodfriendenjoys.”

“Shewill.”

When I arrived back at my father ’s penthouse, I walked in, only to find Katerina sitting on the

couch,crying.Shit.Irolledmyeyesandsighed.

“Whereishe?”IaskedasIwalkedovertoher.

“Heleft.Saidheneededtotakecareofafewthings.”

Ididn’tknowhowtoconsoleher.Oranywoman,tobeexact.ItwasnaturalformewithEmily,but

withKaterina,Ididn’twanttomakethingsforherworse.

“Yourfatherisanasshole!”sheyelledbeforeblowinghernose.

“Yeah.Heis.”Isatdownnexttoher.

“Howcouldhedothistome?Justaskforadivorceoutofnowhere?”

“Youknewwhatyouweregettingyourselfintowhenyoumarriedhim.Youarewifenumberfive.”

“IthoughtIwasdifferent,”shecried.

“Andsodidwivesnumbertwo,three,andfour.Listen,Katerina,I’msorry.You’llcomeoutofthis

amuchstrongerperson.You’reabeautifulyoungwomanandanymanwouldbeluckytohaveyou

forhiswife.”

“Youthinkso?”Shesniffledasshelookedatmewithhertear-filledeyes.

“Iknowso.Youdidn’twanttowastetherestofyourlifewithhimanyway.Hedidyouafavor.”

“Ithinkhe’sseeingsomeone.WhenIaskedhim,hedeniedit.”

IinhaledadeepbreathbecauseIwouldn’tdoubtit.Itwaswhathedid.

“Ifheis,thenIfeelsorryforthatpoorwomanandyoushouldtoo.”

“Ido,andyouknowwhat?Shecanhavehim!”

“That’sright.He’sherproblemnow.”Ismiled.

“Thanks,Jackson.”Sheplacedherhandonmine.“You’reagoodman.Somewomanisgoingto

beluckytohavesomeonelikeyouinherlife.”

“Thanks,Katerina.I’mgoingtogo.Iwasn’tsupposedtoleaveuntiltomorrow,butIneedtoget

backtoNewYork.”

Igaveherahug,grabbedmysuitcase,andheadedoutthedoor.Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,

Idialedmyfather.

“What’sup,son?”

“IjustwantedtoletyouknowthatI’mflyingbacktoNewYorktonight.”

“Ithoughtyouweren’tleavinguntiltomorrow.”

“Ihavealotofworktodo,Dad.”

“Okay.I’llseeyouinacoupleofweeks.Takecare,son.”

“Youtoo,Dad.”

I had too much on my mind to stay in Chicago another night, plus I was starving for sex and I

neededtoseeEmily.Withmyfathergettinganotherdivorce,hismovingbacktoNewYork,andmy

mother ’spendingdivorce,itwasalltakingatollonme.

WhenIarrivedbackinNewYork,IstoppedbyJules’placebeforeheadinghome.

“Hey.”Sheopenedthedoorandhuggedme.“Whatthehellisgoingonwithourparents?”

Stepping inside, I headed right to the bar in the corner of the living room and poured myself a

scotch.

“They’rebatshitcrazy.That’swhat’sgoingon.”

“IsDadseriouslymovingbackhere?”

“Yes.He’llbeherepermanentlyintwoweeks.”

“Jesus Christ, Jackson. I can’t even wrap my mind around all this. Both our parents are getting

divorcedagainandDad’smovingback.Shouldtheyevenbeinthesamecity?”

“Idon’tknow.”Ipouredanotherscotchanddowneditinonegulp.“AllIknowisthatI’mstaying

outofit.Idon’tcareifthey’rebothgettingdivorcedandIdon’tcareifthey’reateachother ’sthroats.

Ihavemyownlifeandissuesandsodoyou.Parentsornot,theyarenolongerourproblem.”

Shestoodtherewithherarmsfoldedlightly,noddingherhead.“Iagree.”

Isetdownmyglassonthebarandkissedhercheek.

“Ihavetogetgoing.Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyoutoo.”

Chapter30

Emily

IwalkedintoScarpettafifteenminutesearlywithabundlenervesthatresidedinmybelly.

“Aboothfortwo,please,”Ispoketothehostessasshegreetedme.

Shegrabbedtwomenusandledmeovertoacornerboothwithhighbacks.Itwastheperfectspot

thatwouldgiveGregoryandImoreprivacy.

“Whattimewillyourguestbearriving?”sheaskedasshesetdowntheothermenuacrossfrom

me.

“Heshouldbehereinaboutfifteenminutes.MynameisEmilyandheisanoldergentlemanwith

saltandpepperhair.”

“Verywell.I’llbeonthelookoutforhim.”Shesmiled.

ThereasonIarrivedearlywassoIcoulddownamartinitocalmmynervesbeforeheshowedup.

“Goodevening.”Thepeppywaitresssmiledasshesetdownadrinknapkininfrontofme.“What

canIstartyouoffwith?”

“I’llhaveaneatmartiniwiththreeolives.”

“Andyourguest?”

“I’mnotsure.You’llhavetoaskhimwhenhearrives.”

“Oneneatmartiniwiththreeolivescomingrightup.”

Mydrinkcouldn’tgettherefastenoughasIsatatintheboothandponderedwhetherornotIwas

ready to hear what Gregory had to tell me. The waitress walked over, and before she could set my

drinkdown,Igrabbeditfromherhandsandimmediatelytookalargegulp.

“Sorry.Thisisverymuchneededatthemoment.”

“Ithappenstoallofus.”Shesmiled.

AsIlookedup,IsawthehostesswalkingGregorytothetableandthenervousnessIalreadyhad

feltintensified.

“Emily.”Hesmilednervouslyashesatdown.

“Gregory.”Inodded.

“Isthataneatmartiniwiththreeolives?”heaskedashelookedatmyglass.

“Itis.”

“That’sthewayIordermine.”

IneededtojustcomeoutandsaywhatIwasthinking.Therewasnouseinmakingthissituation

anymoreawkwardthanitalreadywas.

“I called you because I want to know how you knew my mother. I want to know how you met,

whereyoumet,howoldyouwere,andwhatyourrelationshipwas.”

Afterthewaitresstookhisdrinkorder,hefoldedhishandsonthetableandtookinadeepbreath.

“Your mother and I met through a mutual friend one summer when we were sixteen years old. I

don’tcarewhatanyonesays,itwasloveatfirstsightforbothofus.I’llneverforgetthefirstmoment

myeyeslaidsightonher.IthoughtshewasthemostbeautifulgirlIhadeverseen.Andhersmile,just

likeyours,wouldlightupthedarkestrooms.Shewassittingonablanketonthebeachinablackand

whitepolkadotbikiniwhenCrystalintroducedus.”

“Waitaminute.YouknowCrystal?”Isetdownmyglass.

“Yes. Crystal had moved next door to me when we were just ten years old. We became good

friendsand,shortlyafter,myfatherwastransferredtoSanFranciscoandwehadtomove.ButCrystal

and I still remained very good friends. When I was sixteen, my father got transferred back to Los

Angeles and we returned there. I was reunited with her and that’s when she introduced me to your

mom.”

I sat there, intently listening to him speak as I grew angry on the inside at Crystal for never

mentioninghim.

“KarenandIspentthatwholesummertogetherandsaweachotherpracticallyeveryday.Wedid

everythingtogether,andtherewasn’tonemomentIwantedtobewithouther.Ourrelationshipgrew

evenstrongeroverthecourseofthreeyears.Herdreamwastoownherownbusinesssomedayand

minewastoserveourcountry.EnlistinginthearmywassomethingIhadwantedeversinceIwasa

child. My father served as well as my uncles and grandfather. We talked about marriage, kids, and

buildingafuturetogether.Shehaditallplannedout,rightdowntotheredbrickhousewiththewhite

picketfenceandthespringerspanielnamedDooley.”

AsmallsmilecrossedmylipsbecausethatwasasideofherI’dneverknown.

“I told her all along I wanted to enlist in the army and she tried to talk me out of it every time,

givingmereasonsnottodoit.Withherasthemainreason,Itriedcommunitycollegeforayear,but

itjustdidn’tcutitforme.Beinginthearmywasinmyblood,andIlovedhersomuchandsheloved

me,soIknewdeepinmyheartthatourrelationshipwouldsurviveit.ItoldherthatafterIfinished

training, I’d come back and we’d get married and then we could be together forever. She finally

agreedandIenlisted.ThedayIwasleavingfortraining,shetoldmeshewaspregnant.Thatwasthe

happiestdayofmylife,andthenshebeggedmenottogo.Butitwastoolate;Ihadnochoice.I’ll

neverforgetthetearsthatfellfromhereyesasIsaidgoodbyetoherwiththepromisethatI’dbeback

andthatI’dwritetohereveryday.Itwasonlyfortenweeks,Emily.TenweeksoftrainingandI’dbe

backtogetmygirl,marryher,andraiseafamily.”

Therewasamomentofsilenceashepickeduphismartiniandtookseveralsipsbeforegoingon

withhisstory.

“Ikeptmypromiseandwrotetohereveryday.WhenIhadthechancetocallher,Iwould,butI

heard nothing but sadness in her voice. I missed her so much and I promised her we’d be together

soon.ThenawarbrokeoutandtheunitIwasassignedtowasgettingdeployedrightaftertraining.

They wouldn’t even give me a day to see her. When I wrote and told her what was happening, she

wrote back and told me that she understood. With every letter I wrote to her from that day forth, I

beggedhertosendmepicturesofherandhergrowingbelly.Butnolettersevercame,exceptforthe

onesIwrotetoherthatwerereturned.”

“I’msosorry,Gregory.”Ireachedoutandplacedmyhandonhis.

HiseyesmetmineandIgulpedatthesadnessthatresidedinthem.

“Twoyearslater,thewarendedandIreturnedbacktoCalifornia,onlytofindoutthathermother

had passed away a year prior and that she had moved. Nobody knew where she went. After her

mother ’sfuneral,shepackedupallherthingsandquietlymovedaway.Ispentthenextyearsearching

forher.”

“WhataboutCrystal?Mymotherwouldhavetoldherwhereshewasgoing.”

“CrystalwasstudyingabroadinParisatthetimeanditwasimpossibletogetholdofher.Iwrote

her letters and she wrote one back saying that she had lost touch with Karen and she didn’t know

whereshewent.”

“Well,sheobviouslyliedtoyoubecauseCrystalwastherewhenIwasborn.”

“Ifiguredshedid,butwhatelsecouldIdo?Ifinallygaveup,wentonwithmylife,andprayedto

God every day that I would find my child. I never even knew if you were a boy or a girl. When I

walkedintoyourshopthatday,IfeltlikeIwasseeingKarenalloveragain.”Hiseyesswelledwith

tears.

After we finished eating, we stepped outside the restaurant, and before parting ways, I spoke, “I

needtimetoprocessallofthis,Gregory.Ihopeyoucanunderstand.”

“IdounderstandandIwantyoutotakeallthetimeyouneed.Hell,ifyouwantmetodoapaternity

test, I will. I’m sorry for just springing this on you, but I’ve waited twenty-seven years for this

moment.”

Ireachedoverandgavehimahug.“I’llbeintouch.Ipromise.”

Isatinthebackofthecab,notknowingwhattothink.Alltheseyears,andtheshieldmymother

had over her heart was for a reason. A reason she never once talked about. All her lectures about

happilyeveraftermadesensetomenow.Shelivedalovelesslifeallbecauseshecouldn’tstandby

andwaitfortheonlymansheeverletherselflove.

WhenIstuckmykeyinthelockandopenedthedoor,IjumpedwhenIsawJacksonsittingonmy

couchwatchingTV.

“OhmyGod.Youscaredme.”

Asmilecrossedhisfaceashegotupandwalkedovertome.

“I’msorry.”Hekissedmylips.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iwrappedmyarmsaroundhisneck.“Ithoughtyouweren’tcoming

backuntiltomorrow.”

“Idecidedtocomehomeadayearly.Iwantedtosurpriseyou.Areyousurprised?”Hesmirked.

“Verysurprised.”Ilaidmyheadonhisshoulder.AshoulderIdesperatelyneeded.

“HowdidyourdinnerwithGregorygo?”

“God,Jackson.”Ibrokeourembrace.“Thethingshetoldmeabouthimandmymother.”

“Iwanttohearallaboutit.Butfirst,IbroughtyousomethingbackfromChicago.”

“Youdid?”Ismiled.

Hewalkedovertoablackbagthatwassittingonthecounterandpulledoutablackandgoldbox.

“Whatisthis?”

“Openitupandfindout.”

Icarefullyremovedthelidandstareddownatthechocolatesthatwerestaringbackatme.

“Jackson.”MyeyeswidenedasIlookedathim.

“Tasteone.”Hewinkedwithasmile.

Takingachocolatefromthebox,Itookabiteanditfeltlikeheaveninmymouth.

“Holyshit.OhmyGod.”IplacedmyhandovermymouthasIdevouredthesmallsquare.

“Good,isn’tit?”

“Wheredidyoufindthese?”

“Fromafamily-ownedchocolateshopinChicago.I’vebeenbuyingchocolatethereforyears.”He

placedhis hands onmy hips andkissed my forehead. “I’llgrab the wine,you bring the chocolates,

andwe’llcontinueourtalkinbed.”

“Howaboutthebathtub?”

“Youwanttotakeabath?”Heraisedabrow.

“Yes.Wine,chocolate,andbubblywater.Isthereanythingbetter?”

“Well, I can think of something better, but I’ll take your word for it.” A sexy smirk crossed his

face. “I’ll take the chocolates and start the water and you grab the wine. I’ll meet you in the

bathroom.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.

IwassohappyhecamebacktonightbecauseIreallyneededhimaftermydinnerwithGregory.I

wassoconfusedandtornupbyhisstorythatIfeltsomewhatlostandIknewthatjustseeingJackson

wouldhelpmefindmyway.

Chapter31

Jackson

Thewarmbubblywaterwasinvigorating.Ididn’tdothis;Ididn’ttakebathsingeneral.Especially

notbubblebathswithawoman.ThiswasmyfirsttimeandIcouldsaythatIwasthoroughlyenjoying

the soothing water with Emily pressed against me and my arms wrapped securely around her. Her

head rested on my chest as her back pressed against me. Our wet skin meshed together while my

fingerslightlyranupanddownherarm.HerstoryaboutGregorysurprisedmeabitbutgaveinsight

tothebehaviorofhermotherallthoseyears.

“Howareyoufeelingaboutallthis?”Iasked.

“I’mnotsure.I’msadforGregoryandI’msadformebecausemymomdidn’ttrustmeenoughto

tellmeabouthim.AllthoseyearsofkeepinghimasecretwhenIaskedoverandoveragainaboutmy

fatherandtheliesshetold.”

“Shehadherreasons,Emily,andonceyoutalktoCrystal,you’llhaveabetterunderstandingof

whatyourmotherwasthinking.”

“True.Now,tellmeaboutChicagoandyourdad.”

Iletoutalongsigh.“He’sdivorcinghisfifthwife.”

“What?”Sheliftedherheadandlookedatme.“Why?”

“He said he didn’t love her anymore, and that’s all he would tell me. He’s moving back to New

York.”

“Howdoesyourmomfeelaboutthat?”

“Idon’tknowandIdon’tcare.LikeItoldJules,I’mstayingoutofit.Theycandowhateverthey

want,butI’mnotlettingitaffectme.I’mwashingmyhandsoftheirmaritaldrama.”

“Don’t you think it’s odd that they’re both getting divorced at the same time?” she asked as she

reachedoverandgrabbedapieceofchocolate.

“Kindof.Buteverythingaboutthemisodd.”

Sheletoutlightlaugh.

“Now,let’snottalkaboutthemanymore.AsmuchasI’menjoyingthisbath,it’stimetogetoutand

fuckyou.I’vebeensexuallystarvedforthreedays.”

