Page 62 of Billionaire's Fantasy
We talk about what just happened, and he tells me he supports whatever decision I make. He also reassures me that he wants to be with me, no matter what. But I know it won’t be easy, and I’m scared of what the future holds.
We decide to take a walk through the city, and as we stroll along, I think about the weight of my father’s expectations and how much pressure it will be to live up to them. Jackson takes my hand, and I feel comfort and safety in his touch.
We stop for lunch at a cozy little restaurant, and I order a salad while Jackson gets a burger. We talk about our dreams and aspirations, and I feel grateful for him.
I sit in the booth next to Jackson, feeling anxious about the conversation I’m about to have with him. I take a deep breath and start to speak.
“Jackson, I need to talk to you about something. I don’t know if you noticed this, but I think you need to know the truth about that deal. You know my father just offered me the opportunity to become the face of his company, but if I agree, it will mean I won’t be able to work with any other companies. It’s a big decision and I’m not sure what to do.”
Jackson listens intently, his brow furrowed in concern. “That does sound like a tough decision,” he says. “But I’m here for you. We’ll figure it out together.”
I lean back against the cushioned booth and let out a sigh of relief. It’s comforting to know that he is on my side.
“I just don’t want to lose my ability to be creative and work with other companies,” I explain. “I don’t want to feel trapped.”
“I understand,” Jackson nods. “But we can work around that. Maybe we can negotiate a contract that allows for some flexibility. Or we can come up with other ways to ensure your job security.”
I smile gratefully at him. “Thank you. That means a lot to me.”
He takes my hand in his and gives it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, Amber. We’ll figure it out together. I’m here for you, no matter what. Always. You can trust in that.”
I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders knowing that Jackson is in my corner. Together, we’ll find a way to make this work.
As we finish our meal and head back to our homes, I know that I have a tough decision to make, but I’m grateful to have Jackson by my side. We may not know what the future holds, but as long as we’re together, I know we can face anything.
Chapter 16
The Gap
Jackson
IarriveinGermanyfor the launch of the security branch, feeling a bit anxious but excited for this new project. The team is already set up and waiting for me, so we dive straight into the preparations for the launch event. It’s a whirlwind of meetings, planning sessions, and rehearsals, but everything comes together seamlessly.
After the launch, I have some downtime before my next meeting, so I decide to explore the city a bit. I wander through the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of this new place. The different smells and noises. It is relaxing not to understand what everyone around you says. It’s refreshing and relaxing to be somewhere different, and I find myself feeling grateful for the opportunity to travel and experience new things.
The next day, I have a meeting with the creative director of a travel magazine. I’m not quite sure what the meeting is about, but I’m excited to find out. When I arrive, I’m struck by how elegant and poised the director is. She’s dressed impeccably, with perfect hair and makeup.
We exchange pleasantries and then she gets straight to business. She tells me about an upcoming feature they’re planning and asks if I’d be interested in participating. I listen intently, trying to decide if this is something I want to be a part of.
As the conversation continues, I begin to feel a bit uncomfortable. The director is making flirtatious comments and giving me suggestive looks. I realize that she’s coming on to me, and it’s making me feel uneasy.
Finally, I decide that I need to be honest with her. I clear my throat and say, “Listen, I appreciate the offer, but I have to be upfront with you. I’m actually dating someone right now, and I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to participate in something like this.”
The director looks a bit taken aback, but she quickly recovers and nods. “Of course, I understand,” she says. “I’m sorry if I came on too strong. I just couldn’t help myself.”
I smile politely and say, “No worries. It happens. But I think it’s best if we keep things professional from now on.”
The rest of the meeting goes smoothly, and I’m relieved when it’s over. As I walk out of the magazine office, I realize that this is the first time I’ve told anyone about my relationship with Amber. It’s a strange feeling, but it’s also kind of nice. It’s like I’m finally ready to share this part of my life with the world.
And I can’t wait to tell her all about the meeting.
***
I have a sinking feeling in my stomach as Amber tells me she’s already taken the contract with her father. It’s not like I expected her to turn it down for me, but it still stings a little.
I tell her that I will be back from Germany tomorrow and that I want to take her for dinner.
We meet at a cozy restaurant in the city and order some wine. “So,” I start, “how did it go with your dad?”
