Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89878 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 449(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
What I’m doing is wrong. If Noah finds out, he’s going to hate me. And he doesn’t deserve this. But the way Jackson’s hands felt inside me… the urge to want more is too intense to deny. I want him. In a bad, bad way. My nipples tighten through my thin blouse at the mere thought of having all of him. God, I shouldn’t even consider this, but lines have already been crossed. The real question is—does Jackson crave this as much as I do? If he does, is he willing to risk his relationship with his son to have it?
I know I’m playing with fire. We both are. But the harder I try to smother this fantasy, the more it ignites into something uncontrollable—a need that refuses to be ignored. It’s not like I’m looking for a relationship. I’m not that naive. This was only ever going to be a fleeting, forbidden affair, reckless and temporary.
In less than three months, I’ll be back at school, moving on with my life. Noah will be a memory, and so will his father.
What’s the harm in indulging a little before then?
When I enter the kitchen, Noah is slung over the island, typing on his phone.
“Morning.”
He barely lifts his head. “Morning.”
“You don’t look so hot,” I say, grabbing a mug.
“Fuckin’ hungover. Don’t make a big deal about it.”
“Wasn’t going to. Shouldn’t you be getting ready? We have to leave soon.”
“Not goin’ in.”
“What? You can’t just not go to work.”
He lifts his head, his eyes bloodshot. “Watch me.”
“Noah, how am I supposed to get to work? You can’t just—”
He pushes off his stool. “Take my car. Not a big deal. And what’s it to you? Dad’s not gonna fire me.”
“Well, he should—”
Noah steps into my personal space, his eyes blazing down at me. “Why don’t you stop worrying about what I do and focus on yourself? I’m not your problem anymore, remember?”
“I wasn’t saying—”
“Don’t say anything at all. Seems anytime you open your mouth, it causes a fight.” He leans in, the stale booze on his breath hitting my nostrils. “Butt the fuck out, George.” He pulls back and walks out of the kitchen, darting up the stairs.
I want to run after him, demand he explain what his problem is—especially since I thought we were fine after our talk yesterday. Instead, I gather my things and grab his keys off the counter, deciding this could be a good thing. I can talk to Jackson without worrying that Noah will catch us or question why I’m in his office. I head to work, making a beeline for Jackson’s office as soon as I get in.
“He’s in an offsite meeting,” his assistant states as I raise my hand to tap on his door. Great. There goes my whole plan of attack. I pause and face her.
“Do you know when he’ll be back?”
“Not sure. Would you like me to leave a message?”
“Can you tell him Georgia Price came to see him? I’m his—well… I’m—just Georgia. Thanks.”
God! I’m such a nitwit. I’m his… what? His freaking intern, nitwit. Ugh…
I go about my harrowing day, shadowing Jacob as he makes call after call. After he has me try a few, which I butcher, I fake a headache and skip lunch, unable to face the painful conversations. If I have to talk about my and Noah’s nonexistent relationship, I’m going to stab my eyes out. I’m tempted to blow his cover just to stop the torture. When Jacob gives me the okay to leave for the day, I walk down the long hall to Jackson’s office.
“Hi. Me again. Has Jack—Mr. Blake returned?”
“He has, but he’s in an important meeting.” I look over her shoulder at his closed door. “He asked not to be disturbed.”
“Oh, okay. Will you let him know I stopped—”
Laughter rings out, and I glance up as his door swings open, revealing Jackson accompanied by a stunning blonde. “I’ll never get enough of you, Jackson,” she says, her voice dripping with admiration.
“You’ll never have to.”
The blonde twirls around and presses her palms against his chest, showcasing her perfectly manicured nails. “Just what I wanted to hear. Thanks for the lunch. Looking forward to dessert.”
I stand frozen, unable to look away.
She twirls back, catching my gaze. So does Jackson. His eyes flick to mine, scanning my face, unreadable. Blank.
And just like that, I no longer exist.
Without hesitation, he shifts his focus to his assistant. “Cancel the rest of my meetings. I’m leaving for the day and won’t be back.”
The blonde loops her arm through his as they move past me, not sparing me another glance.
“Miss Price,” Jackson acknowledges coolly, his tone devoid of any personal emotion.
I watch them go, my stomach twisting into knots so tight I feel sick. God, how stupid am I? What did I think would happen between us? That I was different? That this meant something?