Shesatupandturnedaroundsoshewasstraddlingmewhileherlipspressedagainstmine.

“Whosaysweneedtogetout?”Shesmiled.

AgrowleruptedinmychestasIstaredintohereyesandthendownatherlusciouswettits,which

mademycockstandatfullattention.Myhandsgraspedbothofthem,kneadingsoftlyandtakingher

hardenedpeaksbetweenmyfingers.Ourlipsmetandtwistedwhileourtonguestangledtogether.AsI

placed my hands firmly on her hips, she lifted herself up and slowly took me inside. Gasps of

excitement filled the air surrounding us. Her hands weaved through my hair as she moved up and

down. The feeling of being inside her was euphoric. I could sit in this tub and let her fuck me all

night.Myfingersmovedfromherhipsanddowntoherclit,softlycaressingitashermoansgrewin

intensity. Her wet pussy tightened around my cock, making the feeling of an orgasm come to the

surface.Sheswelledbeneathmyfingersandmoanedasshecame.Pushingdownonherhips,Ithrust

up,inandoutofherasshestraddledme,hertitsbouncinginmyface,makingthesightbeforeme

utterlyintoxicating.Onemorethrustanditwasthere;theexplosioninsideher.Ithrewmyheadback

andmoanedastherushofwarmthresidedinside.

“Fuck,Emily.Justfuck.”IsmiledasItriedtocalmmyracingheart.

“Itoldyouwedidn’thavetogetout.”Agrincrossedherbeautifullips.

****

WhileIwassittingatmydesk,myphoneranganditwasmyfather.

“Hello.”

“Son,whatthehellwereyouthinking?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout,Dad?”

“IspokewithLeonandhetoldmehesoldyoutwobuildingsoveronEast9

.Hesaidyoubought

themforsomegirlandpaidtwomilliondollarsforthem.”

“Yes.Idid.ButIdidn’tbuythemforEmily.Iboughtthemforaninvestment.”

“Whatinvestmentwouldthatbe,son?Twomillionforthosebuildingsisoutrageous.”

“No,Dad.What’soutrageousisyougettingdivorcedforthefifthtime.Thisismycompanynow

andI’llrunithowIseefit.”

“Watchyourmouth,boy.”

“Arewefinishedhere?Ihavebusinesstogetbackto.”

“We’lldiscussthisfurtherwhenIcomeback.”

Rollingmyeyes,Iendedthecallandthrewmyphoneacrossmydesk.Leaningbackinmychair,I

broughtmyhandsuptomychin.

“Youlookdeepinthought,”Samuelspokeashestrolledin.

“Justgotoffthephonewithmyfather.HerippedmeanewoneforbuyingthebuildingsonEast

.”

“Ifyouwantmyhonestopinion,itwaskindofastupiddealonyourpart.ButIsortofunderstand

whyyoudidit.Youcankeepcallingitaninvestment,butIknowyoudiditforEmily.Andyouknow

whyyoudiditforher?Becauseyouloveher.”

“Shutthefuckup.Idonot.She’safriendwhowantedtoexpandandIcouldmakethathappen.Ifit

wasyou,Iwouldhavedonethesamethingandyoufuckingknowit.”Ipointedmyfingerathim.

“Whatever,bro.Keepdenyingit.I’vebeeninloveacoupleoftimesandIknowthesigns.Anyway,

I’mheadingovertothePrestonproperty.Areyoucoming?”

“No.TakeEliewithyou,getthenumbers,andreportback.”

“Okay.”Hewalkedoutofmyoffice.

Iwasfeelingstressed,soIgrabbedacabandheadedovertoEmily’sshoptoseethenewespresso

barthatwasfinallyfinished.WhenIwalkedthroughthedoor,Isawherstandingbythebackroomin

anembracewithanotherman.Ayoungerman.IswallowedhardasIwatchedthesmileonherface

growwhenhekissedhercheek.AnangerrippedthroughmeandittookeverythingIhadnottogo

and rip his face off. His hand rubbed her arm and her body language told me that she enjoyed it. I

turnedandwalkedoutoftheshopbeforeIdidsomethingIwouldregret.Thisfeelinginsidemewas

somethingIcouldn’tcontrolanditwasmakingmecrazy.Iwenttotheshoptoseeherbecausemy

daysuckedandIknewshecouldchangethat.Obviously,Iwaswrong.Weweresupposedtoseeeach

othertonight,butnow,Ididn’twanttoseeher.IwasafraidofwhatImightsayifIdid.

Pullingmyphonefrommypocket,Isentheratextmessage.

“Wearen’tgoingtobeabletoseeeachothertonight.SomethingcameupattheofficeandIneedto

staytodealwithitandIdon’tknowhowlongit’sgoingtotake.”

Iwaitedforthosethreelittledotstoappeartoletmeknowshewastyping.Theydidn’t.Shewas

probablystillflirtingwiththatguyandtoobusytolookatherphone.Wasthisacomplication?Itsure

thehellwasandIdidn’tlikeitonebit.

Chapter32

Emily

SeeingJakeagainwasthehighlightofmyday.Ihadn’tseenhimsinceParsons,whenhedropped

outandmovedtoItalytostudyfashion,andnowhewasbackinNewYorktostayafterscoringan

editorialpositionatCosmopolitanmagazine.

Grabbingmyphonefromthecounter,IlookedatitandsawJackson’stextmessage.Itseemedcold

andflat.Likehewaspissedoff.

“Okay.Iunderstand.Areyouokay?”

Iwaitedafewminutesforaresponse,butonenevercame.Maybehewasinameetingandhe’d

textmelater.

“What’swrong?”Katieaskedasshewalkedpastme.

“Jacksonsentmeatextmessagesayinghehadtocancelfortonightbecausesomethingcameupat

theoffice.”

“Oh.Thenlet’sgoout.Alexisworkinglateatthefirm.”

“Okay.Howaboutamovie?WecangoseethatnewonewithBlakeLively.”

“Soundsfun.I’llchecktoseewhattimeitstarts.”Shesmiledasshewalkedaway.

****

The movie ended at eight, and since neither one of us was hungry because of the large popcorn

andboxofMilkDudswedevoured,wedecidedtohitupabarforacoupleofdrinksbeforeheading

home. We entered through the door of The Heights Bar & Grill and found a table along the wall

amongstthecrowdofpeoplewhowerealsothere.

“WhatcanIgetyouladies?”thetallredheadedwaitressasked.

“I’llhaveafrozenwatermelonmargarita,sugarrim.”Ismiled.

“I’llhavethesame,”Katiespoke.

“CanIgetyouanappetizerorsomething?”

“No.Justthedrinks.”Ismiled.

“Twofrozensugar-rimmedwatermelonmargaritascomingrightup.”Shegrinnedasshescurried

away.

Thewaitressbroughtourdrinksratherquickly,consideringhowbusytheplacewas.Katiewentto

the restroom so I pulled out my phone from my purse to see if Jackson had answered my text

messagefromearlierandstillnothing.Sighing,Isetmyphonedownonthetableandtookalargesip

ofmymargarita.WhileIwaswaitingforKatietocomebacktothetable,myeyesscannedtheroom

andthenfrozewhenIsawJacksonandSamuelsittingupatthebar.Myheartstartedpoundingoutof

mychest.Whatthefuck!

“Sorry,therewasaline,”Katiespokeasshesatdown.“What’swrong?”

“JacksonisherewithSamuel,”Ispokeinanger.

“Where?”Sheturnedaround.

“Upatthebar.”

“Ithoughtsomethingcameupattheoffice?”

“Metoo.Atleast,that’swhathesaid.”Igrewangrierbythesecond.

“Ohshit.Emily,whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedasIgotupfrommyseat.

“Goingtogetsomeanswers.”

IstompedacrossthefloorandovertothebarwhereJacksonwas.

“Hello,Mr.Caine,”Iabruptlyspoke.

“Emily,”herepliedwithnervousness.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”

“Thequestionis,Jackson,whatareyoudoinghere?Ithoughtyouhadtoworklatebecausethere

wasaproblemattheoffice?!”Ivoicedabittooloudly.

“TherewasandItookcareofit.”

“It’sonlyeightthirty.Youcouldn’thavecalledme?”

“WhywouldIcallyou?Ialreadycancelledourdatefortonight,andIdidn’tseeaneedto.”

“Becauseit’sonlyeightthirtyandit’sstillearly.”

“Sorry,Emily.Idon’tknowwhattosay,”hespokeinarudetone.

“Yeah,well,Iknowwhattosay.Fuckyou,Jackson!”Thewordsangrilyspewedoutofmymouth.

Iwalkedbacktothetable,grabbedmypurse,andtoldKatiewewereleaving.Shethrewsomecash

downandranoutafterme.

“Whatdidhesay?”

“Nothing.Hehadnothingtosay.”Iheldupmyhandforacab.

Whenonefinallypulledup,weclimbedinside,andthetearsbegantofallfrommyeyes.

“WhythefuckamIcrying?”

“Becauseyou’rehurt,Em.”Sherubbedmyback.

“Idon’tcryoverguys.”Iwipedthetearswithmyhand.

“Youdoifyou’reinlovewiththem.”

“I’mnotinlovewithhim.”

“Thenyouwouldn’tcareandyouwouldn’tbecrying.”

ThecabpulleduptomyapartmentbuildingandItoldKatiethatIwantedtobealoneandnotto

come up. She understood as she hugged me goodbye and the cab pulled away from the curb. After

unlockingthedoor,Ichangedintomynightshirtandthensatdownonthecouch,bringingmyknees

tomychest.Itriedtoprocesswhathadjusthappened.Thelookonhisfaceandthetoneofhisvoice

wereasifhedidn’tcare.

“UGH!”IscreamedasIjumpedupfromthecouch.WhatwasthisIwasfeeling?Ineededtogeta

gripandgetholdofmyself.WhatdidIdotomakehimbehavelikethattowardsme?Thewordsmy

mothertoldmekeptplayingoverandoverlikeabrokenrecord.“WeWadewomendonotletothers,

especiallymen,controlorwreakhavoconouremotionalstate.”

And that was exactly what I was doing. I was letting him wreak havoc on my emotional state,

somethingIhadneverlethappenbeforeandIdidn’tknowhowtostopit.Iclimbedintobedaround

ten p.m. with my laptop and tried to distract myself from how I was feeling by going over today’s

salesfromtheshop.

“Emily,it’sme.Openup!”Jacksonpoundedonthedoor.

Jumping out of bed, from fear that my neighbors would call the police, I ran to the door and

openedit.

“Areyoucrazy?Doyouwantsomeonetocallthecops?”

“MayIcomein?”

“No.”

“ThenI’lljuststandhereinthehallwayuntilyoutalktome.”

“Jackson.”Isighed.“I’mtootiredtodealwiththisrightnow.”

“Whyareyoureyesallpuffyandred?Haveyoubeencrying?”

“No.”

“Comeon,Emily.Justletmeinandwecantalkabouttonight.”

“There’snothingtotalkabout.Remember?Youdon’tknowwhattosay?”

Heclosedhiseyesashepursedhislips.

“Iwasangrywithyoutoday.”

“Forwhat?”

“Ifyouletmeinside,I’llexplain.”

“Fine.”Iwavedmyhand.

He stepped through the door with his hands tucked tightly in his pants pockets and followed me

intothelivingarea.

“TellmewhatIdidthatmadeyouangry?BecauseIhaven’tgotaclue.”

“Whowasthatguyyouwerewithearlier?”

“Whatguy?”Ifurrowedmybrows.

“Theoneinyourshop.IstoppedbyearlierthisafternoonbecauseIwantedtoseetheespressobar,

and when I walked in, I saw you hugging him and, to top it off, he was running his finger up and

downyourarmandyouseemedtobeenjoyingit.”

“YoumeanJake?”Icockedmyhead.

“Isthathisname?”HenarrowedhiseyeatmeandIdidn’tappreciatehistone.

“Jake happens to be a friend of mine. We went to Parsons together and then he dropped out and

movedtoItalytostudyfashion.HejustmovedbacktoNewYorkandheardIopenedashopandhe

cametoseeme.Oh,andifyoumustknow,he’sgay!”Ishouted.

Hestoodthere,lookingdown,handsstilltuckedinsidehispockets.

“I’msorry,”hesoftlyspoke,forheknewhefuckedupbigtime.

“You’resorryforwhat?”Iaskedinacommandingtone.“Sorrythatyoujumpedtoconclusions?

Sorrythatyoudidn’tbothertocomeseemewhileyouwerestandinginmyshopstaringatus?Sorry

that you cancelled our date for no fucking reason at all?!!” I shouted. “You, Jackson, broke rule

numbersevenaboutopencommunicationandhonesty!”

Heliftedhisheadandhiseyesmetmine.

“Youcan’tpossiblyunderstand,Emily,becauseIdon’tunderstanditmyself.”

“Understandwhat?”

“ThefeelingIgotwhenIsawyouwithhim.Idon’tknowwhyIgotsoangry,andI’msorry.Iam

trulysorry.Ididn’thandlethesituationwellbecauseIhadneverbeenconfrontedwithsomethinglike

thatbefore.”

“Don’tyoutrustme?”

“OfcourseItrustyou.LikeIsaid,I’msorry.Canyouforgiveme?”

IturnedmybackonhimbecauseIdidn’twanthimtoseethetearsthatformedinmyeyes.Ifhe

trusted me, he wouldn’t have done what he did, and that hurt. I felt his arms wrap around my waist

frombehind.

“I’msorry,”hewhisperedinmyear.

Apartofmewantedtopunishhim,yetanotherpartofmemeltedinhisarms.Hemadeamistake.I,

forone,amguiltyofmakingplentyinmylifetime.

“Okay. I accept your apology. But what you did, cancelling our date because of what you saw

withouteventalkingtomefirst,wasadickmoveonyourpart.”

“Iknowitwas.”Hisarmstightenedaroundme.

Iturnedmybodyuntilwewereinafullembrace;myarmslockedaroundhim.

“Wejusthadourfirstfight.”Hekissedthetopofmyhead.

“WedidandIdidn’tlikeit.”

“Me either.” His hands planted themselves on each side of my face as his lips brushed tenderly

againstmine.“Isn’ttheresomethingcalledmake-upsex?”

“Yes.”Ourlipscontinuedtotangle.

“Thenwebettergettoit.”Hesmiledashepickedmeupandcarriedmetothebedroom.

Chapter33

Emily

It had been a week since Jackson and I had our first fight and things were going great. We both

agreedtoputitbehindusandneverspeakofitagain.

Walkinginto Tavern onthe Green, Ispotted Crystal sitting ina booth sippingon a cocktail. She

smiledandstoodupwhenshesawmewalkingtowardsthetable.

“Emily,darling.Youlookfantastic.”Shehuggedme.

“Howareyou,Crystal?”

“I’mgood.How’stheshopdoing?”

“Reallywell.Thankyou.”

Itookaseatacrossfromherandorderedamartini.

“I’mgoingtojustcomerightoutandaskyou,”IspokeasIplacedmynapkininmylap.“AndI

wantthehonesttoGod’struth.”

Shepursedherlipsandtookinadeepbreathasshewaitedformyquestion.

“IsGregorymyfather?”

Shepickedupherdrinkandtookasmallsip.“Yes.Heisyourfather.”

“Howcouldyoukeepthatfrommealltheseyears?”

“Becauseyourmotheraskedmeto,andshewasmybestfriend.Shetoldmethatasfarasshewas

concerned,Gregoryneverexistedandthatpartofherlifewasgone.Thedayshefoundouthewasn’t

coming home from training, she changed. I didn’t think a person could change that much and so

quickly.Shesaidthatyouweretheonlypersonintheworldwhomatteredandshewasgoingtostarta

newlife,inanewplace.Onewhereshecouldmakeafreshstartandraiseyou.”

“Idon’tunderstand.Ifshelovedhim,shewouldhavewaitedforhim,”Ispoke.

