Page 65 of Tempt
“Tell me about it. I’ve been thinking about her nonstop for a month and then out of nowhere sheappearsat the rehearsal, and she’s introduced to me as the wedding planner. But before Mason can even tell her my name, she blurts it out. It was obvious we’d already met. And Mason had already mentioned that the wedding planner was his ex, so I put it together immediately—what we had done.”
“But it’s not like anyoneelseknew.”
“No. Millie and I both played it casual. We said we’d had one drink together and that was that. But Mason seemed on edge about it right away. It was obvious he suspected something had happened that night.”
“You guys werethat badat acting?”
“I didn’t think so, but a few minutes later Mason asked me point blank if anything had happened with her.”
“What did you say to him?”
“What the fuck could I say? I lied!”
Jackson started to laugh again.
“It’s not funny,” I said. “Because then he says how much it means to him that I’ve been so honest and open about everything—the past, my relationship with his mom. He said he’s spent his entire life looking for the truth and never getting it, so honesty is important to him.”
“Oh, shit. Yeah, that’s complicated.” Jackson grew quiet. “But technically, you didn’t do anything wrong—not the first time, anyway. How’d you let it happen again?”
I exhaled. “I don’t know. I swear to God, Jackson, I promised myself I wouldn’t touch her, but I have no fucking control where she’s concerned.”
“That doesn’t sound like you.”
“It isn’t. And it’s driving me crazy.” I slapped a hand on my forehead. “It’s like I’m eighteen again. I’m the same impulsive, horny shithead that got a girl pregnant because he couldn’t keep it in his pants.”
“So get out of there. You went to the wedding, now come home. Take yourself out of the dangerous situation.”
“I am. I’m leaving tomorrow.”
“So what’s the problem?”
I paused, knowing what I was about to say was all kinds of fucked up. “The problem is I’ve got twelve hours left here, and I want to spend them with her.”
“Are younuts?”
“Yes. She just...does something to me, Jackson. I know it sounds stupid and weak, but she does. I can’t explain it.” I closed my eyes. “I keep trying to twist the pieces around, like I’m looking for some kind of loophole that would make one last night with her okay.”
“There isn’t one.”
I frowned. “I knew you’d say that.”
“Of course you did. It’s why you called. You know what you have to do—stay away from her and get on that plane.”
“I haven’t even told you the worst part.”
“Jesus Christ. How much worse can it get, Zach?”
“Mason’s wife is fucking pregnant. I’m going to be...I can’t even say it.”
Jackson burst out laughing. “Aww, you’re going to be a grandpa! Or will it be Pawpaw? Grandpappy? Hmm, I think you’re more of a Gramps.”
“I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone.”
“Well, Pop Pop, you’re not. This is your reality now—you’ve got family. And the Zach Barrett I know would put his family first.”
“I hear you.”
“Good. Because sex with a hot young thing is great, and I’m sure it’s making you feel like you’re drinking from the Fountain of Youth, but dude—find a hot young thing that isn’t your son’s ex.”
