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Then he leans down and kisses me and I melt into it.

“Thank you for telling me.”

He holds my gaze and then leans down to bite on my lower lip before releasing it.

“I like you, Amber.”

“I like you too!”

“I like you a lot.”

“Good.”

“Now, can I kiss you again?”

I smirk at him as I lean up and press my lips to his.

“Yes, please.”

***

I sleep soundly on the private plane, grateful for the rest after a busy few days. When we land, Olivia bids me farewell, and I thank her for the wonderful trip. I take a taxi to my nearby apartment, feeling a bit lonely without Jackson by my side.

It feels so good to come back home. I recap the whole trip and its ups and downs. With a big smile on my face I quickly freshen up.

Time to unpack, start laundry and go get some groceries. The streets are bustling with people, and I can’t help but feel a bit envious of their easygoing demeanor. I miss Jackson and wonder how he’s doing.

My phone rings, and I see that it’s my father. I take a deep breath before answering, knowing that the conversation won’t be easy. We’ve had our differences in the past, and I’m not sure what to expect.

“Hello, Dad,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady.

“Amber,” he says in a cool tone. “I hope you’re doing well.”

“I am, thanks,” I reply, feeling a bit resentful. Why does he always have to start off with a passive-aggressive remark?

“I’ve scheduled a meeting for you, me and Jackson tomorrow morning,” he continues. “I need to go over some important matters with you.”

I clench my jaw, feeling frustrated. “Okay, what time and where?”

“Nine o’clock at my office,” he says, and I can sense the finality in his voice.

“Fine,” I say, my tone indicating that I’m done with the conversation.

I hang up and let out a deep breath, feeling drained. I wish things could be different between us, but it seems like we’re always at odds.

I head back home, warm up some food in the microwave and pour myself a glass of red wine. As I eat, I think about Jackson and how much I miss him already. I can’t wait to see him tomorrow. The thought of seeing him first thing in the morning helps me fall asleep.

I wake up early and get dressed for the meeting with my father. I’m tense and a bit anxious, but I try to stay focused.

I walk into my father’s office building, dressed in a fitted pantsuit and high heels, feeling nervous about what’s to come. The receptionist directs me to the conference room, where I wait for my father. As he walks in with Jackson, I can’t help but feel a flutter in my stomach at the sight of him in a tailored suit.

My father asks about the trip, and I give him a brief overview. Then, he drops a bombshell on me. He wants me to be the face of the company for their new resort in Cancun. I’m shocked and don’t know what to say. I ask him why he chose me, and he tells me it’s because he believes in my abilities and thinks I’ll do a great job. In the back of my mind, I know that this is his idea of giving a helping hand in what he believes is a failed future and career choice.

But then he drops another bombshell. He wants Jackson to invest in the resort, which means we’ll be working together. I’m torn between excitement for this amazing opportunity and fear for what it will do to my new relationship with Jackson.

I glance over at him, and he gives me a reassuring smile, but I know we need to talk about this. My father doesn’t know about us, and I don’t want to jeopardize either my job or my relationship. Nor do I want to put Jackson’s business relationship with my father in danger.

After the meeting, Jackson and I walk out of the building. He’s wearing a crisp white shirt with the top button undone, and his sleeves rolled up. In his hand he is holding the gray blazer. The gray dress pants fit nice and tight around his butt and legs. I can’t help but admire how handsome he looks.