“Your mom felt abandoned. Even though she told him she was pregnant before he left, he still

wantedtogo.Heputhisdreamsbeforeyouandher,andshecouldn’thandleit.Gregorywasherfirst

love and she was so heartbroken that she convinced herself that all men were like him. That if she

gaveherhearttosomeoneelse,theytoowouldleave.Shetoldmethatshecouldn’teverloveanother

manbecauseshedidn’twantyoutoexperiencetheabandonmentshefelt.Ifthingsdidn’tworkoutand

you grew attached, it would be hard on you. She was trying to protect you, even though I didn’t

agree.”

“So you’re saying that I was the reason she never would allow herself to settle down with

someone?”

“Itwasbothofyou.Shewasprotectingyouaswellasherself.”

“Whydidshelietomeaboutnotknowingwhomyfatherwas?”

“Becauseitwastoopainfultotalkabouthim.Evenafterallthoseyearsthatpassed,shenevergot

overhim.Shethoughtifshetoldyou,thenyouwouldultimatelywanttofindandmeethim,andshe

couldn’tallowthat.”

“Why?”Inarrowedmyeyes.

“Because, Emily,” she placed her hand on mine, “he abandoned you before you were even born

and,inhermind,hedidn’tdeservetoknowyou.”

Ilookedupattheceiling,tryingtopreventthetearsfromfalling.

“That was my decision.” I pointed to myself. “She had no right to keep me from knowing my

fatherbecausehebrokeherheart.Allshehadtodowaswaitforhim.”

“Yourmotherhadalotofissues.Herfatherleftwhenshewasachildandshewatchedeveryday

howhermotherwaitedforhimtocomebackandheneverdid.Inhermind,itwashistoryrepeating

itselfwithGregory.”

“Butshetoldmethatmygrandfatherdied.”

“That’swhatshetoldeveryone.Hetoldherandhermomthathewasrunningtothestoretobuya

packofcigarettesandhenevercameback.Acoupleofdayslater,yourgrandmotherfoundaletter

fromhiminherdrawersayingthathewasn’thappyandhehadnochoicebuttoleave.Thatwaswhy

shebeggedGregorynottoleave.Shewastryingtoprotectyoufromthepainthatshehadsuffered

forsomanyyearswiththeabandonmentfromherfather.”

I swallowed hard because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. My mother, the person I trusted

mostintheworld,liedtome.Aftertalkingforawhilelonger,Ineededsomefreshair,soIthanked

Crystalformeetingwithmeandtellingmethetruth.

Stepping outside, I felt lost. I pulled my phone from my purse and stared at it as I contemplated

calling Jackson, but I couldn’t. I didn’t want to need him so much. So I took a cab to the cemetery

wheremymotherwasburiedandkneeleddownbeforehergrave.Thecloudswererollinginandthe

airhadbecomecrisp.Butitdidn’tmatter,becauseIneededtotellherhowIfelt.

“Mom.Iknowyouhadyourreasons,butwhy?Whydidyoulietome?Allyourlecturesoverthe

years about happily ever after and relationships were to protect you. You made me believe that

nothinggoodcouldcomefrombeinginarelationship.Youmademebelievethatfallinginlovewith

someonewasahorriblething.Itrustedyoutotellmethetruth.That’swhatparentsaresupposedto

do.”

TherainstartedtofallfromtheskyasIpoundedmyfistsdownonhergrave.

“Butinstead,youtoldmethingsthatyouforcedyourselftobelievebecauseyoucouldn’tbearto

behurtagain.Youmayhavethoughtyouwereprotectingme,butyouweren’t;youwereonlysetting

meupforfailure.I’vemetsomeoneandhemeanstheworldtome,andbecauseofwhatyoutaught

me, I signed a fucking contract to be his companion. I’ve never been anyone’s girlfriend because I

couldn’tallowmyselftobeafterlisteningtoyouallthoseyears.I’vehadsexwithmultiplemenand

whentheytriedtowantmoreofme,Iranjustlikeyoudid.Iplayeditsafebecauseofeverythingyou

putinmyhead,”Iyelledastherainsoakedme.“YoumoldedmeintoyouandIneverhadthechance

tobemyownperson.”

Itfeltlikeawholenewsetofemotionsfloodedthroughme,asiftherainwascleansingmysoul

andopeningupapartofmethatIdidn’tknowevenexisted.Iwipedthetearsandtherainfrommy

faceasIstoodupandwalkedaway.Insteadofhailingacab,Iwalkedintheraindownthestreetsof

NewYorkuntilIstumbleduponacoffeehouse.Makingmywayinside,Itookseatatoneofthesmall

squaretablesbythewindow.

“Honey,youaresoaked.Letmegetyouatowel,”theolderwomanwithafriendlysmilespoke.

Afewmomentslater,shereturned.

“Hereyougo.Dryyourselfoff.WhatcanIgetforyou?”

“Thankyou.I’lljusthaveavanillalattewithalmondmilk,please.”

“Comingrightup,sweetie.”

I dried myself off the best I could, pulled my phone from my purse, and noticed a text message

fromJackson.

“HowdidyourlunchgowithCrystal?”

IthadbeentwohourssincehesentitandIdidn’tknowwhetherornottorespond.Iwasn’tsureof

anythinganymore.ButIdidn’twanthimtoworry,soIreplied.

“ItupsetmetohearwhatshehadtosayandtobehonestI’mnotsurehowI’mfeeling.”

“Whereareyou?Areyoubackattheshop?”

“No.I’msittinginacoffeehouseinBrooklyn.”

“Whichone?”

Ilookedupatthemenuonthewall.

“BlueBottleCoffee.”

“I’monmyway.Donotleavethere.”

IpickedupthewhitecoffeecupandhelditbetweenmyhandsasIsippeditandstaredoutontothe

wetstreetsofBrooklyn.Theraindidn’tseemtowanttoletup.AsIwasreflectingonmythoughts,the

doortothecoffeehouseopenedandJacksonsteppedinside,closinghisumbrella.Walkingovertothe

table,hestoodthereandlookedatmeashetiltedhisheadtotheside.

“Wereyououtplayingintherain?”heasked.

Icouldn’thelpbutletasmallsmilecrossmylips.

“Somethinglikethat.”

Hetookaseatacrossfrommeandthewaitressflewoverimmediately.

“Youlooklikeyoucoulduseafreshhotcupofcoffee.”Shesmiled.

“Thatsoundsgood.Justblack.”

“Comingrightup.”Shewinkedasshewalkedaway.

Jacksonreachedoverandgrabbedholdofmyhand,whichwasrestingonthetable.

“Givemetherundown.”

IinhaledadeepbreathasIstaredathim.

“Gregory is definitely my father. My mother lied to me not only about him but about my

grandfather. In fact, she lied to me about everything. She just couldn’t stick around and wait for

Gregorybecauseofherownfears.”

“AndCrystalknewthisthewholetime?”

“Yeah.”Inoddedmyhead.“Butmymothermadeherpromisethatshewouldneverspeakofit.”

“I’msorry,Emily,”hespokeashisthumbstrokedmyhand.

“Metoo.Iwenttohergraveandprettymuchtoldheroff.”

“Doyoufeelbetternow?”

“Alittle.”Ilightlysmiled.

Thecornersofhismouthcurvedupwards.Iwashappyhewashere.Infact,Iwashappyallthetime

withhiminmylifeanditfeltgood.Wetalkedforawhilelongerandthenweclimbedintohislimo

andhedrovemehome.

“IwishIcouldstay,butIhaveameetingtonight,”hespoke.

“I’mfine,Jackson.EvelynandKatiearecomingoverlater.”

Heleanedoverandkissedmylips.

“I’llcalltocheckuponyouaftermymeeting.”

“Okay.”Ismiled.

Iwasexhausted,soIchangedintomysweatpantsandatanktopandlayontopofthebedforanap

beforemyfriendscameover.

Chapter34

Jackson

AsIwaspreparingformymeeting,myphoneranganditwasJules.

“Hey,”Ianswered.

“Hey. I just got off the phone with Mom and she wants us to come over for dinner on Saturday

night.Justthetwoofus.”

“I’mseeingEmilySaturdaynight,sono.”

“Sheneedstotalktous.”

“Idon’tcarewhatsheneeds.IhaveplansandI’mnotcancellingthem.”

“CarterandIhadplanstoo.It’souronlynightofftogetherthisweek.”

“Okay.Thenthefourofuswillshow,andafterweleavethere,we’llgodosomething.”

“Doyouthinkshe’llmind?Shesaidsheonlywantedthetwoofus.”

“Ireallydon’tgiveadamnifshemindsornot.It’sthefourofusornothing.Infact,justtellher

we’llbetherebutdon’ttellherthatEmilyandCarterarecoming.”

“OhmyGod.She’llbemad.”Shelaughed.

“And?Shehasspentherwholelifemakingusmad.Maybeit’sourturnnow.”

“Brilliant.I’llgiveheracall.Talktoyousoon.”

****

Emily

AfterKatieandEvelynleft,Isatdownonthecouchandwrappedmyselfinablanket.Ididn’tknow

whattodonextandIdidn’tknowhowtofeel.ButtheonethingIdidknowwashowmuchIneeded

Jackson.EvelynandKatietoldmeitwasokaytoneedhimasmuchasIdidbecausehewasmoreto

methanjustacompanion,andnomatterhowmanytimesIfoughtmyself,attheendoftheday,Iwas

inlovewithhim.Hecompletedmylife,andnowthatIknewmymothersaidallthosethingsonlyto

protectherheart,itallcamefullcircle.JacksonCainewasamanthat,forthefirsttimeinmylife,I

loved.Wasitscarytoadmitthat?Yes,ofcourseitwas,becauseforsolong,Ididn’tbelievethatitwas

possibleformetoloveanyman.I’dkeptmyselfcloselyguardedbecauseofthepainIalwayssawin

mymother ’seyes—thepainthatresidedinhereachtimeshehadtoletamanwalkoutofherlife.I

remembered that night when I was thirteen years old after she ended things with Gerald because he

toldherthathelovedher.Thesadnessinhereyeswhenshewassittingontheedgeofmybedtoldme

thatshewasafraidtolovehimback.

AsIwasponderingmythoughts,myphonerangandJacksonwascalling.

“Hello,”Isoftlyanswered.

“Hi,beautiful.Whatareyoudoingrightnow?”

“Notmuch.Justsittingonthecouchandthinking.”

Suddenly,Iheardmydoorunlockandwhenitopened,Jacksonwasstandingtherewithhisphone

tohisear.

“MindifIjoinyou?”Hesmiled.

“Notatall.”Igrinned.

Hewalkedoverandtookaseatnexttome,wrappedhisarmaroundme,andpulledmeintohim.

“Howareyoudoing?”heaskedashekissedthetopofmyhead.

“I’mokay.”

“Justokay?”Hepulledbackandlookedatme.

“Actually,I’mreallytired.It’sbeenahellofaday.”

“Thenlet’sgotobed.”

“You’restaying?”Ismiled.

“Ifyouwantmetostay.”

“Iwouldlikethat.”

“Thenlet’sgo.”Hegrinned.

Hegotupfromthecouch,tookholdofmyhand,andledmetothebedroom.

“By the way,” he spoke as I changed into my nightshirt, “Saturday night, we have to go to my

mom’shouseforawhile,thenafter,we’regoingtogooutwithJulesandCarter.”

“Whyyourmom’shouse?”

Hepulledbackthecoversandclimbedintobed.

“ShewantstotalktomeandJulesaboutsomething.”

“DoessheknowI’mcoming?”Iclimbedinnexttohim.

“No,andshedoesn’tknowCarteriscomingeither.Wewon’tbetherelong.”

“Okay.”IsmiledashehookedhisarmaroundmeandIlaycomfortablyonhischest.

Iranmyhandoverthefabricofhisunderwear,feelinghiscock,whichstartedtogethard.

“Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.“Ithoughtyouweretired.”

“Ineedsex.”IgrinnedasIlookedupathim.

“Youneeditoryouwantit?”Hesmirked.

“Actually,Ineedit.So,ifyouwouldn’tmind,Iwouldbeforevergrateful.”

Inaninstant,Iwasonmybackandhewashoveringoverme.“Itwouldbemypleasuretofulfill

yourneeds,MissWade.”

****

Jackson

Emily and I climbed into the back of my limo and headed to pick up Carter and Jules. After my

mother ’shouse,weweregoingtocatchamovie,somethingEmilyandIhadn’tdonetogetheryet.As

Edwardpulleduptothecurbofmymother ’stownhome,Julesgrabbedmyhand.

“Areyoureadyforthis?”sheasked.

“AreeitherofuseverreadyforoneofMother ’stalks?”

CarterandEmilylaughedasweclimbedoutofthelimoandwalkedupthestepstothefrontdoor.

Thelookonmymother ’sfacewaspricelesswhenshesawEmilyandCarterstandingthere.

“Goodevening,Mother,”IspokeasIsteppedinside.

“Ithoughtitwasjustgoingtobeyouandyoursister?”

“Webothhaddatestonightandweweren’tabouttocancelthemforanotheroneofyourtalks.”I

kissedhercheek.

“Hello,Carter.”Shesmiledasshegavehimahug.“I’msorry,whatwasyournameagain?”she

askedasshelookedatEmily.

“EmilyWade.”

“Ah yes. That’s right. How could I forget after our engaging conversation at my daughter ’s

birthdayparty?”

Rollingmyeyes,Iwalkedtothelivingroom,whereafirewasroaringinthefireplace.

“Well,we’rehere.Whatdidyouwanttotalktousabout?”Iaskedwiththehopesthatshe’dmakeit

quicksowecouldgetonwithourdates.

“Haveaseat.Clarissewillbebringingouttheappetizers,”shespoke.

“Wouldyoulikesomewine,Emily?”Iasked.

“Maybesomethingalittlestrongerwouldbebetter.”Shebitdownonherbottomlip.

“Goodidea.”Iwinked.

Afterpouringtwoglassesofscotch,IhandedEmilyherswhileCarterpouredaglassofwinefor

Jules.Justaswetookourseats,IstiffenedwhenIheardmyfather ’svoice.

“Hello,mylovelychildren.”Hewalkedintotheroomwithasmile.

“Daddy!”Julesjumpedupfromthecouchandgavehimahug.

“Dad.”Iheldupmyglass.

“Son.”Henodded.“Hello,Carter.Andwhoisthislovelyyounglady?”heaskedashewalkedover

toEmilyandheldouthishand.

“That’sEmily.She’safriendofmine,”Ispoke.

“Justafriend?”Hisbrowarched.

“Yes,Dad,justafriend.Whatareyoudoinghere?”IaskedasIwasfeelinguncomfortablebeingin

thesameroomwiththetwoofthem.

Mymothergotupfromthecouchandwalkedovertohim.

“YourmotherandIhavesomethingtotellyou,”myfatherspokeasheclearedhisthroat.“We’re

seeing each other again and she’s the reason and, of course, the two of you,” he pointed to me and

Jules,“ImovedbacktoNewYork.”

ThescotchIwasinthemiddleofdrinkingflewoutofmymouth.“WHAT?!”

“WHAT?!”Julesexclaimed.

“Whatthehell?”Isetmyglassdown.“Whendidthishappen?”

“YourfatherandIhavebeensecretlytalkingandseeingeachotherforaboutsixmonths.”

“Sixmonths!”Julesshouted.

“Youhavegottobekiddingme.”Istoodupfromthecouch.

“What?”Myfatherheldouthishands.“Aren’tyouhappythatyourparentsarereconciling?”

“OhmyGod!Ican’tbelievethis.”Ipickedupmyglassandthrewbacktherestofmyscotch.“Is

that why you both are divorcing your spouses? What the hell is the matter with you? You two hate

eachother.”

“Now,Jackson.Thatissimplynottrue,”mymotherspoke.

