Page 53 of Bourbon Kingdom
“Sorry, I was daydreaming. I do that often. Usually it’s about something stupid like what would happen if you shook a bottle of soda up with a paint shaker and then poked it with a needle. I think it would explode in my face, which is why I haven’t tried it yet, because I’m too terrified. What do you think?”
Working his jaw, he pointed at the paper and said, “Sign.”
“Oh, yeah, sorry.” As I signed the paper, I asked, “Um, who posted bail for me?”
The officer pulled the sheet from under my hand and ripped off the bottom half. “That man over there,” he pointed, as he handed me my paperwork.
I glanced over and my heart stopped as I saw Jett putting something in his coat pocket. He glanced up in my direction, and for the briefest of moments, the world stopped, and everything around me faded as I made eye contact with the one and only man who owned my heart.
Like I was a complete stranger, he shifted his eyes away and walked out the door, not taking a moment to wait for me.
“Am I excused?” I asked, wanting to run after him.
“Yes,” the officer said, annoyed with my questions.
Not giving the officer a chance to lock me up for something asinine I might say, I took off toward the front to catch Jett. I thought he might possibly be waiting for me outside with an idling town car, but when I exited the police department, the street was clear of any cars, except for the faint gleam of red taillights pulling away.
Why didn’t he wait for me?
Chapter Eighteen
“When I Was Your Man”
JETT
“With the recent findings against Rex and Leo, and Zane Black dropping out of the race, you are automatically awarded Lot 17,” George, my lawyer, said excitedly through the phone. “I couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thank you, George,” I stated solemnly.
I should be excited, I should be celebrating a well-earned win, but there was not one bit of excitement running through my body. Instead, rage boiled in the pit of my stomach, waiting to erupt.
The picture Rex sent me was constantly on replay in my head.
She told me to my face there was nothing going on with her and Rex, that I was the one who held her heart, but she lied. She fucking lied.
“Are you there?” George asked, a little concerned.
“I am. I’m sorry George. I’m just a little tired. Do you mind if I call you tomorrow to finalize the details?”
“That’s perfectly fine. Get some sleep. I know how stressful this whole campaign for Lot 17 has been, but rest easy, you’re the owner now. You can finally make the park you wanted. You’re a good man, Jett.”
Swallowing hard, I nodded, even though he couldn’t see my acknowledgement, and then hung up the phone.
Lot 17 had inspired me, disappointed me, hurt me, dragged me through the mud, and given me hope. I’d been waiting for this day, the day when I found out I was able to secure the property for the kids, but when it came down to it, without Goldie by my side, I just felt empty.
A part of me wanted to leave her to fend for herself after Masquerade was busted, but I couldn’t do that. I saw the frightened look on her face when she was escorted out of the club and into the cop cars. I couldn’t be the one responsible for keeping that look on her face, that was why I posted her bail, but that was it. I couldn’t let her talk to me after that.
I was burned from the inside out; there was no soul left in me. I was a heartless man, the definition of bitter and foolish. To think a woman would be able to look past my faults, my demanding exterior, and see me for the man I want to be was an irrational thought.
The bitter taste of my bourbon did nothing to soothe the ache that had taken root in my chest, nor did it help me forget. How could I forget? How could I forget the sassy mouthed, honey-haired girl who captured my heart?
It was impossible.
A small knock came at my door, and without turning around, I beckoned whoever was on the other side to come in. My thoughts were lost in the darkness of the streets as little footsteps padded across my floor and the click of my door shutting echoed through the room.
I didn’t have to turn around to see who it was. I should have known she would come to me after she left the police department.
“Jett . . .” she practically whispered.