“The hell it isn’t! The two of you had made our lives a living hell since you first got divorced.

Shufflingusbetweenhouses,thename-calling,thefights,thestepmothersandstepfathersthroughout

theyears.Andnow,afterallofthat,youdecidetogetbacktogether?”

“Mom,Dad,I’mnotsosureaboutthis,”Julesspokeup.

“YourmotherandIareputtingeverythinginthepastandmovingforward.We’vereconnectedand

Irealizedthatshe’stheloveofmylife.”

“Andhe’stheloveofmine.”Mymothersmiled.

Istoodthere,unabletomoveastheairintheroomstartedtosuffocateme.

“You,”Ipointedtobothofthem,“haveruinedus!”Iyelled.

“Ruinedyou?”Myfather ’sbrowraised.“You’retheCEOofacompanyIbuiltfromthegroundup

andyou’redoingadamngoodjobandyoursisterisadoctor.Idon’tthinkweruinedyou,son.”

“Thefuckyoudidn’t!”

“Watchyourmouth,boy,”hesternlyspoke.

“Iwillnotwatchmymouthbecauseit’sthegoddamntruth.DidyouknowthatJuleshadtothink

aboutwhetherornottoacceptCarter ’sproposalbecauseofhowwegrewup?Andasforme,Iwould

neverthinkaboutgettingintoarelationshipwithsomeonebecauseofallthebadexamplesyousetfor

meovertheyears.Youtaughtmethatrelationshipsdon’tlastandtheycausenothingbutheartache.

WhydoyouthinkIdon’tbringanyonearound?WhyI’mnotmarried?”

“Tobehonest,yourmotherandIthoughtmaybeyouweregay.”

Iclenchedmyfistsandtookinadeepbreath.“Iamnotgay!Idon’tgetinvolvedinanythinglong

termbecauseofyou!”Ishouted.

“Well,IseeEmilyisstillaround,”mymotherspoke.

“Becausewebothsignedacontract!Wearen’tinarelationship.We’recompanionswithoutallthe

bullshitandproblemsrelationshipscause.”

“Awhat?”myfatherasked.

“Never mind. I can’t do this. Enough is enough. I’ve stood by you,” I pointed to my mother,

“throughfourhusbands.AndI’vestoodbyyou,”Ipointedtomyfather,“throughfivewives,andnow

you come in here and tell us you’re getting back together like it’s no big deal? Have a nice life. I

don’twantanypartofit.Emily,Jules,Carter,let’sgo.”Iheadedtowardsthedoor.

“No,Jackson.Ithinkweshouldstay,”Julesspoke.

“Then go ahead and stay, but I’m not. I’ll have Edward wait here with the car and when you’re

readytoleave,he’lltakeyouhome.Emily,let’sgo.”

IsteppedoutsideandinstructedEdwardtowaitforJulesandCarterwhileIhailedEmilyandmea

cab.Assoonasonepulledup,weclimbedinandItookinadeepbreathtotryandcalmdown.

“I’mnotgoingtoaskifyou’reokaybecauseclearlyyou’renot,”Emilyspoke.

“I’msorryyouhadtowitnessthat.”

“Don’tbe.”Sheplacedherhandonmyshoulder.“Arewecallingitanight?”

“Ijustwanttogohome.Willyoustay?”Iasked.

“OfcourseIwill.”Shesmiledasshelaidherheadonmyshoulder.

Chapter35

Emily

OneMonthlater

MyfeelingsforJacksonhitanall-timehighanditwasgrowingmoredifficultnottotellhimthatI

lovedhim.GregoryandIhadmetaftermyconversationwithCrystalandwewereslowlybuilding

our relationship as father and daughter. His wife, Stella, was shocked to say the least, but she

welcomedmewithopenarms.AsforJackson,hewasstillontheoutswithhisparents.Myshopwas

thrivingandIwasagirlwhoshouldhavebeenoncloudnine,right?ButIwasn’tbecauseIwanted

morefromJacksonthanjustacompanionship.Eventhoughitfeltlikewewereinarealrelationship,

weweren’t,andIwasgrowingfrustrated.Weslepttogetherfournightsaweek,andthethreenights

hewasn’twithme,Iwouldtossandturn.KatieandEvelyntoldmethatIshouldslowlystarttomake

myfeelingsknown.ButIwasafraid,becauseeventhoughInolongerbashedrelationships,hestill

did.Afterfindingoutaboutmymotherandwhyshewasthewayshewas,Iletgoofeverythingshe

toldme.InolongerguardedmyheartandInolongerwantedtoplayitsafe.Iwantedtobesomeone’s

girlfriend;Jackson’sgirlfriend.

AfriendofJackson’swasgettingmarriedandhewasinvitedtothewedding.Ihadjustslippedon

myheelswhenhewalkedintomyapartment.

“Lookatyou.”Hewhistled.“Youlookincredible.Imayhavetroublekeepingmyhandsoffyou

tonight.”Hewrappedonearmaroundmywaistandkissedmylips.

“You’relookingquitesexyinthattuxedo.”Istraightenedhisbowtie.

WearrivedattheFourSeasonsHotelwheretheceremonywasabouttobegin.Jacksonwantedto

skipit,butsincethereceptionwasimmediatelyfollowing,Itoldhimweshouldgo.Wewereseated

nearthebackandstoodasthebridesmaidsandthenthebridewalkeddowntheaisle.

“Shelooksbeautiful.Whatagorgeousweddingdress,”Iwhispered.

“Wasteofmoney,ifyouaskme.Tospendallthatmoneyandonlywearitafewhours.”

“Lookwho’stalking,Mr.DesignerTux.”

“That’sdifferent.Iwearthistuxallthetime.Thatdressisonlywornonce.”

Istoppedtheconversationbecausetheministerwasabouttospeak.Aftertheceremony,weheaded

intotheballroomforthereception.

“That was a very nice ceremony. Wouldn’t you agree?” I asked as my arm was wrapped around

his.

Heglancedoveratmewitharaisedbrow.

“Theyjustvowedtheirdeathsentence.”

Rollingmyeyes,Isighed.

“Whatthehellhasgottenintoyou?”heaskedaswemadeourwaytothebarforadrink.

“Nothing.Ijustthoughtitwasnice.”

“YouhateweddingsasmuchasIdo.”

Ishruggedanddidn’tsayaword.Icouldalreadytellthesesubtlelittlehintswerenotgoingtogo

overwellwithhim.ThegroomwasoneofJackson’sclientsandwewereseatedatatablewherehe

kneweveryone.Astheroundofintroductionsbegan,Iwasthefriendwhotaggedalong.

“Youlooksofamiliartome,”thebrown-eyedbrunettesittingontheothersideofmespoke.

“Perhapsyou’vebeeninmyshop.Emily’sEdge.”

“Ohmygosh.ThatcutelittleshopoveronEast9

?”

“Yes.”Ismiled.

“I’vebeeninthereafewtimesandIabsolutelyadoreit.”

“Haveyoubeeninsinceweexpanded?”

“No.Idon’tthinkso.Areyoucarryingmoredesigners?”sheasked.

“Yes.Afewmore,andwenowhaveanespressobar.”

“Wow.Howfun.Iwilldefinitelybestoppingby.”Shesmiled.

Asdinnerwasbeingserved,thebrideandgroommadetheirwaytothetablestogreettheirguests.

Jacksonintroducedmeasthe“friend”andhadalightconversationwiththembeforetheymadetheir

waytothenexttable.

“Theyseemsohappy.”IsmiledasIstuckmyforkintomysalad.

“Fortodayandmaybethenextweek,”Jacksonrepliedasheglaredatme.

“Whoknows?Maybetheyfoundtrueloveandwillbetogetherforever.”

“WhoareyouandwhathaveyoudonewithEmily?”

Iletoutalightlaugh.“I’mstillhere.”

“Couldhavefooledme,”hespokewithaserioustone.

“What’sthatsupposedtomean?”

“Eversincewegothere,you’vedonenothingbutsaypositivethingsaboutsomethingyouareso

stronglyagainst.”

Ishruggedmyleftshoulder.“MaybeIwaswrong.”

“Wrong?Justallofasudden?”

The sick feeling in the pit of my stomach caused me to put my fork down. I had to be careful

becauseIcouldsenseahugefightbrewing.

“Idon’tknow,Jackson.Thiscouplejustseemsdifferent.”

“Theyaren’tanydifferentthananyoneelse.”

Grabbingmyfork,Ipickedatmyfood,eatingjustenoughsohewouldn’tquestionme.Iwantedto

tellhimthatmaybewewerewrongandthatwewerejustbasingourdecisionsonhowotherpeople

influencedus.Buthewasn’treadytohearitandIwasn’treadytolosehim.Ihadalreadybrokenrule

numbernine.

Afterthebrideandgroomsharedtheirfirstdancetogetherashusbandandwife,theDJplayeda

slowsongandJacksontookholdofmyhand.

“MayIhavethisdance,Madame?”Hegrinned.

“Ofcourse.”

He led me to the dance floor and, in a flash, I was swept up in his arms, our bodies lightly

touching.

“What’swrong?”heasked.

“Nothing’swrong?Why?”

“Youseemquietandlikesomethingisbotheringyou.”

“I’mjusttired,Iguess.”

“Areyousurenothingisbotheringyou?”

“Nothingisbotheringme.”IlightlysmiledasIreachedupandbrushedmylipsagainsthis.

****

I lay on my stomach with his dark gray-colored sheet covering only my lower half. His arm

drapedaroundmeandthesoftwhispersofhisbreathsoothedmeasheslept.Myattemptstotryand

convincehimthatmayberelationshipsweren’tsobadafterallwasatotalfail.Hisattitudetowardsme

wasdifferentwhileIwasdroppingsubtlehints.Itwasanattitudeofdismayanddisappointment.Once

Istopped,hisattitudewentbacktothecarefree,fun,sexymanwhofuckedmetwicelastnightbecause

ashesaidoncewasn’tenough.

I turned my head and faced him. His eyes were closed as his cheek was pressed comfortably

againsttheoversizedfluffypillow.Icouldn’thelpbutletasmallsmilecrossmylipsasIstaredatthe

manIhaduncontrollablyfallenfor.Hiseyesslowlyopenedandstaredintomine.

“Good morning.” His hand moved up and down my back. “How long have you been staring at

me?”

“Goodmorning.Justafewmoments.”

“MayIaskwhy?”Agrincrossedhisface.

“Whynot?You’resexy.Especiallyinthemorningwithyourmessyhair.”Ibroughtmyhandupto

hishead.“Plus,Ilovewakingupnexttoyou.Itmakesmeincrediblyhappy.”

Thelookinhiseyeschangedinstantly.Almostasiftheywentblank.Hekissedthetipofmynose

andclimbedoutofbed.

“Howaboutsomebreakfast?”

“Sure,”IputonafakesmileasIstayedinbedforafewmoremomentswhileheleftthebedroom.

Ididn’tunderstandthesuddenurgetogetoutofbed.Usually,we’dhavesexbeforeeitheroneof

us stepped one foot on the floor. Today was different. He seemed different. Maybe it was his issue

withhisparentsthatstillweighedheavilyonhismind.Climbingoutofbed,Islippedmyrobeonand

headeddowntothekitchen,whereIsawhimmakingscrambledeggs.

“Ihopescrambledisokay.Itendtofuckuptheeggsanyotherway.”

“Scrambledisfine.”

“Coffeeisready.”Henoddedovertothecoffeemaker.

Afterpouringtwocupsofcoffee,ItookthemovertothetablewhileJacksonplatedtheeggsand

toast.

“There’ssomefreshcut-upfruitintherefrigeratorifyouwant,”hespoke.

“Thanks.”

Walking over to the fridge, I pulled out the plastic container and took it over to the table. I was

feelinguneasybecausesomethingwithhimwasoff.

“Listen,Emily.Idon’tknowhowtosaythis.”

ThefeelingIgotinthepitofmystomachwasunsettling.

“Saywhat?”Iasked.

“I know we were supposed to spend the day together today, but I have to go into the office and

prepareforahugepresentationtomorrowforafailingcasinoIwanttoinvestin.Ididn’trealizeit

wastomorrowuntilIwaslookingatmycalendarlastnight.Ithoughtitwasnextweek.”

“Oh.Okay.Iunderstand.”

ButIdidn’t.Whydidn’thetellmethislastnight?Whywaituntilthismorningtospringitonme?

MaybeIwouldn’thavecomebacktohisplaceaftertheweddingandjustwenthome.

“Areyousureyouunderstand?”heasked.

“Ofcourse.”Imadeafaceathimforevenquestioningme.“WhywouldyouthinkIwouldn’t?”

“Idon’tknow.”Hefinishedoffhiseggsandtookhisplatetothesink.

Hewalkedovertomeandkissedthetopofmyhead.“Ihavetogoshower.”

“Okay.I’mjustgoingtogetgoing,”IspokeasIstoodupfrommyseat.

“Youdon’thaveto.Icandriveyouhome.”

“It’sfine.I’llcatchacab.Plus,Iwanttostopattheshoponthewayhome.”

“Butyou’reclosedtoday.”

“Doesn’t matter. I still have some work to do. Just like you do. You know the work never stops

whenyou’reyourownboss.”

“True.”Hesmiled.

HewentbackupstairsandIcleanedupthekitchenbeforeIheadedup,changedandattemptedtoget

thehellout.Ihurriedandthrewonmyjeansandacrème-coloredsweater.Ididn’tcarethatIstillhad

onlastnight’smakeupandmyhairwasamess.

“I’mleaving,”Ishoutedsohecouldhearmefromtheshower.

“CanyouwaituntilI’mfinished?”heshoutedback.

“No.IjustwanttodowhatIhavetodoandgethome,”Ilied.

“Okay.I’llbeintouch.”

“Yeah.Okay.”IrolledmyeyesasIgrabbedmypurseandmybagandheadedtowardstheelevator.

Chapter36

Jackson

Shereallymademeangrythatshecouldn’tevenwaituntilIgotoutoftheshower.Shewasmad.I

couldtell.Eventhoughshesaidsheunderstood,Iknewshedidn’t.Shewasdifferentlastnight.Butit

wasn’tonlylastnight.Ithadbeenoverthecourseofacoupleofweeks.Betweenheractingstrange

and the debacle with my parents, I just needed some time to myself. I wasn’t lying about the

presentation tomorrow, and I did have some work to do. Work that could have been done in the

morning,butI—Ididn’tknow.Ijustwantedtobebymyself.

AsIwassittingatmydesk,enjoyingthepeaceandquiet,myphonerangandJuleswascalling.

“Hello,”Ianswered.

“Hey,Jackson.AreyouandEmilyhome?”

“No.I’mnotseeingEmilytodayandI’mattheoffice.”

“Oh.IjustgotoffmyshiftandIwasgoingtostopbyforavisit.”

“Myofficeisclosertothehospital.Comebyhere.”

“Areyousure?Idon’twanttointerruptyourwork.”

“Youwouldn’tbeinterrupting.I’llseeyouwhenyougethere.Didyoueat?”Iasked.

“Notyet.”

“I’llplaceacarry-outorderfromthatThaiplacenextdoor.Youwanttheusual?”

“Yeah,andorderaspringroll.”

“Alright.I’llseeyousoon.”

Iplacedtheorderfordeliveryandturnedbacktomycomputertopluginthefinalnumbersfor

tomorrow.

“Knockknock.”Juleslightlytappedonthedoorframebeforesteppingintomyoffice.

“Comeonin.”Ismiled.

Shesankintothechairacrossmydeskandletoutabigyawn.

“Toughnight?”

“Car accidents galore. Two overdoses. A gunshot victim. A wife who had been stabbed by her

psychohusbandand,areyoureadyforthisone?”

Ichuckled.“DoIwanttoknow?”

“Aguywasrushedinbecausehebrokehispenisduringathreesomewithtwowomenhehadjust

met.”

“Luckyguywiththewomen.Suckshebrokehispenis.”Ilaughed.

“Soyeah.Toughnight.”

Thedeliveryboystoodinthedoorwayholdingtheplasticbagwithourfoodinit.

“I’msorry.Didyousaysomeguybrokehispenis?”henervouslyaskedashesteppedinside.

“Yes.”Julesturnedaround.“Duringathreesome.”

“Wow.Ididn’tknowthatwaspossible.”

“Itis.IseeitmoretimesthanIwantto.”Julessmiled.“So,letthisbealessontoyou.Havesexwith

onlyonewomanatatimeandifyou’regoingtoberough,doitcautiously.”

IlaughedasIreachedintomypocketandhandedhimsomecash.

“Thanks.Iwill.Especiallynow.Umm.Haveagoodday.”

ItookthefoodovertothetableandJulesfollowed.

“IthoughtyouandEmilyweredoingsomethingtoday?”

“Ihadtocancel.Ihadsomeworktodo,”IspokeasItookthecontainersfromthebag.

“Hmm.What’swrong?”sheasked.

“Nothingiswrong.”

“Bullshit,Jackson.You’remytwin.Whensomething’sbotheringyou,itbothersme.What’sgoing

on?”

Therewasn’tonesinglethingIcouldhidefrommysister,andsometimesitdrovemecrazy.She

knewjustbytheslightestchangeinmyfacialexpressionorthesubtlechangeinmyvoice,something

wasn’tright.

“IthinkEmilyischangingherviewsonrelationships.”

“Whatdoyoumean?”Shefrowned.

“She’sbeenactingstrangethepastcoupleofweeksand,lastnight,wewereatawedding.Shekept

sayingthingslikehowbeautifulthebridewasandhowhappythecoupleseemed.Thenshesaidthat

maybetheyfoundtrueloveandthey’dmakeit.”

“Andwhyisthatsuchabadthing?”

“Becauseit’snotwhosheis.It’slikeallofasuddenshejumpedontherelationshiptrainandisall

forthem.Itbothersme.”

“Why?Areyouscaredshe’sgoingtowantmorefromyouthanwhatyourcontractstates?”Her

browarched.

“I don’t know. I hope not. I’m still the same person I always have been and I still have the same

beliefs.”

“IchangedmybeliefsandIthinkyoumighttoo.”

“You’rewrong.”

“AmI,Jackson?”

“Yes,Jules.Youare.I’mnotinlovewithherifthat’swhatyou’rehintingat.Sure,Ilovetospend

timewithher.Wehavefuntogether,andthesexisoutofthisworld.Butthat’sasfarasitgoes.Ilike

thingswithEmilyjustthewaytheyareorwere.”

“Butyoujustsaidshe’schangingandit’sbotheringyou.”

“It is bothering me because I just feel like she’s not the same woman I entered into the contract

with.”

“Fuckthecontract.Emilyisthesameperson.Shehadanepiphany,Jackson.Shenowhasafather

thatsheneverknewaboutandshe’sstartingtoquestioneverythingbecausewhatshewastaughtand

toldwasbyawomanwithabrokenheart.Ihaveneverseenyouashappyasyouarewhenyou’rewith

her.”

“Yeah,I’mhappybecauseIknowtherewon’tbeanybullshit,pressure,orcommitment.Wehada

deal.”

“Well,yourdealsucksassandyouneedtotakeastepbackandreevaluateyourlife.Idid.Whydo

youthinkIsaidyestoCarter ’sproposal?DoyouknowhowscaredIwaswhenhegotdownonone

kneeandaskedmetomarryhim?Anynormalgirlwouldhavebeengiddywithexcitement,butnot

me. I was shaking with fear. All I saw was a future of everything that could go wrong, instead of

seeingthebeautyofwhathe’salreadybroughtintomylife.Wecan’tliveinfearofthefuture.”

“Andthatmakesmehappyforyou,Jules.ButI’mnotchangingmymindandnoonecanmakeme.

IstandbyhowIfeelandthat’sonecommitmentI’mnotabouttobreak.”

She took in a long, deep breath. “Then prepare yourself, Jackson, because the road to hell is

alwayspavedwithgoodintentions.Thanksforlunch.Ineedtogohomeandgetsomesleep.”

****

Emily

Isteppedinsidetheshopandlockedthedoorbehindme.Turningonthelights,Istoodandstaredat

everything I had accomplished. I stared at the dream that I’d always wanted. Walking over to the

espresso bar, I made myself an espresso and leaned over the cosmic gray granite countertop and

thoughtaboutJackson.Itsaddenedme.Hesaddenedmewiththewayheabruptlycanceledourtime

togethertoday.IknewhefeltIwasmorethanjustacompanion.Icouldfeelitinhiskiss,histouch,

andthewayhemadelovetome.MaybeifIjuststucktoournegotiation,he’deventuallyseethatIwas

morethanagirlwhoagreedtoarelationshipcontract.DidIregretdoingit?Notatall.Atthattime,it

wastheperfectthingforme;atimewhenIheldthesamebeliefsasheuntilmyworldfelloffitsaxis

and changed everything. But his world was still the same, or maybe even worse since the

announcementcameforthabouthisparentsreconciling.Nowhetrulybelievedthatrelationshipswere

asfuckedupastheycouldgetandIdidn’tblamehim.Iwasthinkingtoomuchabouthim,justlikemy

mother probably did with my father. Hence the reason we had frequent conversations about

independenceandhavingcontroloverourownemotionalstate.Butshehadyearsofpracticeforthat.

ThiswassomethingnewtomeandIwasstilllearninghowtodealwithit.

Chapter37

Emily

TwoWeeksLater

AsIwaschangingtheclothesononeofthemannequins,Evelynwalkedintotheshopwithawide

grinacrossherface.

“Goodmorning,mybeautifulfriend.”Shekissedmycheek.

“Goodmorning.”Ismiled.“Whoputsomehappypillsinyourcoffeethismorning?”

“I’mjusthighonlife.”Shetwirledaround.

“Okay.What’sgoingon?”

“DylanandIaremovingintogether!”shescreeched.

“That’swonderful.Yourplaceorhis?”

“Actually,bothofourleasesareup,sowe’regoingapartmenthuntingtoday.”

“Youtwoshouldlookatmybuilding.”

“Ialreadythoughtaboutthat,buttherearen’tanytwo-bedroomsavailablerightnow.”Shepouted.

“You’llfindsomething.I’msohappyforyou.”Igaveherahug.

“HowarethingswithJackson?”sheasked.

“Thingsaregood.”Ismiled.

“Andyou’rehappy?”

“Iam.Afterdoingsomethinkingandself-reflecting,Irealizedthatmylifeisalmostperfect.Ihave

thisamazingbusinessthatisdoingsowell,Ihavegreatfriends,andIhaveJackson.Whatmorecould

agirlaskfor?Whytrytofixwhatisn’tbroken?Right?”

“Right.”Shenarrowedhereyeatme.“Listen,Ijustdroppedbytotellyouthenews.Ihavetogo.

I’msupposedtomeetCarterinfifteenminutes.I’llcallyoulater.”

“Havefunapartmenthunting.”

“Thanks.”Sheturnedandsmiledasshewalkedoutoftheshop.

ThetruthwasthatIwasn’tabouttoriskmyrelationshipwithJacksonbecauseIwantedmorefrom

him.Everythinginmylifewasgoingsowellandtherewasnoneedtocompromiseit.SinceIstopped

droppingsubtlehints,Jacksonseemedbacktohisoldself.Thepasttwoweekshadbeenwonderful

andIwantedtokeepitthatway.

JustasIwasgettingreadytoleavetheshoptogohomeandchangefordinner,Jackson’smother

walkedin.

“Hello,Emily.”

“Hi,Gwen.”Ismiled.“Welcometomyshop.”

“It’sverycute.IwilladmitIhaveneverbeeninhere.”

“That’sfine.Thisstoreisn’tforeveryone.Whatbringsyouby?”

“Iwashopingtohavealittlechatwithyou.”

“Sure.Wouldyoulikeacupofcoffee?”IaskedasIledherovertotheespressobar.

“Thatwouldnice.Thankyou.”

“Jen,twocoffees,please.”

“Comingrightup,Emily.”

“Please,haveaseat.”Iwavedmyhandtothesmallroundtable.“Whatdidyouwanttochatabout?”

“Myson.”

“Oh,”Ispokewithsurprise.

“Iwouldlikeyoutodomeafavorandpleasetrytotalksomesenseintohim.”

“About?”

“Hisfatherandme.Hissistercan’tseemtodoit,andsincethetwoofyouarecloseandhavethis

weirdrelationship,IfiguredI’dcometoyou.”

“Idon’tknow,Gwen.It’snoneofmybusiness.”

“Butitis,Emily.Aslongasthisisaffectinghim,it’saffectingyou.”Shereachedacrossthetable

andplacedherhandonmine.“Please.Iknowit’saskingalot,butwewantoursonback.Hisfather

andIhavefoundourwaybacktoeachotherandwewantourfamilytobewholeagain.”

Wow. She really knew how to pull at the heartstrings. There was no way Jackson was going to

listentome,butforGwen’ssake,itwasworthashot.

“We’rehavingdinnertonight.I’llseewhatIcando.”

“Thankyou.”Shegavemyhandasqueeze.

****

After Jackson and I had a wonderful dinner at Daniel, we headed back to my place for the night

since the last two nights were spent at his. As we walked through the door, I took off my heels and

carriedthemtothebedroomwhileJacksonfollowedbehindandtookoffhissuitcoat.

“Haveyoubyanychancetalkedtoyourmom?”Iasked.

“No.Why?”

“Justwonderingifyoumaybesettledthingswiththemyet.”

“IfIhad,Iwouldhavetoldyou.”

Iwalkedintothebathroomandgrabbedawashclothandpouredsomemakeupremoveronit.

“Whyareyoubringingupmyparents?”

“Yourmomcameintotheshoptoday.Sheaskedhowyouweredoing.”

“Didshecomeintoshoporspecificallytoseeyou?”

“Toseeme.”

“Interesting.”Hewalkedintothebathroom.

“Sheaskedmetotalktoyousincewehavethisweirdrelationshipthinggoingon.”

“Didshesay‘weird’?”HestoodtherewithhisarmsfoldedasIfinishedtakingoffmymakeup.

“Yes.”Ismiledathimthroughthemirror.

“Well,I’mjustgoingtostopyourightthere.”Histonewasharsh.“I’mnotinterestedinhearing

whatyouhavetosaybecause,frankly,Emily,it’snoneofyourbusinessandmymothershouldnot

havecometoyou.”

IwasinthemiddleofrinsingmyfaceandIfrozeoverthesink.Angerandhurtcreptupinsideme

athearingthosewordscomefromhismouth.Igrabbedatowelanddriedmyface.

“Whydoyouhavetobesorude?”Thewordsjustfelloutofmymouth.

“HowamIbeingrude?”heaskedasIwalkedpasthim.

“Telling me that it’s none of my business. This whole thing with your parents is affecting you,

whichinturnaffectsme.”

“Whythehellwoulditaffectyou?Ithasnothingtodowithyou.HowIfeelaboutthesituationis

nobody’sbusinessbutmyown.”

Iturnedandlookedathimasanexpressionofshockstumbledacrossmyface.

“WhoareyouandwhathaveyoudonewithJackson?”Icockedmyhead.

“I’mhere.Thisisme.”Heheldouthishandsandspokewithacockyattitude.

AshowdownwasemergingandIknewitwasn’tgoingtoendpretty.Irefusedtolethimgetaway

withspeakingtomethatway.

“Youknowwhat,Jackson?”Iwalkedovertohimandpushedmyfingerintohischest.“Youhave

everything you want out of life. You have two parents who love you, a successful business, more

moneythanyouknowwhattodowith,andthisfuckeduprelationshipthingwe’rein.Youhaveitall

andyoutakesomuchforgrantedthatitmakesmesick!You’resoconsumedabouthowyoufeelthat

youdon’tgiveadamntostopandthinkaboutotherpeople’sfeelings.”

Heinhaledasharpbreathashisnostrilsflared.Ihadjustpushedhisangerleveltothelimitandhe

wasabouttoexplode.

“YouwanttoknowwhyI’msoworriedaboutmyfeelings?”heshoutedsoloudthatthetoneofhis

voice made me flinch. “Because I’m the only fucking person who does! Did my parents ever once

stoptothinkaboutmyandJules’feelingsgrowingup?Didtheyeveronceaskhowwewereorhow

we felt? NO! They just hopped from one relationship to another without giving a damn about our

feelings,andnowtheythinktheycanjustgetbacktogetherafteralltheseyearsandundothedamage?

Andanotherthing.”Hepointedhisfingeratme.“Youagreedtothisfucked-uprelationshipthing!It’s

whatwebothnegotiatedandwanted,notjustme,butyoutoo.Andnowallofasudden,it’sfuckedup

inyoureyes?Whyisthat,Emily?”heshouted.

He knew. He knew and he wanted to hear me say it. I stood there, shaking in my skin, scared to

deathofthenextwordsthatwouldcomefrommymouth.Thewordsthatcouldpotentiallyendour

relationship.Themoreheyelled,themoreIwaslosingcontrolovermyemotionalstate.

“Answermyquestion!”heyelled.

Ilungedathimandplacedmyhandsonhischest,pushinghimback.

“Youwanttoknowwhy?BecauseIfuckingfellinlovewithyou!I’vebeeninlovewithyouandI

wantmore.Idon’twantadamncontract.Ijustwantyou.”Tearsfilledmyeyes.

Hestoodthere,tallandincompletecontrolashestaredatmeforamoment.AmomentinwhichI

wassurethathewasgoingtotellmethathelovedmetoo.

“You weren’t supposed to fall in love, Emily. You broke rule number nine,” he spoke in a calm

tone.“Andyouknowwhatthatmeans.”

“Are you serious?” I narrowed my teary eyes at him. “You can just walk away after everything

we’vebeenthroughanddonetogether?”

“IcanandIwill.Wehadanagreementandthisjustcomplicatesthingsnow.”

“Complicatesthings?How?Youdon’tfeelanythingforme?”

“Iloveyouasafriendandnothingmore.Wehadagoodthing,andifyouonlywouldhavestuck

totherules,wewouldn’tbehavingthisconversationrightnow.”

Hestabbedmeintheheartandtwistedtheknifeslowly,causinganunbearablepainthatalmostsent

metomyknees.

“I’msorrythingshadtoendthisway,”hespokeinaserioustone.

I couldn’t even look at him because if I did, I would go for his throat. I was that unstable at the

moment.

“Getout,”Iwhisperedinalowvoice.

He grabbed his suitcoat from the chair in my bedroom, and as he walked out, he spoke, “You

shouldn’thavebrokentherules.”

Chapter38

Jackson

IswallowedhardasIleftherapartmentandshutthedoorbehindme.She’dgetoverit.She’dget

overmeintime.Thiswaswhatwasbestforthebothofus.Thehurtnowwouldbemucheasierto

dealwiththandowntheroad.

Iwalkedafewblocks,pushingallthoughtsofheroutofmyhead.Thepainonherface,thehurtin

her eyes, and the sadness that overtook her. Walking into a dive bar, I took a seat on the stool and

orderedadoublescotch.Ithrewitbackandorderedtwomoredoubles,withthehopethatthealcohol

wouldmakethepainstop.Icaredforher.Ireallydid.MorethanIwantedtoadmit.ItoldSamuelthatI

couldwalkawayand,beingamanofmyword,Idid.Sheleftmewithnochoice.

IstumbledoutoftheelevatorandtrippedupthestairsasImademywaytothebedroom.Taking

offmysuitcoat,Ithrewitonthefloorbeforefallingontothebed.ThealcoholIhadconsumedwon

andputmeintoasoundsleep,somethingIneededtoforgetaboutherandwhathappenedtonight.

****

Emily

AssoonasIheardthedoorshut,Ifelltomykneesandcuppedmyfaceinmyhands,lettingoutthe

hardestcryI’deverhad.Heonlylovedmeasafriendandhearingthosewordshurtmemorethan

anything I had ever experienced in my life, even the death of my mother. Don’t get me wrong; the

painIfeltaftershewasgonewasunbearable,butIwasprepared.Shehadbeensickformonthsand

thedoctorscouldn’tdoanythingelseforher.Thecancerhadspreadtoomuchandtoofast.Wetalked

about her death a lot and made preparations for it. It didn’t make it any easier, but at least I wasn’t

caught off guard. With him, I was. I was certain he had more than just friendly feelings for me. I

wouldsayhewaslying,buthistonewassoseriousandatearneverfilledhiseye.Hestaredatmeas

ifhewassomekindofrobot.

Ifelltomysideonthefloorandtuckedmyselfintoafetalpositionwhilethetearsfreelyflowed

downmyface.WasthishowmymotherfeltwhenshefoundoutthatGregorywasn’tcomingback?

Wasitthispainandanguishthatpushedhertobecomesobitteraboutrelationships?Iunderstoodit

nowandInevershouldhaveletmyguarddown.IfIhadn’t,he’dstillbehereandwe’dbehavingsex

likewealwaysdid.I’dwakeupinhisarmsandwe’dkisseachothergoodbyebeforeheadingtowork.

Now,allofthatwasgoneandIwaslefthereallalonetodealwiththedestructionofmyemotional

statebymyself.Ifeltsicktomystomach,soIdraggedmyselfintothebathroomandleanedoverthe

toiletwhilethevomitroseinmythroat.

Afterwipingmymouth,Ipulledbackthecoversandclimbedintobed,bringingmykneestomy

chestandcurlingintoaball.I’dthoughtaboutcallingKatieandEvelyn,butIcouldn’tbringmyself

to.Iwasn’treadytorelivetheeventsoftonightandhowJacksonjustwalkedoutofmylifebecauseI

letmyselffallinlovewithhim.

****

Jackson

Slowly opening my eyes, I placed my hand on my aching head. Several groans escaped me as I

rolled over and felt the empty spot beside me. She wasn’t here and, for a brief moment, I had

forgotten. Thoughts of her and last night crept inside my head. Grabbing my phone from the

nightstand,IhadtwomissedcallsandseveraltextmessagesfromJules.

“Dadhadamildheartattackandhe’sinthehospital.Gethereassoonasyoucan.”

“Jackson,wherethefuckareyou?”

“Whyaren’tyouansweringyourphone?ItriedtocallEmily,butitwentstraighttovoicemail.”

“IfthisisyourwayofpunishingMomandDad,yousuckandI’msopissedatyourightnow.”

Iquicklysatupanddialedhernumber.Afterafewrings,itwenttovoicemail.

“Jules,I’msorry.IhadaroughnightandIwaspassedout.I’monmyway,butIneeddetails.Ishe

okay?Whatroomishein?”

Ireekedofalcohol,butIdidn’tcare.Ididn’thavetimetoshower.AfterIputonsomeclothesand

brushedmyteeth,Julescalled.

“Hello.”

“He’sfineandhe’sinroom4012.”Hertonewascoldandflat.

“Jules,I’msorry.Ididn’thearmyphone.”

“Justgethereassoonasyoucan.”

ShewasmadandIdidn’tblameher.TheyneededmelastnightandIfailedthembecauseIwasina

drunkenstateoverawomanwhoseheartIbroke.WhileEdwarddrovemetothehospital,Icalledmy

secretarytoletherknowthatIwasn’tcominginuntillater.WhenIwalkedintoroom4012,mydad

wassleepingandmymotherwasathisside,holdinghishand.

“It’sabouttimeyougothere,”shespokeinasternvoicewithoutlookingatme.

“I’msorry,Mom.Ididn’thearmyphone.”

“Wereyouwithher?”sheasked.

“No.Iwasinabargettingdrunkandthenwenthomeandpassedout.”

Sheturnedherheadandhereyesmetmine.

“Areyouokay?”sheasked.

“Idon’tknow.Howishe?”

“He’sdoingbetternow.Hewillbegoinginforbypasssurgeryinacoupleofhours.”

“Ishegoingtobeokay?”Iplacedmyhandonhershoulder.

“Doyoureallycare?”

“Mom.Don’t.OfcourseIcare.”

Shebroughtherhanduptomineandgentlysqueezedit.“He’sgoingtobeokay.”

Isatontheedgeofthebedandplacedmyhandonhisarm.Thoughtsofhowhecouldhavedied

plaguedme.

“Well,lookwhodecidedtoshowup,”Julesspokeasshewalkedintotheroom.

“Notnow,Jules.”

“Stepoutsideinthehallforamoment.Ineedawordwithyou.”

Rollingmyeyesandlettingoutasigh,Ifollowedherouttothehallway.

“Whatthefuck,Jackson?Weneededyouherelastnight.Momneededyouherelastnight.”

“IsaidIwassorry.Ididn’thearmyphone,”Ispokethroughgrittedteeth.

“Whathappened?Andbytheway,youreekofalcohol.”

Runningmyhandthroughmyhair,Ileanedagainstthewall.

“EmilyandIwon’tbeseeingeachotheranymore.”

“Why?”sheaskedassheplacedherhandsonherhips.

“Wejustaren’tandIdon’twanttogetintoitrightnow.Justnotrightnow,Jules.Please.”

“Fine.”Shewrappedherarmsaroundme.“Justtellmeonething.Areyouokay?”

“I’mokay.”

I’d spent the day with my mom in the waiting room while my dad was in surgery and Jules was

backintheERfinishinghershift.SheandCarterbothcameuptocheckonthingsinbetweenpatients.

Chapter39

Emily

IthadbeenalongweekandIkeptmyselfbusybyburyingmyselfinmywork.Workingtwelve-to

fourteen-hourdaysjusttokeepmymindoffofJackson.EvelynandKatietriedtogetmetogoout

withthem,butIdidn’tfeellikeit.AllIwantedtodowasworkandgohomeandsleep.Imissedhim

so much and this adjustment without seeing him was incredibly hard. My first heartbreak ever, and

believemewhenItellyou,Idon’teverwanttoexperienceitagain.Inowsawwhymymotherwentto

greatlengthstoprotectherheartafterGregory.

“Hey,Emily,”Katiespokeasshestuckherheadinthebackroom.“Julesisheretoseeyou.”

“Thanks.TellherI’llbeoutinasecond.”

She was the last person I wanted to see right now. Even though we were friends, she was a

reminderofhim.Iwasn’tsurewhathetoldher,ifhesaidanythingatall.Gettingupfrommychair,I

walkedoutofthebackandsawherstandingbythejewelrydisplay.

“Hey,Jules.”Iforcedasmile.

“Hi,Emily.”Shehuggedmetight.“Howareyou?”

“I’mokay.Howareyou?”

“I’mgood.”

“Areyoudoingsomeshopping?”Iasked.

“I’monmylunchbreakandIthoughtI’ddropbytoseeyou.It’sbeenawhile.”

“Yeah.Ithas.”Ilookeddown.

“Whydon’tweheaddowntothedeliandgrabalittlesomethingtoeat?”

“I’mnothungry,butI’llgowithyou.”

Assoonaswesteppedoutoftheshop,shewrappedherarmaroundmine.

“WhathappenedbetweenyouandJackson?”

“Hedidn’tmentionit?”Iasked.

“Notreally.Hejustsaidthatthetwoofyouwouldn’tbeseeingeachotheranymoreandhedidn’t

wanttotalkaboutit.”

“Ibrokerulenumbernine,”IspokeasIstaredstraightahead.

“Andrulenumberninewaswhat?”

“Asimpleone,really.Ifellinlovewithhim.”

“Oh,Emily.Ofcourseyoudid.Eventhoughhedoesn’tdeserveyourlove.”

Wewalkedinsidethedeliandtookaseatatoneofthetablesnexttothewindow.

“Itoldhimandhisresponsewasthathelovedmeasafriendandnothingmore.”

“Asshole.”Shefrowned.

“IbrokeoneoftherulesandnowIampayingtheconsequencesforit.It’smyfault.Inevershould

havesignedthatcontract.NowthatIthinkaboutit,Iwassostupid.”

“No you weren’t. You did what you thought was right at the time because your beliefs were

different.Igetthat.”

“IneverplannedontellinghimthatIlovedhim,butwestartedarguingandhesaidsomethings

thatreallyhurtme,soIjusttoldhim.”

AfterthewaitressstoppedbyourtableandJulesplacedherorder,shereachedacrossthetableand

grabbedholdofmyhands.

“Andyoushouldhavetoldhim.Youhadeveryright.Whatifsomethinghappenedtohimbefore

yougotthechancetotellhim?”

AfeelingofnauseahitmethemomentthewaitresssetdownJules’cornedbeefsandwichinfront

ofher.

“Areyouokay?”sheasked.“Allofasudden,youlookreallypale.”

“Ifeelreallysicktomystomach.Excusemeforamoment.”Igotupandrantothebathroom.

Iknewitwasnerves,forithadbeenhappeningallweek.HencethereasonI’dbarelyeaten.WhenI

gotbacktothetable,Juleslookedatmestrangely.

“Wereyousick?”sheaskedwithconcern.

“Yeah.It’sbeenhappeningallweek.It’sjustnerves.I’llbeokay.”

“Areyousurethat’swhatitis?Iamadoctor.Icancheckyouout.”

“I’mfine,Jules.Trustme.ThiswholethingwithJacksonhasmeallmessedup.Pleasepromiseme

youwon’ttellhim.”

“Iwon’t.Butifitpersists,Iwantyoutocomeseeme.”

“Iwill.”

Afterlunch,JuleswentbacktothehospitalandIwentbacktotheshop.

****

Jackson

Myfatherwasreleasedfromthehospitalandhewasdoingwell.Sincehedidn’thaveapermanent

placehereinNewYorkyet,mymothermovedhiminwithhersoshecouldhelpwithhisrecovery.

Seeingthemtogetherlikethiswasstrangeandabitunsettlingtome.MyfatherandIhadalongtalk

andIapologizedtobothhimandmymotherforthewayIbehavedtowardsthem.ButIdidmakeit

veryclearthatiftheydecidedthatthingsweren’tgoingtoworkoutagain,Iwouldnotbearoundand

Ididn’twanttohearaboutit.

I was sitting in my office one morning and Audrey, my secretary, walked in and placed some

papersonmydesk.Thesmellofherperfumecaughtmeoffguard.

“Audrey,whatkindofperfumeareyouwearing?”

“JoeMalone.”Shesmiled.“Myhusbandboughtitformeforouranniversary.”

“Domeafavorandpleasedon’twearittotheoffice.”

“Oh.Okay.I’msorry.”Shelookedatmestrangely.

“Did I just hear you tell Audrey not to wear that perfume?” Samuel asked as he stepped into my

office.

“Yeah.”

“Isn’tthatsomeformorharassmentorsomething?Ithinkitsmellsnice.”

“It’sthesameperfumeEmilywearsandIneverlikedit.”

“You’relying.You’rejusttryingtoforgether.”

“MaybeIam.”Ileanedbackinmychairandputmyhandsbehindmyhead.

“Isthisworthit,man?Youfeelingthiswaywhenallyousimplyhavetodoiscallher.”

“Itwouldbemuchharderdowntheroad,Sam.”

“WhatyouandEmilyhadwasreallygoodanddon’ttellmeitwasbecauseofthatdamncontract.

Youwerehappywhenyouwerewithherandnowlookatyou.You’remiserableasallfuck.”

“Shebroketherulesandsheknewtheconsequences.”

“Fuck the rules, Jackson. Like I said before, rules were made to be broken, whether you’re the

greatJacksonCaineornot.”

“Areyoufinished?”Iasked.“Ihavetogetgoing.”

“Yeah.IguessIam.Wanttograbsomedinnerlater?”

“Maybetomorrow.Ineedtogoseemydad.”

“Ihateseeingyoulikethis,bro.I’veneverseenyoulikethis.Whatdoesthattellyou?”Hewalked

outofmyoffice.

IlefttheofficeforameetingwithaclientwhowasinterestedinrentingaspaceIownedoveron

EastTwelfthStreet.

“Ms.Goodman?”

“Yes.YoumustbeMr.Caine.”

“Iam.”IsmiledasIextendedmyhandtoher.“It’snicetomeetyou.”

“Andyouaswell.”Shesmiledback.

“Shall we have a look inside?” I stuck the key in the lock and opened the door. “May I ask what

businessyou’replanningonopening?”

“Acupcakeshop.”Shebrightlysmiled.

“Ah.Thosearenice.”

“It’salwaysbeenadreamofmineandit’swhatmyhusbandwouldhavewanted.”

“Wouldhave?”Iasked.

“Hepassedawayaboutsixmonthsago.Weweremarriedfortenwonderfulyears.”

“I’msorryforyourloss.”

“Thankyou.MyhusbandandIsavedpracticallyeverythingweearnedtoopenashop.Thenhegot

sickandthemedicalbillsstartedpouringin.HemademepromisethatIwouldusehislifeinsurance

moneytoopenupmybusiness.”

“Hesoundslikehewasagreatman.”

“Hewas.”Shesmiled.“AndIwouldn’thavetradedthelasttenyearswithhimforanything.Hewas

theloveofmylifeandhemademeveryhappy.I’mdoingitasmuchforhimasforme.”

“Itsoundslikeyouhadawonderfulmarriage.”

“Itwas.Don’tgetmewrong,wedidhaveourupsanddownslikeanycouplesdoes,butourlove

wasstrongenoughtoworkthroughthem.Wenevergaveuponeachother,andwhenhedied,Ifelt

like a piece of me died with him. I’m a forty-year-old widow and I’m starting over, putting all my

focusintoourdream.”

Igaveherasmileasshecontinuedtolookaround.

“Thisisperfect.Yousaidtherentwasfivethousandamonth?”

“Iwasmistaken.It’sthirty-fivehundred.”

Aftersettingupameetingtosigntheleaseagreementlaterintheweek,sheleftandIstayedbackto

turn off the lights and lock up. As I approached the door and was just about to walk out, I stopped

whenIsawEmilywalkby.Myheartstartingpoundingatthesightofherinherlongblackcoatand

blackknithat.Shelookedbeautifulandanoverwhelmingsadnessconsumedme.MoresothanwhatI

alreadyfelt.Wasthisfeelingworthit?Thismiserythatovertookme?NomatterhowhardItriedto

fightitandgetmylifebacktonormal,itdidn’tmatter.Walkingawayfromwomenhadalwaysbeen

easy, but not with her. I figured a couple of days at the most and she’d be out of my mind, but she

wasn’t.Shehadaholdonmethatwastoostrongtofight.

SomethingMs.Goodmansaidstuckwithme.Howshewouldn’ttradethepasttenyearswithher

husbandforanything.Iwouldn’thavetradedthepastfewmonthswithEmily.Whatwehad,whatwe

shared, and the things we did were phenomenal. I hurt her in a way that I would never be able to

forgivemyselffor.IwasangryshebroketherulesandIwantedtopunishherfordoingso.ButIwas

onlypunishingmyselfbecauseIdidfeelthingsI’dneverfeltbefore,andIknewitthewholetimewe

weretogether,butIpusheditasideoutoffear.Fearthatthingswouldchangebetweenus.

Isteppedoutsidethebuildingandlockedthedoor.Lookingdownthestreet,Isawsheturnedthe

corner, so I decided to follow her. Why? I had no idea. Seeing her again stirred up more than just

feelings.Itstirredupmemorieswehadmade,andatimethatmademethehappiestI’deverbeen.I

needed to reach out to her, but I was scared at what her reaction would be. Was she okay? Had she

alreadyforgottenaboutmeandmovedon,notgivingwhatwehadanotherthought?Shewasoutof

sightsoIhailedacaband,insteadofgoingbacktotheoffice,Iwenthome.

Chapter40

Emily

OneWeekLater

Ineededtogetawayforafewdaysanddosomesoulsearchingandself-reflecting.Mylifehad

beenforeverchangedandIneededsometimealonetothink.Gregoryandhiswifehadrentedaplace

inMontaukfortheweekandinvitedmetojointhem.Despitethefactthatfallhadsettledinandthe

temperaturesweregettingcooler,itwouldbeagreatplaceformetoescapeforafewdaysandspend

sometimewithmydad.

It was eight o’clock p.m. when I threw my suitcase in the back of my rental car and started my

journey.IgotalatestartbecauseIneededtomakesureeverythingwasinorderbeforeIleft.Iwasn’t

worriedaboutthestorebecauseIknewKatiewouldlookafterthingswhileIwasgone.Thistripwas

something I needed to do for my own sake and well-being. I needed to put my relationship and all

thoughts of Jackson out of my head and begin healing my broken heart. When I returned, things

wouldbedifferent,andIneededtoprepareforthat.

****

Jackson

Itwasnineo’clockintheeveningandIwasoutforalatedinnerwithSamuelwhenmyphonerang

andIsawJuleswascalling.

“Hello.”

“Jackson. I need you to get down to the ER as soon as possible. There’s been an accident,” she

spokeinapanickedtone.

“Whatkindofaccident?AreMomandDadokay?”

“It’s Emily. She’s been in a car accident and the paramedics are on their way in. I thought you

wouldwanttoknow.”

“What?!”Ishouted.“I’monmyway.”

“Whathappened?”Samuelasked.

“Emily’sbeeninacaraccidentandIneedtogettothehospital.”Iflewoutofmychair.

“Go,man.Go.Don’tworryaboutthebill.Igotit.”

Iracedoutsidetherestaurantandclimbedintothebackofmylimo.

“Edward,weneedtogettothehospitalnow!Emily’sbeeninanaccident.”

Myheartwaspoundingandhorriblethoughtswereracinginsidemyhead.Whythehellwasshe

driving?Wherewasshegoing?Ilaidmyheadbackontheseatandclosedmyeyes,takinginseveral

deepbreathstocalmthepanicthathadriseninsideme.

EdwardpulleduptothecurboftheER,andIraninside,stoppingatthesecuritydesk.

“Dr.JulesCaine.There’sbeenanaccidentandI’mherbrother.Shejustcalledme.”

ThesecurityguardopenedthedoubledoorsandIsawJulesandCarterstandingafewfeetaway

withtheirarmsfolded.

“Jules!”Irantowardsher.“Whereisshe?”

“They’llbehereinaminute.”

“Whatthehellhappened?Howdoyouknowit’sEmily?”

“Theparamedicsfoundherlicenseinherpurse.”

“Jules,they’rehere,”Carterspokeasherandownthehall.

“Stayhere!”Julescommanded.

ButIdidn’tlisten.Icouldn’t.Ihadtoseeher.

Theparamedicsquicklypushedherdownthehallwayandintothetraumaroom,whereateamof

nursesfollowed.Istoodinthedoorwayandlookedatherthroughallthechaos.Bloodpouredfrom

herhead.Herfacewasswollenandbruisedasifshehadbeenbeaten,andaneckbracewassecured

aroundherneck.AsickfeelingroseinthepitofmystomachandIbegantoshake.

“She’spregnant,”IheardJulessaytotheteamofdoctorsandnursesthatwerebyherside.

InearlylostmybreathwhenIheardhersaythat.

“What?”Igasped.

She looked at me and told me to leave the room. But I was frozen and it felt like my legs were

paralyzed.

“We’relosingher!”Carteryelled.“Getthecrashcart!”

“Jackson,youcan’tbeinhere.”Julesranovertomeandgrabbedholdofmyarm.

TearsfilledmyeyesasIplacedmyhandsfirmlyonmysister ’sshouldersandstaredather.

“Youhavetosaveher,Jules.Don’tletherdie!Youhavetosaveher.”

“We’re doing everything we can. Lisa, get my brother out of here!” she yelled as she went back

overtoattendtoEmily.

Istoodoutsidetheroomandwatchedthroughthewindowastheytookthepaddlesandplacedthem

onherchest.AtearrandownmycheekasIwatchedthemonitorandheldmybreathwaitingforsome

signthatshe’dcomebacktome.Aftertwoshocks,theflatlinesbegantomoveupanddownandmy

sisterletoutasighofreliefassheplacedherforeheadonEmily’sandthenwalkedoutoftheroom

andovertome.

“Wehaveherstabilized,butshedoeshavesomeinternalbleedingandherarmisbroken.Carteris

takingheruptosurgeryinafewmoments.”

“Andthebaby?”Ilookedather.

“I’msorry,Jackson,butwecouldn’tfindaheartbeat.”

Iswallowedhardasmyeyeswouldn’tstopfillingwithtears.

“Howdidyouknowshewaspregnant?”

“She came to me because she was sick. She was going to tell you when she got back from

Montauk.”

“Isthatwhereshewasgoing?”

“Yes.”

“Whydidn’tyoutellmeaboutthebaby?”

“Doctor-patientconfidentiality.Icouldn’tandyouknowthat.”

CarterpushedEmilyoutoftheroom,stopped,andlookedatme.

“Hangtight,Jackson.She’singoodhands,”hespoke.

“Takecareofher,Carter.”

“Iwill.”

Iwentuptothesurgicalwaitingroom,putsomemoneyintothecoffeemachine,andleanedmy

foreheadagainstitwhilethecoffeepouredintothecup.Icouldn’tbelievethishadhappenedtoher.I

hadplannedongoingtoseehertomorrowtotalkthingsout.Icouldnolongertakeherbeingoutof

my life and, now, she almost was forever. The thought sickened me to the point where I wanted to

vomit.

“Hey,man.”

Liftingmyheadandlookingovermyshoulder,IsawSamuelstandingtherewithhishandsinhis

pockets.

“Howisshe?”

Grabbingthecupfromthemachine,Itookaseatinthechairandhesatdownnexttome.

“Carterisinsurgeryrightnowwithher.Shehassomeinternalbleeding.”

“I’msorry,Jackson.”Heplacedhishandonmyshoulder.

Ileanedforward,placingmyelbowsonmykneeswhileItookasipofcoffee.

“Shewaspregnant,”Ispoke,staringstraightahead.

“Was?”

“Theycouldn’tfindaheartbeat.”

“Gee.I’msorry.Shedidn’ttellyou?”

“ShewasgoingtowhenshegotbackfromMontauk.Iguessthat’swhereshewasheadedbefore

theaccident.Shit.Ihaveaphonecalltomake.”

I pulled out my phone, called Katie, and told her to call Emily’s father. In an instant, she was

panickedandtoldmeshewasonherway.

Isatthere,inadaze,silentlyprayingtoGodtoletherbeokay.AfeelingoflosssweptovermeasI

thoughtaboutourbaby.AbabyIdidn’tevenknowabout,andyetmyheartachedforhim.

Chapter41

Jackson

Jules,Samuel,Katie,Alex,Evelyn,andIallsatandwaitedforsomewordaboutEmily’scondition.

“Jackson,” Carter spoke as he walked into the room and removed his scrub cap. “I stopped the

bleedingandnowshe’sinrecovery.She’llbesleepingforafewmorehours,butyoucangoinand

seeherifyou’dlike.”

“Soshe’sgoingtobeokay?”Iasked.

“Aslongasnoothercomplicationsarise,she’llbefine.Shewillbeobservedforthenexttwenty-

fourhours.”

“Thankyou,Carter.”

“You’rewelcome.She’safighter.”Hesmiled.“Comeon;I’lltakeyoutoherroom.”

Istoodinsidethedoorwayandstaredatherforamomentbeforegoingtoherbedside.Herhead

waswrappedinawhitebandage,herarminacast,andthewiresthatstuckoutofthehospitalgown

shewaswearingwerehookeduptomachinesthatmadeasoftbeepingnoise.Shelookedfragilebut

atpeace.

Walkingovertoherbedside,Ilightlytookholdofherhandandtookaseatinthechairthatwas

nexttothebed.Leaningover,Iplacedmyheadonherarm.

“I’mherewithyou,Emily,andI’mneverleavingyoursideagain.Wehavesomuchtotalkabout

andIhavesomuchtosaytoyou.Ialmostlostyoutonightandthatwouldhavedestroyedmebecause

InevergottotellyouthatIloveyouandthatI’msorryforbeingsuchanasshole.Iwouldn’tblame

youifyouhatedmeandneverwantedtoseemeagain,butatleastIgotthechancetotellyou.”

“Shedoesn’thateyou,Jackson,”Katiesoftlyspokeasshewalkedintotheroom.

“Didyouknowaboutthebaby?”Iaskedher.

“Yes.Shejusttoldmetheotherdayandshewasgoingtotellyouaftershegotherselfsortedoutin

Montauk.Youhavetobelievethatshewasn’tgoingtokeepthatfromyou.”

“I’mgoingtomakeituptoher,youknow.”IlookedoveratKatie.

“I’msureshe’lllikethat.Sheneverstoppedlovingyou.”

Allofasudden,Katiebegantocry.Igotupfrommyseatandwrappedmyarmsaroundher.

“Shh.”

“Shecouldhavedied.”

“Iknow.Butshe’shereandshe’llbefineandthat’swhatweneedtofocuson.Notthe‘couldhaves’

andthe‘whatifs.’”

I held her for a few moments until she composed herself and then she walked over to Emily’s

bedsideandkissedherforehead.

“I’msohappyyou’regoingtobeokay,”shespoke.

AfewhourshadpassedandEmilystillwasn’tawake.Asmyheadwaslyingonherarm,Ifelta

handonmyshoulder.

“Whydon’tyougohomeandgetsomesleep?”Julessaid.“I’llcallyouwhenshewakesup.”

“No.Iwanttobehere.I’mnotleavingheragain.”

“CanIgetyouanything?”

“No.I’mfine.”

“I’llstopbyinthemorning.”Shesmiledasshekissedthetopofmyheadandwalkedoutofthe

room.

Ilaymyheadbackdownbesideherandfeltherfingersmoveunderneathmyhand.WhenIlifted

myhead,sheopenedhereyesandlookedatme.

“Jackson?”shewhispered.

“I’mhere.”Ismiled.

“WhereamI?”

“You’reinthehospital.Youwereinabadaccident.”

Sheplacedherhandsonherstomach.

“Thebaby.”

TearsfilledmyeyesasIlookedintohersandsawnothingbutfear.ThiswasthemomentIdreaded

themost.

“I’msorry,Emily.Thebabydidn’tmakeit.”

“NO!”shecriedassheturnedherheadawayfromme.

Isatontheedgeofthebedandcarefullywrappedmyarmsaroundher,holdingandcomforting

herthebestIcouldwhileshesobbeduntilshefellasleep.

****

Emily

Iwasinsomuchpain.Notonlyphysically,butmentallyaswell.Mybodyhurtfromtheaccident

andmyheartandmindhurtatthelossofmybaby.Icouldn’tcopeverywell,soIfellasleeptotryand

escapethepainIfelt.

Iopenedmyeyestothesoundsofvoicesinmyroom.

“Goodmorning,Emily.”Cartersmiled.“Howareyoufeeling?”

“Terrible.”

“That’stobeexpected.You’vebeenthroughquiteanordeal.I’mjustgoingtocheckyourincision.

Iusedgluetocloseit,soyoudon’thavetoworryaboutscarringorgettingitwet.Itlooksgood.”He

winked.

Juleswalkedovertomysideandheldmyhand.

“Youhadussoworried.”Tearsfilledhereyes.

“Sorry,”Iwhispered.“Thebaby.”

“Iknow,sweetie,andI’msosorry.”

CarterandJulesleftandJacksonsatdownontheedgeofthebed.

“I’msorry,Emily.I’msorryIhurtyou.”

MyheadwasfilledwithsomanythoughtsthatIcouldn’tsortthemallout.AllIcouldremember

was the pain and heartache I felt when he walked out of my apartment that night and never looked

back.Iwasalsoangrythatittooksomethinglikethisforhimtoseeme.Thetremendousamountof

guilt I felt over the loss of our baby overwhelmed me and I didn’t make for very good company. I

didn’twantanythingfromJacksonbecauseIwaspastthatpoint.Iwasgoingtotellhimaboutthebaby

when I got back because he had the right to know. But I was also going to tell him that I was

relinquishinghimofallparentaldutiesandthatI’dberaisingthebabyalone,justlikemymotherdid

withme.Andnow,hewashere,apologizinganddoingeverythingpossibletomakemebelievethat

hewassorry.Butwhathedidn’tknowwasthatmyshatteredheartwasonceagainsurroundedbya

protectivewallsoIwouldneverexperiencethatkindofpainagain.

****

Jackson

Emilywouldn’trespondtomyapologyandshewasdistant.Iknewshewasupsetaboutthebaby

andIdidn’twanttobringituptoher.ButIwasn’tgoingtostoptrying.IlovedherandIwasgoingto

getherbacknomatterwhatittook.ShewasmylifeandIrealizedthatandIwouldspendeverysingle

daylettingherknowwhethershewantedmetoornot.EmilyWadewasgoingtobemygirl.Maybe

nottoday,maybenottomorrow,maybenotinamonth.Butwewouldbetogetherasacoupleintime.

Chapter42

Emily

I had spent a week in the hospital recovering, and each and every day, Jackson walked in with a

smileonhisface,anewbouquetofflowers,andaboxofchocolates.Hewasirritatingme.Iwasso

wrapped up with the accident and the loss of the baby that it was all I could focus on. My dad and

friendsvisitedmeeveryday,andKatieandNoelleassuredmethatthestorewasingoodhandsand

thattheyweretakingcareofeverything.

I left the hospital with a cast on my arm and I wasn’t allowed to go back to work for at least

anotherweek.IstillhadtobecarefulwiththeinjuriesIhadsustained.AssoonasJacksonopenedthe

doortomyapartment,Ilookedaroundatthetwosuitcasesthatweresittinginthehallway.

“Whatarethose?”Iasked.

“Thosearemine.”

“Whyaretheyhere?Inmyapartment?”

“BecauseI’mstayingwithyou.”

Iletoutalightlaugh.“Noyou’renot.”

“YesIam.Iwantedtotakeyoubacktomyplace,butIknewyou’dbemorecomfortableinyour

ownhome,soIdecidedthatI’mmovinginuntilyou’reonehundredpercentbetter.”

“You’renotinchargeofmeandyou’renotmykeeper.”

“Actually,Iam.Iappointedmyself,andyourfriendsandfatheragreed.”

Itookinasharpbreath.AllIwantedwastobealone.

“I’mfine,”Ispokethroughgrittedteeth.

“No,Emily,you’renot.YouheardwhatCarterandJulessaid.Youneedtotalrestthisnextweekto

heal properly. End of discussion. I’m staying here and taking care of you and I don’t want to hear

anotherwordaboutit.Couchorbed?”

“Couch.I’msickoflyinginabed.”

“Ithinkthebedwouldbemorecomfortableforyou,”hespoke.

“Isaidthecouch!”IyelledasIheadedtowardsit.

“Okay.Thecouchitis.”

“Idon’tunderstandthis,Jackson.Wearenotacouple.Youarenotresponsibleforme.”

“Notyetwearen’t.”Hewinked.

“Excuseme?”IshothimalookasItriedtogetcomfortableonthecouch.

“Wewillbe,Emily.”

“Thehellwewill.Inolongerbelieveinrelationships.Youcanthankyourselfforthat.”

Hesighed.“Yes,Iknow,andI’veapologizedahundredtimestoyou.”

“Doesn’tmatter.Thedamageisdone.YouwalkedoutonmewhenItoldyouthatIlovedyou,and

guesswhat,Jackson?TimepassedandIdon’tloveyouanymore.”

Herolledhiseyesashewalkedintothekitchen.

“Youwill,andyouknowwhy?BecauseIloveyou.”

“Stopit!”

“Iloveyou,Emily.”

“Stopit,Jackson!”

“Iloveyou.”

Ithrewmyheadbackonthepillowandclosedmyeyes.Ididn’thavethestrengthtoarguewithhim

rightnow.

****

Jackson

She fell asleep, which was good. She had a bad attitude and, hopefully, she’d be better when she

wokeup.Shesaidshedidn’tloveme,butIknewshedid.Shewaspunishingmeforwalkingouton

herandIdidn’tblameheronebit.Iwasn’tworried.Shefellinlovewithmeonceandshe’dfallin

love with me again. We were good together and I wasn’t stopping until we got back to the way we

were.

I took my suitcases into the bedroom and hung up my suits in her closet. Grabbing my laptop, I

tookitovertotheloveseatacrossfromthecouchwhereEmilylaysoIcoulddosomework.About

anhourhadpassedandtherewasaknockonthedoor.

“Hello,Terrance.Thankyouforcoming.”

“Hello,Mr.Caine.Mypleasure.HowisMissWadefeeling?”

“She’sfeelingalittlebitangry.”

“To be expected. She’s been through quite an ordeal,” he spoke as he headed into the kitchen to

preparedinner.

“Jackson?”IheardEmilycall.

“I’mrighthere.”Iwalkedoverandtookaseatontheedgeofthecouch.

“Ineedapainpill.”

IgaveherasmallsmileasIkissedherforehead.“Comingrightup.”

“Don’tdothatagain.”

“Dowhat?”

“Kissmyhead.”

“WouldyouratherIkissedyousomewhereelse?”Iwinked.

Sheplacedapillowoverherfaceandscreamedintoit.Icouldn’thelpbutlaughasIwentandgot

herapainpill.

Assoonasdinnerwasready,Emilygotupfromthecouchandtookaseatatthetable.

“Thankyou,Terrance.Thislooksdelicious.I’msosickofhospitalfood,”shespokeasshesmiled

athim.

“You’rewelcomeandI’mhappyyou’reokay.”Hekissedhercheek.“I’vealsopreparedlunchfor

tomorrow.It’sintherefrigerator.”

“Thankyou.”Iplacedmyhandonhisshoulder.

TakingaseatnexttoEmily,Ireachedoverhertograbthebasketofrollsandshestabbedmyhand

withthefork.

“Ouch.Whatwasthatfor?”

“It’srudetoreachoversomeone.Youcouldhaveaskedmetohandyouthebasket.”

“I was afraid to talk to you. But I guess if I had, I wouldn’t have gotten stabbed with a fork.” I

cockedmyheadandasmallsmilecrossedherlips.

TherewassomuchIstillhadtosaytoher,butitwasn’ttherighttime.Itriedtotalktoherinthe

hospital,butshewasn’thavinganyofit.Weneededtotalkaboutthebaby.Iwantedtoletherknow

that she wasn’t the only one suffering. Plus, I wanted to know how the hell she got pregnant on the

pill.

Afterweate,EmilywentandsatonthecouchwhileIcleanedup.

“Whataboutyourjob?”sheasked.

“I’llworkfromhere.It’snotaproblem.CanIgetyouanything?”

“No,”shereplied.

Igrabbedaboxofchocolatesandtookthemovertoher.

“Ibetyou’dlikeoneofthese.”IgrinnedasIheldtheboxinfrontofher.

Shelookedatmewithanarrowingeyeandthendownatthechocolates.

“Maybejustone.”Shetookatrufflefromthebox.

Chapter43

Emily

IturnedontheTVandglancedoveratJacksonwhilehefinishedcleaningupfromdinner.Ilooked

athowsexyhisarmswerewithhissleevesrolledupashewashedthedishesandputthemaway.The

wayhisasslookedinhispantsthatweretailoredtohimperfectlyandthewayhetoldmehelovedme

eventhoughIdidn’twanttohearit.

I was flipping through channels as Jackson sat down on the love seat and opened up his laptop.

Even though I had this love/hate thing for him, I was happy he forced his way back into my life. I

turned the TV off and stared at him as he typed away on his laptop, trying to find the words that I

neededtosay.

“IwasgoingtotellyouaboutthebabywhenIcameback.AndIwasalsogoingtorelieveyouof

yourparentalresponsibilitiesandraisethebabyonmyown.”

Hestoppedtypingandlookedupatme.

“Whywouldyoudothat?”

“Because you had no room in your life for me, let alone a baby, and I didn’t want to further

complicatethingsforyou.”

Hiseyesburnedintomineforamomentbeforeheshutthelidtohislaptopandwalkedoverand

satdownnexttome.

“Ialwayshadroominmylifeforyou,Emily.IwasjustscaredbecauseIwasafraidoflosingyou

downtheroadifthingsdidn’tworkout.SoIthoughtitwouldbeeasiertocuttiesrightthenandthere

beforewebecamemorethanwhatwealreadywere.”

Heranthebackofhishanddownmycheek.“Thedayoftheaccident,IhaddecidedthatIcouldn’t

doitanymore.Icouldn’tgoonwithoutyouinmylife.Ifeltemptyandlost.IfeltasthoughIdidn’t

haveareasontogetoutofbedanymoreandIwasgoingtocomeseeyouthenextdaytoapologize

andbegforanotherchance.”

Igulpedastearsfilledmyeyes.“Ilostourbabybecauseofme.IfonlyIwouldhavestayedputand

notrentedthatcarandgotonthathighway,ourbabywouldstillbeinsideme,andthatissomethingI

willlivewithfortherestofmylife.”

“Emily,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me. “It’s not your fault, sweetheart, and I

willnotallowyoutoblameyourself.”Hekissedmyheadandheldmeclose.

“Idon’twanttoloveyou,butIcan’thelpit.”Thetearsfelldownmyface.“EverythingIdid,said,

andsawalwayscamebacktoyou.”

“Thesameformetoo.Ieventoldmysecretaryshecouldn’twearherJoeMaloneperfumetothe

officeanymore.”

Icouldn’thelpbutlaughasIbrokeourembraceandsawthebrightsmileonhisface.

“I’msosorryforeverything,”hespoke.“AndIpromiseyouthatIwillspendeternitymakingitup

toyou.I’mbeggingforyourforgiveness,Emily.”

“Youhurtme,Jackson.Youhurtmesobadlyandeventhroughitall,Ineveroncestoppedloving

you.AsmuchasIwantedto,you’reimpossiblenottolove.”

Heplacedhisthumbonmychin.“Sowhatdoyousay?Shallwegivethisrelationshipthingatry?

Nocontractthistime?”

“AndifIsaidno?”Ismiled.

“Then I’ll ask you again tomorrow and then the next day and the day after that. I’ll keep asking

untilyousayyes,becauseyou’reworththefight,baby.”

“Well,inthatcase,ifyou’rejustgoingtobepersistentaboutit,IguessI’lljustsayyesnow.”

“Thankyou.”Hesmiledashebrushedhislipsagainstmine.“Oh,andbytheway,Idohavesome

rulesifwe’regoingtodothis.”

“Andwhatrulesdoyouhave?”Inarrowedmyeyesathim.

“Rulenumber1:Weseeeachothereverysingleday,nomatterwhat.Infact,theoptiontomovein

togetherwillalwaysbeonthetable.

“Rulenumber2:Therewillbeplentyofromance.Soexpectflowers,jewelry,fancydinners,anda

fewunexpectedthingsfromme.

“Rulenumber3:Iexpectyoutoblowupmyphoneeverydaywithtextmessagesandphonecalls.

Evenifit’sjusttosaythatyouloveme.

“Rulenumber4:Definitelyfallinginlove.

“Rulenumber5:Thetitlesofgirlfriendandboyfriendwilltoldtoeveryone.

“Isthereanythingyouwouldliketonegotiate,MissWade?”

A smile crossed my lips. “No. They all sound absolutely perfect to me.” I pressed my forehead

againsthis.

“Good.Thenit’sofficial.I’min.Howaboutyou?”

“I’mintoo.”

His lips softly pressed against mine as he laid me back and our kiss turned passionate while his

hardcockpressedintomybelly.Afterafewmoments,hestoppedandlookedatme.

“Doyouwantto?”

“Yes.Verymuch.”Ismiled.

“Canwe,though?”

“I’mnotsure.”Ibitdownonmybottomlip.

“Holdonasecond.”Hehelduphisfingerashestoodupandpulledouthisphone.

****

Jackson

“Jules,isitsafetohavesex?”

“What?Withwhom?YoubetterbetalkingaboutEmily!”

“OfcourseIam!”

“Thenit’sfine.Butjustdon’tberoughandtakeitslow,Jackson.Imeanslow!”

“Iwill.Thanks.I’lltalktoyoulater.”

Iplacedmyphoneonthecoffeetableandunbuttonedmyshirt.

“Thedoctorsaidit’sfineaslongaswegoslow.”Icarefullypickedherupandcarriedhertothe

bedroom.

“Do you have condoms? I haven’t taken my pills since the accident. I’m going to have to start

over.”

“Idon’tcare.Ifithappens,ithappens.I’mnotworriedaboutit.”

Ihoveredoverher,thesheetcoveringusasIslowlyeasedinsideher.Iwasnervousbecauseher

bodywasstillbruisedfromtheaccident.Herfingersdugintomyass,pushingmefurtherinuntilI

wasburieddeepinsideher.Ikissedherlipswithpassionbutsoftenedthemalloverherbody.Thelast

thingIwantedtodowashurther.

“Iloveyou,Emily.”

“Iloveyoutoo,”shewhispered.

Chapter44

Emily

SixMonthsLater

I made a full recovery and life was wonderful. I moved into Jackson’s penthouse about a month

aftertheaccidentandwehadneverbeenhappier.TheshopwasdoingreallywellandIwasreadyto

move forward with my online boutique. Jackson bought a warehouse where we made one area for

storage and then we converted the rest of the space into offices and cubicles for the staff I hired to

help run it. When launch day came, it was a huge success and went way beyond my expectations. I

never did end up getting pregnant again, which was okay for the both of us. I started my pills

regularlybecauseJacksonandItalkedaboutitandwebothagreedthatitwasprobablybetterthatwe

waited,butifithappened,we’dbehappy.

JulesandCarterwereinthemidstofplanningtheirwedding,whichwasgoingtotakeplaceina

couple of months. Alex proposed to Katie, and Dylan and Evelyn were on cloud nine with their

relationship. Jackson’s parents ended up getting remarried as soon as both of their divorces were

final,withasmallreceptionjustforthefamily.

JacksonandItookatriptoVegassohecouldfinalizetheplansonthecasinohebought.

“WhatwouldyousayifIaskedyoutomarrymetoday?”heaskedasheputonhistie.

“What?”Ilaughed.

“Let’sgetmarried,Emily.RightnowandrighthereinVegas.”

“Areyouserious?”

“I’veneverbeenmoreseriousaboutanythinginmylife.”Hepulledaboxfromhispocketandgot

downononekneeinfrontofme.“IloveyousomuchandIdon’twanttowait.Iwantyoutobecome

Mrs.JacksonCainetoday.”

“Whataboutourfriendsandfamily?”

“We’llhaveahugereceptionwhenwegetbacktoNewYork.”

“Letmeseetheringfirst.”Ismirked.

HeflippedopenthelidandsittinginsidewasthemostbeautifulprincesscutsparklingringIhad

everseen.

“Okay.Youdidgoodwiththering.I’llmarryyou.”Ismiled.

Hetooktheringfromtheboxandplaceditonmyfinger.Standingup,heplacedhishandsoneach

sideofmyfaceandkissedmylips.

“Youwon’tregretit.”Hesmiled.

“IknowIwon’t.WhatdoIwear?”Iasked.

Hewalkedovertotheclosetbythedoorandpulledoutagarmentbag.

“You will wear this.” He smiled as he unzipped it and took out a beautiful strapless, long white

dresswithanembellishedwaistline.

“Jackson,it’sbeautiful.Youhadthisplanned.”

“Isuredidandthedressisonlythestart.Thereareflowerswaitingatthechapelandassoonas

we’remarried,therewillbeaprivatedinnerwaitingforus.”

“We’rereallydoingthis.”Ismiled.

“We’rereallydoingthis.”Hislipsbrushedagainstmine.“Nowgetdressedsowecangetgoing.”

Taking the dress from him, I went into the bedroom and changed into it. Excitement soared

throughoutmybodyatthethoughtofbecomingMrs.JacksonCainetonight.AsIstoodandstaredat

myselfinthemirror,itmademehappytobesomeone’splusoneand,thebestpartofit,Iwasstillme.

WeclimbedintothelimoandheadedtothechapelwhereJacksonarrangedforustobemarried.

“OhmyGod,Idon’thavearingforyou!”

“Don’tworryaboutit,Emily.It’stakencareof.”

“How?”

“LikeIsaid,don’tworryaboutit.”Hisbrowarched.

Whenwereachedthechapelandwalkedthroughthedoors,IgaspedandcoveredmymouthwhenI

sawmyfather,Stella,Evelyn,Dylan,Katie,Alex,Jules,Carter,Samuel,andbothofJackson’sparents

sittinginthechairswaitingforus.

“Jackson.”Myeyesfilledwithtears.

“We’re still having a big reception back home.” He smiled. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to

takemyplace.”

My father walked over to me and held out his arm. “I’m ready to walk my daughter down the

aisle.”

KatieranupandhandedmeabeautifulbouquetofwhiterosesandJackson’sweddingring.“I’m

sohappyforyou!”Shehuggedme.

ThemusicstartedtoplayandmyfatherwalkedmedowntheaisleandgavemyhandtoJackson.

Tearsfilledmyeyesaswebothsaidourvowsandtheministerpronouncedushusbandandwife.

“InowintroducetoyouMr.andMrs.JacksonCaine,”theministerspokeandeveryonestoodup

andclappedforus.

Aftertheceremony,weallwentbacktotheBellagio,whereJacksonhadarrangedaprivatedinner

forallofus.

“Thatdresslookswonderfulonyou.”Evelynsmiled.

“OhmyGod.Didyou—isthis?”Icockedmyhead.

“Yes. I designed and made it for you. And there’s another one for your wedding reception when

yougetbackhome.”

Igaveherabighugandthankedher.

“HowlonghadJacksonbeenplanningthis?”Iasked.

“Twoweeks.”Shesmiled.“He’ssucharomantic.”

IlookedoverathimashewastalkingwithCarterandSamuel.Hesmiledatmeandwinked,andat

thatmoment,IfellmoreinlovewithhimthanIeverthoughtpossible.

****

Jackson

Mrs. Jackson Caine. Those words were music to my ears. I never thought I would find someone

who could change my mind about marriage and relationships the way Emily did. But somehow, I

knewthatfirstmomentIsteppedintohershopandsawher,thatshewasdestinedtobemine,andthat

thebestsurprisesinlifearethethingsyouweren’tlookingforinthefirstplace.

AboutTheAuthor

SandiLynnisaNewYorkTimes,USATodayandWallStreetJournalbestsellingauthorwho

spendsallofherdayswriting.Shepublishedherfirstnovel,ForeverBlack,inFebruary2013and
hasn’tstoppedwritingsince.Heraddictionsareshopping,goingtothegym,romancenovels,coffee,
chocolate,margaritas,andgivingreadersanescapetoanotherworld.

Pleasecomeconnectwithherat:

www.facebook.com/Sandi.Lynn.Author

www.twitter.com/SandilynnWriter

www.authorsandilynn.com

www.pinterest.com/sandilynnWriter

www.instagram.com/sandilynnauthor

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6089757.Sandi_Lynn

Document Outline

Books by Sandi Lynn
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
About The Author

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